We'd wager that about 95 percent of the instances you use a circular saw, this little dynamo would be your saw of choice. Stacked up next to the 7-1/4-inch saws, some of which weigh twice as much as this one, it sacrifices nothing in power or performance, but it's so much easier to use that the bigger boys in your toolbox would be gathering some dust.
It's an amazingly light 6-1/2 pounds, and quite honestly, it feels like a toy when you first pick it up. But don't be fooled by its petite dimensions. It plows across a 2-by-8 like nobody's business, and if you're used to a bigger, heavier circular saw, you can't help but be delighted by how beautifully it handles. Taking it through a ¾-inch sheet is a joyride.
The left-side blade is perfect for right-handers, offering a nice clear sightline, and all the adjustments are convenient and easy to use. The bevel lever is up front, and the action is smooth and easy to set precisely. Depth of cut adjusts from the back, and that, too, is done easily.
If there are any caveats, we think it would be only that your capacity is slightly less with this little Skil as opposed to a bigger model, in that you can't cut a 45-degree bevel on 2-by stock with this, and you're at your max depth of cut at 90 degrees on a 2-by.
For everything else, this is an absolute beauty of a saw that will never tax your back, your shoulder or your arm. Contractors who find themselves climbing ladders or working on scaffolds will especially love this saw, as well as homeowners who don't feel confident taking on a beefy saw but still want to get the job done. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste
What's in the Box
Saw, blade wrench, combination blade
workhorse tool
I am very pleased with the combination of power and light weight with this saw.
This is now my cutting tool of choice, and I use my 7-1/4 inch saw only for thicker stock.
1/8/2007
~~~WOW~~~ AMAZING
I have never in my life used a skil saw and let me say this, the ease of use was simply amazing, I am a lefty who have no prob with this really light saw what-so-ever. I have never been happier with a tool then i am with this one...
4/12/2007
delicate
At first I was very happy with this purchase, but the depth adjustment bar got bent and tweaked everything else out of alignment. It is ok for occasional use, but if you intend to use it a lot I would go with the 7-1/4" porter cable.
5/21/2007
Best Saw I ever used...
This is the best saw for your money. It's light in weight, and has the power of a big saw. I have cut lumber for hours on end, and It don't make your arm feel tired. It's got power to burn, and it's light weight. Ron
7/8/2007
Great Small Job Saw
Bought this because I wanted a smaller corded circular saw with the blade on the left, like my ridgid cordless circular saw. I was tired of the batteries being dead all the time. I like the blade on the left because I am right handed and like to see what I am cutting when I am cutting it. I think this is a perfect saw for small jobs. It is very lightweight and small unlike the bohemoth 7 1/2 inch circular saws. The only possible problem is you can pretty much only cut through 2" stock with the 5 1/2 inch blade. This is however not a problem to me. It has great power and feels very sturdy. If I dropped it I know it would be a problem because it would bend out of alignment, but any circular saw would. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who is looking for a light duty compact circular saw.
2/13/2008
A true classic of a saw. You won't regret buying this saw!
I've owned one of these for over 20 years. I love the left sided blade, it's light weight, very easy to handle and will perform about 90% of what a bigger heavier circular saw will do. I'm almost temped to buy a second one as a backup but my saw shows no signs of failing me.
5/23/2008
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