It’s not hard to find a circular saw for woodwork, especially if you know what you need it for. Modern manufacturers make their products extremely affordable, easy to use, and highly functional. Contrastingly, picking the best budget circular saw as regards your financial capacity is more complicated.
The problem lies in determining whether a cheaper saw has the same characteristics as a more expensive one. No one wants to buy a heavy-duty tool that breaks down in less than a year, even if you know how to use a circular saw. So, keep on reading the article to find your budget tool.
Contents
- 1 Top 7 Best Budget Circular Saws: Tool Reviews
- 1.1 1. CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw — Best Budget Circular Saw Overall
- 1.2 2. SKIL 5280-01 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw — Best Cheap Circular Saw for Portability
- 1.3 3. DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw — Best Value Circular Saw for Safety
- 1.4 4. PORTER-CABLE 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw — Tough, but Affordable Circular Saw
- 1.5 5. SKILSAW Southpaw SPT67M8-01 7-1/4 Inch — Great Cheap Circular Saw With Heat Control
- 1.6 6. BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw With Laser — Best Saw Under 100 Dollars for Precision
- 1.7 7. GALAX PRO 10 A 5800 RPM Hand-Held Circular Saw — Best Budget Circular Saw for Large Projects
- 2 Budget Circular Saw Buyer’s Guide: How-to Tips
- 3 FAQ
- 4 Cheap or Not, You Need Quality Cutting
Top 7 Best Budget Circular Saws: Tool Reviews
- CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw — Top Pick
- SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw — Runner-Up
- DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw — Slightly above $100
- PORTER-CABLE 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
- SKILSAW Southpaw SPT67M8-01 7-1/4 Inch
- BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Laser
- GALAX PRO 10 A 5800 RPM Hand-Held Circular Saw
Undoubtedly, numerous tools can be categorized as ‘budget’ material. But I am not intended to burden you with so much informationю. Therefore, I have compiled a list of budget circular saw reviews to help you out a bit.
Before we dive into the Top 7, make sure to read the reviews thoroughly to have a deeper understanding of your options. Well, let’s get it started!
1. CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw — Best Budget Circular Saw Overall
Specifications:
- Power Source: Ac/dc
- Speed: 500 RPM
- Batteries: 1 Unknown batteries required.
- Size: 7-1/4-in
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
If you need an affordable circular saw, which stands out due to its versatility of use, then this one deserves your consideration. The tool is perfectly suitable for different kinds of woodwork thanks to the high-performance 5,500RPM-motor and a flexible angle bevel. Moreover, the shoe is made of a magnesium-based alloy to prevent cracking or denting, thus, ensuring long years of service.
What’s included:
- (1) CMES510
- (1) Hex Wrench
- (1) 7-1/4″ 18T Carbide Tip Blade
- Powerful and fast;
- It can process large scopes of wood;
- Durable and sturdy;
- Very affordable.
- High-maintenance.
2. SKIL 5280-01 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw — Best Cheap Circular Saw for Portability
Specifications:
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required.
- Wattage: 30 watts
- Horsepower: 2.50
Slightly less powerful yet as much potent, this SKIL saw is a reasonable investment for professional woodworkers. The motor capacity is over 5000RPM, while the amperage is the standard 15 units, which is suitable for any A/C power source. It’s perfectly suitable for general cuts, as well as for more precise and sophisticated patterns, so professional handymen can rest assured.
What’s included:
- Circular Saw
- 24-Tooth Carbide Blade
- Wrench
- Carry Bag
- Extremely compact;
- Equipped with positive stops;
- It comes with a dust-blowing vacuum;
- Laser-based cuts for precision.
- The laser takes time to set up and adjust.
3. DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw — Best Value Circular Saw for Safety
Specifications:
- Blade Length: 6.5 Inches
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required.
- Handle Material: Rubber
- Voltage: 20 Volts
Here, you need 6-½-inch blades to grind through hardwood and plywood with ease. The bevel can rotate at an angle of 50°, while the standard 45° and 90° are still available. Thanks to the maximum capacity of 2-⅛ inches, you can cut and process wood pieces that, otherwise, would be too large.
What’s included:
- 20v 6-1/2″ circular saw
- Well-balanced arbor;
- Additional shoes for safety;
- A variety of bevel angles;
- Great capacity.
- More expensive than other low-cost circular saws.
4. PORTER-CABLE 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw — Tough, but Affordable Circular Saw
Specifications:
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required
- Speed: 5500 RPM
- Warranty Description: 3 year limited warranty
Sturdy and steel-infused, this circular saw is great for heavy-duty cutting and large construction sites without lacking any accuracy. It’s corded and operates with an amperage of 15 units, producing 5500 revolutions per minute to make each cut even more accurate. The steel-based shoe allows for stable and nice positing of the tool regardless of the surface it’s on.
Combined with a 7-¼-inch blade, you can process both softwood and hard oak planks without chipping or splintering. Finally, the weight is less than 10lbs to ensure fast and easy transportation or carrying by hand.
What’s included:
- 1) Circular Saw
- 1) 7-1/4″ 18 Tooth carbide tipped blade
- 1) Allen Wrench.
- Heavy-duty;
- Steel-infused for stability;
- Lightweight;
- Tough cord.
- May produce smoke.
5. SKILSAW Southpaw SPT67M8-01 7-1/4 Inch — Great Cheap Circular Saw With Heat Control
Specifications:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Material: Blend
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
- Measurement System: Metric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
This is another cheap SKIL saw for your regular household maintenance and woodwork for both professionals and beginners. The wonder of it is the balance it provides, so there is no jumping, sliding, or flinching. It’s all thanks to the steady 15-Amp motor run through a 120-V power source. Although the machine is this powerful, it is as big as 13 inches in width and weighs only 11lbs.
It processes all kinds of wood regardless of the type or limps, so there are flinches. You can adjust the bevel from 0 degrees to an acute angle using the in-built gauge underneath.
What’s included:
- SPT67M8-01 7-1/4 In. Left Blade Circular Saw, 24-Tooth Saw Blade
- Blade Wrench
- Manual
- Great thermal regulation;
- Portable and comfortable;
- Nice cutting depth;
- Rotatable bevel.
- It requires tightening now and again for a firmer grip.
6. BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw With Laser — Best Saw Under 100 Dollars for Precision
Specifications:
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
- Speed: 5300 RPM
- Measurement System: Metric
Black+Decker is a product for you if your woodwork is all about precision and neat angles. Built from sturdy polypropylenes, the body is very tough and is rather protected from dents or scuffing. It runs on a 13-Amp motor but doesn’t lack the power to cut hard wood sorts when needed. Moreover, the 7-¼-inch blade provides enough movement for deep and accurate cuts.
The machine has a standard bevel, which you can adjust between 0 degrees and a perfect acute angle. Since the spindle is not completely fixed, it allows for easy blade replacement using a hex wrench.
What’s included:
- 1) Circular Saw
- 1) 7-1/4” Circ Saw Blade
- 1) Hex Key
- It includes a laser;
- The bevel is easy to adjust;
- Reduced debris leftovers;
- Very light.
- There is no shoe for stability.
7. GALAX PRO 10 A 5800 RPM Hand-Held Circular Saw — Best Budget Circular Saw for Large Projects
Specifications:
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Speed: 5800 RPM
- Number of Teeth: 24
- Batteries: 1 P76 batteries required
Last but not least, Galax Pro 10 comes in handy when you have to deal with hard wood pieces that, otherwise, may chip a lot. The tool delivers almost 6000RPM to grind through wood and wood-derivative materials with ease. It doesn’t cut but slices through without damaging or burning feeble materials. On top of this, the machine is very maneuverable and easily controlled with the handle made of hard plastic.
What’s included:
- Circular Saw×1
- Circular Saw Blade（7-1/4＂24T）×1
- Circular Saw Blade（7-1/4＂48T）×1
- Scale Ruler×1
- Hex Key×1
- User Manual×1
- Durable;
- Easy to use;
- Heavy-duty cutting;
- Safe and well-balanced.
- A little slower than similar models.
Budget Circular Saw Buyer’s Guide: How-to Tips
Many enthusiasts stumble upon the issue of finding a tool to do their woodwork professionally without overpaying. Despite common belief, you don’t need to pay a fortune for the best value circular saw to do your woodwork or repair household comforts.
And I’ve got some advice to prevent you from wasting money on such saws. Here, you will find all the necessary information about the tool. So, learn more about the safe use of a handheld circular saw and how to use it.
How to pick the best budget circular saw?
A good-quality tool is both sturdy and powerful. And if you still think that it’s impossible to find a cheap yet reliable tool, think again and keep on looking for the following:
Power
To begin with, you need a strong core. An average 15-Amp motor will do, as long as it can deliver around 5,200RPM-5,500RPM. This should be sufficient for small and medium woodwork without heavy-duty processing.
On the other hand, you cannot demand too much from a saw of this size and quality. More powerful tools might be too unstable or even dangerous since the saw body is not meant to withstand so much pressure.
Blade
Interestingly, circular saw blades matter little when it comes to picking. Because they are detachable and can be easily replaced, a blade should be your least worry. If you don’t like how a manufacturer’s blade operates, you can easily substitute it for a new one. The only thing you should pay attention to is the arbor width to fit in the right one.
Shoe
Cheap or not, a blade shoe is a must. It’s meant to ensure protection from debris and smoke should there be any. Moreover, a shoe is a guard of your fingers since it prevents slipping and sliding.
What you need here is at least a hard plastic shoe while steel shoes are perfect for stabilizing the trembling.
Bevel
Normally, a bevel is a rotatable and highly adjustable feature that means a lot for a professional handyman. As for cheap-saw bevels, they rarely differ from those equipped in more expensive models. The bevel has to be at least 45-degree adjustable and have a lock on it to prevent sliding.
More expensive tools may have 50-degree or even 52-degree adjustment crescents; however, it’s not a must. Also, make sure the bevel can be straightened up to reach the maximum 90-degree angle for corner cuts.
Mechanics
Few people know it, but a circular saw can have two cutting designs, which are sidewinder and worm drive. The former has its motor slightly aside from the center to have it right below the handle. As a result, the tool becomes more comfortable and much easier to maneuver.
Meanwhile, the latter locates the motor at the rear side of the blade. Dragging the weight further from the handle, the machine is heavier and more difficult to control. However, it’s great for heavy-duty cutting and longevity, making the saw sturdy and tough.
That’s it about the features you need to pay attention to in any cheap circular saw comparison. First, weigh your priorities to determine the characteristics you need and only then make a choice.
How to save money while choosing a circular saw?
I get this question frequently, and I think it’s better to elaborate on it so that you know what can save you money. Unfortunately, there is no ultimate money saver here, but we can think of something together, right?
Features
It’s obvious that the needs of a skilled handyman and those of a simple enthusiast differ. First, determine what is essential for your activities. Maybe, you can go without a laser beam since you have a keen eye for detail, and the guide will be of no use for you.
The same applies to the power source. Undoubtedly, cordless tools can be much more expensive as they use pricey lithium-based batteries. This way, a corded saw looks like a better option if you want to save up some money for your next purchase. Anyway, have a good look at what manufacturers offer and boil it down to what you need.
Brand
Manufacturers differ, but some have been around and are sold for a much higher price. Maybe, it’s a good idea to look up less acclaimed producers rather than buy a tool from a giant. Smaller, less popular brands can be as quality and efficient as those that have built an empire around their products. So, don’t hesitate to ask around and browse the web for more options.
Blade
Apart from acquiring the tool itself, you have to equip it with a proper blade, and it’s often a deal-breaker. Much like circular saws, blades come in different quality and within an uneven price range. Therefore, make sure to fit in a blade that doesn’t cost as much as half the tool itself.
Dimensions
Although it may sound strange, larger and heavier saws aren’t always meant for heavy-duty processing. The weight and size often depend on the motor and hardware inside, so they don’t equate the efficiency.
If you need a machine for occasional woodwork or mending, you might want to consider buying a smaller, less roomy saw. It can be as powerful as a larger one, but it will surely cost you less.
FAQ
Do you still have some questions about best budget circular saws left? Find the answers here!
What are circular saws good for?
The tool is a versatile piece of equipment used for woodwork and mending. It can be both used for professional purposes and small barn repairs since you can adjust the bevel for better precision.
Are cheap circular saws worth it?
Yes, they are. But it completely depends on what you need them for. A cheap tool doesn’t mean a bad one as it performs the same functions but on a smaller, less heavy-duty scale.
Corded or cordless circular saws?
They are both good enough, give or take. First, a cordless saw is usually more expensive, so consider it when opting between the two. Second, a corded tool will never run out of power since there is no battery to discharge.
Cheap or Not, You Need Quality Cutting
With the array of products growing each year, finding a good but affordable tool is getting harder. However, it clears up once you realize what kind of product you deserve. For this, consider your current options and juxtapose them with your needs to see a bigger picture. Pick a powerful and heavier machine for larger projects, or acquire a smaller yet speedy tool to do regular maintenance.
Whatever you choose, do it for yourself and your household. Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed the article. Now, tell me what you think a circular saw priority? How adjustable should the bevel be? Leave your comments below!
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
