Circular Saw Recommendation

[EddieWalker]

I have quite a few different types of saws, but only one 7 1/4 inch saw. The DeWalt that I had before didn't last very long on concrete, but the Makita is easily twice the saw. More power and an overall, better feel to it. I've made my money on it and will replace it with the same saw when I finally kill it with the abuse I give it.

Eddie

 

[USNative]

My favorite saw considering price/power was a Craftsman Sawmill, Pro grade, that I purchased in 1990. It was stolen from my brother's garage two years ago. Purchased a Porter-Cable to replace it, the PC is lighter, but I actually preferred the Craftsman. However, all the saws they sell today are imported.

I have the Craftsman Sawmill and love it. I traded some labor for it and a few other things and I have had it for about 7 years and it still works as good as it did when I got it. I have used it a lot and it keeps on going strong. I don't think the person who had it before me used it much, it never had a scratch on it when I got it, also has a red case to protect it. It was basically New/Used. I am sure putting it to good use though.

I also have a Craftsman 19volt Cordless power tool set that includes the circular saw but I have only used it a few times so far. It works very good. I still prefer corded tools over cordless but the cordless definitely have there place on my tool arsenal.

I have a Black & Decker Firestorm 14.4 volt 6 piece set as well but the batteries in that set suck. I cut with it a few times and the battery is done. The drill works for quite awhile but if I use any of the saws they suck the juice right out of the battery. Not very impressive. It may just be the battery is defective or something, the tools themselves seem to run fine but the battery don't hold juice for very long. I May try another battery and if that doesn't work I will get rid of it.

If you don't mind spending a few bucks then you should go with either DeWalt or Makita, If you want to go a cheaper route I would say the Craftsman is about the best bang for the buck IMO.

 

[MillWeld]

I have a Black and Decker Professional which I bought in 1984 to build a large (50 x 34) barn. I cut all the lumber to length with it. Still have it and it works very well. There is a very little wobble in the blade probably due to a worn bearing but it is not bad enough to replace.

 

[JDgreen227]

I have the Craftsman Sawmill and love it. I traded some labor for it and a few other things and I have had it for about 7 years and it still works as good as it did when I got it. I have used it a lot and it keeps on going strong. I don't think the person who had it before me used it much, it never had a scratch on it when I got it, also has a red case to protect it. It was basically New/Used. I am sure putting it to good use though.

I also have a Craftsman 19volt Cordless power tool set that includes the circular saw but I have only used it a few times so far. It works very good. I still prefer corded tools over cordless but the cordless definitely have there place on my tool arsenal.

I have a Black & Decker Firestorm 14.4 volt 6 piece set as well but the batteries in that set suck. I cut with it a few times and the battery is done. The drill works for quite awhile but if I use any of the saws they suck the juice right out of the battery. Not very impressive. It may just be the battery is defective or something, the tools themselves seem to run fine but the battery don't hold juice for very long. I May try another battery and if that doesn't work I will get rid of it.

If you don't mind spending a few bucks then you should go with either DeWalt or Makita, If you want to go a cheaper route I would say the Craftsman is about the best bang for the buck IMO.

You will not believe this but I was at the local Goodwill a few days ago and I found this Craftsman Sawmill with a red case as you describe for $24.99 plus tax. No blade, but the base plate was barely scratched so I knew it didn't get used much. It is only a 12 amp model, the one I had that was stolen was a more powerful 2 3/4 hp, 13 amp model but it had been used a LOT....

BTW I have a pair of the Craftsman 19.2 volt cordless saws, one has a wood cutting blade and the second I use for plastic like vinyl siding. They are the best bang for the buck when it comes to cordless tools and I have owned Skil 14.4 volt saws and 14.4 volt Dewalt drills and saws. What I like best about a cordless saw is that you can use them on a ladder and not worry about kickback throwing you off balance, and having the blade on the left side for visibility is GREAT. I have never understood why corded saws, with a few exceptions, have blades on the right.

 

[USNative]

You will not believe this but I was at the local Goodwill a few days ago and I found this Craftsman Sawmill with a red case as you describe for $24.99 plus tax.

Yep, that's the one I have as well and they are very good saws. Your other one may have been a little more powerful but I think you will find that one to be almost as good. I think you got a great deal and it looks to be in really good shape. :thumbsup: