Excellent craftsmanship goes hand in hand with picking out the right tools. With carpentry, the saw is your best friend. You could be a hardened professional or a newbie struggling with some DIY projects, but let’s face it – choosing the right saw is a prerequisite for any woodwork.
The necessity of saws, true as it may be, brings with it the inherent question of “What type of saw do I need?”.
In all honesty, in the end, it all comes down to what kind of a person you are. But for this article, and beginners in woodwork, the circular saw presents some core advantages which make it the champion in this ‘Battle of the saws’.
To name a few, portability, maneuverability, and easy storage have pulled this genre of saws to the forefront of carpentry. As long as you are cutting in a straight line or even in gentle curves, the circular saw will never let you reconsider your choices over others, such as the miter or the jigsaw.
Our Top Picks for the Best Budget Circular Saws Under 60$
With shelves deeply stacked and a market flooded with options, how do you make the right choice?
There’s always the fear of splashing bucks on the wrong one while also being on a budget. What a waste of money, right?
Similarly, there’s always the fear of picking out the wrong one and ending up with blowouts, fatigue, burns, jammed motors, frequent blade replacements, injuries, or work that looks sloppy – tools that just don’t ‘cut’ it.
And nobody wants sloppy results.
Fortunately, we did it for you. After spending countless hours siphoning through all the choices available today, we can adamantly say that we have come up with a comprehensive and practical list for you.
So look no further – The Best 7 Budget Circular Saws will end your search for the right decision today.
And since we don’t believe in waiting to scroll to the end for the big reveal right off the bat, we bring you the winner for today. (You can scroll down if you want to!)
1. Skil 5280 7-1/4 Inch Circular
This lightweight, powerful saw has gripped the attention of several users out there. The 15 amp motor guarantees that the blade can slice through any piece of wood under your reins like a hot knife through butter.
One key feature which makes it a favorite amongst homeowners looking to do some fixing around the house is the single laser guide fitted into the saw. Like training wheels on a cycle, the laser guides your cut to the perfection it deserves.
In addition, the improved dust blower in 5280-01 allows your cut to be more precise than ever. Whether you want a straight line or an angled one, thanks to the enhanced 51-degree bevel this saw comes with; you can push out finishing up to a level like never before.
With all saws, there is one dreaded inevitability that every saw owner must face; blade replacement. The machine wearing out is only a law of nature when it comes to this jungle of hardware mechanics. But to ease this process for you, SKIL has neatly tucked in a blade wrench in the back of the guide plate. So whenever this dreaded moment arrives, you don’t find it unnecessarily tedious to look for a wrench to do what needs to be done. To add the cherry on top, it comes with a carrying bag.
What really brings it into the spotlight, though, is the relatively low price it retails for compared to its competition. Coupled with the 5-year warranty SKIL places on its products, this proves to be one heck of a bargain.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- High powered at 5300 rpm
- Lightweight
- Laser guide
- Carrying bag included
- 51 degrees angle with positive stop at 45 degrees
- It comes with a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Delicate depth adjustment lever
- Awkwardly placed safety trigger
2.Craftsman 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
The next player in our lineup could very well be a distant relative of its superior on this list. With quite a few similar features, the primary reason it falls second on the list is the better value for money offered by the former. However, the CRAFTSMAN 7-¼- Inch Circular Saw is no reserve team player.
In fact, some of its features even outperform the SKIL 5280-01, such as its stronger motor that shells out a whopping 5500 rpm and the more enhanced beveling angle up to 55 degrees.
What we really like about this CRAFTSMAN saw is its build quality. As soon as the handle falls in your hand, you can tell that it is durable, and replacement is not a concern for the near future. However, the heavyweight on its build could be a potential cause for fatigue and injury-related concerns.
Furthermore, this saw doesn’t have a safety trigger, which is essential to note, especially for those who are just getting started with carpentry. Finally, the dust blower has also been somewhat troublesome, with dust blasted toward rather than away from the user.
Pros
- Heavy-duty motor shelling out 5500 rpm
- Impressive beveling angle at 55 degrees
- Durable build quality
- It comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons
- No safety trigger
- Troublesome dust blower
3. Ryobi One P505 Cordless 5 1/2″ Circular Saw
The first cordless, battery-powered circular from our contenders today comes from RYOBI. Owing to its smaller size, the ONE P505 is the lightest saw in this list.
The handles are covered with rubber, which makes the entire process of cutting easier (Why is this not a standard feature in all saws?!). But just as the lightweight dress guarantees easier workflow and lesser fatigue, it also comes with its limitations.
The saw has an overall smaller size compared to most other circular saws, and thus the depth to which it can cut is reduced too. Depending on the work you want to do, this can very well be an advantage (since larger blades are riskier).
The handle is propped up to the left of the blade, which sounds like a challenge for all you righties out there. But, on the contrary, an overwhelming number of reviews from right-handers describe this as an advantage due to more visibility of the cutting line.
Thanks to an extra handle, the ONE P505’s safety profile is seemingly the best on the market. Overall, it is highly recommended for usage at home, for a lighter workload, and all those hard-to-reach places.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Extra handles that are covered in rubber
- Transparent lower guarding that allows better visibility
- Cordless/Battery powered
Cons
- Battery and carry bag not included in the package
- Underpowered at 4700 rpm, making it prone to jamming
4. BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
This saw is a lightweight option from our choices despite having an adequate blade size. Along with the single laser guide, this circular saw from Black+Decker has many shared features with our leader, the SKIL 5280-01, although not as accurate.
These include the spindle lock for effortless blade replacement and bevel adjustment that is easy to use.
Some users have found that replacing the included blade with a top-shelf one dramatically enhances the user experience and work quality. But for the rest, the blade provided by Black+Decker works like a charm.
The motor in this saw is 13 amp, which in layman terms, shells out enough power for most kinds of work.
The depth adjustment has one of the most effortless usability. However, just a mere glance at the price tag will justify its build quality which might not be on par with the rest. But every day that you spend with this saw under your hands will feel like a bargain.
Pros
- Single laser guide for accurate cutting
- Spindle lock for effortless blade replacement
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
Cons
- Plastic build reduces durability
- Carry bag not included
5.GALAX PRO 7-1/4″ Corded Circular Saw
Another one of those laser-guided saws made it on the list (lasers are on a roll here). It only makes sense that an artist would draw lines on the canvas before filling it with paint.
Speaking of art, the Galax Pro Corded Circular Saw just so happens to be the brush you need to make that exquisite piece in your woodshop. Aiding the laser in keeping your line of set accurate to the millimeter is the impressive dust blower loaded on this 7-¼” beast.
What we especially like about the design and build of this product by Galax Pro are the angle and depth adjustments. After a thorough comparison, we can conclude that the lock knobs for these adjustments on the Galax pro are by far the best on the market. For an artist, changing the angle of strokes from the brush is just as important as the quality of the strokes. Coughing up a stunning 5500 rpm, the motor fitted into this circular saw is anything but underpowered.
On the flip side, though, a majorly plastic-infused build proves to be slightly bothersome for some users, pertaining to the machinery getting hot with prolonged use. In theory, this may also reduce its durability.
The 24 toothed blades have also been a topic of dispute for many users. Some users believe it to be a fantastic tool to work with, while others feel that it readily splinters wood when used. However, with the 2-year warranty stamped on it by Galax Pro, either of these points is simply a matter of personal opinion.
Pros
- Single laser guide
- Easy to use adjustment knobs
- Integrated dust blower
- Powerful 12 amp motor – 5500 rpm
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Plastic build that reduces durability
6. Porter-Cable 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
The Porter-Cable 7-¼” Inch circular saw screams durability and power. As soon as you get the machine to start whirring, you’ll notice the brute cutting force you possess in your hands. And one good look at its mostly metallic build will leave you free of any bother for its shelf life.
What goes hand in hand with these two features is a heavier build. So beware if you’re fatigue-prone, as this might not be your best option in the long run. Its steel shoe, coupled with a transparent sheet, allows for enhanced stability and an optimum line of sight resulting in precise cutting. A spindle lock and an
Allen wrench are added to its package to assist in blade replacements should you need them.
The bevel adjustment is a standard 45 degrees, so nothing special there, and the adjustment knobs work appropriately. Porter-cable has stamped this product with a 3-year warranty should there be any genuine issues with their manufacturing.
What they really could have done better, though, was to fit this circular saw with a dust blower.
Maintaining a clear line of sight during a single cut ensures lesser fatigue and much time-saving. But with dust building up on your cut, this might be a challenge, especially for DIY-ers. In addition, there have been reports of the motor getting jammed due to sawdust build-up. But these could very well be isolated incidents.
All in all, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty circular saw that could cut through all kinds of wood, the Porter-Cable 7-¼” is your way to go.
Pros
- High powered at 5500 rpm
- Durable metallic build
- Steel shoe plate for stability
- Spindle lock and Allen wrench included
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Heavyweight making it fatigue prone
- Carry bag not included
- Dust blower is not built-in
Things to Consider Before Buying a Circular Saw
-
Corded vs Cordless
A couple of years ago, this probably would not have even been a consideration for buyers. But the advancing technological age makes it the first choice you may have to make before buying your pick.
Most companies on the market have product lines of both corded and cordless circular saws. What suits you the best is a matter of how and when you want to use this powered tool.
Corded versions effectively produce longer run times but present themselves with the limitation of mobility. During the course of your work, you are restricted by the placement of the power socket and the length of the cord. The cord may also entangle with other wires or simply obstruct your path while cutting and thus can be quite bothersome for many.
Their counterparts, the cordless, have their issues. Namely, limited battery time and sometimes reduced power generation by the battery. However, as time progresses, companies are investing in producing stronger batteries while reducing charge time. Therefore, it will only be a matter of time before the corded versions start disappearing from the market, although we are yet to see that day.
-
Size of the Blade
Again, this will largely depend upon the nature of your work. Homeowners working on personal projects tend to go for smaller blades which grants better maneuverability and less fatigue. But for professional carpenters and construction workers, higher grade larger blades are more suited.
-
Additional Features
Most of these have been discussed in depth during the course of this article, and, as may be apparent, they form a primary pillar in helping you decide which way you want to go.
The most important of these is the power rating on the saws. Adequately put, the higher the power rating, the more the cutting strength. But as a general rule of thumb, 15 amp motors are a safe bet for any kind of work. Safety features of the saw are also essential to consider. For example, higher-end saws come with an electric brake that automatically stops the motor as soon as the trigger is released.
The presence or absence of spindle locks, laser guides, built-in wrench, cutting depth, bevel capacity, positively reinforced bevel stops and included blade quality are some of the other features you should consider before paying for your pick of the day.
-
Included Items
This becomes a matter of how much you might have to spend before the circular saw you purchased becomes fully functional or comes up to the capacity you want it to be at. In addition, some options on the shelves may require you to separately buy the blade that fits into it.
Other things that may or may not come included in the package are a carry bag, battery, and the battery charger (if you set your sights on a cordless saw, that is). The warranty these powered tools come with should also be considered since the manufacturing process results in faulty machines every once in a while.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the circular saws safe?
Like most occupations, carpentry has its own set of occupational hazards. With an electric-powered tool, it becomes incredibly challenging to improve its safety profile.
However, some inbuilt features usually create a safe working environment with most of these products.
These include the safety trigger, without which the on/off button will not work.
Others include a tactfully placed handle to ensure maximum control and electric brakes, which shut the rotation of the blade as soon as the trigger is released.
2. Should I be worried about the power rating?
For the most part, no. These machines are designed to cut wood, and the power rating simply distinguishes the ease of cut.
If you’re working on a different material, a change of the blade type is needed rather than a higher-powered saw.
3. Is getting a cheaper saw going to cost me more in the long run?
It is no hidden fact that better saws generally cost more. But depending on your budget and needs, this might not be a consideration at all. However, there are plenty of options, such as the ones included in this list, that have proved almost as durable as their more expensive cousins.
So if you’re looking for a circular saw under $60, feel free to make a choice based on the guaranteed features rather than the cost.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
Circular saws are more than what meets the eye. Apart from the portability, easy storage, and maneuverability, the different kinds of cuts you can make with this tool make it a favorite. Whether you want straight, curves or angles, the circular saw will get you there.
But there are so many things to look for or avoid before jumping on a deal. We’ve tried our best to bring all the necessary factors so that you don’t have to hesitate before making your decision. Despite this, we still recommend you do your own research if you are serious about buying a circular saw. Feel free to use this list as friendly advice, but not as an instruction manual.
To reiterate this point, after careful consideration, there is an underlying truth that shone through from our research; no option is entirely perfect. Every circular saw has its own advantages and disadvantages, and even the absolute best may sometimes be a cause of disappointment for many. Making the best choice then becomes a matter of compromise or shaking hands at the best deal, so to say.
This is precisely how we’ve placed the constituents of the ‘Best 6 Budget Circular Saws Under $60’ and very carefully, might we add. The SKIL 5280-01 is placed on the top because it is the best bargain from all available options. Considering the price, the features that you get coupled with its durability make it the leader.
