Best Circular Saw under $150

[jdmstr]

Have a 15 amp skilsaw now with laser but its pretty hard to see the cutline and the shoe is not all that great so i'm looking into a nice new circular saw. I'm left handed so i'm not looking for a wormdrive. I'll post links below of the saws i'm looking into please feel free to make any recommendations

Makita 5007F $99.00
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-5007F/202873973

Milwaukee Tilt-Lok Model # 6390-21 $129.00
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...k-Circular-Saw-6390-21/100609348?N=5yc1vZc8fs

Bosch CS-10 $129.00

http://www.lowes.com/pd_55101-353-C...serSearch=bosch+cs10&productId=1092609&rpp=32

Right now i'm leaning more towards the Makita i like the way it feels in the hand and the shoe is high quality. which would you choose?

 

[rrmccabe]

I have the bosch and it's a good saw but for the most part sits collecting dust after getting a 18volt fuel from Milwaukee.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

All three are good choices. I like the Milwaukee the best and is what I use. Tons of power and it's a nice feature to be able to change the handle angle when needed. Treated and laminated lumber does not even bog this saw down. It's also pretty light weight and I cut straighter with this saw than any other circular saw that I've used (well over a dozen). I can't even guess how many board feet mine has cut through the years.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

An old boss of mine had a left handed makita. You should look into that.

Richard

 

[duke5572]

I own the Makita and before that, I briefly owned the Bosch. Returned the Bosch because it just felt cheap. The Makita looks like NOS from 1989, but it is a stout saw. A guy I used to work for had two of them mounted in jigs for cutting aluminum soffit and vinyl siding---they were abused for years and years and never missed a beat.

As a carpenter, I thought I would miss the Bosch's skyhook, but 99% of the situations I need a skyhook call for my Makita 5377 hypoid anyway. For bench/stationary tasks, the 5007F is more than adequate.

They're all good saws. I've seen the Bosch for $99 around Christmas.

 

[Vegas Painter]

I always recommend Makita for a general circular saw. I've had 2 for 25 years and they have been great.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Zeke]

I keep telling you, consult the girl in your avatar.

 

[Tweeker]

Porter cable.

 

[BK13]

I'm a pretty big Bosch fan, and not much of a DeWalt guy, but if I were buying a new sidewinder circular saw, I'd be getting the yellow one with the brake. DWE575SB

Or, if the smaller blade wouldn't be a problem, the Ridgid Fuego 6-1/2" saw.

 

[upndown]

I've had a Makita on my truck for many years.

Picked up a Left Blade Tilt-Lok off Cl for $80 brand new for projects at the cabin. BIL made me a few straight edges at his shop, got rid of my Table Saw. Both great saws!

 

[cheechi]

I'm a pretty big Bosch fan, and not much of a DeWalt guy, but if I were buying a new sidewinder circular saw, I'd be getting the yellow one with the brake. DWE575SB

This. I'm a huge bosch fan and I wouldn't buy any of their circ saws. I have an 18v as part of a kit, and there really isn't anything wrong with it, but the Dewalts are so much better.

I have a DW369 which I'm pretty sure is the older version of that DWE575SB and I would highly recommend mine, and the other based on the similarity.

 

[driz]

I have the bosch and it's a good saw but for the most part sits collecting dust after getting a 18volt fuel from Milwaukee.

You ain't kidding. I have a 24 year old Makita and I only dig it out when there is some ripping to do. For the average cross cut and even sometimes long cuts of plywood I go battery all the way. My nice light small Dewalt 18 does 95% of the work as does the drill. My electric drill just gets pulled for heavy steel. Cords are a pain.

 

[driz]

I have a 24 year old Makita. It's heavy and bulky but strong. I really do 95% of my cutting with my 18V Dewalt as I do with the drill. Cords are a pain. These days I'm not sure if I would get a really good electric saw if I didn't have one already. The money is better spent on hi class battery types for all but the heavy work.
As always the best time to pick up a deal coming up is Labor Day. I tend to grab all my expensive goodies at Black Friday, Fathers Day, Memorial Day and 4th of July sales.

 

[LB-1911]

Have a 15 amp skilsaw now with laser but its pretty hard to see the cutline and the shoe is not all that great so i'm looking into a nice new circular saw. I'm left handed so i'm not looking for a wormdrive. I'll post links below of the saws i'm looking into please feel free to make any recommendations

Makita 5007F $99.00
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-5007F/202873973

Milwaukee Tilt-Lok Model # 6390-21 $129.00
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...k-Circular-Saw-6390-21/100609348?N=5yc1vZc8fs

Bosch CS-10 $129.00

http://www.lowes.com/pd_55101-353-C...serSearch=bosch+cs10&productId=1092609&rpp=32

Right now i'm leaning more towards the Makita i like the way it feels in the hand and the shoe is high quality. which would you choose?

Go w/the Makita.

 

[Fcvapor05]

For a lefty..

http://www.toolup.com/milwaukee_639...MG35eCUMuQl-RCmnmIqNJZJS2mSUCDo3ooaAvhK8P8HAQ

 

[W_KY]

I have the Milwaukee and I like it. Its plenty strong for what I need. The amount of power it has compared to my Dewalt 18V XRP circular saw is ridiculous. I use it quite a bit for breaking down 3/4 plywood for the table saw.

I only pull out the 18V if its a really small job. Cross cutting a 2 x 4 or something.

 

[boiler7904]

I've used Makita circular saws and own the Milwaukee in the OP. The only thing I don't like about that model is the lack of a blade brake - takes a while for the blade to stop once the trigger is released. Milwaukee makes the 6390-20 which is the same unit with the addition of the brake.

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/milwaukee-6390-20

Some will say that a blade left saw is better for people that cut right handed because it can give you a better line of sight. This is true but for me it completely throws off my balance. I have a Makita 18V cordless blade left saw and don't use it very much for this reason.

 

[cheechi]

For a lefty..

http://www.toolup.com/milwaukee_639...MG35eCUMuQl-RCmnmIqNJZJS2mSUCDo3ooaAvhK8P8HAQ

As a lefty, I'd prefer to use a right blade saw. Not sure why you'd suggest that for a lefty.

I know a lot of people think this type or that type is better, or that a lot of people say a circ saw (traditional right blade design) is easier for lefty, or like OP says a worm drive isn't for a lefty. I think you're all wrong. Use the saw whichever way is (safer first, easier second) better for you, but in either case it's awkward having the blade motor and your hands all offset from your cut. worm or direct drive it's still the same.

Certain tools you just have to use ambidextrous. You are going to have different angles and situations on the bandsaw, table, be stuck in a corner and have to use one hand vs the other with a drill, you name it.

But some tools, there is just no choice given to you. it requires two hands and you have to put them in a way that's going to be the safest. For traditional right blade circ saw you are best using your left hand on the D handle, and on a left blade, you are best using your right hand on it. Doesn't change the fact that you just have to get used to it but it's not 'natural' holding either type either way.

Sorry, I hate it when people try to tell a lefty how to do things. Even other leftys. Your experience and the kinds of things you've had to learn to do wrong handed are going to affect you different than someone else. I've known leftys that are a lot more ambi than others. The majority of my tool usage is whichever hand is going to get the job done. Other guys may have the patience or ingenuity to get to things with their left that I give up and get with the right. It's a much more individual and unique experience that you can't force on somebody else.

I'm done ranting now.

 

[Hinez Wengler]

Makita.

 

[Fcvapor05]

As a lefty, I'd prefer to use a right blade saw. Not sure why you'd suggest that for a lefty.....................I'm done ranting now.

Wow. So angry.

I would assume a lefty want a right blade saw. I just linked the wrong model. I wasn't trying to 'tell a lefty how to do it' or whatever.

Here's the saw I meant to link. My mistake. It's the same saw OP is looking at.

http://www.toolup.com/milwaukee_639...14-inch-circular-saw-with-tilting-handle.aspx

I've used the Makita and I don't like the Makita bevel adjuster as much as the way Milwaukee does it. That, of course, is a personal preference thing.

 

[gus1962]

I used a Milwaukee saw, it was fine.

 

[Average_Joe]

Porter cable.

Porter Cable was bought out by black and decker and isn't what it used to be, homeowner saw at best.

I vote Makita, I have a Milwaukee and the adjustment levers are a little awkward to use. My favorite saw is my old made in the USA Porter Cable.

Go check out any framing crew and I bet they are using Makitas.

 

[jdmstr]

As a lefty, I'd prefer to use a right blade saw. Not sure why you'd suggest that for a lefty.

I know a lot of people think this type or that type is better, or that a lot of people say a circ saw (traditional right blade design) is easier for lefty, or like OP says a worm drive isn't for a lefty. I think you're all wrong. Use the saw whichever way is (safer first, easier second) better for you, but in either case it's awkward having the blade motor and your hands all offset from your cut. worm or direct drive it's still the same.

Certain tools you just have to use ambidextrous. You are going to have different angles and situations on the bandsaw, table, be stuck in a corner and have to use one hand vs the other with a drill, you name it.

But some tools, there is just no choice given to you. it requires two hands and you have to put them in a way that's going to be the safest. For traditional right blade circ saw you are best using your left hand on the D handle, and on a left blade, you are best using your right hand on it. Doesn't change the fact that you just have to get used to it but it's not 'natural' holding either type either way.

Sorry, I hate it when people try to tell a lefty how to do things. Even other leftys. Your experience and the kinds of things you've had to learn to do wrong handed are going to affect you different than someone else. I've known leftys that are a lot more ambi than others. The majority of my tool usage is whichever hand is going to get the job done. Other guys may have the patience or ingenuity to get to things with their left that I give up and get with the right. It's a much more individual and unique experience that you can't force on somebody else.

I'm done ranting now.

I've. Used both and I feel most comfortable with a right blade sidewinder I feel like I have the most control and am farther away from the blade (safer) that's why I said I don't think wormdrive is for me.

 

[stonesfan68]

I have the Milwaukee and love it. (Homeowner, DIY)

 

[tgb]

Had that Makita saw for like 20years and it has worked great and I have used it a lot on everything from building houses to cutting concrete.

 

[cheechi]

I've. Used both and I feel most comfortable with a right blade sidewinder I feel like I have the most control and am farther away from the blade (safer) that's why I said I don't think wormdrive is for me.

See that was my point. You're a big boy and you can make your own decision about it. I got a little wordy about it but the fact is, taking minorities' needs into account isn't something people are used to.

 

[BK13]

I have a DW369 which I'm pretty sure is the older version of that DWE575SB and I would highly recommend mine, and the other based on the similarity.

I think yours was replaced by the '364...
http://www.dewalt.com/tools/saws-circular-saws-dw364k.aspx

FWIW, I would pick up the Bosch worm drive saw, as it it essentially a Skil Mag 77

 

[wafrederick]

I have a Milwaukee and use it more than my Skil.I bought the Milwaukee due to it is lighter and does not put a strain on me when I use it.My Skil,heavy and puts a strain on me when cutting something.Had to replace the cord once because ******* me was not paying attention and cut the cord.I was surprised that I did not get electricuted doing that.

 

[rice rocket]

I have the bosch and it's a good saw but for the most part sits collecting dust after getting a 18volt fuel from Milwaukee.

Did you see that there might be a 7-1/4" Fuel saw landing soon?

I just got the 6-1/2" Fuel too and I love it. No more managing the cord, and it has serious balls. There's some good youtube vids of it plowing through 3 sheets of OSB at once versus some "other" saw (that can only be the DeWalt).

edit:

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ns9WsynIDW4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[slyonedoofy]

Did you see that there might be a 7-1/4" Fuel saw landing soon?

I just got the 6-1/2" Fuel too and I love it. No more managing the cord, and it has serious balls. There's some good youtube vids of it plowing through 3 sheets of OSB at once versus some "other" saw (that can only be the DeWalt).

edit:

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ns9WsynIDW4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I have a Craftsman 20 volt 7-1/4" that is my go-to for small jobs. Otherwise, Skil Wormdrive.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I have a makita and I really like it.

 

[exmaxima1]

I think yours was replaced by the '364...
http://www.dewalt.com/tools/saws-circular-saws-dw364k.aspx

Likely due to the recalls on the DW369:

http://www.dewalt.com/product-recalls/recall-of-dw368-and-dw369-7-14-circular-saws.aspx

I have an older Dewalt with the dark gray body, and I do like it alot, especially the electronic brake.

 

[cheechi]

That's good to know. Mine is more recent than that but I'm going to have to check it out nonetheless.

The 10k board feet or whatever of cuts I've made with it never had any issues.

 

[rrmccabe]

Did you see that there might be a 7-1/4" Fuel saw landing soon?

I just got the 6-1/2" Fuel too and I love it. No more managing the cord, and it has serious balls. There's some good youtube vids of it plowing through 3 sheets of OSB at once versus some "other" saw (that can only be the DeWalt).

edit:

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ns9WsynIDW4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

No but I will be at the Milwaukee factory next month to check out all their latest tools. Will have to look for that.

 

[jdmstr]

Guys i actually ended up buying the Bosch CS10 and really like it! thanks for all the input it was close between the makita and bosch but i liked the feel and power of the bosch more.