Circular saw. What isn’t cheap consumer grade?

[rogersmithiii]

I need to cut some interior doors to open over new carpet. My old Stanley saw uses 8 inch blades and I can’t find 8 inch, 80 tooth blades to fit. 8 1/4 are too big.

Who makes a contractor grade circular saw? I don’t want cheap Home Depot ****. Finding 8 inch blades is getting tough.

Thanks.

 

[tncatadjuster]

New electric hand planer? Win, win.

 

[wyo george]

For a corded saw I’m quite pleased with the current Makita 5008MGA model with the magnesium plate and electric brake.

This is the one I have:

Makita 5008MGA 8-1/4" Magnesium Circular Saw, with Electric Brake https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ASHL8A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[strutaeng]

I would say most out there are going to be pretty similar. Price "generally" correlates to quality, i.e., a $130 DeWalt saw is going to be better than a $40 Skil saw.

2 major differences are worm gear drive vs side winder. Then there's corded vs cordless. And don't forget track saws...also in coded vs cordless, LOL.

If you want a good quality older saw and have time, look for some of the USA made saws like older Porter Cable, Skil worm gear drive, Black and Decker and the like. Sometimes you can find those older saws in like-new condition or lightly used for bargain prices, just have to patient.

 

[mike93lx]

Just put a 7.25 on your saw

 

[ez-duzit]

Just put a 7.25 on your saw

This. No need to buy a new saw just to trim a few doors.

If you are dying to spend money, get a good, corded track saw, which is the perfect tool for this job.

 

[mike93lx]

This. No need to buy a new saw just to trim a few doors.

If you are dying to spend money, get a good, corded track saw, which is the perfect tool for this job.

Track saw is what I really wanted to recommend. It is the tool I use for doors if a planer doesn't do it

 

[Robinson1]

Buy q saw with a 15 amp motor from either Makita, Dewalt or Milwaukee and you won't be dissapointed.

 

[BombShelter]

I use my Makita Corded Track Saw all the time, one of most handy saws invented.

Have you checked for a Freud 8", Rockler has the 64T in stock for "glass smooth cuts." I don't think they can fit 80T on an 8" blade.

 

[rogersmithiii]

This. No need to buy a new saw just to trim a few doors.

If you are dying to spend money, get a good, corded track saw, which is the perfect tool for this job.

I've spent an obscene amount on this rental property already. $400 for a track saw is not in the budget.
Any suggestions on quality circular saw blade brands?

 

[mike93lx]

I've spent an obscene amount on this rental property already. $400 for a track saw is not in the budget.
Any suggestions on quality circular saw blade brands?

Diablo and Dewalt are just fine in my experience

 

[Kuma601]

I'm pleased with the Diablo 24T for the rough cuts.

Project Farm did this recently:

Best Circular Saw Blade?​

 

[engineer2]

Other than the guard not totally covering the teeth, why not use a 7-1/4" blade?
If you are on a budget, there are usually a lot of circular saws on CL or Facebook MP.
A SkilSaw worm drive is a good choice.

 

[rct]

I have a Bosch corded circular saw that has been great for my uses. That said a high tooth count 7 and 1/4 blade is a good option for one project.

 

[tarbellb]

Personal favorite new saw- Makita 5007 FA- everything you need, nothing you dont

_ lightweight and balanced
_ dust blower
_ full adjustments
_ brake
_ LED

and thats it, no extra fluff or weight to lug around, and less then $150

 

[KnurledNut]

Personal favorite new saw- Makita 5007 FA- everything you need, nothing you dont

_ lightweight and balanced
_ dust blower
_ full adjustments
_ brake
_ LED

and thats it, no extra fluff or weight to lug around, and less then $150

Great saw!
But I do prefer the rubberized grip and magnesium of its sibling.

 

[ForrestT]

DeWalt 575SB. DeWalt with saw brake. For blade, I’d go diablo 40 tooth or cmg Orange 40 tooth. Orange at Menards. Diablo at HD. I do like the guy’s suggestion of getting a 7 1/4 blade for your existing saw if you like your existing saw

 

[BFHtime]

A high tooth count carbide blade 7 -1/4, will take care it. I like makita the best now, desalt also makes some very nice saws. Milwaukee some times the grips are just not ergonomic IMO. Any good quality saw will be good and not the cheapest.
I agree as previously posted that the porter cable saws were the best. I have several and they have been worked and are going strong. On the cheap side of saws I think makita comes in the best of the cheapies, and also the best with all the bells and whistles on the top end.

Just remember never let any part of your body be in line with the blade in case it kicks back. Also scribe the door with a sheet rock knife prior to your cut which will help with cutting as it will be better than a pancil or chalk line, and leave a nice clean edge. Remember to not mar or ding your the surface of your door when handling it and placing it on the horses, especially if it is a solid door, because they can be heavy and can make a mark under their own weight. If it is a hollow door make sure there is enough meat left that you don’t cut into the hollow core. Just some things off the top of my head. Good luck.

 

[CJM8515]

i have an older makita 7 1/4, its worked well for me for years. I think it was 100 bucks at time 10 years ago.

 

[Under_Pressure]

The "best" circular saw IMO is always going to be a true gear driven blade left (worm drive or hypoid). Skilsaw is the grandaddy and are probably making their best products ever right now (even though being made in China *****) so a Skilsaw worm drive is always going to be my first recommendation, after that I'd probably say Makita hypoid and then Dewalt. If you are a sidewinder guy, I think Makita would probably be my first choice. The Skilsaw (not Skil) branded sidewinders are probably pro quality as well, but unlike the worm drives I don't know that I would recommend them over a Makita.

 

[mike93lx]

The "best" circular saw IMO is always going to be a true gear driven blade left (worm drive or hypoid). Skilsaw is the grandaddy and are probably making their best products ever right now (even though being made in China *****) so a Skilsaw worm drive is always going to be my first recommendation, after that I'd probably say Makita hypoid and then Dewalt. If you are a sidewinder guy, I think Makita would probably be my first choice. The Skilsaw (not Skil) branded sidewinders are probably pro quality as well, but unlike the worm drives I don't know that I would recommend them over a Makita.

Worm drive is "best" for West coast folks. They are rarely seen on the east coast. They're a lot heavier and bigger than sidewinders

 

[milkovich]

I keep nursing my old Porter Cable MAG saw along, but off the shelf, I'd probably buy a sidewinder because it's magnesium, 15 amps, and crucially, left blade.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I've been looking to get a new circular saw. Any thoughts on corded vs cordless? I'm thinking cordless might be more portable and easier to use on a ladder, etc. Then again, that might tempt me to use it in a less safe manner.

I know Lowe's has a corded DeWalt that's assembled in the US. Anyone familiar with that model?

 

[tarbellb]

Great saw!
But I do prefer the rubberized grip and magnesium of its sibling.

Both great, I like less plastic and the rubber tends to peel off- Funny, both saws weigh the same- 10.6lbs

 

[mike93lx]

Both great, I like less plastic and the rubber tends to peel off- Funny, both saws weigh the same- 10.6lbs

Magnesium lbs are lighter

 

[dogdog]

Just get one that is sturdy and a good straight edge as cutting guide. And a router with straight trimming bit.

Saw wise I liked the corded ones

Ridgid
Hitachi
Dewalt

Those are all good ones not sure, might be a technique problem?

 

[lardy1]

I've mostly just cut down doors with a circular saw, a four ft. level for a straight edge and a couple clamps. Depending on the material of the door I sometimes cut the veneer first a bit above the cut line so it doesn't splinter. Dress the edges up a bit and good to go.

I've used Milwaukee drop foot corded saws most of my life and don't plan the change that.

 

[Toolfool]

Whether you buy a new saw or just a new blade, make yourself a guide (I know it as a 'door board').
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/two-essential-saw-cutting-guides/ .

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I would look at brands like Bosch, Hitachi (Metabo HPT), Makita, Milwaukee. They all make good 7 1/4" circular saws that should last most their lifetime.

 

[Under_Pressure]

Worm drive is "best" for West coast folks. They are rarely seen on the east coast. They're a lot heavier and bigger than sidewinders

Eh, I'm hardly a west coaster, and I don't know that I'd say worm drives are a west cost thing- I think they were pretty much a nationwide thing, then when sidewinders got capable enough to be serviceable with less weight and bulk they became at least as popular in much of the nation but that wave never seemed to quite make it to pro users out west. I believe there are areas/trades in other parts of the country where they remain popular if not ubiquitous- it's more about traditionalism then geography. Still, I was being a bit tongue in cheek- poking fun at the sidewinder vs worm drive argument by saying my personal preference was "best." I grew up with sidewinders, but the first time I squeezed the trigger on a HD77, my life was changed...

 

[KnurledNut]

Both great, I like less plastic and the rubber tends to peel off- Funny, both saws weigh the same- 10.6lbs

I believe the Mg is half a pound lighter.
Not that it matters...splitting hairs at that point.

 

[genog]

Just to cut doors down for carpeting?

If you have a saw that you are happy with, then I wouldn't go out and buy a new one just for one job.

How about getting your best 8" blade and have it sharpened?
You do have our old blades don't you?

Well, either that or just go out and buy a 7-1/4" blade

 

[pfaustus]

First thing that popped up on a google search for 8" blade. Looks like it would work fine. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YKS2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mike93lx]

First thing that popped up on a google search for 8" blade. Looks like it would work fine. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YKS2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I run oshlun on my track saw with good results

 

[KenC]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YKS2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Good brand. Good price.

 

[Two Door]

If the preferred solution is still in the realm of buying a new corded saw, you could do worse than looking at Rigid, even if it is a Home Depot brand. I have their 6.5" and it is a seriously nice saw, using Milwaukee, Makita and DeWalt saws I own as reference.

 

[redmondjp]

A bit OT: If you don't have a track saw, for a guide I use a piece of low-profile Unistrut clamped on each end - they do make clamp-on saw guides as well. Honestly I rarely set up my table saw any longer (is usually buried under stuff LOL), opting instead to use a couple of saw horses and a circular saw. I have the heavy non-magnesium worm-drive Skil with an aftermarket dust-blowing kit on it with two air tubes that direct cooling air from the motor to blow the sawdust away from the cut line - I got that kit on clearance 20 years ago at a hardware store and am sure glad that I did.

 

[dr_clyde]

My vote for a circular saw will almost always be a Skil Mag77.

My old man framed houses in Michigan for years with a worm saw, it for sure isn't as common here in the east but its not unheard of.

I prefer a worm over a sidewinder any day.

 

[speed bump]

Start at the Skil mag77 then decide if the Bosch (close but without a cord), the hypoid Makita (slightly different and some people like certain things about it), and or the DeWalt (honestly I'm not sure who buys a corded DeWalt worn drive) have something you can't live without.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

The Makita corded circular saw 500mg from Home Depot. With good blades you can complete a variety of projects. The circular saw was the most versatile saw for my projects over the last 30 years, building a deck, framing, concrete blocks, etc.