Top tools: Circular saws
Our pick for a budget corded circular saw
Safety first: read the safety notes before you use one.
Skil 15 amp 7-1/4 in. corded circular saw with laser
Model 5280-01
Why we picked it
- Our budget pick for a first circular saw. It's corded, so it costs less than a cordless saw plus battery and charger, and it never runs out of charge halfway through a sheet of plywood.
- TechGearLab timed 10 saws ripping, crosscutting and cutting metal and named this one the best circular saw for most home and DIY users: light and quick through wood for its low price.
- Popular Mechanics tested it in its circular saw roundup and in a separate hands-on review and called it its best-value saw, praising the light weight, easy depth adjustment and a motor that didn't bog down in full-depth cuts.
- The blade sits on the right, which TechGearLab suggests for beginners, and the full-size 7-1/4 in. blade cuts through 2x lumber in one pass, even at a 45° bevel.
Specs (from the maker)
- 7-1/4 in. blade, 15 amp corded motor, up to 5,300 RPM
- Cuts up to 2-7/16 in. deep at 90° and 1-15/16 in. at 45°
- Bevels to 51°, with a positive stop at 45°
- Single-beam laser guide, dust blower and spindle lock; about 8.7 lb
- Comes with a 24-tooth carbide blade, blade wrench and carrying bag
Keep in mind
- There's no electric brake, so the blade keeps spinning for a moment after you let go of the trigger. Wait for it to stop before you set the saw down.
Where to buy
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Photo credits
- Skil 15 amp 7-1/4 in. corded circular saw with laser: Image: SKIL product image, via the Amazon listing
Before you use one
Read the manual and wear eye and hearing protection. Kickback happens when the blade pinches or binds, so support the board so the cut doesn’t close, keep the blade just deeper than the board, and stand to the side of the saw’s path. Never pin or tie back the lower guard. Unplug the saw or take the battery out before changing the blade. Our shop safety essentials cover the basics.
More on Skil 15 amp 7-1/4 in. corded circular saw with laser
Keep in mind
- TechGearLab found the bevel scale is marked only at common angles and the depth scale is hard to see behind the handle. Setting the depth against the board itself is easier.
- Popular Mechanics' testers found it easier to follow the line without the laser. Treat the laser as a helper, not a substitute for a marked line.
- Home Depot lists a 6 ft cord, so plan on a heavy-duty extension cord.
What the sources found
- TechGearLab: The best circular saws (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, Updated Feb 16, 2026; checked ): Timed 10 corded and cordless saws on rips, crosscuts, bevels and metal. Named the 5280-01 the best saw for most home and DIY users for its power, light weight and price. Downsides: bevel markings only at common angles, a thumbscrew bevel lock, a hard-to-read depth scale and no blade brake.
- Popular Mechanics: The best circular saws (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, Updated Aug 31, 2026; checked ): Hands-on test of plywood and 2x12 rips and crosscuts. Named the 5280-01 its best-value saw: one of the lightest it recommends, with easy depth adjustment and enough power for full-depth cuts. The tester found it easier to cut without the laser.
- Popular Mechanics: Skil 15-amp circular saw review (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, Jun 4, 2026; checked ): Used the saw on a window-trim replacement job. Found it light and easy to control, with plenty of power for trim and framing lumber and smooth depth and bevel adjustments. Thought the laser added little for an experienced user but could help someone still learning.
- Popular Science: The best circular saws (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent guide, Updated Jan 27, 2025; checked ): Buying guide based on the author's own use and research, not a side-by-side test. Picks the 5280-01 as the best budget saw for its features at a low price, noting the steel base adds a little weight.
- Skil: 5280-01 corded circular saw with laser (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page; checked ): Lists a 15 amp motor at up to 5,300 RPM, a 51° bevel with a stop at 45°, 2-7/16 in. maximum depth (1-15/16 in. at 45°), a laser, dust blower and spindle lock, 8.7 lb, and a 24-tooth blade and bag in the box.
How we picked
We didn't hands-on test these. We picked them by reading independent tests, reviews and guides (TechGearLab, Popular Mechanics, Pro Tool Reviews, Popular Woodworking, Popular Science and Project Farm), checking each maker's spec page, and looking at review counts at Home Depot. Every pick has at least three independent sources from at least two different outlets, including at least one independent test or review. They're all linked with each pick, along with what each one found. Most of the hands-on testing of our cordless pick comes from Pro Tool Reviews, so we've also linked TechGearLab's and Project Farm's own tests of its predecessor for context. We looked for a budget cordless pick too, but the strongest candidate had hands-on testing from only one outlet, so we've left that slot out for now. Prices, review counts and links were last checked on ; prices and stock change, so check the store before you buy.
No paid links. Every link on this page is a plain link: no affiliate codes or tracking, and no company paid or asked to be listed (disclosure). Links open in a new tab.
Some outlets we cite get review samples from tool makers; we don't use pieces a maker paid for or sponsored.
We pick tools from independent tests and reviews, not our own testing.