How much should you spend on a circular saw? While it is reasonable to assume that a higher price equates to quality, this is not always the case. There are plenty of circular saws that offer quality without being overly expensive.
And in this review, we are going to be looking at some of them. In particular, the best budget circular saw under 100 dollars. We tested and analyzed a wide variety of budget-friendly circular saws in these two price points.
From our tests, we came up with a list of 8 that offered the best value for money. We selected these eight based on several factors—key among them weight, base plate, bevel capacity, and ease of adjustment.
Based on these criteria, we selected the Skil 5280-01 15 amp as our best circular saw under 100. It is powerful enough without being overly expensive. And its 7.5-inch blade means it can handle larger materials than others on the list.
Second on the list is the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX, which is our pick of the best cordless circular saw. It is equally powerful and more portable. However, all the other options on our list each have something to offer.
A Quick Comparison of Our Best Budget Circular Saw
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Review Of The Best Circular Saw Under 100 and 150 Dollars
SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
KEY SPECS
7-¼ inch carbide tipped blade
5300 RPM speed
6.95 pounds weight
51 degrees bevel capacity
Single beam laser
- Powerful 15-amp motor delivers 5 300-RPM for greater speed and faster cuts
- 7-1 4-inch carbide-tipped blade included. Spindle lock for easy blade changes.
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You may be looking for something with a little bit more oomph that won’t break the bank. And that is what the Skil 5280-01 circular saw offers. It is a pretty powerful circular saw at a reasonable price tag; let’s see what it has to offer.
The 15 amp motor is probably its best feature. It spins the blade at an impressive speed of up to 5300 RPM. This means you can cut through a 2×4 with relative ease compared to other budget options.
Another impressive aspect of this saw is the 2-7/16 inch cut depth. It may take you more than a single pass to cut a 4×4, but you will get it done. At 45 degrees, the maximum cut depth stands at 1-15/16 inches, which is still impressive.
The 7-¼ inch 24 tooth blade is designed for general-purpose works. While the ⅝ inch arbor hole is common and you will have no trouble changing the blade. There is an onboard wrench included, thus no need to use your tools.
Two Thumbs Up For
- For its features, it is offered at a reasonably affordable price
- Comes with a laser guide for accurate and precise cutting
- Despite it being a corded saw, it is lightweight
- Comes with a 24 teeth carbide blade included, and there is an option of having it without the blade
- The saw comes with a carrying bag included
What’s Not To Like
- Does not have an electric brake
- Features a steel base plate instead of a magnesium one
At its price, this Skil saw has the power to cut through a wider variety of things. Also, it can handle thicker boards compared to other similarly priced options. Overall it is our best circular saw at its price range because of its price to performance ratio.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
KEY SPECS
5.2 inch 12T carbide blade
3700 RPM blade speed
Bevel dents at 45 and 90 degrees
20V battery
High torque motor
- VERSATILE 5-1/2 IN. BLADE – Fast-cutting blade is ideal for a range of DIY tasks.
- VARIABLE-SPEED TRIGGER – For enhanced control over every job.
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The next entry on our list is the Black+Decker 20v max cordless circular saw. And if we had to choose, this would be our pick of the best cordless circular saw in budget segment.
It is somewhere between a compact circular saw and a full-sized one. This means it offers a unique blend of portability and performance. It has a powerful motor that spins the blade at speeds of up to 3700 RPM.
This is enough speed for most home and DIY projects. It is capable of cutting through wood as well as drywall. In our tests, it had no trouble ripping a 2×4 plank.
Being a cordless model, it is relatively lightweight and easy to use. It is powered by a 20v max battery that can give you about 45 minutes of uninterrupted cutting.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Being a cordless model, it is highly portable
- Despite it being a cordless model, it is pretty lightweight
- It is easy to adjust the cutting depth
- The 3700 RPM blade speed is suitable for most home applications
- Can cut a wide array of materials
What’s Not To Like
- Its performance is limited to its battery charge
- Does not come with a charger included
This Black + Decker model is a great option for DIYers. It is easy to use, and you do not require a lot to get started with it. Its low price tag is also an added bonus. Also, the fact that it’s a cordless unit means you can take it with you.
DEWALT DC390B 6-1/2-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Circular Saw
KEY SPECS
6.5-inch carbide tipped blade
3700 RPM blade speed
0-50 degrees bevel capacity
Magnesium shoe
2-¼ inch maximum cut depth
- 3,700 RPM for fast rip cuts and cross cuts
- 6-1/2-inch carbide tipped blade for 2x cutting capacity at 90 degrees and 45 degrees
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Of the many saws, we tested the Dewalt DC390B was one of the most impressive. Weighing about 8 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to use. So would it be a good fit for you?
The fan-cooled motor is capable of spinning the blade at speeds of up to 3700 RPMs. This is decent enough for a saw of its size. The motor is a brushed motor, which you can change the brushes to increase its lifespan.
We found it easy to adjust the cut depth, which ranges from 2-¼ inch at 90 degrees and 1-⅝ inches at 45 degrees. In terms of the bevel capacity, you get a bevel capacity of between 0 and 50 degrees.
While the included 6-½ inch blade is right, it is not the best, especially for smooth cutting. However, you can solve this problem by purchasing a separate blade. Swapping out the blades is easy.
Two Thumbs Up For
- This circular saw is lightweight
- It is easy to adjust the depth of cut
- Comes with a magnesium shoe which is of better quality than an aluminum one
- Has a rubber grip handle that reduces vibrations
- It is easy to change the blade
What’s Not To Like
- The default blade it comes with is not the best
- Does not come with a battery included
This saw does not come with a battery included. However, for the price, we can hardly blame Dewalt for excluding the battery. It handled pretty well and was one of our favorite saws.
WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw
KEY SPECS
4.5-inch blade
3500 RPM no-load speed
0-45 degrees bevel capacity
24 teeth carbide-tipped blade
4.4 pounds of weight
- [SMALL FOR A REASON] Quick, more efficient cuts and you can take it with you when you don’t want to lug a big saw around
- [EZ-SET DEPTH GAUGE] The lever lets you go from 0-45 degree bevel settings with quick adjustment
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The Worx Worxsaw 4-½ inch saw is a compact saw that will come in handy when you have light-duty tasks around the house. Weighing 4.4 pounds, it is also incredibly lightweight, which is what you are probably looking for.
While it is small and lightweight, it is quite a precise cutter. This is mostly thanks to the parallel guide attachment included in the kit. With it, the process of making precise cuts is greatly simplified.
A 4.5-inch blade is what you get with this saw. It spins at a no-load speed of 3500 RPM, which is quite impressive for a saw of this size. It can effectively cut a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastics, and even soft metals.
In addition to the parallel guide attachment you get with this saw, it also comes with several other accessories. There is also a vacuum adapter included as well as an Allen key.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Being a handheld saw, it is easy to use
- Despite its size, it is capable of cutting through a wide variety of materials, including plastics
- Overall the saw feels very well made
- Given its lightweight and cheap, it is perfect for DIYers
- Comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty
What’s Not To Like
- It is only suitable for light-duty tasks
- Has limited cutting power
The first thing to note about this saw is that it is not designed to replace a full-size circular saw. Thus do not expect it to have the same power output. Instead, this is an excellent tool for light cutting around the house, garage, or garden.
TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle
KEY SPECS
5.8 amps copper motor
3500 RPM blade speed
Six blades included
8.3 pounds of weight
42.9 mm maximum cut depth
Left-sided blade design
Mini-circular saws are an excellent option for people who are looking for something to handle light-duty cutting. One of the best in this category is the Tacklife Circular saw. Its size aside, this circular saw has plenty of features that you will find useful.
With a blade that rotates at speeds of up to 3500 rpm, it is a very capable circular saw. With it, you can cut through wood and plastics. Also, with the laser guide included, it is possible to make precise cuts with ease.
But what sets this saw apart from others in its class is the blade. It comes with not one, not two, but six different blade options. There are two 60 tooth blades, tw0 24 tooth blades, and an extra two diamond blades.
With these six blades, you can cut almost anything with the saw. For safety, it comes with two safety buttons that have to be pressed for it to be activated. This helps prevent accidental turning on of the saw.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Comes with six different blade options included in the package
- Has a laser guide that helps in making accurate and precise cuts
- Has an easy to adjust bevel capacity
- It comes with a vacuum adapter that you can attach to your vacuum
- Comes with several safety features, including a blade guard
What’s Not To Like
- The safety features can be a bit too much
- It is a bit heavier than other mini-circular saws
With its six included blades, this is an excellent option for home use. You can use it to cut a wide array of things. And since it is offered at an affordable price tag, you get the best value for your money.
CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
KEY SPECS
7-¼ inch blade
5500 RPM
55 degrees beveling capacity
Magnesium shoe
Contoured over-molded handle
Metal upper
- High performance motor runs at 5, 500 RPM's for aggressive fast cutting
- 71/4inches 18T Carbide tipped blade with up to 21/8inches Capacity for 2x material
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The Craftsman 7-¼ inch circular saw is another full-sized circular saw that fall under budget segment. It has a powerful motor and can cut through a variety of materials.
Speaking of the motor, it comes with a 15 amp motor. This is pretty standard for most circular saws of their size. The motor spins the blade at a speed of up to 5500 RPM. This gives it the ability to cut through materials fast.
As with other circular saws, it is possible to make bevel cuts with this saw. You get positive dents at 22.5 and 45 degrees. Adjusting the bevel capacity is easy with the tool-free beveling shoe.
It features a magnesium shoe that is durable and helps reduce the saw’s overall weight. The upper is made from metal, while it has a lower guard.
Two Thumbs Up For
- For its price, it is a pretty powerful circular saw
- The 7-¼ inch blade is big enough to cut through bigger pieces of material
- It is easy to use even for first-time users
- It is easy to change the blades
- Comes with a three-year warranty
What’s Not To Like
- The saw is a bit heavier than other similar options
- Does not come with a RIP guide
For the price, this Craftsman circular saw is hard to beat. It is powerful enough to handle most types of projects. Also, it can cut faster than some of the other options on our list. This can be used in a Jobsite as well as for DIY projects.
Worx WX531L Worxsaw 20V PowerShare 4-1/2″ Brushless Cordless Compact Circular Saw
KEY SPECS
Brushless motor
1-11/16″ inch cutting depth
Integrated LED light
6900 no-load speed
20 Volt battery
1-¼ inch vacuum adapter
- BOOSTED POWER, FASTER CUTS: Engineered with brushless motor, this circular saw achieves a 30% faster cutting speed than the previous AC circular saw, with an impressive no-load speed of up to 6900 RPM.
- SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER: The same Power Share batteries that run this cordless circular saw can conveniently be used with 140+ power tools, outdoor power equipment, and lifestyle products from the Worx Power Share platform.
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The Worx WX531L has a unique design with the battery pack located at the end of the handle. A 20V cordless circular saw is priced at an affordable segments. So what do you get from this saw?
One thing we noted about this cordless saw is its slim design. It made it easy to hold, especially for long periods of use. Also, unlike other cheaper models, it comes with a brushless motor. This translates to longer run time and power efficiency.
Its rather small 4.5-inch blade can spin at a no-load speed of 6900 RPM. This is quite impressive considering its price. Also, it means it can cut through materials quicker.
One of the best things about this saw is the battery. The battery used by this saw can be used by other appliances in Worx’s Powershare line. This means you can have one battery to power several different tools, which is a win in our books.
Two Thumbs Up For
- The 20v battery can be used with other Worx tools in the Powershare line
- Has a high blade rotation speed, which means faster cutting
- The slim body design makes it easy to hold and handle
- Comes with an integrated LED light for illuminating the work area when necessary
- Uses a brushless motor which is more efficient than a brushed motor
What’s Not To Like
- The small 4.2-inch blade has limited cutting ability
- It is not as powerful as its features make it look
From its blade size, it is clear that this is not a full-sized circular saw. Instead, it’s a compact saw with sufficient power. It is designed for light-duty work and handles itself very well.
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Circular Saw
KEY SPECS
1.5-inch finger trigger
4500 RPM blade speed
Removable auxiliary handle
Onboard blade storage
20 V battery
4.5-inch blade
- Brushless motor allows you to cut up to 369 linear feet of 3/4 in. OSB using DCB205 battery (sold separately)
- Removable auxiliary handle for increased control
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Another 20V cordless circular saw that makes its way onto our list is the Dewalt Atomic 20v max circular saw. Produced by one of the most reputed power tools makers, there is a lot we were expecting from this saw, so did it deliver?
At first glance, the slim inline design of this saw makes it look more like a grinder. And with an “S” shaped trigger, you can control the saw from the handle. This translates to convenience when using the tool.
So how does it fare in the cutting department?
Well, with a 4.5-inch blade and a cutting depth of 1-9/16 inches at 90 degrees pretty well. It will not have trouble cutting 2x material. Also, the blade is positioned on the left.
This gives you a good view of it when cutting. It uses a brushless motor to spin the blade at speeds of up to 4500 RPM. Not bad for a saw that is cheap as well as provide great quality.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Being a cordless model, it is highly portable
- The blade is positioned on the left, giving you a clear view of it when cutting
- With it, you can cut a 2x material at 90 degrees
- Comes with a dust collection port included
- There are multiple grip positions to give you flexibility when handling it
What’s Not To Like
- It is ideal for light-duty tasks only
- Does not come with the battery included
Though small, this circular saw still manages to be an effective cutting tool for most people. It has a high RPM compared to some of its competitors.
Secrets Of Buying Circular Saw Under 100 and 150 Dollars
Buying a new circular saw can be an overwhelming task, especially when you are looking for the best budget Circular Saw Under 100. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before making your final decision on which one to purchase.
When shopping for a circular saw for under $100, there are several things you need to consider. These are;
Blade size
Budget circular saws come with a variety of blade sizes, generally ranging from 4.5 inches to 8 inches. The blade size you settle on depends on what you intend to cut. If you are looking to cut larger materials, a larger blade is better.
In this instance, a 7.5-inch blade will be a better choice than a 4.5 inch one. However, 7.5-inch blade saws tend to be pricier than their smaller counterparts. Thus if you are looking for something to cut smaller materials, a smaller blade won’t hurt.
Power
Ordinarily, power is not something you would associate with budget models. However, it is important to ensure your saw is sufficiently powerful. A 15 amp motor is recommended for a budget circular saw.
While some offer less than 15 amps for a lower price, 15 amps should be the standard. For cordless, a 20v or 18v battery is the standard.
Cordless vs. corded
A circular saw will either be cordless or corded. A cordless one uses rechargeable batteries, while a corded one has to be plugged into a power source. Corded models tend to be heavier and larger.
Also, corded options are more reliable as you won’t have to worry about them going off in the middle of a project. Cordless models, on the other hand, are portable and lightweight. But are limited by their batteries.
So the choice between these two types comes down to your preferences and needs. If you are working from home, a corded model isn’t a bad idea. A cordless model will come in handy when you need to go with your saw.
Consider the Mechanical Design of the circular saw:
This is probably the most important factor to consider when looking for a new circular saw. The design will determine the way in which it performs and what kind of blades can be used with it. For instance, some models have rotating handles and others use levers or triggers on both sides that control blade speed and direction.
Basically based on the motor assembly of the circular saw we can divide them into two type: Sidewinder Circular Saw and worm drive circular saw.
Sidewinder Circular Saw:
This is a type of circular saw that has the motor position on the blade side by side. This design usually produces higher speed but lower torque than worm drive circular saws, which are best suited for cutting woods with thickness up to 13mm (0.51 inches). Steel materials can be cut at this size too if you use sharp blades such as carbide-tipped blades due to its hardness, so it better not only rely on one thing without considering other variables when it comes down to your project’s needs. This type of circular saw is ideal for low or max in medium-duty work.
Worm drive Circular Saw:
This type of circular saw is powerful than a sidewinder and they are best for heavy-duty work. The motor of this type of saw placed just behind or back end of the blade. Due to this design feature, worm drive circular saws are more powerful and have higher torque. The downside is that this type of saws is less maneuvering than sidewinder types because their weight goes from the back to the front end.
Portability And Lightweight:
A circular saw can also help you with the weight of your work. There are some models that have been designed to be lightweight and portable, so they can easily get into tight spaces where a heavy-duty tool would not fit or could cause too much damage. Also if you are in prolonged work in a tight space, you might want to consider buying a circular saw that is less heavy.
Ergonomic Handle:
The handle of the circular saw is one more detail that you should pay attention to. The best models have a rubberized grip, so your hand won’t slip from it even when they are wet or greasy due to cutting some metal parts.
Blade Tension:
A blade tension adjusts the force necessary for pressing down on a blade counterweight with a circular saw blade. This can be customized depending on the type of work that you are doing, but for general use it should be set to no more than 50 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Blade Guard:
A guard is placed around your blade when not in use. Again this is an optional accessory and some builders prefer to work without it.
Ease of Blade Change:
A circular saw blade is the main working component of a circular saw and can be changed depending on your needs. There are blades for general use, cutting wood or metal, but you should always check with the manufacturer’s instructions before changing one.
When shopping for blades, be sure to look at how many teeth there are on each side and what type they are (i.e., cross cut, fine finish). Blades come in various thicknesses which determine their ability to handle thicker materials with ease; you should choose one accordingly depending on your project needs. The best option would be an aluminum oxide tipped bi-metal blade because these offer versatility between both metals as well as different types of woods while keeping costs low.
Throat Plate:
The throat plate controls how deep into your material you will cut by restricting the vertical motion of the blade to within an adjustable range. It sometimes comes in two parts so that it allows both left-handed users and right-handed users to adjust their own materials independently of each other’s adjustments. Some models come set up from factory whereas others require adjustment depending on what type of material they are used most often for (i.e. wood or metal)
Types of circular saw blades:
There are many different types of blades on the market. They can be categorized by their materials, teeth per inch and blade shape.
Aluminum oxide tipped bi-metal: these offer versatility between both metals as well as different types of woods while keeping costs low
Carbide tipped blades that are specifically designed to cut through hardwoods or metal quickly with minimal chipping or splintering; they’re best for fast cuts
Bi-metal blades which have alternating layers of tungsten carbide steel bonded onto an aluminum base material (these were originally created for cutting wood but found increased popularity in the 1980s when contractors started utilizing them)
Some Circular saw models also come equipped with a laser guide system that will help you keep your cuts straight and accurate.
Circular saw blade size:
Saw blades are the most important component of a circular saw. It is what determines how deep and accurate your cut will be. The more teeth, smaller pitch means that it can make deeper cuts but not as accurate with thick materials such as plywood or particle board due to its coarser tooth spacing on both sides of the blade (that is, between the teeth).
A blade that has a finer tooth pitch will cut more accurately and make shallow cuts in thick materials. However it can’t go as deep in thinner material (i.e., veneered plywood) because of the longer length to reach each other on both sides of the sawblade. That means it is more suitable for cutting things that are less than a ¼-inch thick.
- Blade Depth Adjustment: This refers to how much you can adjust the height of your saw blade, as well as its cutting angle. A deep cut on a Circular Saw would require at least an inch or two for proper clearance (i.e., a deep cut in a piece of plywood).
- Bevel Adjustment: A saw that has an adjustable bevel will make it much easier to find the right angle for making certain cuts. Some models have preset angles, but these can’t always suit your needs if you’re working on complex projects or something like cutting crown molding.
The shoe
One important component of a circular saw is the base plate, also referred to as the shoe. The material used to make this part can have an impact on the performance of the saw. Ideally, the best saws have a magnesium shoe.
Some have aluminum base plates, and others steel ones. But magnesium is the best of the three metals.
How To Maintain Safety Using Circuar Saw
Circular saws are a staple in many industries, including construction and carpentry. They’re also one of the most dangerous power tools that you can use on a job site. What makes them so hazardous is their blade, which spins at high speeds – up to 3200 RPM in some cases! This high-speed spinning blade poses a significant risk for injury if you don’t take proper safety precautions. Here are 11 important things to remember before using your circular saw on the job.
1) Wear protective gloves when handling any type of wood or metal stock with sharp edges.
2) Always wear eye protection when operating a circular saw – there’s no excuse not to protect your eyesight!
3) Keep loose clothing, dangling jewelry or hair away from the saw blade.
4) Check the safety guard of the circular saw before use.
Finally
A circular saw doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. With less than $150 or even $100, you can get yourself a quality circular saw, as our list proves. These saws are powerful and affordable and offer excellent value for your money.