Features
- Cordless 20V operation
- Includes PWRCORE 20 2.0Ah lithium battery and standard charger
- 24-tooth ultra thin carbide-tipped blade
- Bevel capacity 0–50°
- Adjustable cutting depth up to 2-1/8 in at 90°
- No-load speed 4500 rpm
- Ergonomic two-handed grip design
- Lock-off lever for added safety
- LED illumination for the cutline
- Quick depth and bevel adjustments
- Integrated guide to assist straight cuts
Specifications
Blade Size | 6-1/2 in |
No Load Speed | 4500 rpm |
Blade Teeth | 24T ultra thin carbide-tipped |
Bevel Capacity | 0–50° |
Cutting Depth (90°) | 2-1/8 in |
Cutting Depth (45°) | 1-3/4 in |
Included Battery | PWRCORE 20 20V 2.0Ah lithium |
Included Charger | Standard 20V charger |
Kit Contents | Circular saw; 2.0Ah battery; charger; 24T wood cutting blade; Allen key; dust extractor |
Safety Feature | Lock-off lever |
Illumination | LED lights |
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Cordless 20V circular saw kit designed for cutting wood. The kit includes a PWRCORE 20 2.0Ah lithium battery and a standard charger. It ships with a 24-tooth thin-kerf carbide-tipped blade, an Allen key, and a dust extractor. The saw offers adjustable bevel and depth settings, an ergonomic two-handed grip, a lock-off safety lever, and LED illumination for the cutline.
Skil 20V 6-1/2 IN. Circular Saw Kit Review
Cordless circular saws have increasingly become a staple for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, thanks to their convenience and portability. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Skil 20V 6-1/2 IN. Circular Saw Kit (model CR540602), and it offered some interesting insights into its performance and usability.
First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Skil circular saw, the first thing that struck me was its lightweight and ergonomic design. It's evident that Skil has put effort into making this tool comfortable to handle, even for extended periods. The saw comes with a 2.0Ah lithium battery and a charger, which is a nice touch, offering everything you need to get started right out of the box.
The saw is equipped with a thin-kerf carbide-tipped blade with 24 teeth, which is suitable for various types of wood cutting. Additionally, its bevel cutting capacity ranges from 0 to 50 degrees, and it features an adjustable cutting depth of up to 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees. These features immediately suggested versatility, allowing for both straight cuts and angled cuts with relative ease.
Performance in Action
When put to the test, the Skil circular saw showed that it was more than capable of handling a variety of tasks. Cutting through 2x4s felt like slicing through butter; the motor maintained a steady speed without bogging down. The no-load speed of 4500 rpm is quite respectable and contributes to its efficient cutting capabilities.
However, the saw did encounter some challenges when cutting through denser materials like 5/8" plywood. It’s important to note that while the battery was fully charged, the saw struggled a bit and drained the battery faster than expected. This suggests that while the saw is perfect for lighter DIY tasks and softwoods, it might not be the best choice for more demanding cuts or extensive projects.
Usability and Features
One of the standout features for me was the ergonomic design, which facilitated better grip and control. This is particularly beneficial when making more precise cuts. The LED lights were a pleasant surprise, offering enhanced visibility, which is especially useful in dimly lit workspaces.
On the safety front, the saw includes a lock-off lever, a crucial feature to prevent accidental starts. Given that safety is paramount when working with power tools, this addition is highly appreciated.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the dust control. The saw comes with a dust port vacuum attachment, but there were some compatibility issues. The sawdust tends to blow straight back, which can be a bit of an annoyance. I found myself wishing the dust port was designed to angle the sawdust away from the operator, making the workspace cleaner and safer.
Battery Life
The 2.0Ah lithium battery included in the kit offers decent run time for lighter tasks. If you plan on using the saw for extended periods or more demanding cuts, you might want to consider investing in a higher capacity battery, such as a 4.0 or even 5.0Ah. This would not only provide longer run times but also ensure the saw doesn't lose power mid-project.
Build Quality
Skil has opted for non-metal materials for the upper and lower blade guards, which might be a cost-cutting measure. While the hard plastic used is sturdy, it doesn’t inspire the same confidence as metal. That said, the overall build quality of the saw is robust and it feels durable enough to handle everyday wear and tear.
Blade and Cutting
The blade installation process is straightforward, but I did find the instructions a bit challenging to follow due to the small print. Ensuring the blade is securely installed is crucial for both safety and performance, so having clear, easy-to-read instructions would be beneficial.
The saw also performed well in terms of cutting precision. Adjusting the cutting depth and bevel angle was straightforward, allowing for versatile cutting options. However, the lack of an adjustable rip fence in the kit was a downside, forcing me to purchase it separately from a third-party supplier.
Final Thoughts
After thoroughly testing the Skil 20V 6-1/2 IN. Circular Saw Kit, I can confidently say that it’s a solid choice for those looking for a reliable, lightweight, and easy-to-use cordless circular saw. Its performance in cutting standard 2x4s and handling lighter DIY tasks is commendable. The ergonomic design and additional features like LED lights and safety mechanisms further enhance its usability.
However, if your projects often involve cutting through denser materials or require extended run times, you might find the saw's limitations more noticeable. In such cases, investing in a higher capacity battery or considering a more powerful model might be wise.
Recommendation
Would I recommend the Skil 20V 6-1/2 IN. Circular Saw Kit? Absolutely, but with some caveats. For DIY enthusiasts and homeowners tackling small to medium-sized projects, this saw offers great value for money. Its ease of use, portability, and thoughtful features make it a worthy addition to any tool collection.
However, for professionals or those frequently dealing with heavy-duty tasks, it might fall short in terms of power and battery longevity. In such scenarios, opting for a more robust model or enhancing this saw with higher-capacity batteries would be advisable.
In conclusion, the Skil circular saw holds its own in its category, offering a balanced mix of features and performance that cater well to its intended audience.
Project Ideas
Business
Geometric Wall Art and Frames Shop
Sell modern wall art, chevron panels, and beveled frames on Etsy and at markets. The saw’s 0–50° bevel and LED illumination enable tight 45° frame corners and crisp pattern cuts. Offer custom sizes and finishes to upsell, batch parts for efficiency, and ship flat with hanging hardware.
Mobile Sheet Goods Breakdown Service
Set up a weekend pop-up in a home center parking lot offering precise cuts on 4x8 sheets for DIYers who lack tools. The cordless 20V setup requires no power access. Charge per cut or per sheet, use a straight-edge track for accuracy, and provide labeled, square pieces ready for transport.
Property Maintenance Microservice
Offer on-site quick fixes for landlords and Realtors: replacing fence pickets, cutting subfloor patches, trimming doors, and stair treads. The lightweight, cordless saw and quick depth adjustment speed up varied tasks, while the lock-off lever enhances safety on busy job sites. Bill per call plus material markup.
Event Backdrops and Rental Pedestals
Fabricate modular slat walls, arch backdrops (made from faceted panels you sand smooth), and display pedestals for wedding and retail vendors. Use the saw’s bevel for clean mitered edges and consistent rip cuts for slats. Rent the pieces for recurring revenue and offer custom branding add-ons.
Cedar Garden Kits
Produce pre-cut, pre-drilled raised bed, planter, and bench kits from rot-resistant cedar. The integrated guide and depth settings ensure repeatable parts; the dust extractor keeps marks visible for batch work. Sell as flat packs with hardware and instructions at farmers markets and online for easy DIY assembly.
Creative
Herringbone Coffee Table Top
Rip plywood or flooring into uniform strips and lay a herringbone pattern on a plywood substrate. Use the integrated guide and LED to make accurate rip and cross cuts, then frame the top with 45° mitered edges using the 0–50° bevel. The thin-kerf 24T blade minimizes tear-out on veneer. Finish with polyurethane and attach to hairpin legs.
Geometric Wall Art With Beveled Strips
Cut cedar or pine into equal-width slats and bevel the edges up to 50° to create deep shadow lines. Arrange in chevron, diamond, or sunburst patterns on a backer panel. The cordless saw and quick depth adjustment make repeated cuts easy, while the dust extractor keeps lines visible for precise alignment.
Outdoor Cedar Slat Bench
Build a modern bench using 2x4 legs and cedar slats for the seat. Use the depth setting to make consistent notch cuts for a clean, interlocking look by scoring multiple passes. Bevel the seat edges at 45° for comfort and a finished appearance. The ergonomic grip helps keep long cuts straight.
Chevron Headboard Panel
Create a headboard by laying angled boards in a chevron pattern over a plywood backer. Use the saw’s LED and straight-edge guide to keep angles consistent, then trim the perimeter square and frame with 45° corners. Stain contrasting tones to highlight the pattern.
Flat-Pack Plywood Bookshelf
Produce a simple slot-together bookshelf from a single sheet of 3/4 in plywood. Break down the sheet with straight, accurate cuts; cut shallow dado-like channels using multiple passes with controlled depth. Round corners by cutting an octagon and sanding smooth. The thin-kerf blade makes clean edges that need minimal sanding.