Skil Brushless 7-1/4 In. Rear Handle Circular Saw

As a seasoned DIY enthusiast and professional tradesperson, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of circular saws over the years. Recently, I got my hands on the Skil Brushless 7-1/4 In. Rear Handle Circular Saw (model CR5429B-20), and I was eager to put it through its paces. This saw is powered by two 20V lithium-ion batteries, and it promises a combination of power, efficiency, and convenience that could potentially make it a game-changer in the realm of cordless tools.

First Impressions and Build Quality

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the solid build of the saw. It feels robust and well-constructed, with a substantial weight that speaks to its durability. At 10.23 pounds, it’s not the lightest tool on the market, but it’s comparable to traditional worm drive saws, which many professionals are accustomed to. The aluminum construction of the foot, gear housing, and guards adds to the overall sturdiness without making the tool excessively heavy.

The inclusion of a brushless motor is a significant advantage. Brushless motors are known for their efficiency and longevity, and this one delivers a no-load speed of 5,300 RPM, which is more than adequate for a wide range of cutting tasks. The saw also comes with a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade, which is a nice touch, as it ensures clean and precise cuts right out of the box.

Performance and Power

When it comes to performance, the Skil Brushless Circular Saw does not disappoint. The dual 20V 5.0Ah batteries provide ample power, allowing the saw to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. I tested the saw on various materials, including 3/4" oak plywood and 2x4 lumber, and it performed admirably. The cuts were smooth and precise, and the saw showed no signs of bogging down, even during extended use.

One of the standout features of this saw is its impressive battery life. I managed to complete a substantial amount of cutting—over 80 individual cuts on oak plywood—without the batteries dropping below 90% charge. This is a testament to the efficiency of the brushless motor and the capacity of the batteries. The dual-battery charger is another boon, as it charges both batteries quickly and simultaneously, reducing downtime significantly.

Ergonomics and Usability

Ergonomically, the saw is well-designed. The rear handle provides excellent control and leverage, making it easier to guide the saw through cuts. The soft grip and balanced weight distribution further enhance comfort during prolonged use. However, I did find the trigger lock release mechanism somewhat inconvenient. It’s recessed above the trigger and requires an awkward grip to engage, which can be a bit of a hassle, especially when you’re in the middle of a cut. Hopefully, future iterations will address this minor design flaw.

The adjustable dust port is a thoughtful addition. It allows you to direct sawdust away from your work area, which is particularly useful when working indoors or in confined spaces. The built-in LED light is another practical feature, providing ample illumination in low-light conditions and ensuring you can see your cutting line clearly.

Versatility and Features

This saw offers a bevel capacity of 0–53°, with preset detents at 0° and 45°, making it versatile enough for a variety of cutting angles. Adjusting the bevel and blade height is straightforward, thanks to the clear markings and easy-to-use levers. The rafter hook is a practical feature that allows you to hang the saw on a joist or rafter when not in use, keeping it within easy reach and off the ground.

One feature that stood out to me was the electric motor brake. This safety feature stops the blade quickly once the trigger is released, reducing the risk of accidents. It’s a small but significant addition that enhances the overall safety of the tool.

Noise and Vibration

In terms of noise, the Skil Brushless Circular Saw is relatively quiet for a tool of its power. The brushless motor contributes to a smoother and quieter operation, which is a welcome relief when working for extended periods. Vibration is also minimal, which helps reduce fatigue and ensures more accurate cuts.

Drawbacks

While the Skil Brushless Circular Saw has many strengths, it’s not without its drawbacks. The most notable issue I encountered was with the battery charger. It’s quite large and noisy, emitting a sound reminiscent of a jet engine during charging. While it does charge the batteries quickly, the noise can be a bit distracting.

Another point of contention is the weight distribution. Although the saw is well-balanced overall, the forward weight can make it feel heavier than it actually is, especially during overhead cuts. This might be a concern for users who need to use the saw in various positions throughout the day.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Skil Brushless 7-1/4 In. Rear Handle Circular Saw is an impressive tool that offers a blend of power, efficiency, and convenience. Its robust build, long battery life, and excellent cutting performance make it a valuable addition to any professional’s toolkit. Despite a few minor quirks, such as the trigger lock mechanism and the noisy charger, the saw’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

I would highly recommend this saw to both professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts. Its ability to handle demanding tasks with ease, coupled with the convenience of cordless operation, makes it a versatile and reliable tool. Whether you’re framing a house, building furniture, or tackling various other projects, this saw is up to the challenge.