Skil 13A 7-1/4 In. Circular Saw

First impressions

I pulled this Skil saw out of the box for a weekend of framing and sheet-good breakdown and was immediately struck by the weight and balance. At just under 7 pounds, it feels noticeably lighter than many corded 7-1/4-inch models, which matters more than you think when you’re making a few dozen cuts in an afternoon. The rear depth lever and bevel knob are simple and positive, the trigger has a sensible safety lock, and the on-tool wrench storage is exactly where you want it. Nothing fancy here—just straightforward, practical design.

Power and cutting performance

With a 13-amp motor spinning up to 5300 RPM, the saw has enough grunt for typical DIY and light carpentry tasks. Ripping 2x lumber went smoothly, and crosscutting framing stock never felt like I was asking too much of the motor. The included 7-1/4-inch, low-tooth-count carbide blade gets you going for construction cuts, though it’s more about speed than finish. For cleaner plywood edges, I swapped in a 40-tooth blade and the difference was immediate.

Maximum cut depth is 2-7/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1-15/16 inches at 45 degrees—on par for this class. That means full-depth cuts through 2x material are no problem, and beveling deck boards or ripping bevels on hardwood trim is within reach if you use the right blade. The anti-snag lower guard behaved well in both narrow offcuts and plunge-style starts; I didn’t get the guard hang-ups that plague some budget saws.

One note on spin-down: the blade coasts to a stop rather than snapping to a halt, so you’ll want to be deliberate about setting the saw down between cuts.

Accuracy and visibility

Sight lines are better than I expected. The two-point line-of-sight guide is easy to read, and the integrated dust blower actually keeps the kerf fairly clear in open-air cutting. On a long rip, that means less peeking around the shoe to track your line. The base markings for 90 and 45 degrees are legible and corresponded well with the actual kerf once I dialed in the blade I wanted to use.

Out of the box, the bevel scale was close but not perfect. That’s not unusual at this price. A quick check with a speed square and a small tweak had it cutting square. The positive stop at 45 degrees is handy and felt repeatable. If you care about furniture-level accuracy, you’ll still want to confirm bevels with a square (and consider a higher-end saw), but for framing, decking, and general DIY, the saw puts cuts where you aim it.

Adjustments and controls

Depth adjustment via the rear lever is fast and holds firmly; once set, it didn’t slip during repeated cuts. The bevel mechanism moves smoothly through its 0–51-degree range and locks down without drama. The main handle’s contouring is comfortable, and I appreciated that the safety lock is easy to engage without contorting your grip. The front knob provides enough purchase for two-handed control on longer rips.

Blade changes are painless thanks to a positive spindle lock and the onboard hex wrench. The guard retracts smoothly, the spindle lock clicks in decisively, and there’s plenty of room to maneuver even with gloves.

Build quality and feel

The shoe is stamped steel, which keeps the weight down but does give a bit if you really lean on it. Keep that in mind if you’re used to a heavy, milled base—this isn’t meant to be a precision cabinetmaker’s saw. That said, it tracked well along a clamped straightedge and stayed true through bevel cuts in 2x stock. The overall build feels solid for a value-focused tool: tight tolerances on the guard, no rattles in normal use, and switches and locks that actuate cleanly.

The cord has a flexible jacket with decent strain relief. Mine had a touch of play at the housing entry, but it never affected operation. As with any corded saw, you’ll want to keep the cord draped over your shoulder to avoid snagging and to keep it clear of the cut path.

Noise, vibration, and dust

This saw is loud. That high-pitched corded circular saw scream is present at full song, so ear protection is a must. Vibration is modest for a saw in this class—no numb hands after a longer session—and the handle geometry helps you keep a relaxed grip. The integrated dust blower works well in open cuts, but there’s no dust collection port for hookup to a vacuum. If you’re breaking down sheet goods indoors, factor in cleanup or set up outside.

Real-world use

I put the saw through a few common scenarios:

• Framing: Repeated crosscuts and a handful of rips through 2x SPF studs. The stock blade made quick work of it. No bogging, no thermal shutoffs.
• Plywood breakdown: Using a straightedge and a 40T blade, the saw tracked straight and left clean edges on 3/4-inch ply. The lighter weight actually helped reduce fatigue on longer rips.
• Bevel work: 45-degree rips on deck boards were accurate after a quick calibration. The guard cleared edges without catching.
• Odd jobs: Cutting thin strips and trimming doors. With the right blade, plunge starts were controlled and the saw felt nimble.

In each case, the saw did what I asked without reminding me of its price point, which is exactly what you want from a workhorse.

What it’s not

If you regularly cut dense hardwoods, run long ripping sessions every day, or need laser-flat shoes and dead-nuts bevel accuracy without adjustment, you’ll outgrow this saw. The stamped base, lack of vacuum port, and louder operation are compromises. Pro framers who live with a circular saw in hand all week may prefer a heavier, more rigid platform with features like a rafter hook, brake, and magnesium shoe.

Tips to get the most out of it

• Swap the stock, low-tooth-count blade for a 40–60T finish blade when cutting plywood or veneered materials.
• Check 0 and 45 degrees with a square before your first project; mark your go-to settings on the scales if needed.
• Use a clamped straightedge for long rips to take full advantage of the saw’s decent tracking.
• Set depth so the blade just clears the material by a tooth or two; it cuts faster and safer.
• Wear ear and eye protection—the saw is powerful and loud.

Pros

• Respectable power from a 13-amp motor with up to 5300 RPM
• Light and well balanced at about 7 lbs; easy to maneuver
• Good cut-line visibility with an effective dust blower
• Spindle lock and on-board wrench make blade changes quick
• 51° bevel range with a positive stop at 45°
• Anti-snag lower guard works reliably on thin stock and bevels
• Solid value for general DIY and workshop tasks

Cons

• Loud under load; ear protection is essential
• Stamped steel shoe isn’t as rigid as pro-grade bases
• No vacuum port for dust collection
• Stock blade prioritizes speed over finish quality

Bottom line and recommendation

I’d recommend this Skil saw to homeowners, DIYers, and weekend woodworkers who want a straightforward, reliable circular saw without spending a fortune. It has the power to handle framing, decking, and sheet-good breakdown; it’s light and easy to control; and the core adjustments and features are thoughtfully executed. You’ll want to upgrade the blade for cleaner cuts and accept the noise and stamped base as part of the deal, but those are reasonable trade-offs for the performance and price. If you need pro-level rigidity, dust collection, and premium features for daily jobsite use, look higher up the ladder; for most users building projects around the house or tackling renovation tasks, this saw is a smart, capable pick.