Popular Mechanics - USA (2019-07-Special)

@PopularMechanics _ November 2018 53

↓ TOOL TEST

PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

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Skil 5280-01

AMPERAGE: 15

WEIGHT: 8.8 lb

LIKES: Among the

homeowner saws we

tested, this one is about as

close to pro grade as you can

get. It has impressive han-

dling, is easy to use, and cuts

accurately. The shoe is perfectly

parallel with the blade. And there’s

great torque, even when the blade

is fully submerged in lumber.

DISLIKES: None. $59

Craftsman CMES500

AMPERAGE: 13

WEIGHT: 7. 8 l b

LIKES: A pound lighter than the Skil,

so it’s a bit easier to handle. Although its

motor is a bit smaller, the difference was

negligible in our testing.

DISLIKES: The edge of the shoe is (slightly)

not parallel with the blade, creating some

inaccuracy along a fence. $49

Ryobi CSB125

AMPERAGE: 13

WEIGHT: 7. 6 l b

LIKES: A good little saw that handles nicely,

thanks to its low weight and comfortable grip.

Once we mounted a decent blade on it, the saw

cut with gusto in every test.

DISLIKES: The factory-supplied blade is dull and

doesn’t cut. Scrap it and get a new one. Also, the

shoe is slightly out of parallel with the blade, making

it difficult to accurately slide along a fence. $45

Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 69064

AMPERAGE: 12

WEIGHT: 9.6 lb

LIKES: It has the least amperage of the group, but you’d

never know it. If you always clamp your lumber and cut with

two hands, you’ll appreciate the wrap-around front handle.

DISLIKES: The blade guard blocks the left-side view of the blade.

And the guard’s spring tension is so high it requires a lot of force

to retract, giving the saw a tendency to move off the cut line. $70

These corded cutters are powerful, portable, and handy. / BY ROY BERENDSOHN /

Circular Saws

BONUS REVIEW!

Craftsman

20-Volt

Cordless V20

Compared to its

corded brethren,

the V20 wasn’t

nearly as fast, but

it has plenty of

power. It’s dead-

on accurate, with

a shoe that’s flat,

rigid, and perfectly

parallel with the

blade. The most

convenient tool

if you have only

occasional (and

small) projects.

$139 (includes

one battery,

charger)

WHAT WE PUT

THEM THROUGH

We made crosscuts,

bevel cuts, and rips

in 2x4, 4x4, and 2x10

Douglas fir, and—for a

little extra challenge—

sappy hem-fir

framing lumber.