Quick Overview
- 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.
- 51° bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45° for a wide variety of cuts
- Dust blower keeps line-of-cut free of sawdust for improved visibility
- Safety lock/guarded trigger and power-on indicator minimize accidental starts
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
- Durability
- Accessories
- Affordability
- Warranty
- Use laser to guide straight cuts
- Dust Blower
- Guarded Trigger
- Expensive
No workshop is complete without a good circular saw. However, once you’ve stocked your workshop with other necessary tools such as a power drill and a table saw, you may not have a whole lot of money left over to buy one. Thankfully, this circular saw from SKIL promises a professional-grade performance for a fraction of the cost of most professional tools.But the SKIL’s 5280-01 popularity among hobbyists and professionals alike is due to so much more than its low price. We’re going to be looking at what has made this circular saw so successful in this article.
Review
With its 5280-01, SKIL has attempted to create a circular saw that can match the power of a professional-grade circular saw without matching its price tag. The saw boasts a plethora of features, the majority of which are normally found on more expensive models, and offers a wide array of cut options for greater versatility.
This circular saw was first made available online in 2016, which makes it one of SKIL’s more recent releases and puts it on the forefront of circular saw technology and innovation.
Who is this product for?
Because of its low price and high performance, the SKIL 5280-01 is the perfect circular saw for hobbyists who have a lot of experience in woodworking and are looking for a tool to take them to the next level. Similarly, this tool is a great choice for professionals who are searching for a secondary circular saw that can be used for light jobs when their primary equipment is unavailable.
While this is one of the most versatile circular saws on the market, we advise woodworking novices against purchasing it as its 2.5 HP motor will likely prove difficult to control if you have no previous experience with power tools. Newcomers to the hobby should choose a less expensive alternative to serve as their starter saw before graduating to the SKIL 5280-01.
This circular saw was first made available online in 2016, which makes it one of SKIL’s more recent releases and puts it on the forefront of circular saw technology and innovation.
What’s included?
Despite its low price, the SKIL 5280-01 comes packaged with a number of handy accessories, most notably a branded carrying bag. This padded bag will protect the saw against the knocks and bumps it will most likely encounter in transport.
Overview of features
For a budget circular saw, the SKIL 5280-01 boasts some pretty impressive features. Among the most notable and unique of those features is its single-beam laser, which is built into the saw and will guide you towards an accurate cut every time. Meanwhile, an integrated dust blower will keep your cutting path free of sawdust and dirt.
The saw’s 24-tooth carbide blade works in conjunction with its aforementioned 2.5 HP motor to breeze through a variety of materials while its lightweight body makes it possible to use the machine for long periods of time without risk of damage to your arms or back.
Tutorial
All circular saws are operated differently, which is why you should take a couple of minutes to research your chosen circular saw before powering it up and getting to work on your project. In the video below, you will be shown how to operate the SKIL 5280-01 so you can get the most out of it and complete your projects in a timely manner.
The saw’s 24-tooth carbide blade works in conjunction with its aforementioned 2.5 HP motor to breeze through a variety of materials while its lightweight body makes it possible to use the machine for long periods of time without risk of damage to your arms or back.
Alternatives
The SKIL 5280-01 is intended for experienced hobbyists and professionals who are looking for a secondary circular saw to serve as a backup to their primary model.
Novices who have only just discovered woodworking as a hobby are advised to go with a less expensive and less powerful circular saw on which they can learn the basics of the art before moving up to a more complicated saw.
For those who have no previous experience with circular saws and similar power tools, we suggest the VonHaus 185mm Circular Saw. The VonHaus 185mm can be purchased for less than $40 and, as its name suggests, is fitted with a 185mm blade capable of a cutting depth of 65mm.
It also boasts a lightweight design and premium dust extraction, so it will work with newcomers while developing their woodworking knowledge and skill set.
Conclusion
If you’re a dedicated hobbyist ready to upgrade your workshop, the SKIL 5280-01 will give you everything you need to develop your skills and become the woodworker you’ve always dreamed of being.
Its powerful motor and razor-sharp blade lend themselves wonderfully to a wide range of applications, including some light professional jobs, so you could conceivably get a small business going on the side based entirely upon the 5280-01.
Full professionals also have something to gain from this circular saw as it can be used to cut materials when a table saw is not available, meaning the SKIL 5280-01 is one of the most versatile circular saws on the market and will likely remain so for years to come.