circular saws on the cheap

[fim]

I have my bt3100 and a jigsaw, but ripping sheets to managable sizes would sure be easier with a circular saw.

With Black Friday rolling around, I figure I can get one fair cheap.
What do you people think of these:

Craftsman 14amp w/ Laser Trac #10870 - $59.99
Craftsman 12amp #10865 - $29.99
Ryobi 14amp w/ Laser #576313 - $69.00

Any other recommended ones? Lighter would obviously be better

[maxparot]

If an economy saw is what you are looking for I'd also check out the Skil.
If you want a quality saw on a budget I think the $50-75 range is more realistic.
Hitachi makes a real fine saw that you may find on sale at the top end of that range. It's regular selling price is around $85-90

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Porter Cable Reconditioned

If they still have this saw it has been awesome for me and is a great deal :

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=24574

[drumpriest]

Last year I scored the 14 amp ryobi 7 1/4" for 20$. Darn near criminal. Anyway, I like the saw, it works great for my uses, which mostly entails roughing out plywood sheets.

[Stormbringer]

If they still have this saw it has been awesome for me and is a great deal :

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=24574

Unfortunately that deals been dead for a while now, although it lasted longer than I thought it would've. Checked the other day to snag one for a buddy. All gonzo.

Greg

[crokett]

I'd advise saving until you can get something a little better - between 100 and 150 or so. My current circ saw is a Dewalt and hopefully will be my last. I started with a cheap saw and didn't like it. Adjustments for angle, cut depth were clunky. It felt flimsy and always seemed to be straining to cut anything. I am much happier with my Dewalt.

[Zenaca]

I picked up the Hitachi this weekend at Lowes for $47 on sale from $89 works alot better that the old POS Skil ive had for over 20 years. If i remember right the sale price is good all week, might be worth checking out!
The biggest problem i had with the Skil is the cheap tin base plate that was never flat from the day i bought it so if i wernt carful and make sure to hold it against the wood the same all the way through the cut i could not get a straight cut. The thicker baseplate that wont warp is what i have looked for in a new saw of any brand .

[Ed62]

I have the Skil, and while I don't remember what I paid, I think it was in the neighborhood of $60.00. I've been well satisfied with it, although I can't say it is heavily used.

Ed

[onedash]

my next one will be a PC. My cheap POC Craftsman is pretty bad when it comes to cutting a straight line. It will cut but so will a hatchet.....Luckily I don't use it very much.

[SARGE..g-47]

I was given a used Shopmate back in 1972. It became my first TS mounted under-neath a 2' x 4' sheet of ply. I still runs fine and has never has the straightest steel base I have ever seen on any saw as several framers have made offers. Still gets use outside the house on construction projects.

But.. being heavy does not make it the ply-wood and MDF sheet ripper I eventually needed. The PC with Magnesium base takes away the weight and is much more stable than aluminum with the use of a True-Grip guide. Great circular, but if you want to stay under the $100 range I would save a few more bucks and look at the Hitachi as mentioned which goes on sale quite often and is not a bad circular at all.

Regards...

[Garasaki]

I actually prefer a jigsaw to a circular saw for ripping down sheet goods.

I am more comfortable with it, it's quieter, and it makes a MUCH more concentrated mess.

The time I used a circular saw, it coated the entire garage in dust...