Looking for a reliable circular saw for your DIY projects? We’ve been testing out the Skil 5080, and it’s a great option for beginners and hobbyists alike.
This saw packs a punch with its 13 amp motor, giving us plenty of power for cutting through wood with ease. We love how lightweight it feels compared to older models. It’s much easier on our arms during long projects. The dust blower is a nice touch too, keeping our cut lines clear so we can see what we’re doing.
We found the bevel adjustments really handy for making angled cuts. It goes up to 51 degrees, with a handy stop at 45 for those common miter cuts. Changing blades is a breeze too, thanks to the spindle lock and onboard wrench storage.
While it’s not the fanciest saw out there, we think it’s a solid choice for home use. The included carbide blade works well for most cuts, but you might want to upgrade for finer work.
Bottom Line
The Skil 5080 is a great circular saw for DIY enthusiasts and beginners. It’s powerful, easy to use, and won’t break the bank.
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Overview of the Skil 5080-01 Circular Saw
We’ve had the chance to try out this Skil saw, and it’s a solid choice for DIY projects. The 13-amp motor packs a punch, making quick work of wood cuts. We like how it’s lighter than some other models, which helps reduce arm fatigue during longer jobs.
The saw’s dust blower is a nice touch. It keeps sawdust away from the cutting line, helping us see where we’re cutting. We found the bevel adjustment useful too. It goes up to 51 degrees, giving us flexibility for angled cuts.
Changing blades is a breeze with the spindle lock. The blade wrench stores right on the saw, so we don’t have to hunt for it. While it’s not the fanciest saw out there, it gets the job done well for home use. Just remember to wear ear protection – it can be pretty loud!
Powerful 13-Amp Motor
We were impressed by the 13-amp motor in this Skil saw. It packs a real punch, making quick work of cutting through wood. We found it easy to slice through 2x4s and plywood without breaking a sweat. The motor didn’t bog down or stall, even when we pushed it hard. This power comes in handy for big projects or tough cuts. We liked how it kept a steady speed throughout our cuts. The saw felt solid and stable in our hands while running. It’s not the quietest saw we’ve used, but that’s to be expected with this much power. For DIYers and pros alike, this motor should handle most home improvement tasks with ease.
Lightweight Design
We were pleasantly surprised by how light this Skil circular saw feels in our hands. At just under 7 pounds, it’s noticeably easier to maneuver compared to other saws we’ve used. The 15% weight reduction from the previous model makes a big difference during long cutting sessions. We didn’t get tired arms even after working on a big shelving project. The saw’s compact size also helps it feel nimble and easy to control. We found we could make precise cuts without struggling to keep the saw on track. For DIYers and homeowners tackling weekend projects, this lighter weight design is a real plus.
Bevel Cutting Capability
We found the bevel cutting feature on this saw to be quite handy. It lets us make angled cuts up to 51 degrees, which is great for more complex projects. The bevel adjustment is smooth and easy to set. We liked how it locks in place securely once adjusted. This makes it simple to get consistent angled cuts across multiple pieces of wood. The markings on the bevel scale are clear and easy to read. We did notice it takes a bit of practice to get super precise angles, but that’s normal for most saws. Overall, this Skil saw gives us good control for bevel cuts on various woodworking tasks.
Ease of Blade Changes
Changing blades on this Skil saw is a breeze! We love the spindle lock feature, which makes swapping blades quick and easy. No more fumbling around with multiple tools. Just press the lock button, loosen the bolt, and you’re good to go. It’s so simple, we can switch blades in under a minute. This is great when we need to change from cutting wood to plywood or other materials. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills. We appreciate how Skil designed this saw with user-friendly blade changes in mind. It’s a small but important feature that makes our DIY projects run smoother.
Improved Dust Blower
We really like how this saw keeps our workspace clean. The dust blower works great to clear sawdust from the cutting line. It’s a simple but useful feature that makes a big difference. We can see our cuts more clearly without stopping to brush away debris. This helps us work faster and more accurately. The blower isn’t too strong or weak – it’s just right for the job. It’s nice not having to wear a mask or goggles as often. Our projects stay neater too. Clean-up time is quicker at the end of the day. We think this dust blower is a smart upgrade from older saws we’ve used.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been putting the Skil circular saw through its paces, and it’s time to share our thoughts. This tool has some great features, but it’s not without a few drawbacks. Let’s break it down:
Pros
- Powerful motor: The 13-amp motor packs a punch, giving us plenty of cutting power.
- Lightweight design: We love how it’s 15% lighter than the previous model, making it easier to use for longer periods.
- Versatile bevel: The 51-degree bevel with positive stops lets us make a wide range of angled cuts.
- Easy blade changes: The spindle lock makes swapping blades a breeze.
- Dust blower: It keeps our cutting line clear, improving accuracy and visibility.
- Bright color: The red finish makes it easy to spot in a busy workspace.
- Cord lock: We find the self-locking cord very handy for storage.
Cons
- Noisy operation: We need to wear ear protection when using this saw.
- Blade alignment: The zero mark for blade location isn’t always spot-on, so we have to double-check our cuts.
- Basic features: While it’s great for home use, it may not have all the bells and whistles pros need.
- Corded design: We sometimes miss the freedom of cordless tools when using this saw.
We think the Skil circular saw is a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and weekend warriors. It’s powerful, easy to use, and gets the job done. Just remember to grab some earplugs before you start cutting!
Customer Reviews
We’ve seen a lot of positive feedback about this Skil circular saw. Many users praise its power and performance, especially given its affordable price point. The saw cuts well through various materials, including cement pavers and wood. It’s not too heavy, making it comfortable to use for DIY projects.
Some users like the bright color, which makes it easy to spot in a crowded workshop. The cord lock feature is a nice touch for easy storage. While most reviews are positive, a few people mention that it’s quite loud, so ear protection is a must.
Overall, customers seem happy with their purchase. It’s a solid choice for home use and weekend projects. Just remember to grab some earplugs before you start cutting!
Conclusion
We’re impressed with the Skil circular saw. It packs a punch for the price, making it a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts. The saw’s power and ease of use stood out during our testing. We found it cut through materials smoothly, though it can be quite loud. The bright color is a nice touch for safety. While it may not be the top pick for pros, it’s perfect for home projects. We think it’s a great value for those needing a reliable saw without breaking the bank. If you’re in the market for an affordable, capable circular saw, this Skil model is worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about this handy power tool? We’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions about the Skil circular saw.
What are the key features and specifications of the Skil 5080 7-1/4 inch circular saw?
The Skil 5080 packs a punch with its 13-amp motor. It’s 15% lighter than older models, which helps reduce arm fatigue during use. The saw can make bevel cuts up to 51 degrees, with a handy stop at 45 degrees. We love the spindle lock for quick blade changes. It also has a dust blower to keep your cutting line clear.
Key specs:
- Blade size: 7-1/4 inches
- Motor: 13 amps
- Weight: Lighter than previous models
- Bevel capacity: Up to 51 degrees
- Includes: 18-tooth carbide blade
How do users rate the performance of the Skil 5080-01 circular saw based on online reviews?
Users seem pretty happy with this saw! It has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 3,400 reviews. Many folks say it’s a great value for the price. They like its power and how it handles different cutting jobs. Some users mention it’s a bit loud, so ear protection is a good idea.
Pros often mentioned:
- Good power
- Cuts smoothly
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons sometimes noted:
- Noisy operation
Can I find a step-by-step guide on how to use the Skil circular saw 13 amp model?
We couldn’t find an official step-by-step guide from Skil for this exact model. But don’t worry! There are lots of helpful resources out there. You can check YouTube for video tutorials on using circular saws. Many of the basic steps will apply to this Skil model.
General steps for using a circular saw:
- Mark your cutting line
- Secure your workpiece
- Set the blade depth
- Align the saw with your mark
- Start the saw and guide it along the line
Remember to always follow safety guidelines and wear proper protective gear.
Where can I obtain a manual for the Skil 5080 circular saw?
Getting the manual is easy! You have a few options:
- Skil’s website: Visit their support section and search for the 5080 model.
- Amazon product page: Look for a PDF link in the product description.
- Google search: Try “Skil 5080 circular saw manual PDF” for quick results.
If you can’t find it online, try contacting Skil’s customer service. They should be able to email you a copy or tell you where to download it.
What are some common troubleshooting tips for the 13-amp Skil circular saw if issues arise?
If you run into problems, try these quick fixes:
-
Saw won’t start:
- Check the power cord connection
- Make sure the outlet works
- Inspect the switch for damage
-
Rough cuts:
- Check if the blade is dull or damaged
- Make sure the blade is tight and properly aligned
- Clean any built-up sawdust
-
Blade wobbles:
- Tighten the blade
- Check for bent or damaged parts
-
Excessive noise:
- Look for loose parts and tighten them
- Check the blade for damage
If these tips don’t help, it might be time to contact Skil support or take it to a repair shop.
What is the expected longevity and durability of the Skil 5080-01 circular saw with proper maintenance?
With good care, this saw should last for many years of home use.
To keep it in top shape:
- Clean it after each use
- Store it in a dry place
- Keep the blade sharp
- Oil moving parts regularly
- Check and replace the brushes when needed
Many users report their Skil saws lasting 5-10 years or more with proper care.
Remember, how often you use it and the types of projects you tackle will affect its lifespan. For occasional DIY projects, it should serve you well for a long time.