Introduction
The Skil brand has long been synonymous with circular saws, having pioneered the concept in the market. Their 20V XP Brushless Rear Handle Circular Saw impressed us with its professional-grade results at an affordable price. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Skil’s latest offering: the 20V 7 1/4″ cordless circular saw. With improved ergonomics and impressive performance specs, it outshines its corded counterparts.
Skil Cordless Circular Saw Performance
- Blade Size: 7-1/4″
- No-load speed: 5300 RPM
- 90° Cutting Capacity: 2-5/8″
- 45° Cutting Capacity: 1-13/16″
- Arbor: 5/8 inch
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Maximum bevel angle: 56°
Powered by Skil’s PWRCore 20 XP brushless motor, this circular saw boasts a blade speed of up to 5,300 RPM. This allows it to handle three times the amount of wood cuts in one go. While 3x material may not be common these days, its large cutting capacity enables you to rip through three stacked sheets of 3/4″ plywood effortlessly.
The key question is, how well does it cut? With a maximum cutting depth of 2-5/8 inches, it ranks second only to Skil’s PWRCore 20 7 1/4-inch Rear Handle Circular Saw. In fact, it surpasses some of Skil’s corded and cordless worm drive circular saws.
As expected, this circular saw offers tool-free bevel and depth-of-cut adjustments. It can achieve a maximum bevel angle of 56°, and for quick adjustments on the fly, it includes a fold-out positive stop at 45°.
Skil Cordless Circular Saw Design Notes
- Model: SKIL CR5440B-10
- Power: Skil PWRCore 20 battery
- Weight: 7.2 lbs. (naked), 8.8 lbs. (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Aluminum shoe and blade guards
- Dust Port: 1-1/4 in.
To manage the weight of the saw, Skil opted for an aluminum sole and blade guard rather than steel. This choice not only reduces weight but also allows the shoe to glide smoothly over cutting surfaces.
The ergonomics of this circular saw are top-notch. It features an offset fore grip, providing more room for your arm while cutting. The right-side design of the CR5440 circular saw blade ensures excellent sightlines regardless of your dominant hand. Additionally, bright white boot markings on the front of the shoe help you maintain precise cutting lines.
Additional Features
- Folding rafter hook
- Onboard Tool Storage
- Electric brake
- Integrated dust collector
- LED work light
- Compatible with track guide
The Bottom Line
The Skil PWRCore 20 Cordless Circular Saw Kit, priced at $169.99, offers exceptional value. It includes a 4.0Ah PWRCore 20 battery, a PWRJump charger, and a 1 1/4″ dust port attachment. Skil backs this saw with a 5-year warranty.
The Skil PWRCore 20 series is designed with the prosumer in mind, but the Skil CR5440B-10 goes even further. Its performance shines through even during demanding tasks, and it receives high praise for its overall look and feel. At such an attractive price point, it’s hard to ignore. If you’re in the market for an affordable and competitive replacement for your old corded circular saw, the Skil PWRCore 20V 7 1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw is a compelling choice.