For most people who work with any tool types, what matters most is the quality of work and the results they get. In this case, what calls the shots is the type of tool, the process one goes through to get it, and its performance. However, even as one makes the effort, there’s always a challenge in getting the right tool.
For workpiece cutting, the most common tool is a saw. With the different types, however, one needs to focus better for them to pick the right one. In light of that, this article sought to explore two types of these tools, that is, a skill saw vs. circular saw, explore their varied features, and similarities and differences.
What is A Skill Saw?
A skill saw is defined as a power saw designed with a rapidly rotating and toothed disc. The name originated from around the turn of the 20th Century (1923-1924) when Edmond Michel and his partner Joseph Sullivan joined hands as business partners. Their partnership was mainly to manufacture and market the worm-drive saw that Edmond had invented in 1923.
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1. Editor's Pick
- Lightest magnesium construction reduces user fatigue for less down time
- Cut-ready depth of cut system helps with quick, accurate depth measurements
- 53° bevel allows users to complete a wider variety of cuts
- 15 Amp of power gives users the power to rip through more lumber in less time
- The anti-snag lower guard provides smooth operation for small cut-off pieces
2. Budget Pick
- Powerful 15 Amp motor and durable worm drive gears for pro performance and long life.
- Cut-ready depth-of-cut system helps with quick accurate depth adjustments.
- Multi-function wrench for a variety of uses on the jobsite and conveniently stores in the foot.
- 51 degree bevel allows users to complete a wide variety of cuts.
3. Upgrade Pick
- 6-1/4 inch cutting capacity for one-and-donE, clean cuts through 6x and lumber up to 6-1/4 inch thick
- Largest capacity worm drive circular saw that delivers relentless power for the biggest jobs
- Tough, durable magnesium die-cast footplate ensures accurate cuts every time; All magnesium construction for durability and reduced weight
- 15 AMP Dual-Field motor keeps the motor cooler to provide increased power
- 16-5/16 In. SKIL blade to make perfect cuts right out of the box
4. Good choice
- 20 amp switch and heavy gauge cord
- Anti-Snag Lower Guard reduces snags
- Die-cast aluminum motor and gear housings for durability
- Push button blade lock for easy blade changes
- Two position saw hook for safe rafter placement
5. Also great
- Magnesium housing, guards and footplate for light weight and high performance
- Dual-Field motor for cool operation and longevity
- 53° precision beveling with stops at 45° and 22.5°
- Depth of cut at 90° is 2 3/8in.
- Depth of cut at 45° is 1 31/32in.
Together, the duo started a company, the Michel Electric Handsaw Company, which was later renamed to Skilsaw Inc. They also went ahead and filed for patents for the saw. The name of the saw was, eventually adopted from the company’s name.
Skilsaw Inc. produced their first generation saw with a worm drive. Over the time, the name Skil has been used to refer to any handheld circular saw since Skilsaw Inc. was the pioneer manufacturer of those saws.
In recent decades, there has been an upsurge in the production of such kind of saws. Even though the tendency of using the name skill saw on them is lessening, people are yet to adapt to using the actual brand names for the saws.
What is A Circular Saw?
A circular saw is a power tool that’s used for cutting different materials, mostly timber to make lumber. The saw is designed with an abrasive disc or blade with sawing teeth and cuts the materials by way of a rotary motion spinning around an arbor.
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1. Editor's Pick
- Powerful Makita-built electronically controlled BL Motor delivers 5,000 RPM for faster cutting and ripping
- Automatic Speed Change technology adjusts cutting speed and torque during cut for optimum performance
- The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
- The electronically-controlled BL Brushless Motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
2. Budget Pick
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3. Upgrade Pick
- Efficient hypoid gears deliver more power and greater surface contact than conventional worm drive gears.
- Powerful 15 AMP motor for increased productivity.
- Oil bath technology and sealed gear housing for less maintenance.
- 0º - 51.5º bevel capacity with positive stops at 45º and 51.5º is ideal for truss and rafter cut-outs.
- High quality, heat treated hypoid gears are engineered for long lasting performance.
4. Good choice
- EASY GRIP: Rubber overmold makes it easy for you to grip and control this tool, even in slippery conditions
- LASER GUIDE: The tool generates a red line on the work surface in front of the saw upon the tool’s activation, letting you see where you’re working
- ADJUSTMENT: Easy-access knobs let you adjust your depth up to 1 9/16 inches and your beveling angle from 0 to 50 degrees
- ONE+ COMPATIBLE: This tool is compatible with many Ryobi battery, including the P100, P101, P102, P103, P104, P105, P107, and P108
- INCLUDED BLADE AND BLADE WRENCH: A 5 1/2 inch blade, tipped with carbide to reduce corrosion and wear, is included. The wrench used to remove the blade is included in a slot on the tool
5. Also great
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The first circular saw was produced in the late 18th Century and became a common tool in sawmills around the United States mid-19th Century. It’s now widely used for cutting wood, plastic, metal, or masonry materials either while mounted or handheld.
The saw has also grown to be one of the most preferred due to the convenience it brings along. The user only needs to adjust the height and depth by lining the saw up to where they want it to make the cut. The saw is then pushed with enough force to make the cuts as it glides along or across the surface of the workpiece.
For most professionals and DIYers, the circular saw is one of the top-trending tools they must have. Its versatility allows the user to do more, be it cutting wood or even harder materials like stone and plastic. So, an individual who wants to cut lumber can also depend on the circular saw’s prowess.
As mentioned earlier, it’s worth noting that the term “Skil saw” has for long been a generic trademark for conventional handheld circular saws.
Commonly, the term “circular saw” is used to refer to the handheld type of the circular saw franchise. Other types include the table saw and chop saw.
Circular saw vs skill saw
From the 19th Century, the term skill saw has been widely used to refer to all circular saws since the onset of the first designs made by the Skilsaw Inc. company. As of today, the two are more or less the same only that the names are used based on the brand.
A skill saw, in this case, is a circular saw produced by the Skilsaw company.
Types of Circular Saws
Apart from the handheld circular saws, other saw models that use circular saw blades include:
- Abrasive Saw: - this type is also called a a miter saw is different to a circular saw. and features a circular blade. The saw is typically used for cutting hard materials such as tiles, metals, and concrete. The saw cuts the materials using an abrasive disc that is similar to a thin grinding wheel.
- Miter saw: - a miter saw is different to a circular saw. It's a power tool used for making accurate miters and crosscuts in a workpiece. The design is for the user to pull a large mounted circular saw blade or large backsaw downwards on a board in quick motions to make a cut.
- Carbide Saw: - this tools features tooth made from cemented carbide and has other types like carbide hot and carbide ring saws.
- Cold saw: - circular saws with options of corded and cordless is designed for cutting metal and uses toothed blade which transfers the heat generated by the cutting process to the chips that are created by the saw blade.
- Concrete saw: - a concrete saw is used for cutting masonry, asphalt, concrete, tile, bricks, and other solid materials. Its types include big walk-behind, chop-saw, and small handheld saws.
- Table saw: - this is a woodworking tool that consists of a circular saw blade usually mounted on an arbor and driven by an electric motor. The mechanism allows the blade to protrude through the surface of a table surface to provide support for the material being cut.
- Flip over saws:- these types of saws are usually a combination of a table saw and compound miter saw.
Other common circular saws include the biscuit joiner saw, brushcutter saw, multi-tool saw, panel saw, pendulum, radial arm, sally, and swing blade saws.
Modern Handheld Circular Saw
The circular saw (or skill saw, depending on the term you’re comfortable with) is used generally for cutting small boards. It’s a handheld tool but not one to scoff at. Despite it being small, it’s powerful and packs a huge punch. Also, the versatility it offers has seen it replace other larger saws over time.
Precision
When it comes to precision, the circular saw is an almost perfect replacement for the table saw. It only takes a few measurements to make accurate cuts even in long and thick workpieces. If you want miter cuts, you will only need to align the shoe of the saw and then push. For beveled cuts, you only toy around with the bevel gauge until you get the right angle and then push the blade through the workpiece.
Speed cutting
The circular saw also boasts of speed cutting to fit the user’s desired speeds. It can also be used on a board or even on the ground. It only needs to be slightly elevated to give it enough clearance to pass through the boards in just one pass.
Portability
The saw also brings along the ease of portability for people who keep on moving from one workspace to another. With it, you can change job sites with ease without the worry of storage and transportation. Also, since it’s a lightweight design tool, you can go with it to where the materials are instead of the vice versa.
Safety
The saws have evolved too and safety has been the top point of focus for most productions. On that note, they are evidently more secure to use compared to the likes of the old radial arm and table saws.
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Things to Consider Before Buying This Tool
The industry has in recent past seen an influx in the number of designs of skill and circular saws. The number has multiplied too with the number of manufacturer’s growing by the day. With such statistics, you can never be assured of landing your desired saw unless you follow a checklist like the following:
Blade Size
Saws are usually categorized by the diameter their blades cover. The most common diameters sizes are 7 and ¼ inch and such blades will cut through materials measuring more than 3-inces in thickness. While shopping for one, therefore, you should make sure to base your decision on the exact needs and the size and type of materials.
Power
The other consideration is the power the saw produces since it affects the performance as well as the results. The power, in this case, is expressed in amperage and the standard amperes nowadays are up to 15-Amp. Depending on your needs and how often you want to use the saw, the amperages may differ and your decision here will also be based on the exact applications you intend it for.
Cordless or Corded
Each power tool has its source of power, either electric or battery. The same case applies to skill and circular saws with options of corded and cordless.
If your workshop has outlets and the needs demand so, you can go for a corded-electric saw. You will, in this case, need power adaptors, sockets, and extensions just in case you need them. If you’re usually on a mobile basis, a cordless option may be the best bet for you. A point to note is that the prices for these options will be varied and should be considered beforehand too.
The Blades
Different saws are designed with varied blade types. Most of the newer brands have carbide-tipped all-purpose wood-cutting blades even though other designs still exist. Even though this is the only one you might need since its multipurpose, you might want to consider other options too until you get a fitting one.
If you need a saw for special purposes, you should get one without much of a hassle. For example, you can have a specialized metal, tile, wood, or concrete saw blade or for either of those materials. When it comes to the teeth, you can base the decision on how much work you intend to do with it.
Ergonomics
The overall design of the saw also matters and determines the comfort it delivers to the user. It’s important to note that all saws may look pretty much similar from a distance (except the color). However, the ergonomics can be different when you analyze them at a cross range.
To learn more about a specific saw, it would be advisable to visit your store or supplier and test several. Here, you can check how the handle feels in your hands, whether the weight is right for you, and whether the saw is balanced. You should also check the visibility of the blades, adjustment components, as well as other features.
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Safety Precautions While Using Power Saws
Observing the following safety precautions will help you operate your saws with no hazards:
- Always ensure to wear protective gear like eye glasses, ear-protective headphones, and gloves. Also, avoid wearing loose clothes.
- Steer clear of the blade while working.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the safe usage of the saw.
- For protection against dust and dirt particles, you should ensure to have a reliable dust collection system and especially if your saw does not come with one.
Care and Maintenance
In order for any tool to live long and still remain in service, it needs to be properly maintained. The same case applies to the saw and you should ensure to:
- Keep the saw safe from moisture to protect it from rush and rust agents.
- Prevent the saw from overheating.
- Use the saw only according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and for recommended purposes.
- Regularly clean the blades to remove the excess materials and dust after every sawing task.
Skill Saw Vs. Circular Saw: Which is Better?
While comparing the skill saw vs circular saw, it’s important to understand the dynamics behind each. It’s also important to note the history of each and how the designs have evolved. Also, it’s crucial to understand that a skill saw has also been for long used to refer to circular saws. This has been widely the case since most of the saws look similar to the ones the Skilsaw Inc. company has been producing.
References and Further Reading
- Skil - Wikipedia
- Types of circular saws – Wikipedia
- History of The Circular Saw – York Saw & Knife
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
