Skil PWRCore 20 7 1/4-Inch Cordless Circular Saw Outshines Corded Counterparts
Skil has been a hallmark in the world of circular saws for many years and even introduced the concept of the circular saw to the market. Most recently, we got our hand on their 20V XP Brushless Rear Handle Circular Saw that proved you can achieve pro-level results without breaking the bank. Today, we’re taking a look at Skil’s latest 20V 7 1/4-Inch Cordless Circular Saw that features improved ergonomics over traditional sidewinders and some very impressive performance specs, to boot.
Skil Cordless Circular Saw Performance
- Blade Size: 7-1/4 in.
- No-Load Speed: 5300 RPM
- Cut Capacity at 90°: 2-5/8 in.
- Cut Capacity at 45°: 1-13/16 in.
- Arbour: 5/8 in.
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Max Bevel: 56°
Skil’s PWRCore 20 XP brushless motor powers its 7 1/4-inch blade up to 5,300 RPM. This allows it to tackle cuts in 3x lumber in a single pass. While 3x material isn’t a common type of lumber these days, this large cut capacity lets you rip up to three sheets of stacked 3/4-inch plywood.
The big deal here is definitely concerning its cutting capacity. Its max cutting depth of 2-5/8 inches is rivaled only by that of the Skil PWRCore 20 7 1/4-inch Rear Handle Circular Saw. In fact, that even puts it ahead of some of Skil’s corded and cordless worm drive circular saws.
As you would expect, the bevel and cut depth adjustments are tool free. The saw blade has a max bevel of 56° but Skil included a folding positive stop at 45° for quick adjustments on the fly.
Skil Cordless Circular Saw Design Notes
- Model: Skil CR5440B-10
- Power Source: Skil PWRCore 20 battery
- Weight: 7.2 lbs. (bare), 8.8 lbs. (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Aluminum Shoe and Blade Guard
- Dust Port: 1-1/4 in.
To help keep the saw’s weight in check, this saw features an aluminum shoe and blade guard rather than steel. Not only does this help with weight management, but the shoe glides smoothly across the cutting surface with ease.
The ergonomics are also fairly comfortable since Skil utilizes an offset front pommel grip rather than an inline design. This gives your arms a little more breathing room while making cuts. The CR5440 circular saws blade-right design provides an excellent sightline while making cuts with either hand. In addition, the bright white guide marks on the front of the shoe help you ensure the cut stays true.
Additional Features
- Folding rafter hook
- Onboard tool storage
- Electric brake
- Integrated dust blower
- LED work light
- Compatible with track guide
Skil Cordless Circular Saw Price
The Skil PWRCore 20 Cordless Circular Saw kit is set to retail for $169.99. This kit includes a 4.0Ah PWRCore 20 battery, a PWRJump charger, and a 1 1/4-inch dust port attachment. Skil backs this saw with a 5-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
The Skil PWRCore 20 lineup is primarily designed with the Prosumer in mind, but we believe the sights are set a little higher for the Skil CR5440B-10. Its performance didn’t waver during challenging cuts and its overall look and feel earned it some high marks from our team. Additionally, it’s very hard to ignore from a pure value standpoint, especially with such an attractive price tag. If you’re in the market for a competitive replacement for your old corded circular saw that’s also easy on the wallet, this isn’t one you’ll want to ignore.
