SKILSAW 5680-02 Review

It may have taken 74 years, but there has finally been a circular saw designed specifically for DIYers. That circular saw is the 5680-02 circular saw from SKILSAW. It’s packed with handy features every DIYer will find useful, such as laser levelling, a 51 degree bevel, safety locks, and a wide foot plate. It’s every DIYers dream saw and it comes in weighing only 13 pounds with 2.5 horsepower.

The 13 pounds and 7 ¼ inch length make the SKILSAW 5680-02 slightly smaller and more lightweight than previous models, but without sacrificing any power or manoeuvrability. Shaving down the size of a circular saw without sacrificing power is never easy, but SKILSAW managed to do so nicely. Inside the small package is a 15-amp 2.5 horsepower motor. Enough to easily cut through any different type of wood.

Despite the smaller size, it actually has a wider foot with improved stability. The increased size of the foot allows for improved accuracy when making those tough cuts. The laser guide also makes cutting a straight line easier than it has ever been. Safety was also an important part of the design process. The trigger is guarded and a new safety lock greatly reduces the likelihood of an accidental start.Using The Laser Line

Most DIYer will agree that laser guided circular saws are the best thing since sliced bread. Even if you don’t agree with that statement, there’s no arguing the accuracy and usefulness of the laser guide itself. The 5680-02 isn’t the first circular saw to use a laser line, but it’s surprisingly accurate compared to some other models reviewed in the past. You simply can’t use the laser on some circular saws because they are too inaccurate, but the laser on the 5680-02 is stable and accurate throughout the entire cutting process.

The laser isn’t very powerful, but its 5 mW is enough to provide a clearly visible line without increasing energy consumption. It conforms to regulations, such as the CFR 1040.11. It’s not the best laser on the market, but it’s enough to get the job done without spiking the price. It’s just enough for the DIYer, the target user of the 5680-02.

Safety Features.

No circular saw is complete without state-of-the-art safety features. Anything the manufacturer can do to make operating the saw safer without seriously encumbering the operator is a good thing. The safety features on the 5680-02 protect not only the operator, but the wood being cut as well.
The safety switch is a key part of the safety design and another part of the saw that was designed for the DIYer instead of the professional. Most professional contractors don’t like having safety switches in their way every time they make a cut, but they are perfect for the DIYer who might not have as much experience operating the power tool.

The safety switch is there to prevent accidental starts of the saw. An accidental start can damage the wood or harm the individual operating the saw. The safety switch must be disengaged by holding the button on either side of the handle as the power button is pressed.

Other Useful Features.

There are a few more features that make the 5680-02 a great circular saw for the avid DIYer. Most of these features have been seen before on other saws and might not be groundbreaking, but that doesn’t take away from their useful. The power indicator light is one such example of a useful feature that’s not as common as it should be. The light can be equally useful for contractors or DIYers. A DIYer might have a long project that takes up an entire weekend. The light is there to remind them that the circular saw is live and receiving power. The light turns on when the saw is plugged into the wall.

The 51 degree bevel is another helpful feature. It also features a positive stop of 45 degree. This allows for more accuracy with your cuts as well as for a larger range of possible cuts. Not everyone will need to bevel up to 51 degrees, but it’s still a very useful feature to have in case you do. Together, these different features create an accurate and reliable circular saw built for DIYer with enough power to handle any job around the home.