Woodworking and Do It Yourself (DIY) home improvement and repair is full of jargon. It can be difficult to know what people are talking about and what tool is supposed to be used for what job. You may have heard people refer to a skill saw or a circular saw and not really understand what they mean. So, circular saw vs skill saw, what is the difference?
Skill saw vs circular saw: In short a Skill saw is a type of circular saw. In the past people used to use the term skill saw to mean the same as circular saw. This is because ‘Skill saw’ the company was one of the early makers of circular saws and brand skill saw was used to mean the same as a circular saw. Nowadays skill saw (actually spelled Skilsaw) still make circular saw but there are many other companies that make them too.
Difference between circular saw and Skill saw
A circular saw is a broad category of saws and a skill saw is a tool manufacturing brand Skil that was previously called “Skilsaw” and to this day still have the trademark “Skilsaw” on its circular saws.
During the 1930s, Skil released the Model E Skilsaw, the first generation saw with a worm drive.
Check out a SKILSAW SPT77W-01 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw here.
Initially skill saw name was commonly used to mean a ‘worm drive’ circular saw but later was also used as a name for all types of circular saws including the sidewinder models. However, sidewinder models were developed by Porter Cable which is a completely different company.
Related: Worm drive vs sidewinder (direct drive) vs hypoid circular saws
What is a circular saw used for?
A circular saw is a power operated hand saw that uses a toothed or abrasive spinning disc blade to cut through various materials. A drill hole saw attachment (like this Dewalt 18 piece hole saw set) and ring saw also use a rotary motion but are different from a circular saw.
Related: What is a circular saw
Related: Rip cut vs cross cut
How do you use a Skill saw?
A Skill Saw or Skilsaw is used just like any other worm drive circular saw. Generally worm drive circular saws are considered easier to use for cutting long straight lines as the handle is at the back of the saw and the user can push the saw along more easily.
About Skil
SKIL & SKILSAW are owned by Chervon Ltd. During the post-war era, the company expanded and began producing bench top tools and tools for a do-it-yourself audience. The company name was changed from SKILSAW Inc. to SKIL Corporation in 1952.
In November 2014, SKIL rebranded, making SKILSAW the brand serving professionals in construction and SKIL the brand serving consumer DIYers.
Other tools that Skil make
SKIL makes a range of power tools including both worm drive saws and sidewinder circular saws, benchtop & table saws, cheaper cordless drills, sanders, Power Screwdrivers, Jigsaws, Sanders, Routers, Reciprocating Saws, Benchtop Grinders etc..
SKIL also make accessories such as Batteries & Chargers, Drill Bits, Router Bits, Hole Saw Drill attachments, Circular Saw Blades, Screwdriver Bits for Power Drills, Oscillating Tool Blades, Jigsaw Blades & Accessories, Grinders, Worm Drive Parts, Scroll/Band Saw Blades, Sanding accessories, & Reciprocating Saw Blades.
Best Circular Saws Under $50
Want to buy a circular saw but not spend a lot? Check out my review of the best circular saws under $50 here:
Best Reciprocating Saw
Another great DIYer tool is a Reciprocating Saw! Check out my review of reciprocating saws here:
Best Miter Saws
Another tool that every serious woodworker needs is a miter saw! Check out my review of miter saws here:
Best Cabinet Table Saw Review
If you have a larger budget and want a serious table saw you can check out my review of hybrid and cabinet table saws here:
Share this Post
