Drill Master Circular Saw

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing This Power Tool

The Drill Master Circular Saw is a popular choice for DIYers and professionals looking for an affordable and reliable power saw. With proper use and maintenance, this saw can tackle a variety of cutting jobs from construction projects to home renovation tasks.

Before purchasing the Drill Master Circular Saw, it is important to understand what sets this saw apart and how it performs for different applications. This buying guide provides a detailed overview of the saw’s features, specifications, accessories, and reviews to help you determine if it is the right circular saw for your needs.

What is the Drill Master Circular Saw?

The Drill Master Circular Saw is a compact and lightweight saw designed for straight and bevel cutting in wood, plastic, and light metals. It features a powerful 5.5 amp motor that delivers a no-load speed of 5,500 RPM for quick and efficient cuts.

This corded electric saw has a 6-1/2 inch carbide-tipped blade and offers a maximum cut depth of 1-11/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/16 inches at 45 degrees. The durable aluminum wraparound base provides stability and allows you to make cuts without a guide.

Harbor Freight Tools manufactures this circular saw as part of their Drill Master line of affordable power tools. It comes at a budget-friendly price point without sacrificing key performance features found in more expensive saws.

How Does the Drill Master Circular Saw Work?

The Drill Master Circular Saw works very similarly to other traditional corded circular saws. To operate it, you plug the saw into a standard 120V electrical outlet. Then adjust the blade depth and bevel settings as needed for your cut.

Once powered on, the electric motor spins the circular saw blade at high speeds up to 5,500 RPM. As you guide the spinning blade through the material you are cutting, the sharp carbide teeth chip away to create a kerf or slot.

Key safety features include a blade guard that automatically retracts as the saw is lowered into the workpiece and snaps back over the blade as it exits the cut. An electric brake engages when power is disconnected to bring the blade to a quick stop.

Where Can I Buy the Drill Master Circular Saw?

The Drill Master Circular Saw is sold exclusively through Harbor Freight Tools either online or at one of their retail stores located throughout the United States.

Harbor Freight frequently runs promotions that allows you to pick up this saw for $29.99 or less when using a coupon. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly circular saws available from a national retailer.

You can also often find refurbished models available through Harbor Freight’s used tools site. These certified pre-owned saws undergo rigorous inspection and reconditioning while still providing significant cost savings.

What Features Does the Drill Master Circular Saw Offer?

For a saw at such an affordable price point, the Drill Master Circular Saw actually boasts some impressive features:

• Powerful 5.5 amp motor delivers 5,500 RPM for fast cutting
• 6-1/2 inch carbide-tipped blade with 24 teeth for smooth cuts
• 1-11/16 in. max cut depth at 90° and 1-5/16 in. at 45°
• Aluminum wraparound base for stability and straight cuts
• 45° bevel capacity with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°
• Spindle lock for easy blade changes
• ADT advanced torque technology limits blade stalling
• Dust blower keeps cut line clear
• Safety lock-off switch helps prevent accidental starts
• Built-in cord clip stores excess cord neatly

While not loaded with bells and whistles, this saw does provide the key functionality most DIYers need for general home and hobbyist projects.

How Do I Change the Blade on the Drill Master Circular Saw?

Changing blades on the Drill Master Circular Saw is a quick and straightforward process:

1. Unplug the saw from its power source.
2. Locate the spindle lock button above the trigger switch. Press and hold it in.
3. While holding the spindle lock, use the included wrench to loosen and remove the arbor bolt and outer blade flange.
4. Remove the blade from the spindle shaft.
5. Install the new blade, matching the directional arrows printed on the blade.
6. Replace the outer flange and arbor bolt. Tighten securely.
7. Release the spindle lock and test that the new blade rotates freely by spinning it by hand.

The saw uses a standard 7/8-inch arbor size so you can swap out the factory blade for specialized blades like plywood, finishing, and thin kerf blades.

What are the Specifications of the Drill Master Circular Saw?

Here are the key specifications for the Harbor Freight Drill Master Circular Saw:

• Motor: 5.5 amp, 120V, 4500 RPM no load speed
• Blade Capacity: 6-1/2′′ carbide tipped blade with 24 teeth
• Max Cutting Depth: 1-11/16′′ at 90°, 1-5/16′′ at 45°
• Bevel Capacity: 50° with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°
• Dimensions: 17-3/4′′ L x 7-1/2′′ W x 7-3/4′′ H
• Weight: 7 lbs

It has a standard blade arbor size of 7/8′′ with a 5/8′′ bore diameter. The saw’s aluminum wraparound base measures 12-1/4′′ x 12-1/4′′ providing stability for manual control.

An included 120V power cord connects to the motor via a molded plug with an L5-20 locking connector to prevent accidental disconnections.

Is the Drill Master Circular Saw Worth It?

For light duty cutting projects where you need an basic circular saw, the Drill Master model provides excellent value. Between its low price point, adequate power, and straightforward features, it delivers good bang for your buck.

The saw performs well for everything from rough cutting deck boards to breaking down plywood sheets. It can handle lighter framing and remodeling jobs as long as you don’t overload it. The solid metal wraparound base stays stable during use.

Keep in mind the plastic body and components are not as durable as metals used on pricier saws. With proper care and avoiding overworking it, though, it should hold up fine for most hobbyist needs. For professionals or avid DIYers, spending more on a premium saw may be warranted.

What Materials Can the Drill Master Circular Saw Cut?

This compact circular saw is designed to cut through:

• Plywood – Its thin 6-1/2″ blade can rip full sheets down to size. Use a fine-tooth plywood blade for smooth cuts.
• Dimensional lumber – It powers through 2x4s and other standard construction lumber. Go slowly in thicker hardwoods to avoid overheating.
• OSB and particle board – The carbide-tipped blade handles composite woods with lots of glues easily.
• Plastics – Acrylic, PVC, ABS and other plastics up to 3/8″ thick can be cut cleanly. Use a fine blade to reduce chipping.
• Thin metals – Sheet aluminum and other non-ferrous metals under 18 gauge can be cut. Don’t try to cut structural steel.

Avoid cutting masonry, concrete, or other dense materials. This could quickly overpower the motor or damage the blade. For optimal performance, stick to natural and composite woods.

How Much Does the Drill Master Circular Saw Cost?

The regular retail price for the Drill Master Circular Saw is $59.99 at Harbor Freight Tools stores and online. However, since the model is often on promotion, it is fairly easy to pick it up for around $29.99 or less with a coupon.

Refurbished versions are sometimes available on Harbor Freight’s used tools website for $20-25. These factory reconditioned saws come with a 90 day warranty and provide even more value.

At full price, this saw costs about the same as other builders grade circular saws with similar performance and features. When purchased at a discounted or refurbished price, it becomes one of the most budget-friendly options on the market.

The low purchase price plus ability to use generic replacement blades makes the long term cost of ownership very reasonable as well.

What Do Reviews Say About the Drill Master Circular Saw?

With thousands of customer reviews available online, the consensus is that the Drill Master Circular Saw provides very good value considering its affordable price. Many praise its adequate power and solid performance for typical DIY cutting jobs.

The saw earns above average marks for making straight and bevel cuts, cutting depth, and smooth operation. It performs well when used within its limitations and not overloaded on thick hardwoods. Reviewers mention the plastic body feels slightly flimsy but holds up fine to normal wear and tear.

Some users report needing to replace the factory blade to get optimal cuts. Many recommend using a fine-tooth finishing blade for added smoothness.

Overall, most customers agree this budget-friendly saw exceeds expectations and serves as a great starter saw or backup option for homeowners. While not built for daily professional use, it handles light duty home projects reliably well.

How Do I Troubleshoot the Drill Master Circular Saw?

Here are tips for resolving common issues with the Drill Master Circular Saw:

• Saw won’t start – Check that you have secure power connection, no damage to the cord, and that any safety locks are disabled. Try a different outlet.
• Blade slowing down during cut – Avoid overloading saw by taking too aggressive of a cut. Use sharp blade designed for your material.
• Excessive wobble/vibration – Confirm arbor bolt is tight. Check blade is not warped and runs true. Ensure base rests flat on workpiece.
• Cut veers off line – Verify blade is sharp and no damage to teeth. Guide saw gently via the wraparound base without forcing it.
• Blade loosens during use – Tighten blade, flange and arbor bolt sufficiently. Check components are not worn or damaged. Use manufacturer’s specified hardware.
• Burn marks on workpiece – Reduce feed rate through material to prevent friction burning. Lubricate blade or use lower TPI blade.
• Saw stops mid-cut – Avoid overworking saw on very dense materials it cannot handle. Check brushes and connections are clean.

What Safety Features Does the Drill Master Circular Saw Have?

The Drill Master Circular Saw incorporates these essential safety features:

• Blade guard – Retracts as saw is lowered then covers blade when exiting cut
• Electric brake – Stops blade quickly when power is disengaged
• Lock-off switch – Prevents accidental startup when not engaged
• Anti-torque technology – Limits sudden blade jams that can kickback saw
• Rubber grip – Provides secure grip of saw body during use
• Short cord – Only has length needed to prevent tripping hazard
• Cord clip – Confines loose cord while working

Always wear eye protection and avoid contacting the coasting blade when finished cutting to prevent injuries. Keep hands safely away from the exposed blade during operation.

How Powerful is the Drill Master Circular Saw?

The Drill Master Circular Saw has a 5.5 amp motor that produces a no-load speed of 5,500 RPM. This amount of power makes it suitable for:

• Ripping dimensional lumber and plywood
• Cross-cutting 2x material up to 45-50mm thick
• Cutting sheet stock down to size
• Slotting and grooving softwoods and plastics
• Tackling small home remodeling jobs
• Trimming cabinetry and doors

The saw should easily slice through kiln dried framing lumber in a single pass. It can handle some green or wet lumber but may struggle in very dense exotic hardwoods. Don’t expect to fly through thick stock quickly. Allowing the blade do the work by advancing slowly gives best results.

For light duty home DIY projects, the power enables decent capacity without being overkill. For heavy duty work, a more powerful 15+ amp saw is recommended.

What is the Warranty on the Drill Master Circular Saw?

Harbor Freight provides a limited 1 year warranty from date of purchase on the Drill Master Circular Saw. This protects against defects in materials and workmanship, subject to inspection by Harbor Freight.

In order to receive warranty service, you must provide proof of purchase within the valid warranty period. Regular wear and tear, misuse, and abuse are excluded from coverage. The warranty is not transferable and only applies to the original purchaser.

Users report Harbor Freight provides good support honoring the warranty if any issues arise with normal use within 1 year. As a factory direct tool retailer, they handle exchanges efficiently.

Extended protection plans up to 3 years can also be purchased through Harbor Freight for extra peace of mind.

How Do I Maintain the Drill Master Circular Saw?

To get the best performance and life from your Drill Master Circular Saw, follow these tips:

• Blow out dust using compressed air after each use so it does not build up
• Tighten any loose hardware to prevent vibration and wear
• Inspect the blade before cutting for damage, sharpness, and cleanliness
• Check the brushes inside the motor periodically and replace if needed
• Lubricate the blade periodically with blade wax to prevent binding and corrosion
• Clean the upper vents on the motor to allow cooling airflow
• Store saw in a clean, dry location to prevent rust and deterioration

Also avoid using the saw for prolonged periods at maximum capacity. Allow the saw to completely cool after heavy duty use before starting it again.

Can the Drill Master Circular Saw Cut Metal?

While designed primarily for wood, the Drill Master Circular Saw can make limited cuts in thin non-ferrous metals like aluminum sheeting with the proper blade.

Use a fine-tooth carbide blade specifically designed for cutting metal. You want small gullet capacities and a low TPI like 40-80 teeth. Minimize feed rate to prevent melting the metal. Lubricating the cut may help.

Avoid cutting steel, iron or other ferrous metals. The saw lacks the power, torque, and blade metallurgy to cut thick or structural metal. Attempting to do so would likely bind up the saw and damage the blade.

For deeper metal cuts, a metal chop saw using an abrasive blade is better suited than a standard circular saw. For steel, an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel is recommended over a circular saw.

What is the Cutting Depth of the Drill Master Circular Saw?

The Drill Master Circular Saw has an impressive maximum cutting depth for a small saw of its class.

It can cut:

• 1-11/16 inches at a 90° angle
• 1-5/16 inches at a 45° bevel

This decent depth of cut allows the saw to tackle many common cutting tasks from ripping 2×4’s to cutting down full plywood sheets. While not meant for heavy framing work, it provides ample capacity for general DIY projects.

Note that the actual depth decreases when using a blade with a thinner kerf. For example, thin kerf blades optimize cut precision but max depth is reduced to around 1-1/2 inches.

How Does the Drill Master Circular Saw Compare to Other Brands?

The Drill Master model matches up well against other basic circular saws in the $50-100 range including:

• Craftsman – Nearly identical specs but costs 2-3 times more
• Ryobi – Comparable power and performance for less money
• Skil – Skil saw has sightly better blade control due to worm drive
• Kobalt – Very similar balance of price and capabilities

It lags behind professional grade saws like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita in terms of longevity, accuracy, torque, and advanced features. However, these pro models can run 3-5x the cost.

Overall, the value provided by the Drill Master saw makes it very competitive for what most homeowners need in an affordable, corded circular saw for DIY use.

How Do I Set Up the Drill Master Circular Saw?

1. Review the instruction manual for safety notices and proper use guidance.
2. Inspect the blade for damage or dull teeth before use. Replace if needed.
3. Mount the blade by first depressing the spindle lock then tightening the arbor bolt securely.
4. Adjust the bevel to your desired angle up to 45° using the large rotary dial.
5. Set the blade depth for the thickness of your work material.
6. Plug in to power, hold securely, position the saw at your cut line.
7. Initiate cuts gradually, let the blade work through the material as you gently guide it.
8. Engage the safety lock when finished using the saw.

Take the time to make small sample cuts in scrap material to get a feel for the saw before tackling actual work pieces.

Are There any Accessories for the Drill Master Circular Saw?

The Drill Master Circular Saw is ready to use out of the box for most cutting jobs. However, Harbor Freight does sell some optional accessories:

• Replacement blades – Choose specialty carbide blades for specific materials.
• Parallel edge guides – Allow straight rip cuts without a table.
• Dust collection bags – Attach to saw to collect sawdust.
• Anti-slip pads – Adhere to base for smooth action on materials.
• Extra arbor bolt – For quick blade changes.
• Carrying bag – Protects saw during transport.

Many aftermarket accessories like higher quality Diablo blades made for Harbor Freight saws also readily fit the Drill Master model.

With the saw’s standard wraparound base plus an upgraded blade, you can tackle most home DIY projects without needing additional add-ons right away. Expand your accessories over time as needs arise.

Conclusion

For budget-conscious shoppers, the Drill Master Circular Saw packs a lot of value and capability into an affordable, compact package. While not meant for industrial use, it delivers ample power and performance for light jobs around the house or garage. Following proper safety practices and taking the time to master control of the saw goes a long way to getting clean, accurate cuts. With the right technique and application, this saw outperforms expectations and earns its reputation as a top bargain buy.