Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is a replacement for Skil's popular older models 5680-01 and -02. The main differences between this model and the older ones: -- about 15% lighter - 9.5 vs 11.2 pounds (with blade, cord & wrench, 8.7 without). -- shaft lock added to make changing blades easier. -- a little more power than the 5680-01 (15 Amp and 2.5 HP vs 14 Amp and 2.3 HP). -- a little more bevel capacity than the 5680-01 (51 vs 45 degrees maximum). The thing I like most about this is the lighter weight. If you cut a lot, it becomes very noticeable. It has plenty of power for ordinary uses like easily cutting 2x4s, 1.5" planks, plywood, etc. The maximum cut depth is just under 2-1/2 inches. The blade guard retracts smoothly. The sawdust blower keeps a clean cut line. The laser line guide is handy for more easily insuring the cut is on line. It puts a red line from the front of the saw to a couple feet out (more in dim light). It isn't very easy to see in direct bright sunlight, though. You can turn it on and off as needed. The safety button that you have to push to pull the start trigger is easy enough to use with one hand. The saw has a one-year repair-or-replace warranty for home use, 90 days for professional use. Pros: -- lightweight for its type/power. -- good power and speed of rotation (5300 rpm) -- sturdy body construction for home use -- laser line guide to easily see if blade is on cut line. -- sawdust blower keeps cut line visible. -- smooth blade guard operation. -- trigger and handle hole are large enough to easily use with gloves on. -- easy-to-use safety button to prevent accidental startup. -- torque clutch to help lessen risk of kickback. -- positive bevel stop at 45 degrees. -- power indicator light on top. -- onboard wrench and shaft lock for ease of changing blades. -- comes with a standard Skil Carbide 5/8" 24-tooth blade, a popular if inexpensive most-purpose blade. -- comes with adequately sturdy, lightly padded, zippered black nylon carrying bag with a bright red Skil logo. Cons: -- no electric brake, which would stop the saw blade after you release the trigger. (Many consider that a useful safety feature.) -- no built-in light to illuminate what you're cutting. -- steel base plate. Strong enough for ordinary use, but more easily bent if dropped or banged than aluminum or magnesium. If bent, the saw may not make straight cuts. Other points: -- maximum depth of cut at 90 degrees: 2-7/16 inches. At 45 degrees: 1-15/16 inches. Depth is adjustable by loosening a screw, with a built-in depth guide. -- cord is 6 feet long, heavy duty, with clip on plug end. -- 10.75 (L) x 8.75 (W) x 6.4 (H) inches without the blade and with the blade guard retracted. With the blade and guard in place the height goes to 9.1 inches. The nonremovable cord is stiff enough to add at least another inch to the length.