What's the difference between an expensive circular saw and an inexpensive one?

[mugs]

I was at Lowe's looking at saws, and they range from $40-$200 (the $40 one being a Skil, which I wouldn't consider a no-name brand). What difference would there be between an inexpensive one and an expensive one (other than price, so don't waste your time posting that)? I wouldn't use one on a daily basis, so I'll probably go with one in the $60 range - is that a bad idea?

 

[m2kewl]

the difference are hospital visits

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Build quality, durability, precision, power of the motor....

 

[NutBucket]

What are you going to be doing with it?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

The more expensive ones may have a more powerful motor or laser sights for more exact cuts, for example.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

The biggest difference is in the bearings. One will a decade if you use it one day a month. The other will last 5 years if you use it 60 hours a week.

 

[Rage187]

3 fingers or 5

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
The biggest difference is in the bearings. One will a decade if you use it one day a month. The other will last 5 years if you use it 60 hours a week.

Yeah. I think that's why my dad finally had to buy a new one. His Black & Decker was so old it was in a green housing! Prolly had it a good 20 years of light-moderate use.

 

[TechnoKid]

Basically, it what Demon says, bearings, and the insulation of the motor and the amps the motor has.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
What are you going to be doing with it?

Cutting wood, mostly. Various projects around the house. First project is a bookshelf.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: mugsywwiii

Originally posted by: NutBucket
What are you going to be doing with it?

Cutting wood, mostly. Various projects around the house. First project is a bookshelf.

Then I wouldn't get one more then about $70 or so. It should serve you well for many years