The Hitachi Circular saw is not a tool that is made for frequent carpentry use. If you have occasional work that you need a saw for and don't want to invest a lot of money in your tools, this is a saw that will fit your budget and your sawing needs. Others in the same price range lack some of the important features including the lever locks that are used for blade height and angle adjustment instead of wing nuts. It also has an aluminum construction that makes it lighter and easier to handle.

I do a lot of different types of projects that require me to change blades frequently and the blade lock feature makes it fast and easy to go back and forth. However, the blade guard retracting lever is made of plastic that makes it seem less reliable.

The saw has a 15 amp motor which makes it powerful enough for the biggest jobs I do. It is also fairly comfortable to use because of the lightweight construction and the soft rubber grip handle. One of the best things this saw has going for it is the Hitachi name and the five-year warranty that it comes with.

The carbon brush is replaceable and the base bevels from 0-55 degrees with positive stops at 1 and 45 degrees. I like that the depth of cut and bevel adjustments are both easy to use without the aid of any tools. What the saw doesn't have is an electric brake that is essential for many workers. It also doesn't offer a depth-adjustment scale so if you can't determine from looking, this can be an important point.

The saw comes with a standard 24-tooth carbide blade and it even includes the carrying case although it is a snug fit. Although this saw comes recommended as a tool for contractors, it really doesn't have the features that most contractors are looking for. However, it is a powerful saw that is easy to use and does a good job at cutting straight for those people like myself who only need a saw occasionally.

Although the Hitachi Circular Saw is lower in price compared to some other brands, shopping around will get you an even better deal. It is also made with the same quality Hitachi construction that the other models with more features are made with so that makes it an even better value. For more frequent use, you should probably pay the difference to upgrade to a model with more professional features.