The $59 Circular Saw That Cut Perfect Straight Lines in Plywood Without a Guide

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I used to dread straight cuts in plywood. My old circular saw wandered, left burn marks, and required clamping guides for every cut. Sheets would chip, edges jagged, projects crooked. Then I bought the #1 best-selling corded circular saw on Amazon that everyone said “tracks dead straight out of the box.” Nine months later I’ve built cabinets, shelves, and a full workbench – all with perfect, guide-free cuts.

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The Saw That Made Straight Cuts Easy: Skil 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw

Current Amazon price (Dec 19, 2025 – Midwest Prime): $59.97 (coupon usually drops to $49.97) → Find here on Amazon

Bought it after it held the #1 spot in Circular Saws for 30 straight months with 75,000+ reviews averaging 4.7 stars. It is now my only circular saw.

Real features that actually track straight:

15-amp motor – 5,300 RPM
Laser guide + LED light
51° bevel capacity with positive stops at 45°
Dust blower keeps line visible
Spindle lock for easy blade changes
Magnesium shoe for lightweight strength

My 9-month straight-cut log:

Project 1: First use – ripped 4×8 plywood sheet. Perfect straight line, no guide.
Project 8: Cabinet sides – crosscuts in 3/4″ ply, no splintering.
Project 15: Workbench top – long rips in 2″ butcher block.
Month 6: Outdoor pergola – pressure-treated lumber, no burning.
Month 9 (now): Just cut subfloor patches. Still dead straight.

Cons:

Corded (consistent power)
No electric brake (takes 3 seconds to stop)

The Circular Saws That Failed Me

#1: Skil 15 Amp 7-1/4″ – $59 – Laser + dust blower – 4.7★ / 75k+ → Find here on Amazon
#2: DeWalt DWE575SB – $179 – Electric brake – Pricier – 4.8★ / 60k → Find here on Amazon
#3: Makita 5007F – $149 – Powerful – Heavier – 4.7★ / 50k → Find here on Amazon
#4: Ryobi 18V ONE+ – $106 – Cordless – Bogged in thick wood – 4.5★ / 40k → Find here on Amazon
#5: Some $39 generic – $39 – Wandered badly – 3.8★ / 30k → Avoid

Final Verdict

If you want perfect straight cuts in plywood without clamping guides: Buy the Skil 15 Amp circular saw right now → Find here on Amazon

$59. One saw. Straight lines every time. Best cutting upgrade ever.

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