Isn't it nice to live in a time when even the most basic, least expensive circular saws come equipped with a laser? For around 55 bucks, the Black & Decker CS 1030L circular saw is a great value, and it offers several noteworthy features, not the least of which is an onboard laser. It projects a highly visible beam that blazes a precise trail, whether you're facing a straight cut or turning a corner. When you're dealing with view-obscuring sawdust or less than ideal lighting conditions, having that laser can really make all the difference.

The saw is run by a 13-amp motor, which provides a moderate amount of power and torque, propelling the blade up to 5,000 rpm. It's designed to cut wood up to 2-3/8 inches at 90 degrees and up to 1-13/16 inches at 45 degrees. The 7-1/4-inch 18-tooth carbide "Piranha" blade is fine for everyday jobs, but additional teeth would provide an even smoother cutting performance. The bevel adjustment can be set from zero to 45 degrees, which is fairly standard for a circular saw. This unit has a kerf indicator, so you can align the blade for more accurate cuts. It's got a calibrated depth adjustment, which lets you consistently and accurately cut through materials of varying thickness.

We appreciate the professional-friendly bail handle, which gives the user an added amount of control, and the soft grips. The 6-foot cord is very limiting, though. We'd like to see a much longer one on this model. That's not a deal-breaker, though. For the price, this tool offers an impressive combination of performance, features and value, which is why it earns Consumer Guide's Budget Buy designation. The Black & Decker CS 1030L laser circular saw is covered by a 2-year warranty.


Pros: Onboard laser, inexpensive
Cons: 6-foot cord, moderate power