METABO HPT 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw (C7SB3)

METABO is a fairly new name on the block for hobbyist woodworkers.  That’s because it used to be Hitachi, a brand we’re all familiar with.  Nothing has really changed with the tools.  It’s just traded ownership but it’s still the same tool company.  Sharp eyes will notice striking similarities between older Hitachi models and newer METABO models (they’re the same, that’s why).

METABO continues their 7-1/4″ circular saw that provides the standard 15 amps to the blade.  Speaking of the blade, it works but it’s basic.  We love Diablo’s 60T 7-1/4″ blade since it does wonders for tearout and smoothness of cut.  Cutting capacity at 90 degrees is almost 2-1/2″ so standard 2x4s and sheet goods shouldn’t present any problems.

Blade depth is controlled by a locking lever.  Exact depth placement is a bit of a guessing game since there’s no integrated measurement.  This isn’t a big deal since you can eyeball the cutting depth but it’s a nice feature we’ve seen on other circular saws.

We like the integrated dust blower.  Circular saws cut by spinning the blade backwards (from below the workpiece).  This throws sawdust upwards so the blower is a welcome reprieve from debris accumulation on the cut line.  The saw can bevel to 45 degrees and beyond; all the way to 55 degrees, in fact.  We’ve never needed this intense of a bevel but it’s nice to know it’s capable for those rare scenarios.