Hercules Circular Saw

As I stood in my cluttered garage last spring, staring at my ancient circular saw with its worn-out blade and fraying power cord, I knew it was time for an upgrade. What I didn’t know was that my quest for a new saw would lead me to discover what might be the DIY world’s best-kept secret: the Hercules Circular Saw. After six months of putting this tool through its paces on everything from basic 2x4s to intricate cabinetry work, I’m ready to share my comprehensive experience with fellow woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike.

My Journey to Finding the Perfect Circular Saw

Let me start by admitting something – I’m both budget-conscious and quality-obsessed. A dangerous combination when tool shopping! I’ve spent countless hours researching tools, reading reviews, and comparing specs to find that perfect balance between performance and price. When I first heard about Harbor Freight’s Hercules line, I was skeptical. Could a more affordable tool really compete with my contractor friends’ expensive DeWalts and Milwaukees?

The Hercules Circular Saw has completely transformed how I approach woodworking projects, delivering professional-grade results without the premium price tag. After using it for over 20 different projects ranging from deck building to fine furniture, I’m convinced it deserves serious consideration from both weekend warriors and seasoned pros.

What Exactly Is the Hercules Circular Saw?

For those unfamiliar, the Hercules Circular Saw is Harbor Freight’s professional-grade circular saw offering. It’s designed to compete directly with premium brands while maintaining a more accessible price point. But this isn’t just another budget tool – it’s built to handle serious woodworking and construction tasks.

The Hercules comes in both corded and cordless varieties, though the corded 7-1/4″ model (item #63623) is their flagship offering. This is the model I’ve been using and will focus on primarily in this review, though I’ll touch on the cordless version as well.

Key Features That Stand Out

When I first unboxed my Hercules, several features immediately caught my attention:

• Powerful 15-amp motor that delivers 5,500 RPM, providing clean, consistent cuts through even dense hardwoods
• Substantial die-cast aluminum base that provides excellent stability
• Ergonomic handle with comfortable overmold grip that reduces fatigue during all-day use
• Electronic brake that stops the blade quickly after releasing the trigger (a safety feature I’ve come to deeply appreciate)
• Integrated dust blower that keeps the cut line visible
• Bevel capacity of 56 degrees with positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees
• Maximum cutting depth of 2-7/16″ at 90 degrees and 1-13/16″ at 45 degrees
• Spindle lock for easy blade changes

The build quality impressed me right away. This doesn’t feel like a budget tool when you hold it – it has substantial weight (though not too heavy at about 10.5 pounds), minimal plastic parts in critical areas, and a professional-grade fit and finish.

Performance Comparison: How Does Hercules Stack Up Against DeWalt and Milwaukee?

This is the question everyone asks, and it’s a fair one. Before purchasing the Hercules, I had the opportunity to use both a DeWalt DWE575 and a Milwaukee 6390-21 on various job sites. These are both excellent saws with stellar reputations, so how does the Hercules compare?

Power and Cutting Performance

All three saws feature 15-amp motors, but there are subtle differences in how they deliver power. In my experience:

• The DeWalt felt slightly smoother when starting a cut
• The Milwaukee seemed to have marginally better torque when pushed through dense hardwoods
• The Hercules maintained consistent power throughout cuts, even when I was ripping long sections of maple for a bookshelf project

For most applications, I honestly couldn’t detect a meaningful performance difference. When I timed how long it took to make ten consecutive cuts through 2×12 pressure-treated lumber, all three saws were within seconds of each other.

Build Quality and Durability

After six months of regular use, my Hercules shows minimal wear. The base plate remains true with no bending or warping (a common issue with lower-quality saws). The depth and bevel adjustment mechanisms still operate smoothly.

The DeWalt and Milwaukee do have a slight edge in terms of refinement – their adjustment levers have a more positive “click” when locking, and their cords are a bit more flexible. But these are minor differences that don’t affect performance.

Precision and Accuracy

All three saws produce admirably straight cuts when paired with a good blade and straight edge. I’ve used my Hercules for some fairly precise cabinet work, and it’s performed beautifully. The line of sight to the blade is clear, and the included blade (more on that later) cuts cleanly with minimal tearout.

One area where the premium brands still have a slight advantage is in the base plate machining. Both the DeWalt and Milwaukee have perfectly flat bases right out of the box. My Hercules needed a very slight adjustment to ensure perfect 90-degree cuts, but once dialed in, it’s remained accurate.

The Verdict on Comparison

If price were no object, would I choose the Hercules over a DeWalt or Milwaukee? That’s a tough call. They’re remarkably close in performance. What I can say with confidence is that the Hercules delivers about 90-95% of the premium saw experience at roughly 60-70% of the cost. For most users, that’s an excellent value proposition.

Blade Details: Size, Changing Process, and Compatibility

The Hercules Circular Saw uses a standard 7-1/4″ blade with a 5/8″ arbor – the most common size for full-sized circular saws. This is great news because it means you can use virtually any 7-1/4″ blade on the market, from budget options to premium blades.

The Stock Blade

The saw comes with a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade that’s surprisingly good for a stock blade. It’s suitable for general construction and ripping cuts in dimensional lumber. For my first month, I used only the included blade and found it adequate for most tasks, though it did struggle a bit with clean crosscuts in plywood.

Changing the Blade

Changing blades on the Hercules is straightforward thanks to the spindle lock feature:

1. Unplug the saw (safety first!)
2. Retract the lower blade guard
3. Press and hold the spindle lock button located near the motor housing
4. Use the included hex wrench to loosen the arbor bolt (counterclockwise)
5. Remove the old blade and install the new one, making sure the rotation direction matches the arrow on the blade guard
6. Replace the outer washer and arbor bolt
7. Tighten securely while holding the spindle lock

The whole process takes less than two minutes once you’ve done it a few times. The hex wrench stores conveniently in a holder built into the saw’s base, so you’re never searching for it when you need to make a quick blade change.

Blade Recommendations

While the stock blade is serviceable, I’ve found that upgrading to application-specific blades significantly enhances the saw’s performance:

• For framing and rough cutting: Diablo D0724A 24-tooth framing blade
• For plywood and veneered materials: Freud D0760A 60-tooth fine finish blade
• For hardwoods: CMT 254.060.07 60-tooth ultra-fine cut blade

The saw handles all these premium blades without any issues, and the difference in cut quality is noticeable, especially for finish work.

Purchasing: Where to Buy and Price Considerations

The Hercules line is exclusive to Harbor Freight, so you won’t find these tools at other big box stores or online retailers. You can purchase the saw at any Harbor Freight store or through their website.

Current Pricing

As of my last purchase, the corded Hercules 7-1/4″ Circular Saw (model #63623) retails for approximately $119.99 regular price. However, Harbor Freight frequently runs promotions that can bring the price down to around $99.99 or sometimes even lower with coupons.

The cordless 7-1/4″ model (part of their 20V system) runs about $149.99 for the bare tool, or around $229.99 for a kit that includes a battery and charger.

By comparison, similar models from premium brands typically cost:

• DeWalt DWE575: $129-$159
• Milwaukee 6390-21: $149-$179
• Makita 5007MG: $149-$169

Value Considerations

While the price difference might not seem huge compared to some premium models, it’s important to remember that the Hercules frequently goes on sale, widening the gap. Also, the performance-to-price ratio is excellent. You’re getting nearly top-tier performance at a mid-tier price.

I’ve also found that Harbor Freight’s “Inside Track Club” membership can provide additional savings on Hercules tools throughout the year, potentially making the value proposition even better for those who plan to invest in multiple tools from the line.

Professional Use: Is the Hercules Ready for the Job Site?

This is perhaps the most critical question for many potential buyers. Can the Hercules stand up to the rigors of professional use?

After lending my saw to two contractor friends for their feedback (one primarily does remodeling, the other framing), the consensus was positive but qualified. Both were impressed with the saw’s power and performance, particularly given its price point. However, they noted a few considerations for professional users:

Professional Strengths

• Power and cutting capacity comparable to premium brands
• Excellent dust management with the integrated blower
• Durable construction that can handle job site conditions
• Fast, effective blade brake for increased safety and productivity
• Standard blade size that works with all their existing blades

Professional Considerations

• The warranty period is shorter than some premium brands (more on this below)
• Parts availability might be more limited if repairs are needed
• The depth adjustment lever, while functional, isn’t quite as refined as DeWalt or Milwaukee
• No case included (though Harbor Freight sells compatible tool bags)

For my remodeling contractor friend, who typically uses a saw for a few hours at a time rather than all day, every day, the Hercules was deemed “absolutely job-site worthy.” The framing contractor, who puts much heavier demands on his tools, felt it would be suitable for most professionals but might not last as long as premium brands under extreme daily use.

My personal assessment is that the Hercules is more than capable for 90% of professional applications. For extremely high-volume production work, premium brands might still have a slight edge in long-term durability, but the performance difference in actual use is minimal.

Warranty and Customer Support

The Hercules Circular Saw comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year limited warranty. This is shorter than some premium brands (DeWalt offers 3 years, Milwaukee up to 5 years), but still provides reasonable coverage.

My experience with Harbor Freight’s customer service has been surprisingly positive. When I had a question about an accessory compatibility issue, their phone support was knowledgeable and helpful. They’ve clearly invested in improving their customer service in recent years.

For additional peace of mind, Harbor Freight offers an extended protection plan for about $20 that extends coverage to 3 years total. Whether this is worth it depends on how hard you plan to use the saw, but it’s nice to have the option.

Cutting Capabilities: Materials and Depth

One of the most impressive aspects of the Hercules is its versatility across different materials. I’ve successfully used it on:

• Dimensional lumber (2x4s through 2x12s)
• Plywood and OSB
• Hardwoods including oak, maple, and walnut
• MDF and particle board
• Laminate countertop material
• Thin aluminum (with an appropriate non-ferrous metal blade)
• Fiber cement siding (with a diamond blade, though this creates considerable dust)

The saw handles all these materials with confidence when paired with the appropriate blade. I was particularly impressed with how it managed dense hardwoods – I built a walnut dining table and the Hercules made clean, consistent cuts through 8/4 stock without bogging down.

Cutting Depth Capabilities

The maximum cutting depth specifications are:

• 2-7/16″ at 90 degrees
• 1-13/16″ at 45 degrees

In practical terms, this means the saw can easily cut through 2x material at any angle, and can handle dimensional lumber up to 2×10 in a single pass at 90 degrees. For thicker materials like 4×4 posts, you’ll need to make cuts from opposite sides.

I’ve found the depth adjustment to be accurate and easy to set. The depth scale is clearly marked on the side of the saw, though as with most circular saws, I often find myself setting the depth by eye based on the material.

Cordless vs. Corded Options

The Hercules line includes both corded and cordless circular saws. I opted for the corded model for a few reasons:

1. Consistent power without worrying about battery life
2. Slightly lower cost
3. No need to invest in a new battery system (I already had other brand cordless tools)

However, the cordless Hercules (model #57692) has received strong reviews from users who value portability. It features the same 7-1/4″ blade size and similar cutting capacity, powered by Hercules 20V lithium-ion batteries.

If you’re considering the cordless model, key points to know:

• It delivers approximately 340 cuts in 2×4 pine per charge with a 5.0Ah battery
• The battery system is compatible with all other Hercules 20V tools
• It weighs slightly more than the corded model when the battery is attached
• The maximum RPM is slightly lower at 5,000 vs. 5,500 for the corded model

For those who already own Hercules cordless tools or who frequently work in areas without power access, the cordless model is worth considering. For everyone else, the corded model offers the best value and performance.

Special Features: Laser Guide and Cutting Guides

Unlike some competitor models, the Hercules doesn’t come with a built-in laser guide. This isn’t a significant drawback in my view, as I’ve found most built-in lasers to be of questionable accuracy and durability.

What the Hercules does offer is excellent line-of-sight visibility to the cut line and clear cut line indicators on the base plate. The front of the base features notches that align with the blade for both 90-degree and 45-degree cuts, making it easy to follow a pencil line accurately.

For those who really want a laser guide, Harbor Freight sells compatible aftermarket options that can be attached to the saw. I personally prefer using a straightedge or guide rail for precision cuts rather than relying on a laser.

User Reviews and Ratings

Before purchasing my Hercules, I researched user reviews extensively. The saw consistently maintains a 4.5+ star rating on Harbor Freight’s website, with over 2,000 reviews at the time of my purchase.

Common praise points in reviews include:

• Power comparable to much more expensive saws
• Smooth operation and clean cuts
• Solid build quality and feel
• Excellent value for the price

Common criticisms mention:

• The included blade case being somewhat flimsy
• No carrying case included
• Occasional units with alignment issues out of the box

My experience has aligned with the majority of positive reviews. The few negative reviews I found seemed to center around quality control issues that would be covered under warranty or were related to user error rather than design flaws.

Handling Angled and Beveled Cuts

The Hercules excels at angled cutting, with a bevel capacity of 0-56 degrees and positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. The bevel adjustment is located at the front of the saw and features a large, easy-to-grip lever that locks securely.

I’ve made extensive use of the bevel capability while building a pergola that required numerous angled cuts. The bevel scale is clearly marked and accurate, though as with most circular saws, I recommend checking the actual angle with a speed square or bevel gauge for critical cuts.

For 45-degree cuts, which are among the most common angled cuts in woodworking, the positive stop makes setup quick and repeatable. I’ve found the saw maintains its set angle well, even when making many successive cuts.

One minor issue is that the depth of cut decreases significantly at extreme angles, but this is a limitation of all circular saws due to basic geometry rather than a flaw in the Hercules specifically.

Maximum RPM and Motor Power

The Hercules Circular Saw’s 15-amp motor delivers a no-load speed of 5,500 RPM. This places it right in line with premium competitors like DeWalt (5,200 RPM) and Milwaukee (5,800 RPM).

In practical use, this translates to clean, efficient cutting with minimal blade friction and heat buildup. The high RPM is particularly beneficial when making long rip cuts through dense materials, where lower-powered saws might start to bog down or burn the wood.

The motor maintains consistent speed under load, which is a sign of good electronic design and power management. I’ve noticed very little speed reduction even when pushing the saw through thick hardwoods, unless I’m deliberately forcing it too quickly through the material.

For those concerned about electrical requirements, the 15-amp motor means you’ll want to use it on a dedicated 15-amp circuit, especially if making extended cuts that put sustained load on the motor. I’ve used it successfully with various 14-gauge extension cords up to 50 feet without issues.

Safety Features Worth Highlighting

Safety should always be a primary consideration with power tools, and the Hercules has several noteworthy safety features:

• Electric blade brake that stops the blade within about 2 seconds of releasing the trigger
• Anti-snag lower guard that smoothly retracts during cuts but springs back to protect the blade when idle
• Trigger lock-off button that prevents accidental activation
• Well-designed guard return spring that ensures the lower guard closes reliably
• Clearly visible blade exposure indicator on the depth adjustment scale

One safety feature I particularly appreciate is how the blade guard moves smoothly even at awkward angles, such as when starting a plunge cut or working with thin material. On cheaper saws, guards often stick or require manual retraction, which can lead to unsafe practices.

The substantial handle provides a secure grip, and the overall weight distribution of the saw helps maintain control during cuts. The power switch is properly positioned to allow for quick shut-off while maintaining a proper grip on the tool.

Included Accessories and Available Add-ons

The Hercules comes with a limited but adequate set of accessories in the box:

• 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade
• Blade changing wrench (stored on the saw)
• Operator’s manual

While this package covers the essentials, there are several accessories I recommend considering:

Essential Add-ons

• Carrying case or bag: Harbor Freight sells a compatible tool bag for about $25
• Edge guide: Attaches to the saw base for making consistent rip cuts
• Higher quality blades: As mentioned earlier, application-specific blades make a huge difference

Optional Accessories

• Dust collection adapter: Allows connection to a shop vacuum for cleaner operation
• Guide rail: Harbor Freight sells a compatible system for making long, perfectly straight cuts
• Replacement brushes: Good to have on hand for long-term ownership

The standard 5/8″ arbor means the Hercules is compatible with virtually all aftermarket accessories designed for 7-1/4″ circular saws, giving you plenty of options to enhance its capabilities.

Maintenance and Care Tips

To keep your Hercules Circular Saw performing at its best, I’ve developed the following maintenance routine:

After Each Use

• Unplug the saw and clean dust from vents using compressed air or a brush
• Wipe down the base plate to remove any pitch or resin buildup
• Check that the blade guard returns fully and smoothly
• Inspect the power cord for any damage

Monthly Maintenance

• Remove the blade and clean any accumulated dust from the guard mechanism
• Apply a dry lubricant to the pivot point of the blade guard
• Check and tighten any loose screws on the housing or base
• Verify the accuracy of depth and bevel settings

Seasonal/Annual Maintenance

• Check the motor brushes for wear (they’re accessible via screw caps on the motor housing)
• Inspect the blade washer and arbor for damage or wear
• Apply light machine oil to adjustment mechanisms
• Test all safety features to ensure proper function

With proper maintenance, the Hercules should provide many years of reliable service. I’ve found that keeping the saw clean, particularly the motor vents and guard mechanism, does the most to ensure consistent performance and longevity.

My Final Verdict After Six Months of Use

After putting the Hercules Circular Saw through hundreds of cuts across dozens of projects, from rough framing to fine furniture work, I can confidently say it represents exceptional value. It delivers performance that rivals professional-grade tools costing significantly more, with only a few minor compromises.

What I Love

• Power and cutting performance equivalent to premium brands
• Smooth, accurate depth and bevel adjustments
• Excellent build quality for the price point
• Comfortable ergonomics for extended use
• Compatibility with standard blades and accessories

Minor Drawbacks

• Shorter warranty than some premium brands
• No carrying case included
• Base plate needed slight adjustment out of the box
• Included blade is adequate but not exceptional

For both DIY enthusiasts and professionals seeking excellent performance without paying premium prices, the Hercules Circular Saw deserves serious consideration. It has genuinely changed my perspective on Harbor Freight’s professional tool lines and earned a permanent place in my workshop.

Whether you’re building a deck, crafting furniture, or tackling general construction projects, this saw delivers the power, precision, and reliability needed to get professional results. The value proposition is simply too good to ignore for anyone who wants near-premium performance without the premium price tag.

I hope this comprehensive guide helps you make an informed decision about whether the Hercules Circular Saw is right for your needs. Feel free to reach out with any questions about my experience with this impressive tool!