Craftsman CMHT20138: The $20 Saw That Actually Cuts Like a Pro
Alright, weekend warriors and seasoned DIYers – let’s talk reality. You’ve grabbed that $8 impulse-buy saw at the discount bin. You know the one: floppy blade, teeth duller than a butter knife, blisters after two cuts. Stop the madness. After abusing the Craftsman CMHT20138 12-Inch Curved Handle Hand Saw on pressure-treated fence posts, knotty pine shelving, and a stubborn oak branch, I’m here to say: This cheap champ punches WAY above its weight. Buckle up.
Key Specs That Matter (No Fluff)
- Blade: 12-inch (304mm) Japanese-style SK-5 High Carbon Steel
- Teeth Per Inch (TPI): 8 (Aggressive Rip/Cut Profile)
- Tooth Geometry: Hardened impulse-ground teeth + 10° rake angle
- Weight: 0.65 lbs (Feels solid, not flimsy)
- Handle: Overmolded thermoplastic rubber (Non-slip, even sweaty)
Why This $20 Saw Outperforms Junk Saws
1. Aggressive Teeth That BITE (Science Inside)
The 8 TPI rip-cut profile ain’t for dovetails – it’s for effortless demolition. Unlike flimsy big-box saws (often 11 TPI or poorly hardened), these impulse-hardened teeth stay sharp WAY longer. Tested cutting 2x4 SPF lumber:
- Speed Test: Averaged 15 seconds per cut vs. 28+ seconds for a generic 11 TPI competitor.
- Stroke Efficiency: Curved blade design + aggressive 10° rake = deep bite per pull. Less effort, more wood removed. Cutting pressure-treated posts felt like slicing warm butter.
2. Zero Flex, All Control
The rigid SK-5 carbon steel blade resists bending – critical when wrestling warped junk wood or forcing a cut. Compared to thinner blades on "disposable" saws:
- Bind Resistance: Deliberately torqued it cutting a twisted pine board. Result? Minimal deflection – stayed true, didn’t lock up unlike thinner blades.
- Cutting Accuracy: Less flex = straighter lines off the saw. Trimming that oak branch? Followed my pencil mark dead-on.
3. Grip That Saves Your Hand (Seriously)
That overmolded rubber handle makes ALL the difference:
- Comfort: Zero hot spots after slicing twenty 4x4 posts. Your palm won’t feel like raw hamburger.
- Safety: Textured rubber = no slip during sweaty summer garage sessions. I tried it with oily work gloves – still locked in.
- Curve Factor: Angled handle lets you drive power straight down the cut without wrist strain.
4. Durability on a Budget
SK-5 steel + hardened teeth = built for abuse. After hacking through knotty pine (nails included):
- Teeth showed minimal dulling – no chips or rolls.
- Blade coating resisted scratches better than expected.
Real-World Testing: Where It Shined (and One Drawback)
The Good:
✅ Cutting 4x4 PT Posts: Obliterated them in 10 strokes flat.
✅ Breaking Down Plywood: Faster than my entry-level circular saw for rough sizing.
✅ Pruning Stubborn Branches: Ate through 3" oak limbs effortlessly.
✅ Emergency Reno Work: Sliced drywall, vinyl flooring, PVC pipe with no issues.
The Limitation:
⚠️ Not for Fine Woodworking: This ain’t your joinery saw. The 8 TPI leaves a rougher finish (expect sanding afterward).
Who This Saw is PERFECT For (Spoiler: Almost Everyone)
- DIY Homeowners: Trimming deck boards, cutting PVC, breaking down pallets.
- Emergency Repairs: Living in your truck/garage? This solves 80% of surprise cuts.
- Landlords & Handymen: Cheap enough to buy three, tough enough to survive tenants.
- Beginner Woodworkers: Learn cutting basics without dropping $100.
Skip If: You build fine furniture daily. Grab a 14 TPI Japanese saw instead.
The Verdict: Your Go-To Garage Warrior
For under $20, the Craftsman CMHT20138 delivers pro-level cutting aggression without pro-level pain. It’s:
✅ FASTER than bargain-bin saws
✅ TOUGHER than blades twice the price
✅ MORE COMFORTABLE than any saw this cheap
Bottom Line: This isn't just a good budget saw – it’s a GREAT saw, period. Ditch the flimsy junk. Grab the CMHT20138, make cleaner cuts in half the time, and save your hands for more important things... like cracking open a cold one after the job’s done. Get cutting! 🔨