Replies

1. 
   ToolBear_ | Apr 09, 1999 11:13am | #1

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   Ron,

   If you love woodworking, do you really want to use the Woodhawk? Good tools make such a difference. It's one of a class of "throwaway" saws sold at Home ___ to homeowners and DIYers. It is not a professional tool.

   I can say that. I bought two of them for club use. It had some nice features, didn't cost a lot, was going to be used by people who didn't know jack about saws (the ones that did brought their own - and didn't loan them) and if it got beat - oh, well. I'd buy something similar for that particular purpose again.

   Would I use one personally. Not hardly. Skill 77v.

   On the Left Coast, the professional saw is the Skill 77 or 77v for good reason. We have 16 of them in stock. The VP-Construction's 77 has been in use for 20 years on the job.

   I don't know what they like on the other coast. That's sidewinder country. The boys will tell you what they like.

   For about $100, you might check out Porter Cable's offerings. Another angle is a reconditioned professional saw.

   ToolBear

2. 
   Guest_ | Apr 09, 1999 06:41pm | #2

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   That's the kind od tool I buy to lend out to new hires that don't bring their own saw.

   I just lost one to a new hire that worked 13 hrs @ 19.00 per hour! I doubt he'll return to get his check! It's been 5 days now, and the rent on the saw is 10 bucks per day. Hmmmm?

   Blue

3. 
   Ronald_ | Apr 09, 1999 08:43pm | #3

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   Hello again,

   Thanks for the feedback guys...

   Ok, I'll stay away from the WoodHawk and probably consider either the Porter-Cable Boss or the DeWalt 364R. I saw the DW364R at Toolcrib, it fits my budget.

   Thanks,

   Ronald

4. 
   Guest_ | Apr 10, 1999 01:04am | #4

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   Something you might want to consider is the weight. Professional opinion seems to be that heavy is better from a safety standpoint. The additional 100 or so dollars for a top of the line saw is saved very quickly if you get hurt. Also, don't use dull blades. Give them away to a friend who might having an affair with your wife, significant other, etc., etc. I use mine a lot, don't fear it, but have a great deal of respect for it.

   Dennis

5. 
   John_Benshoff | Apr 12, 1999 06:55pm | #5

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   Ron:

   I was in your situation about a year ago. About to start a major DIY addition to the house and my trusty old Black & Decker circular saw gave out. I looked at the $50.00 range B & D and Skil saws and even bought a Skil. Took it home, tried it and did not like it. I bought the DeWalt (For about $125.00) and it is a terrific saw. Lightweight, but tracks well through cuts, heavy sole plate, and best of all, it has good sight lines to follow your cut. I learned an important lesson: spend the extra $75 -$100 and quit shopping at the K-Mart/Walmart for my tools. Good tools last longer and cut better (Ditto the blade comments). I tried the PC, also, but did not like the balance as well.

   John

1. 
   ToolBear_ | Apr 14, 1999 11:58am | #6

   *Ronald, The DeWalt 378G got a nice plug in the Journal of Light Construction's recent worm drive tool test.(I am not sure if it is a pure worm drive, but so...)Over on the front page of this site, there were a number of folks making nice about the Makita and Porter Cables. Check it out.Bottom line - this is such a basic and heavily used tool that eating Top Ramen for a month to get a professional grade saw is a good investment. Beside, amid the Blackhawks, you'll stand out. Get out, fondle them and see which one feels best. (I then remove the cord that came with it and install a new one, 25 - 50' long, cut from a fresh extension cord.) I found out early on that cheap tools are really expensive. I'm out the cost of the cheapie. It doesn't do good work, so then I grumble and get a good one. Cost: one cheapie, one pro and assorted frustrations. Cheaper to buy quality up front. Reconditioned, if needed. I still have all of those working fine.ToolBear - who has some nice cheap tools for sale.

6. 
   Guest_ | Apr 14, 1999 09:44pm | #7

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   Try the left blade Porter Cable. I gave my right handed one to my "lefty" sister.

   When I have both a right and a left bladed saw on hand, I use the left blade for sheet goods and precision cutting and the right right bladed saw for lumber that is only supported on the left side.

   If I had to do it over again, I would probably buy the PC left blade 6" trim saw and the PC right blade 7 1/4" saw. I'm getting too old for the heavy worm saws. Ha Ha

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 18, 1999 09:38am | #8

   *The better Skils are good in the $60-75 range. The Blackhawk is evil ... no, I meant to say, would you like to buy one cheap? The Skil "Classic" I'm using is like a totally different tool -- a real one. It has done a lot of work for me, incluing dry cutting masonry, without sign of decay.The commercial grade saws are very nice if you are doing enough work to justify the cost. One feature i could have used is the thicker sole plate -- good insurance for when you eventually drop it! (On my second base plate.) Everything else is much sturdier too, and the commercial saws seems to have more "confidence." I'm a bit suspicious this worm drive thing is partly misplaced west coast macho -- the weight!With the PC left blade, do you get bombarded by sawdust? The better visibility otherwise sounds like a great idea, maybe next go round I'll consider one.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 05:18pm | #10

   *Andrew,No sawdust problem with either the left ot right blade, and the exhaust as adjustable.Ron

7. 
   Ronald_ | Apr 22, 1999 05:18pm | #9

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   Hello Everyone,

   I am looking for a reliable start-up circular saw, and considering the Wood Hawk by B&D. This will be used for medium load job. Is this saw anygood for my needs? Also, is this unit already discontinued? I inquired at a local Home Depot and they said that is already discontinued. But I saw a couple of units at KMart selling for $49.

   I am a DIY person and love woodworking. I am in the process of stocking my tool box for my home projects to come.

   Thanks very much for the help,
   Ronald