Replies

1. 
   JulianTracy | Aug 23, 2008 05:03pm | #1

   That's just a re-work of the old and trusted (and also still available) Skil HD77 worm saw.

   So - it's definitely a saw to be trusted.

   As for price - you can get these worm drive saws over in the US all day long for between $140-170 new, so $150 for a refurb doesn't sound so special.

   In fact, I was at a Lowes store the other day and they had the Bosch worm drive and the Skil HD77Mag (magnesium) worm drive on clearance for $99 each.

   I bought the Skil, cause it was still made in the US - the Bosch was made in China.

   WD saws are heavier - but if you do any lumber ripping, you'll be glad you have the power.

   JT

2. 
   Marson | Aug 23, 2008 05:11pm | #2

   I'm sure the worm drive/sidewinder issue has been well worked over on this forum. It comes down to personal preference. The young guys I work with tease me about my "boat anchor", bringing it to me in a wheelbarrow if I ask 'em to fetch it, but I find that wormdrives have more power, give you more reach, and give you a better view of the blade, to name a few things. But they are heavier.

   I have both the Bosch you mention and an old skil 77 that refuses to die. Of course the Bosch IS the skil 77 with a little racier looking handle, blade guard, etc. Maybe a little more power according to the specs, but it's nothing I have noticed in day to day use. (Bosch owns skil, and the guts of the two are the same saw) I really can't find any substantial differences between the two. Except the cord system. But anyway, the skil is a venerable saw, long a favorite of many professional carpenters, and since the Bosch is more or less the same, you'll be happy with it. IF you like worm drives.

   I haven't really gotten used to the direct connect setup of the Bosch. I keep threatening to get a short extension cord and dedicate it, but that's one of those things that I never quite remember when I'm in the hardware store. Otherwise, it takes an irritating extra move or two to hook up the Bosch. In the end, I'd get the Skil Mag 77 if I had to do it over, but like I say, there really isn't a big difference between the two IMO.

3. 
   rasconc | Aug 23, 2008 05:59pm | #3

   One thing I did not see mentioned is the "torque over" you get when you pull the trigger.  It is the old gyroscopic progression thing.  Sort of like a front wheel drive car when you accelerate.  It is not a big deal and you will soon get used to it.  With a sidewinder the starting inertia is inline with the path of the blade, not 90 deg to it.

   I have the Makita hypoid, they are pretty strong.

   For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
1. 
   webby | Aug 23, 2008 06:05pm | #4

   I have the older makita hypoid too. I like it, it is a good powerful saw.

    You are right about the torque. I have "nicknamed" it the twist. So watch out for "the twist" when you start up a worm drive.Webby