@@ BOSCH Direct Connect – feedback?
Anyone out there who owns the new Bosch direct connect worm drive saw or recip saw?
What do you think of them?
“Never met a man who couldn’t teach me something.”
Anon.
Anon.
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I've got the recip saw. Lots to like about it. Bosch cords are outstanding. I've never owned a more supple cord -- Handling it borders on fun. I don't ususally go the whole route and hook the cord through the locking system. If I'm using the saw for an extended period, I'll use the loop and hook setup, but most of the time I just plug it in and go. Other cords will plug into the saw, you don't need the Bosch cord. But you want it. Really, you do.
One great feature this saw has (apart from the tool-less blade change, dual speed range, hanging hook, and adjustable foot) is headlights. There's a pair of LEDs at the front that give just enough light right where it's needed to be useful. Lots of power, too. I'd rate the saw 9 on a scale of 10. What I don't like is its weight.
Andy
Arguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it.
Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig
I saw these tools at the JLC show but didn't stop to try them out. What I wanna know is, did they solve the 'blade guard jams on small offcut' problem with the circ saw? If they did, I'll get one.
Interesting to hear that the cords they issue are supple. Means there are lots of fine wires vs. a few. I had one that could stand up in the corner. Cheap - and it was.
I tend to put 75' cords on my saws, but it would be nice to have some options. There are days I need 50- 25.
Off to Bosch to get the specs on the weight. A framer told me it was a pound under the Skill 77V, which I have. That could make a difference. These things are no fun cutting up hill. The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
>> Means there are lots of fine wires vs. a few.
In my experience, the problem is more likely to be the jacket than the conductors. All the stiff cords that have annoyed me have been type SJT. I believe the T stands for thermoplastic. I prefer a type SJ, which has a rubber jacket instead. You may also see O and W, for oil and water resistant, in the cord types, SJO, SJOW, etc. I haven't noticed that they make much difference in stiffness. But if supple is what you want, definitely avoid any cord with T in the type. I think the thermoplastic jackets are cheaper to make. They may also resist abrasion better than the rubber ones, but I'll trade some wear for a cord I don't have to wrestle with.
I think you have it.
SJT = Service Junior (300v) Thermoplastic, as I recall.
Remember the cable they use for arc welders - many fine wires = flexible. Of course, as the current is carried on the surface of the conductor, I bet it also carried lots of amps well.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Man, I hear you on the Skil 77's weight! I spent half a day last week cutting up a dozen sheets of 3/4 ply to make ribs for a domed ceiling . My right elbow hasn't been the same since. Really cooked a blade on the 3 ft. radius stuff, too.
AndyArguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it.
Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig
@@ Man, I hear you on the Skil 77's weight!
I looked up the specs. The Skill 77 = 16#.
The mag case 77v and the new Bosch are both 14#.
(Which means that I gain no relief in trading up. However, I see that Bosch is making a conversion kit handle so I can Direct Connect the Skill.)
Got to worry about Carpenter's Elbow. Suggest a good tennis elbow brace before hand, because once you have it, it's for life.
What I plan on doing is adding the blade left PC 6" SawBoss to the collection. It will do 90% of the days work of a framer and is a damned sight lighter. Would have been the thing on that ply. I keep recommending to my Habitat chapter that they get some for the ladies - and the rest of us.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Yes, it would have been. The smaller blade would have been a help on the tigheter radius for sure.
AndyArguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it.
Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig
I threw two CS20 direct connect circular saws into the mix with my framing crew this spring. Both are holding up very well and the guys seem to really like them. I do have to stay on them about using the whole system and not just plugging in. If you don't thread the cord the way that it's designed, two things will happen. The female end of your extension cord will get sloppy from being overstressed with the weight of the cord loosening up (don't know the proper terminology) the tabs inside the plug that hold onto the male plug in the saw. (Hotdog in a hallway syndrome). Also, from this same stress, the jackets on the cord will split right at the plug. If they are used appropriately, they perform extremely well and won't damage your extension cords.
The saws themselves have been great little workhorses too. The guys are not gentle, and these saws are weathering the storm very nicely. I love the clear white on black markings of the bevel scale and the depth of cut scale is very easy to read and accurate, so it actually gets used. The rafter hook is also well designed and very sturdy.
EDIT: This month's JLC reviewed 7 1/4" sidewinders and the Bosch did well under review of both the saw and it's cord system. I know you were asking about wormdrives, but by now we all know that the Bosch wormdrive is an outstanding performer. The Bosch wormdrive is my own saw of choice (my guys won't convert) but I bought mine before the direct connect was an available choice. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Edited 11/6/2004 12:36 pm ET by dieselpig