Looking for input regarding the pros and cons in the field on the Bosch compared to the Skil. I’ll be reupping on a wormdrive, as that’s what I have in my blood being from Cali’. The Bosch table and 50 degree bevel seem plus and the true 15 amp motor…wondering if the handle on the guard is metal or plastic (haven’t eyeballed one yet) and does the extra amperage cause more problems than it’s worth. And I love the thought of a sturdy cast magnesium table. Thanks in advance to those that will share.
Edited 3/5/2006 12:31 pm ET by zorrosdens
Replies
The Bosch is simply an improved version of the 77 and mag77. Everything you love about the old Skils is still there..... with improvements. The 15A motor, the rafter hook, the tough magnesium shoe, the improved blade guards that don't hang up as easily, the larger thumb lever for the blade guard...
They're pretty nice saws. I've got a pair and they both work hard for me and don't ask for much in return.
Another vote for the Bosch, it's a better all around saw in my opinion. I've used the Mag 77 there's nothing wrong with it, the Bosch just has more to offer someone who frames on a regular basis.
I've even used my Bosch to cut dados in newel posts to receive 3/4 plywood sides on entertainment centers. The rip fence is a good option to look into as well, it comes in handy for multiple rips that you may run into in the field.
I wouldn't go with either anymore. I'd go with the new Ridgid wormdrive. I'm a diehard wormdrive guy and used a Skil until the Bosch came out and then switched to that. The 3 we have, haven't held up.
We have 4 Ridgids now and they are doing well. I had some work done on mine (warranty) and it is just my favorite saw. I tested all the inline saws and while they are all pretty nice to use, durability isn't there anymore. The skil is probably the most durable still, but it's lack of features take it out of the running for me.
http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/7154567/121797194.jpg
Here's another one, but you can't really see it :-) That's the crew http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/7273486/96915038.jpg
LOL... that's an awesome picture. Man, I wish I lived out west sometimes so I could come out and play with you guys.View Image
Ya, I think you'd have fun. The best is when there is a giant mudpuddle and someone is working without paying attention and you slam a board into the water and drench the guy. Funny everytime
FASH GORDON still lives......cracking UP!!!!!!!! Life is good in the Westcoast sun.
Oh we've got others. We try and hold wormdrive saws straight out to prove they aren't THAT heavy :-)
I've almost got it to where I can hold my chainsaw (stihl ms361) by the rear handle straight out :-) We have competitions every so often to see who can hold what the longest
We had a pushup contest too. Try doing a pushup so fast that you can clap behind your back without smashing into the floor. Kyle hit the floor so hard I thought his nose would come out the back of his head!! ROAR
YEA!!!! You got it "GOINOWN".....a little SPICE on the jobsite..GOTTALUVIT!
I'm in the south now and "NOBODY" likes a wormdrive...."those things are too dang HEAVY" and heck with that rightside blade thing, that's what they say......I WANT IT BACK, man....kept you in shape.
AND you gotta luv those wedged finger calluses, YEAH..LOL. I actually used to shave them down with my utilityknife once in awhile.
Edited 3/5/2006 2:09 pm ET by zorrosdens
LOL
"Look! Up on the roof!
It's a bird...It's a plane...
It's Construction Man!!"
Nice pic. <vbg>
"Citius, Altius, Fortius"
Makes my tendonitis ache just looking at that picture!"he...never charged nothing for his preaching, and it was worth it, too" - Mark Twain
I have both. I use the 20 year old Skilsaw, with diamond blade, to cut concrete etc and dirty stuff while I save the Bosch for wood only. The bosch is lighter than the skil and has a nice adjustable stop for a true 90 degree cut in lumber while the skill has to be tweaked just right to get a true 90 degree setting. I like them both...one strange thing though, I am amazed with the skilsaw's durability. To this day, the skill runs more smoothly and seems to have quieter gears and motor then does the Bosch, which is a newer saw. Go figure!
Hearing you say that about durability (hope the current Skils are still this way) is a "fetish" of mine with tools. I'm 54 and tools built well are always on my list. I grew up, "cut my teeth", with the 77 and have owned a good few and always used one no matter who I worked for in the apprentice days, too.
I just love a well built, durable, dependable, "never stops" tool.
If I go with the Bosch, it will be with a good field report and the durability of build included.
"ARE THEY BUILT AS WELL AS THE SKIL" will be a main question. More amperage, if no problems occur with it in the field (read clicking breakers), would be nice but the old Skils are so durable and they did the job "forever".
I know, it's like teaching an old dog new tricks, I'll need some stroking on this one to not go buy a Skil.
I really want the lighter machine, but the simple none durable aluminumflate table on the Mag77 does turn me off.
Edited 3/5/2006 1:31 pm ET by zorrosdens
I wouldn't worry too much about popping breakers. Sometimes we get stuck with lousy 15amp circuits for temp power on sites. I prefer a couple of 20's, but you get what you get. I'll run 100' of 12 guage to a four way or a spider box and then another 50 to 100' of 12 guage (even 14 guage sometimes) out to the tool. It's not my favorite scenario, but sometimes the power is down at the street and the house is at the top of the hill. Whatcha gonna do?
I think the longest I've ever run was on a frame at the beginning of this winter. We ran 50' of 10 guage, to 100' of 12 guage, to a four way, and then ran 100' 12 and 14's off of that. Never popped a breaker the whole job.
Electric compressors and overloaded table saws seem to be the only things that make 'em pop on us nowadays. Or a wet connection, of course.View Image