*
I’m just asking for the hell of it – I’ll probably end up starting a war – but what kind of circular saw do you guys prefer. I have my own preferences and opinions on saws, but I like hearing what other people think. I work in tool retail part time (I’m a full time student and part-time carpenter) and like to be able to give my customers (particularly those that I know will actually be using their tools) the best feedback and advice on what is good. Anyone used/like Milwaukee’s new saw with the adjustable handle? I’ve had DeWalt’s saw for a few years and have had great luck with it, and I’ve used Porter~Cable and Makita saws extensively, but there are a lot of other saws on the market. Let me know -I’d like to hear what you guys think. Thanks a lot – Nick
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Nick - of course everyone has their prefrences and opinions. I, for one, prefer the Skil Mag 77. Others may prefer other saws. But they all have their heads up their asses.
just my humble opinion - jb
*Nick,I have used the Makita, Dewalt, Skil, and am now using the Porter Cable left handed model. I prefer the left hand model for ease of use (for me at least). I really like having the line on MY side of the blade. It makes all the difference in the world to me. I bought the Porter Cable model because of the RPM, and the 15 amp rating. It cuts beautifully, and has a lot of power.This is the saw I prefer. It doesn't make it the best, just the one I use. If I did a lot of heavy framing, I'd probably use a worm drive saw. Since I don't, I wanted one that was lightweight, and good quality.The left hand view makes it a lot easier to see the line, especially with my head up my ass :) LOL JIMJust my opinion...James DuHamel
*I'll cast my vote for the Mag 77. I used an older 77 for years, and the mag is a lot easier to handle at the end of a day. My good friend Paul loves his left blade Porter-Cable with brake (#843) and it is really light at around 10 pounds, but I prefer the rear handle of the 77. It feels safer and I like cutting in the air with board on block or my foot, which is only good with a rearhandle worm/hypoid saw.
*.........just managed to pull my head out of my ass long enuff to read this....my 1st 3 were all P-C 315's.... then I got a new P-C left hand...works for me and nice having a lefty on the job...my guys all seem to buy the Milwaukee top handle like the PC 315....so go figger.........scuse me..gotta go... awful bright out here, heh, heh....Kermit the right handed left hand saw user...
*I currently use a makita. They've been pretty dependable. I used to use the milwaukee, until I noticed that my expartners makita had better hog power.I will never again use a porter cable product. They burnt their bridges with me many years ago. The bouncing back and forth from rockwell to porter cable dod nothing to enhance their image in my eyes. I also was given (as a replacement; the dozer ran over my milwaukee) a new porter cable. I couldn't cut straight with it. In desperation, I began to study the saw. It turns out that the table was out of square with the blade! I still have the saw (it's still shiny), in my barn. The makita is a well balanced saw. It has adequate power, and it's a good bouncer. I don't like the vision on the front of the table, however. I tend to use the table a lot, as a measuring device. I also don't like the bevel indicator. I can't see it. I also don't like the depth adjuster, because it's in the rear, and I usually reach for it blind. That's dangerous. Luckily, I don't adjust my depth too often. I'm not fond of the cord, usually two prong. The bevel adjustment is a bit stiff, if I don't keep it clean (I don't).I occasionally pick up other saws on the job, and try them out, but haven't ever piicked oneup that I'd change too.The new adjustable milwaukee handle seems to be too gimicky. It reminds me of the porter cable bammer, the joke of the millenium.Blue
*........Hey Bluesee wot happens wen u tech a old dog new tricks...le's see ..hmm... good balance, good bouncer, adequate power, and it's green..that's enuff fur me.....I couldn't for the life of me remember that all my old saws were Rockwell, but that's wot they were alright....I got my first when I showed up on the job with a homo special from Skil, it was plastic, olive drab, stamped shoe, no guts, and a two foot cord.....boy, was my face red
*jim I was seeing as clearly as yourself for the past 4-5 years.loved my old 77 then bought the MAG77 as soon as they were introduced.I loved that saw almost as much as Momma and the little ones.Then one day I went for a drive with the side door of my utility topper open, long story short,now my head is squarely up the old butt.Bought a Dewalt framers saw in June and now I have two.All the power of the MAG77 and then some and it is lighter and comes with a hook to hang it from right out of the box.jim
*Hi Nick and welcome to Breaktime,Several of us here myself included rarely tire of "saw talk". So here goes one more reset of joe d's take on saws.I am right handed therefore I want the blade on the left side of the motor. I was weaned in Michigan were the only guy who had a saw so configured was the smartest carpenter I've ever met or had the privilidge to work with. In fact he showed me the first copy of Fine Homebuilding I ever saw about 13 years ago. Aw but I digress.I like skil 77's, every decent carpenter on the left coast can't be wrong. Other worm drives might be as good but I doubt it.I've also fallen in love with "the little big saw" PC's 6" saw-boss. This lightweight 9 amp sidewinder is correctly handed and a pleasure to use.Any Skil saw equipped with something other than a top of the line Matsushita blade is damaged goods. The fact that others expound on different blades leads me to believe that these blades are not marketed in their areas.Once and for all, I'll claim that a right coasting sidewinder can not cut as straight as a worm drive saw. This is especially noticable on sheet goods, trimming decks, and cutting down doors.My man jclb was a bit undiplomatic but He da Man, Worms Rule.
*Mag 77.... Although some people still accuse me of cranial rectumitis....S.
*The problem that I see with sidewinders is that you have to be behind the saw to push it. I prefer to be along side the work, and work right to left. I would not want the blade on the inside of the moter either. That would cause me to have to lean over further, and I would have a less compact leverage over the saw.Also, since I cut my door plates with my "sidewinder", I would be forced to cut left handed. I cannot fathom using a saw, with the blade on the left side of the motor. Nor in front of it. I guess it's just what you get used to.But don't try to claim that one cuts straighter. The makita will track straight, if you have equally sharp teeth. If you have nicked one edge of your blade, it will pull to that side. Otherwise, the blade will track straight. Even with my eyes closed. I do keep them open, however, because I have always used safty glasses. They were the single most important tool that allowed me to cut more accurately.Sidewinders suck, because they are way, way too heavy.Too heavy means too slow.blue
*You Devil you boogered this post.Worms are heavier than sidewinders (in general)
*and here we were gettin' along so good...next you'll be sayin' you drive a F*rd.
*.........OK..you worm lovers....I've got the ultimate..b SKIL...model 5865, 8 1/4" in nice shiny Skil blue steel boxused ONCE.....you like worms...this is the worm...too heavy for me, I like my PC lefty...make me an offerby email that I can turn into something useful and I'll ship it to U...Mike
*I find this topic very interesting. To me, the blade should be on the left if you are right-handed. Why? Because you can see the whole thing better. There is no doubt about that. But by doing this, you are puting yourself right behind or above the blade that is turning at 5000RPM. I was told by one of the Skil rep. in my local HD that all of the lower priced Skilsaws (for homeowners) have the blade on the right, for safety reasons. I think this is good in theory, but in reality, debatable. (Maybe that's why we are here)Then comes the question of worm or not. Worm-drive has more turning power, because it run slower. But the gear makes the saw heavier. This is a trade-off, you can't have both, not while we are on earth. If you don't need the extra power, you don't have to. The last question, I think, is the color: Yellow, blue, red.., I have nothing to say, it is a personal choice.
*an old Milwaukee 7 1/4" and a P C 743 . If my milwaukee can't hog through as good as the ferin saws I take out last years dull blade and put in a new blade. Blue get your porter cable out of the barn and bend the table back in placeit'll cut good again . I really like my PC lefty.
*Nice timing on this post, Nick. My aging mid-price sidewinder just ate up its cord (oops). A feature no one has mentioned, which the PC has, is an electric brake.If left-handed is so popular, why is it so rare among sidewinders? Only PC makes one model, right? There has to be a good reason, mfrs just want to make what sells.
*jim funny you should mention the Ford thing.I currently am driving an F150 I've had for five years and tomorrow will be ordering a 2000 Super Duty F250.(The wife drives a Taurus wagon by the way.)I was raised Chevy, however, when the wife works at the local Ford (first on race day..f**ckin off road demon..fix or repair daily..and so on)dealer, you tend to drive Fords.Sometimes I miss that old Mag77 that jumped from my truck last June,Usually,just for a short moment .I did use that PC 743(blade left sidewinder) for a few days. Seemed ok, just a little light, I had a little trouble keeping it going straight, but, someone once told me that it's a poor carpenter that blames his tools for anything he can't do.jim p.s. please go easy on me jim,now that I'm coming out of the Ford closet.p.p.s.that beast that Mike has for sale is good for one thing other than an anchor, works great for cutting those 2 1/2" joists thier making now.I'm thinking of modifying mine so that it will cut 3" deep so that I can cut both top and bottom plates in one fell swoop.jim blah blah blah at great white
*"...F150..." no wonder your Mag 77 jumped out!
*LOLFound On Road DeadMD
*Makita right hand rules....or my Stihl Chainsaw.
*Don, the table wasn't bent. It was BUILT THAT WAY!Porter cable has the capacit yto build an indestructable saw. They own the plans to the old porter cable 508's that are still running after 35 years!They now build planned obsolescence into the saws.I'll never go back.blue
*You bring up a good point Jim. Why don't all saws cut at least 3"?!!blue
*I just recently used my husqvarna to whach truss tails. I wasn't that impressed. I could have done it just as fast with my makita. I would be scared to cut heats with it (too many nails). I just don't find that many uses for it. It did come in handy when we were setting the steel on the other job because we had no power, no generator, an no handsaws.The chainsaw saved the day.blue
*any left handers out there have a favorite saw.I'm a righty and prefer the blade left of a Dewalt framers saw or in a pinch a skil wormdrive(mag77)jim
*I decided to try the PC left-blade ... wow! The difference between cheap saw and contractor saw is amazing for one ... goes straight through the lumber like buttah ... and being able to see the blade as on a wormdrive is very very nice, when I remember where it is! I only got to use it for a few hours yesterday, but one of the nicest things was being able to see the blade when reaching out from inside to cut off rafter tails.... oh, and the magnesium plate is straight, too ...Everyone says "it's a poor craftsman who blames his tools" for bad work ... this must be why the finest craftsman buy the cheapest tools, huh? :)
*Isn't that something how a good tool can make all the difference?
*Not only a good tool, but a SHARP blade in that tool also makes all the difference in the world.Same with paint brushes. Premium quality brushes make all the difference. Just a thought...James DuHamel
*Yeah, like a high quality sash brush? Oh man.
*I'll just stick to my old milwaukee 6365.. its the old design from 1983.. great saw plenty of power and lots of sentimental value!!! and a few war stories too.. LOL
*no-one really mentioned the new dewalt framer's saw. anyone have experience with it yet? it looks appealing and light, but i worry about all the plastic.
*Hey, just to be different, I like Makita's hypoid. Well, the new version with the soft-start feature. I used to try to take care of all our company's Skil 77's and never opened one that didn't need gear oil. It was pretty hard to stay on top of and those saws just didn't last well. My partner tried the first version of the hypoid and it's lasted a long time...still running strong. I didn't like the noise or the leap it tended to make when the trigger was pulled. I'd read about the new version with soft start and lower noise. When the marbles in my 77 seemed to be worn too small, I got the new hypoid. Nice saw and I hope it lasts as well as the origingal version. It's quiet, powerful and doesn't want to jump around on start-up. Probably could have bought the whole crew one for what we've spent on gear oil over the years.be safe out thereLarry Williams
*Okay, maybe I did start a bit of a war, but it was worth it. I'm not even going to touch the Ford-Chevy conflict that somehow got started, but I am going to throw a few of my own ideas out onto the table. First off, after having using saws with all three types of depth adjustment (both front and rear pivot, and drop foot) and I really prefer the front pivot style. This is probably just because the first saws that I ever used had that feature. As far as electric brakes go, yeah I like them, but no I probably wouldn't go out of my way to get another saw with one - I've always kinda liked the noise that goes along with our work and a saw winding down just seems to fit in better, not to mention that it's better for the moter. As far as brand names go, I am really beginning to like the Hitachi and - even though I don't trust it yet - the new Milwaukee. I've had my second DeWalt 364 for about a year now - my first one got stolen out of my shop. I originally replaced it with a Porter Cable, but I just wasn't too happy with the saw. Every time I use the Porter Cable saw I am impressed - it really is a nice saw, but there's just something about it that I didn't like. I've used Makita saws a bunch and I really like the way that they take a beating, but I find the handles kinda uncomfortable. Lately I've been considering returning my DeWalt saw and getting the new Milwaukee or a Hitachi. I really hate changing my mind down the road on tools, but the DeWalt is just too damn big. Anyways, keep this post going, it's always interesting to hear other people's thoughts on tools. Thanks guys and ahh, FORDS RULE!!!!- Nick
*Figures you'd be a F*rd guy, Ace, going by your preferences in saws!
*Found Only Rusty + DirtyMag 77s rule!
*Actually, I've driven Chevy, Ford, and Dodge. I honestly could say that I like all three. Dodge has great looks and a damn nice diesel, but their frame sucks. Chevy has a classic look and a good frame - great, but they don't have a good diesel engine. I can honestly say that if I were looking for a gas engine, I truly would look at the Chevy C/K series, but I prefer diesel and I'd get a Ford hands down.The rescue squad that I work for - I'm an EMT - just took delivery of a new ambulance. It has a Ford F-350 chassis with a Powerstroke engine, just like all of our other vehicles - I think Boston EMS is the only department in my area to use Chevy chassis on their rigs. We have had very few problems with our trucks - aside from what idiot drivers do to them - and we keep getting Fords. If you don't believe me, look around at just about every emergency vehicle you can see - almost all Ford. I rest my case - Nick
*I think I'm going to try one of those new Milwaukees.Will someone please talk me out of it?Blue
*No Blue, I don't think I will talk you out of it. I was playing with it last night at work and everything about this saw is nice. The handle is really comfortable, the front grip is the best I've ever seen, the bevel gauge is very nice, and the list keeps going. Only thing is, the motor sounds kinda different - not high-pitched like most saws. I'm trying to figure out how I can try one out for a few days because I'm really interested in it. Keep me informed as to whether you buy one or not - Nick
*I have a De Walt 364 and I like it. The cuts are accurate and it is powerful. It is big, and it is almost as heavy as a worm-drive, but I feel this makes it safer as the saw resists kick-back. But, I would expect that carrying it around all day would be a chore. Dennis
*Hey Blue, stick with your Makita saws. I ended up being able to test drive the Milwaukee the other day and the motor sucks. The thing makes the worst grinding noise that I've ever heard on a new saw when it is winding down. Maybe it's just because the design is brand new, but I don't know if I would trust that motor yet, even though it is a Milwaukee. I must admit though, aside from the motor, the folks at Milwaukee did get everything else right with this saw. Oh by the way, Dennis, your enthusiasm about the DeWalt 364 is not alone - I still love mine, I just occasionally wouldn't mind a lighter/smaller saw. In reality, nothing would make me replace that saw - I love it. Oh well, talk to you all later - Nick
*Got a great Makuta - plenty of power, elect. brake, the whole works. Why, then, do I always reach for my beat-up old 1979 Black & DeckDickerapie, complete w/puIe-gold plastic housing? I love that saw.Regards, 14-0
*If I have this great Makita, complete w/tons of power, elect. brake, why do I always reach for the beat up old 1979 B&D cheapie? I still love that saw and could probalby fetch $5. in a garage sale!Sometimes, like golf clubs, we get too weird about the latest.Regards, 14-0
*....Bob... that's nice...I'll trade ya my Ping Eye driver fer your Taylor Ti-Bubble II...ok?send it UPS..
*yellow saw updatereplaced trigger after about 8 months(about 4 months sooner than I was used to with the Mag77) only to have the brushes go the same day.jim "not as happy with the yellow saw"at great white
*JIm, it's the cheap south of the border electircal parts. I have been replacing switches at a much higher rate in my green machines. But I've never replaced a brush.blue
*Man, I thought this post was long gone. My DeWalt POS364 gave me a very unwanted surprise the other day. I was cutting some joists with it the other day using my framing square as a guide and I noticed that the saw kept wandering from the square. I checked the edge of the base to the blade and it was 1/16" off over its length. What's worse is that even though the base is designed to be removed and replaced, it can't be adjusted at all. So, to make a long story short, I'm replacing it. I'm split between two saws from Milwaukee - the new model with the adustable handle (#6390-21) and the newer version of the old-school style saw (#6375-21). Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have the new one and I'll tell you all how it runs.
*Nick, did you try the 12# sledge adjustment on that old saw? I've rarely seen it fail to make a difference!blue
*ROTFLMAO - no I was pissed off and would have liked to hit it with a 12# sledge, but I didn't bother. I just brought it to work (Sears - PT job) with me the next day and got my money back.
*Nick. You seem like a bright young guy. You are interested and respectful, and I'd hire you in a second if you asked. So pull your head out of your arse and go get a Mag77. I promise, you won't switch back...and get one of those Matsuchida 25.00 blades for it...where the heck is joe d. at...
*My first saw was a skill 367, 112.50, lasted for twenty years of house framing and remodel work, I used it as a table saw for three or four years, ripping cornice goods, 4 sheets at a time, built cabinets with it, dropped it off of roofs and sawhorses, and just generaly abused it, it was the smoothest saw that I ever owned. I now have three different PC saws,a right and left skill saw, and use my 77 more than any of the others.
*I'm right here JclB,I've said what i've got to say about saws enough times already. Are you asking for me to help with your spelling?The Matsushita model MS71436CB is a 36 tooth combo that can cut very smoothly. Excellant for remodeling p-lam countertops, cutting doors, sheet goods, siding, and framing for those of us who like precise rough carpentry. Advertised in past years in FHB by Boone supply.So Jim do you use a Matsushita 10" rip blade on your tables saw? Takes a load off the saw, give one a try for ripping.joe d
*I tried a Matsushida rip blade in my table saw a couple years ago and like it for hardwood plywoods, but it is too thin and I get a lot of deflection with it milling 8/4 or even some 4/4 stock. I went back to my two old warhorse 1/8" kerf blades that I've had for many years. I don't even know what brand they are, but they work great for most of my lumber ripping. The Forrest rip blade worked ok for a while, but nothing to make the price justifiable. Thanks for the spelling help.
*My favorite is the P-C Model 315 ....the older one with the grease cup .....kicking myself for selling it ......plenty of power, nicely balanced. The worst was one the old Rockwell all plastic homeowners saws ..... you didn't need a dado blade with that pupppie ....."slight" blade wobble.
*Hmmmmmmmmmm... I was playing with a MAG77 at the store today, I kinda liked it. My only thing is that I've always used a sidewinder. Right now I don't have a circular saw at all - I can't find anything I like to replace the yellow beast. I like the Milwaukee's, but I can't seem to find the model that I'm looking for around here. I liked the way that the MAG77 felt, not that much heavier than the DeWalt either. Hmmm, I just may make the switch....
*Excellant choice Nick. I failed to mention in my earlier posts that I also have regular Skil model 77 not the mag, and the only thing I'd trade it for is the Mag 77. Talk about power for gang ripping plywood sheets. It's just a great saw. Some people talk about how heavy it is, but when your using it, the weight can be to your advantage, and the worm drive design will let you saw in tighter quarters than a sidewinder. Go for it Nick!
*Nick if you have not used a skil77 you owe yourself the chance. Used sidewinders and 77's, never looking back at any right blades unless necessary for opposite tilt on a special job in the future.
*Maybe sidewinders are just a bad habit but does anyone have any suggestions to getting accustomed to a worm gear saw? Used a 77 some years back.....loved the power but it felt really awkward ........looked like a pig on ice trying to use it.
*It takes a day or two to get used to the mechanics of using a worm, since the weight distribution is different. Just remember "gravity is your friend". I generally tip 2 x materials up slightly and let the saw fall through the cut. Laying a board across one foot and cutting works great, but it's more bending. It varies a little saw to saw, but the left side of the table is 1.5" (real handy for cutting with a straight edge). The right edge of the table is close to 3.5" too, but I never got in the habit of straight edging that side, someone will know for sure.One of the best changes they made on the "Mags" is that the edges of the table are flat (the old 77s were rolled steel so you couldn't use a framing or speed square as a straight edge). Any of you guys who are still using an older 77 might want to retrofit it with the new table - I did my last one for about 50.00, well worth it.
*I remember them Jcallahan. I started with a 315, and remember switching to milwaukee when pc brought out that extrmely unbalanced plastic piece of crap! What a joke. If my memory serves me right, they were Rockwell up until the plastic came out. Rockwell had bought out porter cable and thought they could just shove anything done our throats with that plastic abortion. It flooped bad. Then they covered over all those plastic pieces of crap with the rockwell name. Literally! Then they re-tooled the plastic crap and started their "buy American" campaign at the height of the energy crunch. The "new PC" still sucked.They lost me for good way back then and I wouldn't use a pc if they offerered to give me one free every year for the rest of my life. If they throw in a couple of grand, I'd take the saw and use it for an anchor.blue
*Sheesh, it's a company, not a person! No need to carry a grudge thirty years against a soulless corporation!(Remind me not to p*ss you off.)
*....think Blue is saying "once burned, twice shy". I think corporations do have souls, good and bad, that are reflected/created by the people that run them. Ben and Jerry's for instance or Ford's recent comment's about SUV's and the environment come to mind. If you have a really bad experience with a product, the memory lingers for a long time. I can think back to when the OE tire on the rear of my pickup self destructed and I almost wound up in a bridge abutment. Less than 5000 miles on rear tire ......tried to get an adjustment ....got laughed at. The other rear tire did the same too ....I've never bought that brand of tire again.
*
I'm just asking for the hell of it - I'll probably end up starting a war - but what kind of circular saw do you guys prefer. I have my own preferences and opinions on saws, but I like hearing what other people think. I work in tool retail part time (I'm a full time student and part-time carpenter) and like to be able to give my customers (particularly those that I know will actually be using their tools) the best feedback and advice on what is good. Anyone used/like Milwaukee's new saw with the adjustable handle? I've had DeWalt's saw for a few years and have had great luck with it, and I've used Porter~Cable and Makita saws extensively, but there are a lot of other saws on the market. Let me know -I'd like to hear what you guys think. Thanks a lot - Nick