Replies

1. 
   DanH | Apr 12, 2004 01:22am | #1

   I have a cheap 5 1/2 inch (I think) B&D saw that came "free" when I bought something else many years ago. It's not much good for cutting lumber, but real handy for plywood, etc. Especially handy if you have to work overhead, since it's light and easy to manipulate. I normally keep a plywood blade in it. In plywood where you're making a semi-freehand cut I find it easier to steer than a larger saw, probably because the smaller blade doesn't tend to bind as easily.

   Some years ago I was building a two-story garage with a guy (semi-pro) who used a 6" PC saw as his primary saw. It was probably 20% lighter than a 7.25" unit and that particular PC unit at least was really well built. I'm not sure why you'd need something larger for regular framing work.

   However, I probably tend to favor lighter saws since my arms are weak from polio. Someone with more normal strength, and especially someone who normally works at framing, might not notice the difference in weight.

2. 
   joeh | Apr 12, 2004 02:18am | #2

   I have a Sawboss, nice saw. If you're not cutting roofs, it'll frame a lot lighter than a worm.

   And the blade's in the right place, on the left.

   Quality is good, the blades are odd size so expensiver.

   Joe H

3. 
   DaveRicheson | Apr 12, 2004 02:40am | #3

   I have a Makita cordless saw. Good little saw as long as you don't plan on a lot of work with it. mostly plywood and 1x stuff. 2x material with run down the batteries in short order. Thought it was a toy when it was given to me as a thank you for some freebe work. Wonder why I didn't get one sooner now.

   I am also looking at the saw boss for shop use.

   Dave

4. 
   FastEddie1 | Apr 12, 2004 02:44am | #4

   I have a Makita corded 4-3/8" saw, blade left, 11,000 rpm, made in Brazil.  Nice tool.  I have not checked specifically, but I don't think it will cut a 2x4...I think it cuts about an inch.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   Sphere | Apr 12, 2004 03:43am | #5

   I have had the 4 1/2 PC forever it seems..I absolutly love it..don't lend it out, it stays in the shop most of the time...I don't even let friends know I have it..coveted.

   sweet little dream for trimming larg panels, and also for just trimmig intstead of humping a rail onto a chop saw or thr radial arm..sweeeeeet.

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   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

5. 
   Tomar | Apr 12, 2004 03:50am | #6

   Ditto the 'Spherical Dude'.

6. 
   RW | Apr 12, 2004 05:07am | #7

   Oh, really like that tiny PC. That thing stays close to me. I can't tell you the number of places it gets used. Think trimming a house, everything that's flat and too big to go on the chop saw. Stair skirts - 53 degrees across a 12" board. Closet parts. Bookcases. Notching out toe kicks. A builder looked at the thing and says "why that and not your Mag77?" 'Bout fell over. Lift it, man. Lift it. With a straight edge 3 5/8" from the cut line, you can do a lot of things.

   Award for unusual usage - needed to cut a small hole in a real old floor - from below, to see what was up above ( three feet unaccounted for between ceiling below and floor surface above) - thing was the only thing small enough to fit up between the joists and cut away enough of the planks to stick a head and a flashlight in there. Found ductwork - 1 run, 9ft wide by 28" tall.

   Hey man, love that you went and did the ads for VS. You in good with the girls now?

   "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain