Just throwing this one out there to get the east and west to battle.
Why do you west-coasters use worm drives for EVERYTHING? Most guys I know here in the east use worm drives for demo only. Sidewinders just seem much simpler and versatile.
RA
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they're overcompensating .....
the water is much colder out there.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
A question for you, Jeff.
What kind of trim saw do you use? Do you think the PC is any good? Seems like to me it would be real handy.
"I will never surrender or retreat. " Col. Wm. B. Travis, The Alamo, Feb. 1835
wadda ya mean by "trim saw" ....
if U mean one of the little circular saws ...
then I'd say the PC .. what is it ... saw cat? ... is way better than my DeWalt 14.4 cordless.
They also have that little wormdrive ... that's on the wish list ...
worked alongside a guy that had one ... that's the first panel saw I'd pick up.
Got the DW because it came as a kit ..... not good for much ... but when I do use it I really appreciate heving it there in the case.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
I have one of those little PC wormdrive trim saws, my wife calls it cute. It gets asked for by others everytime I pull it out. Sure makes cutting sheet goods easier. Watch out for the sole plate, though, I just bent my second one, and replacements cost about $65, if I remember, though that sounds high.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Rob,
I hate to dissagree with you, but I'm from PA and I only use wormdrives. Always have, always will. All I've done for 20+ years is frame. I just can't see that bending over a sidewinder to see the cut line is a benefit. But it's all in what you're used to.
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=51249.1
You're a day late.... same questions, different thread.
Edited 12/10/2004 11:01 pm ET by dieselpig
Edited 12/10/2004 11:02 pm ET by dieselpig
I like the worm for some things, but I'm just too used to the sidewinder. I grew up with it. Besides I ain't strong enough to consistantly hold a worm horizontal with one hand for some of the saw techniques I use. I guess it would just mean changing my habits if I were to go with a worm, and I'm too far along for that.
Because that is what I was taught to use :-) I learned on the Skil and now it is like using a glove, why switch? I did work with a guy who used a sidewinder and I found it awkward to use a blade right saw when I'm right handed.
For me, a wormdrive is a must because I stick frame everything and do a lot of bastard roofs with 2x10 and 2x12. The steep cuts with steep bevels require a lot of torque.
The steep cuts with steep bevels require a lot of torque.
Only if the blade is binding all the way through the cut. If it's aimed right, it just hums right along....
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
I'm a binder man. Can't help it :-)
Change your blade...you probbly have too many teeth for rough framing.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
First thing I do when I change a blade is tell everyone on the crew that this saw has a new blade and don't hit any nails. I like to have a new blade for cutting rafters and stairs.
First thing that happens after that is one of the "inexperienced" guys hits a nail and I get to give him the stink eye
Tim, it sounds like your guys interchange saws...is that correct? Other wise, why would you announce that your changing the blade on your saw?
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
The company buys the tools. We all stake our claim and try to use the same tools, but sometimes, someone grabs a saw because it's close.
Okay...I got it Tim. I remember those days....
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Wait! Now I have to give you the "real" answer
I'M A MAN THAT'S WHY I USE A MAN'S SAWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH
Sorry I just couldn't resist :-)
I think it's a matter of technique.
I have always cut boards propped up on my left foot with right foot back (I'm a righty) The boards are usually at a 45 degree angle and the weight of the saw is not an issue, I guess it could be said it actually helps guide the saw true. I also have the guard pinned back and ALWAYS lay the saw down with the blade pointed to the left.
The weight also helps on the weird cuts you have to do. I would never attempt a good portion of the work I do with a sidewinder. I have considered one for just rafter tails but not that seriously. Actually I only consider this when hanging over a 30' roof line cutting them suckers and thankfully that doesn't happen to often.
But the real issue is what's up with the "Norm Abrams" tool bags you guys wear?<G>
Cor.
Right coast wormdriver...have no idea what I`d ever need a sidewinder for.
Aint seen Norm abrams in a bit....if I recall correctly, he wears an apron style belt? (All pouches up front?)
Used one for my first fifteen years in the biz.....needed to buy a new one about five years back but couldn`t find one I was happy with.....bought one with pouches on the sides, tape pouch in the rear....I hate the friggin` thing!!! I curse it almost daily! When I do find the other style with the quality I`m looking for, I`m gonna buy ten of them so I never have to deal with this again!J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Tangent Alert...
Jaybird-
Lee Valley has some very nice seemng apron-style belts.
Check 'em out. Made by KUNY'S...
Haven't used them, I like bags on the sides...
-KitTechnique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
I carry on sides w/tape in rear. Don't see why anyone wants bags in front banging against your gonads. Whatever your used to I guess.
I didn't do it....the buck does NOT stop here.
Don't see why anyone wants bags in front banging against your gonads.
Ever have the tape spring recoil after you place it back into your belt?
; )J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
What's up with tapes in the back at all!Geez I tend to use mine all day long and keep it in my nail bag on the left side so I can use my right hand for marking.I have enough trouble getting my hammer tangles in th back but it tends to stay out of the way of scratchable items that way.Cor.
There's a third option (always is). I grew up with a wormdrive, have a hard time with the blade on the wrong side sidewinder thing (for a righthander). But Porter Cable makes a sidewinder style saw with the blade on the left so a righty can see. Gives you the light weight of the sidewinder with the good visibility I like. I hardly ever use the wormdrive anymore.
Dans the Man!
Tell them...the winder is better...and you cut your teeth on a worm!
Ligthness rules!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Thanks POOCH....I`ll check em out.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"