Looking at recon versions of both- is one preferable to another?
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I own the bosch and really like it my Uncle just bought the mag 77 he likes my bosch better. Better handle rafter hook and mare torque. Weight is pretty much the same.
Definitely the Bosch. In addition to what Stilletto said, the guard is much better.
I don't know what the recon. prices are of those saws, but Tim Uhler always says that the Ridgid wormdrive is better than either of them.
My Home Depot doesn't carry that saw anymore, but it might be worth taking a look.
Another vote for the bosch. In addition to the reason's already posted, it's got 15A of power over the Skil's 13A. It also has a magnesium table instead of the Skil's aluminum... less likely to get bent. Order yourself a universal handle from Big Foot Tools and to go with it and you'll be in heaven.
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Ridgid,
We have had about 8 DeWalt hypoid, 3 Bosch 1677 (2 Direct Connect), 1 million Skils, and we have 4 Ridgid wormdrives. First of all, to each his own. None of the saws are all that reliable anymore. So far the Ridgid after a year has held up better than either DeWalt or Bosch in the same time.
The Ridgid is proving to be more reliable than the Bosch. My Ridgid is in the shop for some warranty work (minor items) and so I've been using the Bosch. I hate that stupid saw for roof framing. I have to beat on it to get it bast 45 and to get it to 45 is a pain and requires a hammer more often than not.
I would buy the Ridgid. It has every feature the Bosch has, but its much easier to swing the bevel around. It's more like the DeWalt in ease of use. Pluse it has a pretty good warranty.
I think I look good with orange too :-)
Didn't Bosch buy Skil? Or at least the rights to the worm drives? Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought they bought Skil, then redesigned the worms, based on improving the 77. TIPI,TIPI,TIPI!
You're not mistaken.View Image
How'd you get hooked up with worm drives? I grew up in New England and had never even seen a worm drive till an extended visit to Texas many years ago. Wasn't too impressed then using a borrowed 77........ seemed pretty awkward at the time. Still like my PC 347 sidewinder but these days I'm finding that it's easier for these arthritic old paws to push the saw from behind than to drag it by the top.
Such nonesense talk has no place in these parts.
Off with ya now!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Thanks to all ................1677 Direct connect is on the way.
Tim, ever hit the adjustment on your saw with a quick blast of silicone? I do it from time to time. If I don't, the bevel will stick just like you describe. But as long as I hit it with silicone it works great... all the way to 50 degrees.
I wish those Dewalt saws were made better. Those things are the most user friendly saws I've ever handled. I absolutely love the ergonomics. But the tables bend, the switches quit, and motors will fry. Other than that, they're perfect. ;)View Image
I bought the Dewalt before my Bosch and burnt the motor up in 87 days back to Dewalt it went got a refund check in the mail 2 weeks later.
None of the three HDs nearby carry Ridgids wormdrive anymore. Just when I was ready to make the plunge, they pulled them for some reason...
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
That's odd. When I was in the local HD a few weeks ago, they didn't have any either and the website says they are back ordered. Hmmm
Guess the secret is out, worms are good. yuh no whut i meen?
Had to go to another state today (Rhode Island, all of 30 minutes away) and while passing through, stopped at a HD. There were no Ridgid WDs in the tool section, but as I was leaving, I saw a half dozen stacked in a corner. I grabbed one and danced out of there. After paying, of course. Bought new blades, installed, and took it for a spin. Plenty of extra features on it I hadn't expected, the lighted plug, a dipstick? How long is that gonna last? Cord wrap and rafter hook. Shaft lock. Large levers. Looks nice, just hope it holds up. Although I won't put it thru the test like you framers. I've used sidewinders since high school days, so the change might take some getting used to.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
I was in HD today and they had them on the shelves so there still out there.
ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
I just bought another one slightly used on Ebay. 127$ Not too bad. I'll keep it nice as a reserve :-) or put a Big Foot kit on it when they come out with one.
I bought the Bosch a couple years ago, after Larry Huan said it was "the best saw he'd ever used", and I had gone through the gears again on my second Makita hyphoid (after seven years).
Plenty 'o power and easy to start acute angles without having to hold the bladeguard back - BUT
That damn bladeguard chews up cords - I'm SURE that's why Bosch came out with the Direct Connect feature - so it chews up another manufacturere's cord. The shoe, even lubricated and straightened, doesen't move that smoothly around 45. Also, the CG seems awkward compared to the Makita - it's difficult to slide the saw back an inch or so in the cut without getting it cocked.
When this wears out (and it may take a while), I'll go back to Makita and always use a 10-gage extension cord.
Forrest
I own both the Mag and the Bosch.
Love em both.
Haven't had any of the problems others have mentioned with either saw.
I do take care of my tools though. Probably better than most.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements