I’m left-handed and thinking about buying Milwaukee’s “blade-left” circular saw (model 6391-21). But I noticed something on it that concerns me. There is no dust port on the rear of the blade housing like there is on the “blade right” model. I’m attaching links to pictures of both saws so you can see what I’m talking about.
So, if I’m using the “blade left” saw with my left hand, where is the sawdust being directed?
TF
Toolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as “Toolfreak”)
Edited 2/18/2006 11:54 am ET by Toolfanatic
Edited 2/18/2006 11:57 am ET by Toolfanatic
Replies
Blade left saws are for right-handed people. Don't use them left-handed, even in an emergency.
DCS Inc.
"Whaddya mean I hurt your feelings, I didn't know you had any feelings." Dave Mustaine
I don't buy that at all. I intentionally bought a Porter Cable "blade left" saw because I'm left-handed. The saw is a mirror-image of the "blade right" saw. Such is not the case with the Milwaukee saws.
My specific question has to do with Milwaukee's dust port on the "blade left" saw (which is model#6391 by the way).
TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
Agree with you, I am Left Handed and I use a blade left saw. It is a matter of comfort and I have a greater feeling of safety.
I used to own the Porter-Cable blade left saw, it was stolen from the jobsite, I got the Milwaukee because it was in stock and the PC was not. FHB gave it a good write up and it is a good saw.
That being said I miss the PC saw for the exact issue that you bring up. Much of the saw dust from the Milwaukee seems to go two places, in my face and in my toolbelt! when . Not an issue I had with the PC. More of a nuisace than a real problem. But next time I will get the Porter Cable. Hope the info helps!
That is exactly the response I was looking for. Thanks!!TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
Glad I could help!
Yeah, I can agree with you either. I've got five blade left saws (both worm drives and sidewinders) and three or four blade right saws and I use them all with either hand depending on what I'm doing. It's all about what you're comfortable and capable with.
To answer the original question..... I wouldn't worry about the dust port at all. Some saws just don't have them and I don't think I ever even notice. In fact I recall having one saw (but don't remember the model) that would deposit all of the sawdust in my tool belt any time I cut stringers on a set a of horses. Now that was one dustport I could have done without.View Image
I hear ya. I have the EZ smart, and a Milwaukee saw...was ripping a mile of plywood and I normally go r to l when I rip...but the guide had me going L to R...filled up my pouch in a hurry.
I figgure its just part of life to dump the bags out now and again.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Blade left saws are for right-handed people. Don't use them left-handed, even in an emergency."
TF,
That's what Earl said and it's totally false. You can use any saw no matter what side the blade is on in either hand you want and it's all safe. It's all a matter of what's comfortable to you.
As far as the Milwaukee saw and the dust I can't help you with that.
Framer is right learn to cut with either hand and either sided saw. Some crews I work with keep two saws (one of each side) at opposites ends of the bench when they cut rafters. I'm left-hnaded myself and its really a matter of time with a saw and comfort level.
I have the left and right. The pair comes in handy for rafter work, and stairs or anything else where bevels are needed. You can get good cutting with either with a little practice. I'm right handed and use the blade right for sheathing and simple crosscuts. That's what I got used to.
The dust port is not at the top-back on the blade left but doesn't really cause any serious problem for me. I use my V28 right much now and dust isn't an issue with that either.
k
I have the PC blade left but bought it for the line of sight not hand of use. I've also found that it doesn't usually matter if there is a dust port or not - the wind is going to put it right in your face regardless.