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I fooled around with one in the tool store and want it so bad I can taste it, but got to spend money on other things right now. Has anybody been using this saw? I like it because the blade is on the right (correct side), but it sure is expensive.
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I've been using the Panasonic 15.6 cordless saw for about six months. It has good balance and power and is easy to adjust for a square cut. The blades, however, are expensive,(about 35$) and I've only found one place in my area that sells them. The arbor size isn't standard, 20mm, I think, so substitutes are difficult to find.
*"I like it because the blade is on the right (correct side), but it sure is expensive."What exactly IS the correct side? If you are right handed, then this is probably the side you are most familiar and comfortable with. If you are a southpaw (lefty) then the blade is on the WRONG side.I am right handed, but I bought a Porter Cable left handed circular saw. Best thing I ever did. When I cut, the line is on MY side of the blade. I can see clearly what I am doing. When I use my panel cutting guides, it keeps me on the outside of the guides, pushing away from me.I wear a full face shield when I cut with circular saws. It keeps the debris and dust from getting in my face and eyes. Because I wear a face shield, I can get a little closer to the cut line to see better. (not TOO close - safety first!)It took a little getting used to, but now I find a right handed saw kinda awkward to use, although I still use one regularly.Just a thought...James DuHamel
*Heavy Duty: Is this a different blade than the DeWalt will take? James: You know what they say- hard to teach a dead dog new tricks. I use a worm drive on framing stuff some times, but on lookin stuff I just can't handle having the saw riding on the waste side of the line. I pick up that DeWalt cordless and its like useless to me with the blade on the WRONG side.
*lonecat - Over the past few months I have learned to respect your opinion. You obviously have many years of experience and even though you moved to Arkansas, I still look forward to your posts. This time, however, you have gone too far. Saying that the blade is on the "wrong" side of left bladed saws is like saying F*rds are comparable to Chevys, or that women are as smart as men. True, you are entitled to your opinion. But in this case, your opinion is wrong and you are wrong and the horse you rode in on is wrong and you are totally full of shit. Respectfully - jb
*I DARE you to say that again, you lilly livered limp wristed left coast saw dust eating.................Who do you think you are- I'm older than you and smarterrrrrr than you and better looking etc,etc., etc.
*James is right, I bought a PC 6" left blade & love it. It's a whole different deal seeing the cut. Saw on the waste is a little different too. Joe H
*...and what's wrong with "left coast saw dust"? And while you undoubtedly are "smarterrrrr...and better looking..." I stand by what I said and would like to add that anyone who would advocate using those backwards saws needs to have their head examined...in your case you'll need a proctologist! Take that!
*What are you doin inside? Is it raining?, you crazy legged, compressor totin, coffee drinkin, cat scratchin b*stard. You know I would go out of my way to avoid unpleasantness of any sort, but.........
*...no, it's rather nice here today. 50 degrees and overcast. I just finished removing the rust from 4 more clamps (hehehehehe) and thought I'd come in for lunch. Are the trees "in color" this time of year there? Golly, I loved what I saw of that part of the country a few years ago. Hope to get down there again soon. Tell a bit about it, would you?
*Lonecat, The panasonic does not take the same blade as the Dewalt. I learned the hardway by buying a Dewalt blade and having to make an extra trip to return it. I've considered drilling out a Dewalt blade on the drill press, but haven't got around to trying it yet.I bought the saw because the blade was on the right hand side. I do interior trim in very expensive homes and there is usally a good deal of casework. I gave up on lugging a cast iron tablesaw around a long time ago and went to a circular saw and guide system to cut sheet goods, actually I've found it to be very efficient. Having the blade on the right hand side works with the way I use my guides. I use it to crosscut hardwood plywood and, unfortunately, MDF core sheetgoods and plain old MDF. The saw has enough power to give an acceptable cut through an inch and a half of MDF when the blade is sharp, but it is an extremely thin kerf blade and when it gets dull, there is a good deal of deflection. With the exception of the cost and availability of the blades, I've been very happy with the saw and feel it has payed for itself. I've found it to be a handy, timesaving tool.
*72 and sunny today, bro. Perfect weather for shoveling busted plaster out the window. I have no idea what show Bob Vila has going nowdays, but in a month or so he is going to put our little town on TV- something about restoring America. Apparently the camera crew ran out of time before they could come down and shoot any footage of me stripping off 4 layers of nasty roof. Its a nice town, favorite activities are live music, dining out, looking for a place to park, and always running with lights and siren.
*You're a man after my own heart, HD. I think I'll get one of those saws, but I'm glad to know in advance about those blades. Do you drive a Ford or a Chevy?
*Lonecat,Small bore, long stroke pistons, are best for trucks. I'm Ford all the way.Heavy Duty
*I thought so. This is a serious case.
*Lonecat, don't know if you've seen it, but Hitachi makes an 18V cordless 6 1/2" saw with the blade on the right for about the same money as the Panasonic. My guess would be the blades for a 6 1/2" might be easier to come by,(maybe cheaper too).Just muddyin' the water, Roy.
*Have you seen that new cordless compound miter saw? I'm really starting wonder what kind of things will be next.
*I find that i prefer a left blade for sheet goods and a right blade for cutting 2Xs
*How about cordless belt sanders? I'm forever running up on the cord. Even on a vibrator sander it wound be real nice, and they aren't dependant on constant rpms. I bet those are next.
*I finally bought one of these saws today and I LOVE it?
*I love my Panasonic 1/2" driver/drills. Would not hesitate to purchase the saw if they put the blade on the correct side for right handed people. They don't so I won't.The correct side without regard to the orthodox or southpaw user is what the user is comfortable with and prefers. That being said if the blade is not on the left side of the motor it is wrong. Enjoy the new tool lonecat.joe d
*WORMS RULE!
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I fooled around with one in the tool store and want it so bad I can taste it, but got to spend money on other things right now. Has anybody been using this saw? I like it because the blade is on the right (correct side), but it sure is expensive.