So I’m wanting a 6 1/2″ circsaw for exterior trim work. The little Ridgid Fuego has been on the market for awhile now…. thought maybe a few owners might chime in now that they’ve had an opportunity to give it a work out.
Any opinions? Also wouldn’t mind hearing from any Sawboss owners as well. I’m leaning away from the Sawboss and towards the Fuego only because the Fuego uses a 6 1/2″ blade instead of the Sawboss’ 6″. I find better selection and availablility in 6 1/2″ blades than I do in 6″ blades.
Opinions?
Replies
I have, should say had since some jack #### walked off with it 5 months ago, a PC Sawboss. It was my first circ saw when I was 14. I loved that saw and it had more balls then a good deal of 7 1/4" side winders. I will replace it eventually with another when the need or mood arrives. I liked the blade on the left, not sure what the Fuego is. It was great for tight spots and light duty work. The down side IMO was the baseplate made of stamped steel. I replaced it twice b/c of bends, one was a tumble down the stairs, the other was getting knocked off scaffolding 4' up. Not sure if a Mag base would have broke but probably wouldn't have bent.
I will say finding 6" blades was a challange, the local lumber yard always had one or two on hand but usually not the one I was after so I'd stock when I came across them.
I like my little Sawboss, and suffer through the lack of blade availability. Blade-left makes it kinda cool.
For exterior trim work, however, I would consider one of the many good cordless saws out there. I know, I know, you've got cords strung out everywhere, but who needs 'em, and just threading power to where you need it is a pain.
i've had the fuego for just over a year. I bought it as a quick replacement for a mag77 that someone dropped from a 3rd story dormer. Anyways, this saw is ok for trimwork, but will never find it's home doing any serious framing. To me it just seems like a cheap underpowered saw. I've already broken the height adjustment lever within the first few months. IMO save your coin and buy the PC
Just looking to use it for trim work so I'm not really worried about "serious framing"..... will leave that to the worm drives. I appreciate the feedback though..... I'll take it as thumb's down in your camp?View Image
I've already got a 6 1/2" Makita LI. Looking specifically for a corded model. I cut most of my exterior trim at a table saw and SCMS station (plenty of cords around) and always keep a circ saw set up there too.... mainly for cuts the SCMS can't make (over 50 degrees).View Image
Dp,
I've got a Sawboss and it is a workhorse. I do mostly trim work, but I have used it for plenty of 2 x cutting. It will cut a 2x on a 45 degree bevel.
Were you looking to trade for one in the other thread?
- Kit
Yep, that was me looking for a trade.... thanks for the feedback VP. I do like the Sawboss... but like I said.... the 6" blades thing has me second guessing.View Image
I bought 2 ,5inch makitas cause they had brakes on them and i worried bout my guys cutting, I found the brake to be handy though cutting siding when i was going fast, I only used the sawboss a few times and loved it but alas there was no brake.
Thanks Bobby.View Image
Brian:
I recently used the Fuego. It's lightweght and powerful for its size. I'd recommend it. Not exactly what you are looking for, but my favorite saw is the 4 1/2 in Porter Cable worm trim saw. Cuts 5/4 at 90 degrees. A very nice saw for trim work.
Mike
what kind of blade do use in yours?
I bought that saw a little while ago, the factory blade sucked and I expected it so I bought a carbide blade, can't remember the tooth count, but still had bad tear out on plywood and minor tear out on solid stock.
Thanks Neil.... that stamped steel shoe bugs me too. That and the 6" blade thing. Otherwise I'd have bought the Sawboss already. I'm wondering if this Fuego isn't a better alternative. Think I'll go paw one tomorrow at the Depot and see what I think of it. Man, I hate going to the Depot. Especially on the weekend. It's like amatuer day.View Image
amateur day does not begin to describe it.
About twice a month or so I'll end up at HD to pick something up for some little project I have going in our office or just in the general area, I'll stop in and pick up items I know the guys will need on Monday morning to save them the trip and gain a little efficiency, fighting the crowds, the idiots, and more then anything, the HD employees, to get what I need.... Every time I curse myself and say I'll not do that again, then the next week rolls around and then...
anyway, the 6" blade depth was never a problem other then availability of blades, as long as you can keep a fair stock and plan ahead it shouldn't be a problem. I wish I had mine back.
One of these days that I'm in Boston we're going to have to get toghether...
I don't remember. It's my FIL's saw. I was using it on his job. I think it was a factory blade. He'll probably come along here and answer.
It came with 2 blades, I'm not sure on the teeth count on the one that's on the saw. I cut 2X's, plywood and the blade on the saw you used got used to cut the T&G sheathing on the walls to make sections during the demolition. I cut all the birds mouths with it also. It's a very well balanced saw. I've had the PC worm since 1978, last year I replaced the worm gear set and the drive bearing. The 61/2 is much handier.
I install the French Wood door today and have most of the PVC soil and venting in.
al
Yes, I looked at that little wormdrive too. But occasionally when doing trim work I'll also have to cut a little 2X here and there for backing or false rafter tails or something.... would like the saw to be able to do both.View Image
Sawboss here ........... like it but I think QC might have suffered when Black & Darker moved PC production to their DeWalt plant in Mexico. Shoe is not quite parallel with the blade, the spindle lock doesn't always work, and have had to work on the dust tube so I could swivel it/ remove it.
Good to know JC, thanks for the feedback.
View Image
I have had one for over a year now and I haven't picked up either of my PC"s since.
It is light and the adjustments are easy to work it cuts well with a faster speed than other saws will cut over 2" deep and I have dropped it a half dozen times with no repercussions.
I like it so much that as soon as I can get a deal on the cordless rigid I will buy one as it is the same saw just battery powered.
Several of my framer buddies have used it and liked it too.
ANDYSZ2
PS I got lucky and caught it on sale for 99$.
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Thanks Andy, that's what I was hoping to hear. Can you tell me what the base or shoe is made out of on the Fuego.View Image
Impact resistant plastic.
The only gripe is when cutting plywood it will throw splinters back at your eyes.Thats when I am standing over my cut not bad from the side.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Brian,
Mike Sloggatt told me he loves those little saws. I haven't tried one and wanted to buy one on his recommendation, but tool purchases are on hold till we get more work.
He liked them because they were light and spun fast. I'm not used to blade right saws, so its not too high on my priorty list.
Tim
Edited 12/29/2007 5:58 pm ET by Timuhler
Geez... you know.... I just assumed the Fuego was a blade left saw until you said that. You may have just saved me a drive to Home Depot. If I gotta be stuck with a steel shoe and blade on the right, I might just save a few bucks and order the 6 1/2" Skil.View Image
Yep, right blade.
View Image
Interesting review:
http://toolmonger.com/2006/12/01/hands-on-ridgids-fuego-6-12-framing-saw/
FYI, That same saw comes in a cordless format too, I think it's even LiIon powered (possibly through buying a seperate LiIon battery).
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts. You nut, you.