…model HD5510 –
anybody use one of these? I’m tired of using my boat anchor when working with 1″ board and batten siding –
I can’t find any 6 1/2″ corded units, except a worm drive –
this tool certainly garnered good reviews at amazon –
I solicit your feedback –
thanks –
“there’s enough for everyone”
Replies
Rigid makes a 6 1/2" corded saw that will 45 cut a 2x material.
This has become my favorite saw and when a deal comes around on the cordless version
I will jump on that too.
It will be nice to have a right and left version of cordless saws.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Don't know anything about that skil, but I've had this for about 20 years:http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-345-Boss-6-Inch-Circular/dp/B00002269C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1214099657&sr=1-1use it from framing to finish, tough little saw... the 6" blades have to be sought out... but 5 1/2s work on it, too.I wouldn't ever buy anything Ridgid... the lifetime warranty only applies while it's still in the store. Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
hmmm....how are those left hand blades? can you slap a square against a board and index off it safely? - are you left handed? <g>ambidextrous is good, I guess, as long as I don't lose anything in the training - "there's enough for everyone"
I am left-handed, but I like right bladed saws... go figgeer... I got that saw boss to cut notched skirt boards the go the other way... don't push me, I can't remember which way right now.You can ride it on a speed square, I'm thinking even at full depth. It will cut a 2x at 45° (check it out option-shift-8 on yer mac, can't do that on a pc<G>).The saw boss is the one my guys go to when they gotta use something hand held.I like it when we're framing or siding and have to cut both ends of stuff... left blade saw on the left end, right blade saw on the other.It's nice cutting off door jambs, too, cause the saw and speed square don't hit them danged pointy little hinge screws.I do only have 9 3/4 digits, though<G>
Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
Have you owned one or any Rigid tool?
I have the 18 volt kit with planer and the saw and i am very impressed as far as the warranty i would replace with cash purchase because of their usefulness.
Another thing I like about them is they are often on sale for much less than other brands so not near as much invested.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
i've had my sawboss about the same timecan't kill the thing and lord knows I've tried a few times. like the times i was ripping green framing lumbergreat saw
Barry E-Remodeler
Ha, melted a blade on mine once ripping about 5 miles of mdf... saw kept on pushing it. Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
this one, I'd wager?http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/FUEGO-Framing-Saw/EN/index.htminteresting - does the bevel adjust back and forth smoothly and easily?"there's enough for everyone"
The bevel is smooth enough and the adjustments are easy to read and use.
The saw is light and the blade speed is faster then 7" bladed saws.
I use it for remodel everyday and my PC's sit on the shelf delegated to cutting concrete board.
I like having a left and right sided saw for cutting fascia still attached to the house so I can cut either bevel from the bottom up.
The one thing I would like to find in a saw is a blade that is mounted forward so that I can cut the entire board without being stopped by the shingles.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-314-4-5-2-Inch-Trim/dp/B0000222WY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1214101393&sr=8-1
is that really worth $350?"there's enough for everyone"
David,
I bought that little Skil last year for exterior trim work. It's a very nice little saw. The stamped steel base does need to be handled with some care though (like any stamped steel base). My only complaint with it is the availability of blades. The blade that comes with it is just a regular steel blade and is awful. The only other blades I've been able to find for it are carbide tipped directly from the Skil CPO website. They're not bad, but not fantastic either. I'd love to find a Diablo that fit it.
But all in all, the saw itself is pretty nice for the money.
Did you check Sears for blades? I don't own one, but I know they used to sell a 5 1/2" Craftsman circular saw.
Found something online, but not sure it will work for your saw.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Tools_Power+Tool+Accessories_Blades#viewItems=21&pageNum=1&sortOption=ORIGINAL_SORT_ORDER&&filter=Tool+Type|Circular+saw^Size|5-1/2+in.|5-3/8+in.&lastFilter=SizeIt's not too late, it's never too late.
Thanks for the link Dustin. I'd bet the saw that Sears sold was a rebadged Skil, right? So one or two of those blades has gotta work. I'll have to get to Sears and check it out. I've thought (more than once) that I found a decent blade only to have it show up and realize that the arbor size is all wrong. Seems most of the 5 1/2 and 5 3/8 blades are for cordless saws......which have a 3/8 arbor IIRC... while my Skil has a 1/2" arbor. Like I said.... I like the saw, but the blade thing has been a bit of a PIA.View Image
Amazon.com has a Oldham 550C424 24T 5 1/2 x 5/8 and freud has a 5/8 - 1/2 saw blade bushing There is also a 24T 5 1/2 x 1/2 by Original
I have 2 of those skill 5 1/2" and LOVE THEM. The stamped steel shoe is ####, thats why I have two, one for carefull finish work and one (with the bent shoe) for rough work.
For me, I prefer a blade left saw even though I use it right handed, seems safer to me and also easier to see the line of cut.
For blades, I have been buying "Max Life "18 T carbide tip blades sold by Oldham #550c418. I have found them at Menards and Home Cheapo for about 10.00 ea.
OOps, meant to reply to DavidxDoud, sorry!
Edited 6/22/2008 1:42 pm ET by LIVEONSAWDUST
I have the craftsman 5.5 inch. I am positive it is a skill product. At the time I bought the saw, the pro grade jigsaw they had was a bosch with craftsman colors and the pro sds hammerdrill they offered was a clone of the black and decker professional brand, you probably remember those. It seems alot of their products or "pro level" tools are rebadged other brands.
I use to be able to find irwin blades for it. before the cordless models really took off. If i remember right you can find a lot of 5.5 inch blades, or at least you could. The problem is the cordless 5.5 inch blades have a 3/8 arbor and the skill/craftsman requires a 1/2 inch arbor
regards,Webby
Just thought I would let you know about a place in North Carolina that sells router bits and circular saw blades (probably imported) at pretty good prices. It's called routerbitsonline.com. I ordered several blades for my little PC 314. The blades are carbide tipped, and come in 20 or 24 tooth versions. They look pretty good, although I have not yet tried them out. It's sort of hard to find 4 1/2" blades, and PC's are pretty pricey, so when I found those online, I ordered a few just to have on hand. I believe they also have 5 1/2" blades in their listing. Anyway, just letting you know in case you want to check it out.
Brian, if you will follow Holly's link to amazon and the saw boss and scroll down a bit, they offer both a 20 tooth and a 40 tooth 6" Diablo blade - edit: OK, scratch that - I got mixed up on which saw you were posting about - "there's enough for everyone"
Edited 6/22/2008 9:31 am by DavidxDoud
No experience with the Skil, but I can vouch for the PC 345 or at least the older versions of it. I used one as my main saw for about 15 years. Got stolen with most of the rest of my tools and I wasn't doing that much carpentry at the time, so I just bought one full size corded circ saw and a 5 1/2" cordless.http://grantlogan.net
Who got Bo Diddley's money?
the reviews the PC gets on amazon are uneven - lots more complaining than the skil - rough bearings, blade run-out, power issues - tho most reviews give it 5 stars - being able to cut 1.5" @ 45* is a significant plus, I'd say - right now, I'm kinda leaning to the Ridgid, just because of the right hand blade - I'm not real interested in working left handed, cutting bevels across 1X10 material - if I did it everyday, it would be less an issue - occasional? eh - I'm not seeking new challenges, especially ones that might bite me - "there's enough for everyone"
I have both the 6" pc saw boss and the 5 1/2" skil. The skil is awesome for one handed work from the top of a ladder. (Cutting siding for windows) The base on mine is now too warped to use with precision, but I am replacing it with a base that I will build to suit my needs.
The 6" pc is a much better saw than the skil, but I bought that when Porter Cable was building top shelf tools. Not really sure what you would get if you bougt on today. I usually keep a nicer blade in the pc for finish work, and a ruff blade in the skil for demo work. (the kind of demo work that still needs to be accurate)
Lettusbee
so the take home here is that I need both...I can live with that - I might just get the ridgid too!"there's enough for everyone"
Another vote here for the P.C Saw boss.
I also have my dad's old skil 5 1/2 (1950 +/- version) that I use on occasion, nicest saw I have ever used for finish cuts on ply.
A worm drive????
No, they are both sidewinders, opposite side blades though.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Used the Skil some years back and thought it a good saw. Bang for your $ the Skil is probably your best bet. Makita makes 4 3/8" and 5 1/2" sidewinders that might be worth a look too though they're more money. For 1x though my my favorite is Porter Cable's little 314 worm drive. http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11002 I sometimes have to modify already installed cabinets for double ovens and the 314 is just the ticket. Fits where others won't, light and really well balanced, and a pretty powerful bugger for such a small saw. Downside is cost- over $200.
Edited 6/23/2008 11:18 am ET by jc21
ya - that was the one that dedhed linked back in post 6 - the Amazon link had it priced at $345+ not even in the running - suppliers out of your link have it @ $230 or so - still pretty pricey - and the 3/4" capacity at 45* is inadequate for what I want to do - I can tell by looking that it is a smooth running machine - I'm sure you enjoy an excuse to pull it out - thanks - "there's enough for everyone"
I have one of these. Really light, cuts well, but if you don't cut strsight it bogs down due to a lack of torque.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
...11,000 RPM...does it really turn that fast? - wow - I was looking at the 5.5" Makita - but it's priced @ roughly twice the skil-pc-ridgid units - unless there is some large performance advantage, I don't see where it is competitive - I do like Makita tools - the 4 3/8" saws don't have the capacity for the siding I do - thanks - "there's enough for everyone"
Saw Boss here, also has a thin base. I have 3 of them. The daily driver I even got a Metal case for it. The saw is from the eary 80s back when you could get metal cases for tool. Now a days it's all plastic.
It cuts 1-1/4" at 90 degrees. How much do you need?
Yes it spins that fast."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
A full inch @ 45* is necessary -that's mainly what I'm doing, putting the drip edge at the bottom of the boards associated with B&B siding - "there's enough for everyone"
I'm curious why ya want corded, my Dewalt 18v is a handy thing to have. Are you not using a makita platform with that chainsaw?Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
power - cutting hardwoods here, and several feet of them - and batteries do (should, anyway) have a more limited life - the price of one dewalt 18v replacement battery would buy most of that skil - (call me 'Mr cheapGreenjeans')lith-ion appears to be of limited utility in cold weather - dunno - I got a milwaukee 8 1/4" saw in 1980 (did a lot of work with full 2" material) - it may set in its (metal) case for several months between jobs - it's always ready when I pull it out - I don't see battery tools in that niche - with my shop, I have limited need for the 'skil' type saw, and it's a weak point in my tool line-up, along with powerful corded drills - the siding I've done this spring and I have to do this summer can justify a new tool - and a lot of the fun is in the shopping - "there's enough for everyone"
""and a lot of the fun is in the shopping -"" Better hope no one here knows your DW!
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
eh - she knows - I've had windows with all these saws we've been discussing floating on the computer for 4 days now - if I had a place to walk up and handle the tools, I'd own at least one by now - hard buying tools without handling - we've had separation of finances for the entire 31 years of marriage - doesn't mean we don't cooperate, but I cannot imagine having a common pot and having to justify everything - even when one or the other of us weren't working (seven years for her, when we were popping out kids) we had separate accounts and found a way to make it work - "there's enough for everyone"
I've often wondered why the 7 1/4" saw size became the "norm".A while back I bought a rather light 6" B&D saw at a yard sale for $10. It sure is nice to be able to use a lightweight saw for stuff like cutting 1/4" luan. No sense dragging out my 8" worm drive for that.I don't know anything about the brands you're talking about. But I definitely think you're on the right track looking at smaller saws.
The best way to change someone's mind is with a rock
A full inch @ 45* is necessary -How many times I gotta tell you? Option + Shift + 8 = 45° Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
How many times I gotta tell you? Option + Shift + 8 = 45Âwell, you told me - now explain it - "there's enough for everyone"
I have a 5 1/2" Skil and love it BUT..........
Like DP said, blades are hard to come by.
Mine, like DP"s, needs a 1/2" arbor.
The one in the Amazon listing doesn't say the arbor size, but has a 3/8" arbor blade as a companion deal. So that's got me scratching my head.
I've got a couple 5.5" blades from Sears, but they are 5/8" and require an 5/8" X 1/2" adp.
I have to use 3 of the adapters to hold the blade in place due to the concave outer washers.
I've got 1 great blade from a specialty shop in N.O..... I think they bored it custom for me.
Even with all the BS with the blade... I still love my saw.
Seems to me a stepped tapered bit for sheet metal would waller out those 3/8th arbor holes to 1/2" well enough for a circ saw. I mean , even if it isn't dead nuts concentric, we're not talking a 22KRPM router bit here. The only issue I see is maybe a tooth or two may not get full load, I'd certainly try it and see if it spins safely.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
Seems to me a stepped tapered bit for sheet metal would waller out those 3/8th arbor holes to 1/2" well enough for a circ saw.
I agree, I would'nt have any problem with it myself. That's probably what the saw shop did for me 15 years ago.
I was using a blade off of an old Milwaukee cordless for a while... it was 5" IIRC- thinner kerf and smaller arbor- drilled out. Worked great till a few nails ate it up.
On a drill press only I assume? (Humor the framer, ok?)View Image
Well, actually no. I'd try it with a moderate clamp holding the blade, those step bits don't grab on exit ( they never do exit, really) and should be no problem.
Now with that said, I DO own a drillpress, so admittedly, I'd most likely use it.
Like I said a few .001's off center or unsquare ain't gonna kill anyone.
Seriously.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
I'm gonna give it a try then. I'll clamp it down to something or make the new guy hold it steady.
I've got two Frued blades I bought by accident with a 3/8" arbor. I'll report back if I can still type.View Image
You DO know the bit I am referring too right?
Can't get a pic just yet
yes.
View ImageSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
LOL.... I got that part. Thinking a twist bit would be messy, eh? ;)View Image
Jus don't hold the blade tween yer knees..unless ya want a new nickname. Stubby.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
Amazon.com showed a 24T 5 1/2 x 1/2 brand name was Original
Went back to the site and found what your're talking about.
17.6% of the customers who bought the saw bought the wrong blade.
BUT 24.1% of customers who bought the Original blade, bought the right saw.
That clears things up ;-)
according to the 'see more technical details' screen, the Skil has a 1/2" arbor - the suggested blade from Amazon looks like a booby trap - I checked out the 'routerbitsonline' site suggested above, and they do not list a 5 1/2" blade - 'carbide.com' where I've shopped before doesn't offer anything in that diameter - Amazon does offer an 'Original' brand blade with the right specs - http://www.amazon.com/Original-00022-2-Inch-General-Purpose/dp/B000M9GOW2/ref=pd_sim_hi_1I do have a machine shop a short distance away - I don't think I'd be scared of drilling out the hole with a drill press, but the selection of quality in the 5 1/2" diameter seems pretty limited - edit: ya - I had this composed before I read the previous posts - "there's enough for everyone"
Edited 6/24/2008 8:53 pm by DavidxDoud
I probably bought my saw 20 years ago. I thought they must have discontinued that model due to hoops you have to jump thru to get a blade.
Maybe they did quit production for awhile, and now they're ramping up again?? Maybe more blade selection?? Wishfull thinking I know.
Dustin did post a link back in 106088.13 to a selection of sears blades - looks to be several possibilities there - http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Tools_Power+Tool+Accessories_Blades#viewItems=21&pageNum=1&sortOption=ORIGINAL_SORT_ORDER&&filter=Tool+Type|Circular+saw^Size|5-1/2+in.|5-3/8+in.&lastFilter=Size"there's enough for everyone"
Stupid mac trick... 45 + option + shift + 8 is supposed to come out as 45°... not sure where that A comes from? Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
I will write that trick down using oak gall ink on papyrus and use it anytime I need an A with a umlat over it - thanks!"there's enough for everyone"
Just as long as I have helped someone... Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
what about porter-cable saw-boss?
I had one, until someone walked off with it, that was about 15 years old, not sure if they still make it or changed the design. The one I had I really liked.
don't know exactly what's going on, but during the time I've been sitting around, scratching my butt, trying to figure out which saw(s) to buy, the Skil has gone from $113 at Amazon to $106 and the PC from $156 to $149 - -
how long do I have to wait to get the skil under $100? <g>
Yeah I meant to post to you yesterday... I got an email from Tool King where they have the Sawboss for $149.88. They're also running a Father's Day special for the whole month of June.... free ground shipping if you use the coupon code "Dad" at checkout.View Image
now it's $113 again - da bums - patient, I am..."there's enough for everyone"
I have both the 6" PC saw boss, and his little brother the 4" worm drive. I bought them both ages ago for $100 each on sale. I like the light weight and positive control that I get with both as long as the depth of cut meets the job requirement.
I was cutting plywood with the sawboss, had the entire sheet laying on sleepers over an old, bumpy black top driveway, with the blade sticking out clear of the asphalt. Half way through the cut, things didn't feel right, then a bit of smoke, then harder to push the blade through. I stop, and look, and there was a 2~3 ft long cut in the driveway, about 1/2" deep, with bits of stone and asphalt ground coarse under the ply. duh!! saw didn't slow down till the carbide teeth were dull and round and useless.
Got a couple blades from amazon, yes some are mislabeled in the descriptions, and very few choices.
I also have an old, cheap B&D 5.5" saw. Plastic body and not very powerful, but perfect for 1" deep cuts, in place (sheathing, siding...) think i paid $20 for it new... blades also fit the sawboss.
did i tell you, i love small saws.
how long do I have to wait to get the skil under $100?
11 hours and 5 minutes http://cgi.ebay.com/Skil-5-1-2-Heavy-Duty-5510-Circular-Saw-NEW_W0QQitemZ200234146766QQihZ010QQcategoryZ20785QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Happy bidding
Ray
well, amazon saw that auction too - dropped the saw price to $106.57 this morning - I calculate that if I bid $110 for the auction (saw + 3 blades), that would be the equivalent of buying that lot at amazon - (free shipping at amazon vs $15+ on the auction)so if I bid $90, I'm saving a Jackson, I have to dic with a MO, I'll have to wait for the MO to get there and this guy to ship (tho from his feedback, that won't be an issue) - and will actually pay $105 - worth a shot, I guess - thanks - "there's enough for everyone"
well, that worked, for the moment - I'd wager I won't end up with it, tho - "there's enough for everyone"
and as I expected, out bid - and I'm fine with that - think I'll just mosey on over to the shotgun auctions...."there's enough for everyone"
I've had this saw for more than 15 years. It is a wokhorse and great for trimming out on the ends of roof sheathing. We also made a jig for cutting siding and use this saw for that. I don't use it for much serious framing but mostly sheet goods and siding. I am right-handed and really like the blade on the left. The trouble now is finding blades. Amazon has them but hard to find locally. Your arm and wrist will thank you at the end of the day.
Your arm and wrist will thank you at the end of the day.
Hey! This is family site pal.... keep it clean.View Image