Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 14, 2000 02:12pm | #1

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   Stephan -

   Search the archives. There is already lots of info here. Try the "Tools for homebuilding" section, there is already a thread called "worm drive saws".

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 14, 2000 06:24pm | #2

   *Makita, hands down. It took me ten years to wear out my first one (the gears go from cheap extension cords, I understand), and I'm four years into my second one. Friends have em; no failures. One drove over his, but we straightened the sole and it's fine!

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 14, 2000 06:44pm | #3

   *I have a Skil 8 1/4 worm drive - love it but it is heavy. You need to think about whether you really need the torque of a worm drive or would a normal sidewinder do the trick. Note that all the really extra heavy duty machines still have all metal housings - any with composites/plastic housings are not in the same league (and that's why the real worm drivers are so heavy). By the way, the DeWalt is a sidewinder being promoted as a worm drive - all worm drives under the Dewalt/B&D label are gone.

2. 
   Joseph_S._Paoletti | Apr 15, 2000 11:25pm | #4

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   It has been my experience that the most important factors in buying any tool are power, Quality, and comfort. The tool should have the power to do the job, the quality to last, and comfort (balance, weight, and size)in your grip.

   For me, it's Skil, However, you need to decide which is best for you.

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 16, 2000 02:12am | #5

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   While the DeWalt 378G isnt a worm drive, I dont think its a true sidewinder either, but then I dont have a clue as to just exactly what "offset spiral bevel gearing"is. Irregardless, I walked into a tool store a couple years ago looking to replace my old 77 with another one, picked up the DeWalt on the rack next to it and took it home. Havent regretted it yet. Couple more amps, pound or 2 lighter, and for me at least much better balance and ergonomics. Probably not just me either as it was the framing crews favorite in JLC's worm drive saw tool test last year.

   JonC

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 17, 2000 03:35am | #7

   *Sorry I am late on this one. I enjoyed the Makitas and got used to the kick. However some of the guys who pick it up hate it because of the kick. If you get a Makita get the soft start. the dewaly is real nice too. Since I am not the only one who uses my tools I switched back to the 77 so people would quit bitching.

4. 
   Stephan_Williams | Apr 17, 2000 03:35am | #6

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   Its time to buy a new saw. My saw just bit the dust, and Im using my friends Mag 77. I love the torque, but its still a little heavy compared to my sidewinder. Has anyone used the either the Makita, or Dewalt wormdrive style saws? I know there were problems with the Makita's gears stripping a few years back, but they supposedly have corrected the problem. They're both alot lighter than the Skil. Any comments?