Should I buy a new circular saw?

[AceofSpad3s]

So, back in December I decided to put a new cord on my Milwaukee 6365 and considering that it is is still on the healing bench, it did not go particularly well. When I got it back together, I plugged it in and it turned on without using the switch. I got no clue how the switch goes together so if anyone has a diagram for how the switch goes back together I will give you my first born.

Rambling aside, It is a good saw but it is unwieldy and it has no depth adjustment. I got a cheap skil 7 1/4 that is use when I need depth but I don't care for it. I plan on doing a lot for work this summer, like decking,flooring, covering my shop walls with osb. This has me thinking about getting either a smaller saw, like a 6 1/4 or a 7 1/4 that is lighter and easier to maneuver that is less fatiguing to use.

Anyone know of any good saws around a $100 that are nice and handy but still got balls for heavy work? I plan to keep my eyes open for a 6 1/2 worm drive saw when yard sales start up again but I doubt I will be able to get one.

 

[yamaha0343]

Picked up this one recently: http://www.sears.com/dewalt-7-1-4-i...p-00903518000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

I've only gotten to use it a couple times, but so far I'm pleased with it.

 

[Coach James]

I think any of the major brands would work fine. I found these on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OKGAURI/?tag=atomicindus08-20


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000090PJS/?tag=atomicindus08-20


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001X21PS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YIALZI/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Coach

 

[JonnyMac]

My makita has taken an absolute beating over the years. I was almost going replace it with a plunge saw as i was doing some wardrobe shelves for the bedrooms but i though a nice new fine tooth blade was worth a go for $30, and bingo just like new again. Corded makita saws are a bit legendary in carpenters circles here and in the uk. For less than $100 new you just cant lose.

 

[BK13]

I think you need to buys Ridgid Fuego 6.5" saw to be a Guinea pig for me....


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[bob15]

Buy a new switch....it costs around ten bucks for a genuine Milwaukee part. Google 6365 and the serial number and order the switch.

 

[AA/FC]

Yes, buy a new saw. Why not?

 

[zkling]

I've been eyeing the new Makita hypoid worm drive mag case saws. My old skil burnt the armature last fall and sparks like crazy now.

 

[never enuf time]

That Miwaukee is a great saw. I grew up using one everyday on a framing crew in late 80's-early 90's.

It's down falls are the switch & cords crack easily.

It sounds like either the switch is bad or you wired it wrong. The black handle is the depth adjustment, loosen and base will lower. I find this to be the most comfortable to use saw, as your hand is still at same position during all depths. Pivoting depth adjustment has your hand at a different angle at different depths.

I couldn't recommend a saw ,as I haven't purchased a new saw since early nineties.

 

[ozyborn]

First step is recognize the problem. You do not already have at least 5 different Circular saws to begin with? I got mine from farm auctions.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

That Miwaukee is a great saw. I grew up using one everyday on a framing crew in late 80's-early 90's.

It's down falls are the switch & cords crack easily.

It sounds like either the switch is bad or you wired it wrong. The black handle is the depth adjustment, loosen and base will lower. I find this to be the most comfortable to use saw, as your hand is still at same position during all depths. Pivoting depth adjustment has your hand at a different angle at different depths.

I couldn't recommend a saw ,as I haven't purchased a new saw since early nineties.

Son of a *****, I thought something was off when I could unscrew the knob, but I never thought anything of it, thanks for telling me.

The switch was still good at the time putting the new cord on, I am 99% sure that I wired it wrong. There are quite a few fiddly bits inside the switch and the wires need to be soldered, which is where I am stuck.

Edit: I just noticed that the replacement switch comes with screws, does that mean it is just like light switch, stick the wires in and tighten?

 

[never enuf time]

I don't remember if the screws tighten or you just slide in wire but, I don't think it was difficult to do.

A new switch & a good blade, you will have as nice a saw to use.

 

[woody 73]

Should I buy a new saw...is that a trick question???

ANSWER: YES (besides I lost count how many saws I own).

Next question!

 

[CTyankee]

My makita has taken an absolute beating over the years. I was almost going replace it with a plunge saw as i was doing some wardrobe shelves for the bedrooms but i though a nice new fine tooth blade was worth a go for $30, and bingo just like new again. Corded makita saws are a bit legendary in carpenters circles here and in the uk. For less than $100 new you just cant lose.

I agree.....Hard be beat for for $100

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-5007F/202873973

 

[morgaj1]

I've got a Makita 5007 that I've had forever and used a ton. What a great saw!

 

[77Mini]

If your other saw is in good shape I would just wire the switch properly and buy a new blade.

 

[never enuf time]

Have Makita's changed since the 80's ? I used a couple co workers saw's & had a hard time fitting my finger in the trigger opening.

 

[geologist]

I have a Ridgid worm drive saw. It's the bees knees. A little heavy, but a beast.

 

[bczygan]

This Makita:

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-5007F-7-1-4-Inch-Circular/dp/B004YIALZI/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1454872828&sr=1-3&keywords=circular+saws&refinements=p_n_size_browse-bin%3A387625011

 

[terry603]

BK13
I got one a while ago
demo'd a deck and built a deck last summer
the light weight of it does take you by surprise the 1st few times you pick it up
will cut 2x's at 45 degrees, so,for me I don't need a larger blade, my old 7.5 one is now never used

 

[lonestarky]

Makita circs are normally the most highly recommended. Most guys I know have them. Finish circular saw is good to have, so is a worm drive. I'd fix the Milwaukee, and buy a different kind as a backup. The lh blade of the worm is good for rh people. Theyre heavier though.

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[BK13]

BK13
I got one a while ago
demo'd a deck and built a deck last summer
the light weight of it does take you by surprise the 1st few times you pick it up
will cut 2x's at 45 degrees, so,for me I don't need a larger blade, my old 7.5 one is now never used

Thank you very much, sir! I've been searching the interwebs for decent reviews, but I trust the opinion of somebody on here far more than some random yahoo in the ether...

 

[MushCreek]

I read all of the good stuff about the Makita, and then went out and bought a Milwaukee. It works fine, and I like the adjustable handle, but the blade isn't parallel to the base plate, so it binds and gets wonky if you try to use it with a cutting guide, something I do a lot breaking down sheet goods. Someday I'll fix it. Mostly, I use my Milwaukee M18 cordless.

 

[Chaznsc]

I have a Skil and its much better than my old cheap-o saw. It has a laser and I really like that feature. Im quite sure mine isnt what you are looking for but the laser feature is nice. (maybe thay all have them now?)

 

[danski0224]

I assume that the laser version is bladeless?

Just adjust the laser power output?

 

[bcradio]

I assume that the laser version is bladeless?

Just adjust the laser power output?

Is this a serious question?

The new light saber saw

 

[danski0224]

Smilies reduce the effect

Heckuva power supply to run the laser though.....

I guess the wood would need a laser film like stainless steel

 

[jwsia]

I have the same style of Milwaukee. The depth adjustment is different than any other I've seen out there. I'd fix it. I bet you could find the wiring diagram out there on the net somewhere.

 

[GTO]

I've got a Makita 5007 that I've had forever and used a ton. What a great saw!

This

 

[MaineGuide]

Another vote for the Makita 5007. I've been on job sites where guys don't call the circular saws, they just call them Makitas. Similar to the way people say Sawzall instead of reciprocating saw.

 

[rick carpenter]

Try http://www1.milwaukeetool.com/PartsAndService/DownloadManuals/All.aspx?ProductId=6365. A wormdrive will always be heavier than a sidewinder but the Makita Hypoid sure looks nice. I have both flavors from Milwaukee and use the sidewinder a lot more. For sheet goods, a smaller diameter blade on a 7-1/4 saw will help to keep your hand lower to the base and more "in line" with the cut. The surface feet per minute of the teeth will be slower but the torque will increase. That keeps you with a standard size saw that will be a little more comfortable on wall sawing/etc.

 

[BaMaDuDe87]

The answer is "If you have to ask, then yes always. "

 

[back2class]

back when I was contracting the makitas were the best. Lightweight and powerful. I personally have always reached for my milualkee though. Not sure why. Heavy and powerful and can take MASSIVE amounts of abuse. Used it professionally...cut concrete with it...cut granite with it. Left it out in the weather for weeks. Only issue was after a decade...cord suddenly fell apart. Cut 6ft off a bad extension cord and replaced it with that...still going strong. Can't imagine what you messed up...but can not be very complicated.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Finally got my *** in gear and ordered a new switch, should be enough to get chooching again. Saw cost me $10 last year, another $15 won't kill me plus I don't have to bother soldering or messing around with the old switch.

Speaking of broken saws, I got a 8 1/2 aluminum body skil with a missing blade return spring that I got with a powder actuated nailer and a box of other junk for $10, might fix that one up too, but idk.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Got the switch today and put it in and it will not chooch. Put it in the same as the original one and it just flips breakers. I guess I will just have to pony up the cash for a new one, going to take a look at the makita and ridgid 6 1/2 at HD tomorrow.