Best circular saw

[metaldad]

and IMO sidewinders **** because unless you are left handed you have to look over the saw to see the blade

that's why I bought a left handed Porter Cable. I'm a righty. also have a worm Skil saw.

 

[nehog]

I've both a 77 and a 5860... They are a bit heavy but they are so nice to use.

 

[Syndicate]

Personally if you are not a pro carpenter or contractor in construction, and you can justify or not justify the costs I would either get 1 of the 3.
DeWalt
Mag 77
Makita
All 3 are fantastic, are worm drive, and will last a long long time. All have warranties, and all go on sale at both Lowes and HD 3 times a year. If you can wait the best sale is Christmas time. But the labor day or 4th sales are also good to save money.

 

[Nick M]

I use my pop's skil 8 1/4" saw. It weighs a ton, but you never have to worry about it jumping back at you. Picking up the 77 after that is like using a feather. With that said, the 77 feels perfect to me. I have never used a mag version though. Both made is USA, and older than I am.

 

[willyswonka]

The skill 77 has been getting a lot of love, but I'll put in a vote for the Makita Hyploid. It's a little heavy (although I've never used the mag version) but cuts green hardwoods faster than most homeowner grade chainsaws.

 

[Vinko]

MAN...i always looked at skil as garbage,but now im thinking about getting a 77...not that i need it but now im looking at my craftsman like its one of these

Old skil was good. And popular (hence the somewhat generic "skilsaw" for a circular saw. New Skil, not so good -- at least I can't think of anything they make that's worth it. I wonder how much it'd cost in today's dollars for an equivalent of the quality they used to make....? How many of those who've got an old Skil today would balk at the prices required to get that same quality. The old steel housing alone would probably cost more than today's version of the entire saw.

 

[bcradio]

I prefer Bosch to the skil worm drives. Just like the look and feel better. They are the same company though as Bosch acquired Skil in 2003.

 

[cashishift]

and IMO sidewinders **** because unless you are left handed you have to look over the saw to see the blade and due to their lightweight i feel that they are more prone to "walk" all over the line you have so carefully plotted out-i.e.I'm a pro and unless I have a track I can't cuta straight line.Whatever you choose just HOLD the handle with a death grip or when it kicks back it aint gonna be pretty and NEVER put your free hand behind the saw (like when you're holding that short piece of wood).

You do know.. they make Blade Right saws for right handed people....

Porter Cable used to make one anyways.. it doesn't appear they do anymore.. but after everything that brand has been through.. its surprised their core products survived.

 

[wafrederick]

I have a Milwaukee and a Skil.I grab for my Milwaukee,lighter and does not put a strain on me.The Skil is heavy and put a strain on me.Have to watch it on Ebay,there are recons and new saws.That is where I bought my Milwaukee brand new and said in the ad.I was seeiing the prices on them,the cheaper models are recons and the more money were new models.

 

[Nozzlejocky]

I have a Porter Cable and have been very happy with it. Has cut through whatever I put it against as long as I had a good blade in it.

 

[darcyh]

Got a Mag 77 a couple of years ago. Great saw for doing nice square rips. Mine was good old USA made. I noticed the new ones are made in ... China.

Dave

 

[rockchucker]

Another thing to consider is the Skil Saw has an effective Clutch on the Blade. Once the Shoulder of the Bolt makes contact with the Bushing you have only 1/8 of a turn until you are circumventing the Clutch. I am surprised at how many lifetime Framers have no clue about the Clutch System on the Skil Saw. If you don't know what I am talking about and you own a Skil Saw you REALLY need to research it. It has saved my *** a few times making awkward cuts and the saw binds up. The Clutch allows the Blade to stop spinning while the Motor is still going.

Loosen the Bolt (reverse threads of course), finger thread it until it makes contact with the Bushing then tighten the Blade about 1/16 of a turn. Try to rip a 2x4 and at some point your blade will stop turning but the Motor will keep going. This of course depends on how tight you have tightened the Bolt. If you tighten the Bolt over 1/8 of a turn from contact the Blade will ALWAYS go when the Motor is going. So when you see someone change the Blade in their Saw and tighten the piss out of the Bolt they are completely bypassing the Clutch that could mean serious Kickback or not.

Most Saws do not have this feature which I feel it is IMPERATIVE for first time users.

The only 2 Rules I have about the Skil Saw are...

1...NEVER, EVER Pin the Guard back for any reason.
2...Set your Clutch accordingly.

Here is some information on the Clutch that comes with the Saw that nobody ever reads or even knows their Saw has a Clutch System built into it...


Page 8...


http://dl.owneriq.net/a/aca7b20b-994f-43ff-b8aa-85e316465f87.pdf

 

[blue dog]

A
1...NEVER, EVER Pin the Guard back for any reason.
]

Go back to my post #27, i guess you do not approve.

First thing i do is pin the guard back, but nobody is allowed to use my saws.

You can not make steep compound cuts with a skilsaw without the guard pinned out of the way. Dam near every guy i know that slides a skillsaw daily has the guard pinned. I am not saying you are not correct in your advise, just what i have been doing for the last 25 years. But then again, i occasionally drink milk after the expiration date.

 

[fury9]

You do know.. they make Blade Right saws for right handed people....

Porter Cable used to make one anyways.. it doesn't appear they do anymore.. but after everything that brand has been through.. its surprised their core products survived.

Yes I know they make them but in general the ones I see at the box stores are with the blade on the left

 

[fury9]

here are mine -from right to left. regular 24 tooth diablo for framing,24 tooth oldham for roof cut-offs,40 tooth diablo for finer carpentry/plywood (yes i'm that picky)and prob a 24 tooth on the makita cordless just for random ****. it works pretty good on drywall and insulating foam

 

[V70R]

Recently my father had his commercial work van catch on fire, newer Chevrolet van was a complete loss....What was he most concerned about recovering before risking his own life? The '77. Many cords and jobs later, it will always be his favorite tool of choice.

 

[Philbert]

I've gotten so used to using my Skil saw (Mag 77) I can't cut straight with a "regular" saw.
I like it a lot. Yeah the power is a lot more that the other saw, and it might be over kill for most applications. But for me I found that it feels like it has a much better balance that the other types of saws. Especially when cutting down, as in when I have the 2 X 4 resting on my left foot and I'm cutting down ward ( a safe distance from my flesh of course! ). I just watch my line let'er rip.

 

[yasha32]

I'm still using the saw my great grandfather used at the end of his life. It says sears on the side, has a fierce *** motor and lacks all safety features.... after using that saw I feel that all other saws have to step up their game.

I dont recommend old saws, I just felt it slightly relevant.

 

[camarotoolman]

I stay with Dewalts, I can use the old one for parts on the next one. $30 for a switch, not me.