Circular saws

[l_bilyk]

What do you have? What do you recommend?

I had an old skill that was passed down to me from my father. Unfortunately, he stole it back a few months ago after all his tools were stolen along with his milwaukee.

I am looking at this saw

* LED light switch operates independently from the trigger
* Flat motor housing design increases stability when changing blades
* Powerful 15 AMP motor for a high power-to-weight ratio
* Electric brake for maximum productivity
* Heavy gauge aluminum wraparound base
* Ball bearing construction for a longer tool life
* Bevel cuts 0-45° with a 45° cutting capacity of 1-3/4"
* Conveniently located shaft lock for easy blade replacement
* Technologically advanced centrifugal fan and baffle for efficient cooling of the motor
* Thin kerf carbide tipped blade
* Double insulated

 

[KeukaDan]

Check out the Porter Cable 423Mag. I have that saw and love it. I replaced my blade on the right saw for this one because I feel that the blade on the left is much easier to use for me(I am right handed). It is a good quality saw with plenty of power. I would try it out and see which side blade works better for you. I have used both styles for years and this is my preference. My two cordless saws are also blade on the left.

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=4942

I have also used that Makita saw and it is a nice saw. I looked at it when I was looking for a new saw but ended up with the Porter Cable.

 

[Coach James]

My circular saw is a 10 year old 12 Amp Craftsman that is still going strong. If I buy another, it will be a left blade Porter Cable.

Two of my friends work as framing carpenters and they like their Makita saws real well.
Coach

 

[l_bilyk]

LEFT blade? That seems very strange to me. The thought has never even crossed my mind because i'm so used to the right blade saws

 

[Luckydevil]

I've got the 7+1/4" Skil ($50) from Home Depot that is made in the good ol USA. I beat the hell out of it and it's great.

 

[KeukaDan]

LEFT blade? That seems very strange to me. The thought has never even crossed my mind because i'm so used to the right blade saws

You should try it, I was used to the right blades and noticed a huge difference when I changed. I think it is much nicer to use.

 

[vjquan]

There was a thread about this subject not too long ago:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1766

 

[jonny1309]

Left blade is the only way to go for a right handed person. I'm a big fan of the Skill Mag 77. This saw and it's predecessor the Skill 77 are the work horse of the trade. The only difference is the price and the Mag has a little bit of magnesium for lightness. However, I recently purchased a Bosch 1677md which is the same saw as the Mag with a few add-ons. The Bosch has a built in rafter hook and utilizes an extension cord as its power source. The cord kinda wraps around and locks in place at the base of the handle. This is great because how many times do you need to use an extension cord? Also, if the cord is damage by cuts, abrasions or internal shorts from being pulled, you just get another extension cord.

Sears also sells this saw under the Craftsman label. I don't know the model number but it is quite obviously the same saw.

All of the above saws are worm drive and will cut virtually anyting. I was originally going to replace my old saw, a DeWalt hypoid gear, with the Mag 77 but found the Bosch and got it at a great price.

 

[l_bilyk]

Left blade is the only way to go for a right handed person.

Why are right side blades so common then? It's too bad hardware stores dont let you take saws out for a trial run

 

[bobbyd]

The Skilsaw HD77 (or Mag version) is the absolute workhorse of the construction industry. Nearly indestructible and the only saw I use on jobsites. We beat the living **** out these outside in the rain, snow, dust, etc. and I've never had one fail.

You can find these in left handed (right side blade) if you look hard for the lefties among us. I've found that the long chassis makes for better straight line cuts without a fence. More power than you'll ever need with this size of saw. With a carbide tipped blade it will easily handle aluminum and thin sheet steel, etc. for demo work and the like. The brushes are easy to change and readily available. You can even check and add oil if needed.

 

[xreallyx]

I just grabbed the craftsman professional circular saw. Its 15amps, ball bearing with lazer cut guide and a carbide tip blade. I havent used it yet, I got it a few weeks ago for about $75 during the CClub sale and my associate discount.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00928060000

 

[l_bilyk]

What about this one?

 

[jonny1309]

Not bad but not great. I have that saw and the Bosch version of the Skil Mag 77. No comparison. I still use that saw when it is easier to have a saw in 2 different locations at the same time. It's a decent saw it just depends on what you are going to use it for.

When I bought my Dewalt, I got it to replace an absolutely hammered Skil 77 (bent arbor, cracked case, cracked handle, frayed cord, bent foot etc). I got it for a great price. I used it for a few years and always compared it to the Skil. Again, the Bosch is the same as the Mag 77 with some ammenities.

 

[l_bilyk]

This one?

I like how it uses an extension cord

 

[jonny1309]

Yes, that's the saw that I have.

 

[MXtras]

OOooh. Me like! Me want!

Buy two to get a better price then send me one....



Thanks,

Scott

 

[l_bilyk]

Allrighty. I took a look at the 77HD today. It's real nice. But also heavy. I'm a pretty lanky guy so i am somewhat concerned about it being a little difficult to control.

 

[SCOOTER]

I'm a Mag 77 guy ....(it's mine and I don't take it to work) I use the supplied DEWALT shown above at work..it get's the job done and seems to hold up to abuse....rain mud..... being thrown....and yes they are left side blades....

 

[l_bilyk]

I ended up with the DW378. Found out today that they got recalled. jonny1309 and SCOOTER, you guys might want give dewalt a call.

 

[mike944]

I've got a old HD77, that's older than i am. Bought it at a garage sale for $10 Works fantastic, it will power through ANYTHING i've thrown at it. I've got the 8 1/4" blade version. Unfortunately, 8 1/4" blades aren't real common though, and can get kind of expensive.

it is rather heavy, and not well balanced, but i love it.

I do want to weigh in on the left blade / right blade discussion though. I'm right handed and i hate the fact that my 77 is left-blade. The right-blade saws i've used are way better for me. If i've got a piece of wood propped up on something, with my foot on it to hold it in place, if i use a left-blade saw with my right hand, then the weight of the motor is hanging over the piece of wood that drops away, leaving only the narrow portion of the foot to support the saw with. Why do all you righties like left-blade saws? Do you use them with your left hand and hold the wood with your right?

 

[l_bilyk]

Wow 10 bux for an HD77! Even the older ones fetch a premiun on ebay. What a deal.


Anyways, having always used sidewinders I can relate. It took some getting used to, but now I think left blade saws are superior. The only problem is that the DW378 is still heavy as hell, even though it's lighter than the skil HD77. But MUCH heavier than the US-made skil 5150 that I was using. I got that one back BTW. I put a thin kerf blade on there so now it cuts thinner stuff pretty well, even though it only draws 10 amps.

 

[Down Under Bloke]

Call that a saw now this is a saw
http://www.makita.com.au/catalogue/dsptool.php?tmodel=5902B

Yep 240 volt (Australian standard power) and 2100W. I purchased it do large rafter, floor joist cutting and to use in my Triton work bench. It works great and is very accurate, except when trying to use in one handed, it's weight makes in almost impossible to push in a straight line, rather like trying to push a loaded shopping trolley one handed holding one corner. So I had to admit bigger is not always better and went to the other end of the scale, for smaller jobs like floor boards.

http://www.makita.com.au/catalogue/dsptool.php?tmodel=5606B

I have used many saws on many jobsites and prefer the fit and clear line of site to the blade on Makita’s. The larger Makita’s can suffer from base plate warp (if your base plate is bent you won't get a good cut) the reason why I went for the begun with an alloy base plate. Unless you know exactly what you want a power saw is not something I would purchase on line as you need to be comfortable with it first.

In summary look for known brand, durable construction, solid base plate (twist it) good adjustment and good clear view to the cutting blade.

Power on

 

[l_bilyk]

You guys have some nice tools in australia... I really like the design of the triton routers, but havent seen them in any store here

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Why are right side blades so common then? It's too bad hardware stores dont let you take saws out for a trial run

All right, several things.
First, by now I am sure you know the difference in sidewinders and worm drive saws. Worm drive are only lefties (could have swore I saw one righty years ago, but the model didn't last).
Second, AS YOUR IN CANADA, you have legal issues to think about. If you use this for work, your version of OSHA requires that left handed people use left blade saws, and right handed people use right blade saws. Here in the states, there is no requirement that I have ever found, and the ONLY place I have ever seen ANY handness material, is in Lowe's. The idea behind it, is, your supposed to be watching that line in the gaurd, NOT THE BLADE, and you are supposed to have the motor between you and the blade, as well as the dust exiting away from you, so as not to get into your eyes. I don't know how your OSHA deals with worm saws, since they are traditionally worked from more behind, with their handle arrangement.
Third, good job on the brake. Always a plus. However, whatever saw you get, you better hide from your dad, or he might swap you saws again.
What do you cut with these? Besides the strength of the motor (and in the Makitia's version, how quiet it is), you might also look at depth of cut, and dust collection.

 

[Uncle Buck]

There is nothing to be found in OSHA codes regarding right or left hand made circular saws. I have not checked, but if there are any such requirements placed on manufacturers, they would come from ANSI standards. I do not think any such requirement can be found in ANSI standards, or OSHA would have been citing constuction companies for non compliance with the ANSI standards under the General Duty Clause, more commonly referred to as 5 (a)(1) and backing the citation up by reference with the applicable ANSI standard. Further, if this was an issue, you can bet that Compliance Officers, and State Consultation Consultants such as myself would have heard about it while attending training classes at the OSHA Training Institute located at Arlington Height Illinois. I am only speaking to the enforcement standards relative to the USA, I have no knowledge about any other country, including Canada. Get a worm drive Skil saw with ball bearings, unless you make your living with it, or just beat the **** out of it, you will never need another. In fact, you should be able to pass it down, (or in your dad's case up!) to your son when you are done with it.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

There is nothing to be found in OSHA codes regarding right or left hand made circular saws. I have not checked

Maybe you should READ what I posted! I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION IS IN CANADA, where the original poster was from, according to his info under his name. But I saw the regulations once, since I don't live, or wasn't planning on moving to Canada, they hit file 13.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Damn, Glad I cought you in a good mood! I was simply trying to shed a little light on how OSHA would, or would not address the issue. I was not looking to get into some kind of two bit penny anti pissin match with ya! Now you make sure and have a good day! (or whatever kind of day you may be choosing to have!)

 

[wilbilt]

I'm left-handed and prefer a right-blade saw. I hold the rear handle with my right hand and keep the motor between me and the blade.

I also keep out of the line of the blade, and don't prop lumber up on my foot when cutting. Call me crazy.

 

[Down Under Bloke]

You guys have some nice tools in australia... I really like the design of the triton routers, but havent seen them in any store here

The Triton router looks nice, but in my opinion that’s about it( I have a big Makita). I have to admit, I didn't think much of the work table until I used one, I now own the one with all the bits.

We don't get those worn drive power saws in Australia, they look handy for difficult jobs.

 

[Down Under Bloke]

AS YOUR IN CANADA, you have legal issues to think about. If you use this for work, your version of OSHA requires that left handed people use left blade saws, and right handed people use right blade saws. ..... The idea behind it, is, your supposed to be watching that line in the gaurd, NOT THE BLADE, and you are supposed to have the motor between you and the blade, as well as the dust exiting away from you, so as not to get into your eyes. Besides the strength of the motor (and in the Makitia's version, how quiet it is), you might also look at depth of cut, and dust collection.

OK I’M IN.

Legislation that controls what type of saw left-handed and right-hand people can use, give me a break. How do you test this, throw them a baseball and see what hand they catch with, what if they catch with the right and throw with the left. Most tradespeople are ambidextrous to some degree what do you do then. I think the left handed, right handed saw thing is more about the job you are working on; boy could I have used one of those lefties in the past.

If you are not supposed to look at the blade what the hell is the notch out in the guard for. Through my apprenticeship I was always told to use the blade not the guide as the base plate often gets nocked out of alignment. To stop of cuts getting in your eye you wear glasses!!!

Yes my power saw is ****** LOUD that is why I wear hearing protection.

My final thought; all the safety devices and legislation will not save stupid people. If you have not been trained in the proper use of any tool do not pick it up. Training can come from a hardware store expert or a friend, who is a professional tradesperson etc. I encourage friends and family to use my tools, but they always get a safety lesson first.

 

[PAToyota]

I'd have to look to see what model it is, but my saw is a Porter Cable about fifteen years old - as well as using it for years of household construction projects and helping out friends, I used it to build my workshop!

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I'm left-handed and prefer a right-blade saw. I hold the rear handle with my right hand and keep the motor between me and the blade.

I also keep out of the line of the blade, and don't prop lumber up on my foot when cutting. Call me crazy.

If your right hand is on the back, your using it right handed, not left.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

OK I’M IN.

Legislation that controls what type of saw left-handed and right-hand people can use, give me a break. How do you test this, throw them a baseball and see what hand they catch with, what if they catch with the right and throw with the left. Most tradespeople are ambidextrous to some degree what do you do then. I think the left handed, right handed saw thing is more about the job you are working on; boy could I have used one of those lefties in the past.

If you are not supposed to look at the blade what the hell is the notch out in the guard for. Through my apprenticeship I was always told to use the blade not the guide as the base plate often gets nocked out of alignment. To stop of cuts getting in your eye you wear glasses!!!

Yes my power saw is ****** LOUD that is why I wear hearing protection.

My final thought; all the safety devices and legislation will not save stupid people. If you have not been trained in the proper use of any tool do not pick it up. Training can come from a hardware store expert or a friend, who is a professional tradesperson etc. I encourage friends and family to use my tools, but they always get a safety lesson first.

Agreed on the stupid people, however, how does legislation control ANYTHING, Fines. If our OSHA had those regulations and came to a jobsite, what would they do, hit you with a fine for improper use of equipment, if they decided to (they COULD just warn you).
It really is all about $$$$$$
As for using the notch verses watching the blade, I was taught, not to abuse the tool, and check it's alignment occassionally, because if your watching the blade, it's to late to make a correction when the blade is in it.

 

[Down Under Bloke]

As for using the notch verses watching the blade, I was taught, not to abuse the tool, and check it's alignment occassionally, because if your watching the blade, it's to late to make a correction when the blade is in it.

The best thing about having you own tools and only using them at home is that tool abuse just dose not happen. On a job site when it’s some else’s tool there is no respect.

Your correct always best to check the alignment; the person who figures out how to weld wood, so you can tack bit back on or make up the gap will make a lot of money.

 

[wilbilt]

If your right hand is on the back, your using it right handed, not left.

I guess so...I use my left hand on the front handle to guide the blade. I've used left-blade saws and they just don't feel "right" to me...

Being left-handed, the only tools that really frustrate me are tape measures (the numbers are always upside-down), and my Makita reciprocating saw.

When I hold that saw with my left hand, the palm of my hand tends to squeeze the trigger lock button. When I let go of the trigger, the saw continues to run...not good.