So I'm looking at circular saws...thoughts?

[finley31]

I don't like the handle of the Milwaukee worm drive saw - they had one at the welding supply store one day.

The milwaukee I use is an older version and there is a skil brand one laying around the shop someone where that is almost identical. They look like they were made by the same manufacturer, and yeah the handle on this one left a little to be desired.

 

[Jason280]

I use a DeWalt standard and a Milwaukee worm-drive, and they have been very good saws. That being said, if I ever have to buy another circular saw, it will be a Makita. Go to just about any job site locally, and you will see far more Makita saws than just about anything else (and will rarely see a hypoid gear saw).

 

[woody 73]

Funny ask 100 people and you will get 100 different answers , and they are all great advice on circular saws.

On the Mag 77 (which I own) yes they indeed are fantastic but they weigh a Fxxing ton and unless you are building a log cabin day in day out the weight will kill you at my age.

So I would instead ask what saw has the best track record for taking abuse (being dropped from a two story house, is lightweight and has the best repair history (fewest repairs).

Woody Tip: Two things will help you out (1) find a copy or go online and read a consumer report article about which saw will have the best track repair history and can dish out the abuse. (2) Go to any Home improvement store and try each model till you find one that pleases you and the weight will not kill you.

Hope that helps you out.

 

[zacker01]

i have a 6" porter Cable saw boss, not a new fangled battery operated one mind you, good old plug in power type. unfortunatly it seems that PC isnt making them anymore cause im looking to replace it as its old and kind of decrepid now but I cant find one on line. amazon USED to have them as little as two years or so ago. The saw was awesome, powerful, light, left handed so you can see the cut if you use your right hand to operate it... a long cord, 6" = great size for most work. now, all i see in the 6" size are cordless... my experience with them are, waste batteries and time charging and cr&&py cuts when they start to die.

 

[OEXL16B]

On the Mag 77 (which I own) yes they indeed are fantastic but they weigh a Fxxing ton and unless you are building a log cabin day in day out the weight will kill you at my age.

Use the weight to your advantage; cut downward with it. Concrete guys love them for cutting 2 x 6 forms.

 

[uncletater]

try the older model Porter Cable saws. Ebay always has them. The 743 and 347 models are great saws. I think the only difference is blade on left or blade on right. If you want a new one you cant beat the Dewalt.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Being left handed I would recommend a saw with a left side blade. I have a Milwaukee Tilt-lok saw and it's the best one that I have ever used out of many other brands. I can't even guess how many thousands of board feet this saw has been through. I don't adjust the handle too often but, its nice to be able to at certian times. I cut straighter with this saw than any other that I have owned or used as well. It's also light in weight and has very good power.

They have this saw in a left hand version as well.
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/tools/...nch-left-blade-circular-saw-with-case/6391-21

If I did not have the Milwaukee I would look at something from Bosh, Hitachi, or Makita as they all make qulaity products as well.

I also have an 8 1/4" Milwaukee worm drive saw with left side blade. It has quite a bit more power and cuts deeper. It weighs a ton and is not near as versatile as the Tilt Lok. I use it a lot to cut lines in cement and other heavier duty cutting.

 

[EmptyWallet]

Alright....sounds like I have no use for a worm drive. Side Winder it is.

Looks like a lot of votes for Makita. Few Dewaults and Milwaukees scattered in there.

I like that Dewault I listed up there because it's lightweight. I absolutely LOVE everything I have from Dewault so far....so...Dewault or Makita?

 

[Major Ramifications]

Since you don't use it much, a regular Skil sidewinder is a great value. New ones are cheap, used ones even cheaper.

 

[SARG]

I am right handed but my favorite is a left hand Milwaukee. I just prefer to be able to see the blade better.

The original poster stated he was left handed .....so if I were he........... I would acquire a standard right hand Milwaukee saw.

 

[OEXL16B]

Alright....sounds like I have no use for a worm drive. Side Winder it is.

If there's one thing I can't stand about a side winder is the noise they make. Worm drives are a lot more quieter. It's like comparing a Harley with straight pipes to a Lexus.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

If there's one thing I can't stand about a side winder is the noise they make. Worm drives are a lot more quieter. It's like comparing a Harley with straight pipes to a Lexus.

Yea, there is some difference, but not that much. I notice more of a higher pitch with sidewinders compared to the lower pitch of the worm. I usually try to wear ear plugs when using most of my power tools.

 

[EmptyWallet]

On a sidewinder..that Dewalt up there I posted is under 9lbs....is that to light for a saw? Would going lighter cause problems?

 

[ChrisF250]

Out of those two Dewalt

No a lighter saw, as long as its still well constructed, will cause no problems and is preferable

 

[jptbay]

Any feedback on the Ridgid worm drive saw?