Time For A New Circular Saw

[VRStrickland]

So, just found out that my brother burned up my 10 year old Craftsman 7 1/4 circular saw. Not something I use every day or even all that often but when I do it is usually for a pretty extensive project, so I guess it is time to replace it. With that being said, I was really interested in a worm gear saw when I got this one and I think I would like to go with a worm gear this time around. The problem is that my Craftsman had a laser guide that I really fell in love with and I have yet to find a worm gear with a built in laser. So my question is this: Does anyone know of a good quality, worm gear drive, 7 1/4 or 8 1/4 saw that has a laser guide built in? I guess I should mention I am looking for a corded saw. Anyone have such a saw or know of any reason to avoid worm gear drive other than cost. I would be willing to go to 8 1/4 as all of my 7 1/4 blades were in the case for my Craftsman which I understand has now been thrown away with the saw.

Thanks

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’m not aware of any worm drive with a laser guide. Just get a Mag 77 and practice with it.

 

[redwrench60]

I assume you are right handed? With the worm drive the blade is on the left in plain view along with the kerf. No more hunching over your saw to watch the cut and no laser needed. The high torque and ergonomics are what attracts me to worm drives. I like my SKIL MAG 77.

 

[WilsonLR]

I had a circa 1960's Skilsaw worm drive from my grandfather. I never liked the saw dumping the dust into my lap. Being young, stupid and ignorant of how to use it, I sold it at a garage sale. #regret

That said, I wised up and got a Milwaukee industrial grade circular saw with aluminum base and dovetail height adjustment in the 90's. I'll be handing it down.

This craftsman explains the wormdrive saw:

 

[Ton ton]

I had a circa 1960's Skilsaw worm drive from my grandfather. I never liked the saw dumping the dust into my lap. Being young, stupid and ignorant of how to use it, I sold it at a garage sale. #regret

That said, I wised up and got a Milwaukee industrial grade circular saw with aluminum base and dovetail height adjustment in the 90's. I'll be handing it down.

This craftsman explains the wormdrive saw:

Nice video.

 

[jonshonda]

I have been victimized by the "bigger is better" mindset in the past, and feel like the worm drive saw isn't nearly as easy to handle as a typical sidewinder. It's big and heavy, which is good for some things, but not others. I have a 77 with a mag base, and it's OK for ripping sheet stock. But for dimensional lumber it's too much saw.

If you want the blade on the left, I look at the Bosch CS5 saw. If I had money to burn it would be spent on a 7-1/4 circular saw and a track saw.