Big Saw Bests Big Timbers
Skilsaw's Super Sawsquatch massive 16-5/16 in. circular saw can cut thick beams with ease.
Skilsaw’s new beam saw is designed to cut big timbers fast and accurately, so I put it to work on an assortment of large cutting projects, including pressure-treated 6x6s, parallel-strand-lumber (PSL) columns, and a timber floor frame made from 6x10s. For a saw of its size (27 lb.), I found it to be well-balanced and the adjustments and controls to function as one would expect. The saw has a dust port that allows connection to a dust collector, but I didn’t use it.
The saw had more than adequate power to push through anything I cut. Moreover, it seems well engineered, and the overall build quality is solid. A plastic base is a welcome place to set the heavy saw after completing a cut. The carbide-tipped blade cuts with minimal splintering and no sign of deflection, even in full-depth cuts. The one downside to the saw is the blade guard, which sometimes hangs up on the material. You can hold the guard open with your thumb (this works well thanks to the position of the side handle), but it leaves a rather large area of the blade exposed until the saw is completely buried in the cut. Still, this is a well-powered, solid performer, especially at its price.
Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch
Blade diameter – 16 5/16 in.
Max. bevel – 45°
Depth of cut at 90° – 6 1/4 in.
Depth of cut at 45° – 4 5/16 in.
Price – $565
Ben Bogie, lead carpenter with Kolbert Building in Portland, Maine
Photos: courtesy of Skilsaw
From Fine Homebuilding #281
More about saws:
- Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch Video
- Circular-Saw Tune-Up
- There’s a Better Way: Minimize Circular-Saw Tearout
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