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Framing

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  • Introduction to Framing
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Tool Tech

Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch

This 16-5/16-in. beam saw can cut a 6x6 in a single pass! Is that overkill or is it just awesome?

By Patrick McCombe
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      Wanna try timber-framing? Maybe you have a bunch of landscape ties to cut? If so, you’re going to want to check out Skilsaw’s new beam saw, the Super Sawsquatch, which sells for around $700. In this episode of Tool Tech, host Patrick McCombe takes a look at the saw and puts it through some basic cutting tests.

      The Sawsquatch saw is based on Skilsaw’s Mag 77, a 7-1/4-in. worm-drive saw, but owing to its much larger blade, it has a larger base and an auxiliary handle that can be mounted on one of two spots. If you have a work that involves timbers or a lot of engineered-lumber beams, you’ll definitely want to watch the video.

      16-5/16-in. Magenesium Super Sawsquatch Worm Drive Saw (SPT70V11)
      $700

      Senior editor Patrick McCombe has been testing power tools on behalf of national publications for more than 15 years, and he regularly meets with product manufacturers to try out new introductions. In the Tool Tech series, Patrick reviews the latest tools and materials, discusses building technology, and shows time-tested techniques for better, more-efficient home building. Consider becoming an online member to watch other Tool Tech videos.

      Previous: Worm-Drive Reimagined Next: Compact Blade-Right Circular Saw

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      View Comments

      1. johnb555 | Jul 11, 2018 10:36am | #1

        That thing is bitchin'!! How wet were those timbers? How much are the blades? Funny no case is provided. A common hard plastic tool case would only be a couple pounds more...

      2. patrick_mccombe | Jul 11, 2018 12:12pm | #2

        Thanks for the comments johnb555. Replacement carbide-tipped blades sell for about $100, maybe a little more, depending on where you buy them. The PT lumber was fresh from the lumberyard, so it was pretty wet, but not as sopping wet as some I've worked with.

      3. BGodfrey | Jul 16, 2018 11:49am | #3

        Saw envy...

      4. d0od | Jul 16, 2018 06:30pm | #4

        I just bought this saw less than a week ago, it handles better than you expect, and the dust collection port actually works.

      5. user-3292373 | Nov 07, 2019 02:30pm | #5

        Am I the only person that prefers to use his left hand to operate a worm-drive saw? Consider this, I am right handed. Of course I've used circular saws with the saw blade attached directly to the motor and I've used worm-drive saws. But for a very strange reason this tool feels a little bit more comfortable and easier controlled by my left hand than my right. As a matter of fact, using a worm-drive saw with my left hand is the only time in my life that I used my left hand proficiently and efficiently. The way the motor-torque spins the saw motor body while operating these saws with the right hand is odd. Here is a view of the worm-drive saw (with safety in mind)… Imagine standing upright and holding a worm-drive with your right-hand, oh my the saw blade is right next to your leg. Now imagine standing upright and holding a worm-drive with your left hand, oh my the saw blade is now no where near your left leg. And now the way the motor-torque spins the saw body... It really is difficult to operate this saw from start to finish with the right hand controlling the motor because of the motor-torque spin and the position of the body being placed in front of and over the spinning blade. Now the thoughts of me being in front of this spinning blade (what a mess). I tell everyone how easy and simple it is to use a worm drive with the left hand. I also mention my thought that perhaps SKIL and the various other worm-drive saw makers engineered this tool to be operated with a left hand instead of a right... For a truly unique and wonderfully left handed experience put a worm-drive saw to the test.

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      Framing

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      Introduction to Framing
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