I’m considering something bigger than the common 7 1/4″, and found three 10 1/4″ candidates on Google:
Big Foot SBFX
Makita 5201 NA
Milwaukee 6460
Are there others worth considering? Any opinions on the candidates?
I like the idea of 10″ because they can use the same blades as the chop saw and table saw. They’ll also cut four by in one pass. 8 1/4″ would be a new size to stock, for almost as much money and not as much gain in capacity.
— J.S.
From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
I've used the Bigfoot, and will probably get one next time I do a large framing job. It's quite convenient to be able to cut 4x stock and 2x4 TJIs in one pass. I'd definitely get a couple of framing blades for it... I don't think any of my 10" table saw or chopsaw blades would be right.
The Milwaukee's base is a little flimsy. Its not terrible, but you can bend it if your not careful. Dont know about the others, but I believe either dieselpig or Tim Uhler have the Big Foot.
-m2akita
8 1/4" saws are good for decks because they cut 6x6 posts in two passes. Skil has an 8 1/4" worm that I just saw on Amazon for about $180.
The only advantage to a 10 1/4" is cutting 4x4's in one pass which can be done on a chopper just as easily. They also cost twice as much (blades, too).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000223FF/103-7729515-9371806?v=glance&n=228013&%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance
DCS Inc.
"Whaddya mean I hurt your feelings, I didn't know you had any feelings." Dave Mustaine
Actually, the other big advantages are in cutting 3 1/2" flange floor trusses in one pass and steep bevel cuts in thicker material. We just got a job that will involve framing about 100,000 sq. ft. of floor deck with 16" high floor trusses with 2x4 top/bottom flanges, and I'm in the market for a couple {or more} saws myself. This post was good timing as I hadn't decided what brand to go with.
Bish
I highly recommend the Bigfoot. We put the adapter kit on an old Mag 77 and then we bought a Bosch Bigfoot w/swingtable to bevel up to 75°.
The Mag is dieing, so we are going to take the adapter kit off and put it on one of our Bosch wormdrive saws. The 15amp motor spins the blade better.
I use the Bigfoot to cut beams and I use it to cut plates. We usually put the pile of studs in the middle of the deck using the forklift, so one guy cuts trimmers with it off the stud pile and the job goes really fast because you can cut 2 1/2 at a time.
Bosch Bigfoot w/swing
http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/6440753/82815157.jpg
http://forums.jlconline.com/photos/albums/userpics/10074/normal_Picture-017.jpg
The saw isn't very heavy either, especiall if you are used to using wormdrive saws. Also, we've had the best success with the 10 1/4" Diablo blade made for this saw. It's about $35 and lasts quite awhile unless you hit nails.
The other benefit to this saw, is that when you need to cut a window or door into the wall, you can make a big dent in a 2x6 wall and then it's really easy to finish with a recip.
Let us know what you buy :-)
I have the makita and it does the job but the base wont stay square without a taped on shim that you have to remove if you want to adjust the depth of cut. I sugest you try one of the other ones. I think my choice would be a wormy with the bigfoot.
regards Rik
I have a milwaukee 8-1/4"
Got it to cut TJIs
a 7-1/4 wont do it if your cutting jig is made out of 1/2" ply.
Mr. T. MOTOL
"They keep talking about drafting a constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it's worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore."
-- George Carlin
"I think natural selection must have greatly rewarded the ability to reassure oneself in a crisis with complete bull$hit."
I'm Swiss!
I agree with Tim and the other guys. I've got a Bigfoot and really like it. It's been a pretty durable saw although it doesn't see daily use. It's the type of tool that can get you out of a heck of a lot of tough spots that would ordinarily eat up more time than you'd like to spend.
I gang cut my I joists with a headcutter and chainsaw, but there are always those handful of oddball joists that need to be cut to different length than the rest of the floor package. It's great for that stuff. Lately 1 7/8" flange I joists seem to be a rarity. Past few frames have had 2 1/2" flanges and some 3 1/2" flanges. Those are a PIA if you don't have a couple of big guns in the trailer.
The swingtable is a nice thing to have too as you can cut up to 75 degrees.