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Big Foot Saws

vichammer | Posted in Tools for Home Building on August 29, 2006 02:07am

Just recently bought a 10 1/4″ saw from bigfoot saws. Upon receiving it I find a page in the manual that states the saw is to be used with a direct source of voltage ( no generators). It states the motor will burn out prematurly. Needless to say I returned the unit. Most of the use for a saw like this is during the framing which almost always using a generator. I looked at the headcutter attachment for a chain saw which is also available from bigfoot. I was wondering if anyone would like to comment on this product. I also looked into the prazi attachment which converts a circular saw into a chain saw like tool but I have read some issues with lack of power. Most of what I would use this saw for is larger beams, at mainly 90 degree angle cuts. Any input would be useful. Thanks.

 
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Replies

  1. Stilletto | Aug 29, 2006 02:13am | #1

    Help this guy with your vast knowledge sir. 

    Diesel uses these tools and might give you a product report if the price is right. 

    I care,  after all it's my company.     

     

    1. vichammer | Aug 29, 2006 02:17am | #2

      Not to be picky, but whats the price or should I say "How much for how much?"
       

      1. Stilletto | Aug 29, 2006 02:21am | #3

        I was kidding,  he uses the Big Foot tools as well as Tim Uhler.  They will be able to give you good advice.  I posted it to him so he will see it. 

        They make the big money so they can afford the big tools. 

        I use a Skil 10-1/4  model 860  it's old school.  I care,  after all it's my company.     

         

        1. vichammer | Aug 29, 2006 02:23am | #4

          I don't think I have ever seen one of those. Is it still made and can you use it off a generator? 

          1. Stilletto | Aug 29, 2006 02:26am | #5

            I use it off my 6500 watt generator all the time,  with no issues. 

            I am sure diesel uses the bigfoot off his whacker 6500 watt generator. 

            BTW my saw was my grandfathers and is probably older than me.  Works like its brand new.  I care,  after all it's my company.     

             

  2. User avater
    Timuhler | Aug 29, 2006 03:59am | #6

    Oh man this is just the perfect thread for me. :-)

    Ok, I don't really want to comment on the voltage and burning out saws, but I'll post my experience.

    Our oldes Big Foot 10 1/4" saw is the adapter kit on a Mag 77.  Been running through 100' 12/3 yellow jacket cords all that time.  It hasn't burned up yet. 

    We have a Big Foot Bosch 10 1/4" saw that we only use gang cutting because we want to keep it nice.  Run through the same cord, had it for 2 years no problems.

    Big Boy Bosch 14" saw that we try and run through only 10/3 or 8/3 cords direct from the temp power pole.  We don't use that saw every day because we don't need to.  In hindsight we really didn't need that saw, but it is a nice saw.

    As far as the Headcutter goes, we've been using that for about 3 years and it's gone through some iterations.   First was the stock headcutter http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/6440753/82815128.jpg  comments about how close my foot appears to be have been made in this forum quite a few times.  It wasn't that close. 

    Then we had a welder take the baseplate off and make a bigger one http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/6440753/89601176.jpg but it was steel and really really heavy.  Last year at the Portland JLC I talked to Emma at Big Foot about making a bigger one out of aluminum (bigger than the stock). 

    So this is our latest iteration and it is working really really well. 

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/10043887/147822991.jpg

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/10043887/147822985.jpg

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/10043887/148955852.jpg

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/10043887/148955899.jpg last few pics were cutting a 12-12 on 2x12 I think or 2x10.

    seat cut on a 3 1/2-12 http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/10043887/149535553.jpg

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/10043887/149535560.jpg

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/10043887/149535566.jpg

     

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/11350387/164188144.jpg

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/11350387/164188134.jpg

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/11350387/164188119.jpg

    http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/11350387/164188803.jpg

     

    I'm not sure what I would do about using a generator.  I hadn't really thought about that before.  99% of our jobs have temp power.  What about those newer inverter generators?  Do they put out enough juice?

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Aug 29, 2006 04:06am | #9

      The Grand Poobah of BigAzz saws has spoken.

      Gracious, senior Tim.  :)View Image

    2. vichammer | Aug 30, 2006 04:09am | #32

      I have not considered another generator mostly because the one we have is new. Around jan. of this year my truck was cleaned out by some less fortunate people, so to make a long story short, most of what I have is new. The generator is a 6000w dewalt/honda. I also had a problem with the compressor I bought. I am using Max's 400 psi system. When I looked into buying this set up, I do not beleive the information is very well posted, but Max absolutely does not recommend the use of a gen. with this "induction motor". So again I called the manufacture and they advised me to use a high quality surge protector with the gen. then you should have no problem. They stopped short of a specific make/model, but I think I have one which is working. I'll let you know if it lasts. Anyhow, I am very interested in the headcutter you have for the chainsaw. Is it available now through bigfoot? Thanks for all the pics. Looks like that set up does quite the job. 

      1. User avater
        Timuhler | Aug 30, 2006 04:12am | #34

        Ya, the Headcutter is through Big Foot.

  3. User avater
    ProDek | Aug 29, 2006 04:03am | #7

    I've used my Bigfoot with my 3500 watt generator and never triped the breaker. I try to let the blade do the cutting.

    The saw will grunt sawing though 6x6 due to blade warp from the heat of cutting ACQ but I've never had it pop breakers.

    Buy it! Use it!

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

    Bob

    1. CAGIV | Aug 30, 2006 12:56am | #25

      welcome back I think?

      Haven't seen you around in a while, where you been?

      1. User avater
        ProDek | Aug 30, 2006 03:28am | #29

        Thanks Cag, I took a respite from the computer to make a lot of decks and new friends(customers).

        I'll try to spend more time with you guys as my season slows down.

        Take care,

        Did you ever get married?"Rather be a hammer than a nail"

        Bob

        1. CAGIV | Aug 30, 2006 05:09am | #39

          yep, all married and official now.  There's some pics floating around here somewhere.

          A busy season is a good thing, glad to see you back around.

           

          1. User avater
            ProDek | Aug 30, 2006 05:08pm | #43

            Well congratulations are in order then.

            Best wishes to you and your bride"Rather be a hammer than a nail"

            Bob

    2. vichammer | Aug 30, 2006 04:11am | #33

      Thanks for the advise. It is nice to know others have has success with that combination. Maybe I will reconsider the deal. 

  4. User avater
    dieselpig | Aug 29, 2006 04:04am | #8

    If you have specific questions about Bigfoot's products, I'd be happy to answer them for you.  I've got a couple of their 10" saws, a 14" saw, and the headcutter mounted on a Stihl w/ 20" bar.

    I run the 10" saws off the generator when the need arises.  They're just covering their azzes with the warnings.  You gotta remember, they're just working with what they've got.  The saw bodies are regular Bosch 15amp wormdrives or Skil 13 amp wormdrives.  They were never meant to be spinning that big of a blade.  So I run the 10" saws and try to only use 50' of 12 guage cord at the most with them.  I should probably use a 10gauge cord, but I really only use that for the 14" saw.

    Yes, I suppose you could and eventually will burn out a motor.  I just figure it's a cost of doing business.  FWIW, with a little bit of care, I have yet to burn up a motor.  But it's not like this is going to become your go-to saw for everyday cutting anyway.  So they really don't see a ton of working time.  I have one set up with the regular table for cutting headers, beams, posts, etc.  And I have another set up with the swingtable for making wacky hip and jack rafter cuts in bastard roof.   The swing table will bevel to 75 degrees, but it takes every mm of that blade to make that cut in 2x stock.  But you sure can make some pretty roofs with that set up.  Nothing like seeing a jack rafter with a 75 degree cheek cut planing in perfectly with a hip or valley rafter.

    The 14" is another story.  Generally, I think that saw is a hassle so I rarely even use it unless they're no other choice.  You have to break out the big cord and it's super easy to stall out that big 14" blade with a little 15amp motor making a free hand cut.

    The headcutter is a nice unit.  I rarely gangcut rafters with it though.  Here in NE, most of the roof pitches are steep.... 10 and 12 pitch.  That particular headcutter is relatively small and with a big heavy chainsaw on top it can be difficult to get a really accurate cuts with the table past 30 degrees or so.  Not that it can't be done.  We do, however, use it a heck of alot for gang cutting I-joists.  IMO, that's where it really shines.  We'll build a set of horses about 6' long with 12" legs and rack up a big mess of joists.  Snap a line, tack a 2x4 fence down and hog through a ton of joists at once.  It's surprisingly accurate when cutting like that at 90 degrees.

    BTW.... don't listen to Stilletto.  I'm not making the big bucks.... I'm just spending them!

    View Image

    View Image

    View Image
    1. Stilletto | Aug 29, 2006 04:10am | #10

      You aren't foolin me.  :) 

      How much was the bigfoot setup?  10-1/4 with the swing table?  I care,  after all it's my company.     

       

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Aug 29, 2006 04:16am | #11

        I honestly don't remember dude.  I've just bought kits for mine, not the whole set up with saw bodies.  That's why you need a forklift.  That way one of your employees can run over a few saws every now and again and wreck all the tables and guards.  It makes it much easier to justify the conversion kits when you have a few perfectly fine saw motors in your basement with bashed up guards and tables.

        And you wonder why I am the way that I am?  I love my guys..... but they make me nuts sometimes.View Image

        1. Stilletto | Aug 29, 2006 04:22am | #12

          My tools have had their worst two weeks,  the Bosch circular saw corw cut three times!  The Bosch recip saw cut twice with the circular saw. 

          I didn't even get to do it.  The last time he cut the circular saw cord and the recip cord in the same stroke.  He felt bad enough to buy the new ones this time. 

          I like my guys too,  clumsy hardworkin wellmeanin bastids I tell ya.  Wouldn't have  it any other way.  :) 

          I know an engineer at Bosch I get the wormys from him for $100 delivered to the site.  :) 

           

           I care,  after all it's my company.     

           

          1. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 29, 2006 04:34am | #13

            That's a great price for that saw.  I have a confession to make.... I've now got three of those damm Dewalt hybrid framing saws on the truck.  The switches keep going on them and the tables aren't that sturdy, but they just feel so comfortable to me.  I think I paid about $135 each for them... reconditioned.

            Forgive me father.... for I have sinned.

            But there's still two Bosch wormies kicking around too so I'm not all bad.View Image

          2. Stilletto | Aug 29, 2006 04:42am | #14

            I bought one of those Dewalts as well,  burnt it up in 88 days. 

            Motor was toast.  It was as hard a 88 days as you could get.  Pretty much a hand held table saw for three months. 

            Then I saw the light,  I was approached by a man in a Bosch van carrying a gift so sweet that I had to have it.  The wormdrive I still have today.  And will have for quite a while. 

            It's starting to makes some noise from the motor like the bearings are going but I am not sure what the deal is.  I will buy another one if this one pukes. 

            Bosch wormdrive  :) 

            Dewalt "framing saw made by fisher price"  :(  I care,  after all it's my company.     

             

          3. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 29, 2006 04:48am | #15

            Yep, that pretty much sums it up.View Image

          4. User avater
            Timuhler | Aug 29, 2006 05:18am | #17

            Our trim guys still uses the DeWalt.  Got his back from the shop and went back in a week later.

            Our oldest working saw is a DeWalt, but it's been in the shop quite a bit.  It's name is "Hector" and he's famous.  There is a close up in the saw review we did a couple 3 summers ago :-)

             

            I love my Ridgid.  A lot.

          5. User avater
            xxPaulCPxx | Aug 29, 2006 06:12am | #19

            Somehow I managed to loose my Rigid wormdrive... in my own house.  Maybe it got stolen, I just don't know.

            I replaced it with the Bosch.  Really, the Rigid feels nicer.  It's lighter, and doesn't kick as hard when you turn it on.  The Bosch feels like I lost a bet. 

            The only reason I didn't buy the Rigid again was accessories like the Bigfoot.  Everyone makes add on toys for the Skil and Bosch, nothing for the Rigid.  So I swallowed that unsweetened Kool-Aid reluctantly.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

            Also a CRX fanatic!

          6. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 29, 2006 01:13pm | #20

            Well if you're ever going to get a Bigfoot kit, then you're still going to need another saw.  So having that Rigid isn't out of your sights yet.  When you convert a Bosch or Skil wormdrive to a Bigfoot, the conversion is pretty much permanent as you have to cut a threaded 'nub' off the side of the saw with a metal cutting blade.  Your regular guards won't go back on the saw anymore after that.View Image

          7. Stilletto | Aug 29, 2006 01:15pm | #21

            I didn't know that.  Good lookin out. I care,  after all it's my company.     

             

          8. User avater
            Timuhler | Aug 29, 2006 03:46pm | #23

            Call Big Foot.  Last I heard they were making a kit for the Ridgid, or you can send your saw in and they'll make the kit work for it.

          9. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 29, 2006 01:18pm | #22

            I haven't had any problems with the motors on my Dewalts.... I suppose it's just a matter of time.  But the switches fail regularly.  The good news is that I order the switches over the internet for $13 and just keep a couple of them in the truck.  It's like a 5 minute fix.  I just can't get past how comfortable they are to use.  I rip LVL's with them and stuff and do notice that they're not as powerful as a wormdrive, but they do manage to get the job done.

            I'm sure that Rigid is a very nice saw, but it just doesn't feel 'right' to me.  We East coast framers are very sensitive, you know.   :)View Image

      2. User avater
        Timuhler | Aug 29, 2006 05:16am | #16

        Here is one of the quick links I found http://www.medfordtools.com/bigfoot/index.html

        Swingtable is more of course :-)

        Should give you and idea.  I highly recommend either the kit of get the saw.  It sure makes cutting headers and beams a breeze.  I think I'll try it on stair stringers next.  We use the TrusJoist product so it's only 3 3/8" thick when they are stacked together. 

        1. Stilletto | Aug 29, 2006 05:22am | #18

          Thanks Tim, that gives me an idea of what it costs. 

           I care,  after all it's my company.     

           

    2. vichammer | Aug 30, 2006 04:20am | #35

      Well like I said, I may have just reorder the unit and give it a whirl. As far as the headcutter, Tim Uhler said he has a larger base made for his chainsaw. Do you think this would help in the handling of a saw over 30 degrees? Thanks for the pics and advise.
       

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Aug 30, 2006 04:24am | #36

        Yes I do think a larger base is exactly what my particular headcutter could use.  Tim is really the guy to defer to with headcutter questions as he seems to use his much more than I use mine... probably because his is wider and more stable, making it easier to achieve accuracy and therefore more useful.View Image

  5. User avater
    dieselpig | Aug 29, 2006 06:51pm | #24

    Oh.... one more thing.... the Prazi beamcutter.  IMO, it's a waste of money.  The cuts are really rough and not very accurate.  It's also a really awkware set-up to use... but that's must my opinion.  We had one for awhile... I think it's still around somewhere.  It's ok for cutting 6x6 decks posts or something like that, but it's definitely a compromise.  You really don't get a whole lot of depth of cut either.  I think (but could be wrong) that it's about a 12" bar so ganging larger I-joists is out of the question... and it's still only as powerful as the saw it's mounted to.

    View Image
    1. CAGIV | Aug 30, 2006 12:59am | #26

      what do you use on your chainsaw?

      I thought it was a Prazzi, guess I was mistaken

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Aug 30, 2006 01:02am | #27

        It's a Bigfoot headcutter.  The Prazi mounts to the blade arbor on a regular circular saw and looks like this:

        View Image

        The Bigfoot headcutter is a table that mounts to a chainsaw and looks like this:

        View ImageView Image

        1. bri | Aug 30, 2006 03:29am | #30

          I have the dewalt hybrid saw you're talking about. I also find it a nice saw to use. It's my everyday saw. My father has the bosch wormdrive. Also a very nice saw. I'm thinking of getting a reconditioned bosch and setting it up with the 10 1/4" adapter kit for cutting posts, gangcutting, etc. But, i do like that dewalt. I've had mine for probably eight yaers w/no problem except a few cords cut off.

          Edited 8/29/2006 8:34 pm ET by bri

          1. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 30, 2006 03:40am | #31

            They are comfy, aren't they.  A Bigfoot 10" saw really is a nice saw to have around.  At first I kind of thought it was extravagent... a luxury of sorts.  But now it's pretty much indespensible.  I don't think you'll regret getting one.

             View Image

        2. CAGIV | Aug 30, 2006 05:10am | #40

          "yea haw, here come's the chain saw!"

          something like that?

           

          1. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 30, 2006 12:35pm | #41

            Yep.... Yee Haw, cut it with a chain Saw!View Image

    2. vichammer | Aug 30, 2006 04:31am | #37

      I looked into this too and walked away with the same feelings you just mentioned. Like I said I think I will reconsider the big foot and I am going to pick up a headcutter. Thanks again. 

      1. User avater
        Timuhler | Aug 30, 2006 04:04pm | #42

        Email me if you want some more info.  Big Foot can custom make a Headcutter for you, but they don't like to have every framer call with a custom order on the Headcutter, but if you are serious about getting one, don't buy the stock version.  It worked for us forawhile, but on steeper cuts it just didn't work.

        1. vichammer | Sep 01, 2006 05:31am | #44

          Yes, I am very serious. Should I call big foot and tell them to give me the Tim Uhler Special or would you let me know the dimensions. By the way, what is the cost of the custom model. 

          1. User avater
            Timuhler | Sep 04, 2006 12:02am | #46

            Yeah, I would call Emma and talk to her.  She doesn't want a ton of custom orders, but maybe if you can talk Dieselpig into buying one too . . . . :-)

  6. frenchy | Aug 30, 2006 03:07am | #28

    vichammer,

      I own a Mikita 16 /5/16ths saw.  it has survived the past 5 years without maintinace (although I do use a 10 guage cord to minimize voltage drop)  It will rip thru a six inch oak timber 19 feet long.. (rip, not just  cross cut) 

      The blade guard isn't worth a tinkers damn, it binds and sticks and in general is a pain in the arzz.  (newer ones seem to be better) 

       The baseplate is real flexible and it's easy to get the heel at a slight twist relative to the toe or visa versa.. (hasn't been improved yet) 

         

    1. vichammer | Aug 30, 2006 04:33am | #38

      From the sound of it, Makita isn't the answer either. 

      1. frenchy | Sep 02, 2006 03:20pm | #45

        vichammer,

          Well actually I had a grumpy day,   I will say that the cuts are super accurite if you taker a moment to set it up correctly.  The standard blade gets dull after only a few hundred cuts thru thick dry white oak.. The Carbide blade is a much, much better deal but you need to buy it seperately , it comes with just the standard blade..

          I can't say enough kind things about just how smooth and accurite the cuts are if set up correctly.  I mean I don't need to finish them!  Not plane them or sand them or anything..

          The motor only turns at 2250 rpm so if you expect a screaming cut you will be disappointed.  My first impression when I turned it on was what a powerfull kick it had.  Then noting how slow the motor was teuning I was dead sure that something was wrong I just "Knew" that it would stall as soon as it bit into the wood.  I was in awe of just how quickly it cut in spite of the slow turning motor.  The stream of sawdust coming out of the chute has to be seen to be believed..    Instead of sawdust flying all over it shoots out in this neat pile.

          With it's big blade surface this isn't the tool to use to cut curves.. so plan on cutting in a straight line, because if you need to constantly adjust, or you can't follow a straight line without  wandering you will have to back it off and take another shot at it..  

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