Replies

1. 
   bayviewrr | Dec 25, 2004 09:26pm | #1

   I use my PC circ saw for a living.  I am right handed and have a left blade saw.  The only drawback I see is when I am making a small cut the bulk of the plate is hanging off the end of the stock.  It is basically something you get used to.  I like the left blade because with most of my cuts I am looking down on the cut, and not over the motor.  My buddy uses a right blade Makita and I can't stand using it.  Like I said, its all a matter of what you get used to.

    

   Brian .....Bayview Renovations

1. 
   Homewright | Dec 26, 2004 03:21pm | #5

   I'm with you on the virtues of lefty saws for righties.  Both the boss and I are right handed but he uses his right hand saw and I use his lefty.  The plate hanging over the end doesn't bother me since I press down on the plate with my left thumb when the situation calls for it.  I like seeing the line I'm cutting without having to lean over the saw and contort myself in uncomfortable positions.  Plus I don't care for another (topic beaten to death somewhere around here) practice of pinning the guard which my boss does but then takes the time of holding his hand against the spinning blade to slow it down before setting it down.  Little advantage to pinning it back if that's supposed to be a time saving practice.  Different strokes for the folks and all that... 

2. 
   dinothecarpenter | Dec 25, 2004 09:43pm | #2

   In few days I can talk to you about left and right.

   Untill then don't use it. You may want to return it.

   Merry Christmas.

   YCF Dino

1. 
   scottyb | Dec 26, 2004 04:20am | #3

   Like the blade left saws,use wormdrive mostly.But do have a PC blade left 'cause that is what I am used to.One thing ,the blade left saws kick away from your body, the blade right saws kick right at your naughty bits.

1. 
   MikeSmith | Dec 26, 2004 04:54am | #4

   scotty... my favorite saw is the PC left.... got lots of saws though..

   i don't know what guys are talking about when they say their saws "kick back"..... i've had material kick out of radial arm saws... and table saws...

    but i can't remember the last time i felt threatened by a skil saw ...

   i can stall a saw.. but i just don't have them kick.. am i dreaming ?

   now ... my milwaulkee 10"... i hang onto that sucker with a large load of respectMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   Gunner | Dec 26, 2004 04:44pm | #6

   What happens in a few days?Who Dares Wins.

1. 
   dinothecarpenter | Dec 27, 2004 05:13am | #12

   51301.14

   YCF

1. 
   Gunner | Dec 27, 2004 05:39am | #13

   I didn't know you were that hung up on the subject. I'm a righty who prefers blade left and I don't really care what others think cause it's the most comfortable for me.Who Dares Wins.

1. 
   dinothecarpenter | Dec 27, 2004 05:46am | #14

   I Think they may recall all the 'wrong saws" soon.:)

   The problem is not the pro's. The problem is the DIY's and newcomers to the trade that they never have a chance to figure out what is good and safe for them.

   Happy and safe new year to all.

   YCf

3. 
   FastEddie1 | Dec 26, 2004 05:46pm | #7

   Spike, it's a matter of feel ... how does it feel in your hand?  It's like the Chevy vs Ford question ... soem folks just won't admit that Chevy is better.

   The blade side really makes a difference in only one situation: when you tilt the blade to bevel cut.  Left blades tilt left, right blades tilt right.  Someone here who does a lot of stair framing has two saws that tilt differently, so he can do the miter cuts on stair stringers easily.

    

   I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

1. 
   FramerT | Dec 26, 2004 06:03pm | #8

   Home Depot has a sale?
   I didn't do it....the buck does NOT stop here.

4. 
   dIrishInMe | Dec 26, 2004 06:07pm | #9

   First, welcome to BT.

   I use both blade left and blade right sidewinder circ saws.  I am right handed. 

   A few additional disadvantages to blade left saws for right handed users (besides those mentioned above) is that it is easier to get sawdust in your eyes and your left hand can tend to end up closer to the blade than it should be.  That said, I prefer blade left for the improved sight line for more precision type work, but blade right is fine for framing type stuff.  Either is OK, but if I could have only one, I might just pick a blade left. 
    
   You will be fine with the blade left, just be sure to wear your saftey glasses.

   Matt

   PS: what blade left saw did you get?

   
   

   ---

   Edited 12/26/2004 10:41 am ET by DIRISHINME

1. 
   1toolman | Dec 26, 2004 07:14pm | #10

   I'm glad someone finally mentioned safety.  With the motor between you and the blade, there is less chance of getting anything attached to you in the blade. 

   Tim

1. 
   dIrishInMe | Dec 26, 2004 08:06pm | #11

   Case in point, talking about righties using blade left saws, someone above said: >> The plate hanging over the end doesn't bother me since I press down on the plate with my left thumb when the situation calls for it.  <<

   I sometimes use my left thumb as a guide when using a blade right saw, but since I need both my thumbs and other digits too, I keep my left hand away from the saw when using a blade left saw!!! :-)

   BTW - I'm surprised we haven't had more of those left coast folks touting the supremacy of their Skil 77 saws.  To me, for anything other than just chopping off 2x4s sitting on sawhorses, the 77 is like driving a dump truck on a date... :-)  On the other hand, I guess the 77 is good enough for the girls we go out with... :-) 

   Matt

   Edited 12/26/2004 12:34 pm ET by DIRISHINME