I’m going saw shopping this weekend. The Skil is out of my price range at this moment, but I will probably get one at a later date. As of right now, I would like opinions on different sidewinders you have used.
Thanks
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Like the PC and the Milwauke
WesHedger,
I have the left blade PorterCable and I really like it. Also I have the smaller PorterCable sawboss, which is what I normally reach for unless I am doing a lot of cutting. In my opinnion PC makes a Cadillac of a sidewinder.
Chris
As a general statement, I think that you couldnt go wrong with any of the "contractor" grade saws out there ( but there are probably some lemons). Go with what feels best in your hand.
I have the 7 1/4" PC ( right side blade), a dewalt 7 1/4" (dw364), and a Black & Decker Industrial 8 1/4" ( identical to the dewalt just bigger blade size).
The saw that I use the most is the PC, it feels the best in my hand ( but that may be becuase I use it alot).
Here's what I like about each one:
Porter Cable: light weight, flat square base ( nice if you are useing a straight edge as a cut guide), dust chute ( Im left handed so when cutting can get a lot of sawdust blown at me, should see me after useing a power planer).
Dewalt and Black & Decker: nice angle and depth adjustments. The depth adjustment scale is on the top side of the saw, dont have to tip saw to the side to check depth. The bevel/ angle scale is marked with each individual degree, which can be nice at times.
As I said, go with what feels best in your hand, see if you the stores will let you try cutting some lumber with them ( 2x's and some plywood). I almost got a makita becuase I liked the way it felt. Will not get a Bosch, something with the way the handle is set makes it very hard for me to cut a staight line ( I think I keep trying to curl my wrist or something).
Hope this helps.
M2akita
Really have to say I'm on the PC bandwagon here.
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Mine's blade right, but that's personal preference. Plenty of power for a sidewinder, and naturally it's been abused with metal baldes and concrete blades and I've really just blown the garbage off of it and it doesn't seem to flinch. I think my favorite thing is the guard doesn't seem to get hung up all the time like some other saws I've used. You know, halfway through the cut, you drag, bind, and the saw comes flying back at you, guard is sticking.
" To the noble mind / Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind" - Wm Shakespeare, Hamlet, III,i,100