FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Craftsman wormdrive

ANDYSZ2 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on July 27, 2003 01:51am

 Just bought a craftsman wormdrive it is identical to a skill so I assume they are made by the same company it was 20$ less which covered the cost of a 2 year replacement warranty.The blade that came with it was steel blade. I used this blade to cut 5 rips on 7   2 x 10 x 12  the blade got progressively duller so at lunch time I bought a marathon blade and figured out how to knock out the center arbor hole to use the diamond arbor.  You would not beleive how little is known about worm drives in this area ( MEMPHIS). I want to know what weight oil to put in the saw and if there is special blades for the saw? When I got back and cut with the new blade it ripped like a knife thru butter. I am duly impressed by saws ability although the weight of the saw is excessive so I think I will use it mainly for ripping.

                     ANDYSZ2

I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | Jul 27, 2003 02:00pm | #1

    You'll end up working it to death. You are you trying to kid?

    The gear oil is specific to the tool. Get it at a better quality tool repair or outlet.

    But 70 or so different opinions will be along shortly.



    Edited 7/27/2003 7:03:01 AM ET by IMERC

  2. TommyB12 | Jul 27, 2003 04:55pm | #2

    Any real worm drive guy knows that you take the skill 77 out of the box and throw the box and every thing that came with it in the dumpster.  If I recall correctly skil 77's don't come with the blade mounted, saving you the trouble of removing it before throwing it away. 

    Now, as a first time WD owner here are a couple of other things to consider.  You don't need the extended warranty.  This saw will outlast the store that you bought it from. 

    Change the gear oil?  You might want to go and post that question over at cooking time or what ever that other message board is, 'cause you are definately in touch with your feminine side.

    Do not ever complain about the weight of the Skil 77.  By a mag model for yourself (two pounds less) and let your guys use the standard model.  Occasionally (very occasionally) let one of the use the lightweight model.  This will encourage them to go buy their own.  Above all, do not ever complain about the weight again.  When someone else complains that your saw is heavy,   say something like, "yeah, aint it great, If you know what your doing it really works to your advantage."

    Don't limit yourself to ripping with this technological marvel.  It will do anything that any other tool with spinning blade in it will do and alot more, longer, and better. 

    Finally throw away your sawhorses,  these labor wasters encourage laziness, and wasted effort.  Since you can actually see the blade from any position, cut the board wherever its at. 

    My first skil 77 is 10 years old it has cut every residential building component from steel and rebar, to concrete (while wetting the blade with a hose) to block, tile, marble, laminate, kitchen cabinets, miles of lumber and sheet goods all with nothing more than a cord change every few years.

    I'll be buried with that saw.

    Tom

    1. johnharman | Jul 27, 2003 06:10pm | #3

      I have to agree with Tom 100%. One of my worms is over 25 years old and the only thing I've done to it is change the cord a couple of times and recently added some gear oil. (The seal is going bad and leaks when the oil gets hot.) Don't know the difference between Skil and Craftsman, since I've only ever bought Skil. But these saws can take a pounding and come back for more. 

      Normally when I get a new one, I do like Tom said and get the saw out of the box and throw the rest away. Then wire a 50 foot cord on it.

      Good luck,

      John.

  3. User avater
    SamT | Jul 28, 2003 09:00am | #4

    Use only skil worm drive oil.

    I have used sae 90 wt hypoid gear oil and have used Slick 50 90wt and both worked ok for a while but after a couple of months both started smelling burnt.

    I maintain all my own equipment and cannot tell the difference 'tween skil and sears saws, in fact I usually buy skil parts for my craftsman.

    However, when I needed the rotor turned, nobody could do it except, tada, Sears.

    Be sure to teach you grandkids how to use the WD cuz they will be inheiriting it from their papa when he is too old for it.

    On the not-too-bad side, those stamped angle guide for the tilt table are not too accurate. I will set the table absolutely square and make my own reference mark with a thin jewelers file and repeat for 45o.

    SamT

    "Law reflects, but in no sense determines the moral worth of a society.... The better the society, the less law there will be. In Heaven, there will be no law, and the lion will lie down with the lamb.... The worse the society, the more law there will be. In Hell, there will be nothing but law, and due process will be meticulously observed."

    Grant Gilmore, The Ages of American Law (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1977), pp. 110-111.
    From 32866.117

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"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.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data