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Disappointing Milwaukee saw

ronbudgell | Posted in Tools for Home Building on October 16, 2008 09:01am

I have just had to buy a part for my Milwaukee drop-foot 7 1/4″ sidewinder. I spent almost $6 on a new T-headed bolt and nut for adjusting the depth.

I wore out the original after only 18 years of full-time use. So, with a set of brushes a few years ago, I’ve spent over $10 on repairs on that tool.

Maybe, if I live long enough to ever need another saw, i should be looking at some other brand.

Ron

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Replies

  1. AitchKay | Oct 16, 2008 09:07pm | #1

    It sucks, doesn't it? I bought mine in 1980, and I've already had to put on a new cord.

    And replacement blades? Don't get me started!

    AitchKay

    1. ronbudgell | Oct 16, 2008 09:15pm | #2

      aitchkay

      and I forgot to mention the grease - must be three or four bucks worth over the years!

      Piffin has one, too. He'll see this in a minute or two and then the air will be blue.

      ron

      1. AitchKay | Oct 16, 2008 09:18pm | #3

        I feel better after having a chance to vent, though.AitchKay

      2. Piffin | Oct 25, 2008 01:04pm | #52

        I must be lucky, or maybe because I have three sidewinders so the Milwaukee only gets the heaviest work and gets to rest while the others do the light jobs.mine might have come down the assembly line next to yours though. I think it is right close to 18YO.
        Only part I had to replace is the little handle for spinning the guard up. It got bent somehow and when I straightened it, the darn metal broke. That was when it was just a baby too, so they gave me the part for free. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  2. User avater
    BossHog | Oct 16, 2008 10:39pm | #4

    Dang.

    I've only had my Milwaukee saw for about 10 years. Maybe I oughta look at getting another one before this one starts nickel and diming me to death.

    Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.

    1. ronbudgell | Oct 17, 2008 03:04am | #10

      Boss,

      $2 this year, maybe another $2 next year - it all adds up, you know.

  3. joeh | Oct 17, 2008 12:11am | #5

    I wore out the original after only 18 years of full-time use. So, with a set of brushes a few years ago, I've spent over $10 on repairs on that tool.

    Yeah, but how's the blade holding up?

    Joe H

  4. MisterT | Oct 17, 2008 12:14am | #6

    I hate mine so much I got a 7-1/4 beater from a bud, a 8-1/4 from a thrift store and a newer Tilt-loc for finer stuff.

    my original is on it third set of bearings and 2nd set of brushes.

    You'd think a 22 year old saw would hold up better...

    .
    .
    "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion"

    -Neil deGrasse Tyson
    .
    .
    .
    If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Oct 17, 2008 01:37am | #7

      Got mine in about '89. I figgured it was on the short timer list about 7 yrs ago, i beat the hellouttait..bought the Tilt Lok as a back up. Hardly ever use the back up, so I use it for the EZ guide.

      I think they both will last forever at this rate.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

       

      They kill Prophets, for Profits.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_oEx4-Mc4

       

      The world of people goes up and

      down and people go up and down with

      their world; warriors have no business

      following the ups and downs of their

      fellow men.

    2. m2akita | Oct 17, 2008 01:40am | #8

      Brushes???  Whats them for???  You guys dusting off your saws?

       

       Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.

    3. ronbudgell | Oct 17, 2008 03:12am | #11

      Mister T

      I have an 8 1/4" too that a friend gave me a few months ago. A little tuning, bending a bit of metal back into place and it's as good as it was ten years ago. Mine has the blade guard mounted on a ball bearing.  You can start a cut at, say, a 10 degree acute angle without touching the blade guard. It just simply opens without a fuss. Never jams.

      Which reminds me, I also bought a blade guard for the 7", but that wasn't a maintenance issue. Somebody broke the original. Jeeze this thing is starting to look like a luxury job, now.

      ron

      1. MisterT | Oct 17, 2008 05:08am | #12

        When I was framing with mine I would cut ply wood rips right off the pile at full depth.those left coast wormdrive guys think heavy and unwieldy is a good thing???.
        .
        "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
        .
        .
        .
        If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

        1. AitchKay | Oct 17, 2008 05:55am | #13

          I feel better knowing that I'm not alone in my misery.AitchKay

          1. ronbudgell | Oct 17, 2008 01:06pm | #14

            AitchKay

            Somehow, we have to hide our tears and move on.

            ron

          2. onder | Oct 17, 2008 11:30pm | #15

            Ive had mine for about 4 years. I keep it in its box
            and hardly use it. None the less, the box has been
            showing signs of wear. Took it out yesterday to
            do a few quick rips. It was so nice and smooth I
            put it right back, don't want to wear it out.

          3. MisterT | Oct 18, 2008 01:39am | #16

            The crew will be stopping by to confiscate your Man-Card....
            .
            "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
            .
            .
            .
            If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

          4. Piffin | Oct 25, 2008 01:13pm | #54

            They come with boxes now????!!!Sure sign the younger generation can't take it. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        2. MisterT | Oct 18, 2008 01:42am | #17

          WOW this place is becoming a stable full of geldings.Can't even bait a good worm-drive/sidewinder argument...pretty soon we'll be discussing tatting doilies ....
          .
          "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
          .
          .
          .
          If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

          1. dovetail97128 | Oct 18, 2008 03:22am | #18

            Dang, it took me till the last 2 posts to remember that Milwaulkee even makes anything but a worm drive..... ;-)
            They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

          2. User avater
            AaronRosenthal | Oct 18, 2008 04:03am | #19

            I've had mine over 10 years.
            Blast it all, I just have to keep putting new blades on mine - no durability at all!
            I work in the rain, gets all sawdust muddy, and it still keeps working.
            I feel like Janis Joplin (remember her?) "My friends all drive Makitas, I must make amends".
            Oh well, at least I have my new Harley.Quality repairs for your home.

            AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada

             

          3. User avater
            BossHog | Oct 21, 2008 02:05pm | #23

            "pretty soon we'll be discussing tatting doilies ..."

            What size needle do you use for your doilies?

            I prefer a #4. But a #6 will do in a pinch.
            If it works, tear it apart and find out why!

          4. MisterT | Oct 21, 2008 02:08pm | #24

            you could tat yourself a new apron...that is if your new girlfriend says it is OK...:o)I prefer needle point....
            .
            "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
            .
            .
            .
            If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

          5. User avater
            BossHog | Oct 21, 2008 02:13pm | #25

            "that is if your new girlfriend says it is OK..."

            Hey now - I'm the boss in our relationship.

            And I have her permission to say so.
            It's not whether you win or lose. What counts is whether I win or lose.

          6. MisterT | Oct 21, 2008 08:35pm | #27

            you will soon be changing your screen mane to "she said it was OK to call myself Boss, Hogg"kinda rolls off the tongue...
            NOT!!.
            .
            "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
            .
            .
            .
            If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

          7. User avater
            BossHog | Oct 21, 2008 08:47pm | #28

            Actually, she does have a nickname she uses for me. But no way in HELL am I gonna tell you guys what it is.(-:
            You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams. [Dr. Seuss]

          8. dovetail97128 | Oct 21, 2008 09:35pm | #29

            Piglet? by chance?
            They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

          9. User avater
            BossHog | Oct 21, 2008 09:38pm | #30

            Piglet would be an interesting name, if we were gonna have any kids. But there's zero chance of that.Seriously - There's just no freakin' way I could post thew nickname here and not get a boatload of #### for it.
            If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. [Sir Isaac Newton]

          10. MisterT | Oct 22, 2008 01:22am | #35

            Oh boy, it must be a GOOD one!!!If we guess it, will you tell us???Romeo?Chuck Norris?"the Big Implement"??The TrussinatorShould this have it's own thread ;o).
            .
            "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
            .
            .
            .
            If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

          11. Piffin | Oct 25, 2008 01:25pm | #56

            How can boss know if it is a good name if he doesn't let his buddies vett it properly?Wonder if she calls him Johnny, Dear? 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          12. MisterT | Oct 25, 2008 04:56pm | #57

            I suspect the relationship would be all over....unless it's based only on nookie....
            .
            "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
            .
            .
            .
            If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

          13. Piffin | Oct 25, 2008 01:19pm | #55

            You're right, you can't let them know your new nickname.But you can trust me, just lean up close to the screen and whisper it in my ear here....I won't tell anybody, honest. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          14. MikeHennessy | Oct 21, 2008 11:58pm | #32

            "But no way in HELL am I gonna tell you guys what it is."

            Uh, she already told us. ;-)

            Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

      2. Piffin | Oct 25, 2008 01:08pm | #53

        "Somebody broke the original."Poor thing probably spent time in blue's stable 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  5. john7g | Oct 17, 2008 01:57am | #9

    yeah, those things are garbage.  Bought mine in '87 and can't even lose the blade wrench.  Bought a firesotrm for doing the #### work to keep the Mil away from cutting CC and metal. 

  6. Scott | Oct 21, 2008 08:11am | #20

    You really ought to send this thread to the Mil. marketing dept, as long as they can keep QC and engineering interested.

    Scott.

    Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

    1. ronbudgell | Oct 21, 2008 01:33pm | #21

      Scott,

      But why would they be interested if we all seem to be disappointed in their tools?

      Anyway, I don't believe the current lines of production are built the same as the old ones. The current 7 1/4" saw, for instance, must be lighter than mine by a pound or more. While less weight is usually a good thing, the only way to get that in a circular saw is - less metal. Maybe fewer or lighter windings, smaller gears.

      I think they are into a different market these days. When I bought my saw, I paid a good deal more than the average price in order to get a professional grade tool. Now, Milwaukee seems to be selling into the same market as Ridgid and Ryobi - the high end of that market to be sure, but the only way to keep the price comparable is to keep the quality comparable.

      There's a lot of other companies around that used to make high quality tools, too. Think of the professional line Black and Decker used to have. The Sawcat was a great tool. Now, you wouldn't buy a nail branded B&D. It would bend the first time you used it. Skil made a professional line long ago. Now they have one product for pros, that wormdrive saw.

      Milwaukee hasn't sunk to their level. That might be only because that level is already full and profit margins iffy with so much price pressure from the Chinese disposable tools. I don't know.  I'm a carpenter.

      Ron

      1. MisterT | Oct 21, 2008 02:00pm | #22

        One thing I was disappointed by is the plastic on the super sawzall.they decreased the size of the metal section of the body and replaced it wit plastic that is light grey.So in the catalog pictures it LOOKS like the same amount of metal...still a great sawzall but that bullshid is ........bullshid!!!.
        .
        "After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
        .
        .
        .
        If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???

      2. Scott | Oct 21, 2008 07:59pm | #26

        >>>Now, Milwaukee seems to be selling into the same market as Ridgid and RyobiSad but true. It seems important to be aware of the cycles that these companies pass through. Rigid, DeWalt, Rockwell, B&D... they've all been though upswing cycles when they were the best quality tools of choice. Question is, how do you know in the present moment?I'd say forums like this are a good start.Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

      3. Eldan | Oct 21, 2008 10:41pm | #31

        There's another way the current saw can be lighter. Using lighter alloys. The current Milwaukee saw uses a magnesium alloy; that probably accounts for the decrease in weight. Doesn't mean it's a better saw now but doesn't mean it isn't either.

        1. ronbudgell | Oct 22, 2008 01:16am | #34

          Eldan,

          With the old drop foot saws we're complaining about, the visible metal is all some sort of aluminum alloy, too. The heaviest steel component in mine is probably the driven gear and its axle.

          Ron

    2. highfigh | Oct 22, 2008 12:59am | #33

      I can print it out and take it in since I'll have to pick up a battery from service. I just took it in today, so I should be getting a call in a couple of days. Their service department is attached to the main engineering building at the HQ.They have some new self-feed bits with replaceable blades, too. New hole saws with three carbide inserts and a paddle bit as the pilot. They cut Lowes off- Home Depot told them it was them or Lowes, so it ends up being HD selling their stuff.I was kind of disappointed when I dropped my 18V hammer drill on my garage floor and it bounced off of the concrete a few times. I didn't think it would actually bounce. Pulled the trigger and some dust blew out, but it's fine and not a mark on it. The plastic they use is easily as durable as the metal and since it doesn't conduct electricity, it's safer. If it keeps the price from going up, won't corrode and bounces on concrete without damage, I'll take the plastic. "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

      Edited 10/21/2008 6:05 pm by highfigh

      1. ronbudgell | Oct 22, 2008 01:22am | #36

        highfive,

        Do you recommend dropping Milwaukee tools onto concrete from a height as a maintenance/cleaning technique?

        Ron

        1. highfigh | Oct 22, 2008 01:57am | #37

          "Do you recommend dropping Milwaukee tools onto concrete from a height as a maintenance/cleaning technique?"It worked, didn't it?Just my own, although it wasn't the first time and it didn't phase it at all. I know a Sr design engineer at Milwaukee Electric Tool and he said that's one of their "real world" tests. They beat the c-rap out of everything to see what it'll take. When he got me the 18V hammer drill and I was waiting in the parking lot outside of the engineering bldg, I saw two 2x12-8' standing up next to one of the doors just before they officially released the V28 stuff. The boards were battery test drill material and I counted something like 72 holes, which were from one battery and a 2-9/16" self feed bit.
          "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

          1. ronbudgell | Oct 22, 2008 02:06am | #38

            highfive,

            Yup, it worked. What else counts?

            Ron

          2. highfigh | Oct 22, 2008 02:09am | #39

            "Yup, it worked. What else counts?"Oh, maybe getting paid to "test" things like these.
            "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

          3. fingers | Oct 22, 2008 10:53pm | #40

            A few years ago at the JLC Live show in Providence, R.I.  the Bosch display had a platform built about 5 or 6 feet off the Convention Center floor.  The Bosch reps were asking show-goers to walk up the platform hold a Bosch cordless drill as high as they could ( which would end up being a height of 12 or 13 feet from the floor) and drop it.  They were demonstrating the durability of the drills. 

            They did this all morning and finally the Convention Center people asked them to stop because they were chewing up the concrete floor.  They ended up putting a piece of plywood over the floor. I t was actually a pretty impressive demo.  Often the battery would separate from the drill body but those drills just kept on chugging along.

            By the way I don't happen to own any Bosch drills.

          4. highfigh | Oct 23, 2008 02:07am | #41

            I have a Bosch hole shooter and orbital jig saw. I'll get the laminate trimmer when I need one and have used them several times. Their stuff is great but I didn't realize that one of my customers is a Bosch rep until after I bought the hammer drill.
            "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

          5. rez | Oct 23, 2008 04:05am | #43

            Once had a bosch drill drop about six foot to the old fir flooring below and stuck there like a dart held up by the screw tip.

            be no charge for that story

            Edited 10/22/2008 9:07 pm ET by rez

          6. AitchKay | Oct 23, 2008 04:38am | #44

            My 1980 Milwaukee sidewinder is bad enough, but my old, all-metal Sawzall, purchased well-used in 1975, simply will not step aside and allow a younger generation to take over.Will try above suggestions re droppin off bridges, etc.AitchKay

          7. MSA1 | Oct 24, 2008 02:50am | #47

            I once did the same thing with a drywall knife in a freshly finished hardwood floor. Luckily it landed parallel to the grain so it didnt show.

            It was one of my houses too so it didnt matter too much.

            Couldnt believe it went right into the wood like that though. It was sticking straight up. 

            Family.....They're always there when they need you.

          8. Stilts | Oct 24, 2008 07:22am | #48

            I do that all the time on purpose.  Get done cleaning it and throw it into the floor, or a stud in a doorway to dry out.

          9. MSA1 | Oct 25, 2008 02:57am | #49

            I had just paid about 3 grand for these floors, I was less than impressed.

            What was I mudding with brand new floors below? I think I was just touching up a small problem. 

            Family.....They're always there when they need you.

          10. Stilts | Oct 25, 2008 06:35am | #51

            Ouch. I hate it when that happens.  I hate that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach when you drop something, or knock something over and it's headed for a beautiful new floor.  Worse part is it always seems to be happening in slow motion, you just want it to speed up and get it over with.

          11. highfigh | Oct 25, 2008 05:14pm | #58

            Too bad whatever falls can't be in slow-mo and we stay in normal mode. That way, we'd have enough time to catch it.
            "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

          12. Shep | Oct 25, 2008 05:32am | #50

            I did that with a utility knife...

            into my foot!!

            fortunately, my shoe stopped most of it, so it didn't penetrate too deep. Only needed a bandaid.

            I think I've injured myself more with a utility knife than with all my other tools.

    3. MSA1 | Oct 23, 2008 02:57am | #42

      Companies dont take compliements well.

      I once called White Castle to tell them I liked their burgers. I got an apology letter along with coupons for free burgers.

        

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

      1. Scott | Oct 23, 2008 07:53am | #45

        That is hilarious.*Hello, is this Festool? I really, really, really like your SCMS.....Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

        1. MSA1 | Oct 24, 2008 02:48am | #46

          LOL!! 

          Family.....They're always there when they need you.

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