Replies

1. 
   vanderpooch | Jan 16, 2008 05:59am | #1

   I know Tim Uhler, who writes framing articles for JLC, is a fan. He posts here occasionally, but is very active over at JLC's framing forum. He did a review of inline saws a year or two ago.

   - Kit

   Technique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
2. 
   Hiker | Jan 16, 2008 02:54pm | #2

   We bought one last november.  Best saw we own.  It is just a joy to work with.  Make sure you get some of those Makita Blades as well.   I was cutting a bunch of 12" LVL and it was like cutting butter.  Just an awesome saw.  We also have the skil, bosch and rigid  worm drives-all good, the Makita is great.

    

   Bruce

3. 
   Timuhler | Jan 16, 2008 05:56pm | #3

   Are you talking about the wormdrive style saw or the circ saw?  I have the inline saw and like it.  I will only use it when I really need accuracy and it stays in the truck the rest of the time.

   There are a couple of pictures of it starting here http://picasaweb.google.com/TimothyUhler/Bernies/photo#5154461170469651938

1. 
   toolbear | Jan 17, 2008 08:08am | #7

   The wormdrive-like version - which I see in your photo album. That's the one. BTW - enjoyed the album. Hope for more.The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

4. 
   FatRoman | Jan 16, 2008 06:17pm | #4

   There are several threads in the archives.

   But McDesign likes his hypoid
   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=97790.2

   'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
5. 
   dovetail97128 | Jan 16, 2008 07:23pm | #5

   That saw has been popular here in my area (PNW) for quite awhile.

   The biggest complaint I have heard from new users is that the starting torque is more than any previous saw they had ever used.

   It got knick named the the "Thumb Eater" because so many guys got their thumbs caught in the blade when they had their left thumb down on the stock and against the edge of the sole plate to guide the saw at the start of the cut. Start the saw and the torque rotated the saw clockwise and their thumb slipped into the blade.

   Fast learning curve , nobody I know ever did that twice.

   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
1. 
   toolbear | Jan 17, 2008 08:10am | #8

   That saw has been popular here in my area (PNW) for quite awhile.The biggest complaint I have heard from new users is that the starting torque is more than any previous saw they had ever used.@@@Friend of mine framed with one in the NWet for years - the old style.Torque ... more than the Skill 77? That turns your paw a bit when it lights up.The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Jan 17, 2008 08:53am | #9

   I must be confusing the old one and the new one. But yes, the old had a lot more start up torque that the skil or anything else on the market.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

2. 
   Timuhler | Jan 17, 2008 05:15pm | #10

   The new saw doesn't buck like the old one did when it started up.

   I like this saw.  It is light, spins fast, bevels without the use of a hammer :-) and is comfortable.

   What I don't like, is that it doesn't have as much torque as my Ridgid saw.  And because of the round arbor the blade can stop but the motor keep going when it gets bogged down.

   I don't think it'll hold up as an everyday saw for a framer.  But for precise work, deck building, exterior trim, I think it is a great saw.

    

   Tim

   Thanks for the comments. 

1. 
   toolbear | Jan 18, 2008 06:03am | #16

   And because of the round arbor the blade can stop but the motor keep going when it gets bogged down.@@@If I understand you - no diamond knockout needed here - just the round hole in the blade?The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

1. 
   Timuhler | Jan 18, 2008 08:55am | #18

   Yeah.  No diamond arbor.  I'm not sure if you can order one or not.  Actually now that I think about, I may see if the Skil arbor wil fit the Makita.  I need a round arbor for my Skil to run the Arcus blade.

    

    

6. 
   seeyou | Jan 16, 2008 08:43pm | #6

   I used one for about 10 years. Only complaint I had was the start up "kick" and I soon got used to it.

   http://grantlogan.net/

    

   "Because I really want to live in a country where the poor people are fat. "- Unidentified Indian Immigrant when asked why he wants to come to America
7. 
   FHB_WEB | Jan 17, 2008 06:20pm | #11

   Hi,

   We reviewed this saw a month or so back. Here's the link:

   http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/how-to/articles/testing-worm-drive-saws-tool-review.aspx?nterms=89580&ac=fp

   On a personal note, I have this saw (I wasn't the reviewer or involved with the review) and I really like it. Good combination of weight/power. Nice baseplate, depth levers.

   One complaint some people have with this saw is that it doesn't have the umph for framing. I don't frame much, so doesn't bother me. This is a nice saw for lgith framing/finish work.

   JP

    

    

1. 
   BillBrennen | Jan 17, 2008 08:32pm | #12

   The link in JP's post only works if you are a paid subscriber.

2. 
   toolbear | Jan 18, 2008 06:11am | #17

   On a personal note, I have this saw (I wasn't the reviewer or involved with the review) and I really like it. Good combination of weight/power. Nice baseplate, depth levers.@@@I stopped off at WhiteCap before work and looked it over again. Nice feature set - set screws to adjust the bevels, bevels beyond 45 with detents at 21.5, 45 etc., depth adjustment on the left side - which puts all the controls on right there for easy access, comfortable levers.(I need an intervention. I have three framing saws and scarce need another. But I can look.)@@@INFO - FWIW - today one of the crew had his Makita impact driver (18v Lion) take a dive from the pick (mansard roof replacement) to the hard dirt and concrete below. Still all there and running. The Ryobi bit holder was a bit sideways.Moral - do not trust in that handy belt clip they provide if you are above ground level. We tend to bolt Big Lug hooks to our belts for such things.The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

8. 
   mccarty12 | Jan 18, 2008 02:28am | #13

   I bought a Makita Hypoid saw when I needed a second saw fast. I´ve always used a Skill 77 or Mag 77. I went to the place where I usually buy my tools but they didn´t carry Skill anymore. I went ahead and bought the Makita. I had to cut a bunch of stringers for a wrap around deck. The Makita just didn´t have the same power as the Skill. Another problem I have with any other circular saw is that upon start up they jump aroun. The Skill saw starts up sp smooth. The Makita is a decent saw but I will buy another Skill 77 or Mag 77 when I need a new saw.

9. 
   bubbajames | Jan 18, 2008 03:58am | #14

   I have that saw and I love it!  I most recently used it cutting pavers with a diamond blade for a patio project. Good saw with a lot of muscle. and affordable to boot!

10. 
    bobbys | Jan 18, 2008 04:56am | #15

    same as what dovetail said, I think i liked it and i really think its more powerfull then the skillsaw but after years of the skill its hard to get used to something else, I gave mine to my son or rather he took it plus my mag skill. Its ok cause i like to use my old 6 and one half inch worm drive, I did not want the makita around when i had a crew i did not trust them with it because of the start up twist.