Replies

1. 
   bd342 | Jan 18, 2003 05:51am | #1

   One of the best buys you have made in your life... Now all you need is a Stabilia level and a Stilleto hammer and life is all good.

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jan 18, 2003 08:42am | #2

   And a handful of sheetrock screws and some vinyl siding...

   All seriousness aside, buying the Skil was definately a good move.  Takecare of it and you'll never have to buy another.

   Edited 1/18/2003 12:44:41 AM ET by ELCID72

1. 
   pnuematicman | Jan 20, 2003 03:52am | #3

   Excellent purchase owned 3 in 21 years and only replaced due to theft . Cut alot of masonary as well as wood Mag 77 is nice and light compared to older models even though most guys whine about the wieght of wormdrives Have at it!!!!

2. 
   stossel1 | Jan 20, 2003 05:15am | #4

   I've been framind for twenty years and have owned two Skils. A purchase you won't regret

3. 
   ProDek | Jan 20, 2003 08:39am | #5

   Rocky- Won't be long and your right arm will be bigger than your left. Did you get the Mag? It's about five pounds lighter than the standard skill.

   It will last you forever if you don't drop it.

   Now start makin some sawdust!

   Enjoy your new toy!

   Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

   

1. 
   Rocky | Jan 20, 2003 08:09pm | #7

   Yeah I was a little worried about the weight when I grabbed it off the shelf I said whoa it must have one heck of a heavy duty case this thing weighs a ton then I pulled it out and got a little nervous but it doesent seem to be a big deal it just starting cuts need a little muscle I can live with that.

1. 
   noone51 | Jan 20, 2003 08:55pm | #8

   Rocky, I bought a brand new Mag 77 back in August, paid full price and haven't regreted it one bit. A couple of weeks ago, one of the guys on a job I was working on got fired. He sold me his fairly new Mag 77 for $40.00 U.S., (I think he was headed to the bar), so now I have two. I consider the purchase to be more of a loan with colateral so he can have it back for the same price whenever he wants it and I'm sure he will.

2. 
   ProDek | Jan 20, 2003 10:16pm | #9

   I thought the same thing many years ago. "Man, these contractors must be a bunch of gorillas. I hope I don't have to reach across too many sheets of plywood with this tank."

   Well after a short while you will like the fact that the wormdrive increases your reach across those sheets, plus it won't bind like a sidewinder.

   No offence, but with a name like Rocky you're probably already built like a gorilla and don't need the lighter Mag.          :-) Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

3. 
   pnuematicman | Jan 23, 2003 05:18am | #14

   When you get used to the mag try the 8 1/4" and then the 10" and watch the nieghbors lights dim and hold on! Remember to use the wieght of the saw to your advantage and before u know it you want even notice the initial kick when u pull the switch. 

1. 
   bruceb | Jan 28, 2003 08:34pm | #15

    My worm drive was my fathers and is at least 25 years old. It still has metal handles and everything. As long as i keep the oil topped off and the brushes good it never fails me. I use my Porter Cable on a regular basis. But, when the really big or tough cutting tasks come along, out comes the old skill worm drive.

2. 
   toolin63 | Feb 07, 2003 12:58am | #17

   Hey Pro Deck are you from Jersey? Saw a Pro Deck truck goin down Rt 295s the other day.Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing!     Holmes Sr. Oliver Wendell

1. 
   ProDek | Feb 07, 2003 02:14am | #18

   Sorry Toolin63- I can't handle them toll roads, and if it were my green truck, all you would see is a blur. By the way, it is Pro-Dek.

   http://www.pro-dek.com Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

1. 
   CAGIV | Feb 07, 2003 04:11am | #19

   Bob,

     Never seen your website before, Very nice web site, and your work aint shabby either.  Very nice indeed :)

1. 
   ProDek | Feb 07, 2003 04:35am | #20

   Thanks CAG!Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

2. 
   IMERC | Feb 10, 2003 11:32pm | #21

   Oh boy now I know I really goofed... No Skil...  Bought Milwaukee 8" in '78 but it has been very good to me.

2. 
   IMERC | Feb 10, 2003 11:34pm | #22

   I wanna know how you do the hammer and nail thing? That is one obstinate nail

1. 
   ProDek | Feb 10, 2003 11:48pm | #23

   The hammer and nail?- It is just a copy off of a url that was given to me from a friend.Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

4. 
   toolnut | Jan 20, 2003 06:33pm | #6

   You did good! Enjoy it!

5. 
   Lateapex911 | Jan 21, 2003 07:19am | #10

   You now own the saw of saws. You will never need another, just keep the oil topped up!

   Jake Gulick

   [email protected]

   CarriageHouse Design

   Black Rock, CT

1. 
   ProDek | Jan 21, 2003 08:57am | #11

   Oil? What Oil? You mean ya gotta take that thing to Jiffy Lube?Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

6. 
   Jencar | Jan 21, 2003 09:05am | #12

   Been babying mine for 14 years, still works like a champ. Tempted to get a 77, and use the old one for masonry/stucco cuts.

   Jen 8)

   Whatever works!
1. 
   richdes | Jan 23, 2003 01:31am | #13

   Jencar get the 77 your old one will quickly become your backup. You won't regret it when you have to make some overhead cuts. My first worm drive was the Milwaukee 15 amp, talk about a behemouth.

7. 
   toolin63 | Feb 07, 2003 12:56am | #16

   I bought a used one at a yard sale for $20 ten years ago. Still goin strong and love it.

   Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing!     Holmes Sr. Oliver Wendell

8. 
   fdampier5 | Feb 11, 2003 12:51am | #24

   I love my mag 77 skil saw..

           Before I bought I wondered why the framing pros had them, I mean they are still heavier than a sidewinder.

     after using mine for a week I understood.. it cuts better than anything.. Use the wirght to your advantage, (another words learn to saw downhill..)

9. 
   Scooter1 | Feb 11, 2003 01:17am | #25

   Too heavy, no control. For someone who is ripping ply and 2x4 all day it is fine. But..... you better keep it straight, 'cause it will bind on you.

   I'd get a sidewinder type saw, not a worm drive. Like Porter Cable. Ligher, easier to use and won't bind.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927

1. 
   fdampier5 | Feb 12, 2003 04:44am | #39

   I have two side winders,  Gulp,--- er, ---ah, --- well,---  em,,-- a craftsman (there I said it) and a Mikita..  while they are lighter,

     Neither of them work as well as my Mag 77.

     I honestly can't cut a staight line with the sidewinders, no matter what.  I can rip plywood or cut 2x4's and shave the line with the Skil saw..  Much better visability, more power and far easier to cut straight.

1. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 12, 2003 07:27am | #43

   No offench French, but cut lines for 30 years and tell me what to saw with. I tried to stay out of the worm lovefest, but unless you are framing you are a nut not to use a sidewinder.

   And when you all stop your whining, make sure you have run the right saw, with the right blade, for the right job.

   I'll wait for someone to come up with the FHB article on this, oh, that's right, you won't find one...

   The best thing I can see my competition do is all run out and buy worms. While they are at it buy Fords and yellow tools. Get one of those orange aprons too, and a foil hat, lol.

1. 
   fdampier5 | Feb 14, 2003 07:47am | #46

   I visit many job sites a day sometimes 6 to 10. I've been doing this for well over  a decade so I guess that I've seen as much as anybody....

     I see hundreds of crews so I see what is used by most framers..  The vast majority of them use the Skil which is why I bought one..  once I used it I was convinced.

     Of course blades matter,  Yes there is a differant technique to using a Skil saw than a sidewinder,  and yes framing is where I see them used most often...

     I do own two sidewinders,  but I really love that Mag 77 I bought...

     As for the yellow tools I bought--- I'm sorry, I won't ever do it again.. please forgive me....

     But I'm a Chevy guy so I'm not all bad!

   Edited 2/13/2003 11:49:01 PM ET by frenchy

10. 
    hasbeen | Feb 11, 2003 04:20am | #26

    If you didn't get one and can still exchange it, IMHO it is worth the extra $30 or so to get the Mag 77.

    Bought a heavy Skil 8 /14" in 1976.  It was a beast!  Used a Skil until late 80's and switched to a Makita hypoid.  I still like the Makita, but the brake died long ago.  Recently bought a Mag 77 and love it!

1. 
   CAGIV | Feb 11, 2003 04:25am | #27

   How often you guys change/check your oil?View Image

1. 
   hasbeen | Feb 12, 2003 07:22am | #42

   Let's see - three dead saws in about 25 years.  Guess I check the oil about every eight years. 

   I'm not completely worthless.  I can always serve as a bad example.

11. 
    JerraldHayes | Feb 11, 2003 04:38am | #28

    That Skill Worm drive is a great tool but if you do finish woodwork you

    really haven't lived until you tried a Festool

    ATF

    55

    View Image

    ---

    View Image

    "Function is based

    on more than utilitarian factors. Ambiance invites use."- Sarah Susanka

1. 
   CAGIV | Feb 11, 2003 04:54am | #29

   oooh, that plunge action looks nice, just curious how much?

   View Image

1. 
   JerraldHayes | Feb 11, 2003 05:54am | #30

   I think it is something like $375 or $400 but I will have to look it up because

   we purchased it along with some other stuff so I don't recall exactly but it

   is one of the most expensive pound for pound tools we've ever bought although

   it is worth every penny. To a architectural woodwork installer it essentially

   eliminates having to have a table saw on the job so that alone can make it

   worth the investment.

   Here's a review of the tool that I've found interesting: Festool

   ATF 55 E Circular

   Saw Review (and just another good site for woodworking information)

   View Image

   "Function is based

   on more than utilitarian factors. Ambiance invites use."- Sarah Susanka

1. 
   JDRHI | Feb 14, 2003 07:56am | #47

   I`m just curious as to why you woudnt want a table saw on the job site?J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

   "DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"

1. 
   JerraldHayes | Feb 14, 2003 08:14am | #48

   It all depends on the depth and scale of the jop and if you have four projects running and only three portable or semiportable table saws the Festool circular saw is the way to go.

   And the Festool saw definitly out performs one of our portable table saws and ranks even with the two others in terms of quality of cut and ease of use. There are also times such as when you are scribing a big refrig or oven box to the wall that you want to make the cut right there rather than dragging that big box back out to where you have your table saw set up.

   If the saw happens to be around I will even use it in the shop to cut panels it is that good.

   Takes up a lot less space in a truck too.

   Or how about a job in a finished Manhattan Townhouse?

   And oh yeah it's a lot quieter!

   There are plenty of reasons. It all depends....

   View Image

   "Function is based

   on more than utilitarian factors. Ambiance invites use."- Sarah Susanka

   Edited 2/14/2003 12:16:11 AM ET by Jerrald Hayes

2. 
   JDRHI | Feb 15, 2003 07:38am | #50

   I suppose its all how your conditioned. I use my tablesaws for everything and anything. Unless there just isnt a way to make the cut with a table saw, I wont even pick up a circular saw. (For trim work that is.) I will gladly haul mine out to make a single cut. Unless I can mount that Festool upside down in a bench top, I doubt Id get my moneys worth out of it in a decade. LOL. To each his own though, thats why I love this forum....so much to learn from so many!

   Be well.J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

   "DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"

3. 
   AJinNZ | Feb 15, 2003 08:50am | #51

   I would probably give a tender bit of anatomy for a skil worm drive.

   Cant get them here, nobody imports them. I tried going direct, wont sell unless a dealer. gggrrrr

   we have 240 volt power, skil makes a 7 1/4 in that, but doya think I can get my hands on one?. nooooooooooo

   Had a makita hypoid for a while. beat sidewinders hands down. but the damn thing blew a gear box twice so it went in the bin. never want another, just want a skil......    whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 

   Wood Hoon

4. 
   toolnut | Feb 15, 2003 09:09am | #52

   Can't tell where you are located but a quick check on ebay shows 8 available, both new and used.

5. 
   AJinNZ | Feb 15, 2003 01:11pm | #53

   Thanks Bill. I'm in New Zealand. The 240 volt system we have as standard can make things a little difficult when getting tools from your end. However I will do a wee cruise around ebay and see what I can find. 

   Wood Hoon

6. 
   jet | Feb 15, 2003 01:38pm | #54

   When brother-inlaw was on the north island he used a converter for his tools.

   BTW hows the wood pile going. All ready for winter?I'm all here....... 'cause I'm not all there!

7. 
   AJinNZ | Feb 16, 2003 12:35am | #55

   Convertors of a size big enough to run a saw are expensive. almost the cost of the saw. not really an option. Buuuuut, I might be able to build one...............

   As for the firewood, still sitting on the same amount. will get some more in April from the local pine forest. cant go yet cos a total fireban is in effect, so nobody allowed in. 

   Wood Hoon

8. 
   PhillGiles | Feb 16, 2003 06:39am | #56

   I suppose you've already looked up http://www.boschtools.com and sent them a note ?.

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

9. 
   AJinNZ | Feb 16, 2003 07:34am | #57

   Thank you Phill. I didnt try Bosch direct, I did however email the Skil folks in the US, phone all round the country trying to find one, and talk to the Bosch rep here.

   Will try the website and see what they say. 

   Wood Hoon

10. 
    PhillGiles | Feb 16, 2003 08:40am | #58

    Your local reps probably won't be much help; I seem to recall being told that Bosch doesn't sell circular saws in Aus/NZ (or maybe only a couple of models ???). I don't know if they sell the 77 in the UK or on continent anywhere were there's 240V; but that's where you might get one. Also, check to see if the 77 120V can be rewired for 240..

    Phill Giles

    The Unionville Woodwright

    Unionville, Ontario

11. 
    MarkH128 | Feb 16, 2003 03:40pm | #59

    Try here: http://www.welectronics.com/powertools.shtml

    They list a bunch of 220 tools including HD77 skilsaw. Shipping would be pricey, that puppy is HEAVY. I love mine, well I like it a lot anyway. Don't try to use it over your head unless you're a gorilla.

    Try here (Canadian) http://www.electronics220volt.com/power.htm

    Edited 2/16/2003 8:00:49 AM ET by markh128

12. 
    AJinNZ | Feb 16, 2003 09:23pm | #60

    Thanks Mark. The Canadian/NZ exchange rate certainly is a better one.

    Freight isnt too much of a problem surface. Here everything like that is imported, so has freight on it anyway. 

    Wood Hoon

13. 
    IMERC | Feb 17, 2003 12:16am | #61

    Milwaukee, Bosch and Ely have 240v models. Look for European versions. Europe's 240v is per leg at 50 HZ and not to be confused with the USA's 120 +120 60 HZ. Are you aware that Bosch took over Skil and AEG owena Milwaukaa now?

    Hope this helps.

    MORE TOYS NOW.... WHY WAIT TILL TOMORROW.... 

2. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 11, 2003 03:26pm | #31

   Cag,

   Handy Andy on "Changing Rooms" uses one of those with the guide rail. Slickest thing I've ever seen, and I think the saw and rail were something like $600.

   You need to watch more of those shows. ;-)

1. 
   bill_1010 | Feb 11, 2003 07:47pm | #32

   id say the reason he uses it (festool) is that they fall under EU safety laws and no North American saw can be used for business over there.  

   However it is a slick and accurate tool having used one.  Its the cats meow of saws.  For finish work on site, it will be an plus since many table saw uses will fall under the festool circular saw and the table saw can be elimated :)

1. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 12, 2003 02:59am | #36

   Say more about the EU regs, especially about how they can't use "US" saws. I've never heard of such a thing.

2. 
   PhillGiles | Feb 14, 2003 08:24am | #49

   Well, the new 77's are made in Germany, so it's not a problem.

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

2. 
   CAGIV | Feb 11, 2003 09:30pm | #33

   You need to watch more of those shows. ;-)

   Once a week on saturday night my girlfriend can have the remote for a few hours :)  She chooses to watch trading spaces, she actually kicked me out the other night cause I wouldnt stop saying how ugly and half azz everything was.View Image

1. 
   IMERC | Feb 11, 2003 11:46pm | #34

   People actually watch those bull.. er that show?

2. 
   CAGIV | Feb 12, 2003 02:47am | #35

   Yeah, they are the latest thing,  come on man havent you heard lol :)   I wont get started on how I feel about themView Image

3. 
   IMERC | Feb 12, 2003 05:34am | #40

   Just a passing thought........ I wonder if justifiable homicide will cover th....

4. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 12, 2003 03:20am | #37

   I lubs the shows, and I think Changing Rooms is my favorite. It is a funny subject I have commented about here and there.

   Trading Places is painful, I will admit. My favorite goof was the blonde designer laid a tile floor with contruction adhesive, and I "guess" that plan caused issues because some tiles cracked before everything was grouted and done, and oh my, stick a fork in the floor budget. But they managed to bring the job in under two days, I couldn't have done it.

   Man, and I am blonde too, lol.

   Handy Andy has been using the Fesco thing for a while, and JLC did a little blurb on it, slick tool. I should also say, Andy gets it done with a sense of humor. If you get the show, check out his moves, he has a few tricks up his sleeve. There is no way I am going to hold it against him that he works with idjits.

   Tv fun, entertainment value...

5. 
   CAGIV | Feb 12, 2003 03:26am | #38

   Didn't happen to catch my post some where on here not to long ago about hanging a tin ceiling with a finish gun did you?   I bet those nails hold real good with no head for the tin to sit on.  Poor ladys going to be cooking one night and get decapitated by a falling panel.  

   I sure would like that trailer though....View Image

6. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 12, 2003 07:13am | #41

   Yep, sorta why I went the way I did.

   I just knew you were into the diy shows. ;-)

7. 
   CAGIV | Feb 12, 2003 08:18am | #44

   I just knew you were into the diy shows. ;-)

   Oh you noticed, maybe I should b*tch about them so much lol, but hey I got to have something to hateView Image

8. 
   Qtrmeg | Feb 12, 2003 09:04am | #45

   Oh stop it, they are funny.

   I watch much worse. Check out Emeril, my daughter was cooking tonight and she goes "Dad, want me to kick it up a notch?". I go sure, 2 notches. She goes BAM, BAM! Lol