What type of C ircular saw do you use?
CAGIV
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
Every one I work with uses a skill worm drive, I have one but the thing is to heavy to carry around for simple framing, Never understood why everyone uses a big worm drive for framing, sure you can cut a straighter line down plywood and nothing will bind them up, but it just seems to heavy, I have had a lot of good luck with PorterCable 7 1/2 with the blade on the left, and I have a smaller 6″ for trim and other work, Just wanted some opinions?
Thanks
Replies
Use what works for you. I have a 77, and it gets heavier all the time, overkill, but wont die.
I got the Skill wormdrive....waiting for it to die so I can check out the Bosch....would never consider anything other than a worm!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
I get that a lot, just wondering why? what makes the extra weight worth it, I know they have a lot more power but how much power do you really need to cut 2x and 3/4 ply?
I like controlling saw from the rear as opposed to from above. They just dont die, Ive had two for over a decade....use em both daily. The weight has never been a factor for me, I think I even prefer the feel of the tool in my hands. The sidewinders will cut faster, but the worms will cut tougher and last longer. PC makes a small version which is nice for cuttin ply....I dont know how task specific you wanna get though. Another plus...the wormdrive wont bog down in saturated PT. I dont think Id wanna frame a deck with anything other.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
i just bought anew hitachi , not alot of bells and whistels but it is a little ripper. we are doing a bath remodel and it handled everything sofar .nicefeel and plenty of power.one nice feature it blows the sawdust away from you. nice retract on the guard .i dont think it will hold up like a 77 but for sheeting and small framing it has been great sofar.ilike the looks of the new bosch worm . has anybody tried it?
framer
I have a skill worm drive , but I only use it for framing and decks . I normally have a pc in the box because I love that saw with the rip guide. Im profiecient with the pc guide. I used the saw for a long time before I got a small table saw .
I have a strong need for both saws. They do different jobs . I enjoy freehanding plywood with a worm . Cant beat their accuracy in free hand mode.
Tim Mooney
I have a Milwaukee 8 1/4" worm drive. Dang heavy, but won't bog down for anything. And it will cut 6X6 posts in 2 passes. (Which us rednecks do occasionally)
For lighter stuff, I have a 6" B&D that I picked up at a garage sale for $10. Hard to beat for cutting 1/4" underlayment.
There are two kinds of people who never amount to much: those who cannot do what they are told, and those who can do nothing else.
I use a Milwaukee (what we call sidewinders as opposed to worm drive). That particular saw just happened to be the saw of choice on the different crews I worked for over the years. Anything else just feels odd in my hands.
My only experience with a worm drive is on the first crew I worked (full time). The owner had a Skil but it was hardly used because guys were constantly cutting the power cord. ???
I like the blade on the side where I am so I can see what I'm cutting without sticking my face where stuff thrown by the blade can hit it. I've had bad luck with PC tools, so my right forearm looks like Popeye's.If another manufacturer would make a sidewinder with the blade on the correct side, I'd try it. I use a cordless saw when I can, but otherwise it's the wormie. I've used a 77, a Makita, and now I've got a Dewalt (I'm ducking) and I like it a lot. I've never worn a wormgear out - they get stolen. If you hang 'em high on the sawhorse, you don't have to lift 'em as far.
My crew uses the lightweight DW368 sidewinder, but it throws OSB splinters everywhere, so for cutting that we like the DW362 and DW364. In addition to a DW364, I also own a PC left-hand sidewinder but it has taken a lot of getting used to seeing how I learned on right-hand saws. I've never used a worm-drive, and to me it seems a bit heavy (I'm a small guy) and overkill when a good sidewinder can do the job just as efficiently.
I have been using the Dewalt sidewinder for several years now. They do seem to wear out pretty quick. The Black and Decker Sawcat had an awesome brake, but they seemed to have fixed that so that it's not so good anymore. The worm drives seem to be more popular on the west coast, and sidewinders more on the east.
Rick
I dunno about the DeWalt saws--the ones we have have been very robust. As far as the Sawcat, it is now the DW364 w/brake--at least the two look identical. I ave the DW and it has been my favorite saw since I used our crew's worn out one--almost as heavy as a WD, though. Plus keep in mind that DeWalt is the industrial/professional division of B&D. And you're right about the worm-drives vs. sidewinders--the closest thing to a WD I have seen here in Alabama was a hypoid DeWalt.
I have the Dewalt with the depth pivot in the rear (don't know the model #...it's the more expensive one). I like the heft and the rear pivot. Because the thing pivots from the back, when you set a shallow depth, your pushin' hand stays pretty low on the saw, sorta like a WD. Don't know how durable it'll be, but I've had it for several years with no problems.
I'm no DeWalt apologist either. I hate the Cordless drill I own, and there things that REALLY bug me about the table saw, but I like the Circular saw. I've been tempted to try the PC Leftie, but I too have had bad karma with PC stuff.
Steve
"I've never used a worm-drive, and to me it seems a bit heavy (I'm a small guy) and overkill when a good sidewinder can do the job just as efficiently."
If you ever get the chance to use a skill worm drive the handle will be at the back . You swing the saw in place not lift it , which is a necesary move even for a big man. Once you get used to swinging , the cutting you will enjoy. As I mentioned I have the left and right PC plus the Skill worm drive. The worm drive does have its place if you get used to it. There are several things it does better . Reach across a peice of pywood easier and make cuts off your leg would be two that a sidewinder doesnt do as well. If you are a small man then you have a short reach cutting across a four foot sheet with a side winder . If Im the cut man on decking , I want my worm drive and the PC. The lenght of the worm drive makes for better guiding on free hand cuts such as ripping a 4x8 sheet. I dont like using it on small cuts or gauged ripping however. The reason I have PCs is because of the rip fence and the base plate on the saw. Its a nice saw for fence cutting.
Tim Mooney
Tim Mooney
I cant believe that nobody mentioned the makita sidewinder. the 15 amp saw will cut anything that I will ever need it to. and with a steady hand it will cut ply straighter than a wooden dink. a guy at work used a makita for 20 years untill it stopped working after it fell off a stack of plywood. he came to work the next day with a brand new one that I ecpect to last untill he retires
-z
Just thought of something else you may want to look into. Bosch has two new models on the market, both are worm drives, one in the "classic" design, the other designed in the sidewinder mode. The handle is above rather than behind. If you like the feel of the sidewinder but want the power of the worm....perhaps a nice combo. Lemme know what you think if you end up going this route. Im very interested.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
A guy I work with has the bosch, I used it a couple of weeks ago and it seemed fine, no real complaints, but I really like my little pc with the blade on the left. and for all you dewalt guys, never had any luck with dewalt tools. in fact today my dewalt drywall cutter took a crap and its only 8 months old with very little use...
cag,
I have taken so much crap from the guys that I have working with me about how my worm is to heavy and all so I went out and bought the lefty PC last friday just to shut them up. It seems fine but the worm is what I'm used to. Atleast nobody borrows it. Does anybody change their worm drive oil? cc
The skill Mag 77 is two pounds lighter but still a brute. At 50, I'm less likely to pull it out then the old craftsman sidewinder I have. I has its good days though but I don't think I would want to be without both.
like most people so far in the thread, i use the skil worm drive. when i first started framing, everyone else did too. there was a guy who used the PC lefty sidewinder until about the fiftieth time he cut his cord. my boss once got a good deal on some dewalt worms but they crapped out after a year or so. the new bosch worms look nice, since they use the proven skil design, but i doubt my saw will blow anytime soon. and yes, i do change the oil, though not as often as i should.
I have the DeWalt worm drive (and I live in NY.can you imagine that?...lol). What I DONT like about it is that when you put it down it flops on its side unlike a sidewinder. That just upsets me everytime....Maybe I'm anal in that respect. It DOES have however a swivel hook built onto it to hang on rafters when framing up high. I really want to get sidewinder because the wormy is kind of ridiculously big to use for certain jobs. Kinda like using my 28 oz Estwing hammer for delicate trim work.
Be well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Yeah, I like that hook.
12 yrs ago when I started doing carpentry, my father bought me a Milwaukee sidewinder. I used that for about 6 yrs until I couldn't readily get a new shoe for it. I needed a saw today so I bought the PC lefty. That was the best saw I have ever used (and I've tried most of the different manufacturers). The motor just went on the PC about two months ago while I was helping my father on one of his Sunday projects (like I don't get enough work) and he noticed I was using the old Milwaukee again. I show up the following Sunday to finish what we started the prior week and he pulls out my x-mas gift, the Milwaukee Tilt-lok. It doesn't feel as comfortable as the PC. But the power is definately there.
They say that we are a different breed. Our tools fit each one of us differently. If we worked behind a desk, I don't think there would be many of you that could borrow a suit.
"They say that we are a different breed. Our tools fit each one of us differently."
Just possibly the best statement I have ever seen on this board, bar none.
S
everyone had different a preference on tools, I just like to get others opion before laying down cash
Understood, and certainly a good question. However, if I had a nickle for ever tool that I bought that didn't work for me I'd own Milwakee right now. I work with another contractor right now. His truck is loaded and so is mine. When he doesn't have it I do and vice a versa. He hates my tools and I hate his but the bottom line is that when the job is done we are both proud.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are good tools and bad tools but what makes the difference is what you think is good or bad and how you learn to use it even if it turns out to be a bad tool. Does that make any sense ?
S
I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are good tools and bad tools but what makes the difference is what you think is good or bad and how you learn to use it even if it turns out to be a bad tool. Does that make any sense ?
S
Not really....with all due respect my brother.
I think there really arent to many name brand "bad tools" as you say. Just differences in em' all on the whole. Some may suck but over all ....for the most part.......theres just differences.. Amps.....left or right side blades.......side winder east coast rappers ( I mean saw-s) or west coast wormers.....whatever. I just say as far as yer saw goes....get one of each.....side winder and wormer.......and don't say you can't afford both cause if yer a builder/carpenter then its your lively hood and dont buy cases of brew for a cpl of weeks. Whatever...you know what I mean. For me...I had aPC sidewinder and the blade guard cracked and the cost of a new one was prohibitive. I was kinda glad. Gave me a reason to trash it as I never was really happy with it. Funny enough.....my favorite saw was a.......hang out a minute before you crucify me.........Was a "Black and Decker".....one of he best saws I ever owned. One of the best features was the front screw knob that adjusted the blade depth "precisely". Was a great saw. My Millw.......sawzall was the best Sawzall ever.....who knows how these tools are today. I'm lookin to buy a sidewinder any day now cause my DW wormer is really ridiculously heavy for so many jobs....Whatever.
BE well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
So how do you sidewinderusin' carpenters cut your rafter tails? Piece of cake from the top with a worm, just drop it through, gravity is your friend.
Don't get me wrong, I see plenty of uses for sidewinders too...like paper weights. Or maybe as a counterbalance for a decent sized plumb bob. Or maybe bag a few of them up in burlap and use 'em for an anchor.
"Too heavy" what a bunch of girls.
Brinkmann for president in '04
Ever noticed how much nicer wood sounds when it's cut with a worm. You can hear the teeth of the blade cutting. Sidewinders make more noise just running than a worm does cutting.
Im not saying its to heavy all the time, but if your just framing walls with 2x4 I dont think you need that much power and the weight over the course of a day can wear on you, I agree a worm in necessary for certain things, especialy cutting ply, but not necessary all the time
Count me in for a Skil Wormer....
...and a Bosch 24V cordless which is a "sidewinder".
I look at the wormdriver as my "last saw"...ok, maybe it won't last 35 more years...but!
And my cordless is the saw that gets in the tight spaces, in the precarious positions, and goes on the roof when I'm in a hurry, and don't want to drag the cord out and up 40' for just a few cuts...
Jake
I have a old Black & Decker sawcat that just wont die,I have it more than 30 yrs, wish they still made em like that....
ToolDoc
better hold on to that one, B&D hasn't made a worth while tool since I can remember, Maybe the Smithsonian will offer you money for it, kind of like a look what was possible by B&D before they turned to crap
So, does that include Dewalt? Hmmm?
Jake
Actually since I have had 2 dewalt tools crap out in last month yes I believe it does, In my opinion Dewalt is over-rated and over priced, but like most things in life tools are personal choice.
With Black & Decker <Dewalt> moving all there mfg from Maryland to Mexico, Just maybe alot of the Dewalt owners,Buyers will get there eyes opened....
The Homies from the west are slammin' the sidewinder Boyzzzz.
It really hurts, man.
the best feature of that saw is the sled that why the only reason i'm gravitating to the dewalt .......... we'll see after i finish reading all these posts.......bear
Always >>>>heard<<<< that worm driver versus sidewinder was an east versus west issue. More wormies on the west coast and more side winders on the east. Izzat gospel?
I look down my nose at people who dare to look down their nose at people.
Hi Pete
I live in up-state NY and use a 6.5" Skill wormdrive. It is 10 yrs old, lighter than the 77, and much easier to push than the LH PC side-winder because your hand is behind the saw and low. You don't have to use saw horses just prop the board on your instep and drop the saw though it. The PC is lighter but after borrowing one on a site for a while I still was willing to lift the extra weight to have the better ergonomics. If my Skill ever dies I will look at the Mag 77. The Dewalt wormie is nice to use but I hear a lot of reliability complaints on this site.
Mike
Nope.. Its not true in my neck of the left coast woods at least.
Bear
Just walked in from finishing off the foundation work that you pumped full of java and precious time. Any time you wanna borrow my DW wormer feel free to come by. Been using it for years and I havent any complaints. Seems though that some macho men around these neck of the woods don't understand power vs. "we don't need that much stinkin' power on dis job" . Lambo's if ya ask me. I'll say for the fiftyzillionth time........Use the right weight hammer for the right size job. Some people just find the need to cut their meat with a chainsaw....Can only imagine how they treat their woman. Spose I'm just a girly man......oh well. When I finally grow up I might be like the mans man.....kiss my azz.......girly man is good for me if dats wut its all about.
Kinda nippy out today wasn't it Bear? 32 degs...Just might have to put my stole on tomorrow insted of my ripped up jeans jacket......MAYBE!....lol
Saw well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
yeah, the winter mood is finally set in.im prepared went and made a spray booth, went to loews ( had to check it out,first and last time) P.U. Thats pick up a couple of oil heater( i can see the posts now - the flameless kind) plus the double halogen that thing gets pretty toasty. i got a 125 year old pergola/breeze way on the schedule, and im making thru mortise and tenon window sashes on the sheet days. and i'm still un decided on the dewalt with the super saw cat sled or the porter cable i use 8 1/4 " blades and keep the milwaukee worm drive on the bench. but i have to say for bench work and demo there nothing like a wormer. i think that dewalt you have is technically classified as a hypoid gear saw but i think there the same kind of saw, if there is any diffreance between the worm or hypoid gear aaahh who the flock cares the thing got a real hunger for what ever is in front of it. i drove by on saturday afternoon to avoid all that traffic and saw the forms stripped. i'm glad your on your way there, you recovered well. what's that military mantra assess , adapt , overcome. yeah i dont know why there the split primarily east coast/ west coast skil versus the wormer there room for both in my van. hey like i said before if you need a hand with something, dont hesitate O.K. I dont have my hand out, no friggin' agenda, not lookin for work, i dont like workin for anyone but MOI. I'm pretty independent like that. so anyhow cheers, hey you still light the candles?? if so have a happy, we'll spill some beer soon .....bear
Bear
I only light the candles in my meditation room..lol.
I bought the Fuji spray gun last year and really like it for the money and for the amount I use it. By the way, watch and sparks your heater may be throwing out if your spraying flamables..lol.
Yep forms were stripped completely from the foundation wall this afternoon. Bob busted a water line in the ground and it took me almost all day to fix it in pool of freezing cold water I had to stand in..oh yeh, and a waste line as well...grrrr. I had it fixed in time for him to back fill (4:00 PM) and he had everything graded and nice and smooth around the whole house by 5:15PM..and the wall the blew out in the basement is now all stoned and cemented back up. Looks like a fireplace wall now..Pretty nice actually. Today (Tuesday) I'll rehook up the washer and dryer and pray they work. Wednesday at 8:30 AM SPLIA will be here for an onsite inspection..gulp!
See ya soon and thanks for the help offer
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Hey All, I've allways used a sidewinder, mostly Milwake[never could spell], until I spotted that Prazi beam cutter. The best way to use the Prazi is with a wormdrive and I bought one for that. I frequently have to notch 6x6 and 8x8s for deck columns and hate having to roll those big mothas over three times to get an end cut proper. About six months ago, my helper was useing my sidewinder and I wanted to cut rafters. So I took the Prazi attachement off and put the original blade on the woormie. To that point in time, cutting rafters had been a painfull experience. On about the 20th rafter my right forearm would start burning so much it became hard to lift the saw and hurt to push. Well, when I finished the 30 rafters with the woormie, there was something missing, PAIN. Now I cut all my rafters with a woormie. I still love my Milwake though.
InTheCleftOfHisHand
ford
CAG....I have several saws and my newest is a Milwaukee "Tilt Lok" , the handle adjusts from top position to rear the jury is still out on this one but its neat to use the adjustment and it is red "Milwaukee" I dont care for the worm drive because anthing that twists in my hand from torque makes me nervious.
Our crew has mixed feelings about our 77's. I personally like using it for several reasons. It basically does the cutting for you, just point in the right direction and let gravity do your work. The wrist position is great, much more comfortable than anything I've ever tried. Veiwing of the blade is great, and durability is high.
I'm curious to try the dewalt model the handle looks very comfortable. We use dewalt sidewinders aswell, and they are good too. Each saw has it's place.
I use the Dewalt 7-14 high torque framing saw and the 6-12 cordless.I prefer the blade on the left hand side of the saw to get more visibility on the line.still its gotta feel right for you. best of luck.
My main saw is a Mikita 16 5/16ths (yep a sidewinder) I can one pass a 6x6 that is actually 6 inches x6 inches. Of course I do own both a Skil mag 77 and the little 71/4 Mikita. plus the little battery DeWalt
Oh, I'm a timber framer!
The weight is the best attribute for framing. Just let the weight of the saw do the work. I was taught to use your foot to prop the piece you are cutting, letting the cuttoff fall. Sounds dangerous, its not, try it
I used to use a milwauke, and that would get heavy b the end of the day. I traded it in for a Powermatic, and boy does that get heavy! ;^}
All-metal Sears Craftsman Industrial 7-1/4" sidewinder -- $20 for this one, $5 or something like that for the other I picked up as a parts saw. Cuts PT lumber, 4x6, etc., though it's happiest with a sharp blade.
It's interesting -- I grew up in a sidewinder family -- I'm hoping to inherit my Dad's little Porter-Cable 6" sidewinder. I've tried a wormdrive once or twice, but just can't see it. Fact is, they both work.