Replies

1. 
   WayneL5 | May 14, 2004 03:54am | #1

   A magazine article I read a couple of years ago rated saws and the Porter Cable was one of the top ones.  So that's what I bought, and it's a really good saw.  Comes in a left handed version, too, so be careful to get the one you want.

   I don't remember what they said about the other two you mentioned, but I do remember that the Porter Cable wasn't the only saw that rated highly.

2. 
   rodguthrie | May 14, 2004 05:23pm | #2

   Hello,

   I've owned the Black & Decker, Skil 77 and the Makita (which I now have).  I once thought that checking the oil in the worm drives was a pain, but I have sort of a ritual where I check my tools periodically for oil levels, etc. 

   Of course, a worm drive is what I believe you are asking about (15A), as side-winders are 12A or so (I think).  Worm is good for framing, but I'd hate to panel a family room with it.

   [email protected]

   http://www.designimagineering.net

1. 
   CAGIV | Jul 14, 2004 05:35am | #5

   The portercable saw's have a 15a motor, I love mine, can't remember the model number, 743 maybe?  The recently re-designed their sidewinders and from what I've read and heard, the new ones have received less then stellar reviews.

   also have a skill 77 and a newer Bosch  version of the 77, I love the Bosch, best saw I've had the pleasure of using.

   Edited 7/13/2004 10:37 pm ET by CAG

1. 
   Pierre1 | Mar 24, 2005 08:19am | #6

   "The(y) recently re-designed their sidewinders and from what I've read and heard, the new ones have received less then stellar reviews."

   Was told the same thing by a Porter-Cable employee, over the phone. I had a look at their new Mag saw and it looks/feels fine - improved adjustment knobs and depth of cut scale. Didn't try it out though.

3. 
   SBerruezo | May 15, 2004 08:10am | #3

   If I remember right, the Milwaukee saws are heavy.  You have to be quite strong to be able to use them.  Sure, they are very powerful, but I'm not sure it's worth the weight.  If you are looking for a wormdrive, I love my Skil HD77.  Bosch just releashed one in their own name, and that has 15amp.  Changing the oil doesn't seem to be that big of a deal to me.  I actually think of it simply like if properly maintained, it will outlast all the other saws.  Just my theory, far from proven.

   Young, poor, and eager to learn

1. 
   ascaas | Jul 11, 2004 08:42am | #4

   This past winter I bought a Makita 7 1/4 15 amp circular saw and it works like a dream.  The motor runs really smooth, it is not heavy, and it seems to cut true.  I am a laborer, but have had several opportunities to use it on different jobs, and it seems to work great.  Full blown construction is hard on tools, so I don't know how long it would last under constant use, but mine is really good.  Just my 2 cents.

   Graham

4. 
   Mack2 | Mar 25, 2005 02:39am | #7

   Regarding the made in the USA you may be running out of luck. The last 2 PC and Milwaukee both have been purchased. I have heard that the PC are going to be manufactured in Mexico, and Milwaukee has been purchased by TTI who manufactures Rigid for home depot and many Craftsman items and many of those are made overseas.

   The Porter Cable is very nice I have one of the new ones 432MAG it is 15 AMP and comes in both Left blade and Right blade depending on your preference and it is very lite. The new model has a nice feature which is a tooless blade change, so you no longer need a wrench. The Milwaukee is a nice saw they have one model where the handle pivots so depending on the depth of you cut you can adjust the handle placement which makes for a more comfortable cut.

1. 
   MarkRD | Mar 25, 2005 03:09am | #8

   I've had a makita for years (15?) Great saw.Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.