after 40 + years my craftsman circular saw died. Would appreciate feedback on these modern saws. Dewalt’, Porter Cable, Milwaukee- both brand experience and recomendations.
Thanks for your thoughts and time
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Replies
Buy a PorterCable with the magnesium base if you're looking for a good sidewinder.
A second vote for the PC Mag saw. I have the 423 (blade left) because I'm a lefty but it's a great saw either way. Light and powerful.
I, too, am a lefty and like having the PC's blade on the left side of the saw where it won't cut my right hand off!
Toolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
I've had the Milwaukee Tiltlok for over a year now, and I highly recommend this one for your next saw. I's very well built, very accurate, and very powerful.
The tiltlok handle makes it a pleasure to use, and with the HD switch they installed this saw will be trouble free for a long time.
Cheers. Walker1
Another vote for the PC. I've used the Milwaukee too and no complaints but the PC feels real nice in your hand, it has good power, and that mag base is a great design.
You don't say if you're looking for a sidewinder or a worm drive -- both have their advantages and adherents.
I've been reading these threads on CS's (i.e. sidewinders) for a long time, and I think it is safe to say you can pick one based on the feel and features you like -- as long as you're in the over $100 price range, which are the kind of saws that have been recommended in previous posts.
Mainly you have to decide whether you like the blade right or left models.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
You can't go wrong with a Makita either...
Mark
Have a Porter Cable with a magnisium base and its worked well. You might look at the Skill model 77 with a mag base I used one doing construction one summer and once you get used to it the other style seems akward. Even though the Skill is heavier it seamed to drive itself and it was easier to cut to a straigt line. I'm not a big guy but did like the saw.
About 5 years ago, I bought the PC Trim saw. It is a circular saw that uses a 6" blade. I love it since it is very light and plenty powerful for my needs. I just today cut 1 1/4 MDF "planks" for about 80 rosettes. Planks were both " and 6". Wondered if 1 1/4" was too much to ask of the little saw but it went through all the planks like hot knife through warm butter. I cut MDF outside when possible because of the dust.
If you are not framing but just cutting trim, sizing sheet goods to smaller sizes, or trimmin here and there, consider it.
One shortcoming is availability of blades. I get mine from Amazon.com. They are thin kerf and cut very smooth.
Wink: Have you heard about the Festool closeout on one of their circular saws? Not one of the brands you mentioned but may only be a few bucks more at the moment. I have two Festools (planer and router)and they are very well made and have great ergonomics.
KDM
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Sorry Wink, you've been together for 40year and it don't seem a day too long :-D. Why are you now thinking of a fickle young thing??? What about a pre-loved Unisaw?
They call them "Skilsaws" for a reason. Check out a 77Mag. I have an old heavy 77 that is a real workhorse. For heavy cutting with controlability a worm drive is the way to go. For a trimsaw those little PCs sure look nice too.
John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
I'll jump on the PC bandwagon. I too have the PC for lefties. I like the exact measurement to the blade from the edge of the guide. Makes it easy to get the line. I have a forrest blade and use it to size panels mostly, but with a scab blade, it will handle the framing too. You won't flex the magnesium base. Good luck on the decision.
http://www.toolking.com/images/products/bigSK_HD5825.jpg
I have this 6 1/2 inch wormdrive one and like it a lot. Good for framing or taming sheet goods. As with most saws, upgrade the stock blade for best results (note the diamond arbor in doing so).
I really like my Makita .I've had it near ten years now .Have used PC, DeWalt , and Milwaukee .All are fine each with their own quirks.I think the reason I prefer the Makita is its weight ,lack of vibration,and fineness of adjustment.Also very competitive in price.
I do more remodeling, by a long shot, then fine wood working so you're needs may vary.
I've used the dewalt saws and personally do not like them. Milwaukee saws have a great reputation though I've never used one, I own 3 porter cable side winders, one of them is the saw boss with a 6" blade, I love that saw and I reach for it over any other when using a sidewinder.
I don't have any experience with the newer PC's since they re-designed with the wrenchless blade change thing, but I've heard several bad things about them, not to many good.
Avoid the Bosch sidewinder.
If you're looking for a worm drive Bosch is the way to go, it's a redesign of the old skill 77 with a few improvements. I own one and love it. Avoid the direct connect version. Also own a few skill 77's great saws, however a few bucks more the bosch is better.
What are you primarily going to be using the saw for?
Edited 8/28/2005 12:01 am ET by CAGIV
PC 347 with mag base. lightweight and the handgrip has room for a gloved hand. the front handle is large too. the wrenchless blade bolt on the new models is pretty nifty but i don't know how they hold up. oddly enough, i can cut more accurately and comfortably with either hand using the blade on the right saw than the blade on the left.just something you get used to. wonder if PC quality will slowly erode with the new ownership.
Depends on what you want to do. I have a PC 6" "Saw Boss" that I use for sheet goods -- my only application for a circular saw. It does a great job -- small, light-weight, and powerful. I have tried a 7-1/4" saw and found it more than I needed or wanted to handle.
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