Replies

1. 
   Napie | Aug 01, 2006 06:43pm | #1

   I have had the P-C for almost twenty years, great saw!  In the old days I built cabinets on site with it.

2. 
   RippySkippy | Aug 01, 2006 07:09pm | #2

   The first one I owned was a craftsman, more like the design of the Bosch, and I believe Mfg'd by Skil. I've since semi-retired this saw, as it's cut as much concrete as wood, the continous rim diamond blades saw blocks and crete like butter.

   The replacement saw is the dewalt, which I like better than than the longer designed saw. The dewalt has a motor that's angled up and for me it's easier to control the cut as my hand is closer where the blade is cutting. The right angle trim saws are great for a grab and go; they have their limitations, but I wouldn't be with out it as well.

   All in all...the saws are awesome, and I'll never own a non-worm drive saw. Get one and learn how to use it, they are a bit different than the traditional saws.

   RIP

   Dewalt: <http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=135>

3. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 01, 2006 07:17pm | #3

   Dear Imrmax,
   All of the saws listed are good. The Makita is one of the older designs, which is probably why the cost difference. These are all heavy duty, what we would consider to be "framing" saws, although there are probably those who choose them for finish work as well. Skil set the standard years ago and that would be my pick today, although you probably couldn't find a bad saw in the bunch. The only one that I would stay away from, if they still make it, would be the "Milwaukee". In particular the 8 1/4". HEAVY. The PC is just what you said, a "trim" saw. I haven't used one in years, but they can be useful. They don't pack near the power of the other saws and are not part of the same "crowd".

   Best,

   John

   
   

   ---

   Edited 8/1/2006 2:24 pm ET by Jmartinsky

1. 
   Rennie | Aug 01, 2006 07:22pm | #4

   Gee John, no comments on how to rip a 10' 2x12 by holding the saw in one hand while balancing the wood in your lap with the other?

   ;o)

   Sorry, couldn't resist. I'll go hit my head on the jointer as punishment for my insolence.

   Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. Frank Lloyd Wright

   Edited 8/1/2006 12:22 pm by Rennie

1. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 01, 2006 09:24pm | #6

   :-)John

1. 
   mike_b | Aug 02, 2006 01:52am | #7

   I shave with a Milwaukee worm drive. Very close and no 4 o'clock shadow 'til at least 8:00 PM.

1. 
   EdHarrow | Aug 02, 2006 02:32am | #8

   View Image

   Dumpster Sally!  The saw, not the dog.  I rescued it from a dumpster.  Cuts ANYTHING!!  (8.25", a beast).  Powered, at max depth, in one pass, through angelique as though it were butter.

2. 
   mike_b | Aug 02, 2006 03:28am | #9

   You have a pet Dutch Master. How cool is that? Sorry.

3. 
   EdHarrow | Aug 04, 2006 03:18am | #16

   Master of the cat chase, other than that he's cute but useless.  ;-)

4. 
   dgreen | Aug 04, 2006 01:39am | #14

   Is that a real genuine metal handle I see on Dumpster Sally? Mine was brought in for brushes and never picked up, after 3 years I took it home. It has a plastic handle. One tough saw though.
   Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb

5. 
   EdHarrow | Aug 04, 2006 03:16am | #15

   The genuine article, like Raleighs of old, 'the all-steel [wormdrive] ;-) .  19.5 pounds.  Not for casual one-handed use!

   Big Bertha weighs in at 22.5 pounds (see dumpster diving thread).

6. 
   dgreen | Aug 04, 2006 03:21am | #17

   Yep, thats a real one. Mines 18.8 pounds.
   Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb

4. 
   JJV | Aug 01, 2006 07:57pm | #5

   I think the difference is in the design-the Makita is a "hypoid" saw where the Bosch is a true wormdrive.  I believe they are essentially the same in theory but the motor types are different, and if I remember correctly, worm-drive saws last longer than hypoids.  That, plus the Bosch price premium, would account for the higher cost. 

   If you like the Bosch, take a look at the Ridgid wormdrive.  $169 at HD-a really nice saw, and right in the price middle of the other two.

   Maybe someday I'll know a little something.
5. 
   sapwood | Aug 02, 2006 05:38am | #10

   I have a Bosch. I use it for general cutting and for framing. I love the saw, but I hate framing.

6. 
   lmrmax | Aug 03, 2006 02:37am | #11

   Thanks for your responses. I found a good review of wormdrive/hypoid saws here: http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleID=2310&partID=2. I also noticed that skil has an interesting small saw with the blade on the left: the HD5510 5.5" circular saw. Although it is not worm or hypoid. Any experience with the small Skil? Thanks.

1. 
   justinh | Aug 03, 2006 04:08pm | #12

   I have used the small skil and it isn't bad.  When I purchased a smaller circular saw for myself I went with the PC SawBoss.  It is a trim and light framing work horse.  As far as a wormdrive saw I went with the Bosch.  I use it for occasional framing and for cutting down large doors.  It is light for a wormdrive.  I've used it on a job and then picked up a regular Skil.  You'd be surprised at how heavy it seemed.

1. 
   EdHarrow | Aug 04, 2006 01:16am | #13

   You're going to make me go weigh Dumpster Sally.  She's one heavy mother, I can tell you that.  ;-) 

7. 
   Jer | Aug 04, 2006 02:59pm | #18

   I've heard good stuff over at Breaktime about the Ridgid

1. 
   nikkiwood | Aug 06, 2006 08:59am | #19

   I second your comment about the Ridgid. One of the heavy duty framers at Breaktime (Tim Uhler) reviews tools for JLC, and he touts this saw above all other worm drives.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-