Powertool Noobie: Need a Circular Saw

O

oguruma

Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
1,289
Alright, I gave my old beat up Skil saw away when I moved to Germany, and now I am wanting to start a few woodworking projects. I know the basics of using a circular saw, but I am far from an expert. What I need is a circular saw, preferrably sub $300. I need one that is will last through a lot of hard use (though I doubt I will ever submit it to hard use, but you never know). Anybody able to set me straight with some recommendations?
 
Skil is where it's at. I don't even need to look into it. Buy their very top of the line saw and don't cut your fingers off. ; )
 
Milwaukee and Dewalt both make excellent circular saws. Dewalt also has a 'high torque' model that will really cut some lumber. Paired with some Diablo blades and you have a great saw. We exclusively use the Dewalts on our Job Sites(industrial construction.) I have never seen one burn up.
 
Don't buy any battery powered ones. They work okay for thin plywood or quick cuts through 2x4s but you'll never be able to do any serious work with one.
 
Makita 5007NK. I used one daily on a job, and got one later for personal use. Actually bought a Milwaukee 6394-21 to try, but returned it for the Makita. If you search "best circular saw" and look at the Consumer Research and Popular Mechanics comparisons, the Milwaukee was #1 in both, but the Makitas I've used have been smoother and easier to control. Cost less, too.
 
Makita 13 amp. Big enough for most any job but still light enough that you can handle it with one hand.
 
I've used the Skilsaw Worm Drive 6 1/2" for years and prefer it over the 7 1/4" saws. Skiltools doesn't appear to make it anymore so I'd recommend this:

7-1/4" Worm Drive Skilsaw® Model #SHD77
r03379v15.jpg


Or this:

7-1/4" Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw® Model #SHD77M
r03378v15.jpg
 
Wormdrive or Porter Cable with the blade on the left.

Depends what you are gonna be doing with it really. What saw I grab depends on what I'll be cutting.
 
I've had a Skill saw model 77 (worm drive) since 1975. It doesn't get every day use but it still runs great.
 
You have a lot of great suggestions, so I wont comment on company. What I will suggest is if your right handed get a saw with the blade on the left and motor on the right or the opposite if your left handed.
 
Jeeze... I spent $30 on a Craftman at a pawn shop 15-20 years ago and it's worked fine for me. Replaced the crosscut and plywood blades a couple of times each. (I put together 2 skateboard ramps for my son this summer, so mine sees a fair amount of use)

I would like to replace it with one that has a guide laser, but I won't spend over $100 for it.
 
Skil or Milwaukee would be my choice, I prefer a worm drive saw to others. Make sure you purchase good quality (Diablo is my choice and most professionals) blades DESIGNED for the type of cut you need to make. There are a large variety, from Finish, to Rip, to Demo, to metal.

With sawblades its boils down to two things. Brand and carbide tipped blades, carbide tipped blades will outperform any others.
 
I'm pretty electrically challenged, so I don't know for sure, but look at tools that have a higher amp rating. Two saws to be used identically, the one with higher rated amps will work better and last longer. At least that is what I remember. Someone please correct me if I,m wrong.
 
Railrider1920 said:
I'm pretty electrically challenged, so I don't know for sure, but look at tools that have a higher amp rating. Two saws to be used identically, the one with higher rated amps will work better and last longer. At least that is what I remember. Someone please correct me if I,m wrong.
Click to expand...

That's not inherently true, but generally the higher powered power tools last longer, depends on brand and model more than anything.
 
65535 said:
Skil or Milwaukee would be my choice, I prefer a worm drive saw to others. Make sure you purchase good quality (Diablo is my choice and most professionals) blades DESIGNED for the type of cut you need to make. There are a large variety, from Finish, to Rip, to Demo, to metal.

With sawblades its boils down to two things. Brand and carbide tipped blades, carbide tipped blades will outperform any others.
Click to expand...

I see very few Diablo blades on jobsites... I like them though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top