Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Got Wood?

I'd go for one of the worm drive saws from Dewalt, Skil, Bosch ect....yah, they weigh more and cost more than a sidewinder, but they're stronger and torquier imo. I've got a dewalt hypoid-gear similar to the worm drives, it glides through 2x lumber like nothing. Only complaint is, it's got a higher centre of gravity than the worm drives due to the configuration of the motor/hyp gears. A lot depends on what you're primarily using it for...lumber I'd go with the worm gear, plywood or boards you might prefer a sidewinder as they're lighter(not inferring lighter is necessarily better though, I in fact, find the heavier worm/hypoid gear saws to be more controllable...personal pref).

Hmmm...after checking, I think the max bevel angle on these saws belongs to the Dewalt worm drive at 53*.

Magnesium Skill worm drive is by far the best and what you will find at most construction sights. I hate direct drive circular saws. They tend to kick back. The mag Skill is light enough to use with one hand, all day long. I have one as well as a brute Milwaukee. The Milwaukee is rarely used.

The Skil is the "original" worm drive, but nearly every professional review I came across rated the hypoid Dewalt(DW378) as the superior saw. Alas, Dewalt has replaced it with the worm driven 535 recently.

Well, now that the rough boys have weighed in, a little opposition is in order.

I have had a Milwaukee worm drive for over 20 years. It weighs north of 16 lbs. When I encounter need for it, its use is apparent--- and rare.

It's kind of difficult to mention "circular saw" and "accurate" in the same sentence. With a really good one, you'll get great, accurate cuts. But, never rely on a circ saw's tool markings for accuracy.

Use it correctly: proper blade depth, use a rip guide, stand where you should, don't over-reach, have the work properly supported, etc. and you'll be fine. Spend way less, too.

I've had several, but I'll go for my Porter Cable 7.25" anytime. It's the only one available for lefties. I'm R-handed, but I prefer the L-hand model (as do some friends), because I can keep sight of the cutline more readily. It also has one of the biggest base plates around.

Can't comment on reviews, I don't read them. People who have time to write reviews are not out working. Like I said, Skill is what you find at the construction sights. They are comfortable to use and the magnesium saws are very light. I've seen a few of the Dewalts, but they are the exception, not the norm. The Milwaukee is reserved for the 4" wide stuff because they will cut through just about anything - but they are too heavy to use all day.

I do not use these saws for anything but construction work where 1/8" is good enough and it's usually at a remote sight with generators and bang boards for power and a pickup for the break table. I do not cut on saw horses either. I prop the board up on the crook of my foot / ankle and let the weight of the saw do the work (keeping the cut at least 18" or so away from my leg).

For any sort of accuracy, I use my Dewalt 12" compound miter saw, and then the table saw for even better accuracy.

Circular saws are crap for accuracy. That's not what they were designed to do unless you want to move to a Festool at about $1000.

Michael, you do such beautiful woodworking with your hands, but you should value your other body parts as highly. I understand that you (and a few of other "freestylers" I know) have managed to do tool acrobatics without consequences for years or decades.

More than one of them has already had their date-with-destiny moment. Luckily, I've never been around on those days to witness it.

I needn't wish you any skills, you're too competent already. But I do, quite sincerely, wish you the best of luck in keeping your future free from harm.

I've been really happy with my Rigid 7 1/4 saw. It has some nice quick bevel features.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R3200-Circular-Saw/EN/index.htm

I'll second BobKay's recommendation. Porter Cable is a good choice. I like the Porter Cable's base plate too. I use the Porter Cable to size panels on the floor (even though I have a Jet cabinet saw). The Porter Cable's base plate rides perfectly against a saw guide.

Thanks all! I knew I'd get lots of great information.

I spit on my tile cutter blade cause that's how I roll..... Just sayin'.