Circular Saw Recommendation

[ustmd]

So, the current circular saw is getting ready to bite the dust--the safety interlock switch is starting to go. It was a $70 Skill special and I have gotten 8 hard years out of it, so I am not upset.

I am looking for recommendations.

I am not a profession, but like many living the sub-rural lifestyle, I do a lot of projects, so the saw will used infrequently, but when used, it will be used. For example, the current saw started dying while I am building an 800 sq ft deck for the neighbors/in-laws.

Also, as I have gotten older, I have realized that it is worthwhile to invest in quality tools that will last and not add problems to the projects. So, I know I was be spending a minim of $120-$150 on a good saw.

I was looking at the Bosch CS20 as well as the Dewalt DW364K. I have had good experiences with both brands--though I have heard from others that Dewalt tools aren't what they used to be. I am also considering Milwaukee or Porter Cable.

Any thoughts/experiences? Much of the info on the net is out of date/useless.

Thanks

 

[doall]

I'm partial to Milwauki or Mikita. I've used yellow. green, silver, and black; just seem to have better luck with the red and blue ones.

 

[bcjmmac]

I've had a dewalt saw for over 10 years. Only thing I've done is change the blade. Currently using it to build a garage/workshop for my JD2520 & it works as good as new (with the new blade).
Haven't heard that the quality dropped at Dewalt.

 

[Fixemall]

You really need to try out a few brands, what "fits" for one person may not suit you personally. I suggest hitting up a few actual tool dealers and see what works for you in terms of grip, weight and balance.

 

[DJ54]

Can't speak for the new one's, but I've had a Porter-Cable for 12 years now. It's done more than it's share of projects... Love it..!!

 

[Chilly807]

I bought a Makita a couple of years ago to replace the old saw I had. I wanted as little blade wander as possible, and the Makita was the tightest I looked at.

Unexpected bonuses were low noise level, and very smooth running. Simply the best circ saw I've ever used.

The LED light over the cutting area seems gimmicky until you're in a dimly lit area trying to see the cut line.

Sean

 

[Army grunt]

Mikita is an has been my choice for over 25 years. I have a 8 1/4 i bought 20 years ago. My 7 1/4 in at least 10 an just always works. Straight cuts an tight blade(no wobble)
Army Grunt

 

[Verticaltrx]

I'm a contractor so my tools get used every day. The best service I've gotten out of any brand tools, bar none, has been Milwaukee. I have a 7 1/4" Milwaukee circular saw with the magnesium body and tilt-lock handle. At first I thought the tilt-lock handle was kind of gimmicky, but after using it a few years I really like it. Makes it much easier on the wrist when you are using it standing and cutting on a roof, floor, etc. I think it was around $150 IIRC.

 

[Red Horse]

I have two Bosch's. I was lugging a 10 year old back and forth to summer place and decided I woud spring for a new one two years ago and leave the older one at cottage. I do believe my new one was one of last ones made in US. Great saws. The other one I considered was a Porter Cable as I like the coating they have on the plate.

As for preferences and "good luck with old ones", regardless of brand, most of the old ones were made here. The new ones?...China. If I can find something "Made in US", I tend to buy it. Or Europe-all my cutting bits-CMT, Italy, the best. IMO. Then Japan, Then Taiwan. China-last choice.

 

[Chilly807]

Since someone mentioned the plate coating, it reminded me that the coating on the Makita plate is less than ideal.. I give mine a coat of furniture wax once in a while and it's fine after that for a few months. I may try getting it re-anodized, I have a "source" for getting that done pretty cheaply.

If all you're cutting is clean wood, it may not be an issue, but any grit on the lumber leads to sticking and dark streaks on the wood.

Sean