Worm Drive 7 1/4" saw

[AlanB]

I am about to buy one to do the remodeling stuff I need. Have used my basic skilsaw for the last 20 years, and each time I picked it up wished I had the Worm Drive so I could see the blade and had the extra stability.

Looks like $150 from Sears, on up for the others.

Basic question for those of you using these daily.

Would you pay the extra $25 or so to get the magnesium housing instead of the aluminum, looks like it shaves about 2 lbs.

 

[California]

I'm not very big (5'5") but I worked as a journeyman carpenter for several years, with the standard Skil brand saws. I consider that weight unnecesarily tiring. Maybe you are a lot bigger than me.

For my own remodel work I bought a 6.5" B&D worm drive saw, and rarely get out the 7.5" conventional for the occasional deep bevel cut. If you work with finished lumber a 6.5" worm drive will do 99% of your cuts and it weighs a lot less.

I agree, the added visibility and control of a worm drive make it a far better tool.

 

[Bellville]

Alan, I just bought one a couple of years ago and I did opt for the light weitght of the mag saw. I have found that when using a tool for working on a big project, (building a building or fence etc) those couple of pounds really make a difference by the end of the day.

Best of luck with your purchase.

 

[DieselPower]

I have owned both aluminum and magnesium saw's over the years and like Jack said by the end of the day those couple of pounds really make a difference. I now only own magnesium saws.

 

[AlanB]

I just had the DeWalt 378 reccomended too me by the local tool repair place. He said, if he had to buy one for himself today, this is what he would get.

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=3024

Shows at 13 lbs which is a little lighter yet, but still considerably heavier then a "standard" skilsaw.

Anybody with 2 cents to add?

Looks like I can get it delivered for about $140 with no tax. That sounds cheap too me, and I have pretty good luck with the DeWalt stuff so far.

Any other thoughts?

 

[orezok]

I've been a licensed contractor for 27 years (which means I'm getting old). I've gone to the 6 1/2" 'cause I find it will work just as well on 2x or plywood and rarely do I need the 7 1/4.

 

[EddieWalker]

Back in the 80's everyone on the jobsites were using worm gear saws. It was kind of a status thing and anybody with a circular saw was made fun of. I used a Skill saw for awhile, but hated it. I gave in and bought a Dewalt circular saw similar to the one you linked to, except I think mine is a little smaller. I'm not sure, it's almost 20 years old.

But now I mostly use my chop saw for cutting lumber and anything else that I can fit into it. Mine has a 14 inch blade, twin lazers and is made from aluminum. I forget the model, but it's made by Delta and I wouldn't dream of doing anything without it.

If your currrent saw still works, spend the money on a good chop saw. You won't regret it and in fact, you will wonder why you didn't do so earlier. Kind of like buying an brad nailer for trim. No way to do it any other way!!!!

Good luck,
Eddie

 

[AlanB]

I have the 10" Craftsman chop, and a HUGE Hitatchi Chop (16" or bigger?) Some of the stuff I do, just needs the hand one. (cutting off the deck boards at an angle was the last one)

And I don't have the trim nailer here.... Yep, either time to buy, or make a "borrowing" trip to Florida and visit with my old man What I could borrow and save from Renting would probably pay the gas for the trip....

Lets see.
Pressure washer 4000psi
Paint pump sprayer
Tablesaw
Shopsmith
brad nailer
Worm drive saw
12" sliding miter

(I think I will need to "borrow" one of his trailers to pull it all home Think I could get him to load it all up before I got there to save me the effort?

I found the skilsaw Worm drive 6.5" and it shows weighing more then the Dewalt 7 1/4. Is that skil the one you guys are referring too, or should I look for a different brand. I did not see a 6.5 in the Dewalt. (but I am not hung on any particular brand)

 

[hazmat]

I've got a "lefty" porter cable circ saw. PC 424MAG. Tool-less blade changes, awesome visability & the cast magnesium base is dead nuts parallel to the blade (great when using a straight edge as a guide). 9.6lbs $149 on amazon.

Worm gear types have more power, but do you need it? Is it worth the weight gain?

 

[cp1969]

I've got a worm drive but rarely use it any more because it is so heavy. I find myself using a little 6 1/2" Porter Cable with the blade on the left far more often. You don't need a worm drive to get the blade on the left side any more.