So I sold some tools that either I didn't need or weren't what I really wanted, and was going to take the proceeds and buy myself a circular saw... figured on getting a Skil 77 because that seems to be the default "real" saw. I'd seen one at Lowe's (the 77M) a week or two ago, looked on their web site, it's on closeout! Awesome! (I thought) well, they must have really closed it out because it's already been taken down (from earlier today) and replaced by the regular 77 - but my local store has neither. (I was just there helping a friend get ideas for a remodel project.)
So I look online at Amazon and they have a good price w/ free shipping but I see that the reviews are somewhat mixed... most love the saw but seems like the magnesium version has some issues with the baseplate not being flat and/or not holding adjustment without slop. Anyone have any idea how common those are? I wouldn't normally obsess about this kind of thing but don't really want to pay the premium to buy at Home Despot... nor do I actually *like* patronizing Home Despot... but am wary of ordering online if there's a real chance of getting a bad one?
other question would be, how much difference does it really make to have the 2 lb. lighter magnesium version? Would that something that would really only be noticed if one were, say, putting in a whole day's work framing a house?
nate