Circular saw recommendations

Jack:

I really like the Skil worm drive saws. I had used several different circular saws in the past, including Milwaukee, Craftsman, and Porter Cable, but I would never go back to a "sidewinder" after using my Skil worm drive. The worm drives feel smoother and more stable to me, once you get used to the torque at startup which make the saw want to twist momentarily. The fact that the saw has two handles instead of one helps to keep things steady and straight on long panel cuts.

The only problem is that they may be outside your budget unless you buy reconditioned or used. I bought my first worm drive new several years ago for about $150.00, then picked up a second one at an auction for $8.00. The $8.00 saw works just as well as my first one, and I don't worry about knocking it around. I save the first one for cutting panels with an aluminum straightedge.

If you prefer the sidewinders, I would recommend the Porter Cable unit. I recommended this saw to my brother and to a friend at work, and neither one regrets the purchase.

Kevin

It depends on two things: What you are going to use if for, and what you are comfortable with.

When I was framing houses many years ago, I used a sidewinder. I liked it a lot. However, some of the guys that came to work or sub from me used the worm drives. I didn't like them, but boy did I respect their power. They could take a blade that I took off my saw and use it for another week to burn the whole blade blue without choking down the saw.

I didn't like the worm drives because they were heavier, and all of them were left bladed, which meant the that saw sat on the piece that was going to fall off. Not a big deal with a wrap around table/shoe, but I like the saw to be on a surface as solid as possible when cutting.

I also couldn't use the worm drive on finish paneling and it was uncomfortable for long rips; I was unable to use my "finger rip guide" as I had to that point without scaring the crap out of myself. Nor was it as easy to use with my shop built rip guides to do finish ripping for cabinet shelves, etc. For ripping soffits, decking, siding, and just about all framing, it kicked ass.

That being said, if you buy a worm drive, you will never need to buy another circular saw in your life just to saw wood. Some may be better than others, but they are all tanks.

If you are going to use the saw around the house for building a deck, repairing fascia, putting in shelves, some light remodeling and for an occasional project, get a sidewinder. I personally didn't like the DeWalts or Porter Cables simply because they have grooved shoes. When trying a compound miter cut (think repairing the >>scribe

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I have this saw. It replaced a B&D that fell off the ladder one too many times. Although I've had it over a year, I'v only used it a half dozen times at most. No complaints. I like the tilt lock because I SEEM TO CUT STRAIGHTER when the handle is low.

Good luck with your quest,

Bill Leonhardt