My lovely grandmother sent me a nice check for my birthday that I want to use to replace my elcheapo craftsman and black and decker electric hand tools.
My list is as follows:
1) Bosch 1591 EVSK Barrel grip jigsaw. Probably not to much comment about this one. I've used the 1590 before and it's one sweet piece of kit. I want the barrel design as I hate handled jig saws.
2) Porter Cable 352VS belt sander. I'm currently up in the air over this one. I like the robust construction of the tool, but it certainly isn't on the top of anyone's list anymore.
3) Milwaukee 6391-21 7 1/4" left hand circular saw. I was leaning toward the Porter Cable 424 MAG 7 1/4" left hand saw, but that quick release blade do-hicky scares me. I would buy the old version in a heartbeat if I could find one. The Milwaukee seems to be well respected. I definitely want a left hand saw. I hate right hand saws and want a left hand saw. The PC 345 saw boss is certainly of interest as well. The loss of 5/8" of an inch of cutting depth wouldn't bother me.
Any suggestions/comments?
Thanks in advance, =========================================================================== Chris
Good question - I haven't used the 1584, so I can't directly answer that, but you should be able to find the 1591 cheaper than $180, I would think. I got my 1590 (top handle version) from Coastal Tool for $150. Toolking.com shows the 1591 for $165. I've also heard very good things about the Dewalt high-end jigsaws, but haven't used one, and I don't know if they come in barrel grip. One other tool for your consideration - do you already have a good cordless drill/driver? My old crapsman is on its way out, so there are two that are currently competing for the top spot on my Christmas list: The little Bosch PS20, and the Makita 14.4V NiMH set with a drill and a separate impact driver.
formatting link
?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VYDPTMWFWO0T&colid=R786L37TKQ51(If anyone has used either of these, and wants to pass along opinions, feel free...) Finally, if you'd consider going cordless, and you don't already have a few hand planes, I'll throw in a recommendation for a good one of those. A low-angle block plane (Lee Valley or Lie Nielsen) and #4 smoother (LV, LN or Steve Knight) are high on my list of commonly-used tools, as well as a shoulder plane (LV, LN, Clifton) for fitting joints. In my experience, these are faster and more accurate (not to mention less messy) than a belt sander for most applications. Have fun with your check, Andy
Just one comment about this one: if you have small hands (like I do), don't buy this from a catalog without examining one hands-on first. You might find it not very convenient or comfortable to grip.
Left hand saws are meant to be used with your left hand so that you are not exposed to the exposed side of the blade. This is a safety feature for left handers. Something to think about since you are thinking safety and do not trust the PC quick release.
The biggest difference between the two is that the later model Bosch, the
1591, has a TRUE quick blade release. While the older model blade release works ok if you like diddeling with the saw when changing blades, the newer
1591 model has a lever you push over and the blade pops out. Its a 1 or 2 second procedure vs. much longer.
Leon, You seem to be the only one who keeps bringing up this issue. Generally, I have a great deal of respect for your opinion however, on this issue I believe you are incorrect.
The blade left saws are not designed for left handed people. Skil/Bosch/Milwaukee/Dewalt all make saws with left bladed - and they outsell the right blade ones five to one. Interestingly enough, most call it their professional - heavy duty or framer saw. I generally use my right hand to saw with and I prefer the left bladed saw. It's much easier to see the line and hold it on line.
Dave
Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
I'm in complete agreement with you here. I hate having to look over the motor to see the blade.
It all goes back to my days in construction and using worm drive saws. All of these have the blade on the left side of the handle. I just found that a lot more natural.
Thanks, =========================================================================== Chris
H'mmm that's interesting. It's not encouraging when trigger switches fail on electric tools.
The trigger switch on my VS profession B & D now only has one speed. In it's defense the drill was immersed in brackish water thanks to Katrina. I'll have to see if parts are available.
Thanks for the info.
=========================================================================== Chris
The last time I looked at the owners manuals for the PC left and righ saws, the manual stated to hold the left saw in the left hand and the right saw in the right hand. Also, the correct way to cut a board to length is to have the larger area of the saw base resting on the longer piece of wood and or the piece that is not going to fall away. When you use the left handed worm drive saw with your right hand and support the wood with your other, where is ths saw setting . Is it setting on the small area of the base that is on the left side of the blade as it should be?
If you look at the PC manual on line you will see that the proper way to hold the left blade is with your left hand on the triger handle and your right hand ont the auxillery handle over the motor.
formatting link
this link does not seem to work as a short cut but if you log in to the PC/DeWalt site and inquire in to the 423MAG left blade circle saw you can eventually get to the owners manual. They have a photo of the correct way to hold the saw.
That does not mean that the users are correctly using the saws. Probably the same ratio of TS users work with out a guard. Does that make working with out a guard correct?
Still you should not have the blade between your 2 hands. Now this is going to really throw you. :~) Bosch shows to hold the left blade worm dirive with your right hand on the trigger handle however to keep the blade from being positioned between your hands they also illustrate to hold the auxillery handle with your left hand. Essentially Bosch wants you to criss corss you hands if you are going to hold the left blade worm dirive with your righ hand on the trigger handle. This effectively keeps the blade on the outside position of your hands instead of between your hands. Check the illustration on Page 4 of the owners manual.
formatting link
farther, the side winder right blade manual clearly issustrates that the right hand should be on the trigger handle and the left on the axillery handle.
Check page 4 again here
http://66.77.255.87/Images/BOSCHPDF/CS20_pdf/PDF_MANUAL/CS20.pdfInterestingly enough, most call
I totally agree that it is easier to see the line however you are also more exsposed to the open exposed side of the blade and the debris that it may throw back at you.
Still you should not have the blade between your 2 hands. Now this is going to really throw you. :~) Bosch shows to hold the left blade worm drive with your right hand on the trigger handle however to keep the blade from being positioned between your hands they also illustrate to hold the auxiliary handle with your left hand. Essentially Bosch wants you to criss cross you hands if you are going to hold the left blade worm drive with your right hand on the trigger handle. This effectively keeps the blade on the outside position of your hands instead of between your hands. Check the illustration on Page 4 of the owners manual.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.