Advice on circular saws

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  • chopnhack
    Veteran Member
    • Oct 2006
    • 3779
    • Florida
    • Ryobi BT3100

    Advice on circular saws

    Can anyone give me some advice on replacing my old circular saw, the arbor has started to wobble -it will still give a fairly clean, but I want to start using a c.saw to cut up plywood panels before using the table saw for final cut.
    So any advice, pros & cons, sidewinder or not, etc.
    Any help would be much appreciated!
    Thanks
    I think in straight lines, but dream in curves
  • radhak
    Veteran Member
    • Apr 2006
    • 3058
    • Miramar, FL
    • Right Tilt 3HP Unisaw

    #2
    Festool. nuff said.
    It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
    - Aristotle

    Comment

    • chopnhack
      Veteran Member
      • Oct 2006
      • 3779
      • Florida
      • Ryobi BT3100

      #3
      Ok, let me clarify......cheap saw - anything less than $200 - Festool is more expensive than (2) BT3100's!
      I think in straight lines, but dream in curves

      Comment

      • crokett
        The Full Monte
        • Jan 2003
        • 10627
        • Mebane, NC, USA.
        • Ryobi BT3000

        #4
        My DeWalt is a very nice saw. My dad has a Makita but I think my DeWalt has a bit more power.
        David

        The chief cause of failure in this life is giving up what you want most for what you want at the moment.

        Comment

        • mpc
          Senior Member
          • Feb 2005
          • 979
          • Cypress, CA, USA.
          • BT3000 orig 13amp model

          #5
          If the saw is otherwise healthy - and one you liked - take it apart and see if the bearings can be replaced. I'll bet they are plain old "sealed" bearings with standard bearing numbers stamped into them. NAPA auto parts stores, real hardware stores (Fastenal, McMaster-Carr, etc.) can order them. You might need a "bearing press" to remove & install them... local auto machine shops and many NAPAs can do that for a few bucks per bearing. You might be able to repair the saw for 20 to 30 bucks.

          New: I'm pleased with my Porter-Cable 325 (?) MAG saw. I like the thick style base plates (compared to the thin stamped metal ones with curved edges) since they don't tend to ride over/under fence pieces.

          mpc

          Comment

          • chopnhack
            Veteran Member
            • Oct 2006
            • 3779
            • Florida
            • Ryobi BT3100

            #6
            Mine is an older craftsmen bought at a pawn shop! It served me well as I built my house with it, but its time for a better one. Has anyone ever used or owned a sidewinder type saw?
            I think in straight lines, but dream in curves

            Comment

            • Tom Slick
              Veteran Member
              • May 2005
              • 2913
              • Paso Robles, Calif, USA.
              • sears BT3 clone

              #7
              I like my milwaukee sidwinder alot. the PC and bosch are both nice sidewinders. unless you do framing I don't see a need for a worm drive.

              if you never cut anything but sheet goods then buy a smaller 5" saw. they are lighter weight and easier to handle.
              Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison

              Comment

              • chopnhack
                Veteran Member
                • Oct 2006
                • 3779
                • Florida
                • Ryobi BT3100

                #8
                Good point, I believe my framing days are mostly over. Great suggestion on a 5" wouldn't have thought about that. Thanks!
                I think in straight lines, but dream in curves

                Comment

                • maxparot
                  Veteran Member
                  • Jan 2004
                  • 1421
                  • Mesa, Arizona, USA.
                  • BT3100 w/ wide table kit

                  #9
                  Look at the Hitachi with the blade brake. It can be had for less than $90
                  Opinions are like gas;
                  I don't mind hearing it, but keep it to yourself if it stinks.

                  Comment

                  • chopnhack
                    Veteran Member
                    • Oct 2006
                    • 3779
                    • Florida
                    • Ryobi BT3100

                    #10
                    Are any of the hitachi's available with left blade? Where have you found in the $90's range.
                    Thanks!
                    I think in straight lines, but dream in curves

                    Comment

                    • Slik Geek
                      Senior Member
                      • Dec 2006
                      • 669
                      • Lake County, Illinois
                      • Ryobi BT-3000

                      #11
                      I looked at replacing the bearings in my 20+ year old Craftsman (when they bit the dust), but decided against it when I disassembled it.

                      I ended up buying a Milwaukee 6390-21 Tilt-Lok 7-1/4-Inch. I never realized how sweet a circular saw could be. I never would have believed how much nicer it handled than the cheaper Craftsman. The tilting handle, which seemed like a gimmick to me initially, has come in handy too.

                      A 5" saw might be a limitation when you end up working on a deck and want to cut 4x4s or 6x6s.

                      Comment

                      • Tom Slick
                        Veteran Member
                        • May 2005
                        • 2913
                        • Paso Robles, Calif, USA.
                        • sears BT3 clone

                        #12
                        Although I stick my by milwaukee recomendation, I was thinking of the smaller PC saw boss which is actually a 6" (not 5") saw, and will cut 2x material. Skil makes a similar saw.



                        They also make a tiny trim saw


                        Nahm uses this saw quite a bit.
                        Last edited by Tom Slick; 12-15-2007, 01:35 AM.
                        Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison

                        Comment

                        • Scottydont
                          Veteran Member
                          • Aug 2003
                          • 2359
                          • Edmonds, WA, USA.
                          • Delta Industrial Hybrid

                          #13
                          I tried a Ridgid a couple of years ago and it is the best circular saw I have ever owned. Lots of power, feels great in the hand, very nice base plate with indexed markings that works great with a saw board or guide. I use mine with a allinoneclamp guide saw baseplate and the the cuts I make with them on sheet goods are my final cuts. 3 decks, a large garden shed and a chicken later and never disappoints. A+ in my book.

                          When it comes to rough cutting lumber of sheet goods to sise I often grab my Dewalt 18V cordless circ. Not much power but very convenient.
                          Last edited by Scottydont; 12-15-2007, 01:53 AM.
                          Scott
                          "The Laminate Flooring Benchtop Guy"

                          Edmonds WA

                          No coffee, no worky!

                          Comment

                          • Bill in Buena Park
                            Veteran Member
                            • Nov 2007
                            • 1865
                            • Buena Park, CA
                            • CM 21829

                            #14
                            I own a couple different B&D circular saws, and haven't been disappointed in the performance of any of them so far, especially with a good carbide blade. I have an older version of this saw (without the laser), and like its durability and price.

                            Bill in Buena Park

                            Comment

                            • gary
                              Senior Member
                              • May 2004
                              • 893
                              • Versailles, KY, USA.

                              #15
                              Got the battery powered Dewalt. I love being able to take it out on the driveway to cut up ply without having to drag a cord with it.
                              Gary

                              Comment

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