Circular saws

[bigsteel15]

Definitely worth the $$

what does the blade brake do? why is it advantageous.

YES!!
My neighbor is a framer for last 20 yrs.
He just had his first incident last summer.
Almost cut 2 fingers off. The "ALMOST" is because of the brake on his PC saw. Cut to the bone instead of through the bone. Only 5 months rehab instead of a new career. The fingers are working again.
As soon as he told me about the brake saving his fingers, I took my newly purchased PC 324 back and got the 325.
For the extra $20 it was worth it to me.

[louis mason]

festool

I want to get a corded circular 7.25" saw for use for cutting down panels, I will probably mount it on a vertical guide.

I want to pick one up used, but I am not sure what features I need to consider. Does brand matter much (for this purpose)? Skil is generally considered a crappy brand (it seems) but how are their circular saws?

Thanks!

i was wondering this same question. my neighbor has a Festool saw and i thought it was great. it is really costly, but i wish i had one.

cheers louis

[maxparot]

Take a look at the Hitachi nicely made saw for under $100 with a electronic brake.

Just read another thread that stated the Hitachi is on sale at Lowes for $47 this week.
I'd call that a bargain!

[Al Garay]

Not all Lowes have the Hitachi on sale, C7Sb2, for $47 and it does not have electric brake. The Hitachi that does is C7BD2 and costs $110 at Amazon.

Others with electric brake are:
Makita 5007FAK ($110 after NOVTOOLS rebate)
Milwaukee 6394-21 ($145)
Dewalt DW364K ($134)
PC 325MAG ($125)
Festool TS55EQ ($430)
Hilti WSC 267E ($299)

If you visit the Eurekazone (EZSmart Guide forum) in SawmillCreek.org, you will find a lot of reviews-opinions on circular saws using a guided system. The Hilti WSC-267E is considered the top. Then there is strong support for the others.