I've always used Skilsaws. Pretty much the industry standard for a carpenter (that's changing slowly though). My nearly 20 year old Skilsaw has been a workhorse from day one. Love it! I have used other brands such as Dewalt, Makita and Ridged (hated the Ridged) but after developing muscle memory with the Skill it's hard to change. The other thing I like about the Skill is that almost any self respecting lumber yard will have replacement parts such as brushes, cords and triggers. (Those by the way, are the 3 items that will most likely fail or need replacing eventually on a skilsaw.) Even if your lumber yard or hardware store is an authorized repair shop for other brands (mine covers most all of the major brands) they may not stock the replacement parts. This means you'll have to wait to get your saw back in service until the parts get ordered. At least with my skill it has always been taken care of the day I took it in. As far as the new Skilsaw goes, an employee of mine bought one and I've used it a bunch. It feels great but sounds terrible! The adjustments for depth of cut and angle are also extremely stiff. I figured it was because it was new and not broke in. But after a full season of daily use his saw never improved. Not sure if all the new saws are that way but his sure was.
Mine too mid 90s or older night and day bettsr tgan today. I went to replace brushes and the original 20+ year old ones were bigger than brand new ones that came wth the brushes split in the center???
Glad i got an old skil 77 that was my grandpas. Gotta change the oil and cord and shell be good as new. Already threw on a irwin marathon 24t framing blade. In the mean time i use my skil sidewinder with a cheapy kobalt 24t blade but all these brand 24t framing/demo blades are pretty awesome. Way better than previous options.
Not sure on the hitachi specifically but usually a second blade comes with a different Tooth count intended for intended for a different cutting purpose.
The Ridgid r32102 is the model to have. It runs at 4400 rpm, with massive torque. It keeps up with makita's oiless hypoid drive. You can't stop these two with diablo's.
Yep. I've had that one for years too. It always seemed identical to the skil basically. I've even put a diamond blade in it and cut concrete quite a few times. But still seems to be noticeably better than the newer one. Of course everything with ridgid is getting cheaper now. I've given up on them now and am slowly phasing them out of my tool kit.
Love these guys man. They give Hitachi (now Metabo HPT) more attention than any other big tool channel. It's not always the most positive but it always seems fair and honest. They have always been my go to brand so these reviews help a lot. My only issue is with their 12in sliding miter. I have it and they did just enough for me to SLIGHTLY prefer it over the previous model we all loved for over a decade. With that said, it was obviously made to cut cost without reducing build quality...which results in features removed. Well it's built on the existing table from the previous model so now I have a blank cut out for what was once the front bevel micro adjustment.
I think now since skilsaw has a cordless worm drive saw, it would be a perfect opportunity for @metabohpt to do a Multivolt version of the C7wdm. Especially with the rear handles of team yellow and red out there.
@@supernewf3722 Ridgid is owned by Emerson Electric. Milwaukee and Ryobi are owned by Techtronic Industries . 2 different companies, ryobi is the cheap version of Milwaukee
I'm assuming all the saws were accurate concerning angles. Also, my eyes sight isn't the best, which is the best to see, and also, how easy are they to adust? Most people are building houses, and cut four inch thick lumber. How are they for fine cuts? I hate cranking up the table saw. I know some people hate guides, but damn, I but on 12 hour days, I need a guide. I've used saws that worked just fine, but after six hours the adjustment slip. I hate readjust the the saws, or worring that I should be checking the adustments.
today my grandfather and i went to home depot to get him a new skilsaw, his previous one lasted him 21 years he used it every single week frequently, and the wires within in sort of melted and it was a mess but now hes got a new one
I think you got it in for the rigid boys.i have two of them and its been very good for me.i use them for dry cutting 11/4 - 2" natural stone.all day long.with a 10 Gage cord it dont get hot and dont bog down.i do but it dont.you just gotta change the oil more frequently.thats my two cents....great show
Basically just buy the Bosch. It makes the most sense. Skillsaw is owned by a new company not related to Bosch the previous owner. Hitachi is no more and now Metabo but many things about the saw are iffy. Rigid forget it. Bosch is the most substantial and reputable tool company in this list and the only other contenders worth considering are Dewalt and Makita which now basically comes down to price. Bosch seems to be more consistent in the build quality of their tools which is not something that can be said for Dewalt and Makita across the board.
I love more gray skils worm drive saw, I use it for concrete and wood cutting and work just perfect, some of my friends have the competition saw but they see the difference when it is working
WTH... I wish companies would get their act together. Hitachi aquiring Metabo now using the Metabo HPT naming; Black & Decker owning Dewalt; the list goes on. Corporate greed is killing quality with all this buying and selling.
I wound up buying the Makita Hypoid saw after the cordless came out because my Skill died(20 years old) and it was 150 bucks lol. It is a killer saw and so far I love it. However, I will say those Ridgid saws are tough as nails. We were working a few days ahead of a concrete company last summer in ths one neighborhood and the demo guys doing tear outs and bulding forms and frames were using Ridgid saws. They beat the brains out of those saws and they kept begging for more. That sold me on Ridgid if I ever want to consider another brand other than the big boys.
Would you redo the comparison and use the same Diablo blade this time? I’ve been advised before that it’s the blade that really matters. Curious if this holds true.
guys, thanks! subscribed. really good stuff that's understandable. i am a saw NUT and have or will have the makita, dewalt, hitachi, and bosch worm drive type saws, plus siewinders left and right of practically all makes. i made a living for about twenty years in construction--not too active now due to age , health, and financial independence. saw the takedown of the skill 77 china mfg model and just won't pay full freight for one when the others can be found way, way cheaper. i look forward to more of your reviews for motivation to get active again--golf's not enough!
hey interman 77--have you watched the aVe review/takedown of the china skill mag? maybe/maybe not a factor in longevity-but i want/expect my tools to outlast me!
Greg Walker Yeah I did mate ,I was not to impressed especially with that bronze gear being cracked at manufacture ! Cheers.Btw I think the Makita and Hitachi worm drives are pretty good.
Tried 2 new skil wormdrives SPT77W-01. First one a toast armature right out of the box and noisy bearings. Took it back for a replacement. Second one had a werd rattle like a bearing. I didn't get to cut anything with either. No idea what to try next.
Was thinking makita but the closes closed system they have makes ne pause. I know you poo pooed the rigid but I'm gonna give it a go. Who knows, I'm getting good a returns lol.
@@theewz I got one of those rigids about three years ago and it's worked fine. Did a lot of framing with it and still do. I do hear good things about the Makita but have never had the chance to use one. But i'm about to get a battery saw, probably the Dewalt worm drive. They look awesome.
I got a hitachi blade when it was on clearance for $5.99 at Lowe’s just to give it a try for a deck job. The deck was just over 900 sq ft and the blade didn’t even make it past the first day. If you want a decent blade, get you diablo from Home Depot or the black DeWalt blade from Lowe’s. They are the same price and to me, the DeWalt blades last longer when cutting pressure treated wood.
The Skil saw is now made in China, the plastic is much softer than it used to be. It vibrates more, and brushes go bad very soon. it is not the saw that built America, the USA made Skil saw is. Best to find a USA made Skil saw at a pawn shop, or buy the Hitachi.
I have an old model Skill saw, all aluminum. I think I got it used in 1976 and over the years have replaced parts which are available as is general servicing. The switch went out a year ago and the technician said he had never seen an metal switch as it is a hazard so now I have one plastic part on my old saw. That being said I just picked up the Metabo (new name for Hitachi). On sale at Lowe's for $124 because it was a display model. Figured a second saw would be handy with a different blade.
Man, you were freaking me out when you were cutting with the saws with your left hand right in front of the blade. I don't think that is an approved support technique. :-)
It's just using your hand as a rip guide. You keep your fingers clear of the blade unless you feel like losing them really quick. It's pretty much SOP around where I'm from
Old comment but same, shouldn't you at least put your finger in the center of the rotation of the blade? That way if your finger slips or the saw gets stuck somehow your finger wont end up in the blade path??
I brought a skil cuz they are known to me thru the yrs .however the first came with no oil the ( replacement after one use ) the second had oil in it tho both had a horrible noise when slowing down either after a cut or even a free spin and it sounds like a gear but i do not know. Whats the noise and is it normal ?
Is there actually any real difference between the Skil and Bosch saws? I've compared the two online and I think they're the same. No surprise since they're owned by the same company. Does anyone know if there's any difference?
I've had 2 of both. And yes there is a difference. The bosch table bevel and depth adjustments are much smoother when adjusting than the skilsaw. The skilsaw sticks in spots making it slightly annoying. The bosch is a nice saw but only by that much.
I view those phillips screws as a positive, as i've noticed that when i need to turn a torx screw, my torx drivers aren't around. Meanwhile, i have a phillips head screwdriver on me literally 100% of the time.
I would go with Magnesium for the weight and strength, but not if it was more than 15-20 bucks more. If the mag 77 comes with the Diablo blade, I would go there for the blade as you will spend 10-15 bucks for a good blade.
The spt77w is aluminum The spt77wm had mag shoe but aluminum some parts (12.xx lbs) The spt77wml is all magnesium (11.4 lbs and lightest worm drive on the market) You can get the wml for same price as wm nowadays. The 01 at the end comes with a skil blade. The 22 at the end will come with a Diablo blade
I bought that Ridgid worm drive a number of years ago, and never liked it. I always thought it was lacking but never ran it head to head with a 77 so it's nice to see I wasn't just brand biased. it lives with a Diablo metal cutting blade for metal studs or mild steel now. After getting the Makita X2 rear handle (or the DeWalt if that's your flavor) I can't see myself breaking out a corded saw for just about anything aside from wet cutting or masonry.
I understand the concern about the possibility of running 2 batteries down in less than an 8 hour work day, but realistically with 2 of the 5.0ah batteries you could cut hundreds (400 is a low estimate - Makita claims ~560 2x4 crosscuts) of 2x4s per charge. I am sure someone doing nothing but sizing studs at a lumber pile all day long could do more, but you really don't get much benefit from a cordless circ saw if its not being used in multiple locations aside from not having string cords or the use of a generator if power is not available. As for weight, the Mag 77 weighs about 11 3/4lbs, while the Makita cordless with 2 batteries on board weighs a little under 12 1/2lbs. If 3/4lb is a major concern then the corded saw would be the one to go with, but the convenience of not dealing with AC power (tripped breakers, super long extension cord runs, having to use a generator if no site power) is more then enough for me to almost always go for the cordless saw. The battery saw also has soft start and an electric break which are both one of those things you go "meh" about until you get used to using a saw that has them and go back to using one without.
@aurelio milaor cabal I have no doubt the Milwaukee rear handle saw is great, but however much 'better' it is than my Makita, I see no reason to switch. Also, the Milwaukee saw is lighter on paper than the Makita but that is with no batteries. Those 12ah batteries are ridiculously heavy. I typically keep the Makita with two 2ah batteries in it, and it is incredibly lightweight with no noteworthy loss of power. When I have the option, I'll take less weight and a couple more trips to the charger in a day. From the little I've seen, the Milwaukee won't run near its full potential with anything but the 12ah batteries. Super sized DC motors (like Milwaukee put on their rear handle saw) draw a LOT of amps and the reduced number of cells in the smaller battery packs can't keep the motor fed without overheating when making more demanding cuts. This may or may not be a problem for some, but for now I'm happy with the Makita.
@@essinem4130 Wouldn't the other HO batteries like the 3.0, 8.0, etc give the same power as the 12.0? Now the cordless Hitachi is out weighing 8 lbs, or 10 with the battery
It has been in the works for some time and probably how Hitachi has upped the game so much lately. www.inddist.com/news/2015/11/hitachi-buys-german-power-tool-maker-metabo-reported-180-million
How do you like it? Trying to decide between wormdrive and hypoid. I think the high point is a closed system on a hundred percent sure on that but it seems that way the Worm Drive uses a bronze gear think it's just makes me concerned about wear but I do like that you can change the oil in it
Skilsaw has the most power and best balance to us. Hitachi was second to Skilsaw (and Bosch) but is much heavier and different in balance. If you look around, you can find some deals on these saws.
Does the Hitachi pull to the left? My friend has one and he said his pulls to the left. I figured it was a balance issue. He has tried several different blades.
Pale Horse it may be his specific saw, on our jobsite we took a brand new dewalt out of the box and it didn't cut straight but we had one before we didn't notice that so it may be that specific one
@@cameroncrane3770 Seen the same with a newer Milwaukee sidewinder, base misaligned with the blade. Decade-old Milwaukee sidewinder was perfect from new.
You want to piss off carpenters, hide the Skilsaw Skilsaw and give them any of these. The Bosch we were able to tolerate. Anything else, we don't even touch. We absolutely refused the Hitachi. Started using it as a block, shim, or door stop just to show disapproval. (Yes, we're that "mature".) The only way you can improve it is to maintain durability while making it lighter. Skilsaw tried this with the Mag77 LT. The Mag 77 LT was the perfect saw. I gave away my Mag 77, went out and bought the Mag 77 LT.. Unfortunately it was stolen. But they discontinued the LT because the weight reductions made the saw prone to chatter internally when you pushed it beyond what you should and the motor couldn't take the abuse the standard Mag 77 could take. But, if you didn't abuse it and cut with RPM and not abuse it, it was the ultimate "Skilsaw" (work drive circular saw). I frequently tell my guys. You want a skilsaw, buy a "Skilsaw". You want a sawzall, buy a "Sawzall" (Milwaukee). You want a bulldog, buy a "Bulldog" (Bosch). When the name becomes the type of tool, that's the one you want.
This is something new. I'm in the south and all the Skilsaws I've ever seen are direct drive. These "worm drives" are new to me and appear to weigh more... Why no review of those type skilsaws?
bonzology check out AVE video on the dissecting of the skilsaw somewhere toward the end of the video he mentions being more impressed by the build quality of the makita hyoid that he had examined in an earlier video than that of the skilsaw.
Rod Stannells for one my Skil is a 6.5 had it for going on 23 years.I can't use a regular saw cause for one it's like a race car driver getting into his daily driver ,it seems like it takes forever.The saw has a clutch in it,has so much power you just guide it kinda.if you're making drop cuts it literally eats through would.you'll never use a sidewinder ever again.I don't know who's idea it was to put the motor on those so you have to look over the saw to see what you're doing but it never and still doesn't make sense to me.I have a Porter Cable sidewinder I use for interior work but it cuts on the left too.I would say buy one,you'll never look back
Dustin Pomeroy I have been a carpenter and builder for thirty years in Australia. Everyone uses side winder saws with right hand blades ,I have tried a few battery saws with left hand blades but found them frustrating and awkward. I am right handed and find right hand blade saws easy and natural to use ie you can hold the material with your left hand ,no need to clamp it ,the majority of the base rests on the material, your out of the way in case of kickback, the dust shute expells the sawdust well away instead of all over your legs.
@@interman7715 As a left handed user, all those are the exact reasons I prefer a blade-left saw. Tape and square for my right hand, pencil and saw for my left. Dust vents away from my face. The only caveat is I can't cut at max depth with a speed square guide cause the motor side has to ride over top of it.
Rod Stannels the main advantage of these saws is torque and cut depth if you're gang ripping sheets or cutting beams for framing. The rear handle makes it easier to steer on a chalk line for some folks. Also the blade on the left is nice if you're left handed like me and prefer the dust to fly AWAY from your face.
I have a old mag 77 from the mid-90s and I am so very glad that I got it when I did because the new ones made in China not in the United States are rubbish today. I assume the other brands are not that much better or for worse because skill saw has been doing it forever.
Simon Richard We were doing more of a review and test on the Hitachi and comparing it to other circular saws that are popular and by no means comparing it to every good one on the market.
LOL wrong. The tools are still under the same factory's. Still 2 different companies. Hitachi is changing there name to Metabo HPT. They can't keep the Hitachi name since KKR purchased them.
Skill has cut too many corners as of late. Cheap cord, bad wiring insulation around the motor, cheaper plastic housing, etc. Those little details means the saw will need to be replaced sooner than what you expect from 'your dads' Skill saw. Sadly, Skill isn't the only brand doing this cost down engineering.
You are right, when Chervon (Kobalt 24v, EGO, Flex) bought them they butchered the company trying to make money off the name alone with cheap materials.
Considering the only market where wormdrives are popular is the US, it seems the other brands just have realized the only way to please this market is to make it like they expect them, completely regardless whether it's a good design or not. And with such premises that means there's always going to be a heavy bias towards the "old timer", no matter what. The best anyone else can do is imitate the original.
I justed bought a Hitachi circular saw and it's pretty good I actually got it on special for 99 dollars at ganahl lumber here in orange county CA
Really like that there are two of you testing and commenting at the same time.
I've always used Skilsaws. Pretty much the industry standard for a carpenter (that's changing slowly though). My nearly 20 year old Skilsaw has been a workhorse from day one. Love it! I have used other brands such as Dewalt, Makita and Ridged (hated the Ridged) but after developing muscle memory with the Skill it's hard to change. The other thing I like about the Skill is that almost any self respecting lumber yard will have replacement parts such as brushes, cords and triggers. (Those by the way, are the 3 items that will most likely fail or need replacing eventually on a skilsaw.) Even if your lumber yard or hardware store is an authorized repair shop for other brands (mine covers most all of the major brands) they may not stock the replacement parts. This means you'll have to wait to get your saw back in service until the parts get ordered. At least with my skill it has always been taken care of the day I took it in.
As far as the new Skilsaw goes, an employee of mine bought one and I've used it a bunch. It feels great but sounds terrible! The adjustments for depth of cut and angle are also extremely stiff. I figured it was because it was new and not broke in. But after a full season of daily use his saw never improved. Not sure if all the new saws are that way but his sure was.
Asking Larry haun , hell yeah , he will go with the skilsaw
My old Skilsaws are still killing it !!!
Mine too mid 90s or older night and day bettsr tgan today. I went to replace brushes and the original 20+ year old ones were bigger than brand new ones that came wth the brushes split in the center???
Glad i got an old skil 77 that was my grandpas. Gotta change the oil and cord and shell be good as new. Already threw on a irwin marathon 24t framing blade. In the mean time i use my skil sidewinder with a cheapy kobalt 24t blade but all these brand 24t framing/demo blades are pretty awesome. Way better than previous options.
Hang on to that old Skilsaw!
Yep, still have my old 77 from the '80s. Heavy, but does the job.
Diablo is making great blades, use a corded dewalt Circ saw and was shocked how smooth those diablo blades cut
Diablo blades #1
The Skilsaw with worm drive cannot be beaten. It is like cutting through butter. Great saw.
Not sure on the hitachi specifically but usually a second blade comes with a different Tooth count intended for intended for a different cutting purpose.
The Ridgid r32102 is the model to have. It runs at 4400 rpm, with massive torque. It keeps up with makita's oiless hypoid drive. You can't stop these two with diablo's.
Yep. I've had that one for years too. It always seemed identical to the skil basically. I've even put a diamond blade in it and cut concrete quite a few times. But still seems to be noticeably better than the newer one. Of course everything with ridgid is getting cheaper now. I've given up on them now and am slowly phasing them out of my tool kit.
Love these guys man. They give Hitachi (now Metabo HPT) more attention than any other big tool channel. It's not always the most positive but it always seems fair and honest. They have always been my go to brand so these reviews help a lot. My only issue is with their 12in sliding miter. I have it and they did just enough for me to SLIGHTLY prefer it over the previous model we all loved for over a decade. With that said, it was obviously made to cut cost without reducing build quality...which results in features removed. Well it's built on the existing table from the previous model so now I have a blank cut out for what was once the front bevel micro adjustment.
Our Metabo HPT videos are not very popular, but it is all tools people buy and we want to help out.
WorkshopAddict please keep doing the Metabo HPT videos, they are very informative and you guys do a great job! 🍻cheers🍻
whats wrong with it mate .i bought the dws780 5year ago . disappointed or what .its pointless as a slider only good for 1st fix work on accuracy .
I love my skillsaw. Your tools are what make you money, if you buy cheap crap you’ll end up screwed one day on the job!
What about the makita hypoid? Far better then ALL of them! In my opinion
I think now since skilsaw has a cordless worm drive saw, it would be a perfect opportunity for @metabohpt to do a Multivolt version of the C7wdm. Especially with the rear handles of team yellow and red out there.
Reading this 2023. Just bought the 36v metabohpt. Loving it.
Didn’t realize the skill saw was like $20-30 more then the ridged. I’m going for the Reese’s at that price difference. Thanks guys!! Great video!!
MMmmmmm. PB Cup....
I love my 1998 skill saw HD77M. it's such a bad ass saw.
Hey Brian, can you do a test on the Makita hypiod ? Merry Christmas.
Will work on it!
Ridgid all the wall , been using it for 2 years and can cut all day no problem is build to last .
deme lofa Ridgid is just a lower end Milwaukee and a step above Ryobi.All made by the same company.
@@supernewf3722 Ridgid is owned by Emerson Electric.
Milwaukee and Ryobi are owned by Techtronic Industries .
2 different companies, ryobi is the cheap version of Milwaukee
I'm assuming all the saws were accurate concerning angles. Also, my eyes sight isn't the best, which is the best to see, and also, how easy are they to adust? Most people are building houses, and cut four inch thick lumber. How are they for fine cuts? I hate cranking up the table saw. I know some people hate guides, but damn, I but on 12 hour days, I need a guide. I've used saws that worked just fine, but after six hours the adjustment slip. I hate readjust the the saws, or worring that I should be checking the adustments.
My 30 year old skilsaw still kicking ass! The best.
Well don't buy a new one cause they are made in China with cheaper parts now.
@@jesseback3536 I have one, there's no real difference, unless you prefer using a heavier version.
You better keep it because the new ones shear armature shafts - the armatures installed in these new Skilsaw Wormdrives are junk
today my grandfather and i went to home depot to get him a new skilsaw, his previous one lasted him 21 years he used it every single week frequently, and the wires within in sort of melted and it was a mess but now hes got a new one
Skil is Chinese rubbish now.
@@interman7715 so is your mothers gash but I can’t stay away
I think you got it in for the rigid boys.i have two of them and its been very good for me.i use them for dry cutting 11/4 - 2" natural stone.all day long.with a 10 Gage cord it dont get hot and dont bog down.i do but it dont.you just gotta change the oil more frequently.thats my two cents....great show
We don't have it in for Ridgid. We like the tools, just trying to give them a fair comparison.
WorkshopAddict i know i was just joking around.lighten up.
Please update with a Makita in the mix. The Skil goes on sale for $150 quite regularly
My mag77 made in usa. I wouldnt trade it for the newer models thats made in china.
Still kicking myself for not buying a Mag-77 back in the day
Basically just buy the Bosch. It makes the most sense. Skillsaw is owned by a new company not related to Bosch the previous owner. Hitachi is no more and now Metabo but many things about the saw are iffy. Rigid forget it. Bosch is the most substantial and reputable tool company in this list and the only other contenders worth considering are Dewalt and Makita which now basically comes down to price. Bosch seems to be more consistent in the build quality of their tools which is not something that can be said for Dewalt and Makita across the board.
Hitachi is now hikoki
I love more gray skils worm drive saw, I use it for concrete and wood cutting and work just perfect, some of my friends have the competition saw but they see the difference when it is working
It will be cool to see a video with baterie circular saw . Milwaukee with 12ah dewalt with 12ah makita40v with 5ah 😃😃
why not add the Makita hypoid? is it a better reeses?
Recently The Robert Bosch company sold the Skil and Skilsaw brands to Chervon. Chervon owns the EGO Power ope brand and a couple other brands.
so it is now made in China?
WTH... I wish companies would get their act together. Hitachi aquiring Metabo now using the Metabo HPT naming; Black & Decker owning Dewalt; the list goes on. Corporate greed is killing quality with all this buying and selling.
I wound up buying the Makita Hypoid saw after the cordless came out because my Skill died(20 years old) and it was 150 bucks lol. It is a killer saw and so far I love it. However, I will say those Ridgid saws are tough as nails. We were working a few days ahead of a concrete company last summer in ths one neighborhood and the demo guys doing tear outs and bulding forms and frames were using Ridgid saws. They beat the brains out of those saws and they kept begging for more. That sold me on Ridgid if I ever want to consider another brand other than the big boys.
Would you redo the comparison and use the same Diablo blade this time? I’ve been advised before that it’s the blade that really matters. Curious if this holds true.
After 38 years as a carpenter, I have tried many other brands But there is no substitute for skill simply the best
Worm drive blowing up ever since essential craftsman been talking it up for years
Ridgid is bad ass.... Idk why y'all don't like it. Everyone I know has one loved it including me
I like your comparison logic!
Thank you, John. We just try to give everyone the knowledge they would want when they want to purchase.
You think? Use a magnet if you aren't sure on steel/aluminum. Magnesium, test with vinegar... You guys doing tool reviews or tool guesses?
what about the Makita?
guys, thanks! subscribed. really good stuff that's understandable. i am a saw NUT and have or will have the makita, dewalt, hitachi, and bosch worm drive type saws, plus siewinders left and right of practically all makes. i made a living for about twenty years in construction--not too active now due to age , health, and financial independence. saw the takedown of the skill 77 china mfg model and just won't pay full freight for one when the others can be found way, way cheaper. i look forward to more of your reviews for motivation to get active again--golf's not enough!
Greg Walker Shame what happened to Skil .
hey interman 77--have you watched the aVe review/takedown of the china skill mag? maybe/maybe not a factor in longevity-but i want/expect my tools to outlast me!
Greg Walker Yeah I did mate ,I was not to impressed especially with that bronze gear being cracked at manufacture ! Cheers.Btw I think the Makita and Hitachi worm drives are pretty good.
I Believe the skilsaw Magnum 77 is the best that comes with many years experience
Many years ago I'm sure that was true. The new ones cut a few corners relative to what they are charging
Use ridgid everyday for few years now I've been a carpenter for 25 years used skill before but the lack of a hook and plastic grip is a minus
Tried 2 new skil wormdrives SPT77W-01. First one a toast armature right out of the box and noisy bearings. Took it back for a replacement. Second one had a werd rattle like a bearing. I didn't get to cut anything with either. No idea what to try next.
Try Dewalt or Makita. Skilsaw was sold to Chervon, a Chinese Company, and the quality of everything has gone to crap.
Was thinking makita but the closes closed system they have makes ne pause. I know you poo pooed the rigid but I'm gonna give it a go. Who knows, I'm getting good a returns lol.
@@theewz I got one of those rigids about three years ago and it's worked fine. Did a lot of framing with it and still do. I do hear good things about the Makita but have never had the chance to use one. But i'm about to get a battery saw, probably the Dewalt worm drive. They look awesome.
I got a hitachi blade when it was on clearance for $5.99 at Lowe’s just to give it a try for a deck job. The deck was just over 900 sq ft and the blade didn’t even make it past the first day. If you want a decent blade, get you diablo from Home Depot or the black DeWalt blade from Lowe’s. They are the same price and to me, the DeWalt blades last longer when cutting pressure treated wood.
"No matter how you cut it..."
You should fire your video editor for not putting a rimshot in there.
Makita worm ? I’ve not used it but the rest of Makita’s lineup is super good . Ridgid is not great in any tests
I have one. heavy in the front but its powerful and blows dust well. great saw
put some ear plugs on man!I've got the bosch, great saw! i don't know how but it is a tiny bit lighter than the skil
The Dewalt 60V cordless worm drive dominates all of them with no cord
B Dogg that’s direct drive not worm drive
Who cares. It's yellow, and my color is better than your color.
Great video and tips. Just subscribed. Thanks guys.
The Skil saw is now made in China, the plastic is much softer than it used to be. It vibrates more, and brushes go bad very soon. it is not the saw that built America, the USA made Skil saw is. Best to find a USA made Skil saw at a pawn shop, or buy the Hitachi.
I have an old model Skill saw, all aluminum. I think I got it used in 1976 and over the years have replaced parts which are available as is general servicing. The switch went out a year ago and the technician said he had never seen an metal switch as it is a hazard so now I have one plastic part on my old saw. That being said I just picked up the Metabo (new name for Hitachi). On sale at Lowe's for $124 because it was a display model. Figured a second saw would be handy with a different blade.
Bosch own Freud blades so it’s interesting to see they supplying them new
Skill saw mag. Has been the best for me.
Bought a Skil saw last fall - hated it so much it's still basically brand new as I had to buy another Milwaukee (which is what I was replacing)
Man, you were freaking me out when you were cutting with the saws with your left hand right in front of the blade. I don't think that is an approved support technique. :-)
You will find a lot of construction workers doing that. Jeff worked construction for 20 years and old habits are hard to break.
It's just using your hand as a rip guide. You keep your fingers clear of the blade unless you feel like losing them really quick. It's pretty much SOP around where I'm from
Yeah I can understand pros doing it, but my skills saw is a beast to me and I always have that healthy level of fear of tools like that
Everyone's supposed to put tampons and condoms on there fingers when doing that... Hes a noob
Old comment but same, shouldn't you at least put your finger in the center of the rotation of the blade? That way if your finger slips or the saw gets stuck somehow your finger wont end up in the blade path??
I was surprised to see my 10amp sidewinder i bought at meijer 25 years ago when i was a teen. Is made in the US
Should use the same blade for all the saws as you’re comparing saws not testing blades.
Right. Who cares what blade it comes with? Blade will be replaced with a diablo soon enough so just test them all with that one.
My Rigid was just throwing smoke signals. Got the Skilsaw and BOOM !
Like a hot knife through butter !
I know this is a older video but what ever happened with Jeff? Always thought he was a great ad on to the channel
Had some life changing events that took him away from being able to contribute.
@@WorkshopAddict hope all is well with him.
I brought a skil cuz they are known to me thru the yrs .however the first came with no oil the ( replacement after one use ) the second had oil in it tho both had a horrible noise when slowing down either after a cut or even a free spin and it sounds like a gear but i do not know. Whats the noise and is it normal ?
Bought a used 8" Skilsaw in 1980. It can cut only a little deeper than a 7.25". It's heavier. I'd have been better off with a 7.25".
Is there actually any real difference between the Skil and Bosch saws? I've compared the two online and I think they're the same. No surprise since they're owned by the same company.
Does anyone know if there's any difference?
I've had 2 of both. And yes there is a difference. The bosch table bevel and depth adjustments are much smoother when adjusting than the skilsaw. The skilsaw sticks in spots making it slightly annoying. The bosch is a nice saw but only by that much.
Dewalt and ridgit is my brand.. if dewalt suck i go after orange..
I view those phillips screws as a positive, as i've noticed that when i need to turn a torx screw, my torx drivers aren't around. Meanwhile, i have a phillips head screwdriver on me literally 100% of the time.
Bosch and Skilsaw are damn near the same. I prefer the Bosch.
My only question is cheap aluminum or a little more for magnesium 77?
I would go with Magnesium for the weight and strength, but not if it was more than 15-20 bucks more. If the mag 77 comes with the Diablo blade, I would go there for the blade as you will spend 10-15 bucks for a good blade.
The spt77w is aluminum
The spt77wm had mag shoe but aluminum some parts (12.xx lbs)
The spt77wml is all magnesium (11.4 lbs and lightest worm drive on the market)
You can get the wml for same price as wm nowadays.
The 01 at the end comes with a skil blade. The 22 at the end will come with a Diablo blade
I bought that Ridgid worm drive a number of years ago, and never liked it. I always thought it was lacking but never ran it head to head with a 77 so it's nice to see I wasn't just brand biased. it lives with a Diablo metal cutting blade for metal studs or mild steel now. After getting the Makita X2 rear handle (or the DeWalt if that's your flavor) I can't see myself breaking out a corded saw for just about anything aside from wet cutting or masonry.
I understand the concern about the possibility of running 2 batteries down in less than an 8 hour work day, but realistically with 2 of the 5.0ah batteries you could cut hundreds (400 is a low estimate - Makita claims ~560 2x4 crosscuts) of 2x4s per charge. I am sure someone doing nothing but sizing studs at a lumber pile all day long could do more, but you really don't get much benefit from a cordless circ saw if its not being used in multiple locations aside from not having string cords or the use of a generator if power is not available.
As for weight, the Mag 77 weighs about 11 3/4lbs, while the Makita cordless with 2 batteries on board weighs a little under 12 1/2lbs. If 3/4lb is a major concern then the corded saw would be the one to go with, but the convenience of not dealing with AC power (tripped breakers, super long extension cord runs, having to use a generator if no site power) is more then enough for me to almost always go for the cordless saw. The battery saw also has soft start and an electric break which are both one of those things you go "meh" about until you get used to using a saw that has them and go back to using one without.
@aurelio milaor cabal I have no doubt the Milwaukee rear handle saw is great, but however much 'better' it is than my Makita, I see no reason to switch. Also, the Milwaukee saw is lighter on paper than the Makita but that is with no batteries. Those 12ah batteries are ridiculously heavy. I typically keep the Makita with two 2ah batteries in it, and it is incredibly lightweight with no noteworthy loss of power. When I have the option, I'll take less weight and a couple more trips to the charger in a day.
From the little I've seen, the Milwaukee won't run near its full potential with anything but the 12ah batteries. Super sized DC motors (like Milwaukee put on their rear handle saw) draw a LOT of amps and the reduced number of cells in the smaller battery packs can't keep the motor fed without overheating when making more demanding cuts. This may or may not be a problem for some, but for now I'm happy with the Makita.
@@essinem4130 Wouldn't the other HO batteries like the 3.0, 8.0, etc give the same power as the 12.0?
Now the cordless Hitachi is out weighing 8 lbs, or 10 with the battery
HITACHI SEEMED THE SMOOTHEST, EVEN PACED UT. MOTOR SOUNDED SMOOTHEST, NO BOG N LIFT SOUND. DUST CHUTE WORKED GOOD TOO
How long have hitachi owned metabo? Is this something to do with the new kit they suddenly have about?
It has been in the works for some time and probably how Hitachi has upped the game so much lately. www.inddist.com/news/2015/11/hitachi-buys-german-power-tool-maker-metabo-reported-180-million
WorkshopAddict yes that is my suspicion that the metabo buy out has been good for hitachi
I would think so also!
Hitachi used to make motors for Hilti and some of the Matabo tools years ago.
Thank you very much
So you said in video it's the SP*1*77wm (spt77wm) but in the description you list the wml (11.4 lb version)
So which is in the video?!?
Sorry, it is this one. spt77wm
Ok. Yeah there's another model that's 11.4 lbs (wml--maybe means light) and it can be found for same price as the wm
So which Saw came in first ,second, third. ???
lloyd drinnon Did you watch?
I like tha other style dewalt worm drive ..
Do any of these other ones really have a worm drive motor?? Someone please!!
isnt the dewalt cordless better than all of these
And my Makita Hypoid Magnesium was $136 shipped to my door!
Reconditioned
How do you like it? Trying to decide between wormdrive and hypoid. I think the high point is a closed system on a hundred percent sure on that but it seems that way the Worm Drive uses a bronze gear think it's just makes me concerned about wear but I do like that you can change the oil in it
Wow you guys didn't even discuss the Bosch saw... must have sucked
Which one would you recommend?
Skilsaw has the most power and best balance to us. Hitachi was second to Skilsaw (and Bosch) but is much heavier and different in balance. If you look around, you can find some deals on these saws.
Does the Hitachi pull to the left? My friend has one and he said his pulls to the left. I figured it was a balance issue. He has tried several different blades.
Only noticed pulling with the Hitachi blade. have him use the Diablo track point, he wont want another blade ever.
Pale Horse it may be his specific saw, on our jobsite we took a brand new dewalt out of the box and it didn't cut straight but we had one before we didn't notice that so it may be that specific one
@@cameroncrane3770 Seen the same with a newer Milwaukee sidewinder, base misaligned with the blade. Decade-old Milwaukee sidewinder was perfect from new.
You want to piss off carpenters, hide the Skilsaw Skilsaw and give them any of these. The Bosch we were able to tolerate. Anything else, we don't even touch. We absolutely refused the Hitachi. Started using it as a block, shim, or door stop just to show disapproval. (Yes, we're that "mature".) The only way you can improve it is to maintain durability while making it lighter. Skilsaw tried this with the Mag77 LT. The Mag 77 LT was the perfect saw. I gave away my Mag 77, went out and bought the Mag 77 LT.. Unfortunately it was stolen. But they discontinued the LT because the weight reductions made the saw prone to chatter internally when you pushed it beyond what you should and the motor couldn't take the abuse the standard Mag 77 could take. But, if you didn't abuse it and cut with RPM and not abuse it, it was the ultimate "Skilsaw" (work drive circular saw).
I frequently tell my guys. You want a skilsaw, buy a "Skilsaw". You want a sawzall, buy a "Sawzall" (Milwaukee). You want a bulldog, buy a "Bulldog" (Bosch). When the name becomes the type of tool, that's the one you want.
Bosch doesn't get the respect they deserve because Lowe's has limited offerings for some reason.
This is something new. I'm in the south and all the Skilsaws I've ever seen are direct drive. These "worm drives" are new to me and appear to weigh more... Why no review of those type skilsaws?
Sidewinders of top grade are used professionally too.
Many companies make both types.
I need a replacement for my craftsman. I can’t stand that It throws sawdust everywhere but out the dust chute. It even throws it in my eyes.
Lol it’s craftsman that’s why
Btw how do you feel about malita
Dewalt have one on 8 1/4 saw
Makita hypoid, better built and designed than any of those saws.
mateollios 67 Makita is great .
bonzology check out AVE video on the dissecting of the skilsaw somewhere toward the end of the video he mentions being more impressed by the build quality of the makita hyoid that he had examined in an earlier video than that of the skilsaw.
bonzology Do you even know what a hypoid drive is ?
Bosch does not own Skillsaw anymore. Another company bought Skillsaw about 2-3 months ago.
Anthony v more than that it happened in 2016 I think. A Chinese company that sounds a lot like chevron it might be Cherven or something
Chevron HK
fordrac1ng81 no I think it’s chervon hk not chevron hk
It is Chevron HK.
No body uses these in Australia, what are the benefits over a regular style saw? I’m a fencing contractor, would it be better for what I do?
Rod Stannells for one my Skil is a 6.5 had it for going on 23 years.I can't use a regular saw cause for one it's like a race car driver getting into his daily driver ,it seems like it takes forever.The saw has a clutch in it,has so much power you just guide it kinda.if you're making drop cuts it literally eats through would.you'll never use a sidewinder ever again.I don't know who's idea it was to put the motor on those so you have to look over the saw to see what you're doing but it never and still doesn't make sense to me.I have a Porter Cable sidewinder I use for interior work but it cuts on the left too.I would say buy one,you'll never look back
Dustin Pomeroy I have been a carpenter and builder for thirty years in Australia. Everyone uses side winder saws with right hand blades ,I have tried a few battery saws with left hand blades but found them frustrating and awkward. I am right handed and find right hand blade saws easy and natural to use ie you can hold the material with your left hand ,no need to clamp it ,the majority of the base rests on the material, your out of the way in case of kickback, the dust shute expells the sawdust well away instead of all over your legs.
@@interman7715 As a left handed user, all those are the exact reasons I prefer a blade-left saw. Tape and square for my right hand, pencil and saw for my left. Dust vents away from my face. The only caveat is I can't cut at max depth with a speed square guide cause the motor side has to ride over top of it.
Rod Stannels the main advantage of these saws is torque and cut depth if you're gang ripping sheets or cutting beams for framing. The rear handle makes it easier to steer on a chalk line for some folks. Also the blade on the left is nice if you're left handed like me and prefer the dust to fly AWAY from your face.
I have a old mag 77 from the mid-90s and I am so very glad that I got it when I did because the new ones made in China not in the United States are rubbish today. I assume the other brands are not that much better or for worse because skill saw has been doing it forever.
I also wish they were made in the United States. Essential Craftsman thinks the quality is still the same though. Might check out that review.
The Skilsaw and Bosch are identical aside from the brand name and color! Bosch sold Skilsaw to Chevron in 2017!
2016
Yes thank you. That was an auto-correct thing. I have no clue why it changes dates!
No Makita?
Simon Richard We were doing more of a review and test on the Hitachi and comparing it to other circular saws that are popular and by no means comparing it to every good one on the market.
Hatachi is bast i am using Hatachi psu-9 model saw the bast quality tools
I prefer my Bosch Worm Drive 1677MD Direct Connect. If the cord gets cut I just need a new extension cord.
Go buy a hilti. The new mag 77 skillsaw is garbage.
Hitachi has really stepped up their game in the past year!!
Yes, big time!
LOL wrong. The tools are still under the same factory's. Still 2 different companies.
Hitachi is changing there name to Metabo HPT. They can't keep the Hitachi name since KKR purchased them.
Dylan Elder .
Yeah. Guys, nice video but one question; why no Makita hyphoid? It's inclusion ought to have been a no brainer
Makita hypoid is the best 2018 choice hands down for performance, durability and price value.
Should’ve added the dewalt 60V other comparisons have it destroying every other brand
Skill has cut too many corners as of late. Cheap cord, bad wiring insulation around the motor, cheaper plastic housing, etc. Those little details means the saw will need to be replaced sooner than what you expect from 'your dads' Skill saw. Sadly, Skill isn't the only brand doing this cost down engineering.
You are right, when Chervon (Kobalt 24v, EGO, Flex) bought them they butchered the company trying to make money off the name alone with cheap materials.
this was no help in distinguishing the differences
I think that was the point. They're very similar.
Worm drives a worm drive but nothing beats a Mag77
Good video, cringeworthy way of using your thumb as a guide though. You’re more brave that I am dude.
Hard to take the old school contractor out of us.
That's the best way to rip
Considering the only market where wormdrives are popular is the US, it seems the other brands just have realized the only way to please this market is to make it like they expect them, completely regardless whether it's a good design or not. And with such premises that means there's always going to be a heavy bias towards the "old timer", no matter what. The best anyone else can do is imitate the original.