I have a PC 743 that is on the way out. I am looking at worm drive saws. I have it narrowed down to the Makita and Dewalt. Does anyone have any real world experience with these?

Thanks

You will have better luck with that very specific question over here: http://www.contractortalk.com/
That's a framers saw typically, and as we have some carpenters here, there's a whole bunch more over at contractortalk.
My 2 worm drives are Skil and Craftsman Pro, very heavy and lots of torque. I use them to follow and edge guide when ripping 4 X 8 plywood for the most part.

You can get reviews of specific tools at Amazon and other online sources also. bill

The Ridgid R32102 is rated very highly in tests. Have you considered it? I bought one and it seems like a good saw though I admittedly haven't used it much yet.

Bill

Hi!
We use them, and would go with the Skill or Craftsman (if Skill still makes them for Craftsman) !
Best,
Marena and Vinny

I've lurked there (contractortalk) a bit. Perhaps I'll sign in and ask them.

I don't abuse my tools, just use them. I don't have much faith in Rigid. I had a rocipercating saw from them that I burned-up in a week, and some of thier cordless tools with batteries going bad in less than 2 years.

I am a carpenter and have used many worm drives. I own an older makita which seems bullet proof and hasn't let me down. I would stay away from rigid and I'm not a dewalt guy. So I guess what I'm saying is buy the makita you won't be disappointed.