I am finding that I need/want a smaller portable type saw (corded) for some things. I am looking at 3 saws, 2 left blade circular saws and 1 hypoid. I recently used a friends Dewalt circular saw which was very good quality, but found seeing the blade very difficult for me due to a disorder that severely restricts movement in my neck so I want a left blade saw which restricts the selection a great deal. 2 I have considered are the Milwaukee 6391-21 and the Bosch CS5 (both of these are not available locally and would have to be ordered). The other saw that I am interested in is the Makita 5377MG hypoid saw. It is a little heavier which is a disadvantage, but otherwise gets good reviews. What can you tell me about these saws?
bigarm
I have an older PC 7 1/4 " left blade circular saw with magnesium base the I have used for years with not issues.I also have a Milwaukee worm drive saw with magnesium table.Both saws have there place.The worm drive saw is much heavier but gets a lot more use for my carpentry and remodeling business
When I owned a custom furniture and cabinet shop they usually sat on the shelf and saw little use.
If you need a circular saw for breaking down sheet goods and have a limited space I would get a track saw.
When I owned a custom furniture and cabinet shop they usually sat on the shelf and saw little use.
If you need a circular saw for breaking down sheet goods and have a limited space I would get a track saw.
there's more options ....
To me, a worm drive or hypoid saw is for house framing, IF you have "bigarms" and will use gravity to feed the saw. They all have left blades as far as I know, both mine do.
The corded sidewinders come in both left and right blades and depending on your needs, will accomplish almost all you want to do, except ripping really thick hardwood planks where a worm drive would excel. I also have a PC Saw Boss which has a 6 1/2" blade, is light and has a left blade. I don't know if it's still made?
Another category is the battery powered saws. I have both 18 V Dewalt 5 3/8" compact and Milwaukee 6"saws, and they are my favorites for siding work, breaking down sheet goods and most all my circular saw needs. They are 18 V Ni Cads ion the Dewalts, and Lithium Ion in the Milwaukees and both have a decent run time. If you have more battery tools like drills and other impacts, then you'll have a good supply of batteries on hand to finish any project you start. I have many batteries for both.
The Milwaukee stops on a dime and has good power. The newer 20 V LI saws would be even a better choice and lots of brands to choose from. :yes: Reviews of most tools are on Amazon for all to see.
To me, a worm drive or hypoid saw is for house framing, IF you have "bigarms" and will use gravity to feed the saw. They all have left blades as far as I know, both mine do.
The corded sidewinders come in both left and right blades and depending on your needs, will accomplish almost all you want to do, except ripping really thick hardwood planks where a worm drive would excel. I also have a PC Saw Boss which has a 6 1/2" blade, is light and has a left blade. I don't know if it's still made?
Another category is the battery powered saws. I have both 18 V Dewalt 5 3/8" compact and Milwaukee 6"saws, and they are my favorites for siding work, breaking down sheet goods and most all my circular saw needs. They are 18 V Ni Cads ion the Dewalts, and Lithium Ion in the Milwaukees and both have a decent run time. If you have more battery tools like drills and other impacts, then you'll have a good supply of batteries on hand to finish any project you start. I have many batteries for both.
The Milwaukee stops on a dime and has good power. The newer 20 V LI saws would be even a better choice and lots of brands to choose from. :yes: Reviews of most tools are on Amazon for all to see.
The last generation of 18 volt cordless circular saws has certainly put them in a category where they are finally more than just a novelty to cross cut the odd 1X4.
My 18 volt L-ion Makita has become my 'go to" saw, took a while to get used to the blade on the opposite side from what I was used to but now I find it actually better in some cases. I have the Makita mainly because I started with a drill and decided to stay with that battery family.
My 18 volt L-ion Makita has become my 'go to" saw, took a while to get used to the blade on the opposite side from what I was used to but now I find it actually better in some cases. I have the Makita mainly because I started with a drill and decided to stay with that battery family.
Circular Saws
Big Arm
Several manufactures offer a left hand or right hand saw model.
I purchased a Porter Cable left handed because my son is left handed but
I personally prefer a Makita.
The worm-drive models will be heavier and I don't see the benefit.
I like a lighter weight saw.
The table of the portable saw is very important. Some are so light, they are flimsy. Some tables have grooves, almost like they're fluted. I don't like this. I prefer a slick table.
Good luck with your choice.
Big Arm
Several manufactures offer a left hand or right hand saw model.
I purchased a Porter Cable left handed because my son is left handed but
I personally prefer a Makita.
The worm-drive models will be heavier and I don't see the benefit.
I like a lighter weight saw.
The table of the portable saw is very important. Some are so light, they are flimsy. Some tables have grooves, almost like they're fluted. I don't like this. I prefer a slick table.
Good luck with your choice.
I'm a lefty so the standard circ works great for me, I also have a Saw Boss, for when a right hand cut is required. Out of all the crews I worked with only 2 had a worm drive that nobody used. Not because they were heavy, the weight provides a more stabile cut, but because of the weight imbalance, it forces a 2 handed cut and pill out where standard saws center the weight under the handle.
I went to a store today that carries Dewalt tools and looked at them. I ended up buying a 20 volt cordless saw. I liked the fact that I could add to the tool selection with other tools such as the jig saw I want, etc. and use the same batteries. The 18 volts were cheaper, but I get the idea that the newer models are the 20 volt so figured I should go with that.
All hand held circular saws have two handles for a reason. If you have your two hands on the handles where they are supposed to be you will not cut your fingers off. I know I have shaken hands with many a carpenter with part or whole fingers missing. Most amputations from power tools are from when people (including "Pros") are misusing them. Play safe no matter what saw you buy. Just because someone makes their living doing something doesn't means they are doing it safely.
Regards Bob
Regards Bob
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