My Circular Saw Died Today
 

The deck at the new house had railings supported only by 2 x 2's. A couple people leaning against the railing would have caused it to collapse.

I decided today to reinforce the railing with some 4 x 4's. I bought a few 4 x 4 x 8's and had to cut them down to 43". It took two passes (one on each side) to cut through the 4 x 4's. I still have my dad's 25 year-old Craftsman circular saw. The first couple of cuts went fine, but it seemed to struggle more and more the more cuts I made. Towards the end, it started making a "bad CV joint" noise. I assume the bearings were going bad. Finally, I could pull the trigger, and nothing.

So I guess I am in the market for a new circular saw. My primary requirement is that it lasts longer than I do, and I'm 32. I would prefer made in the U.S. (or at least not in China), and a laser and dust collector would be nice, but not required.

Jet is my normal go-to brand for quality tools, but it appears that they do not make circular saws.

My Makita (US made?) is still going strong after 22 years. I've had to replace a few parts from abuse/damage though.

I have a twenty year old Dewalt, still going strong.
Makita makes a pretty good saw.
I wouldn't worry too much about the laser and get one with a good base (shoe?) and with good adjust ability.

DeWalt is nothing more than a fancy BD these days...


Go get a good makita, and don't worry about the blingy features...

Two words: "worm drive".

Maybe it can be fixed? I'd rather my dad's 25 y/o Craftsman than any new saw.

Worm-drive Skil Saw, it has a transmission that you put oil in, and hopefully change once or twice in it's lifetime. You would seriously have to try to make a crooked cut.

Exactly! Worm drive is the only way to go.
You could take a worm drive, mark your board, tie the trigger back with tape and let it run free down the line.

It would still could straighter than an old circular sidewinder.

Mag in a bag...


KT

Get a Skill saw (same as Bosch). I like the Mag 77 saw. The base can't take a lot of abuse like the regular model 77 saws. The regular model 77 saw will last you a long time. Make sure you check or change the worm gear oil when necessary. We can't kill that saw. We finally kill the Makita hypoid saw after 15 years of abuse by my men.

The batteries died on my Makita of 20+ years. I'm not picky about a battery powered circular saws, because I use them for light work - which is what they're for. I got a new $200 DeWalt from H.D.'s marked down table for $120. I did have to order about $8 worth of parts that weren't on the saw. The DeWalt is made surprisingly sturdier than the Makita was. For heavier work I use my Makita worm gear, corded saw. The last job I did with that was make cuts through 3 inches of concrete slab - with the right blade of course.

I'll have to take a look at mine later today. As far as I can tell it's from sometime in the 1960s / 1970s. There's a punchcard in the box that you're supposed to fill out for warranty purposes but I think it's probably expired by now.

Worm drive Skil is the go-to.

Except if you are left handed as I am. I bought a Milwaukie. Great saw.

Larry

When you guys say "Skil" saw are you talking about the "Skil" brand or just calling all circular sws Skil saws? To me "Skil" is the bottom of the barrel.

I have a Mag 77 and I don't use it very much but when I do it is a workhorse.

Skill brand model 77. Not bottom of the barrel. As a matter of fact, top of the barrel. this one is not your Walllmart $35 sidewinder.

they use to make a left handed 77.

It could be the brushes are worn out. Inspect, then replace them, clean the commutator, regrease, then continue.

However, if you want to buy a new one, read the above and go for it.

Sherwood

I looked the 77 up and it looks good. One plus is the blade is on the left side, making it easier to see your cut. My view of the rest of the Skil brand stuff hasn't changed.

May not want to use those worm drives to trim rafters.
Jim