SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw , Silver

I have been doing some DIY home improvement projects. I watched a lot of videos by professional contractors and DIYers and learned about a lot of techniques and tools. In terms of carpenter work, a good circular saw is essential for efficiency. I use hand saws for small projects, but circular saw saves a lot of energy and time.This Skilsaw is one of the lightest (about 11 lb) among the rear handle circular saws. It has the power to cut through 2x woods easily. It can make angle cuts. The depth adjustment is simple.Some professionals mentioned that the rotor brush should be changed after certain hours of use. But I am not professional carpenter and only use it for a few minutes every project, so I probably won't need to worry about wearing out the brush in maybe 10 years? The first time I pull the trigger, I was shocked to see sparks in the brush chamber. Later I realized that it is how the brush is supposed to work, contacting the rotor and make it rotate.It's a little noisy which is expected from a circular saw, especially a worm drive one.A quality extension cord is essential to supply enough power to the saw. I use one with maximum 15 Amp.In general, it's a strong circular saw. Just be careful when using it.

Growing up on the east coast in Massachusetts, I had never seen anyone use a worm drive circular saw before. Everyone carried sidewinders. I loved carpentry but this was one of the few tools that just did not feel natural in my hands. I fought to cut razor sharp lines, as even minor corrections at the handle resulted in huge changes in the cut line. I learned to wrestle down kickbacks, and fight binds on angled cuts using a sidewinder. I know that if a sidewinder is used perfectly they cut fine, but I will tell you that they are a tough tool to use perfectly because of their ergonomics. The motor weight is off center and the handle is positioned such that you are pushing down into the work, as opposed to through the work. Yes they work, and I made them work for many years, but it was far from an ideal experience.At 40 years old I read a book by Larry Haun, and started watching The Essential Craftsman on YouTube. Larry Haun is a legend in the carpentry space (look up his videos on YouTube), and both these men used a Skilsaw worm drive saw. I decided to give one a shot. After unboxing the saw I could tell that this thing meant business, it has heft and just feels rugged. The first time I propped a 2x4 up on my boot, positioned the saw plate parallel to the end of the board, and cut I was absolutely blown away. The weight of the saw and gravity literally carried the saw right through the board like it was a hot knife going through butter. I thought it might have been a fluke so I grabbed a 2x8 and tried the same thing, again the saw just carried itself right through the lumber, and it was like it was glued to the line. You will quickly discover that this saw does most of the work for you if you let it and gravity help. The torque is simply unmatched, this saw can power through wet 2x lumber all day. The handle is positioned back behind the saw, which gives you very good accuracy as you are pushing forward and the long length makes corrections less extreme. This translates to a more accurate cut.I feel like a fool for not knowing how much of a difference a worm drive saw makes over a sidewinder for 40+ years. My only regret is having not tried one sooner. Thank you Larry Haun and Scott Wadsworth (aka The Essential Craftsman) for showing me a better way.

Lighter weight than I expected and very easy to guide with one hand. It used two batteries at one time and the batteries charge very quickly!Charge the batteries during your lunch break and they'll be recharged after lunch!Love this saw.

As a full time builder in the northeast for the last 16 years, Iv only used sidewinder saws since I started. That is all I have ever seen around here. But after doing a lot of online research and hearing all the west coast guys taking about the mag 77 I just wanted to try one out. I liked the idea of a left sided blade position, rafters hook, and also the ability to cut steeper angles without holding or pinning up the guard. Had no idea if I would like this thing or hate it.Iv only had this thing for about 3 weeks now but have had the chance to cut studs, rafters, and sheathing with it. First thoughts of it was “heavy”! BUT- after more use I found out that that’s not a bad thing unless you just have wimpy arms and wrists! It seems like the weight helps the saw track much better then the lightweight sidewinders im use to. Also easier to control and not so finicky. I love not looking over the saw to see the blade, as Iv always been one to watch the blade more then the shoe guides. And wicked power. Not the high pitch fast blade, but big time torque. I’ll prob get the beam cutting attachment for it too.Only thing Iv found being January in the northeast, the saw doesn’t love the cold weather. Framing last week in the cold, took a bit to get it warmed up and going full speed.All in all, I love this saw and it will be my new “go to” framing saw. Great feel, excellent quality, good power, and sounds like it will hold up for a long time from all that Iv read. Sorry sidewinders, you’ve done me good for many years, but Iv found my new baby 😄.Note- after more research, I definitely want to try the sidewinder southpaw by skilsaw. Looks like that could be a nice one too.

i have been using these worm drive saws for over 30 years now and they never let me down. this new version is great value for the money without any loss in power. quality is what you get with this saw. there is a reason the design hasnt changed for decades. other that minor changes that is like the adjustment marks on the slide or the black grip on the handles. all increase the value of this tried and true saw. a must have for any true craftsman. or woman.

The blade is not the best but they had to put something on there. I think the saw is awesome. Ordered a Tenyru blade with an ATAF grind that arrived 2 days after the saw. Was kinda cool to try a brand new stock blade and a few 2x4s then put a proper blade on and immediately see the difference. This saw does an amazing job with a good blade.