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.

I started out using a craftsman sidewinder that was giving to me as a gift about 20 years ago. It always got the job done and became easier to use over time as my skill increased. As serviceable as it was (‘sufficient’), it was never a top end saw and left something to be desired.Fast forward to my last project and the bearings have finally started to fail and I could hear the blade whining with no load. I don’t like the idea of a fast spinning cutting blade coming loose if the bearings failed, so I decided to replace it. I was actually excited to upgrade it, because thousands of sheets of plywood and 2x lumber have proven the saw was only sufficient.I’m very weight sensitive due to a shoulder / arm issue and so I was deciding between the dewalt lightweight sidewinder (slightly lighter than my old craftsman’s) and of a style that I was immensely familiar with and knew how to use safely, and this worm drive, which was about a pound heavier (way lighter than other worm drives) and a completely new style I’d have to learn the nuances of safe use and handling.I ended up with this worm drive, and all I can say is WOW. It cuts so much better and so smoothly that I’m amazed, and even a little irritated I was given such a cheap saw as a gift previously (not really, but this saw is SO MUCH BETTER in every way!). It’s difficult to put in words how much smoother and better the cut is, but that’s the first thing I noticed and continue to notice. I’m assuming this is due to the power or torque.There is a slight learning curve how to do some things safely with this, versus a sidewinder, but that’s pretty minimal. Having been reasonably skilled with a sidewinder, I’m so happy I made the switch and would never go back. If I were brand new to saws, I wouldn’t appreciate the difference, and this *might* be a little too much saw to start out with (but not if you’re careful and have a good background with tools and safe use).Just a recent example of how well this cuts, I was able to cut large width boards, a lot of smaller exterior trim and some compound miter cuts on 6” wide trim with this saw and a speed square. It’s stupid fast and accurate to do with this saw because of its precision adjustments and how well it cuts. In fact, some of the compound cuts are easier and safer with this circular saw than my miter saw, because I’d have to flip and reenter the cut on the opposite end of the miter to complete the cut with my 10” miter saw. This saw just zips all the way through in one stroke. This is so much faster making these cuts, that I’m not sure when I’ll get out the miter saw again. Additionally, not having to get out and clean up a second saw saves even more time, especially when I only have an hour or two to work some days.

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 saw works as it should and is easy to use. Blade cut through wood like butter.