SkilSaw Worm Drive: Tool Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ค. 2020
- Here's the Skilsaw review we have been promising for 2 years!
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.
Me: *cuts a couple sheets of plywood* "good test run"
Essential craftsman: *frames a whole house* "haven't run it long but had a good test run"
🤣🤣🤣
Haha same!
Cool stuff!
The first inch of a cut with a new saw is all you need to know, it tells you what you are capable of using that tool.
You have to feel comfortable, brand and price doesn't matter as much as the big manufacturers would have you believe.
I remember showing up at my first job site with my Model #77 Anniversary Edition gold and black Skilsaw and all the guys giving me a ration of hell with my pretty little saw. I was 19 years old and now I am 58. That saw has been on every framing job I have ever been on and still runs perfect after cutting tens of thousands of feet of lumber. I even looked at the Mag 77 several times but Im just a old fart who loves my old friends....Love this channel like I love my saw.
Those gold ones still pop up on Craigslist once in a while. In the last year I have seen a few for sale in pristine condition and others in need of a rebuild.
Love the story !
Thanks for posting !!
Hey just wanted to thank you for everything you're doing. You're on the very short list of TH-cam channels that seems to actually want to show people interesting things with real facts and real-world experience instead of marketing wank and mumbo jumbo.
I got into carpentry after watching this channel - the level of skill and passion you bring to your work is evident in the way you speak and present yourself. Much love from Canada!
Marketing Wank???? I must ask are you a viewer of our lord and saviour AvE?
@@skizzik121 More likely referring to the Risinger God. Gotta love the age of influencers.
He got be back into it as well. His video on productivity is priceless. I'm pretty sure you've seen it.
Young’s modulus is a measure of elasticity within an object. Mu is what you’re thinking of. Love the videos.
Bob Villa we’ll give him a pass on that. He is a carpenter not an engineer. But don’t let it happen again. 😡
@@sblack48 He's a carpenter and an engineer. He builds homes for a living which requires a ton of engineering since he drafts up the layouts and needs to know the values for the different loads the different parts of the home might be under.
John Bloom He is a very smart guy, but I don’t believe he is an engineer and I am pretty sure he hired an engineer for the house structure design and another type of engineer for the retaining wall design. But I suspect after many yrs of building he is able to look at a structure and know what is critical and what isn’t. But to have designs apprved by local municipalities he likely needs a registered engineer’s approval.
@@johnbloom1109 Actually, the building code does that for us. It's an effort to standardize building materials and make structures "good enough" to support the loads placed upon them. There's been a recent shift, though, for residential structures to be engineered for wind loads. I guess there were no hurricanes 50 (or even 15) years ago.
Having said that, you don't gain 40 years of carpentry experience without picking up some engineering knowledge. Have a good one!
Coefficient of friction (commonly denoted with the Greek letter mu) describes how "grippy" the handle material will feel, though the texture will also play a role.
Young's Modulus aka Modulus of Elasticity, commonly denoted E, is the "springiness" of a material, specifically, stress = E * strain.
For the saw handle this (along with the geometry) will govern how much it flexes, noodles, and absorbs vibration.
All that theory and I'd only make a good new guy on your job.
Great video, great building project.
People are naturally resistant to change. Be it a saw, a job, a house, a dog, or a partner.
Change is mostly inevitable. How we adjust, and LEARN to adjust better as the years go by, is where change can bring out the best in us.
Great vid, Scott. As usual, so much more than just the practical knowledge.
When I tell people about your channel, I describe you as everyone's cool uncle/grandfather who has taken the internet under his wing and passes down old school knowledge in a timely, encouraging fashion.
Take care, mate. 👍🤠
My dad still carries his Skilsaw that he used to feed a growing family for 25 yrs, it is like a security blanket for him, knowing that he is always ready for the job. I really felt like I had made in construction when I got my own Skilsaw, even if it was and old locked model that I rebuilt with new bearings and added a 60' cord. Thanks EC!
My father built houses on speculation from 1950 until he died in 1976. In the early 50s, he bought a Skilsaw worm drive kit. It came with the saw, a heavy duty steel tool box (for it and spare blades), and a guide(a steel frame). Dad used the worm drive for anything bigger than 2 x 6s. The frame was used to make cutting jigs for roof rafters and stair risers(the tests of a carpenter). After Dad died my youngest brother used it for many years. When I was starting to frame my new house, I bought a new Skilsaw Worm drive. It got used a lot. BTW red is the color of The US Army Corps of Engineers too. Another nice video. Good Luck, Rick
Would someone kindly send Scott a late 60s - early 70s Skil 77 with an aluminum handle just to fill in the gap in his collection? I would send him one of mine but shipping from Canada is outrageously expensive ;) BTW we used to make the Skil Model 77c and 87c in Toronto. The USA is not the only country whose manufacturing went to the PRC.
FWIW, I'd gladly take something built in Canada vs. China if given the chance.
Edit: I've recently been pleased to learn that all of the 3M sandpaper I've bought in the last few years states that it's Made in Canada right on the back of every sheet. I'll continue to buy 3M.
I'll pay for shipping if you donate the saw.
If you're in the west, just wait till after lockdown and road trip it down to him.
@@Cadwaladr I am 2,500 miles East of Oregon. Somebody who has direct access to USPS can put an old one in a box and send it to him for about $20.
Michael O I’ll split the shipping with you
The fact that he's still rocking the skilsaw on job sites at around 60 yrs old gives me hope that I can keep going when I get to that age. That inspires me.
Given how I feel after a long day of working on the house now - I'm scared for my life as to how I'm going to feel after a similar day in 25 years!
I'm 67 - still at it
Once you stop moving you stop moving
Use it or lose it.
I'm his youngest son at 31. He can still work me to the ground. It's incredibly inspiring and frustrating.
"...I gotta tell you... I'm a big fan..."
Scott's a fan of SkilSaws? I never would have guessed by watching this channel...
Also, Die Hard boots. I tried a pair on his recommendation and they weren't for me.
I ran an old Craftsman $60 special for years until I ordered this saw yesterday. I'd always wanted to try a worm drive out and my friends finally convinced me to get one. Can't wait to see how it goes. I follow this channel because his advice is backed with experience and i don't like to waste money on tools. Great Video.
finally got my hands on a HD77m after 5 years of owning a craftsman sidewinder. paid $30 for the HD77m, but MAN. the repairs are as follows. so far the servicing has taken over 8 hours of my time, and there's still work to be done/parts coming in!
-ratty old power cord upgraded to 32 ft of 12/3 SOOW and new plug ($40)
-plasticky crud build up in the blade guard
-new demolition blade ($12)
-new screws to replace the missing ones
-oil change ($6)
-new brushes & cover - broke a cover trying to unseat it to inspect the armature ($15)
-armature looks okay for now, but it was a wrestling match to separate it from the commutator
-new rafter hook that needed extra washers because the screws were too long ($15)
not a pro framer, just an occasional DIY'er that's looking to keep his hands on his tools for the next 30-40 years. hope my investment was worth it 😅😅
The smirk on your face when announcing the new generation Skillsaw made my day
When are you dropping your two cents on the cordless skill saw?!? I am getting anxious! :-)
I was just breezing through some of the commenrts and saw one that was probably the best comment an old timer like us could possibly get. Because of your evident ardour to teach and educate those coming up behind us, a young man entered into the field of carpentry. That is the pinnacle and sum of what it is we do. God bless your heart and hands. Keep 'em coming.
I've been watching your videos for the last year or so and I have to say I truly enjoy watching and learning from you. I've never had a strong desire to build things myself but watching your videos motivated me to build our garden fence and chicken coop run with plans to redo the coop itself. Our deck needs to be extended and I believe a shed would look good in my backyard so I have lots of projects lined up. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work.
Been watching all your spec house build videos. Thank you! And, I have to say your "skill" with a "Skill Saw" absolutely astounds me! As a homeowner handyman, I have to use a speed square just to make a straight cross cut on a 2x! Yet there you are making all kinds of free hand straight and compound cuts, long straight rip cuts on OSB sheets, cutting out notches, and on and on, and some of those done hanging off a ladder or scaffolding like it's no big deal. Kudos! Guess that's what 40+ years of experience gets you.
There is no shame in using a speed square and saw horses to make SAFER cuts.
Just recently used one of these Skilsaws for the first time and I'm 53, shocking I know! Never been interested in DIY but semi retired now and have more time on my hands so slowly learning about household projects, including working on my cars. Thank you EC for your videos, really help me with my endeavors!
I love hard work. I could watch it all day.
Seriously, it's so refreshing to see a man that knows and loves what he is doing. I've always been of the mindset that if your name is attached to a project, be it a properly built structure like Scott builds, or a well designed circuit or automated test fixture/machine like I build, the work deserves to be the very best that you can do. "Good enough" is NOT good enough. I'm retired from my engineering tech/trainer job, but I still enjoy woodworking (building things the grandkids want) and have built, then scrapped projects 2 and even three times in an effort to get it just right the way I can be proud of.
Thank you Sir, for the insider tips and keep up the good work. You are a rare breed indeed, and so pleasant to watch and listen to.
Looking forward to hearing what you have to say on cordless skilsaw!
I'd like to thank you for the testing and straight forward information you put in your videos. I was on the fence about getting a worm drive. I'd grew up around them but didn't think I'd really need it. I bought a skil magnesium last week and just finished framing a deck. The saw was a dream to use on the wet pressure treated lumber. I'm sold on the skilsaw worm drive for my go to saw now.
I love my cordless worm drive skilsaw!! Yeah it’s a little heavy but there’s no restrictions to where you can take it!
I appreciate your ability to articulate not just your big, obvious likes and dislikes about a tool, but how you can explain the subtleties. Great review!
What a great guy he would have been to have as a mentor. A real gift for sharing information.
I have been eagerly looking forward to seeing Scott review this saw !
C II and who are you if you don’t know that Scott is The Essential Craftsman?
Jack Ferguson same here :) This really made my day.
Finally! Been waiting for this one forever! Thanks Scott and Nate!
The best part of your evaluation madman....”I like it”.. thankyou. Keep up the great work, I’m with ya
I have enormous appreciation for everything this cahnnel is. Tough to put into words but there are so many wonderful aspects of this channel that have made such a positive impact on my life that its truly amazing.
Thank you all for perfection that is this channel.
I'm buying a T-shirt!
I bought the Craftsman worm drive 25 years ago and have probably used it a total of 60hrs in that many years until I recently started a DIY project at home and used the Craftsman probably 20 hours.
I watched your reviews and finally bought the new Mag foot worm drive Skil saw and used it today for the first time WOW what a difference it made straighter cuts, smooth cuts the guard seems to operate better when cutting from a stationary saw horse .. the old Craftsman seems to prefer only drop cuts i.e. cutting concrete forms bent over and using the stake as a support..
Thank you for your review and sharing your knowledge about a wonderful tool
Your skill with that saw is truly impressive to watch. I started building a deck a few weekends back and as I grab my circular saw and ready to make a cut I think I'll just one hand this one over my knee... then I grab a clamp and walk over to the work bench. I guess I'm too old for some new tricks but knowing ones limitations is wisdom I have heard. Thanks for the great content. Keep up the good work. Your videos have inspired me to take a simple floating deck and add some patterns to the decking and some craftsman style built in benches... fingers crossed I can pull it off without pulling off a crossed finger. Cheers Mate.
Please take all the steps necessary to insure you have sufficient fingers left to cross.
I love listening to y’all’s podcasts!
I ran into a few comments where folks had been mentioning their disappointment with the fact you were reviewing a corded saw... Well I grew up with a skill 77. I wouldn't have it any other way. This is coming from a sheather. A skill77, an NR83A and a Quick Drive tool and I made money. We were paid by the piece.
I have been investing in the Hitachi line of cordless tools lately...... well I sure won't be going to their cordless circular..... at least not until they nail down a good rear handled model. The weight and angle of the Skillsaw just feels right and gets it done time after time. I just bought another (gray Model)after a fire here in Southern Oregon where I lost all my tools, and I couldn't be happier. Glad to have you out here...learnt a lot from you and appreciate your expertise. Thank you.
My dad has one he has used for over 30 years now and I love it it's the old gray one
My dad's skilsaw is black and tan. Not a worm drive though. It's the only one like it I've ever seen. The only circular saw he's ever owned too.
Thank you. I have been considering buying this saw after watching your previous videos about it. This video convinced me to get it.
Love my worm drive saw. Gonna have to get it back out and use it now that I'm doing woodwork again.
Hey there young man! You're not too old to say hack, I've been using that term for about 20 years. My context has changed drastically but it is a good word! I've been following you for about 4 or 5 years now and I've enjoyed every one of your video's more than I can say! I've learned a lot from you and for that I'm thankful! For the record I'm about 1 or 2 years older.
Appreciate you, sir. Honesty with bias and doubt discussions so often. Learned a lot from your channel and feel I can trust you more than some others. I've been saving up to switch to these Skilsaw wormdrive circular saw models during this Father's Day sale coming up. I am very excited after all the videos I've watched and had it in my wishlist for awhile! Best to you and yours
May I suggest you pick up a second hand Skil worm drive instead . There are millions out there and many good deals available.
I still bought one based on your last review sir! I have been satisfied with mine completely! Keep up the good work!
Awesome! I've been waiting for that review since you first mentioned it about a year ago . Been wanting to replace the one I have. Great videos sir
Scott, you are doing an excellent job in capturing and conveying that hard-to-put-a-finger-on atmosphere or mindset or way of thinking in getting serious work done which we all strive for. After working with wood all day I come home and relax watching how you do some work with wood and listening to what you have to say about that.
By the way, I would imagine 40 years into your career you sharpen saw blades yourself at your workshop. I would love to see your set-up and I'm sure there are many more who would want to see that too.
I bet he doesn't. Most circular saw blades have carbide teeth, which isn't really a "do-it-yourself" sharpening process. It costs about $10 to get a carbide tooth skill saw blade sharpened. You can get Diablo skil saw blades for less than $10 each if you buy them in multi-packs (considerable less for Brand X carbide blades) Bottom line is that skil saw blades are "throw-em away" cheap.
I spent many years on this saw. The older versions anyway. And you are right, I was always skeptical when the new models came out. One worm drive saw I learned to like back in the late 80's and early 90's was the Makita. Very light but it screamed. It had a different pitch to it when it ran. Liked your video.
Hahahahaha, I knew it. I was thinking you sounded a bit too much in love with that saw only to have my suspicion confirmed when you said they sent you a new one. That’s good though, just like H&B gives away bats to the pros, Skil needs to pony up to pros like you showing how to use them properly.
Thank you for everything you do Sir, you are an honest man filled with passion for the trade you love.
You are an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to. Thank you for passing on thisbworld of knowledge.
I watch this video and looked at my 20 plus year old saw. Went a bought one. I don’t do framing anymore and sold the business a few years ago. I stay busy doing things now lol. Thank you for your advice to the next generation. The Larry Haun for them. His videos and books helped me and your helping the next. Great videos.
Thank you. You are the Yoda to my Skywalker. I'm learning from you and your personality is humble and that actually knows wha he is talking about. Thanks again
Love your videos! I bought my first worm-drive Skilsaw in 1995 and still use it to this day. It's been dropped, cord cut, repaired, and used to build several houses along with every little project that came along. I'll test a cordless model if you need help!
It's refreshing to listen to someone review products who is honest and well spoken.
Always enjoy the EC tool videos.. nice work Nate and Scott 👍
I just love your honesty and I trust you to be an honest good man.
Wow! That new saw looks nice!! Looking forward to that! Thanks for the review! I bought this same saw and love it!! Best saw I've ever owned!
I am impressed by the skilisaw and even more by you singlehandedly framing the house. I am struggling with the idea on expanding our attic and looking at trhe maze of rafters and beams up there appreciate your skill
I bought this saw shortly after your unboxing video, I’m very happy with it.
You are so knowledgeable, Keep more coming as it is a pleasure watching your videos, they are never boring. 👌
This was fun to watch. Love the warrior touch near the end. Something about bags and a hammer feel like you're a gunfighter.
I had worm drive and sidewinder Skilsaws. After I moved on from framing to architectural millwork I used sidewinders most often. They are ridiculously hard to kill. My partner and I were swinging pairs of doors at a Pizzeria Uno. We were sharing a Skilsaw 7 1/4. It got so hot it actually caught fire. Jack tossed it to the sidewalk flaming. We took a break, had a beer, came back and it was fine. Finished all the openings that afternoon and packed it up. It was Replaced. It didn't quit on us.
Around the house now days I use my father-in-law's 60 year old Rockwell worm drive. All aluminum like the Skil our host has on his far right. Nothing sits on a board and holds the line like those old heavy worm drives.
I could watch a video of him just handling and working a skillsaw all day. My dad was a butcher for the early part of my life and I remember being stunned silent watching him break down a bird or a roast or whatever protein was in front of him with a knife. As I aged, I realized how much I appreciated watching someone who had immense skill do whatever it is he‘s skilled at. The confident, efficient, fluid movement where the tools become an extension of their bodies instead of a just a tool is so impressive. I get pretty much the same feeling watching EC wield a skillsaw. Thanks.
I’ve used Milwaukee sidewinders for 20 years. Your videos gave me pause for thought. I bought a 10” Sawsquatch for a project and was blown away by the power. Of course I went out and bought a 7” lightweight Mag77 like yours after that eye opening experience. I wish I’d a known earlier! Thanks for sharing your insights!
I will always respect the Milwaukee saws, but adaption is part of life. At least the saws are both red!
After years of gaining knowledge from the essential craftsman, I continue to come back before tool purchase or starting a building project.
Thanks
8:02 what a great picture, up there in the damp morning getting work done. That looks like happiness to me
I went and bought a MAG 77 because of you. Built a workbench just before covid hit. Can't wait to do something else with it
Been waiting on this video for two years! I'm not disappointed either. Great job. As for the "hack" for the guard moving on its own, my idea is friction tape. I wonder if that's what you have in mind.
Just got a Mag77 today...only had time to cut a few boards, but I already love it! I also have the Magnesium sidewinder version which has performed flawlessly for over a year. Both are well balanced, great performing saws
1
Really enjoyed your take on all the Generations of Worm-Drive saws! Can't wait to see your honest thoughts on the Cordless version as always!
Great energy along with a great review!
Been a skill fan for the past 10years and i was starting to think about cordless can’t wait to see what you think about that one !
Kudos to Skilsaw for keeping the Mag 77 true to its core. The brand has changed a lot of the years and changed hands a few times but they have all kept this model right.
They should start making it in the US again. I'm sure lots of people would pay a premium for that
200 dollars for a saw is already paying a premium
I am sure lots of people would like a job now too.
I believe Bosch sold off the Skil brand to a Chinese company so the odds of it being made in the US again seem pretty slim
I called skill an asked that question I would pay 500 for this saw I got 3 corded 1 new mag 2 old USA gray ones. The new one sounds like its going to fall apart compared to old gray. But has keep running. An i just bought the new cordless mag. I have not used cordlesz on job yet but it has cut just like corded in my test. But to answer your question a Chinese company bought skill. So unless one of you know a millionaire who will buy it back or start a new saw company. Skill will not be made here ever again.
@@rightlanehog3151 lots of jobs where I live, but my country hasn't gone into lock down 🤷♂️
I've been waiting for this video for so long. I bought the saw the day you made the first video, and I love it. Need to put a longer cord on it though!
Skilsaw finally decided to cut the cord and bring out a battery operated version, I’m looking forward to that review. Take care.
Success with this saw will all come down to battery technology and compatibility with other tools in their lineup. Most of the tradesmen I know buy into one cordless ecosystem. That’s why Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita and others are successful - batteries work across multiple tools.
If skil really wanted to kill it in the market they’d make adapters so the saw could accept batteries multiple platforms.
Ive been looking forward to it since i found this channel
@h2s honest question, is newp nope with the inflection on it or was it a mistype?
I wish ALL saws were available left side blade...i like to see the line when i cut lol
Big Mo I see your point but I also think that Skill is at a spot where they can go it without adaptability like that. “Skillsaw” is eponymous with any circular saw from all the brands you mentioned. I think maybe it’s more in their interests to expand their own platform to say a miter saw, parable band saw, table saw, etc that can all run on the same batteries as the Skill brand cordless circular saw. I don’t think people are willing to pay top dollar for a Skill brand saw that uses another company’s batteries when they can get that company’s saw and batteries for lower cost.
Another good video. I have the Craftsman saw. It does well.
Lots of good background. Wish my old man could have seen this.
The Craftsman is a Skil with a different label attached.
Just bought one to replace my old 1980s garage sale craftsman. Super pleased
I am not a carpenter but I did get tired of buying cheap saws that lasted a couple of years and then started making motor noises, the blade would not cut straight lines, etc. I finally bought a skill worm drive saw about 25 years ago, never have looked back. I could have had one and saved money from the crap I bought earlier. Thanks for confirming what I already knew about Skilsaws.
Thanks for sharing your experience. The worst thing to do when buying tools is to buy under-powered and under-engineered junk that cannot really do the job. BTW I hope you change the oil in your made-in-USA worm drive saw once in a while.
I'm excited to see your next video on the battery worm drive saw.
I got so much sawdust in my eyes watching this video.
Lol blade right gang
Hello gents,
Another great video! A solution for the skating guard is a strip of grip tape as used on skateboards. Game changer!
I still have my 35+ year old Skilsaw. It's a heavy beast but it has held up over the years and never given me a single problem. I keep looking at e mag 77 versions due to weight - guess this shows me to go ahead and buy one!
Thanks for the excellent videos!
Save your hard earned money and stick with the one you have. You obviously take good care of it and it can serve you for many more years.
Right Lane Hog
I agree with keeping my old saw (never getting rid of it). Just hoisting the old one over head every day is taking a toll on my 50+ year old body 😄
Cheers!
@@TheDasbull To paraphrase Scott, Skil 77s don't die they are generally murdered. If you need a lighter saw for certain situations then get one. To me, there is nothing better for cutting on flat ground with firm footing than a worm drive. As an unintentional hobby, I started collecting old power tools about 3 years ago. Mine are all made in the USA or in Canada where I live. Skil worm drive saws are highly serviceable with many parts available to repair and rebuild them. They were expensive when new but clearly worth the price. It seems wasteful to replace something made by your own countrymen that can go on working for many more years. I also look at the old ones as a symbol of a time where trade practices benefited working people almost as much as corporations. My Skil saws were made in Chicago or Toronto . Now there are probably condos or parking lots where those factories used to employ so many of our fellow citizens on good wages.
Thanks for the thoughtful review! I look forward to your new videos. Good stuff. The dust chute on the newest saw is really nice. You could prob hook a shop vac up to that.
Dad's built houses for well over forty years, when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he replaced the cord and removed the hook that he used to hold the guard back and it's ready for the next generation. I have the middle one in your lineup ... in 25 years I've worn out a stack of carbide blades probably a foot high and I have replaced the cord twice (not from cutting it, just bad luck) and the brushes once (probably due to drop cords that were longer than they should have been.) Still running strong. Looking forward to your review of the cordless one.
I can't wait to hear your review of the new battery powered Skilsaw. I have a rear handled battery saw made by another saw and have zero complaints but it isn't a true work drive like the Skilsaw.
I picked up my first Skil worm drive at a garage sale, although I'm not a production framer I still put it through it's paces. I now have 3 of them and they all work great.
There are some great deals to be found with second hand tools like those old Skil saws . If they are not abused they can run a very long time and there are usually spare parts available when maintenance/repair is required.
@Nate -- I really liked the editing, with the dozens of shots of EC doing all manner of work. Nice Work!
Great video and nice cordless mag 77 you got there @Essential Craftsman 👌
Thanks to your honest review and teaching i purchase one and I tell you what a tool..
I bought a Mag77 thanks to your videos. I LOVE this saw! It’s way better than a right blade saw.
I live in central Kentucky. I worked with a man in 1984 who used a Skil worm drive. All the other guys called it a “left handers saw”, like it was supposed to be used by only left handed people. I was 18 and the first time I used it, I realized this saw was made for right handers! With the blade on the left, it’s perfect for seeing your cut line without having to lean over the top of the saw! My sawhorses are equipped with hooks on the ends saw I can hang it by the handle where it’s always at arm’s length. I bought my first one soon after that first use, and I still have it. It’s a 50th anniversary model and it’s painted gold. I think it’s beautiful! In fact, it was too nice to use so I retired it after a few years and replaced it with a standard model 77 in tones of gray with a steel shoe. It would be an unbelievable amount of mileage that saw has cut through and I still use it regularly! I have never seen anybody wear one out unless it’s been abused! I still don’t see a lot of worm drive saws in this area but I do see more than I did back in ‘84. Folks are apparently set pretty strong in their ways around here! And I still have to correct and educate anybody who wants to call it a left handed saw!
Well summarized. I am trying to find one of those gold, 50th anniversary, made-in-Chicago Model 77s but they are extremely rare up here in Canada. Until the early 90s we had a Skil factory in Toronto making models 77c and 87c for our market but I don't think they produced the gold anniversary version. Once in while I see a new-in-the-box gold Skil 77 advertised on Craigslist somewhere in the USA. Heavily used examples also pop up but the shipping from the States is insane.
Good vid and I bought an almost new HD77 based on your videos. Heavy beast and I can wield it. I do not use it all day or even daily, so the weight is not an issue, and for me, perhaps a plus.
To be self evaluative regarding work habits and tool biases is admirable and a characteristic of high intelligence.
The best review, ever. Thank you.
I have dropped mine 3 times off a saw horse onto concrete....Nothing happened still works fine. Love the videos. Keep them coming.
I have been waiting for this review. I bought the same one as your newest and had the same reservations.
Mine has proven itself as well, but your opinion matters
About the same year you got your first worm drive I purchased the Black & Decker 6 1/2 " worm drive. It was lighter and cut most of the dimensional lumber we used at that time. Still got it 44+ years later! Bought a Skill 7 1/4" later on, but I still go to that 6 1/2" especially since age is getting the better of me. Stay safe!
Thanks for offering us the personal perspective. I hope to get a 6 1/2 inch Skil 67 one day to go along with my 'collection' of 77s and 87s. I do have a Porter Cable 6 1/2" worm drive from the 60s which is in nearly perfect condition. I don't think the younger generation can even imagine a tool that lasts 44 years!
I'm 76. I started as a kid framing track houses in Orange County CA. It was all piecework. The contractor supplied the saw & cord. They were all metal with the guards removed! One of them started running by its self. No one touched it, laying on the slab 2' from my foot. I only have two now and still, love them. Carpenters do it with their worm! LOL!
Thanks for the review
The master of the skil saw.
I've got the craftsman version circa 2003, still going, thing never quits.
China made is going to end soon.
I wish it would but what makes you say that?
Agreed: If it gets the job done (safely) to one's own satisfaction then it really doesn't matter make and model.
Thank you Scott. Much worth the wait. Can't wait to hear your opinion about the cordless version as I've also been curious. Keep up the good work.
Scott Marshall
Illinois
Illinois was the home of Skil.
Just purchased one based on your recommendation. Love the videos.
I just picked up about 5 months ago the New SkilSaw TRUEHVL cordless 48v worm drive Mag 77 and its a beast such an amazing saw you might like that saw as well @Essential Craftsman
Great review for a great tool. SkilSaw will always be the saw that built America.
And now for the greatest thanks, Thank you for all of your videos on how to use a "SkilSaw" or at least a blade left circular saw. The "blade right" sidewinder was always a saw that was never comfortable for me to use. I had a great deal of apprehension every time I would make a cut and did not have good line of sight to the blade plus the weight of the saw was always awkward with the configuration of the motor to the blade. So I finally broke down last year and bought a proper "blade left" circle saw (My apologies and forgive me as I went with the DeWalt FlexVolt that is technically a sidewinder but is shaped like wormdrive to go with the rest of my DeWalt system) and what a difference. I can use that saw and get more precise cuts than I have ever been able to achieve with any other circle saw. I eagerly pull it out and make nice, square cuts all the time. Granted, I am a former rigger that has moved on to the role of process analyst in my day to day work, but when I get the tools out to be a weekend warrior, the worm drive style of circle saw really changed how I pick projects to complete around the house. It is just sad that we did not have worm drive saws in shop class back in the 1980s as it may have changed a lot on how I do work today.
Keep up the good work and teaching us "less experienced" middle aged guys the way to be a good craftsman. Thanks!
Picked up one of the black handled Craftsman Industrial saws last summer at a yard sale for $15. Didn't sound all that healthy so I thought it needed bearings, until I found the gearbox had no oil in it. Works like a champ now, the few times I've used it. My first worm drive.
Your Craftsman is a Skil 77 with a different label attached. You got a very good deal and you can always find spare parts from Skil when maintenance is needed.
Got it, not used to it (yet) but I'm just a guy doing odd things that needed to replace his 40 year old non-worm Craftsman...
thank you for your perfectly timed review! Feels more stable and like I can relax a little with regard to sighting it in every nano second - R
I have an old milwaukee that my neighbor got free to build his garage with. I saw it at the curb missing a few pieces for the arbor and had to rescue it. All metal it makes for an awesome metal saw. I think it's from the late 60s or early 70s. Still runs like a champ through all the steel I can throw at it.