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Post by tusses on Jun 21, 2008 16:59:45 GMT
entry level for serious work.
wont be used all day every day - but I want it to be accurate and comfortable.
at least 2" depth of cut
at what price do they start to become recommendable ?
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Post by jonnyd on Jun 21, 2008 17:23:37 GMT
I have a skil classic (about £100) that I have for occassional use which is ok. Tend to mainly use my festool for everything but that is considerably more expensive.
jon
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Post by tusses on Jun 21, 2008 17:29:04 GMT
yeah - £100 is OK - £400 is a bit much at the moment
if I get a full order book then things might change - but just starting out doesn't stretch to festool yet !
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Post by wizer on Jun 21, 2008 17:44:14 GMT
I got the Hitachi C7BU2 and the EZ rails and am very happy with both.
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Post by jfc on Jun 21, 2008 17:52:49 GMT
I have the Hilti .... 265 i think  I saw a carpenter yesterday with a hilti guide rail system ( i didnt know they did one ) so i asked him about it . He said the rail is just ok but agreed the saw is the nuts . |
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Post by tusses on Jun 21, 2008 19:56:31 GMT
anyone else rate the skil ? its got the best cutting capacity of its price range
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Post by tusses on Jun 21, 2008 20:07:45 GMT
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Post by tusses on Jun 21, 2008 20:18:43 GMT
the skil classic looks tempting at the moment
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Post by Dave S on Jun 21, 2008 21:04:25 GMT
I have the Hilti .... 265 i think I saw a carpenter yesterday with a hilti guide rail system ( i didnt know they did one ) so i asked him about it . He said the rail is just ok but agreed the saw is the nuts . I've noticed that the Hilti 267E is popular Stateside with users of the EZ system. Tusses - I wonder whether a factory reconditioned model would be worth considering? There's at least one company on Ebay selling factory reconditioned Dewalt tools. I bought my D26550 that way and got it at about 40% less than new. Other than having 'Factory Recon' engraved on the side you'd be hard pushed to tell it wasn't brand new. Would I recommend it? Well I've been happy enough with mine, but I don't really have anything to compare against. Dave |
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Post by jfc on Jun 21, 2008 21:38:13 GMT
If i was going for that price range i would and have gone for the makita . I use it as a site saw and the Hilti stays in the workshop most of the time . The problem with the cheaper end of saws is the bed/base . There is not alot to them and they can go out of true very easy .
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Post by tusses on Jun 22, 2008 11:17:56 GMT
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Post by Scrit on Jun 22, 2008 16:16:23 GMT
Skil machines are pretty robust, though not as popular as they once were. I've seen lots of Makitas around on sites, mainly the 5704 and derivatives:  (simple and robust). Possibly worth considering at around £90 (i.e. a bit cheaper than the Skil) but Screwfix is currently offering the DW D23550 (165mm blade, 55mm depth of cut) for £69.99. One plus point might be that it's compatible with the DW rail system, so Screwfix say (personally I'd check that one). So far as I can see it's achilles heal might be it's flat base plate:  The machine which deWalt themselves refer to as a "tradesman's saw" is the D23620 which can often be had for about £90. Similar size and spec the the Skil classic, so I suppose it depends on whether or not you like yellow. Scrit |
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Post by mailee on Jun 22, 2008 18:03:52 GMT
Yep, another vote for Skill here too. I have one of the Skill Classics and it is many years old now and still going strong. Only on it's third blade too.  |
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Post by tusses on Jun 22, 2008 18:37:56 GMT
I do have a makita jigsaw and am very happy with it. the skill is the same price as that makita at £89.99 I think in America (something I remember from some DIY program or another - this old house maybe?)they refer to a circular saw as a skil saw - like we use a hoover (vacuum cleaner) ? So, as a house hold name , does that mean it's good. I looked at the dewalts and makitas and they seem to have a few different models at around the same price , maybe £10-£20 difference. It kind of put me off - why not just make one good one ? then you dont have to choose  I have no problem with any 'colour' I like the idea that the Skil can plunge cut - no riving knife - so I could cut cupboard doors out of the center of MFC or similar, for camper van interiors which I am intending to do a lot BTW - ..... never mind - I'll start a new thread for that one ! the skill will also cut 52mm on the bevel which could be usefull for compound miters on roofing for instance (I will be 'remodeling' my house at some point) and finaly - I have been offered a B&Q perfomance power pro at a good price and told it is a decent saw. any views on this ? I would dismiss it as B&Q, but its worth asking ! |
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Post by colincott on Jun 22, 2008 19:01:30 GMT
Hi tusses For a start dont go for the evolution rage as it does have some problems that I think would drive you nuts ( i have one but paid £25 for it ) I also have an HITACHI C7BU2 too and it is a nice saw plus if you have a look on ebay you can pick them up for a good price Have used the B&Q saws as well and for the price I think they are not bad at all |
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Post by tusses on Jun 22, 2008 19:12:09 GMT
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Post by Scrit on Jun 22, 2008 20:07:57 GMT
I think in America (something I remember from some DIY program or another - this old house maybe?) they refer to a circular saw as a skil saw - like we use a hoover (vacuum cleaner) ? So, as a house hold name , does that mean it's good. In fact what they are referring to is a worm-drive framing saw, like the Skil HD77M:  which is much heavier and tougher than the Skilsaw Classic you are referring to (and which incidentally would be called a "sidewinder" by an American house framer). Skil were the first company to make electric portable power saws back in the 1920s although they were originally designed to cut sugar cane! These days the only industrial quality Skil saws still make (the HD77 and it's derivatives) are not available in the EU and much of the current Skil product range in the USA (and all of it here) is aimed at the DIY/hobby market. Bosch took them over in the 1970s and have gradually removed all the industrial tooling from the range with the above noted exceptions in the USA, a pity because they used to make some good drills, corded screwdrivers, etc I looked at the dewalts and makitas and they seem to have a few different models at around the same price , maybe £10-£20 difference. It kind of put me off - why not just make one good one ? then you dont have to choose Possibly because they are able to offer minor variations in their line-up depending on the target market? I like the idea that the Skil can plunge cut - no riving knife - so I could cut cupboard doors out of the center of MFC or similar, for camper van interiors which I am intending to do a lot Try that and you'll probably find yourself experiencing blow-out of the melamine facing on the underside. Plunge cutting does work, but you'll probably experience a bit of a shock when you try doing it as the saw will definitely try to get away from you and the start of cut is therefore not always so good. There's also the problem of edging the inside of a square opening - I've done that commercially on PoS stands and it's not fun! Start a new thread on that and I can fill you in some more. the skill will also cut 52mm on the bevel which could be usefull for compound miters on roofing for instance (I will be 'remodeling' my house at some point) 52mm on the bevel? OK for 3 x 2s but what if you need to cut a cripple rafter in 4 x 2in? The roofing guys tend to use much larger saws (10in or so from what I've seen) It's maybe worth bearing in mind that the reason the trades tend to go for deWalt, Bosch blue, Makita, Hitachi and Milwaukee/AEG is service - when you drop the thing and bust something you'll be able to get spares quickly. The same cannot be said of DIY makes Scrit |
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Post by tusses on Jun 22, 2008 20:50:30 GMT
Thanks Scrit so ... now I am again undecided ! I definitely will be making jigs and my own tracks and stuff for this saw - so I would like to know I can get spares for it if it goes wrong. all this advice is appreciated, as in the past I have just bought something that is 'advertised' as being what I want  I will ask some more and look again ! |
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cadas
Full Member
Posts: 107
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Post by cadas on Jun 23, 2008 5:03:35 GMT
I've got the hitachi, useful because it doesn't have a rip blade.
I've had the dewalt and makita (2), both good, but I've always had problems with the Makitas not being tough enough on site. Rip plades seem to bend and go out of line and screws, knobs, etc seem to fall out quite a lot.
The hitachi has been well abused and is still going strong.
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Post by thatsnotafestool on Jun 23, 2008 11:28:57 GMT
I take it that was tongue in cheek? I have the Evolution chop saw specifically for cutting up a mounatin of old timber with hidden nails and screws. While it does this very well, the build quality and accuracy leaves a lot to be desired! |
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Post by tusses on Jun 23, 2008 11:39:42 GMT
I take it that was tongue in cheek? I have the Evolution chop saw specifically for cutting up a mounatin of old timber with hidden nails and screws. While it does this very well, the build quality and accuracy leaves a lot to be desired! indeed  altho it would be interesting to use a rage circ saw on my classic car resto's ! cutting out sheet steel to make panels, and cutting out rust on the cars |
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Post by tusses on Jun 23, 2008 23:32:29 GMT
so .... Skil people like and haven't had any problems Makita yes's and no's Dewalt - not much info but seem to turn up on site Hitachi people happy with festool  ka'ching ;D big trade/industrial are easier to get spares for does that about sum it up ? |
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Post by engineerone on Jun 23, 2008 23:41:54 GMT
well. at the higher end there is also the mafell and its rail system. has for me the best base plate.  hig quality and square paul |
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Post by tusses on Jun 24, 2008 19:08:44 GMT
well .... today I went to machine mart down the road, and bought the Skil out of the box it seems ok. came with a 24 tct and a 72 steel blade. base is 2.5mm pressed steel - seems quite stiff actual cut is 68mm @90 and 53mm@45 90% stop is adjustable blade is parallel to the base it is well balanced the double laser sight lines are adjustable - but only seem suitable for 90% cuts. (goes off target as the base is tilted) motor is 1600w and has a soft'ish start so doesn't twitch when you press the trigger. Happy so far - I will keep notes as I used it in anger and post back |
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gary
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by gary on Jun 27, 2008 18:46:38 GMT
So the £4-00 fleece was more tempting than the work bench. |
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I saw a carpenter yesterday with a hilti guide rail system ( i didnt know they did one ) so i asked him about it . He said the rail is just ok but agreed the saw is the nuts .
ka'ching ;D
hig quality and square