Hey Brian - the feature you were trying to name for hanging the saw while working high up is called the "Sky Hook." It allows framers on the job site to hang the saw securely on a joist to save the trouble of bringing the saw down when taking a break or other tasks. It reduces the chance of on the job injury while going up or down a ladder because both hands are free for hanging on a ladder.
great review, as usual....give me a corded saw unless i am on a ladder-and these days i try like mad to stay off them....i am looking for all your reviews as you hit the sweet spot--enough info without a lot of extraneous stuff!
Hey Victor - the worm drive is an alternative to the typical "side winder" (aka direct drive) saws. These two main types were designed and developed in different areas of the country when the power tools were being developed in the early 20th century. Generally speaking, the side winder type was developed east of the Mississippi and the worm drive saw was developed west of the Mississippi. Benefits of a worm drive is that for right handers the saw blade is easily seen while cutting a material. The side winders typically have the blade on the other side and you have to peek over awkwardly to see where the blade is. Also, the worm drive can power through because of the consistent torque. The motor sits behind the blade so the saw is longer than the side winders.Because the motor sits in alignment with the saw blade, the torque is better managed and you can one-hand it (though not recommended for all occasions) when reaching the end of the board being cut. The hassle of having a worm drive is that the worm drive gear needs to have oil for lubrication but this is not a big deal.
Long story short...worm/hypoid has more torque or power at the blade and you will rarely stall one in the cut. They are a little heavier and a little more expensive. Standard or sidewinders are lighter and that's about it.
Douglas Alan Yeah warranties are nice for sure. There's good Chinese stuff though. Not everything they make is junk. I've bought a lot of stuff at harbor freight before and it's all been pretty good.
I've had my Bosch 1677m worm drive saw for about 15 years. It has never been rebuilt and I only added oil a couple times. It has been a real trooper until just the other day. Now I'm in the market for another and I'm wondering about the replacement model. Mine says MADE IN U.S.A., but I hear this one is Chinese made. Any thoughts on the changes?. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the 1677m.
Vance Hamilton I am unsure you will find a made in the USA saw. But with that said, this saw, the skilsaw model, and even the Milwaukee are still built with quality.
Do you have any exp with the Bosch cs10 circular saw reviews are either hot or cold no in between Lowe’s has an awesome deal on it but I am curious on user feedback and I am curious why it’s one of the only corded tools to come with the pro advantage warranty! Thanks!
Yes, Worm drive saws are the most powerful and torquey circular saw on the market. One reason you see so many of the same types is because Bosch used to own Skilsaw, so those are very similar. The direct drive saws have blades on the opposite side. They are normally less powerful and lighter.
Run mine all day in vegas summer temps up to 117 f no problem. Cuts like a laser. Awesome tool
Hey Brian - the feature you were trying to name for hanging the saw while working high up is called the "Sky Hook." It allows framers on the job site to hang the saw securely on a joist to save the trouble of bringing the saw down when taking a break or other tasks. It reduces the chance of on the job injury while going up or down a ladder because both hands are free for hanging on a ladder.
great review, as usual....give me a corded saw unless i am on a ladder-and these days i try like mad to stay off them....i am looking for all your reviews as you hit the sweet spot--enough info without a lot of extraneous stuff!
That looks like a great saw Brian. That is on my list.
Very cool and rugged lookin saw guys I've been wanting a worm drive saw.
that looks exactly like the new skill saw worm drive painted blue
I have the skil saw. Made by the same company bosch. But i use it for framing and youvcan use it all day long without a problem.
Lol it’s the exact same saw as a Skill Mag 77, since Bosh owns them.
That's the saw I want.
Can I use this saw to make my Home made table saw? I am mindful of the oil in the machine and the machine being used upside down.
What size is the arbor? I am looking at a used one and I need a 60 tooth blade
Craig Smith it is a diamond drive..... so you need a blade with a knock out.
Thanks very much
What's the difference or advantage of a worm drive saw over a standard design circular saw? Is there more leverage with this long design?
Hey Victor - the worm drive is an alternative to the typical "side winder" (aka direct drive) saws. These two main types were designed and developed in different areas of the country when the power tools were being developed in the early 20th century. Generally speaking, the side winder type was developed east of the Mississippi and the worm drive saw was developed west of the Mississippi.
Benefits of a worm drive is that for right handers the saw blade is easily seen while cutting a material. The side winders typically have the blade on the other side and you have to peek over awkwardly to see where the blade is. Also, the worm drive can power through because of the consistent torque. The motor sits behind the blade so the saw is longer than the side winders.Because the motor sits in alignment with the saw blade, the torque is better managed and you can one-hand it (though not recommended for all occasions) when reaching the end of the board being cut.
The hassle of having a worm drive is that the worm drive gear needs to have oil for lubrication but this is not a big deal.
Long story short...worm/hypoid has more torque or power at the blade and you will rarely stall one in the cut. They are a little heavier and a little more expensive. Standard or sidewinders are lighter and that's about it.
Wonder if anyone has a battery operated worm drive saw?
Love2boat92 I'm not aware of any yet, but that would be a really good idea.
WorkshopAddict Yeah definitely. It wouldn't surprised me if Milwaukee is the first one to come out with one. Then you could use their 9.0 battery.
Douglas Alan Yeah warranties are nice for sure. There's good Chinese stuff though. Not everything they make is junk. I've bought a lot of stuff at harbor freight before and it's all been pretty good.
All of this formerly US-made stuff puts another American out of a job.
Makita ,dewalt
I've had my Bosch 1677m worm drive saw for about 15 years. It has never been rebuilt and I only added oil a couple times. It has been a real trooper until just the other day. Now I'm in the market for another and I'm wondering about the replacement model. Mine says MADE IN U.S.A., but I hear this one is Chinese made. Any thoughts on the changes?. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the 1677m.
Vance Hamilton I am unsure you will find a made in the USA saw. But with that said, this saw, the skilsaw model, and even the Milwaukee are still built with quality.
Hope you went with Makita hypoid...all the other Chinesium's are way down in quality over the good ol days of US and European made saws.
Bosch is not Amurican
Do you have any exp with the Bosch cs10 circular saw reviews are either hot or cold no in between Lowe’s has an awesome deal on it but I am curious on user feedback and I am curious why it’s one of the only corded tools to come with the pro advantage warranty! Thanks!
Hi, is it available in Europe?
Need a 240v armature for these so I can have one in the uk. They’re just not available for some stupid reason
Is this type saw really any different from the typical saw? So many choices. It's seems like it's only a choice of aesthetics.
Yes, Worm drive saws are the most powerful and torquey circular saw on the market. One reason you see so many of the same types is because Bosch used to own Skilsaw, so those are very similar. The direct drive saws have blades on the opposite side. They are normally less powerful and lighter.
The clip is called a sky hook