SKILSAW 48V TRUEHVL 10-1/4″ Cordless Worm Drive

One of the highlights at the 2020 World of Concrete was the all new SKILSAW 48V TRUEHVL 10-1/4″ Cordless Worm Drive circular saw. While this new saw isn’t available quite yet we were able to get some hands-on with it at the SKILSAW booth and the saw didn’t disappoint!

True Worm Drive Design

Last year SKILSAW introduced a Cordless 7-1/4″ Worm Drive Saw on their new 48 volt TRUEHVL battery system. That saw was the World’s first true worm drive gear on a cordless circular saw. While other cordless manufacturers have introduced rear handle saws in the last couple of years, none of those are true worm gears like the SKILSAW. So it’s no surprise that SKILSAW is building on their new battery platform and design to also offer a larger 10-1/4″ version. This new saw is sure to make a splash with timber framers, post framers, and commercial framers that use large dimensional timbers and framing material.

SKILSAW 7-1/4″ and 10-1/4″ Cordless Worm Drive Saws

Powerful and Well Balanced

We spent some time cross cutting and ripping 4×4 PT posts at the event. The 48V TRUEHVL battery platform is very impressive and provided plenty of power to perform the cuts at the demo station. Ripping a pressure treated 4×4 is no easy task and this saw was able to handle it. I was able to stall the saw, but only by leaning into the cut and forcing it. When I let the saw do the work it had no problem at all with the cut.

Pricing and Availability

This new saw should be available around October of this year (2020).  We are told the retail price for the saw, a charger and two batteries will be around $800. This seems like a pretty good price considering the current batteries. Also, the 7-1/4″ version is $649 for the saw, 2 batteries and a charger. We’ll get a more accurate release date and information when it becomes available.

SKILSAW 10-1/4″ Cordless Worm Driver Saw Preview is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Skilsaw Table Saw – Which One To Get?

Back at the end of 2015, Skilsaw announced the first ever worm-drive table saw (SPT 70WT-22). Before that no one had ever had that geartrain in a table saw let alone a job site saw. Then just about 2 years later the brand announced another table saw (SPT 99-12) also with worm drive but this one was touted to be more powerful than the first one. So how do you decide which Skilsaw table saw to get? We’ll break it all down for you.

What’s A Worm Drive?

Let’s start with the basics… what’s a worm drive? A worm drive is a gear train that has the motor at 90 degrees to the output. To achieve this, a worm with spiral teeth meshes with a worm gear or wheel. To contrast this, a sidewinder or direct drive saw uses spur gears which are straight toothed and the input and output are inline.

So what’s the benefit to worm vs spur? In a saw this translates to greater torque in the worm drive set up. This can also mean a larger footprint and mass though. The size and weight matters if you’re using a circular saw overhead but less so in a table saw. In a table saw application, power is usually one of the most important factors. Additionally, the worm gear configuration allows a greater depth of cut. That’s a big plus in a table saw.

The Contenders

Like I mentioned above, Skilsaw now has two worm drive table saws. The portable SPT 70WT-22 and the heavy-duty SPT 99-12. The SPT XX is for the series motor that’s in the saw and the last digit is for the saw blade. A two is for a Diablo blade vs a one which would be a stock blade.

Skilsaw Table Saw Similarities

Most importantly, both saws offer the legendary Skilsaw worm drive geartrain. This makes for a quieter and more powerful saw. This also allows for a 3-5/8″ depth of cut. Pair that with a Diablo ripping blade and both saws can just hog through the wood.

• Worm Drive
• 10″ Diablo Ripping Blade
• 3 in 1 safety guard – riving knife, anti kickback pawls, and blade guard
• All saw and safety parts store inside saw frame
• 15A 110V
• 3-5/8″ Depth of Cut
• Upfront Controls – Power, depth, bevel, and fence levers and dials are all right on the front
• Bevel -1 to 46 degrees
• Optional Zero Clearance Insert

Skilsaw Table Saw Differences

The rack and pinion fence on the SPT 99 is one of the biggest differences between the two. It is very similar to the Dewalt fence and locks very tight with the flick of a lever. It is still highly adjustable when released though. In fact, I usually just grab the fence and pull it to the right mark, it’s faster than spinning the dial. This fence also offers greater rip capacity at 30-1/2″ vs 25″

One of the other huge differences between the two is the stand. The stand on the SPT 70 is a compact little fold up unit. The stand on the SPT 99 is also a fold up unit but is permanently attached to the saw. It offers support for sheet goods while cutting as well as the most generous wheels of any tool stand I’ve ever used. At 16″ they’ll roll up an over any job site debris you may encounter and even work really well on stairs. The stand is awesome but it is big.

With the different motors in the saws, a 70 series vs a 99 series motor, I would think there would be a difference in power but to be honest it isn’t noticeable. They both had no issue with full depth rip cuts in a chunk of red oak dunnage.

Decision Time

So which one do you get? Think about the features that are important to you. If you work out of a pickup or small trailer, the SPT 70 and its tiny storage footprint should be on your radar. You’ll have to carry it though and deal with a lesser fence. The fence isn’t bad, it just isn’t as nice as the rack and pinion. The saw isn’t that heavy either, just 49 lbs. It’s an easy one arm carry for just about any tradesperson.

This saw is a great addition to the jobsite.

If you work on gnarly job sites or have to go up and down stairs a lot, the SPT 99 should be on your short list. The wheels on the stand are the biggest of any in the industry. Also, the fence is right on par with the Dewalt, often considered one of the best on any job site table saw. This saw takes up a ton of space though.

The last thing that may figure into a purchasing decision is the price. The SPT 70 is normally priced around $370-80 and can sometimes be found with a free stand. The SPT99 is usually a few ticks over $500. You’ll have to decide if the fence and wheeled stand are worth the $130 price difference.

(The links above are affiliate links. If you end up purchasing the tool using the link, I get a very small commission. This helps us to keep producing free tool content to all of you.

Skilsaw Table Saw – Which One To Get? is a post from Tool Box Buzz

SKILSAW® Introduces 16 Inch Worm Drive Sawsquatch Carpentry Chainsaw SPT55-11

SKILSAW has announced the release of their 16 Inch Worm Drive Sawsquatch Carpentry Chainsaw. This innovative new saw helps professionals increase productivity on the jobsite by combining a large depth of cut in a lightweight package.

Specs

• Amperage: 15
• RPM: 6300
• Bar Length: 16”
• Blade Type: 56-Tooth Full House Chain; 90F056
• Max Bevel: 60°
• Depth of Cut at 90°: 14-1/2”
• Depth of Cut at 45°: 8-3/4”
• Depth of Cut at 60°: 5-1/2”
• Weight: 19 lbs.
• Dimensions: Width 25-1/2”, Depth 35”, Height 20”
• Cord Length: 8’
• Guarantee: SKILSAW Stay TrueTM Guarantee

Features

• 14-1/2” Depth of Cut
• Electric Motor Break
• Self-lubricating, full-house chain with tool-less tensioning
• 15 AMP Dual-Field Motor
• All Magnesium Construction
• SKILSAW Worm Drive Technology

Who Is This Saw For

The Sawsquatch Carpentry Chainsaw is geared for the professional who frequently deals with large materials as well as those who need to quickly gang cut materials such as I-Joists. Due to the vertical alignment of the blade, this is also a great saw for anyone doing notches in large timbers or stair treads as this virtually eliminates the need for “finishing “ the cuts with a jigsaw or handsaw.

This saw is currently available for PreOrder and will cost around $650. This will include the saw, chain, auxiliary handle and a stand.

SKILSAW® Worm Drive Sawsquatch Carpentry Chainsaw

Buy Now

$650

SKILSAW 16 Inch Worm Drive Carpentry Chainsaw is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw

One of the most widely used power tools for carpenters is the table saw. For carpenters that don’t work exclusively in the shop a portable jobsite table saw is essential. For this Head-to-Head we’re focusing on corded portable 10″ jobsite table saws. We are not including cordless table saws in this test as we plan on doing another head-to-head exclusively for cordless table saws later this year as several are available now.

Portable Table Saw Lineup

This portable jobsite table saw head-to-head includes 8 saws from; Bosch, Delta, DEWALT, Hitachi, Makita, Ridgid, SawStop and Skilsaw. Originally, we had also to include Ryobi as a budget friendly option for DIY’ers or guys just starting in the trades. However, we were not able to adapt that saw to our testing rigs so we pulled it from the testing (you may see some photos with the saw but again we’re not including it in the results).

• Bosch Model 4100-09 10 In. Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand
• Delta Model 36-6022 Portable Table Saw with Stand
• DEWALT Model DWE7491RS 10″ Jobsite Table Saw 32 – 1/2″ Rip Capacity, and a Rolling Stand
• Hitachi Model C10RJ 10″ Jobsite Table Saw w Fold Roll Stand
• Makita Model 2705X1 10” Contractor Table Saw with Portable Stand
• Ridgid Model R4513 Heavy Duty 10 in. Portable Table Saw With Stand
• SawStop Model JSS-MCA Jobsite Table Saw
• Skilsaw Model SPT99-12 10″ Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw

Table Saw Evaluation Format

Once again our team has put some serious time and effort into our Head-to-Head evaluation to bring you the most comprehensive information available. For this evaluation, we broke things into several categories including: Precision & Accuracy, Performance (power), Price, and Ergonomics. For each of these categories we’ll rank the saws and at the end we’ll name the Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw based on all the results combined.

• Precision & Accuracy – In this category we evaluated the accuracy of the table saws straight out of the box, and how easy it is to make calibration adjustments. We also discuss the quality of the fence system as it relates to ripping accurate cuts.
• Performance – The performance evaluation took a very deep dive into the power of the saw motors and how well the saws managed different ripping materials including plywood, pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine 5/4 decking and Mahogany 5/4 decking. We measured saw RPM’s and Amps for each of the cutting materials under constant feed rates.
• Price – Price is always an important factor in determining which saw is best for a user. We’ve included the current pricing found online for each of the saws at the time of publication.
• Ergonomics – Ergonomics are really important to users and an important category to consider when purchasing any power tool. In addition to traditional ergonomics, we also included functionality in this category.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Features

Before we present the testing results, it’s helpful to set the stage by listing all the features and specifications for comparison. All 8 of these jobsite table saws are similar in size and capacity. Each of the saws uses a 10 inch blade, 15 amp motor and they are all able to use a dado set. Specific differences in the saws are listed below.

• Bosch 4100-09
  • Weight: 112 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 3,650 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 25″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Traditional sliding fence.
• Delta 36-6022
  • Weight: 92 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 5,000 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/2″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 30″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Traditional sliding fence
• DEWALT DWE7491RS
  • Weight: 90 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 4,800 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/4″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 32-1/2″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Rack and pinion fence
• Hitachi C10RJ
  • Weight: 96 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 4,500 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/4″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 35″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Rack and pinion fence
• Makita 2705X1
  • Weight: 114 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 4,800 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-5/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 25″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Traditional sliding fence
• Ridgid R4513
  • Weight: 80 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 5,000 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/2″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 25″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 3/4″
  • Traditional sliding fence
• SawStop JSS-MCA
  • Weight: 108 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 4,000 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/8″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 25-1/2″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Traditional sliding fence
  • Safety: Flesh Sensing Technology exclusive to SawStop
• SkilSaw SPT99-12
  • Weight: 98 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 5,000 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-5/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-3/10″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 30-1/2″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: “13/16″, but presently comes with an insert that only allows 1/2
  • Rack and pinion fence

One of the things we looked at was the ease of assembly out of the box. We had the same person assemble each of the saws and timed the assembly to see if there are any significant differences between the models. The assembly time for the saws ranged from 21 minutes to 48 minutes. While some stands required more than twice the time, we felt the assembly time was not a significant enough factor to change someone’s mind on which saw to purchase.

We also did some testing of dust collection to see if there were any significant differences between the saws. We attached a Bosch dust extractor to each saw and measured the weight of dust collected for a fixed number of cuts. The bottom line is with a good dust extractor attached there was negligible difference between the saws.

Lastly, we spent some time evaluating the fences. Overwhelmingly the crew really likes the rack and pinion fences that DEWALT, Hitachi and SkilSaw have on their saws. Rack and pinion fences are quicker to adjust, hold in place better during cuts, and provide better accuracy.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Precision & Accuracy

In the commercial construction business, we typically buy a job site saw for each project and use it up during the course of an 18-month job. When these saws hit the site, they are unboxed, assembled and immediately put into use. We rip stacks and stacks of sheet goods with these saws and the tolerances of the cut materials are not very critical. However, that example represents the portable saw use within our commercial crews’ business.

What if a contractor uses their job site saw for high quality built-ins or high tolerance finished cuts? In that case, saw accuracy is critical for that work. In this use case, if the saw is immediately put into use, success depends upon the out-of-the-box accuracy from the manufacturer. The quality of the cuts and more importantly the potential safety of the operator is going to be a function of the as-shipped accuracy of the saw from the manufacturer.

TBB compared the relative accuracy of the test saws as soon as we assembled and set them up. How would the saws in the TBB Head To Head test compare to each other? We measured the manufactured tolerances and found out. We analyzed the data from the tests and ranked these saws for as-built accuracy.

What and How We Measured

To assess the manufactured accuracy of the eight saws, TBB looked at six areas to measure and compare: Table Flatness, Accuracy of 45 Deg. Stop, Accuracy of 90 Deg. Stop, Blade Parallel to Miter Slot, Fence Parallel to Miter Slot, and Blade Runout.

Table Flatness

We evaluated the flatness of the table by measuring the flatness by placing the edge of a precision ground flat bar across the table and placed feeler gauges in any gaps to measure any difference between the ground bar and the table. TBB took measurements in four directions. As the operator faces the saw, we measured the flatness at the arbor from front-to-rear; we measured the left-to right flatness at the arbor; we measured the flatness from the upper left-to-lower right table corners; and, finally, we measured the upper right-to-lower left flatness between the corners.

We compiled this set of data and created a ranked set of results by assigning a 1-2-3 rating to the relative values of the test measurements. Then we ranked the saws for overall as-manufactured table flatness. As a point of interest, a typical sheet of copy paper is approximately .004 inches thick. Flatness measurements varied from 0.0 to .09 inches.

All of the data for the table saw flatness can be found here. The overall ranking of the table saw flatness is in the following table:

Accuracy of 45 Deg. Stop

TBB measured the accuracy of the factory-set 45 degree stop by using a Wixey WR365 digital inclinometer. This device has an accuracy of 0.1 degree. We placed the Wixey gauge on the table and calibrated the inclinometer to the table by zeroing out the gauge. After that calibration, the measurements shown on the gauge give a result that is relative to the saw table. We attached the gauge to the blade and used the saw mechanism to adjust the blade incline to the point at which the blade or trunnion hit the factory-set 45 degree stop and recorded the measurement. TBB ran the test twice to ensure the repeatability of the measurement. In every case, the result came out to within 0.1 degree of the prior test.

As you can see below most of the saws were fairly close to 45 degrees right out of the box, but you’ll want to do some calibration if you plan on doing some finish work. SawStop was perfect out of the  box and Makita, Hitachi and SkilSaw were very close with only a 0.1 degree deviation. Ridgid was almost a full degree off from the 45 stop.

Accuracy of Vertical 90 Deg. Stop

TBB measured the accuracy of the factory-set 90 degree stop by using a Wixey WR365 digital inclinometer. This device has an accuracy of 0.1 degree. We placed the Wixey gauge on the table and calibrated the inclinometer to the table by zeroing out the gauge. After that calibration, the measurements give a result that is relative to the saw table. We moved the blade to an approximate position of 70 degrees off vertical. TBB attached the gauge to the blade and used the saw mechanism to adjust the blade incline to the point at which the blade or trunnion hit the factory-set 90 degree vertical stop and recorded the measurement. TBB ran the test twice to ensure the repeatability of the measurement. In every case, the result came out to within 0.1 degree of the prior test.

The results are shown below for the accuracy of the 90 degree stop. For this evaluation both the SawStop and Ridgid were perfect at 90 degrees, Makita, Bosch and DEWALT were also only off by a small amount at 0.1 degrees. The Hitachi, Delta and SkilSaw could use some calibration.

Blade Parallel to Miter Slot

TBB used an iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator to measure the accuracy of the blade position to the table miter slot. This instrument has an accuracy of .0005 inches. As part of the table saw set-up, TBB installed a new Diablo blade in each saw and these never-before-used blades were used in the measurement test. To ensure that any wobble in the blade did not enter into the test results, TBB marked a single tooth as the reference point for the measurement. The blade position was moved to the front of the saw to allow the iGauging dial indicator to hit the tooth immediately behind the carbide tooth, The iGauging dial indicator was calibrated and the indicator had a reading of zero.

We rotated the blade to the rear of the saw to enable the dial indicator to contact the same location of the same tooth behind the carbide portion. We positioned the dial indicator to the rear of the saw placed onto the blade and the reading recorded. If the blade and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator has a negative reading. If the blade and the miter slot were father apart at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading.

The results for the blade parallel to the miter slot are shown below. Again the SawStop had a perfect reading right out of the box and the Ridgid needs some extra calibration in order to get the blade more parallel to the miter slot.

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot

The accuracy and safety of any given saw is dependent upon the blade being parallel to the rip fence. Since we tested the amount of difference in parallelism between the saw blade and the miter slot in the previous test, we need only to see if the miter slot is parallel to the rip fence to see if the saw has a parallel relationship between the blade and the rip fence.

TBB used the same iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator to measure the accuracy of the as-delivered factory fence to the table miter slot. We started by placing the fence in a locked position about 1” away from the blade on the opposite side from the miter slot. We adjusted the throw of the dial indicator so that we took the readings on the indicator, as before, in the middle of the indicator’s range of movement.

We calibrated the iGauging dial indicator to a zero reading at the operator’s end of the rip fence so that we started out with a reading of zero. Next, we positioned the dial indicator to the rear of the saw placed onto the rip fence and took the reading.

If the fence and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator has a negative reading. If the blade and the miter slot were father apart at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading. A negative reading meant that the materials being cut might be subject to being pinched and a kick back more likely to occur.

Remembering that a sheet of paper is approximately 0.004″ thick, the results show that the Hitachi and Skilsaw factory settings need some adjustment for better accuracy.

Blade Runout

One term you may hear when reading about table saw accuracy is blade runout. Runout is a term that describes whether or how much the outside edge of a saw blade wobbles while being held by the motor shaft. Sometimes, operators measure runout by using a saw blade. In that case, the very use of a saw blade presumes that the specific blade is perfect or nearly perfect in its flatness. Using a saw blade that has any warping will not give a clear indication of blade runout.

To ensure that our runout measurements were accurate, TBB used a Freud calibration plate. Freud manufactures this ground stainless steel plate to a tolerance of ± .0005 inches in flatness across the plate. While TBB does not have a means to measure the accuracy of this specification, we did put this calibration plate on top of a polished granite calibration table and could not shine a light under any portion of the plate or slip the 0.001 feeler gauge under the edge.

We used the Freud calibration plate on each of the test saws to measure runout. We removed the new Diablo blade, installed the calibration plate, and raised the trunnion to its maximum vertical adjustment. Before measuring the runout, we placed a black mark on the calibration plate to give a consistent starting position for the runout test. The same iGauging dial indicator provided the test measurements, only this time, the units were set to read out in mm. TBB noticed that in the initial saws, the movements were sufficiently small to need the smaller metric units.

TBB placed the dial indicator on the starting position of the calibration disk and calibrated that position on the dial indicator to a reading of zero. We were very careful to rotate the calibration plate by using the outside rim so as not to impart any side-to-side force on the plate that might introduce errors into the measurements.

While we rotated the plate, we recorded the maximum reading on the dial indicator. We validated each maximum reading by running the test for a second time and noting that the readings were consistent. TBB also noted that as we performed these tests on all eight saws, the maximum readings occurred at different parts of the plate along its rotation. Because the max readings were in different and discrete parts of the calibration plate, TBB had a very high level of confidence in the flatness of the calibration plate, itself.

As you can see above the runout ranges from 0.00079 for the DEWALT and SawStop all the way up to 0.0126 for the SkilSaw. Typically values below 0.005″ are considered very good. Both the Bosch and SkilSaw are in a range that needs further evaluation especially if the saw is to be used for finish work.

Precision Summary – Winner SawStop JSS-MCA

From the data of the six individual tests above, we compiled a summary ranking for the overall winner of the as-built accuracy. The ranking for the summary follows:

The winner for the as-built precision and accuracy is SawStop, followed by Makita in second and Bosch and DEWALT tied for third.

We took the time to measure the as-built accuracy of these table saws. Why?

As we said in the beginning of this section, many of these saws will be used, right out of the box, for rough cutting materials and the fine accuracy may not matter so much in that application. If this is the case for a saw, the quality of the cuts and more importantly, the potential safety of the operator is going to be a function of the as-shipped accuracy of the saw from the manufacturer. So, TBB wanted to see how the various saws compared right out of the box. The results are in and, as a group, these eight saws measured up quite well for out-of-the-box accuracy.

It should be noted that all of the saws were adjusted after the accuracy evaluation prior to the performance testing. With the exception of blade runout the other adjustments can be made to dial in the saws.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Performance

For this portion of the testing and evaluation we used three different materials (3/4″ AC Plywood, 5/4 Mahogany Decking, and 5/4 Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine Decking) while measuring the saw blade RPM, and the saw motor AMP draw. To compare the saws we’re looking for how much blade speed each saw has under load, and also how much the amp draw increases under load. Think about it like driving a car, a more powerful car will not drop as much speed going up a hill and the engine won’t work as hard.

We also measured the decibels during the test. We are including in our ergonomics section.

Blade Speed (RPM)

The first measurements we looked at with the performance testing was blade speed cutting all three of the test materials. This tests gives us a relative comparison of how much blade speed reduction the motors have under different loading conditions. In our opinion this gives us an idea of how strong the motor/gear box combination is for each saw. For each test we also recorded the “no-load” speed to capture the relative drop in rpm in the blade speed while cutting wood. We used our as-measured no-load speeds instead of the published values from the manufacturers.

In order to measure the blade speed we used a digital laser non-contact tachometer. A piece of reflective tape was adhered to each saw blade just behind the carbide tooth, so that the tape would be just above the top of the wood cutting surface, allowing us to capture the blade speed during the cuts. We used a power-feeder to ensure that all the material was pushed through each saw at the same feed rate. In the photo above you can see our test set-up with the power feeder, a decibel meter to the left, the digital tachometer in the center, and the amp meter on the right. If you look really closely at the saw blade, the piece of reflective tape is to the left side of the blade near the power feeder.

Above are the results for RPM Blade Speed while cutting 3/4″ plywood. In the left column is the no-load blade speed and the right column is the lowest recorded blade speed during the cut. The drop in blade speed is fairly small ranging from 6% for Hitachi and Ridgid, 7% for Makita and SawStop, 9% Bosch, 11% DEWALT, 14% SkilSaw, and 24% for the Delta.

In the next test we measured blade speed cutting 2x pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine decking. In this test the lowest blade speed drop was 11% for the SawStop, 15% SkilSaw, 23% DEWALT and Makita, 27% Ridgid, 29% Bosch, 31% Delta, and 33% for Hitachi.

The last test was using 5/4 Mahogany Decking. This was an even more extreme test with the lowest blade speed drop going to SawStop at 22%,  24% Makita, 25% Bosch and Ridgid, 27% DEWALT, 28% SkilSaw, 33% Delta and 41% Hitachi.

Saw Blade Speed (RPM) Summary: The table saw with the lowest average drop in blade speed for each of the tests we performed was the SawStop. Coming in second place was the Makita followed by Ridgid in third, Bosch and DEWALT in fourth, SkilSaw in fifth, Hitachi in sixth, and Delta in seventh place.

Motor AMP Draw

Another indication of how hard a table saw is working is monitoring the amperage (AMP) draw under loading conditions. We measured the amp draw for each saw using all three materials again at the same time we were recording RPMs. The first graph below shows the amp draw for each saw cutting plywood compared to the no-load amp draw. The white bar on the left indicates the no load amps and the colored bar on the right shows the maximum amp draw during the cut.

For this test the SkilSaw had the lowest increase in amp draw at 5% followed closely by Hitachi at 6%. The rest of the saws had fairly significant increases in amp draw with DEWALT at 32%, Delta at 42%, Bosch at 55%, Makita at 61%, SawStop at 79% and Ridgid at 120%.

The next graph includes the results from the pressure treated framing lumber.

For this test SkilSaw finished in first with the lowest increased amp draw of 14%, followed by Hitachi at 58%, DEWALT at 77%, SawStop at 110%, Makita at 119%, Delta at 146%, Ridgid at 184% and Bosch at 196%.

The next graph includes the results from the 5/4 Mahogany decking.

Again we saw the SkilSaw record the lowest increased amp draw at 59% followed by Hitachi at 86%, DEWALT at 103%, SawStop at 110%, Makita at 129%, Delta at 135%, Ridgid at 157% and Bosch at 169%.

Performance Summary – Winner Skilsaw SPT99-12

We took all of the data from the RPM and AMP measurements and added them to come up with the final performance rankings. For each saw we added up the total percentage decrease in RPM’s (for each material type) and added that to the total percentage increase in AMP’s (for each material type). This gives us a relative comparison of each saw over all 6 sets of data.

The best overall performance in our testing was the Skilsaw SPT99-12. The Skilsaw was described by many of the TBB crew as a beast and the data reinforces that. Regardless of the type of material the Skilsaw SPT99-12 offered the lowest drop in RPM’s and the lowest increase in AMP draw. Following in second place is the Hitachi C10RJ and the DEWALT DWE7491RS in third place.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Price

Below we’ve included the current pricing (at the time of publishing this article). Pricing includes the cost of the stand and ranges from a low of $349 for the Hitachi to a high of $1,299 for the SawStop. The lowest price isn’t always the best in our opinion, we’re looking for the best value.  The Hitachi is an incredible deal at $349 and our top pick for price and value for a saw that has lots of power, a rack & pinion fence, and a solid stand.

Another really nice value is the Ridgid that’s currently selling for $399 including the stand. Lastly, it’s hard to ignore the $499 price tag on the DEWALT which is a great contractor grade saw with great features, a great fence, and a really good stand.

Price Summary – Winner Hitachi C10RJ

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of designing and producing tools that improve a worker’s efficiency while reducing discomfort, fatigue, and risk of injury. Ergonomically enhanced tools can include helpful features such as angled handles, riving knives, safety switches, and non-slip coatings. Whether you’re shopping for ergonomic tools or just trying to select the right one for the job from an existing collection, the key things to consider are whether or not the tool eases your work and prevents you from straining in ways that could lead to injury. Ergonomic guidelines in tool design can help maximize human performance on the job by making the job easier for the worker, improving safety and decreasing injuries.

For this ergonomic section, we considered the following factors, rating them 1 thru 3. [1 being best]

• Weight (Tool and Stand)
• Power Switch location
• Accessory Storage
• Fence
• Adjustments of Riving Knife
• Guard
• Stand
• Ascending Stairs
• Stand Leg Adjust
• Height
• Decibels

Below is a graph showing the weights of all the table saws including their stands. The saws/stands range from 80 lbs with the Ridgid up to 114 lbs for the Makita.

Below is a graph showing the average measured decibels for the saws (for each of the materials we tested). As you can see the saws range from 93.7 db to 97.9 db. OSHA allows 8 hours of exposure for up to 90 db, from 95 db up the exposure limits start dropping quickly starting at 4 hrs for 95 db so clearly these saws all need hearing protection. The Makita was given the best score of 1 as it was considerably quieter than the remaining. DEWALT and Delta were ranked worse with a score of 3, while the remaining were ranked as a 2.

Our TBB crew all helped rank each of the table saws for the ergonomics categories that we defined. Below is a table showing the ranking for each category and the final ranking. An interesting note about the stand height. The crew felt they were all decent heights but the Makita offers several heights which is a really nice feature!

Ergonomics Summary – Winners DEWALT DWE7491RS and Makita 2705X1

The DEWALT and Makita finished in first for our ergonomic rankings followed by a tie for second between Hitachi and Skilsaw and a tie for third place by Bosch and Ridgid. Both the DEWALT and Makita built their saw with the professional contractor in mind. Overall the entire crew really likes the saws with a rack-and-pinion fence system and the large wheels on the Skilsaw were also a big favorite.

Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw – Winner Hitachi C10RJ

Choosing the best portable jobsite table saw wasn’t an easy task but we’re confident we’ve done a thorough evaluation. In a very close race for the best table saw Hitachi beat out the DEWALT which came in second place followed by Skilsaw in third and Makita in fourth. It’s very interesting that the Hitachi and DEWALT look extremely similar. Hitachi edged out the DEWALT in performance and price resulting in the final scores. Skilsaw beat out Makita for the 3rd place only slightly and that result is really a function of pricing.

It’s interesting to note that if pricing was taken out of this evaluation the ranking would have been: DEWALT in first, Makita in second, Hitachi, Skilsaw and SawStop tied for third, Bosch in fourth, Delta in fifth and Ridgid in sixth place. But at the end of the day price is certainly a factor. What we didn’t do in our evaluation is any long term testing to look at durability which ultimately could affect your purchase decision as well.

We really should point out a big deal here and that’s the SawStop. It’s hard to put a price on safety and while the SawStop costs more than 3 times what the Hitachi costs it does offer safety that no other saw in test can offer. For those that can afford the additional cost that feature alone may tip the scales for you. Regardless of price SawStop came in 5th place for the categories we evaluated.

Final Thoughts

These tests and evaluations are very difficult, take a lot of time, and ultimately limited in scope as we’re not a professional testing company and we’ve got limited time to evaluate the tools. We cannot do longer term testing that would shed light on durability and we can’t possibly test every application that you might use of one of these saws for. However, we feel comfortable that all the table saws in this Head-to-Head are good saws and our testing helps bring to light pros and cons for each saw.

Ultimately everyone needs to choose a tool based on their specific needs, uses, and budget. With all the data above we’re very confident that all of you can make a better educated decision when you buy your next portable jobsite table saw.

Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw Head-2-Head Video Review

Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw – Head-To-Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

SkilSaw SPT70V-11 16-5/16″ Magnesium Super Sawsquatch Worm Drive Saw

SkilSaw SPT70V-11 16-5/16" Magnesium Super Sawsquatch Worm Drive Saw

5/5

Manufacturer: SkilSaw
Model number: SPT70V-11
Power source: 120v
Motor size: 15 amp
Weight: 30 lbs.

Specs

• Arbor Size: 1″ Round
• Blade Size: 16-5/16″
• Cord Length: 10′
• Height: 17.5″
• Housing Material: Magnesium
• Max. Cut Depth at 45°: 4-5/16″
• Max. Cut Depth at 90°: 6-1/4″
• Amperage: 15
• Max. RPM: 2,500
• Bevel: 45
• Bevel Stops: 0°, 45°
• Blade Location: Left
• Weight: 27 lbs

Cutting Capacity

Let’s get down to it. The only reason to own this saw is to cut big boards. The Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch worm drive saw does just that. With a max depth of 6-1/4” at 90° and 4-5/16” at 45°, you can rest easy knowing this saw cuts almost any conventional lumber in one pass.

Magnesium Footplate and Housing

A massive saw needs to offer usability, enter magnesium parts. A magnesium footplate and housing offers the durability that SkilSaw users have come to expect in a (somewhat) lightweight package. Magnesium is a durable and relatively lightweight material that saws have used for several years to reduce weight while maintaining the “toughness” that job sites require. What this means to you is a VERY capable saw at a mere manageable 27lbs.

15amp Duel-Field Motor

A 15 amp duel-field motor spins the massive 16-5/16” blade. Designed to keep the motor cooler, this motor also offers ample power for the toughest cuts out there. It almost goes without saying, but this is the biggest motor Skilsaw has ever designed.

Electric Brake

An onboard electric brake slows the blade when the trigger is released. This has been a common feature on newer tools, and one that I am glad they have introduced. This is huge as far as safety is concerned for the user as well as protecting boards and electric cords.

Adjustable Dust Port

One of my favorite features on the SkilSaw Super Sawsquatch worm drive saw is the adjustable dust port. As you can imagine, cutting large boards creates large amounts of sawdust. You can angle this to create a more clear line of site, or better yet, hook it up to dust collection. EVERY saw should have this feature, and I am glad SkilSaw has worked to solve this problem.

Ergonomics

As you can imagine, this is one big ass saw. There aren’t many “dainty” features. It is big, powerful and pretty unapologetic about it. That being said, the magnesium housing makes it about 5 pounds lighter than the competition. The repositionable handle allows the user to find a spot more comfortable for them, and the adjustable dust port is a VERY welcome feature. As a self-proclaimed SkilSaw worm drive expert, I have found the saw particularly comfortable.

Using the Skilsaw 16-5/16” Super Sawsquatch Worm Drive Saw

I have been using the SkilSaw Super Sawsquatch worm drive saw for months now. I cut a lot of 6×6’s for porch posts and while building decks. As with every large circular saw, the blade takes a bit to get up to speed. Once it does, no dimensional lumber stands a chance. The saw is as well balanced as can be expected and offers an unparalleled line of sight (at least for right-handed users). The adjustment handles are easy to use and the depth of cut and bevel degrees are easy to read, even when dusty. I personally preferred the reposition able handle in the same location as it came from the factory, but an employee preferred the handle in the other location. To have the option is great. The upper handle position is great when cutting 90 degrees but when beveling, the lower position is ideal.

Improvements

I honestly can’t find any faults in this saw and to do so, would be just to find something. This is a rare case where a tool does just what it is designed to do.

Final Impressions

While this is most certainly a specialty tool, it does it to perfection. 5-star ratings are hard to come by here at Tool Box Buzz, but this saw is deserving. It is smooth, powerful and offers a host of features that are unique to this tool alone. The SkilSaw Super Sawsquatch worm drive saw is, quite simply, the best large diameter circular saw on the market. While I may be biased as a self-proclaimed left-blade-oriented circular saw user, but this saw is truly a joy to use. There is FINALLY competition in this market, and you and I are both the beneficiaries. You can pick one up online for around $550.

SkilSaw Super Sawsquatch 16-5/16” Worm Drive Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Skilsaw Announces Super Sawsquatch Beam Saw

At STAFDA (Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association) trade show last month, Skilsaw introduced another new tool. It’s a brand new worm-drive beam saw. The call it the Super Sawsquatch (model SPT70V-11) but it is also very worthy of the name beast. This beast of a saw has a 16-5/16″ blade and can cut 6-1/4″ deep. For those keeping score at home, that’s a 1/16″ deeper than the Makita beam saw.

The saw is outfitted with their 15A dual-field motor tied to a worm-drive gear box. It also boasts magnesium construction to reduce weight. We’re not sure what the specs are for weight yet but if it’s under the Makita’s advertised 32 lbs, I’ll be happy as a clam. With a saw of this size, it doesn’t come with a case, it comes with a stand that clamps to the shoe to protect it.

And speaking of shoe, Skilsaw made the shoe of the Super Sawsquatch more robust to reduce being damaged. I cut tell you from personal experience, it’s down right scary operating a large saw with a bent shoe.

Look for this saw around March of 2018 for a very competitive retail price of $699.

Press Release

SKILSAW Expands Its Worm Drive Lineup with Biggest Saw Yet: Super Sawsquatch Worm Drive Saw

This 16-5/16-inch saw boasts a 6-1/4-inch cutting capacity to power through 6x in one easy cut

Naperville, Ill., Nov. 13, 2017 – SKILSAW brings its biggest saw yet, the 16-5/16-Inch Magnesium Super Sawsquatch^TM Worm Drive Saw, to life. Featuring the company’s legendary worm drive gearing, 15 Amp Dual-Field ^TM motor and specially engineered 16-5/16-inch 32-tooth SKILSAW blade, the Super Sawsquatch delivers unmatched power and performance thanks to this incomparable engineering trifecta.

With its all-magnesium construction, blade-left visibility and die-cast magnesium foot plate, Super Sawsquatch is more durable, lighter weight, and offers greater accuracy than any beam saw currently on the market.

Featuring a 6-1/4-inch cutting capacity, Super Sawsquatch can power through most engineered lumber, 6X and beams in one pass. An electric brake increases jobsite productivity and an auxiliary handle is included for added support. The saw also comes with a stand for portability and storage.

“According to Allied Market Research, by 2022, the engineered lumber demand is expected to grow to more than $41 billion,” said Jason Schickerling, Director of Product Development. “We’re committed to following industry trends like this to anticipate jobsite needs and manufacture tough tools that stand up to tough projects.”

When it comes to SKILSAW’s worm drive portfolio, size matters. SKILSAW’s lineup now includes 7-1/4-inch, 8-1/4-inch, 10-1/4-inch and 16-5/16-inch worm drive saws. Super Sawsquatch is priced competitively at $699 and will be available in March 2018.

To learn more about the 16-5/16-Inch Magnesium Super Sawsquatch Worm Drive Saw, model SPT70V-11, visit www.skilsaw.com.

About SKILSAW Power Tools
SKILSAW Power Tools, in Naperville, Ill., is a leader in cutting technology serving the professional construction market under the SKILSAW brand and consumer do-it-yourself market under the SKIL brand. SKILSAW Power Tools was founded in 1924 with the invention of its flagship tool, the SKILSAW, the world’s first portable circular saw. The invention of this saw also pioneered the use of worm drive gearing, Dual-Field motor and die-cast aluminum motor housing. Its successor, the SKILSAW Model 77 became the benchmark of portable circular saws changing the construction and home improvement industry forever.

Skilsaw Announces Super Sawsquatch Beam Saw is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Skilsaw Announces Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw

New tools come out seemingly every day. Many of them are complete redesigns over previous models but sometimes they are incremental improvements that fix the issues with the previous model. We reviewed the Skilsaw Worm Drive Table Saw when it first came out. The sheer power and depth of cut were unmatched by any 10″ job site saw to date. It was an incredible saw. The only complaint we had was the fence. The new HD version has a rack and pinion fence, just like the Dewalt one that everyone loves. Now we’re talkin’, this is a saw we can’t wait to get onto the job site!

Quick Details

• Increased 3-5/8-inch depth of cut
• 30-1/2-inch rip capacity
• New precision rack and pinion fence system
• Rugged rolling stand with 16-inch wheels for unsurpassed jobsite mobility
• Unique dust elbow for dust management
• Left-side support for larger materials
• Round-edged handles on the stand for easy loading

Press Release

SKILSAW Announces 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw
The new table saw gives professionals more power and performance at the jobsite with
greater cut capacity and an easily transportable stand

Naperville, Ill., Oct. 4, 2017 – SKILSAW, creator of the worm drive saw, takes its professional table saw offering to the next level with its new 10-inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw. This heavy duty table saw is equipped with SKILSAW’s legendary worm drive power train for maximum torque, and a patented Dual-Field motor that runs cool, enabling it to work harder, longer, increasing jobsite productivity.

The table saw features a 3-5/8-inch depth of cut that rips through sheet goods and cross cuts 4x with ease and accuracy, as well as a 30-1/2-inch rip capacity. SKILSAW designed this saw with a precision rack and pinion fence system, allowing quick, smooth fence adjustments for exact cuts.

“We introduced the first worm drive table saw in 2015, and now, to further our commitment to providing cutting solutions to professional users, we’re bringing pros a heavy duty version with greater cut capacity and jobsite mobility,” said Bogdan Moldovan, Product Manager at SKILSAW.

Included with the table saw is a rugged, rolling stand with 16-inch wheels that delivers unsurpassed mobility, even when moving the saw over stairs, uneven surfaces and rough jobsite terrain. The stand also features a left-side support for larger materials, while the table saw’s flip support extends the fence beyond the table surface. Round-edged handles on the stand enable snag-free loading and unloading while transporting, and solid rubber feet provide extra stability whether the stand is in use or folded.

Dust management is facilitated with a unique dust elbow, which can be connected to a vacuum or used to direct sawdust into a bucket or other container.

The 10-inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw is available in two different models: the SPT99-11, featuring a SKILSAW blade, and the SPT99-12, with a Diablo blade. The table saw is priced competitively at $579.

To learn more about the 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw, visitwww.skilsaw.com.

About SKILSAW Power Tools
SKILSAW Power Tools, in Naperville, Ill., is a leader in cutting technology serving the professional construction market under the SKILSAW brand and consumer do-it-yourself market under the SKIL brand. SKILSAW Power Tools was founded in 1924 with the invention of its flagship tool, the SKILSAW, the world’s first portable circular saw. The invention of this saw also pioneered the use of worm drive gearing, Dual-Field motor and die-cast aluminum motor housing. Its successor, the SKILSAW Model 77 became the benchmark of portable circular saws changing the construction and home improvement industry forever.

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Skilsaw Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw is a post from Tool Box Buzz