BOLTR: Skilsaw 77 Magnesium Worm Drive

Skilsaw was recently sold to Chevron (HK) Ltd. a Nanjin based tool manufacturer. I review the build quality, point out the good and the bad. Long term projects here / ave
T-shirts here: teespring.com/SafetySquints_us

[@MorganOliff]

No comments of my own, how about what the wife said instead? We watched in the living room: "does this guy know any other words" "how many more minutes in this video" "ugh I can't stand this guy" "I can understand why you like these videos"

[@arduinoversusevil2025]

You got a keeper!

[@--Zook--]

We have the same wife. Except mine says hes a child, and annoying.

[@agailparsons]

I gotta laugh, I introduced my husband to AvE, he reminds me a lot of the family I grew up in. Lots of welders, machinists, linemen, electricians, etc who liked to teach you the real way things worked.

[@bigfilsing]

"Honey !?" > " Yes dear"> "whats a skookum choocher" Ya goota luv em eh

[@JeffKnoxAZ]

No chance AvE would ever make it to the big screen in my house. I occasionally try to tell her something funny from a vijayo, and just get a blank stare...

[@jimsiggy]

Quote of the day: "It's like looking under some skirts and expecting something nice and then getting a big old whiff of jungle bush". Instant classic!

[@gordon4385]

jimsiggy Frankly, that one actually scared me a bit...

[@gilbertb8078]

jimsiggy i gotta remember that,lol

[@repoman6034]

Best line in the video!

[@nabenmike]

You need to review an old Skill saw to compare how they have changed. There are substantial differences.

[@johndemaggio3381]

Great idea!

[@papaversomniferum5247]

+John DeMaggio it is a good idea, however he explains at the beginning that they were more skookum

[@obedluna8082]

I love the new one I have it for like about 15moths

[@matthighlifeful]

I own an original 10.25 in. Heavy and a beast. Says a.c. or d.c. power

[@davidelliott5843]

When taking off circlips likely to go flying, tie a string through the middle to catch the little ‘kers.

[@jessepitt]

I have an old ‘70’s model that my grandfather gave me. I’ve been using it for twenty years or so, it’s great. I’m a full time carpenter so it’s got a lot miles.

[@NovaNinja_]

Pretty much any tool from the '70s is gonna last you a real long time except for the obvious operator error. Hang onto it! You'll probably never find a better saw

[@hansdoward]

I laughed, I cried, I learned a lot. I subscribed. Sent here by Essential Craftsman. Hats off to a wealth of manufacturing knowledge. I'll be watching, what a great time to be living.

[@Waltkat]

I used to work at a Skil service center back in the mid 70's and we'd get wormdrive saws for repair all the time. The two most common repairs were bent/broken shoes and broken handles, usually caused by the saw hitting something hard after falling off a ten-story building. I'm thinking the current Skil's use a more flexible plastic for the handles so they will stand a better chance of surviving a drop. Some of the saws looked like they've been to hell and back, but just needed their brushes and oil changed with an occasional blade arbor bearing here and there.

[@taurusdragon5479]

AvE... I'd like to "nominate" a recent Canadian and new friend to receive this saw. Dimitry immigrated to Canukistan about 3 years ago from Ukraine. He trained as an astronomer only to discover upon graduation that the only people in the USSR who were looking up to the sky were KGB agents searching for US spy satellites. So... he toiled as an industrial mechanic until the disfunction and corruption in the former communist country prompted him to seek a better life for his wife and 2 young children. Upon settling in Canada he happily did labour work in a bread factory and cooked pizza at night, all the while perusing the "American dream"... uhhhh, even though he was in Canada. He was recently vetted by the "powers that be" and allowed to "challenge" the practical and theoretical qualifications for a journeyman millwright. He was tested, to the same standards as all journeymen, and received his "Red Seal" designation. He is working hard now toward building a good life for his 2 young daughters. He's grateful to this country for the freedom to work hard and be rewarded for your efforts. He doesn't have much yet but he still makes an effort to help others. He's a good man and I'm sure that any of your fans, subscribers and you would feel privileged to know him and call him a friend. He's not aware that I'm asking for him but, should you select him to receive this "gift", I know that he'll be infinitely grateful and will make very good use of this tool. If you choose him, I'll send you his name and address (to ship directly to him). Cheers... Michael (in Winnipeg, MB Canada)

[@user-jm4nj7nz6t]

If I had a vote, I’d vote for Dimitry. Think of it - a saw invented in America, manufactured in China (a communist country), given to a guy who emigrated from Ukraine (a former communist country) to Canada (a free and democratic country) that borders and is a neighbour to America (where the saw was originally invented and manufactured). It’s almost poetic!

[@doorguner01]

taurus dragon Nice!

[@doorguner01]

Wes Hebert nice!

[@amont7097]

Id vote for Dimitry to have it too, cool story

[@gtoboss600]

I vote Dimitry as well. To be selfless enough to nominate a recipient is outstanding in my book! How can you not like the backstory either? Much more solid compared to the "gimme gimmes" that populate the cheap seats in the comments section...

[@richardhalliday159]

Compulsive, informative viewing, enjoyed here in the UK ( not far from Sheffield, the bygone epicentre of the tool universe)

[@mattv2099]

best tool reviews ever. you win the internet. I'm glued to youtube watching this stuff.

[@mannys9130]

Matt brah, I keep hoping AvE will tear down a Glock but I doubt it'll happen. 😄 We miss your operations. Come back pls.

[@Galamoth66]

Matt!

[@poolofstuff]

Project farm

[@joshhampton1673]

My wedding is in September, and the skill saw would match nicely with the onslaught of boxes from bed bath and beyond

[@mihailo90]

Are you married now?😀

[@Pernic10us]

Condolences.

[@cobrar85]

I wish I had more people giving gifts like that at my wedding. I had to buy my own!

[@hakont.4960]

Fun fact from Norway: Older carpenters often say "skilsag" when referring to a circular saw although the Norwegian word is actually "sirkelsag", because Skilsaw used to dominate the market for pro grade circular saws.

[@myRefuge3710]

Ha. Growing up. I thought all circular saws were Skilsaws. I had to learn to stop calling other name brand circular saws Skilsaw.

[@neillcoetzer9133]

Got the same sort of situation in south africa

[@greghumble7306]

In the uk every vacuum cleaner is called a hoover

[@michaelault9334]

My dads 60 now and we have Milwaukee and dewalt saws and yet when we're doing something he asks me where the skilsaw is. At the store father.

[@sammysanchez9689]

Thanks!!! You saved me from spending good money for bad tools!! Also your are like the best teacher ever! You not only take things apart you explain them in such a colorful way as to retain attention! In my opinion your review of any tool are the best and most fun on the whole web. Thanks again!

[@ZachStein]

You're right about longevity (At least on the old ones). My grandfather left me his 1950s skillsaw when he died. It's not the worm drive model. But I had it A-part since it hadn't been used in years to inspect everything and replace the grease and clean out any of the saw dust in it. Seemed pretty skookum. Put in a new DeWilt blade and I've been using it ever since... Works great.

[@ovrlxnd]

One of these worm drive monsters is what I learned to cut with as a teenager when I escaped the 90s beige box world of IT and first began working in construction. I have an F012HD77LA at home, and a much older model at work. The one at work has the sight glass for the oil level. It's a shame there's such a quality drop on the current version. Yes, they're way too much saw for most jobs, but like you'd said, it will last you a lifetime. While you still have the new one, it would be very interesting to see some of it compared side by side with an older model. Speaking of work, while I'd happily take the saw, I'd much rather you send me some of the next generation of young people who want careers in the building trades. I'm halfway through my career and I'm the youngest guy in the shop. I need the next round of hungover early 20-somethings to come in and learn stuff before all the old guys are gone.

[@interman7715]

OVRLXND I am a builder and carpenter in Australia and I haven't seen an apprentice for years on a jobsite ,just blokes around my age ,no new people learning the trade .

[@brownstonecustomcabinetry5309]

Hey my man you enjoy being the youngest guy on the job site for as long as you can. One day you're going to look around and all the old timers are going to be gone and then you're going to realize, You're The Old Timer! Both of my apprentices are journeyman now and they have apprentices of their own.

[@christophersparks6475]

Being precious about my tools I cry every time I see you reach for your file. You crack me up - I now have a whole new vocabulary at my disposal.

[@lmiller4121]

I love the way you dissect and analyze. You never cease to amaze.

[@HandToolRescue]

Mmmmm...worm-drive.

[@jimdavis8391]

Hand Tool Rescue worm drive is noisy, runs hot and wastes energy but....bulletproof.

[@steveelford97]

You should find an old beat up one and rescue it!

[@josepheirman4987]

should have opened the box with the makita saw

[@davidkelly256]

I love how much way over in depth you go for your review, I never would have read the cable or looked at the specific metallurgy

[@MartinLutherMcCoy]

I feel like i'm taking a chemistry and engineering class by watching and listening between the lines of your review. Much appreciated intel on all things. You impart a large range of info

[@scottberg9893]

how about tearing down a vintage saw to compare?

[@bobjames6284]

There really wouldn't be many visible differences, other than those three retaining screws used to hold a flat plate instead of holding the bearing directly. All the other parts look exactly the same as they did twenty or thirty years ago. I seem to remember the field used to use lacquered string instead of zip ties, but the windings look the same, and the switch used to be metal, but the design hasn't really changed at all.

[@thomasbrown9515]

The proof in the puddin's in the eatin'

[@mdjpurdon]

Do you have a vintage saw that you can donate to the cause?

[@codylink]

I'd be willing to trade for my old Craftsman lol

[@jsest-5479]

Ask and ye shall... Done

[@justintaylor4208]

Only been watching for few months and love the reviews and commentary!

[@nikodotcom1]

We have all of the plating specs on hand in our shop from our vendors. For a nice fit after machining and then plating, we restrict tolerances in a manner that aims for nominal after the plating goes on. In reply to the electroplating on the threaded bolt. Your videos are awesome and I've learned a boat load, please never stop making them!

[@GermanToolReviews]

It's almost like the designers were given a challenge to build a unit without any circlips/snap rings, that might explain the three bolts used to hold the bearing. The one retaining ring you took off is known as a twist-on retaining ring or spiral ring and is typically only used in instances where you shouldn't ever need to take it off. I've seen those twist-on types used on circular mil-style connectors.

[@cheecheneg]

German Tool Reviews I've seen those rings on round head ratchets. Usually, whenever I take them off, I'll use locking pliers to hold one side and a hook to take it off.

[@chemicalvamp]

A BOX CUTTER? Somebody get this man a circular saw!

[@longfade]

I have never seen a more comprehensive review of anything. Excellent.

[@nauci]

Christ I think I've watched 20 of your videos in a row My boyfriend is sick of me spamming him with KZbin links But the world needs to know of the monument to man's hubris that was the Juicero

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

Eleine Sun Ave and thunderfoot took him down.

[@Patrick-857]

I showed my then girlfriend those Juicero vids. She's a mechanical engineer with about 10 years under her belt in the oil refining industry. She couldn't believe what she was seeing, and instantly recognised what sort of guy AvE is, as she actually made an effort during her career (unlike a lot of enginerds) to get out and speak with the 300 pound gorillas who actually did the work maintaining the plant. She always said technicians are more logical than engineers.

[@StoneysWorkshop]

A S C E N D E D W H I T E M A L E haha because we have to fix what the engineers approved for the field!

[@SpiraSpiraSpira]

@@Patrick-857 He is an engineer! Ive done seen his iron ring! But... the older engineers get the less engineer-y they get.

[@Patrick-857]

@@SpiraSpiraSpira Oh OK.

[@supergeek1418]

Not to nitpick, but 60 cycles goes through zero 120 times per second - twice per cycle. That means you'll have less than 10 ms of possible arc time on the switch contacts - hence the typically lower ratings for D. C.

[@tek4]

Super Geek this is true. that is why a decent diode shunt can be used to help the contacts on some applications

[@jonponton]

Super Geek as soon I heard it I scrolled down to see if anyone else had picked up on that slip 😂

[@supergeek1418]

+tek413 Actually, diodes shunted across switch contacts are only helpful when switching an inductive load on DC. They clamp out any inductive "ringing", which helps squelch the arcing generated by the collapsing magnetic field. Likewise, a capacitor across the contacts, helps in a DC environment, by absorbing the initial current surge the instant that the contacts open. Hopefully, by the time the capacitor is charged, the contacts are far enough apart to no longer arc.

[@Brentiannoli]

maybe the retaining nut for the bronze gear is a left hand.

[@lolzordje123]

Brent Iannoli i was thinking the same. Ur probably right since its a part that turns

[@natemorte]

Like a weed eater

[@travisfroese9850]

It would be an honour to receive a tool that has been broken down and reviewed by AvE. The wife loves when I dismember tree carcasses. Keep the videos up AvE, love watching them up in camp.

[@Rouverius]

Anybody else here from Essential Craftsman's link?

[@randymagnum6680]

Rouverius me, would have found my subscribed way here anyway, but said why not now?

[@bobcolorado3491]

Yes

[@jpeveto81]

Me too.

[@jeffryan8807]

Me

[@brianreiter6471]

yeah, this video autoplayed after, but i subscribed to AvE before EC existed. love them both!

[@RobMcCauslandArt]

You know I really love what you do bud! Sometimes I have no freaking idea what you're talking about and I guess that means I'm learning something. I sure do take away a lot from your vijeo's and I really like the way you give no bullshit and take none either. A man's man if their ever was one. I definitely laugh my ass off and I learn a hell of a lot too! Great work as always AvE!!!

[@bootsowen]

There was a wise man from Kanuckitistan. Got him' a skilsaw and here's how it ran: With the power to chooch, But the feel of a mooch! Best flog it as quick as I can! Shouts out from Ireland!

[@chicagomike6666]

As always..great video. I recently took apart a HF version of their worm drive saw--amazingly exact knockoff based on what I saw here... The HF unit weighs 21 lbs--and everything is steel---the new Skilsaw weighs in at 11 lbs. I would note that the hardened steel washer under the circ-clip holding on the blade guard is missing. I took it apart because there was looseness in the guard. The parts diagram lists it--and so does old Skilsaw parts--but just missing during assembly. so--found one at McMaster Carr--( lucky I live near one of their warehouses) --assembled--and now very solid. Overall--I kind of like the heaviness of the old skilsaw / new HF. I share your view on the "feel" of the new saw....

[@TheShop.]

Love your reviews. They go waaaaayyyyy beyond any other review I've seen. I would love that thing. Way better than my chincy Craftsman wobbler.

[@Liamv4696]

What the fuck was that unboxing. Where was the aluminium tape and arc welder AvE..

[@mthlay15]

1:12 "wut."

[@dodge8802]

Magnesium burns....he didn't want to burn the shop down

[@Liamv4696]

only in powder/flake form. A block of it doesnt just explode.

[@dodge8802]

it was a joke...

[@brantnorthman9040]

Blocks burn good! Empty a road flare on the bits and touch her off. Big, big glowage!

[@lunarmation]

Now that was a 'Tool Review' worth watching. : ) Thanks.

[@edayers315]

Damn dude, love your take on things. Your knowledge is impressive. I happily subscribe!

[@mrc6032]

Glad I found this channel. You take being a tool guy to a whole 'nother level. Im from Texas and get a kick outta the Canadian dialect. Enjoy it. I watch another channel called South main auto repair, and you sound a great deal like him lol.

[@kevinfrmkdz]

Whenever I hear magnesium I instantly think about setting it on fire 🔥

[@Fireship1]

SlammedHemi just like the old VW bugs. Car fires were sure interesting with the use of the magnesium block thy used back in the day. Water won't put it out. Class D extinguisher or lots of sand.

[@rabbitphobia]

Is the heat from a car accident really hot enough to even light up Magnesium? I remember it being really hard to ignite.

[@aserta]

Lore says about a store of magnesium tools that caught fire...

[@nickedwards7992]

rabbitphobia yes sir it can,the worst was a old VW,we hit it and bam,Magnesium flare.Some Vehicles have it in different place,guess the steering column and assorted areas,had a few flare on us,it's kinda cool.

[@TheRepublicOfJohn]

rabbitphobia they can get hot enough for sure. during my cpr and fire extinguisher refresher classes, heard lots of stories from firefighters/paramedics about some rich goof crashing his Porsche and the magnesium wheels just wouldn't stop burning.

[@timdouglass4934]

Your review was amazing. Company's should hire you to review their product before it goes into production. As a retired contractor I have a lot of 77's. They may have flaws but its the choice of most framers. The mag version really makes a difference at the end of the day. I was disappointed with one 77 I bought. After a short time it started making a rough sound and I opened the gear case and found they didn't put any lube in it. I'm sorry to see that they're built in China. I'm trying and its very hard to do, to not buy any thing from China. I would pay more to have it built in the US.

[@BombshellBill]

I do this to all my guitar amps when they first arrive. Really love the videos. (subscribed)

[@brianmarcum4829]

Love this show,my new favorite..i still might have to buy one,my old one has seen better days, still works, so in in no hurry. THANKS AvE for the videos

[@vederstein]

If you looked closer at the lockwasher, you would have seen that the washer had both inside and outside teeth, so the washer did engage both the casting and the fastener.

[@MotoJunkie23]

vederstein My thoughts exactly

[@TheDuckofDoom.]

Same crap happened to Cannondale bicycles after that asshat bankrupted the company and sold off the pieces. I was working in a high volume bike shop at the time and while the base designs didn't change the sudden chineseium substitutions were nasty, threads all chowdered and jammed tight up with cuttings, cable lengths and spoke tension all over the place.... what was a very finely made brand flushed right down the ceramic siphon. Same thing with Converse shoes, my old USA pair next to the new Indonesian pair, clear difference in stitching (USA was even, straight, close, and tight verses the sloppy as an old pornstar Indo pair.) then the sole glue didn't last half as long on the indo pair. (wore the rubber clean through on the USA pair, Indo delaminated with much of the tread left)

[@SianaGearz]

Well as things go, apparently things don't have to move at all to another continent to get worse. I bought Chinese-made Fila sneakers 15 years ago, and then the same model also Chinese made again 3 years ago, and i think they've had them made there since early 90ies, and i know, it's not like i was particularly expecting either to be good, nor were they expensive but sometimes we buy things because... well just because. Well they felt just right for my feet and i liked the look, you know, plain, no huge contrasts or accents or anything, just white, and layered rather than molded sole, like they came from the 80ies or earlier. I wore the life out of the ones made back then, i wore them for a decade every other day. The ones that i got 3 years ago, got worn for a mere few weeks total, and a week ago they fell apart. Huge hole torn on both shoes in the same spot just from the flexing. I found the old shoes again and am wearing them now, and they aren't falling apart or anything, they just look worn. Somehow an old clip from the TV is stuck in my memory, about some manufacturer over here in Germany of something or other, maybe safes, i don't quite remember apart from welding being involved, who moved the production over to Poland, to one of these former ship building cities, and then the problems started, they couldn't keep up the quality, and attempts at restoring it failed, and it's not like there's any monumental difference between the two regions per se apart from a minor language barrier, Polish people did just fine welding ships, so wouldn't they do fine welding safes? And the on-site control is easy too, it's just an hour worth of travel away, maybe two. The clip was about him moving the production back to Germany to try to regain the quality. But i somehow doubt, now that all his old craftsmen are gone and the suppliers have reallocated their capacities, or gone altogether due to industry exodus, that he won't see the same issue again with no way to resolve it. These old craftsmen that grew up with the company just might be the ones that made the product worthwhile.

[@tb2187]

wolfedog99 my grandfather worked at the Converse Malden, MA factory and I used to go to the outlet there as a kid.

[@Demon-eb8vz]

m

[@mercoid]

diamondflaw ....wow. That’s sad to hear. I used to collect knives in my youth. Haven’t for about 30 years. Sold my whole childhood collection on eBay a cpl of yrs ago. After reading what you wrote here, I think I’d cry if I handled a new Schrade.

[@Fringeless]

I can relate with Cannondale. The older US made ones are higher quality.

[@glennwiebe5128]

It's always nice to see a fellow Canuck doing something right especially when it comes to tools! I always wanted to know if the Skil was as good as their rep intimated. Thanks for setting the record straight... to Makita, that is!

[@TimKollat]

Im still using the 3 Skil saws Ive had from 15 to 20 years ago and we use them hard in the concrete formwork world. My dad is still using two of them that are from the 80's. The only 2 Ive had burn up were from using them for long periods to cut concrete and block and even then they took several years to give out. I haven't had to buy one of the newer magnesium models yet since my old Skil saws are so good they just keep on going

[@DIYBuilds]

Please do a video lighting the base on fire lol

[@brianhilligoss]

DIY Builds this isn't king of random.

[@brianhilligoss]

I got a spot under the bench for a gooder saw.

[@kevinfrmkdz]

brian hilligoss then go buy one.

[@sp1nrx]

I guarantee the camera won't focus on that no matter how much cursing is involved!

[@jeremyk6423]

The camera has a "focus on fucks" feature. Not recommended at the drive in movies.

[@eoincaldwell823]

So when is the ave brand of power tool,s coming to the shops I'd buy them in a heartbeat 👍🔧😀

[@wilhobbs207]

Eoin Caldwell Built so Skookum they'd be expensive as faq...but worth it.

[@1earlcatfish]

You mean like Binford ?

[@eoincaldwell823]

Binford 😂 forgot about that brand, everything ran off a v8 more power 👍

[@eoincaldwell823]

Here is an idea, so you know where guys modify a car with a kit, how about it ave, you pick one tool and you come up with a kit so where the manufacture cheapskate out, that is where you make it better kinda like pimp my tools and you skookumify the weak spots, better brushes, better bearing, metal handles replacing cheap plastic handles, brass bearing instead of plastic and stuff and stuff.

[@tyttuut]

Wil Hobbs Chooches good.

[@wesman7837]

I've had mine for over 20 years, and it's still running great, just change the case lube every half decade or so. It's been run hard cross cut, ripping, through concrete, and steel it does it ALL! It's taken a few rides off of buildings a few times, you know when the rookie trips over the cord, and pulls it off the roof. It needs to be on 3° to be square now, and I have to use a pencil under the table to get the full 45°, but it's still kicking ass, and taking names!

[@ToolReviewZone]

I would love to get my hands on this saw. I did a review for the ridgid worm drive and loved it. I would think this would be the same

[@68sweetnovember]

Hey AvE If I get the Magnesium Skilsaw...I could finally get divorced cos he ain't got one !!!!!!

[@68sweetnovember]

:-)

[@notyourpapa]

I'm actually more impressed with the tool after your video even though you're not haha. I was expecting shit now I might buy one.

[@culbyj3665]

Thats part of the point in these vids with the electric vocabulary and encyclopedia Britannia symbolic and eccentric reviews

[@jarodhines6544]

I have an older grey one that’s built much better. Had it 13 years and still strong with any problems.

[@esrvdb88]

I picked up the Skilsaw sidewinder lefty saw about a year ago and I gotta say compared the the Makita and Dewalt circ saws I've used within the last few years its been pretty great, much more rigidly built than most of the competitors.

[@nandayane]

Working in manufacturing and tech I appreciate these videos.

[@tomodonoghue7983]

Just clicked the caption button as the video ends - it translates the end as "keep your decking advice". What do you have against decking advice?!

[@TheM1tchel]

"Skill not actually required" . Keep it up AvE :D

[@davidjfiedler]

The man I learned the framing trade from swore by his skil saw. He even had the skookum as frig rafter hook front handle. Watching this made me think of him and miss him, since he passed away a couple years ago. Miss you Jim.

[@joemcmillan2089]

I got a worm drive Skilsaw back in 1975 when I was doing so much construction work. Still have it, still use it. Just not so very often any more.

[@brettkowalewski9535]

Love the videos. Do you think maybe you could get your hands on an original(25 + years old) Sill saw worm drive? I'm curious as hell what the changes have been over the years. I have an early 80's one that still chews up lumber like a champ, but I'm no mechanic or engineer, so I'd probably never get it back together again.

[@johnpetrov6602]

I grew up with a Skil saw or rather a screaming banshee that would not die. Louder than any tool I have used before or since. Had a habit of pulling to the East. Was in the family for 40 years when a friend who borrowed it cut right through the cord and made it just barely not worth repairing. He was sorry but I could have hugged him.

[@therealstubot]

Oh the memories of picking up the Skil 77 or the milwaukee worm drive, with the ground lug knocked off, standing on a wet floor, cutting wet lumber... the sparks... the spasm's... the pain. How many times did I drop one of them off the roof, or from the 2nd floor to the ground cause they zapped me senseless as I'm rolling trusses, or cutting birdmouths... We ended up switching to Makita hypoid drives when they came out, and what a difference. They didn't have the torque or the abuse rating of a Skil, but you could use one in a rain shower without being electrocuted. My skil 77 is still in service, and my son will likely get it, only slightly used, 30 years old, countless houses and remodels, the yards of concrete cut, the miles of wood cut, and roofs built... How many times did it fall off the roof onto a slab? How many miles did it roll around in the back of a pickup truck? How many times has the cord been replaced, from being sawn through by n00bs?

[@fn45tacticalsuppressed11]

Thank you for your tribute to America! I feeeeel! It’s great because I used this saw to help build homes.

[@drvoolittle]

"whiff of jungle bush" best line

[@terryburke2587]

That was a classic

[@cariboocustomwoodworks6528]

I looked at this saw and the Makita Hypoid gear w/ magnesium body and went with the Makita. It just felt better and has been a great saw.

[@aymankurdi6807]

I learned a lot from this guy, thank you very much AvE

[@DeltonNelson]

I'm so glad you did this video I was considering buying this saw when I saw it at the hardware store the other day. I have the old skilsaw mag 77 hd worm drive. My old skills sae runs great no complaints other than the weight at first but I got used to it. The main thing that would make me not want to buy the new saw is the fact that it's made in China and not in America like my skill saw. Just goes to show sometimes you don't need the newest and shiniest tool out there.

[@Erikpdx]

I've got an early 80s model - about as old as I am - I use with a diamond blade to cut concrete. Still kicking

[@Trid2bnrml1]

Perhaps flex in the clam shell means it's less likely to CRACK if it gets dropped or stressed?

[@rodolfomendez7202]

I'm guessing you have a lot of "friends" on the tool industry, I love it!

[@EnduringCrow]

As a very recent viewer, of about two weeks of weekend idleness, I feel like 75-90% of the content goes over my head(technically speaking). Infer from that what you will, but I just wanted to comment on how I gain and learn from each vid, in spite of that admission. Appreciate what you're doing and how you're doing it; older and latest content alike!

[@ECM398]

The nitrile ring is to keep the bearing in place when its in the hole and the whole schabang is spinning round. It gives a bit of grip to the outside. If youve ever had a bad (ie too big) bearing seat you might have heard the whine and screeching noise it does when its let loose at 11.

[@johnpossum556]

Real men don't heard that because we've lost our hearing from not wearing earhole protectors when we should have.

[@northmanlogging2769]

because of this review, and the previous makita hypoid review i went and bought the makita instead

[@thomasgreen8532]

I have had mine for more than 30 years. Great saw.

[@Johnnyhumbkr]

I owned one of these a long time ago and liked it. I have that Makita hypoid drive and it's O.K., but the real scookum choocher is my 10 year old Dewalt worm drive ( not the new style) Awesome teardown videos,guy!

[@deLulz]

I am working with Italian industrial equipment worth more than 2 million euros. Bolts holding the bearings all over the place. And yes, this is least of the problems with this machine.

[@tomkristman1456]

Whoa, that must be one big meatball maker

[@skycorrigan6511]

As an Italian, lol

[@daniel5927]

I've been thinking about getting one of these. Good timing.

[@erikodinson9288]

Daniel Whisenhunt I bought the Ridgid version I love mine use it on the job site everyday

[@davenorth1265]

You should look at the straight flush saw.

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

Daniel Whisenhunt bosch one I got is decent.

[@NGeese]

I've got the mag makita hypoid. Do yourself a favour and get that one instead. Skookum as fuck.

[@oderbang]

@ave I have started watching adverts for you!!! and I've been on youtube since the beginning!!

[@spencercurtis5626]

I have been helping my brother in law (wifes brother) build a 40'x25' 2 car garage with a small shop (if you can call it small compared to my 10'x12') but I have loved my 77 for a few years before someone else needed it more. I wish I could have broken it (in) so I could tell you what went first. I do like the 1.5" guide on the blade face and 2.5" on the back side. Who needs a tape when your tool can get you really close? Love your stuff. You never talk bad about a "name" brand and I like it. Keep on teaching me about machining of tools and these fucking crazy lil pixies that bite me. Great video Ardiuno vs E...( stupid can't spell just glad the wife don't know how to use a tape) Keep it up AvE

[@CorollaGTSSRX]

How many of those "not good atall" features are original from when it was first produced? Could it just be unevolved?

[@samshepherd1943]

CorollaGTSSRX youve got a point, I've got a hd77 thats probably 20yrs young and the plastic parts were chinsy then too specifficly the handle and the little air hole flap thing.

[@Imightberiding]

Carpenter/General Contractor for 25 yrs. Big fan of Makita but I have burned up & tossed away several Makita hypoid saws while my worm drive 70/77 Skill saws were always indestructible. I still had one that was 27 yrs old & going strong until it recently went away. (more about this to follow in the next paragraph) I can't speak for the construction of the new Mag 77 but the older models are skookum as hell. Oh yeah, by the way, I could sure use a new Mag 77 if you feel the warmth & need to send it my way. My divorce cost me all my tools including my worm drives.

[@Imightberiding]

Yeah well, I made my choices too. Perhaps I was a little if not a lot naive. I'm now happily bitter & cynical & a little bit wiser. I always thought miserable old men were entertaining (lots of great stories) & I am indeed becoming one. ; ) Cheers.

[@RockThePylon]

I like to believe that every tool review you do, ends up with the world getting better shit.

[@9i995]

Great reviews. Thank you AvE.

[@sandlinds]

AvE, do you think that the flexibility left in the handles by leaving out the glass fiber might prevent breakage when the carpenter drops it off the roofing joist onto the noggin of the foreman? That's the only "engineered" reason I can think of for leaving out the glass fiber (though we both know the $aving$ play a capital role in that decision)

[@joshb1997]

AVE do a tear down of the DWE402, Dewalts new 3 1/2 inch angle grinder.

[@stevendurham9996]

I very much enjoy your knowledge and presentation.

[@duncansq47]

great review . good info . I've been looking into getting a nive worm drive and this is super helpfull

[@mountainsparky6031]

Really enjoy watching and learning. My 77 has been reliably making things that were too long too short for nigh onto 3 decades. I followed along with the video to, y'know, have a peek at her innards. Well she's all apart and in pieces like you showed, and, ummmm….. now what? Thanks for information in the land of advertising. Keep up the good work.

[@NovaNinja_]

The old 77s are still hard to beat :) This is the "new and improved-ish" version

[@olegvelichko1659]

Hey man! My name is Oleg Velichko, and I'm a long-time viewer first time caller. Mr AvE sir I would LOVE to give this puppy a good home. Albeit a home in the freezing wastelands of Moscow, Russia, but a good home nonetheless.

[@nathanhershey7897]

Oleg Velichko you speak really good English for being Russian lol

[@SianaGearz]

Nathan, you haven't seen the KGB, apologies, FSB spies. Oh wait, maybe you have now.

[@olegvelichko1659]

Hey there Nathan! 11 years in HOTLANTA, Jaw-jah will that to ya! :)

[@SianaGearz]

Well i just tried to read the latest comment in a thick Russian accent, i think i'll need an ambulance. By the way, your pixies are too angry. But i guess at just 1.2kW you can find a transformer.

[@nathanpearce7169]

Hey Ave, I'm 17 and I'm trying to acquire some good quality tools. I'm always building stuff and working on projects. I would love to have that saw, I think i would get plenty of ue out of it. I spend quite a bit of time watching your videos and I really enjoy watching. You truly put out some good quality videos. keep up the good work.

[@hvac4u2]

Almost bought this one. Glad I caught the vidgeo..lol. Good stuff. Still waxing my nostalgia, theres always a place in the toolshed for an Skil saw!

[@plimoges7372]

Wrapped in a veneer of Americanism, stamped with a familiar brand name and then sold at a premium, but actually Made in China. Sounds familiar -- but will it fit my tiny hands? Let's find out!

[@Korium84]

I've pulled some skil items apart nowadays, it's sad what they've fallen to vs the oldschool ones. Of course, that's almost the same with everything.

[@doorguner01]

Korium well when the gooberment pushes high taxes and regulations and lazy ass union workers that there worth $100,000 an hour this is what happens

[@AMD1]

terry jenkins Did you just bang out random thoughts on your keyboard as they popped into your head...

[@doorguner01]

AMD1 but it's true!

[@doorguner01]

and some greedy ceos

[@TheRepublicOfJohn]

terry jenkins we ain't all lazy, buddy. and you can come do my job any time and tell me I'm overpaid... actually, we have minimum qualifications. I doubt you'd make it a week on a union site, boy.

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

I bought 1 brand new 20 years ago from a local ACE Hardware for under $100 US. I like blade on left side, but I was doing some new construction Plumbing & Heating (Licensed in Michigan). The shoe reminds me of my Makita Circ Saw. The Skill came in a canvas bag and Makita just in box. I like cases with tools for stacking. I got my Ruler, thanks. How about some old Ridgid vs. New pipe tools? I have a tube cutter from Apprenticeship that is much better than any new (old one from 70s). Greatest Channel on KZbin, This Old Tony 2nd.

[@MikeMurphyProductions]

As a carpenter going on 40yrs, this video was truly compelling! The running commentary during autopsy added to the enjoyment for sure. The legendary worm drive SS’s latest iteration however apparently suffers some quality issues. Disappointing, but not enough to dissuade me from not continuing to purchase a Mag 77.

[@webchez69]

I bought this saw as a result of the "Essential Craftsman" review... Well, It is new, and I certainly will not wear it out.

[@austinhubbartt695]

I will tell you here and now, I use a skilsaw everyday and the weight difference between aluminum vs magnesium is huge on this particular saw. I have the magnesium mag 77 and it's old but my boss has the aluminium skilsaw around the same age and I absolutely won't even touch his saw. It's heavier than all hell compared to mine.

[@NeillWylie]

You're dropping some good old knowledge bombs in these videos enough to make a layman seem like a smart man only problem being my beer addled brain wont retain all the goodness and people will think I'm as dumb as ever. Another fantastic video. Love it.

[@how2what4]

I used to live in Nanjing and know a few of the Bosch engineers working over there. This is a good feed back video, it would be interesting to see if they take your critique and improve the product in the next version.