Hall of Fame Tool: Skil Saw HD77 Circular Saw

I used a skilsaw like this for about 15 years, and only upgraded when I was introduced to the Mag77. I still think the tool has its place in the world. It is affordable, tough as nails, powerful, and possibly is a little safer than modern worm drive saws.
Learn the basics of operating this saw here • Circular Saw Basics
This is the most current model of this saw - which I am currently testing.
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@adrianedhouse5175]

Imagine a world where you could only pass on your knowledge and wisdom to just one or two apprentices at a time. Thank God for KZbin and the internet which allow you to reach so many of us and enrich our lives with your wonderful advice and insights.

[@robertburke9920]

There is a reason they call it.. a Skilsaw.

[@kencrenshaw8854]

This and AvE my favorite channels. This one just a bit more family friendly.

[@jasonkraus2831]

Keep your little Richard in a Baaaad habit!

[@jakerogers6562]

I found this channel while watching AvE

[@johndowe7003]

ave has gone to shit tbh

[@Chuck-U-Farlie]

my dad was that cool, and hey, kids need to learn to cuss just like everyone else! LOL

[@JerryWick]

john dowe yeah, I think he himself is getting tired of the Uncle BBF persona. Was watching some of his earlier videos a little bit ago and it was so much more pleasant when his KZbin persona wasn’t as forced.

[@Fir3Chi3f]

Whoo! The AvE callout! He's the one that sent me to your chennel!

[@meltingteeth7807]

We need a collab with Scott, AvE, Frank Howarth and Rainfall Projects. I think AvE is the odd one out but I think the rest of them are all in Oregon.

[@johnpossum556]

Ave ain't odd. Just because he's got one testicle you shouldn't be calling him out like that. Still has two kids!

[@sssssssssdfdfd]

I also came to this channel on AVE'S recommendation

[@hoongfu]

YES That would be awesome.

[@codycharles7147]

Fir3Chi3f aVe has a bias towards tree carcass manipulators like EC

[@MapBot11]

My grandfather just gifted me the skilsaw he bought the year he married my grandmother. 66 years old and still runs like a champ.

[@MapBot11]

diver dave good tip, much appreciated!

[@JerryWick]

Jake Lile I concur, do that and it will see it’s 132nd birthday no problem

[@toddosterhout9866]

Just to let you guys know sears parts direct still sells parts for these

[@taunokekkonen5733]

What about the skilsaw, still running like a champ?

[@michaeltuck2502]

Beaucoup thumb's up!! The "plastic" handle Skil 77 was looked down upon by some carpenters I worked with early in my career as they had come up in the trade with the all metal saws, but in a short time the new model 77 became ubiquitous on job sites in southern California. The all metal saws were no more powerful, just heavier. Skil did make a 10" worm drive "back in the day", but it was, IIRC, about 25 pounds and would send the sawyer home tired after a day of gang cutting studs or 4x's. Somewhat presumptuous on my part, but a tip for using the 77: Don't torque the the blade screw down too much when replacing the blade. It has left hand threads so will not loosen under use, and was designed as kind of a "clutch" to allow the blade to slip and prevent a kick back.

[@rightlanehog3151]

A fine story and practical advice as an added bonus- thanks.

[@2010stoof]

Haha just commented about the anti kickback "clutch" type system. Glad someone else knows about this. They tell you about 1/8-1/4 past tight for torque. Great story too thanks

[@ALLPHILLYALLDAY14]

Using your lingo...you are a “good tool” sir.....hopefully there are dozens of men who have had the pleasure to absorb the wizdom you have in spades...just got a hd77 today at a habitat for humanity “restore” for 20$ n was doing a little research before i bought a new blade for it...glad i did because it was a pleasure getting to meet you even if it were just a second short of 6 minutes...thank you

[@cricketscreations524]

Listening to you is like listening to a great book, or like sitting around granddaddy’s recliner as he shared stories with us, we were glued to everything he said.

[@bosscoassociates5638]

I'm an electrician and I think I've watch all your videos, and I just wanted you to know you have changed my life for the better.

[@nayankalita2068]

I was skepticle of a 20 volt circular saw. But I have several B&D 20 volt batteries and the drill Works great kzbin.infoUgkxjpBI8OOeUXib_iT7UomCrQ-uauwZJ62c . I saw the 4 stars and some glowing reviews so decided to purchase this saw. Well, leave your money in your pocket and run a cord because this little saw won't cut

[@isped74]

I bought that saw when I was 18 years old, still have it at 45 years old and works like the first day I bought it!

[@rightlanehog3151]

They usually don't die they are usually murdered.

[@spankiedoodlesteve2086]

Thank you for reminding us that we don’t need the latest and greatest to do our share. I’m guilty of searching online for the newest breeds of everything in order to make it feel easier, even though I’ve got the capability of using my old school methods and old school tools to produce top notch work, it’s about the difference between a craftsman and a tradesman sometimes! That new stuff is sometimes money that you coulda just kept in your pockets!

[@vitorkleinercarpintaria4918]

I'm a carpenter in Brazil, I have a KZbin channel, I'm your fan, I'm inspired by your work, happy new year master

[@ericcommarato7727]

There is a guy over at OWWM that collects really old Porter Cable Speedmatic circular saws. They are real beauties, he has a massive collection of about 20 plus. He restores them like they are new, just beautiful saws. Nothing like "old American made" stuff, it can't be beat.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Porter Cable was the Rolls Royce of Tools. They were high quality with a touch of style.

[@jokker03]

The saw that built America for sure, every time I see one it reminds me of when I was a kid playing in home construction lots on the block after school when all the guys had gone home, always looking for leftover nailgun strips for whatever reason and messing with the little surveyor flags (which I now regret, sorry guys for all the extra work).

[@AdirondackNY]

I bought one 35 years ago when I was framing houses, last winter I let my son use it and he hated it so I sat him down and showed him your video on it, he gave it another try and loved it so much he went out and bought a mag 77 for himself. Thanks for these videos.

[@JerryWick]

What were his main complaints?

[@AdirondackNY]

Jerry Wick he said it wouldn't cut straight, the blade is on the wrong side. He is a 28 year old whining teenager that gets upset if it don't come easy.

[@diamondflaw]

AdirondackNY It's funny, because I learned to cut with a HD77, and whenever I pick up a sidewinder saw I have more trouble holding a line because the blade's on the "wrong side".

[@BornInTheCreek]

Whining teenager here. The issues that came with first using the saw was that his table was off roughly 4° from 90° without my knowledge and the blade was dull with a few chipped teeth. Understandably so given being an old saw hardly used anymore but I didn't know why I was having issues. No discrepancy with the blade being on the left side of the saw. That's been confused with a story I told him of someone who I let use my saw on a job site that thought I had my blade on backwards. It was after the table being straightened and I realized the blade was old that I took it easy and cut smooth with no problems. I loved it and purchased not a mag 77 but a SPT77W-22 full weight model 77. I'm more of a fan of the weight behind my saw then the magnesium model. Since becoming accustom to using a worm drive I'll pick up that over a side winder any day..

[@abbersj2935]

@@AdirondackNY I've got one of those! Hopefully, he'll learn...

[@mitchellman4846]

Man I love old tools I got a big Ol sears craftsman circular saw and router, i got my grandfathers old tools like coping saw a block plane chalk line.etc almost all my tools were made whithin a few years of my birth or older and they still work great

[@Inkd_watkins]

Just bought HD77 used. It’s a saw that’s worth it. I’m happy to build muscle and memory with. Your right , sir. It will eat your lunch.

[@jungle5663]

From 4:14 - 4:23 is probably the smartest thing I've heard all year. I'm just a general labourer on a residential sight right now but I am trying to learn the trade!

[@josephschmeggins6311]

Building a shed and just pulled mine out of my storage unit. Looking forward to cutting some boards with it again. Solid investment.

[@kenhadley6039]

I bought my worm drive when it was new and I still use it today. The saw was overbuilt and it just wont die. I love it.

[@thomasrussell8451]

Just recently found your channel .love it . I'm a retired building contractor and I gotta say this video really makes me smile. I have two model 77s I've used and abused for 40 plus years. Still going strong. My younger friends call them dinosaurs UNTIL they use them. THE BEST CIRCULAR SAW EVER MADE.

[@1cavscout160]

Still use the one I have had since the 80's. Great saw!

[@jochenfrank8915]

Enough people have commented on this already, yet I still believe it needs to be stated. You and AvE have a very different channel and yet the fundamentals of what made me subscribe and watch every video are here. Thank you for the knowledge and caring you share. I watch your videos not only to learn about construction but to learn about life. Please keep up your videos and let me (us) know where else we can support you.

[@bosscoassociates5638]

Jochen Frank I'm an electrician and I watch both of these guys videos to learn about life. Love it.

[@lampm7381]

@doc hall there is an ave dictionary, found a link in a video lol

[@bigunone]

LOL I had a buddy in high school who trained wearing combat boots, then on a contest day show up in running shoes! Absolutely went into panic mode one time, when I saw the side bin was open and my saw was missing, drove back to every place I had been, told the town chief of police, imagine my relief to find it safe and sound in it's box in my dirt driveway!

[@ellwynk2284]

A contractor friend gave me an old grey handle HD77 that someone tried to rewire after sawing thru the cord. "Doesn't work, take it." Got it apart and they had it wired backwards. Besides a new cord it needed a new top handle but everything else was fine. So for less than $15 in parts I have a lifetime skillsaw. Great tool, great advice as always. Only thing I might add when checking one out is take a peek at the gear oil. Clean oil = good worm gear & a properly maintained saw.

[@jamesthornton3339]

I had bought an 18# milwaukee wormdrive and used it for 5 years. I just bought a mag 77,and it is so light in comparison. Also the rafterhook is a godsend!

[@luckydogx2]

It's one of my all-time favorite tools! I'm 71 now, and have been wielding the heavy model for quite a while now. It's interesting that I get called to do work now for younger men who are too old and out of shape to do what I do. At the doctor's office on the treadmill cardio test a few years back, the doctor commented that my body seems to love work. "Yes I do".

[@MorganBergeron]

Pulled one of these out of a dumpster a few months back. Did a full tear down and deep cleaning and replaced a broken guard on it. Well made solid saw that will suffer a hot supper and ask for more! Could't be happier to give it another life. A great mind set and solid wisdom on how we should use tools and build our skill set (pun intended). Thanks EC!!

[@rwkayser]

I saw your Skilsaw video months ago and immediately found one on Craigslist for $40. I put a new 25ft cord on it and replaced the lube. Heavy..lots of torque.. but boy does this thing cut through darn near anything! Great suggestion! Thanks Scott..

[@ebirinkugba6178]

Rock K. Same. Love the dang thing. Cut the crown off my chimney with it. Worked perfectly!!

[@buckbuck9225]

I will Never get tired of listening to an old timer.its all about experience and pride in your work.and allways endeavoring to improve.

[@michaellim4125]

Thank you for putting this message out there. When I bought my first circular saw I was thinking only about the "latest and greatest" but with I now wished I got this message a little sooner!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Don't worry , there are thousands of these out there so you can still get one in the used market for a fraction of the original price.

[@KennyInVegas]

Standard tool at Marnell Corrao commercial construction company for many years....... helped build most of Vegas casinos, etc.

[@Historiot]

My pops gave me that identical saw as a kid, and at this point it's an heirloom. I framed my first add-ons, learned how to sheath, built sheds, garages, decks, and even framed a few houses with that. Very few tools invoke nostalgia while still being relevant. I've gone over to the makita hypoid now but i still pull out the skil and rock it. It reminds me of the best men I've come to know, my dad, grandpa, my bosses who have mentored me. This is by far my favorite channel, thank you for the great content

[@fastrivers812]

Just found one of these the other day and picked it up for $35. I'm so pleased. It looks barely used.

[@irishwanderer4206]

so here i am nearly finished the binge watch challenge ,what is the challenge id say folks ask ,well challenge yerself to take as much education from this as possible ,this was a great watch im subbed for life and as an aspiring craftsman of 29 years old in ireland thank you guys for putting this together.

[@mojo6385]

Dewalt RAS's are a keeper from past generations.

[@2000silverado]

I just traded a couple reciprocating saw blades for one of these, I am a contractor and wanted a solid backup saw that could flex muscle. I run a Makita MG5007 sidewinder all the time which weighs a lot less, and is a powerful little saw, but I was amazed when I started pushing the hd77 through some PT 6x6 and she just don't bog down no matter how hard you push. Amazing saw. I still run my Makita more, but I like have that beast to fall back on

[@shaunybonny688]

I was working in mining about 10 years or so ago and bought one of those exact saws at a pawn shop, and you could tell guys we’re in trouble because they had shelves just lined plumb full of wormdrives. Then about 7 years later that mine closed its doors and I went framing in Arizona with that saw. I knew it was a good deal at $65 so why not buy it when I was making good money and then as it turned out I needed that saw years later to make a living. Kind of a weird little coincidence. Good tools are good to have because you never know what may come up. I’m doing millwright field service now and I still keep that saw on the truck because you never know when you’ll need to build forms or cut fiberglass panels or aluminum. As always great advice from this channel, gotta love it.

[@JayKayKay7]

It always made me sad when I went into Pawn Shops and guys had pawned their tools because the economy tanked. I thought that was terrible that it had come to that for some.

[@doctwiggenberry5324]

It is a great saw

[@darelldd]

Thanks for this ode to the Skill Saw! The Xerox of saws.... When I began as a carpenter, I was required to supply my own saw, hammer, tool belt, and the basic goodies that populate the belt. The single most expensive item was going to be the saw. And I already knew it would be a worm-drive Skill Saw, because that was the only saw that everybody else on the team was using. The Mag77 had just arrived on the scene, and it was a few pounds lighter, and a large percentage higher cost. I asked my then fiancé (now wife of 25 years!) if it was worth the money to save just a bit of weight. She asked me how many times I would lift it each day. And when I said over 100, she said it was worth it. All these years later, I literally just went and thanked her today. I've owned a lot of saws in various configurations. This is the one that can do it all, and has never failed me. Note here that the other guys on the team made fun of me for being such a sissy, and not enough of a man to carry a saw made of real metal. Those guys are now riding carbon fiber bikes, so whatever. Sadly, I'm about to part with my wonderful tool. Cleaning it up to sell... which is actually what brought me to this video! Even this "light" tool from all those years back weighs in at almost exactly 15 pounds. I'm old and arthritic, and can no longer use it one-handed, and can barely used it two-handed. I've had to opt for a much lighter, less powerful and far more plastic saw just so I can continue with a few light-weight projects. It is what it is. I loved using that saw, and today while I was cleaning it up, it brought back a flood of memories. I've gone through a lot of hammers and chisels and speed squares. This is the only tool that's just as useful (to a young strong guy!) today as it was when I purchased it. Thanks again for a touching video in honor of such a great tool.

[@kennethamend8557]

I just picked up a used Craftsman Worm drive from the local pawn shop. This things was in great condition, I came home checked and changed the oil...the only thing was it came with a diamond concrete blade and the bolt holding the blade is stripped pretty bad. I cannot lie!! Having a very hard time getting this thing off. I just purchased my first home and I plan on cutting my own baseboards out of MDF...this saw with the right blade is perfect.

[@derekrosecrans1361]

Man, I love that saw. That is the same model I learned to cut with. I remember when the mag 77 came out my dad was disgusted with it and said it had to much plastic and wasn't built like his old skill saw. Eventually he gave in, 😀

[@johnpaparella7345]

I've had mine for twenty plus years and really only for cutting in ridge vent and other similar "heavier and thicker" applications. I don't use a thin kerfed blade but a nail "cutting" 12 tooth negative angle blade and it's a monster for the thick material.

[@JS-DeepStar]

Still using my 30+ year old HD77, the 75th anniversary edition which is gold with a black handle. Runs like it did when I first bought as a kid doing my first framing job. Great advice EC, I'll keep watching...

[@Hazmatt4700]

That saw brings back a lot of good memories. My dad ran both the metal handle and plastic handle. Watched him get shocked by the metal one of few times. They where really good saws.

[@joeyride58]

I've got 2 and and have had 3 at one point... The best 👌

[@johndean4120]

I bought this saw based on your previous circular saw videos and I'm glad I did. God bless, and keep up the great content.

[@MrGamepants]

Great video. I could almost if I absolutely needed to get away with the 5-6 tools I carry in my belt and my skil saw. They're just the most versatile saws and when used correctly and creatively they can be extremely productive. I picked up my first mag 77 around 15-16 years ago when I was 14 or 15 and haven't looked back. My first one has seen some pretty good falls and abuse and is still running well. I believe all I've had to do over the years is replace a cord on it, try to flatten the table back out a few times, and I think I changed the oil in it maybe twice. I a few years back just replaced it because of the table being a bit off and to have a nice shiny one. The old saw still makes it out when we need another. I love my wormdrive saws. I started pretty young running a sidewinder, my dads always run sidewinders for the most part for the 40+ years hes been in construction and loves them and is very good with one. For me the blade left vs blade right thing never really bothered me. If you run either long enough you learn how to use it comfortably. For me the mag 77 just felt well balanced, intuitive, and just comfortable in my hand. A circular saw is definitely one tool I couldn't imagine going without.

[@30smsuperstrat]

Took your advice and found one that was clean for $25. Thanks for the video.

[@christopherstein106]

Very well said. This is the saw that I was raised on since 1989 as a residential carpenter and it is the saw that built America. It has been used by residential, commercial, and heavy commercial carpenters and they are the most durable saws on the market. I agree that the model 77 are way better than the magnesium garbage that can kick back on you. Also, I am not fond of the new red coloring and the fact that Bosch now owns Skil.

[@stearman]

I’ve got one of those and have used it since the late 70’s, same saw. I replaced the cord about 10 years ago. Still going strong after framing thousands of houses from Kentucky to Florida.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Exactly!

[@ciceromobster]

I have my old skill saw. It was a gift. And it still runs like a champ

[@derpyy4577]

I bought first skilsaw because of you. It’s a 6 1/4 blade and it’s old. Had some saw dust junked up in it. But for 40 bucks it was a steal. I don’t regret one penny spent on it. It will be with me for a long time. Thank you thank you very much

[@josephmarquardt2107]

Skil should send you a gift certificate for the shout out. These just jumped in value due to this video. good luck finding one in a couple qeeks for less than $80 Scott is on the money. cheers.

[@jontheroofer1968]

That saw is a beautiful thing. One day they will be collectors items I bet. I still use that same exact hd77. If you want a real skill saw you have to buy used now. If you want a Chinese knockoff go ahead and buy a new one. Not that I'm biased for American-made tools or anything :-)

[@imout671]

My old worm drive skill saw was a hand me down and I've had it 25 years. The best thing to me is that you can easily see the blade and exactly what your cutting.

[@theconstable6296]

@Russell's home repair-Replying 2 year later-Agree with you 100%. I have been using mine for 26 years now. Wouldn't use anything else. Put it through hell and it has NEVER failed me.

[@riverrat1149]

I still use an old 77 on the ground. Used to be a badge of honor to be able to hold them out at arm's length. Roof framers did all day.Nothing beats hard earned man muscle.

[@coltermcinnes4570]

Working for a huge general doing formwork on big projects, these are the only saws on sight. Worth every penny

[@dannyl2598]

I love heavy duty old school anything. I am proud to say I own one, actually two, I bought them from a retired contractor. One was used for wood only and had a carbide blade and the other a dimond blade and cement dust right where you said it would be. Still going through. Thanks for the sage advice.

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

My dad had one just found it digging out a garage I just replaced the blade wow it’s a worm drive skil circular saw it is a monster of a tool I use all batteries circular saws and most tools are in China now glad I got one and it is made in the USA

[@billbeckett1021]

I have both the HD77 and a Mag77. For some reason I always gravitate to the Gray handle especially when cutting stringers. I seem to get less torque twist and get better cuts. No better saw for cutting into existing roof sheathing either!

[@TheBigjake04]

I still use my old skill saw. Identical to that one. Great vid.

[@beanfresquez7970]

hey brother, i love your vids. after a year of watching you inspired me to quit my job at dairy queen and i found a constuction job at 16. four months later im still here and i love my job, keep making videos!!

[@JayKayKay7]

I used SkilSaws when I was framing in SoCal back in the 80's. I never understood consumer saws with the blade on the right for a right handed worker. We use to block the guards up all the time, felt it was better to not fight the guard and just keep track of the spinning blade of doom. I had one crawl up my jeans once. Clicking off when finishing a cut is a great tip you gave in an earlier video. Safer and quicker. That and a sharp blade were key. Ripping was dangerous. Old carpenter told me early on, "Day you lose respect for your saw is the day you should unplug it and sit down." Still got all my fingers, so far.

[@kengamble8595]

There is a reason why you hear so many stories about having, and using these saws for lengthy periods of time........... they do the job ! 😊 Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@josephlahood4647]

Finishing up my modrl 67 vintage blue label mid 1940s. Box case too with decals appropriate. Gifting to my brother and excellent wood craftsman. I think he'll appreciate it. I have a couple Sidewinders I use. But this one's special

[@vawterb]

Absolutely! I love mine given to me by my wife! Don't remember how many years ago. I'm not a pro but I appreciate a good tool and this is one of the best.

[@Jasonandsonsgarage]

Great saw. I picked one up for $25 because it needed a new cord. Fixed that up quick.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Right on!

[@jameshuggins4300]

I'm a little late on this one but I've had mine for over 20years finally replaced the cord with a much longer one . IE learned that on this channel. Still running great. Probably use it for another 20 years. Don't contract anymore. As far as the sidewinder is concerned I taught myself to be ambidextrous a long time ago so I just use it left handed.

[@1pcfred]

That's funny. I'm left handed and I taught myself to use sidewinders right handed. I have a left handed sidewinder now and using it left handed just feels wrong.

[@geraldtrice4894]

I bought one a couple of months ago for $15.00 at a yard sale. Needed a new blade and power cord. Works great but was surprised at its weight. Didn't take but a few cuts and the weight became the new normal.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Once you go worm drive , you'll never go back.

[@fordilac]

Not only a great tool lesson but a GREAT life in general lesson. Thank you my friend.

[@chancebralley5613]

Still loving your videos. Always get a chuckle at something you say. God Bless you my friend that I have never met

[@keithcronk7980]

I HAVE THAT SAW SHE IS A BEAST WORK WITH HER ALL DAY AND SHE WILL BUILD UP URE ARMS. GREAT SAWS . GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU FOR SHOWING HER BROTHER TOOLS & MEN LIKE THAT BUILT AMERICAN.

[@benchippy8039]

I bought a makita 18v circular saw and have hardly used a corded since

[@hmsiegel79]

Just found one on CL. Going to pick it up in an hour or two. I call that serendipitous that this video was released.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Just be prepared for the torque when you pull the trigger. Use two hands on the saw until you get used to it and change the oil right away.

[@hmsiegel79]

Thanks for the tips.

[@rightlanehog3151]

HS, Happy cutting! Skil's own brand of worm drive lube is readily available. It only takes 10 minutes to complete the job and there are several videos on KZbin that will cover it. Remember to work with (not against) the weight of the saw, you will find they have a very steady and natural balance once you get used to them.

[@hmsiegel79]

Thanks. The one I bought needed a little bit of work. Bought a new power cord, handle, bushings and foot plate. Drained the oil, which was as black as midnight. Almost finished with my work on it. It worked fine when I tested it, so I'm assuming that it will work like a dream after the work.

[@rightlanehog3151]

You just about rebuilt the thing and as you have already discovered, replacement parts are readily available. After about 5 minutes of adjusting you will discover how natural it feels to use a worm drive saw. BTW despite what you see on most KZbin 'expert' videos, there is actually no law against using clamps and sawhorses when cutting wood.

[@jguimbellot]

I picked up a SHD 77 last weekend here in Houston, Texas for a whopping $40. I msg'd the guy about 8 mins after he listed it and within two hours I had it in my hands. I also picked up a Porter Cable 305 Belt Sander while I was at his place. I didn't know much about the sander, but it was oil lubricated and felt like a steam engine. Grand total of a $100 bill for both. I look forward to getting acquainted with both soon.

[@kato2531]

Always sound advise ... Not just about tools and construction but also about life in general . Thank you very much.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Possibly my favorite tool in the garage. With a really good blade it’s unstoppable.

[@cailrobbins]

Just bought a mag 77 last week at a pawn shop here in Louisiana for $60. It's a beat up but working good. My first time using a worm drive and I love it. Thanks for all the great advise! Your videos have been very helpful to me

[@doctwiggenberry5324]

I will not sell mine for $60.00

[@sefaucon3839]

Hi Scott , today it is July 4/2018 and i recieved and bought the Skillsaw magnisium SPT77 mw Man what a nice saw , i never had a quality toll like that at my age .I am hold right now but i managed to find a gather some money to buy this thing.What a nice quality machine , i am full of joy just to look at it and work with it .Base on your advise , i shouled have that 40 years ago , but never to late .This gona last me for the rest of my life.Althoug the price is not 75$ like mentionned in your video ( us ) , more than that in Canada. The quality. Man !!! In the packing ,hadling , material , operation its amazing Just wanted to let you know , i got it , !!!! Your good experience advise and also you time spend on this video is a big value to me and i have learned a lot from you Thanks Scott Serge ( from Mtl )

[@nultari1]

I was at the flea market the other day and I saw a craftsman circular saw that was primarily metal, clearly from the 80s. I have a skil saw 5250 that I inherited from my uncle who was a Romanian tile guy.

[@marksteele45]

I've had 2 Dewalt saws for 10+ years with a plastic foot, and electric brake. They're light, and the foot never bends. When I bought the first one I was afraid the foot might break. Then I realized they not only don't break, but they don't bend either!

[@Sam-nl6fr]

Love it...pearls of wisdom. You are very articulate

[@jameslucas6589]

I totally agree with every word you say. I had a wonderful skil worm drive, all metal, and one hell of a work horse til of course it was stolen. Another product of our society, thievery. But the old Milwaukee hole hawgs and Sawsalls, the Skil saws built America after WWII. Yes Porter Cable has good/ excellent tools, but in truth, it was Skil. It’s too bad though, Skil seemed to only build one tool really well. Their other tools were okay. But only the worm drives were superior to all others. The heavy duty multi-blade Skil saws were also great. Most carpenters are not aware of these as they no longer make them. But the could let in a 4x4 or bird mouth a 4x6 with little effort. One hell of a saw. If you have one you never get rid of it, you have the motor rewound and scavenge for repair parts. Like the Porter Cable 503 sander. You have to buy old ones and rob them of parts to keep them going. Porter Cable stop making those as well. They lasted too long, better turn around with Chino tooling. Pressed steel composite far out pays the machined forged gears any day. Accounting is far happier. And that’s what good tools are about. Making accounting happy. Make American accounting great again. Now we can go to the North Koreans to get our tools soon. I see money flowing in accounting.

[@thomasgreen8532]

I have a saw just like that one. I have owned it since it was new more than 25 years, it is my go to saw.

[@MitchellSmith]

Just won a bid on an older Sears/Craftsman version of one of these on eBay. It's clearly just an HD77 with a Craftsman logo on it. I'm super excited and I actually like the uniqueness of it being badged a Craftsman, don't see a lot of those. I've watched all your Skilsaw videos and can't wait to get my hands on this one and have it for the rest of my life (I'm just an occasional user and would prefer to rebuild an older USA made one than buy a new one). Also, I had the seller perform the test you detail here to check the table, so thanks for the handy tip!

[@bmay8818]

I gave my old 77 HD to someone and got a mag saw because I need to lessen the contribution from tools to my back problems. It is slightly less well made but the weight savings are worth it. Still, the old ones are very good, and if it wasn't for the weight, I'd still have mine.

[@zeedevil4409]

Love it as an avid collector of great tools it’s nice to hear such a refreshing view.

[@TheKurtTribute]

Funny, I just bought a scroll saw from a guy on Facebook, was literally just checking his Facebook to see if he had more things listed as he is clearing out his shop, and what did he have? An aluminum SHD77 just like yours!!! About five minutes later I opened KZbin and saw your video, pretty neat!

[@johnpetrie7615]

I have the MD77 although a 13 amp it has got me through a lot of cuts and doesn't give up. Just recently it sounded different and it was time to change the oil. Put some 80-90 Klotz gear oil in and it sounds like new. Thanks for reviewing and showing people the truth.

[@cjmiller1871]

The tables can be replaced and cost $20 to $25 online. Love your content

[@curtwhite876]

I really appreciate the honesty and sincerity in this video. Good stuff. This channel is gold.

[@daviemaclean61]

Well said. I have a few newer tools, but I still have ones I bought over 30 years ago. They were decent then and they still work now.

[@MrJustliketht]

I'm 28 years old. I moved to Toronto maybe 4 years ago and I realized almost every framer had this saw. They didnt own the magnesium ones because they told me they were lighter(positive) but they weren't durable. I went out and bought a heavy skilsaw and even though they now use battery charged wormdrives... I still feel confident in keeping my skilsaw. It is the best tool I've bought hands down and I will keep it until I see the batteries last a whole day from ripping or straight cuts.

[@rightlanehog3151]

They used to make Skil worm drive saws in Toronto. The Canadian models were called the 77c and 87c but production stopped around 1990. The factory was one of the many casualties of the original Canada USA Free Trade deal.

[@wildbill23c]

Great video as always. I do not have a Skil Worm Drive, just a couple sidewinders...Craftsman branded and I believe the cases on them are steel, they're heavy, probably model No 315.27802 or very similar from the 1960's. Both still work, one is missing the blade nut and washer, but I'm sure if I look around the ole internet I could find one or several or even another complete saw. One of them grandpa bought new the other one I bought at a yard sale for $5 because the blade nut and washer are missing...kind of not very useful without those parts...but the motor works fine, no odd noises, and I pulled the blade and blade nut off my saw just to test it to be sure, works just fine so its a great spare. I still want a Skil Worm drive, maybe some day but I don't do enough of that type of work to really warrant the purchase.

[@rightlanehog3151]

WT, While it is certainly nice to use a family heirloom for your projects, you can also buy a second hand worm drive saw at a very sensible price so you won't feel guilty about spending too much money.

[@wildbill23c]

I know that, but haven't needed a circular saw for quite a while now and its not like that old saw is the only one I have, I've got a newer Craftsman circular saw and a Skil Sidewinder saw both of which get most of the use...both the old 60's saws just sit out in the shop most of the time anymore. Grandpa said he bought the saw in 1958, I doubt these newer saws will still be working in 60 years...maybe a Skil Worm drive yes, but these cheap ones you pickup at the local hardware stores for $50 most likely won't HAHA!! I need to find the nut/washer assembly and at least get that other saw put together completely and toss it up on the shelf with the other one.

[@rdkdjarfur]

I am from the Nederlands we dont use skilsaws but we have the same love for our makita sidewinders.

[@darthslipknot91]

I have the newer Mag77 and I absolutely love it. I use my cordless saw more often than not for the convenience and productivity but I have a fondness for the old school and wouldn't mind using the older one if I could.

[@thebuchanans2002]

i had a regular Milwaukee circular saw for years and still have it. i searched many of pawn shops and found a "made in USA" wormdrive skill saw.. there is no comparison. the best saw 5:1. it is heavy but will last forever.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Yes!

[@christophersines8238]

I have one of these that was handed down to me from my father. It is a workhorse.

[@rightlanehog3151]

More evidence that they were made to last decades. BTW change the oil.

[@kevincolwell9575]

I love your videos. I used to work building plank fences for horse ranches or carrying boards for people like yourself who knew how to build things. Now I make swords, and I am getting pretty good at it. I grew up on a farm in Texas, and I learned the importance of hard work and self-reliance early. Your channel always makes me happy. I love the philosophy in general, and the family, and also the specific information. Taking pride in being a craftsman is such an amazing thing, and we need more people to do it (though my real profession is Clinical and Forensic Psychology). Can't feed the family and buy insurance just making swords. I can't. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. Oh, and paint the inside surface of the legs on that table :)

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Old tools are the best in my opinion but sometimes they don't have the safety features of the new.. But hey I'm probably bias being a blacksmith and all lol. Keep up the great content I enjoy everyone! God bless

[@johnpossum556]

You really *want* to have to put your thumb down in some uncomfortable position so your trigger finger can pull just to get the damn saw to turn on? *You* can have today's safety features! PITRA!

[@TheMyeloman]

“Safety features” only make tools more accessible to those without common sense.

[@aserta]

Without intention of being mean in this comment, to heck with all those safety features. I disable nearly all of them unless they provide a heavy argument towards existing like those saws that use galvanic reaction to retract the blade. Safety features are a disaster of modern thinking that allow those who shouldn't touch tools to touch them with the thinking "oh, the box safe it's 70% safer". There's an order of learning things and this so called safety has done nothing but bad things for it.

[@scruffy6151]

Myeloman. So true the ones that tend to get hurt looking at skill saw