There are few power tools that create as much of a divide in user preference as the worm drive circular saw. With a large motor and added gearing these saws are without question the most powerful type of circular saw you can get. Of course that extra hardware also makes the worm drive several lbs heavier than a standard direct drive circular saw. Some framers and rough carpenters actually prefer the added weight to help make the cut or at least are so used to the weight and balance it’s become their preference. The new MAG77 SKILSAW SHD77M-02 ($199) aims to close the gap by reducing the weight by a full 3 lbs from their previous SHD77 model all without sacrificing any of the power you may expect from a worm drive.
The SKILSAW of course was the originator of the handheld circular saw and today continues to be one of the most popular circular saws. This new MAG77 shares many of the features of the new MAG77LT ($199) including the 53 degree bevel (up from 51.5), 6 function wrench integrated into foot and same deep cut capacity of 2-3/8” at 90 and 1-15/16” at 45. The only difference we could tell between these two flagship saws was that the LT model is .95lbs lighter, features rubber molded handles and may fetch a slightly higher price depending on where you shop.
You will also find many similarities between this new SKILSAW and the new Bosch Worm Drive CSW41 ($219) which should not be surprising because these two are both Bosch companies. There are however a few differences including the Bosch weights .75lbs more than the new MAG77 and is 1.25” longer as well as 1.75” taller (according to the stats from their respective websites). The Bosch also features rubber molded handles similar to the MAG77LT.
In actual weight the stats are all figured without the blade or cord. Set up as we used it, with the blade and of course the cord the SHD77M-02 comes in at 13.95 lbs. The color scheme of saw also works out to be very functional as the black on white bevel gauge is very easy to read. Rafter hook and solid depth stop really round out this saw as a high quality production that lives up to its heritage.
Perhaps it’s because we are from the Midwest or dad taught us on a standard circular saw but we have not had much experience previously with a worm drive style circular saw. While it did feel heavier the power gain is far more impressive we also liked the longer design which spreads out your hands and feels easier to make longer precision cuts through thicker material.
This Skil Saw would make a great Father’s Day gift for dad (coming up this Sunday) however if you think you might want to keep it for yourself, your friends at Coptool.com will be giving one away next Friday, June 20th! Simply enter to win it on our Facebook Page and check back next Friday to see if you’ve won.
