Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel

**KentWhitten** · 06-04-2009, 05:52 AM

I have had it with this saw. I bought a Skil many, many years ago, the heavy one. This was prior to the Mag series. It was a tank. It did all the heavy stuff. It loved abuse.

Then came the mag. Booyah, loved it. That was until one of my guys dropped it down a stairwell opening.

So, this would be my third purchase of a worm drive, the first one since moving back to Maine. I go to Western Tool (which BTW, I found out yesterday that WT is bankrupt. 20% off everything)

I buy another Mag. Love it. Then a kickback. A somewhat normal occurrence. It happens, especially with the spruce around here. Well, it warps or bends the gears inside and now the saw is useless. Wobbles like mad, grinding noise, etc. Take it back since it's new.

Saw 2. Kickback, same deal. Saw 3.....you get the point (this is over a few months just so you don't think I'm doing this on a minute by minute basis.)

By now, I'm telling the guy at Western Tool, WTF is up with the saw? He doesn't know or care. He hands me the Bosch version, says try it out. It's fine and dandy. Have been using it (carefully) for a year or so. Yesterday.....saw 5.

I swear ever since Bosch purchased the company, it's gone to ****. This is not abuse. I've done much worse to my previous saws without any troubles. I've actually had more trouble with Bosch tools than any other. I can't believe it's bad luck or abuse any more.

I'm going Ridgid. Just a sad day for me. I give up.

MALCO.New.York · 06-04-2009, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by framerman

I have had it with this saw. I bought a Skil many, many years ago, the heavy one. This was prior to the Mag series. It was a tank. It did all the heavy stuff. It loved abuse.

Then came the mag. Booyah, loved it. That was until one of my guys dropped it down a stairwell opening.

So, this would be my third purchase of a worm drive, the first one since moving back to Maine. I go to Western Tool (which BTW, I found out yesterday that WT is bankrupt. 20% off everything)

I buy another Mag. Love it. Then a kickback. A somewhat normal occurrence. It happens, especially with the spruce around here. Well, it warps or bends the gears inside and now the saw is useless. Wobbles like mad, grinding noise, etc. Take it back since it's new.

Saw 2. Kickback, same deal. Saw 3.....you get the point (this is over a few months just so you don't think I'm doing this on a minute by minute basis.)

By now, I'm telling the guy at Western Tool, WTF is up with the saw? He doesn't know or care. He hands me the Bosch version, says try it out. It's fine and dandy. Have been using it (carefully) for a year or so. Yesterday.....saw 5.

I swear ever since Bosch purchased the company, it's gone to ****. This is not abuse. I've done much worse to my previous saws without any troubles. I've actually had more trouble with Bosch tools than any other. I can't believe it's bad luck or abuse any more.

I'm going Ridgid. Just a sad day for me. I give up.

Please keep us posted. I am a big fan of the RIDGID tools that I have (all cordless and the Top of the Line Vacuum).

POST SCRIPT: Sorry for your problems and consternation.

**loneframer** · 06-04-2009, 06:23 AM

A sad day for me too. I guess I'll try to baby the 4 Skilsaws I have that are the old HD77s. Although the Ridgids do look nice.

knucklehead · 06-04-2009, 09:04 AM

I got a ridgid and it has been a good saw,what I don't like is you have to order the parts, even a cord . Make sure to keep the paperwork. The last couple of saws I have bought have been porter cable --left blade. much lighter for my tired old arms.

Inner10 · 06-04-2009, 09:06 AM

Doesn't surprise me that the Skill went downhill from when Bosch tookover, they lowered the quality and price so that their sales wouldn't cannibalize thoes of Bosch...but the Bosch dying!

I'm in Ontario Canada and I've heard numerous complaints from people about the level of bosch company support (even suppliers having trouble getting product); I deal more with the security side then the tool side and they are near usless (not even a rep in the city, closest is Montreal).

I was about to buy the bosch, but here at Ottawa Fastner Supply the price recently jumped up to $387CND! (special order only ofcourse) Makita was 220, Ridgid 220. I got the Millwaukee for 2 reasons 1. 5 Year Warrenty 2. Price $250. But I realize warrenties can be meaningless because if it breaks in the field I'm not going to leave and get it exchanged.

strathd · 06-04-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inner10

Doesn't surprise me that the Skill went downhill from when Bosch tookover, they lowered the quality and price so that their sales wouldn't cannibalize thoes of Bosch...but the Bosch dying!

I'm in Ontario Canada and I've heard numerous complaints from people about the level of bosch company support (even suppliers having trouble getting product); I deal more with the security side then the tool side and they are near usless (not even a rep in the city, closest is Montreal).

I was about to buy the bosch, but here at Ottawa Fastner Supply the price recently jumped up to $387CND! (special order only ofcourse) Makita was 220, Ridgid 220. I got the Millwaukee for 2 reasons 1. 5 Year Warrenty 2. Price $250. But I realize warrenties can be meaningless because if it breaks in the field I'm not going to leave and get it exchanged.

Thats high. Here a skill goes for $160. After reading this I might be going ridgid myself. I have 5 skills so hopefully it wont be anytime soon.

Timuhler · 06-04-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by framerman

I have had it with this saw. I bought a Skil many, many years ago, the heavy one. This was prior to the Mag series. It was a tank. It did all the heavy stuff. It loved abuse.

Then came the mag. Booyah, loved it. That was until one of my guys dropped it down a stairwell opening.

So, this would be my third purchase of a worm drive, the first one since moving back to Maine. I go to Western Tool (which BTW, I found out yesterday that WT is bankrupt. 20% off everything)

I buy another Mag. Love it. Then a kickback. A somewhat normal occurrence. It happens, especially with the spruce around here. Well, it warps or bends the gears inside and now the saw is useless. Wobbles like mad, grinding noise, etc. Take it back since it's new.

Saw 2. Kickback, same deal. Saw 3.....you get the point (this is over a few months just so you don't think I'm doing this on a minute by minute basis.)

By now, I'm telling the guy at Western Tool, WTF is up with the saw? He doesn't know or care. He hands me the Bosch version, says try it out. It's fine and dandy. Have been using it (carefully) for a year or so. Yesterday.....saw 5.

I swear ever since Bosch purchased the company, it's gone to ****. This is not abuse. I've done much worse to my previous saws without any troubles. I've actually had more trouble with Bosch tools than any other. I can't believe it's bad luck or abuse any more.

I'm going Ridgid. Just a sad day for me. I give up.

My Ridgid is 4 years old last month and is going strong. I replaced the baseplate last year for $25.

Another saw I like is this one http://makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tool....aspx?ID=24032

**KentWhitten** · 06-04-2009, 10:07 AM

I may try the Makita Hypoid. I like Makita tools. I know years ago someone had one framing next door. It had some good torque when you pulled the trigger which I didn't like so much. And the base was flimsy. This was over 10 years ago so I'm sure they have changed.

hughjazz · 06-04-2009, 10:31 AM

like I said in a previous post, Ridgid has been good for me.

*side note* I was building a deck for my dad, with my younger brother 2 weekends ago.

And the ridgid experienced the biggest kickback I've ever seen, ( not Me)

Basically shot the saw all the way back out of the 2x8. Thought my brother must have hurt his wrist!

Ayway the saw seems no worse for wear.

I used a ridgid recip saw last week for cutting out door sills, It felt pretty good too.

DrewD · 06-04-2009, 10:42 AM

Have you tried the Dewalt Hypoid? I find its more comfortable than the Skil, the front fore grip is a little akward at first.

**loneframer** · 06-04-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewD

Have you tried the Dewalt Hypoid? I find its more comfortable than the Skil, the front fore grip is a little akward at first.

I bought that saw when it first came out. I liked the saw after using it for awhile, but found it to be a bit cheesy in the durability area.

**Tinstaafl** · 06-04-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by framerman

I may try the Makita Hypoid. I like Makita tools.

I use a 20 year old Makita that's never let me down. Just ordered a new switch for it, because suddenly it doesn't always shut off when you let go of the trigger.

But I've been getting vibes that the brand in general isn't quite as good any more. If you get one, I'll be interested to hear how it does for you.

katoman · 06-04-2009, 08:17 PM

I guess I've been lucky. I bought two skillsaws in the early '70s and they are both going strong. Only have to replace brushes and sometimes a trigger. I do think they are stonger than the new ones. A friend of mine has a Milwakee and it seems like a good strong saw. Either one of my saws will run all day, no problem. Sometimes gets so hot I have to put on a leather glove, but they won't quit.

A W Smith · 06-04-2009, 09:18 PM

I bought a new Milwaukee worm drive the next Saturday after my old skill 77 was stolen back in 84. Was slower RPM than the 77 and a bit heavier. eventually i bought a Makita sidewinder and never looked back. Still have the Milwaukee worm drive but keep a nail cutting blade in it and only use it for cutting off roofs. Still works fine.

2ndGen · 06-05-2009, 01:11 PM

Good read...

http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...06&ac=ts&ra=fp

JumboJack · 06-05-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewD

Have you tried the Dewalt Hypoid? I find its more comfortable than the Skil, the front fore grip is a little akward at first.

+1..I love that saw.I have had the same one for over 7 years.Granted I am not a full time framer but I have used it a lot...Built in rafter hook it cool too.

john5mt · 06-06-2009, 10:16 AM

huh

ive been buying my skils used off of ebay

keep buying the old stuff

MattK · 06-06-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

I got a ridgid and it has been a good saw,what I don't like is you have to order the parts, even a cord . Make sure to keep the paperwork. The last couple of saws I have bought have been porter cable --left blade. much lighter for my tired old arms.

I love the lefty porter cables cutting right handed, even with the molded base they are still excellent saws and take alot of abuse.

Hate having to look around the motor because some saws have terrible sight lines.

mikec · 06-06-2009, 03:59 PM

Why get a worm drive at all? I have framed for years with Makita side winder, and beat the piss out them without an issue. I've cut 2x 12 jack rafters, LVL hips, you name it. A good blade, and stay on your line, and it cuts great. in 20 some odd years i've gone through 3 of them, and one of those was stolen, so i wore out one so far.

**KentWhitten** · 06-06-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikec

Why get a worm drive at all?

It's a preference. It sounds as if no one will talk you out of a sidewinder. No one is going to talk me out of a worm drive. I have both, but prefer the worm drive.

06-04-2009, 05:52 AM	#1
KentWhitten View Profile KentWhitten The Duke Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (10,105) Photos (11) Reviews (4) Projects (2) Toolbox (6) View All Activity The Duke Trade: Cabinet Maker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, Maine Posts: 10,105	Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel I have had it with this saw. I bought a Skil many, many years ago, the heavy one. This was prior to the Mag series. It was a tank. It did all the heavy stuff. It loved abuse. Then came the mag. Booyah, loved it. That was until one of my guys dropped it down a stairwell opening. So, this would be my third purchase of a worm drive, the first one since moving back to Maine. I go to Western Tool (which BTW, I found out yesterday that WT is bankrupt. 20% off everything) I buy another Mag. Love it. Then a kickback. A somewhat normal occurrence. It happens, especially with the spruce around here. Well, it warps or bends the gears inside and now the saw is useless. Wobbles like mad, grinding noise, etc. Take it back since it's new. Saw 2. Kickback, same deal. Saw 3.....you get the point (this is over a few months just so you don't think I'm doing this on a minute by minute basis.) By now, I'm telling the guy at Western Tool, WTF is up with the saw? He doesn't know or care. He hands me the Bosch version, says try it out. It's fine and dandy. Have been using it (carefully) for a year or so. Yesterday.....saw 5. I swear ever since Bosch purchased the company, it's gone to ***. This is not abuse. I've done much worse to my previous saws without any troubles. I've actually had more trouble with Bosch tools than any other. I can't believe it's bad luck or abuse any more. I'm going Ridgid. Just a sad day for me. I give up. __________________ If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu* Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine Salmon Falls Cabinetry

06-04-2009, 06:23 AM	#3
loneframer View Profile loneframer KemoSabe Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (12,829) Photos (90) Reviews (5) Projects (0) Toolbox (8) View All Activity KemoSabe Trade: residential framing/siding/general carpentry Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Vineland, New Jersey Posts: 12,829	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel A sad day for me too. I guess I'll try to baby the 4 Skilsaws I have that are the old HD77s. Although the Ridgids do look nice. __________________ __________________________________ "Walking the fine line between production and perfection" __________________________________

06-04-2009, 09:04 AM	#4
knucklehead View Profile knucklehead Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,931) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Framing,Remodeling,General Contractor Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kansas City Posts: 1,931	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel I got a ridgid and it has been a good saw,what I don't like is you have to order the parts, even a cord . Make sure to keep the paperwork. The last couple of saws I have bought have been porter cable --left blade. much lighter for my tired old arms.

06-04-2009, 09:06 AM	#5
Inner10 View Profile Inner10 Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (4,109) Photos (28) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Control Systems Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 4,109	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel Doesn't surprise me that the Skill went downhill from when Bosch tookover, they lowered the quality and price so that their sales wouldn't cannibalize thoes of Bosch...but the Bosch dying! I'm in Ontario Canada and I've heard numerous complaints from people about the level of bosch company support (even suppliers having trouble getting product); I deal more with the security side then the tool side and they are near usless (not even a rep in the city, closest is Montreal). I was about to buy the bosch, but here at Ottawa Fastner Supply the price recently jumped up to $387CND! (special order only ofcourse) Makita was 220, Ridgid 220. I got the Millwaukee for 2 reasons 1. 5 Year Warrenty 2. Price $250. But I realize warrenties can be meaningless because if it breaks in the field I'm not going to leave and get it exchanged.

06-04-2009, 10:07 AM	#8
KentWhitten View Profile KentWhitten The Duke Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (10,105) Photos (11) Reviews (4) Projects (2) Toolbox (6) View All Activity The Duke Trade: Cabinet Maker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, Maine Posts: 10,105	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel I may try the Makita Hypoid. I like Makita tools. I know years ago someone had one framing next door. It had some good torque when you pulled the trigger which I didn't like so much. And the base was flimsy. This was over 10 years ago so I'm sure they have changed. __________________ If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine Salmon Falls Cabinetry

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06-04-2009, 10:31 AM	#9
hughjazz View Profile hughjazz Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,725) Photos (0) Reviews (1) Projects (1) Toolbox (10) View All Activity Pro Trade: carpenter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Calgary Ab Canada Posts: 1,725	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel like I said in a previous post, Ridgid has been good for me. side note I was building a deck for my dad, with my younger brother 2 weekends ago. And the ridgid experienced the biggest kickback I've ever seen, ( not Me) Basically shot the saw all the way back out of the 2x8. Thought my brother must have hurt his wrist! Ayway the saw seems no worse for wear. I used a ridgid recip saw last week for cutting out door sills, It felt pretty good too.

06-04-2009, 10:42 AM	#10
DrewD View Profile DrewD Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (492) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Log Home Construction/College Student Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Hampshire Posts: 492	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel Have you tried the Dewalt Hypoid? I find its more comfortable than the Skil, the front fore grip is a little akward at first.

06-04-2009, 08:17 PM	#13
katoman View Profile katoman Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (4,730) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: carpenter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Kirkfield,Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,730	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel I guess I've been lucky. I bought two skillsaws in the early '70s and they are both going strong. Only have to replace brushes and sometimes a trigger. I do think they are stonger than the new ones. A friend of mine has a Milwakee and it seems like a good strong saw. Either one of my saws will run all day, no problem. Sometimes gets so hot I have to put on a leather glove, but they won't quit.

06-04-2009, 09:18 PM	#14
A W Smith View Profile A W Smith Al Smith Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (2,392) Photos (20) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Al Smith Trade: Home Improvement contractor since 1983, In building field since 1974, Licensed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South River NJ Posts: 2,392	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel I bought a new Milwaukee worm drive the next Saturday after my old skill 77 was stolen back in 84. Was slower RPM than the 77 and a bit heavier. eventually i bought a Makita sidewinder and never looked back. Still have the Milwaukee worm drive but keep a nail cutting blade in it and only use it for cutting off roofs. Still works fine. __________________ Al Smith http://www.awsmith.com

06-05-2009, 01:11 PM	#15
2ndGen View Profile 2ndGen Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (3,126) Photos (1) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Thoroughbred Roofer Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,126	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel Good read... http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...06&ac=ts&ra=fp __________________ "I've been up on the roof. I know what those guys go through. My whole life has been about making that profession respectable." Ken Hendricks www.SolutionsRoofing.com

06-06-2009, 10:16 AM	#17
john5mt View Profile john5mt Carpenter/Finisher Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (904) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Carpenter/Finisher Trade: Carpenter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Helena, Montana Posts: 904	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel huh ive been buying my skils used off of ebay keep buying the old stuff __________________ 1st Gen tradesman My summer job in college became my profession

06-06-2009, 03:59 PM	#19
mikec View Profile mikec Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (573) Photos (2) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: remodeling contractor Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 573	Re: Skil Worm Drive - Throwing In The Towel Why get a worm drive at all? I have framed for years with Makita side winder, and beat the piss out them without an issue. I've cut 2x 12 jack rafters, LVL hips, you name it. A good blade, and stay on your line, and it cuts great. in 20 some odd years i've gone through 3 of them, and one of those was stolen, so i wore out one so far.

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