Does anybody know the reason why (at least all the ones I've seen including my own) corded saws seem to all have the blade on the right of the sole plate and cordless have the blade on the left?
OT - Woodworking handheld circular saws
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Originally posted by DickDastardly40Does anybody know the reason why (at least all the ones I've seen including my own) corded saws seem to all have the blade on the right of the sole plate and cordless have the blade on the left?
Do some US corded saws have blades on the left?
Tim
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I think most (but not all) corded saws use a right hand blade because they're used largely for crosscutting and deck trimming, and for this, it's handy to have the motor side, and the larger base, resting on the work. Crosscutting with a left-bladed saw requires more strength and control. I have both types, including a couple of worm drive Skilsaws with left blades, and it's hard to get a nice clean crosscut, though it is possible with practice.
A right bladed saw is also a bit more convenient for a right-handed user for trimming sheathing, roof decking etc., in place, again because if you hold it in your right hand, it's easier when the base is resting on the deck with the waste falling off on the right.
A left bladed saw is much nicer to use when trimming plywood if you're next to the panel instead of on top of it, because you then have the base to the right, and can see the blade. The little cordless saws are better for panels than for general lumber cutting, so it makes sense to have a left blade. It's also very nice for plunge cuts because of blade visibility.
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I'm left handed and bought the left hand Porter-Cable saw. After using it the first few times, I decided I really liked the right hand version better. But the difference wasn't enough to make me want to take it back and swap it out, which I probably could have (at Lowes or HD, wherever I bought it).
I guess I'd just gotten accustomed to the RH way of cutting, even though I'm not what you'd call a frequent user.
Over a lifetime, we lefties pretty much become adapted to the RH world.Lynn (Huntsville, AL)
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All the manufacturers of pro grade saws make both righties and lefties.
Milwaukee- with both right blade and left blade-
Makita- again, both-
Bosch- both-
Bosch Power Tools – Trade/Industry. The professional blue power tools from Bosch are engineered for excellence – meeting the highest standards in speed, precision and robustness for great, professional work results.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
It may be that the cheapest saws, sold by the big box stores, are only right blade machines. And it is probably true that common hardware stores or Home Depot dont order a big selection- but if you go to a real industrial tool supplier, you have multiple models of both handed saws to choose from, and that has been true for decades.
Out here in the West, most framers have been using worm drives for 50 years or so, and they have always been mostly made in left blades, for right handed people.
Skil basically invented the worm drive, and they have always been made for right handers.
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Yep, the worm drive is the best. Not only is the blade right in front of your face, and you can see what you're doing without having to look like you're craning your neck, but the weight of the saw is right in line with the cut, not a side pressure/twisting thing.
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Originally posted by RiesAll the manufacturers of pro grade saws make both righties and lefties.
Milwaukee- with both right blade and left blade-
Makita- again, both-
Bosch- both-
Bosch Power Tools – Trade/Industry. The professional blue power tools from Bosch are engineered for excellence – meeting the highest standards in speed, precision and robustness for great, professional work results.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
It may be that the cheapest saws, sold by the big box stores, are only right blade machines. And it is probably true that common hardware stores or Home Depot dont order a big selection- but if you go to a real industrial tool supplier, you have multiple models of both handed saws to choose from, and that has been true for decades.
Out here in the West, most framers have been using worm drives for 50 years or so, and they have always been mostly made in left blades, for right handed people.
Skil basically invented the worm drive, and they have always been made for right handers.
I've never seen a portable corded saw in the UK with the blade on the left.
Tim
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To add to Bruto's comments . . . There are two conflicting objectives with a handheld saw. First, to be able to easily see the blade and cut line. Second, to be able to manage the weight (usually better if the saw is resting on the uncut piece).
A cordless saw is light enough that being able to easily see the blade seems to get priority.
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Originally posted by TimleechIt seems to be more of a USA thing, a quick look at the Makita UK site suggests that all their corded saws sold here have RH blades, some of the cordless ones are available with either hand.
I've never seen a portable corded saw in the UK with the blade on the left.
Tim
Buy Product not found at Argos. Thousands of products for same day delivery, or fast store collection.
all the best.markj
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Years back i worked framing houses for a bit, then built two of my own, all with worm drive saws, i love them . I'm right handed and find the worm drive saws nice and comfortable to use, and they usually are a 15 amp powerfull saw.
It just all depends on what one gets used to using, in my area very few framers ever use a right hand drive saw.
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