SKILSAW has been in the business of making power tools since 1924.For this reason, we find it being an ideal company to see what type of circular saws it makes right now.
With such an experience, we expect it to have some of the best models. For comparison purposes, we will look at the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 and SPTWML-22 saws.
These saws have comparable features that might sometimes confuse a user looking to choose the best between them.
With our review, you can make up your mind knowing the best model between the two.
The SPT77WML-01 model is designed to be great for framing, renovation purposes, and demolition applications. It is thus a great tool for any contractor out there.
The SPT77WML-22 model is for both professionals and hobbyists alike. This is because the unit delivers on the best accuracy, stability, and smoothness.
The SPT77WML-01 unit is common with contractors who have multiple projects to handle. You will find them using it for framing, demolition, and many other projects. Below are the reasons that make the unit popular among such professionals.
The Motor
This unit boasts of more power thanks to having a heavy duty motor. The 15-amp motor can deliver a speed of 5,300RPM, which helps with cutting through the different materials with ease. You can easily cut through hardwood and even plywood without much of a struggle.
The dual copper windings help to keep the motor cool even if you have to use it for hours. Sometimes depending on a project, you might have to keep working with the same saw for hours. Since it is not likely to overheat, it should be an ideal tool for you.
The way a circular saw feels in the hand can affect how you can easily use it. For this one, it comes with a hard-plastic hand grip with parts covered in rubber. The rubber will reduce some of the vibrations generated by the unit. With a pair of gloves, you should be good to keep working.
The main material used to make the saw is magnesium. We all know that magnesium is lightweight. This translates to having a lightweight model to work with each time you go through a workpiece. Such a material is also good for boosting the overall durability of the unit.
Maneuverability
One thing that stands out for the unit should be that it is easily maneuverable. This is because it feels comfortable in the hand, making it easier to control the unit. Also, it features the best bevel capacity of up to 53 degrees. With stops at 0 and 45 degrees, you can make the quick cuts if the need arises.
Safety
You will like the unit for having a high level of security. You will find that it is lightweight and there is also a blade guard. This ensures that you never have to worry about kickbacks. You should also take precautions by wearing the right protective equipment.
What We Like
It is a lightweight unit
The dual copper windings prevent overheating
It is a highly versatile unit
What We Don’t Like
The vibrations from the plastic handle can be annoying
The Solution: To solve this problem, consider wearing gloves. The gloves might not eliminate all the vibrations, but you will feel comfortable enough to keep working.
The SPT77WML-22 unit might have a simple design, but that does not mean it will not work great. You are likely to find it being the best tool for the money to handle the tough lumber jobs. Below are its top features.
When we look at the design, it looks like any other circular saw. However, when you get into the details, you should find that it is built to last for longer. The magnesium material used in making the shoe and other parts of the unit stand out for durability. This magnesium material also stands out for being sturdy and lightweight. These are two important features that you always like to have in a circular saw.
Grip
The hand grip on this unit is designed to fit in the hand better as compared to some competitor units. Also, it is partially covered in rubber. The aim of using rubber is to reduce the amount of vibrations. The result is that you have a better hand grip. You should consider getting yourself some work gloves to keep the vibrations low.
Blade
The model is shipped with a full-size blade of 7.25 inches in diameter. With such a blade in terms of size, you should find it being ideal to handle any thick wood workpieces you have to cut through. Also, the blade has up to 24 teeth and carbide tips. This number of teeth helps with achieving clean cuts all the time.
Adjustments
To make it better, the unit comes with the cut-ready system. This type of system allows you to make fine adjustments to the saw and make it more accurate and consistent in the cuts. There is also the anti-snag guard. It is important to maintain the overall smoothness of the operation.
What We Like
The unit is simple to use
Comes with dual copper windings
The model is accurate when making cuts
What We Don’t Like
Some units are shipped without oil
The Solution: Always check to see if the unit is shipped with oil in the box. If the oil is missing, ensure that you fill it with the right oil type for the circular saw. Running the saw without oil can damage some of the parts.
Both units are good in terms of versatility. Their various features make the units great for multiple projects a contractor might have. We find that they both have the powerful 15-amp motor. This type of motor can deliver the right power for cutting the thick workpieces. Also, the motor has the dual copper winding. This type of winding is good for ensuring you end up with a cooler motor even if you keep using it for long sessions.
We have to settle for the SPT77WML-01 model as the best between the two. This is because the unit is cheaper than the SPT77WML-22 model and both have the same performance features. As such, it has the best price-to-performance ratio. It is also lighter, making it ideal for portability.
Final Thoughts
Both models have almost the same features with a few subtle differences. If you are a contractor, choosing either model should help you get your job done.
These units have the same performance capabilities, meaning they will work great to deal with any lumber jobs you might have to handle. Get yourself work gloves when using either model as they tend to have a lot of vibrations. The gloves keep the vibrations to a minimum.
