SkilSaw Worm Drive: Tool Review

Here's the Skilsaw review we have been promising for 2 years!

Enjoy EC? Join Essential Craftsman Academy!
This is the best way to support Essential Craftsman and you get a LOT of perks as a bonus!

Did you know we have a podcast?

If you are going to hire a contractor for a big project PLEASE read our ebook first!

Amazon Affiliate Links:

Video Equipment and Misc.

Learn more about Essential Craftsman

Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[JS-DeepStar]

I remember showing up at my first job site with my Model #77 Anniversary Edition gold and black Skilsaw and all the guys giving me a ration of hell with my pretty little saw. I was 19 years old and now I am 58. That saw has been on every framing job I have ever been on and still runs perfect after cutting tens of thousands of feet of lumber. I even looked at the Mag 77 several times but Im just a old fart who loves my old friends....Love this channel like I love my saw.

[stoof]

Me: *cuts a couple sheets of plywood* "good test run"
Essential craftsman: *frames a whole house* "haven't run it long but had a good test run"

[bobvilla]

Young’s modulus is a measure of elasticity within an object. Mu is what you’re thinking of. Love the videos.

[ekoukano]

Hey just wanted to thank you for everything you're doing. You're on the very short list of Youtube channels that seems to actually want to show people interesting things with real facts and real-world experience instead of marketing wank and mumbo jumbo.

I got into carpentry after watching this channel - the level of skill and passion you bring to your work is evident in the way you speak and present yourself. Much love from Canada!

[clem]

I ran an old Craftsman $60 special for years until I ordered this saw yesterday. I'd always wanted to try a worm drive out and my friends finally convinced me to get one. Can't wait to see how it goes. I follow this channel because his advice is backed with experience and i don't like to waste money on tools. Great Video.

[thehilltopworkshop]

People are naturally resistant to change. Be it a saw, a job, a house, a dog, or a partner.

Change is mostly inevitable. How we adjust, and LEARN to adjust better as the years go by, is where change can bring out the best in us.

Great vid, Scott. As usual, so much more than just the practical knowledge.

When I tell people about your channel, I describe you as everyone's cool uncle/grandfather who has taken the internet under his wing and passes down old school knowledge in a timely, encouraging fashion.

Take care, mate. 👍🤠

[calebmattix]

My dad still carries his Skilsaw that he used to feed a growing family for 25 yrs, it is like a security blanket for him, knowing that he is always ready for the job. I really felt like I had made in construction when I got my own Skilsaw, even if it was and old locked model that I rebuilt with new bearings and added a 60' cord. Thanks EC!

[richardross]

My father built houses on speculation from 1950 until he died in 1976. In the early 50s, he bought a Skilsaw worm drive kit. It came with the saw, a heavy duty steel tool box (for it and spare blades), and a guide(a steel frame). Dad used the worm drive for anything bigger than 2 x 6s. The frame was used to make cutting jigs for roof rafters and stair risers(the tests of a carpenter). After Dad died my youngest brother used it for many years. When I was starting to frame my new house, I bought a new Skilsaw Worm drive. It got used a lot. BTW red is the color of The US Army Corps of Engineers too. Another nice video. Good Luck, Rick

[lexingtonconcord]

The fact that he's still rocking the skilsaw on job sites at around 60 yrs old gives me hope that I can keep going when I get to that age. That inspires me.

[garybarchas]

I was just breezing through some of the commenrts and saw one that was probably the best comment an old timer like us could possibly get. Because of your evident ardour to teach and educate those coming up behind us, a young man entered into the field of carpentry. That is the pinnacle and sum of what it is we do. God bless your heart and hands. Keep 'em coming.

[rightlanehog]

Would someone kindly send Scott a late 60s - early 70s Skil 77 with an aluminum handle just to fill in the gap in his collection? I would send him one of mine but shipping from Canada is outrageously expensive ;) BTW we used to make the Skil Model 77c and 87c in Toronto. The USA is not the only country whose manufacturing went to the PRC.

[bradmeacham]

Been watching all your spec house build videos. Thank you! And, I have to say your "skill" with a "Skill Saw" absolutely astounds me! As a homeowner handyman, I have to use a speed square just to make a straight cross cut on a 2x! Yet there you are making all kinds of free hand straight and compound cuts, long straight rip cuts on OSB sheets, cutting out notches, and on and on, and some of those done hanging off a ladder or scaffolding like it's no big deal. Kudos! Guess that's what 40+ years of experience gets you.

[dauraktv]

8:02 what a great picture, up there in the damp morning getting work done. That looks like happiness to me

[dustincoone]

I love my cordless worm drive skilsaw!! Yeah it’s a little heavy but there’s no restrictions to where you can take it!

[seantech]

The smirk on your face when announcing the new generation Skillsaw made my day <3 Dankjewel!

[patsaunders]

About the same year you got your first worm drive I purchased the Black & Decker 6 1/2 " worm drive. It was lighter and cut most of the dimensional lumber we used at that time. Still got it 44+ years later! Bought a Skill 7 1/4" later on, but I still go to that 6 1/2" especially since age is getting the better of me. Stay safe!

[-o-The-Duke-o-]

I ran into a few comments where folks had been mentioning their disappointment with the fact you were reviewing a corded saw... Well I grew up with a skill 77. I wouldn't have it any other way. This is coming from a sheather. A skill77, an NR83A and a Quick Drive tool and I made money. We were paid by the piece.

I have been investing in the Hitachi line of cordless tools well I sure won't be going to their cordless at least not until they nail down a good rear handled model. The weight and angle of the Skillsaw just feels right and gets it done time after time. I just bought another (gray Model)after a fire here in Southern Oregon where I lost all my tools, and I couldn't be happier. Glad to have you out here...learnt a lot from you and appreciate your expertise. Thank you.

[jackferguson]

I have been eagerly looking forward to seeing Scott review this saw !

[corwinchristensen]

Dad's built houses for well over forty years, when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he replaced the cord and removed the hook that he used to hold the guard back and it's ready for the next generation. I have the middle one in your lineup ... in 25 years I've worn out a stack of carbide blades probably a foot high and I have replaced the cord twice (not from cutting it, just bad luck) and the brushes once (probably due to drop cords that were longer than they should have been.) Still running strong. Looking forward to your review of the cordless one.

[Rockhound]

Your skill with that saw is truly impressive to watch. I started building a deck a few weekends back and as I grab my circular saw and ready to make a cut I think I'll just one hand this one over my knee... then I grab a clamp and walk over to the work bench. I guess I'm too old for some new tricks but knowing ones limitations is wisdom I have heard. Thanks for the great content. Keep up the good work. Your videos have inspired me to take a simple floating deck and add some patterns to the decking and some craftsman style built in benches... fingers crossed I can pull it off without pulling off a crossed finger. Cheers Mate.