DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 10:21:05 AM UTC-5, Spalted Walt wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:

Christmas is coming. I'm considering buying a circular saw for my daughter.
She's 26.

Other than a drill, this will be her first real power tool. I have a Porter
Cable 743 left blade which I love. I'd buy her the same saw but it's no longer
available, other than used. Same for the 843 which I believe is the same saw
but with a brake. Same issue with PC 424 MAG, another saw in that same line.
(I think).

So, if I can't get what I'm familiar with, I'm looking for suggestions for
decent left blade circular saw. A brake would be great.

No, she is not going to start framing houses, at least not right away. ;-)
All I know really know is that she wants to start doing some woodworking
and was wondering what type of "first saw" she should get. She also
mentioned cutting up some pallets to make a compost bin.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Milwaukee 6391

I've owned the right-bladed cousin (6390) for ~20 yrs and have had no
complaints/issues.

https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools...e-circular-saw
https://www.toolbarn.com/milwaukee-6391-21.html/

Are you right-handed or left?

Southpaw

While a left-blade saw is what a right-handed person should, IMHO, be using,

Mr Filk does not agree...
https://www.flikandcompany.com/left-...-circular-saw/

the issue with some of them is that they blow the sawdust back into the face
of right handed users. It doesn't look like the 6391 addresses that issue.

In the face? My Milwaukee 6390 blows dust horizontally, certainly not upwards
towards the face.

The PC743 has a detachable dust chute that swivels to direct the sawdust
away from the user. The chute also allows a vacuum to be attached. I've
used that feature many times when using the saw indoors.

Interesting, the only other circ saw (not talking about track saws) I'm aware of
with that 'feature' is:

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-14-in-12-amp-professional-circular-saw-with-laser-guide-system-69064.html

The Bosch CS5 appears to have addressed the blow back issue with the opening
I see in the housing. (That's an assumption) but it doesn't look like a vac
can be attached. Maybe there's an adapter?

The Bosch CS5 appears to have motor and shoe issues:
https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B000WMDBIE/ref=acr_dpx_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&s howViewpoints=0

In any case, I bought a used 743 for my right handed daughter. Her partner,
who happens to be left handed, will just have to deal with it. ;-)