SKILSAW SIDEWINDER 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01

By Robert Robillard on Tool Reviews

SKILSAW SIDEWINDER 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01SKILSAW Sidwinder 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw Review

Early in my carpentry career I own two power saws: a circular saw and a reciprocating saw. Much later as my two tool arsenal grew, and I became more experienced, I ended up buying a table saw, jigsaw, routers and all kinds of other tools.

Back then circular saws were used for rough framing, as well as finished trim-work and carpenters quickly learned how to cut a straight line.  If straight lines didn’t come easy to you, you’d use a straight edge.

The very first circular saw I owned was a Makita “sidewinder,” or direct drive. Regardless of the name everyone on the job site called it a Skilsaw. Like Kleenex and tissue paper, the term Skilsaw and circular saw have become synonymous.

First impression

As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, the Skilsaw did not disappoint. The SKILSAW SIDEWINDER  7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01 looks and feels like quality, from the spring in the blade guard, down to the clicking of the trigger switch.

SKILSAW SIDEWINDER 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01Durability

The Skilsaw is not the lightest saw on the market but it comes close, 8.6 pounds. Skil uses magnesium to provide a rigid, durable base plate and durable and lightweight pvc housing to cut down on weight. The saws size dimensions are  14.4 x 9.8 x 7.4 inches.

Skil was inspired by their worm-drive motor and gear technology and build what’s called a “Dual-Field” motor. This 15-amp motor spins is it 5300 max rpm, and is designed to increase cooling extend the life of the tool.

SKILSAW SIDEWINDER 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01Features

The saw comes with a 7-1/4″ 24 tooth Diablo carbide blade. A built-in dust blower clears cut line for increased accuracy and the bevel maxes out at 56°, something very useful in dealing with rafters.

The bevel setting is actually spring-loaded, it allows you to make adjustments quickly from 0 to 45°, pulling on the spring handle allows you to move past 45° in up to the 56° bevel.

One thing often overlooked by users is the length of power cord this saw comes with a 10 foot cord, not bad!

There is a saying, “the devil is in the details,” all the scales on this saw are etched, clearly visible, and easy to read and the blade wrench stores neatly and securely at the rear of the tool near the base plate and does not come loose.

SKILSAW SIDEWINDER 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01Depth of Cut

This saw has a 2 inch gap of cut at 90°. The blade depth-of-cut scale displays common settings for 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 2X material and max depth.

Improvements

I was not overly impressed with the sawdust blower.  It seemed to work better at slower speeds and could use a double shot of “turbo” blowing!

SKILSAW SIDEWINDER 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01

Using the Saw

The SKILSAW SIDEWINDER  7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01 has plenty of power cut LVL, framing, plywood and pressure treated lumber; easily and quickly. I was not able to get it the motor to bog down. Probably the most important thing I noticed was that the blade guard does not get hung up on angle cuts, bevel cuts, or thin slice rips.

All of the levers on the saw are intuitive, large [easy to see] and easy to operate. There is no fumbling with adjustments, you know exactly what you need to do with this saw, when you need to do it.

SKILSAW SIDEWINDER 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw SPT 67 WL-01Overall Impression

The SKILSAW SIDEWINDER 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw is a back to basics, no-frills workhorse. There is nothing fancy or overly extravagant about it it’s just designed to cut and get things done.

How Much and Where To Buy?

The SKILSAW Stay True Guarantee which includes a 1 Year limited warranty as well as a 180 Day money back, no questions asked guarantee and sells online here for $99.00: SKILSAW-SPT67WL-01-15-Amp-Sidewinder-Circular

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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