Before we get into anything, let’s talk about safety (you know red tape and such.) A left handed saw is primarily for lefties because when you are holding a left handed saw with both hands, and you are a rightie, your left hand goes across the blade. Also, if you are holding your work-piece with your off hand, you are pushing the saw one handed. You are pushing the saw right at your off-hand (soon to be your hand-off.) The same goes for a right handed saw as a lefty. Although the handles for southpaw saws have moved further and further away from the blade they are not the form factor of the classic “pistol grip” saw. The Makita LXT left handed 36-volt saw is one of these pistol grip form factors. The pistol grip saw was popularized with a classic saw, the SKIL saw which is now synonymous with a circular saw on any job site. The SKIL saw is still very popular with professionals andpanies like Makita and DeWalt have tried to capitalize on this classic design with pistol grip style... See full list on One of the reasons many folks still use a south-paw saw, even with the potential risks to triggering their apotemnophobia is the visibility of the blade. As a righty using a left handed saw, you have a lot clearer view of the blade. This is very important for rip cuts and also for cutting to marked lines when cross cutting. There is certainly something to be said for watching the blade cut into the marked line, but you can train yourself with a saw to use the 0 and 45 degree demarcations on the sole, but they are usually a bit tricky. Another thing to consider, just like with hand tools, is to-mechanics of using the saw. You can train yourself to naturally cut a square line so you don’t have to mark them when cutting things like framing or decking. The pistol grip saws put your body in the most natural position for making a repetitive cut. Your elbow, shoulder, and the blade are all in a natural line giving yourself a simple motion to train to cut square and straight even witho... See full list on You do you, at your own peril. Personally I prefer pistol grip saws. I am still trying to figure out the balance between the cordless Makita and DeWalt. We will see. I am actually shooting a hand tool shootout as I write this looking for “THE GREATEST CORDLESS CIRCULAR SAW, OF ALL TIME.” So more on that soon. I don’t mean to make any tool suggestions with this post though, there are great saws of all varieties. It is really more about figuring out what style saw you are mostfortable with from a safety, ergonomics, andfort level. See full list on I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the promotional program described above (the “Program”). As a part of the Program, I am receivingpensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My postplies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines. See full list on
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