Bosch recently announced their new corded CSW41 worm drive circular saw that they say delivers unmatched comfort and control and answers user demands for a lightweight saw without compromising durability and power.
CSW41 Features
- Weighs 13.2 pounds
- 17-1/2″ length
- 7-1/4″ blade size, diamond arbor shape
- 5300 RPM
- All-magnesium construction [except for the blue and black handles]
- Max bevel capacity: 53° with positive stop at 45°
- Max cutting depth at 90°: 2-3/8″
- Max cutting depth a 45°: 1-15/16″
- 15A ball bearing motor
- Built-in hook
- On-board storage for included multi-function wrench
- Compatible with WD7RIP adjustable fence and WD7LUB gear lubricant
Bosch designed the new saw specifically for concrete form builders, framers, deckers, general contractors, and other types of users who are looking for a heavy duty saw in a lightweight package.
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The saw is packaged with a 24T blade.
MSRP: $219
ETA: Feb 2014
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Compare(Skil via Home Depot)
The new Bosch CSW41 very closely resembles the recent Skil Mag77LT worm drive saw, which also retails for $219 via Amazon.
First Impression
I took a look at Bosch’s current magnesium-construction worm drive circular saw, model 1677M ($192-210 via Amazon). That model has similar cutting capacity as the new CSW41, but weighs in at 14 lbs.
Dewalt’s DWS535T ($169 via Amazon) weighs 13.8 lbs, Makita’s 5377MG ($179 via Amazon) weighs 13.0 lbs, and Milwaukee’s 6477-20 ($179 via Home Depot) weighs 15 lbs.
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In other words, the new Bosch CSW41’s is lighter than Bosch’s current model and is competitive with other brands’ worm drive saws. It seems that there is not much that can be done to decrease the weight further without compromising strength or performance.
One thing I did notice was that the new Bosch saw has a faster motor than competing models. This could potentially translate to higher application speeds.
I tend to favor Bosch corded power tools over other brands’, and so this would probably be my pick if I were looking to buy a magnesium-bodied worm drive saw in the near future.
fred
One difference with the Skil Mag77LT – is that it is selling for $175 at Home Depot
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Skil-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Lite-Weight-Worm-Drive-Saw-MAG77LT-22/204100988
Stuart
Good catch! I added a “compare” link into the post. $44 savings for an identical tool in red seems like a good deal. Hopefully the Bosch list price will come down a little after the initial launch.
fred
Amazon might also be inclined to match the Home Depot price on the Skil.
BTW – I’m a fan of Skil 77’s . I have an old (30 years or so) heavy Skil 77 with a bigfoot – that I now use primarily for cutting 4×4’s for garden projects – but which saw years of use gang cutting plywood and osb. In that job – the added weight of the saw was actually a plus.
mnoswad1
Actually i’d pay a bit more for the bosch branded version, not $44 more, but maybe $20 so I don’t have to explain that “no this is an REAL skil saw the skil brand name used to be good, but now its just home owner junk, except for this saw” only to have idiot neighbor tell me he bought a skil saw for 29.99 at lowes lest summer.
Phil
My Mag77 comes out for heavy framing and landscape construction. It’s an unstoppable beast. I also appreciate the left-handed blade for visibility.
Adam
The new Bocsh Looks good, might get one, I have a makita hypoid at the moment.
Duncan
I looked at the parts breakdown and the CSW41 appears to have the same 4-field-winding design as the Skil worm-drives do. Makes sense since Bosch owns Skil.
kevin
I only by old stock made on the USA, China can keep there garbage ones