Toolbox: Two New Sidewinders

Two new circular saws hit the market this year. In April, Hitachi brought out the C 7BD and this month, Black and Decker will begin selling the Super Saw Cat 3064. Both of these saws are 71/4- inch “sidewinder” saws that feature strong motors, lightweight designs, double-insulated electrical systems, and electric brakes. I tested prototypes of the Hitachi and Black and Decker models, but since I’m used to a wormdrive saw, I use a sidewinder with less success than other carpenters. So I also left each saw with a few other builders to try out. For Small Hands The Hitachi C 7BD is tough, compact, and refined in its simplicity. It weighs about 11 pounds, is very wellbalanced, and