Tool Box Buzz

Magnesium Worm Drive SKILSAW Model # MAG77LT

Skil MAG77LT

4/5

Manufacturer: Skil
Model number: MAG77LT
Price: $219.00
Power source: 8' Power Cord
Motor size: 15 Amp Motor
Weight: 13.2 lb

In the world of residential and commercial remodeling the SkilSaw has enjoyed a very long reputation of quality, rugged durability and exceptional performance. The reputation has been so long running that people today often refer to any brand circular saw as a “SkilSaw.”

If you ask me, that’s a nice place to be for the folks at Skil.

The Mag 77LT is Skil’s newest and lightest circular saw yet.  It is very much still the “Skilsaw” that we all know with the same basic time-tested design.   This new design does have some features that distinguish it from the earlier Mag77 design.

The Mag77LT was some upgraded to include a 53 degree bevel capacity (the previous Mag77 model topped out at 51.5 degrees), a rubberized grip and top handle, and a storage spot on the base plate for the multipurpose blade wrench which is designed to do all of the following:

• change blades,
• adjust the bevel nut,
• access the brush cap,
• fit the oil plug,
• remove diamond arbor knockouts,
• Snap in and store securely in base plate.

The best feature on this multipurpose wrench is the positive-action “snap in” that holds it securely in the saw’s base plate. No matter how you hold, use or bang this saw around the wrench stays put.

First Impression of SKIL MAG77LT

Pulling the Mag77Lt  out of the box revealed a compact and clearly lighter saw than other inline saws I’ve used in the past.  This saw is even lighter than my Dewalt DWS535 and the Makita’s hypoid 5377MG.

The Mag77LT measures 9 x 20.75 inches, weighs 13.2 lb. and has an 8-foot power cord with a twist lock plug.

Skil achieved this weight reduction by using magnesium in the blade guard, base plate, motor and gear housing.  Currently it enjoys the reputation as being the lightest worm-drive saw on the market.

Attaching the blade to the Mag77LT was easier. The spindle lock is more accessible the previous model and makes the blade change process faster. There is an adjustment to ensure the blade is 90 degrees to the base which is nice for setting up the saw and checking it after a drop.

I’m not a huge fan of the depth-of-cut adjustment which is marked for 1⁄4-in., 1⁄2-in., and 3⁄4 in. plywood, and for 1x and 2x dimensional lumber. I’m guessing they are trying to get you in the ball park quickly. I never really use the scale and wonder if the production cost would come down if they eliminated it altogether?

One nice thing I noticed is that when I tested the depth-of-cut scale was that the saw sets at approximately ¼” deeper than the measurement allowing for the one tooth length to penetrate the material and minimize splintering. [example: ¾” depth setting sets blade at approximately 1”]

The saws bevel adjustment is clearly marked, easy to read and has a spring stop that stops the bevel adjustment at 45°.  Releasing the spring stop allows for a bevel adjustment up to 53°, a 2° bevel increase over the MAG77.

Using the Mag77LT saw?

While the lighter weight of this saw is appreciated this is not a light saw. It has a 15 amp motor and still has enough weight, stability and smoothness that most worm drive fans love and appreciate this new weight “sweet-spot.”

Using the tools weight and gravity to make cuts with this saw still hasn’t changed. The reduction in weight will benefit the user over time with hopefully reduced fatigue in repetitive use situations.

I plowed through double plywood, 2x stock and 4x stock with zero issues. The saw has power that’s for sure. This saw is comfortable, balanced, and the reduction in weight was well thought out.

A two position saw hook is well placed and securely holds the saw on 2x lumber and often came in handy allowing you to hang your saw on a ladder, joist, or rafter without it falling off.

During angled cuts we appreciated the anti-snag lower guard which seemed to improve the overall guard functionality and provide smooth guard operation for small cut-off pieces.

The magnesium foot plate is designed to endure job-site abuse and although I did drop this saw once we don’t have enough time on this saw or drops on it to report back on weather it will hold up to multiple job-site drops that inevitably happen.

Saw Maintenance:

The Mag77LT is an oil lubricated worm drive saw, the oil, brushes, and bearings are serviceable. Oil lubed, worm gear saws typically are more powerful, last longer, are more durable and long saw life in addition to quiet running.

Saw Cut Scoreboard:

The Mag77LT has a 7-1/4 inch, diamond arbor blade that will cut to a 2-3/8 inches when set at 90°.

When set at 45° the Mag77LT will cut at a depth of 1-15/16 inches.   At 53°the saw cuts to a depth of 1-5/8 inches.

Mag77LT Specifications:

• Amperage: 15
• Arbor Size: Diamond
• Bevel: 53°
• Cord Length: 8’
• Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 1-15/16”
• Depth of Cut at 90 Deg.: 2-3/8”
• Height: 9”
• Length: 20.75”
• Weight: 13.2 lb

Overall Impression:

Skil hit a home-run on the Mag77LT.  The new design does not seem to have sacrificed power, balance or durability.  We loved the 53° bevel, lighter weight and storage hook.

They made a great saw better and lighter, well done!

3 Comments

1. 36 Volt Cordless Circular Saw Head to Head - A Concord Carpenter

   April 26, 2014 at 6:48 pm

   […] isn’t a show stopper and is a feature you can find on serious framing saws like the corded SKIL 7-1/4 Inch MAG77LT Worm Drive Saw, which Rob reviewed on Tool Box Buzz. And as you’ll find out from his review, he’s not […]

   Reply
2. JOLJ

   November 17, 2019 at 1:51 pm

   This saw is less than $200.00 at 3 different stores, so where do you get $219.00?
   Other then that it was a great review, well it could have had a longer cord, but that not a really big problem.

   Reply
   1. Todd Fratzel

      November 19, 2019 at 7:22 am

      Pricing VARIES greatly everyday on tools. We do the best to give an accurate price at the time of publication, but things change.

      Reply

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