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I imagine the $500 Festool has one.Anyway, I'll update this review after I get back to work. After receiving it, the brake isn't much better than the PC, basically non-existent. Once I heard what he had done, I immediately ordered a new saw. Like I said, I haven't used it yet and Milwaukee makes good stuff so I can only comment on the weight and the lack of a blade brake. I needed surgery and I'm still, as of 11/01/09, not back to work.
In fairness, neither company claims to have a brake, nor do any other manufacturers I checked, at least not in this class. I went with the Milwaukee hoping it had a good brake. I'll be fine, coulda been way worse. The day before I purchased this saw (09/30/09), while framing an addition, I cut my leg with my Porter Cable (blade on left) saw. But the Salvadorian laborer on the job, after witnessing my injury, felt my circular saw was evil and cut the cord off and drove two 16 penny nails into the motor.
The saw is way heavier than the PC, feels like my old worm-drive.
Another nice touch is the tilting handle, that has 8 positions that you can set the handle for your comfort and needs depending on the job.In short, I think it's a great saw and a good value. I don't think I've ever had a saw go through 3/4" OSB panels as easily as this saw does with a good blade. I will cover some of the rather esoteric stuff. The saw has the speed and power to make those blades sing. The holders for both the saw and the wrench are tenacious and can be a real hassle when you've got sore hands/fingers trying to get the wrench in or out.I've never used a left side blade saw before and I really like the concept, being right handed.
It's really nice not to have to lean over the saw when making long cuts, like ripping a plywood panel full length. The included saw blade is only good for "really" rough cutting. Using these blades, I get excellent fast, straight and smooth cuts with the saw, no splintering or other fooling around, just cut and done for many applications. The case is a nice touch, with holders for the saw and the arbor wrench. It seems to be a good blade, but it will chew up a pine board or plywood/OSB panels. I won't go into depth about the power and handling of the saw, because so many others have adequately covered how nicely it works and how powerful it is.
I bought a couple of Freud Diablo finish blades and a couple of good high tooth count plywood blades and I'm quite happy. It's light but seems pretty tough and has a compartment for blade storage.
excellent. light weight, easy to use and the adjustable handle is a nice feature too.
I hardly ever use a circ. Thanks Left handed is a chalange in this right handed world of ours. saw because the saw dust blowes in my face , That is until now.
Hint, hint. Not a problem unless you use a saw guide like I do. It is made of aluminum and has raw edges on the sides that are not machined very well. If they would just use one of thier new composite base plates with the turned up sides, this saw would be great. Bought this to place a heavy worm drive saw for cabinet making. This is a really nice saw except for the base plate. I actually sent back the first one as the base plate had such rough edges that it would not follow the saw guide well at all.
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