I was almost buying this deal (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/745766) from Ryobi for the circular saw. Then some legneds mentioned the small size blade could be an issue. Then I looked the product from team yellow and found this.
From Google, the same product is currently priced at $199 at Tool Kit Depot. I guess it is not a bad deal?
I'm curious about this too, I have a Ryobi, blade on the left, but was going to upgrade to a Milwaukee and they have models where the blade is on the left, and other models where it's on the right.
Left handed saws are much nicer to use as it is far easier to see your cut line. Downside is you get covered in dust. You also have far more of the saw supported when cutting as the waste edge is on the blade side of the plate.
I recently bought a dewalt to augment my Milwaukee and didn't even think to look which way it was handed. It took a while to get used to.
Imagine you've got a plank on the bench extending to your left and you're using a speed square for a 90 degree cross cut. Hold the speed square in your left hand, the saw in your right, and you'll see this blade position makes it all feel very easy and natural for one-handed cutting.
If you've got to make a lot of perfectly square cuts - not 'good enough for framing' cuts like the one described above - you'd use a drop saw.
There have been studies on the effects of tool design, including motor placement, on user comfort and performance, but I'm not aware of any specific studies that have looked specifically at the impact of motor placement on the ongoing longevity of the user's appendages.
In general, the design of power tools, including the placement of the motor, is intended to optimize the tool for the task it is intended to perform, and to make it comfortable and easy for the user to operate. There are many factors that can influence the design of a power tool, including the size and weight of the tool, the type of work it will be used for, and the power source (e.g. corded or cordless).
As for why corded saws are typically designed with the motor placed in the opposite configuration as the saw you mentioned, it could be for a variety of reasons. It could be that this configuration provides better balance and control for the user, or that it allows for a more compact and lightweight design. Ultimately, the specific design of a power tool is the result of a complex set of trade-offs and considerations, and there is no one "right" way to design a tool.
I guess you're thinking along the same lines as me - you don't like being in the path of an errant blade (been there with an angle grinder disk, the result was less than pleasant). I was always taught "stay out of the line of fire" when it comes to power tools and even ended up adapting my left-handedness to using most tools right handed for this reason.
This set up might be more common on battery saws as it has less oomph and is far less likely to blast through the blade guard in the event of a failure.
If only it was brushless. Still a good price for Dewalt.
Brushless is also on sale at $256, down from $349 from memory
with the motor on the right the saw sits on waste when using a carpenters square as guide. bit of a pain in the a$$. pretty sure thats why all corded ones are motor on the left.
pps the aldi workzone cordless has motor on left, much better for general carpentry (unless you are lefthanded)
(unless you are lefthanded)
Us lefties typically adapt to the world that's been designed for our right-handed friends. Darwin trims off the ones that can't adapt, but that just means we lefties are evolving to become invincible!
LOL.. As a fellow lefie I whole heartedly agree (I’m typing this on my left handed keyboard)
Love the DeWalt quality, for that price it’s a no brainer, I just picked up one, thanks op.
Also the brushless is also on sale at $256 at Bunnings Sunshine, should be the same in all stores though.
These tear stuff up nicely.
Has a study been done on motor placement differences and the ongoing longevity of ones appendages? Why are all corded saws the inverse of this saw? Keen to understand.