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