Replies

1. 
   sschefer | Mar 25, 2002 07:51pm | #1

   Left or Right... It is much easier to see the blade and line with the Lefty but if you've always worked with a Right it will take some getting use to. Basically what you need to do is reverse everything. If you've made any jigs like an edge guide etc., in some cases, you can just reverse them. If your cutting sheet goods the natural way with a right blade is to have the waste on the right side. With the lefty, the waste will be on the left. You may have to change your shop setup a little to accomodate this new method but I think you'll be happy with the results you get and the ease of use.

   Steve - in Northern California

   If the doctor says you have Attention Deficit Disorder, do you pay attention to him?

1. 
   ccampbell | Mar 25, 2002 08:04pm | #2

   Steve,

   Thanks for the reply.  I guess that assumes you'd always be clamping your workpiece, since you wouldn't be able to hold it still on the other side of you?

1. 
   sschefer | Mar 25, 2002 08:09pm | #3

   In most cases, yes, clamps are a good thing. Just think, now you have another excuse to buy more clamps.

   Steve - in Northern California

   If the doctor says you have Attention Deficit Disorder, do you pay attention to him?

2. 
   Jay_Pearce | Mar 26, 2002 04:34am | #4

   My understanding of the purpose of the left hand blade is that is mainly for contractors who build large stationary things that need to have cuts made in place. Example: you need to make a down the left side of a deck. Right hand blade means you have to get off the deck and stand in an uncomfortable position. Left hand blade the saw sits on the deck and is easily run with the left hand. I know that most people cut the boards to length before nailing them on, however what about an angled corner,  or god forbid, some misalignment of the ends of the board by the kid you pay to help you.

   I've tried the left-hand saw and its GREAT for all the cuts that are awkward on the right hand. Most DIY's don't need one though. It isn't to replace the right hand saw, but to make life easier when you do run into an awkward position.

   Jay

3. 
   LesBartel | Mar 26, 2002 03:52pm | #5

   After reading the replies to date, the solution is obvious.  You need two saws!!!!

    - les

   Don't force it, get a bigger hammer.

4. 
   PaulCraft | Mar 27, 2002 02:01am | #6

   I'm right handed and I've used a Porter Cable Saw Boss with left hand blade for years.  It does take some getting used to.  Now, to me, right hand blade saws are very difficult to use.  After you get used to it, it does have its advantages.  On a job site, nobody wants to borrow your saw.

   In cutting 2x's it generally goes this way.  On the saw horse, long stock can hold itself, sometimes a helper or a clamp is needed.  I make the cut standing to the left of the horses, gripping the stock to be cut-off and my speed square with my left hand.  The saw is resting on the material to my right which is supported.  Cutting to the right of the line and being able to see the blade you can get real accurate. My grip on the square, (overhand, palm down, square flat side away, pointy side towards you) keeps my fingers well protected from the blade. 

   Cutting off the ends of rafters from a ladder or scaffold is much easier with the left hand blade.  You can see what you are doing without straining to look around the blade.  It makes it easier to get sawdust in your eyes so wear good eye protection.

   For cutting sheet goods I always support both pieces so that they are not going to move during or after the cut.  Unless I'm doing something pretty rough I generally use a factory edge off a sheet as a cutting guide.  Freehand cutting along a chalk line still seems easier with the left hand blade.

5. 
   stancalow | Mar 28, 2002 02:15am | #7

   I have the lefty PC too.  I think it's great, and I didn't have a problem reorienting my cutting to put the workpiece on the right.  THe tube which directs the sawdust away from you helps too.  I only cut 2x4s and sheets of plywood, so maybe cutting other things would be different.