Chuck likes to give me a hard time about my Skilsaw because he says I bought it for the sole reason of not using the term “circ saw.” That’s of course untrue — I also got it because it was on clearance. It’s lasted 5 years thus far and is still going strong, but it has nothing on longtime reader Putnam Eco’s old Black & Decker.
This saw has lived through about 8 American presidencies and roughly 4 major wars, and its still sees service today judging by the modern Diablo blade perched on the spindle. Folks love to talk about the Sawcat, which is one of the saws that built Black & Decker’s rep in the American workforce back in the day. But this bad boy was the foundation that the Sawcat was built on. Sidewinders today don’t look that much different, in fact.
I dig the full-metal jacket on the saw as well as the case. Black & Decker doesn’t do this sort of combo anymore; however, there are saws out there that still follow in this mold. Even though today’s saws have more power and less vibration I’d love to get a hold of one of these just to see how it holds up for a day’s work. I’m betting that, other than the obvious power increase, if I put a fresh blade on both the difference wouldn’t be as much as you might think.
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11 Responses to Antique Tools: Black & Decker Sidewinder Saw
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My Father-in-law sold one of these with the case last year in his father’s (carpenter) estate sale. My brother-in-law (carpenter) and I both considered taking it, but my wife already comments about the number of tools I have ‘lying about’. Really wish I had taken it now, but opted for his tool belt and tool box instead.
It looks like the 9 1/4 i bought in the early 70s,with brake,still running strong,just you cant get parts.I like the brake as I took off the guard off 30years or so ago.wish I could find another one like it on the market
My dad had one of these. He cut the blade guard off so he could fit oversize blades on it for deeper cuts. There was no blade brake or any safety. Rain could lead to the user getting nasty shocks through the metal casing. I shudder at the danger of that saw today.
This saw does in fact still see use, although I don’t take it out on any job sites anymore. It lives in my shop area being used for breaking down stock. This IS a smooth running saw perhaps even more so then todays saws. This saw was designed before carbide tipped blades were popular. Those old steel blades were more often dulled than not, so I have never felt it to be down on power, especially with a modern narrow kerf carbide blade mounted. This saw also has great ergonomics, and is a real pleasure to use.
That metal body was sometimes a curse though, you think your speed square or level gets hot when you leave it sitting in the sun? This saw was also quite capable of transmitting cold to your hands, when working with it in winter.
Back in the day, my circle of associates were slow to adopt Sawcats as they believed the “plastic”(which is actually fiberglass) handle of the Sawcat was Black & Decker downgrading the tool so as to produce it cheaper and then charging more money for it.
I have a B&D 6 1/2 inch Sawcat model 7163 that is 40 years old and still out performs my other modern saws. I paid $61 for it at the Fort Sam Houston PX. Man what I would give for a lower guard which broke 10+ years ago.
My dad purchased a 7 1/4 inch sawcat in 1966 and used it for quite a few years. I’m presently building a home with it and it runs great. Compared to the saws built today, it is a beast and will run circles around other saws. Guys on the job site always ask to try it out… sort of like taking an antique car for a ride. The saw is older than most of them. Wouldn’t give this saw up for anything. B&D should come out with a limited reproduction of these saws. You could buy one saw and it would last for decades.
I have a model 1 B&D 8″ sidewinder saw. The arbor 1 3/8″ and the front and back of the table has height adjustment. I’m wondering what it’s worth and maybe stop using it if it’s worth something. Please let me know.
Thanks
JC
The Sawcats are the only collectable old B&D saws that I see commanding any serious money ($400) you might get $100 for your saw if it is in good running and looking condition condition and having a case and any extras would add a little to this. Take this with a grain of salt, as putting it up on an auction website may or may not induce auction fever, collectors are a fickle bunch,you may get no bids or you may have a bidding war. Are you sure it is a model number 1 and not a later U-80 type 1? Pictures would be nice.
My Dad and I used this 7″ saw, as is pictured, in 1959 to build a small house. It was so heavy my nine year old arms ached for days. It cut everything! I just took it apart 56 years, later to rebuild the wiring and now have to find new brushes and electric wiring for as it has crumbled from age. I need a source for replacement parts.
Hey guys can’t upload a pic. From my phone but I do have type 1 circular saw (sidewinder) working great !! So much power ! 115 volts 12 amps 4500 Rpms cat number 80 8 inch
I have one of these. It waw my granfather’s who was a mechanical genius. Can any of you tell me what it’s worth? Wanting to sell it, but don’t know much – ok, don’t know anything.