Hello

I got a new circular saw for christmas, the skilsaw model SHD77-73 with the twist lock plug. My problem I can't find an extention cord so I tried'd to make my own extention cord but I can't find the right female twist lock plug, they all look backwards or the male plug on the saw is backwards. I was wondering if anyone else has this saw and can tell me (maybe a link to were they got it) what they got. Cause right now I have a new saw I can't use. Thanks for any help. IIf you need more info to help you help me let me know and I will do my best to provide that info.

 

Welcome to the forums! Not sure what possessed you to ask Santa for a 14 lb saw, so I hope your arms are strong. You are probably looking for this extension to work with the saw. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rodale-1-...0FDT/203259348

 

Moved to Electric forum since this is more of an electric question then a machinery question.

 

From a practical standpoint, if you're a DIY'er, first thing I would do is cut that specialty plug off there and put on a normal one. I get the benefit of having a plug that won't pull out as you drag the saw across the rafters, or across a rugged jobsite... but IMO unless you're a framer or fulltime construction worker, you will be kicking yourself every time you need to haul out that one extension cord with the right female end on it each time you want to use the saw, even if it's only for one cut.

If you like having a dedicated extension cord, whose only use is to plug in your skilsaw, then who am I to argue with that?

 

Or make a 12" adapter cord and leave it permanently attached to the saw. You could buy a cord set with molded plug, cut it short, and add the female twist lock but the cord set might cost more.

 

Regardless, the possibility of pulling even the extension cord from its moorings will exist. I am like Brant, in that I would replace the plug with a good 15 amp one and just be careful. I would not want to drag that thing across rafters to begin with.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

Well I just asked for a circular saw didn't realize I was gunna get this beast of a saw..lol. well I may end up doing that cutting the twist lock off and replacing it with a regular plug if I can't find the right plug for it. I'm hoping it won't come to that though.

Nope no rafters many just cutting boards and plywood making a few projects nothing big.

 

After you use that saw a few times, you'll hate it. The Skil wormdrive saw had it's place in residential construction and many carpenters swore by them, but for the occasional user it's big, heavy, awkward and quite cumbersome. I'd return it and get something more suitable that will likely be less expensive.

I think this saw is the last Skil power tool that is adequate for the professional residential carpenter who does nothing but frame house after house. The rest of Skil's tool lineup is all for light weekend homeowner use. It's a shame, Skil was a force in the power tool industry through the '60s and has gone the route of Black & Decker.

 

If you must have a left hand saw (and I use one daily) I would suggest a Porter cable Mag23, if you can find one. The auction houses still have them, although PC has stopped production. Great saw, and you don't have to look over the body to see your blade. You'll never go back.

 

I was going to post to defend the saw but after some thought I have to agree with Joe & the others. I always wanted one of these beasts--a quality power tool that will outlive me--but after I got one it sits in a cabinet for all the reasons stated before.

 

I still think this isn't the right saw for you and that you should exchange it for a commercial grade saw that is more appropriate for your use, but if you really want to keep and use this saw, the manual gives you the information you need to make your own extension cord.

http://mdm.boschwebservices.com/file...0r113863v5.pdf

Page 15 gives the twistlock plug specification as a L5-20P so you need a L5-20R cord cap or receptacle mounted in a 1900 box with a raised cover. Here is an easy to find L5-20R cord cap to make your own cord.

Cooper Wiring Devices Hart-Lock Industrial Grade 20 Amp 125-Volt Connector with Safety Grip - Black and White-L520C - The Home Depot

 

There are actually better choices to fit your specification, to outlive you. I would look at Milwaukee 7 1/4" saws. The least expensive model they offer will easily outlive you even with regular use.

 

That's not a good thing to do because it would void the warranty! After it is out of warranty it's one thing but until then don't make any modifications like that or I'm sure they wouldn't honor the warranty if you had a problem.

 

In all practicality, if you exchanged "the beast" for a more usable one in the same color would Santa even notice the difference? You could probably fool me, especially if I never saw it naked again, just coated with sawdust.

 

Thanks guys for the info I finally found someone at Lowe's that knew something, lol. Didn't realize they put a 20 amp plug on a 15 amp saw, event he guy from Lowe's was like wtf...lol. so I finally was able to finish making my own extention cord. Made a 25 footer. Just for the saw with some 12 Guage extention cord wire. Now I can't wait to make something so I can use it...lol. again thanks for the help appreciate it.