Circular Saw - Right or Left Handed?

[alock]

Finally decided to replace my knackered old right-handed mains powered black and decker with an 18v makita to use my existing batteries.

My choice seems to be either:

DHS660 - right handed
https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/makita-dhs660z-18...

DHS680 - left handed
https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/makita-dhs680z-18...

I'm right-handed. A left-handed saw just seems better for seeing the blade, although the argument against seems to be the safety when using two hands and having to cross your arms. I've never used one though.

What's the consensus?

[BigRuts]

I'm right handed and have a blade on the left saw, as you say being able to see the cut is a lot easier that way round.

[Ynox]

I've got a DHS-680 here. Great saw. I'm right handed and like being able to see the blade easily.

[xstian]

Both of the tools are designed for right handed users, its just the blade that is right or left of the motor.

[swanny71]

I’m right handed and have the left bladed DHS-680 since I use it mainly for sheet material and prefer to cut right to left.
Think if I was using it mostly on framing type timber I’d have bought the right bladed version.

If that makes sense?

[Danns]

Went though same deliberation last year, I’m right handed, but like the idea on seeing blade.

Went for the 680, no regrets, brilliant bit of kit. I purchased a plunge saw blade (can’t remember no of teeth) for it that made it even better.

Only small issue… sawdust comes right at you unless you have extraction hooked up.

My dad had a go and went and bought one too as it just makes a lot more sense being able to see the blade

[Ian Geary]

I'm left handed but have used a Marika Rh saw with my left hand for years (didn't know left handed saws were a thing)

One thing that is annoying is the button to activate the trigger is on the "wrong" side, so it isn't where your thumb is

This also explains why I get sawdust coming straight at me, but the flip side is I've always been able to see the blade.

[Fore Left]

Ian Geary said:

I'm left handed but have used a Marika Rh saw with my left hand for years (didn't know left handed saws were a thing)

One thing that is annoying is the button to activate the trigger is on the "wrong" side, so it isn't where your thumb is

This also explains why I get sawdust coming straight at me, but the flip side is I've always been able to see the blade.

Same. All product designers should have their right hand tied behind their back for a month as part of their training - with a refresher course every year

[Baldchap]

Surely growing up left handed you learn a good degree of ambidexterity in this right handed world?

I use things like scissors right handed because the blades are set up that way, but other stuff I use as appropriate for the job, the tool and what it's like for access. I sometimes swap hands half way through if it's hard going. I assumed this was one of the blessings from being a leftie and that everyone left handed did this?

[Danns]

You probably have one already, but also recommend this as a guide for cross cuts;

https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-premium-rafter-s...

Ian Geary said:

One thing that is annoying is the button to activate the trigger is on the "wrong" side, so it isn't where your thumb is

Nice thing about the Makita is the safety for the trigger can be activated by a thumb on either left or right hand side. (Paddle thing that goes thru the handle)

Edited by Danns on Tuesday 24th August 08:51

[alock]

Thanks all. I think I'm going to try the 680.

[KTMsm]

Baldchap said:

Surely growing up left handed you learn a good degree of ambidexterity in this right handed world?

I use things like scissors right handed because the blades are set up that way, but other stuff I use as appropriate for the job, the tool and what it's like for access. I sometimes swap hands half way through if it's hard going.

I assumed this was one of the blessings from being a leftie and that everyone left handed did this?

I write with my left but do almost everything else with my right but can swap to either hand - never thought about it TBH

[scottyp123]

Ian Geary said:

I'm left handed but have used a Marika Rh saw with my left hand for years (didn't know left handed saws were a thing)

One thing that is annoying is the button to activate the trigger is on the "wrong" side, so it isn't where your thumb is

This also explains why I get sawdust coming straight at me, but the flip side is I've always been able to see the blade.

I was going to write something similar, I'm left handed and have never struggled with a circular saw but drills are a different matter believe it or not. Its not so bad now with the battery drills but when we used to use mains drills that were less forgiving the run lock button was on the wrong side for me.

I didn't mind not being able to use the run lock button but if the drill jammed it would press the lock button into your palm before you had a chance to let go of the trigger. I actually dislocated my thumb a few year ago because of this.

I can also use a few tools either right or left handed, scissors are no problem and I can cut and strip flex with either hand but prefer it right handed.