This is what I believe to be an first generation model 77 Skilsaw. I haven't really had much luck tracking the history of Skils early tools. There is a lot of info on the history of the company itself, but very little on the progression of tool models through the years. Skils own website provides a nice overview of their history. http://www.skiltools.com/en/AboutUs/SkilHeritage/ Skils original model saw was called the Michel Electric Hand Saw Which later came to be called the Model E. Production of this tool was started in 1928 in, I believe, Chicago.
While interesting, it is not yet really collectible due to the sheer numbers of these saw that where produced. If your looking for a collectible saw I would either suggest a Model E or for a more modern one, one of the 250 saws that Skil offered as a limited edition, that was painted in an American flag style color scheme. If your really into classic Skil you will also want one of their model 100 "Surfboard" planers.
This saw still runs great. It is a 10 Amp. saw. It has enough power in my opinion, to still be quite useful. When I purchased this saw its gearcase was filled with grease, not oil, and included in the tools case was a tube of Skil branded grease. After going back and forth with Skils customer service who insisted that none of their model 77s ran grease, I tried oil. Not having an oil level hole to gauge capacity as this tools only access is through a access hole on top of the tool, I took a guess and just covered the end of the worm drive gear. Boy was this a mistake. this saw does not hold oil well. So I drained the oil out and regreased it. It continues to run well, although I can't say that I run this saw often enough to comment on its durability. I have been unable to find an owners manual or any other literature on this saw and would appreciate any info any one could shed on this tool.
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I don't know how durable these old saws are at their advanced ages
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They are still plenty durable, probably more durable than todays saws. While not a saw I use everyday, the few days that I have used it, it did everything that I've asked of it. The only reason I don't use it more often is that I don't believe I would have much luck finding replacement parts should I wear it out. One thing about these saws people forget is that they were made before carbide was involved on saw blades. Those old steel blades did not stay any where near as sharp as todays blades, so the saws have a much easier time of it then they did back in the day.
My first recollections of these saws is as part of the long running argument. Sidewinder vs. wormdrive. I'm guessing I was about ten at the time and was at one of my friends houses. His older brothers where framers and they had just come home from working and were putting their tools away. One brother used a Skilsaw and the other a Black & Decker. I don't remember what the original question was but it resulted in them expounding on the virtues and vices of each saw, at some length. A few of the memories I have of this debate, included the narrow Skilsaws ability to fit into smaller spaces, and the lighter weight of the B&D. I have taken both sides to heart and become competent with both types of saws. Each does have its place. I usually start off with a wormdrive, either for the parts of the demo that it is suited for or the framing on something new. I Usually finish with a sidewinder unless it is something like a deck that I'm working on.
I would really be interested in seeing photos of those round type cooling ducts. Does that saw say it is a model 77 on its nameplate? And that long story about your saws need for spare parts.
I would be glad to help with some more detailed photos of the stenciled letters on my case.
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