Ken, I bought a Ridgid vac a few years ago after (I think) Consumer Reports rated it a Best Buy. I've been very happy with it. It has large wheels that can roll over a cord, doesn't tip, the hose doesn't pull out... all those simple things that caused me much frustration with my older Craftsman.

The other thing that always pi**ed me off was the stiff hose (insert joke here) that came with both of them. I bought an upgraded hose that flexes much easier, is heavier duty, and is longer than the original.

I'm no help with the circ saw; I don't use them much. I've got an old SkilSaw and a couple of battery-operated Ryobis that came with different tool kits. The Ryobi's are handy for a quick, low-demand cut only.... I would go with a corded saw for my first one. (Saves the cost of batteries, too).

This looks like a circular saw-only job. Much easier to do outdoors and to manage longer lumber. I say this from experience trying to make my job-site table say do more than it was designed to do.

When Murph was asking a few months ago, I think that the Porter Cable got the most votes, though many good brands were suggested.

I like the PC, because it's available for right or left handed.
I'm a righty, but I like that a lefty saw lets me see the cut line better. It also has one of the largest base plates around, so it doesn't tend to rock. Street $$ is about $135.

Cheap tools can torment you like learning to play on a cheap guitar. They will fight you and the results will be inferior.

Welcome to the bottomless pit of tool desires, Ken!!

Edit: And yes on the Ridgid vacs. Be sure to choose one that accomodates bags. With a bag, the filter never gets clogged, nor does the dust that it doesn't catch blow out the exhaust.
Yes also on Mark's better hoses (the ones with steel coil ribbing). Their only Achilles heels is the power switch, but they're easy to replace (about $8) after removing 26 screws.

I bought a Porter Cable circular saw a month ago from Lowes for $85. I've not used it a lot, but seems to be a good one.

Ordered a Porter Cable. Thanks, guys!

Mark, is this it? http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-WD1450-14-G...6182&sr=1-1

I don't see it at Amazon. Here it is at Home Depot.

Holy jeebers.

Lots of cedar up here....what you got?

Hey all, speaking of cedar:
I am planning on putting up some cedar shingles to cover some outside areas of my house next weekend. I have not done this before, although it looks quite straight forward. Just thought I'd check if there are any 'gotchas' to be careful of with you wood knowledgeable folks.

I am planning on using a pneumatic nail gun. Any tips, tricks etc...? (Type of nail, tricks to apply, align etc...) Thanks!

Edit: While researching I get conflicting info on need for underlay and if you should use breathing or nailing strips or if you can just nail directly to the existing wood wall.