Buying a Cordless Circular Saw - Battery Platforms and Price Range

[Mister_A]

Hi there,

First time poster, I've been doing my homework and this seems like the best forum going, so I thought I'd join and seek some advice.

I got stuck with a B&D 5 1/2" cordless circular saw for putting up new 1/2" plywood sheathing on a shed this weekend, and finally lost my temper at it struggling even with small cuts in this material. Worse, the shoe is not very sturdy and the blade wanders off and binds even if the shoe is moving squarely.

Before I go back to work on it next weekend, I want to buy a 6 1/2" cordless, which also means I probably want to commit to a power platform. I've read a lot of the threads here, but I think the feedback on the circular saws, specifically, is more limited.

My need for the saw is probably 2-8 weekends a year, plus regular use of a drill throughout the year, and I may also be interested in branching out into cordless landscaping tools (blower, hedge trimmer, weed trimmer). A big part of this is deciding if I need another disposable/budget/homeowner saw for my limited use, or if I should break down and invest in something.

This is my current thinking:

- The Ryobi One+ P507 and Porter-Cable PCC660 would probably solve my main frustration and get me through this project, and the Ryobi One+ battery opens up a tremendous array of economical homeowner-grade tools, including for yardwork, etc. Even with my generally light duty requirements, though, I'm concerned about destroying either one on treated 2x or plywood, and I did see a review for the Porter-Cable complaining about the same twisting shoe issue I had on the B&D.

- The Milwaukee FUEL saw is my top choice if money were no object, and the promise of getting all-day battery life is appealing and it looks amazing, but this may be wasted considering how much time it would spend sitting on a shelf. The range of tools in the M12 and M18 lines is impressive, but maybe a little more shop/garage-focused than my mostly-outdoor work. I would probably buy factory reconditioned to save $50 or so.

- The Makita LXT saws seem great, and also open up a huge array of cordless tools, but I've heard mixed things about their battery reliability and I'm having trouble figuring out the differences on the several models of LXT 6 1/2" saws I see. (The brushless is out of my price range.) I did find a BSS611Z saw/LXPH01Z hammer drill combo with a 3.0 battery for a pretty fair price. That battery may even be completely adequate for my generally limited circular saw needs.

Separately, the DeWalt DCS391 looks decent, but the kit price is actually around the same as the kit price for a reconditioned Milwaukee FUEL, so it's really the odd duck/also-ran saw in my mind.

Can anyone give me feedback on these models and help me make up my mind?

 

[maxpower_hd]

I have a bunch of Ryobi stuff and I have to say I haven't had any issues with any of them except the reciprocating saw. And the lithium + batteries pack plenty of punch and last much longer than the standard NiCad batteries. The lithium plus are also noticeably better than the regular lithium.

Good luck.

 

[Ign]

Have you looked at reviews on the Ryobi circulars? I'm not familiar with all their models but the one I looked at (which may have been smaller than 6.5") had lots of negative reviews on HD.com, mostly complaints of under-powered. Otherwise I agree Ryobi is a fantastic platform for your needs.

Some Home Depots are blowing out the Makita 7.25" 18Vx2 = 36V at $58.03. But odds are that your stores are either a) not doing it or b) it's been going on for awhile and you've missed out. It's overkill but at $58 you could still buy two batteries and a charger and the Makita 18V line is impressively large (bigger than M18 I think).

That leads to if you really care about right or left blade.

I'm still using my V28 which is awesome but not a good recommendation for you for a whole variety of reasons.

 

[Mister_A]

I have a bunch of Ryobi stuff...

Definitely, I've seen a lot of positive discussion about the One+ line as a "homeowner-grade" alternative, and even on some job sites. On the other hand, I've also seen some "except the circular saw" comments (likely in reference to the 5 1/2", not the new 6 1/2"). The battery info is good feedback and thanks for that.

I am feeling a little spendy about this and hesitant about the Ryobi or Porter-Cable after the shock of realizing that the B&D can actually choke to death on a couple feet of 1/2" treated plywood. (I literally got less than 1' per $1 out of it before I gave up and finished the third day with a handsaw.)

On the other hand, it's a tough call, because I don't use the saw that often and can't see myself going crazy and rebuilding the girlfriend's deck anytime soon.

If you don't mind, what was the issue with the sawzall?

 

[Sal Bandini]

I am going to be a contrarian and say for that limited amount of use just buy a decent corded model.

 

[Mister_A]

Have you looked at reviews on the Ryobi circulars? I'm not familiar with all their models but the one I looked at (which may have been smaller than 6.5") had lots of negative reviews on HD.com, mostly complaints of under-powered. Otherwise I agree Ryobi is a fantastic platform for your needs.

Some Home Depots are blowing out the Makita 7.25" 18Vx2 = 36V at $58.03. But odds are that your stores are either a) not doing it or b) it's been going on for awhile and you've missed out. It's overkill but at $58 you could still buy two batteries and a charger and the Makita 18V line is impressively large (bigger than M18 I think).

That leads to if you really care about right or left blade.

I'm still using my V28 which is awesome but not a good recommendation for you for a whole variety of reasons.

On the Ryobi, that's the impression I got, too. The 5 1/2" was junk, and maybe cheap 5 1/2" saws just are by their nature: tiny blade to overheat quickly, tiny motor, etc. I can't help but think a 6 1/2" will be an upgrade no matter what brand I buy. The 6 1/2" came out very recently, and one of the two reviews on Home Depot specifically mentioned how much nicer it is than the 5 1/2".

I'm kind of partial to left-handed blade, because I'm used to it and think it's helpful to be able to see the blade. I also think the smaller saws are more suitable for most of what I end up doing, but it's nice to know I can work 2x when I need to. That's quite a price on the 2x18V though.

Makita is interesting to me for the reason you mentioned, the wide selection of tools for a variety of applications, like One+. At that point it's I think it's really just price vs. power and durability, and I don't really see myself testing the tool's durability too heavily.

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

One thing I can suggest is to always use a sharp blade. At work I had to use a dull blade since I was cutting through staples and screws (its a long story) while on a 45* bevel and my battery was lasting me maybe all of 3'.

 

[Vin]

I would also suggest getting a corded saw instead of a cordless one.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I agree with the suggestion to get a corded circular saw. Under ideal circumstances, you're only going to get 150-200 ft of linear cutting in plywood -- cutting thicker stuff like 2x4s and starting and stopping will shorten that in real-world use. Then you've got an hour to 90 minutes to recharge the battery pack. And those multiple packs you end up buying are only going to have a 4-5 year lifespan to them, even if you're not using them or they're sitting at the Home Depot waiting for you to buy them.

Here's a pretty good comparison I found. The Ridgid that wins for best value has the added bonus of a lifetime warranty on the batteries -- which to me is a huge thing, since replacing five or six batteries every five years can get really expensive.

http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/18-volt-cordless-circular-saw-head-to-head.html

 

[Rookie2]

I tried my friends Porter Cable ,brand new , I could barely finish two 4' cuts in 1/2" plywood.

 

[bcradio]

Why Cordless?

 

[back2class]

Yeah...this is a tool completely gadget driven. Just because they make cordless circ saws, does not mean they are good or worth buying. Maybe if you have a small project way away from extension cord range..but really???

 

[Mister_A]

I agree with the suggestion to get a corded circular saw. Under ideal circumstances, you're only going to get 150-200 ft of linear cutting in plywood...

Here's a pretty good comparison I found. The Ridgid that wins for best value has the added bonus of a lifetime warranty on the batteries -- which to me is a huge thing, since replacing five or six batteries every five years can get really expensive.

http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/18-volt-cordless-circular-saw-head-to-head.html

OH, TO GET THROUGH 150 LINEAR FEET.

I'm not saying "no" to corded, but it's nice to know the girlfriend isn't about to trip over my extension cord. Plus, there are other tools I commonly use further from power sources and it'd be great to get them all cordless and on one platform. I've taken circular saws to cabins and campsites in the past, and I can see the value *if* the saw works well.

I did see that Concord Carpenter comparison, and it's a great one. However, I apparently didn't register this about the Ridgid warranty on the batteries. That... definitely makes it a lot more attractive. I would probably only keep a couple of batteries (which is why I was looking for a product line that includes landscaping tools I'd use regularly), but if the batteries will be replaced, I'm open to a line that just offers some basics that I don't use as often. Thanks for that very good point.

I tried my friends Porter Cable ,brand new , I could barely finish two 4' cuts in 1/2" plywood.

^ And that is what scared me into seriously considering dropping the additional bills and taking a Milwaukee FUEL to this shed project.

I was making 2' cuts in 1/2" treated CDX. The first few cuts were fine, and the blade was a brand new plywood blade, left beautiful finished edges with no splintering and a thin kerf. However, after just a few boards, I started noticing it would want to bind. Nothing serious, I'd back out and reapproach, finish the cut. There was an hour or two between each cut, so it's not like I was punishing it with relentless use. Blade was set no deeper than needed to get through the plywood.

By the third day, the saw was nearly unusable and the battery overheated twice, I tossed it aside and broke out the panel saw. This was after a grand total of maybe 30 feet of cuts. Either this is defective, or it was intended for nothing tougher than furring strips.

Next weekend, I need to plunge-cut openings for a door and window, as well as do sheathing and trim for gables, so I need to get serious.

What I'm hearing in my head is that if I DO want cordless, the Ryobi/Porter-Cable products will probably still disappoint me in terms of power, and Makita has what I want in terms of range of products. What I'm hearing in this thread is that I should **** it up and just buy a corded saw.

 

[Ign]

Makita does have the grass clippers LOL
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LOML80Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Who could live without that? I'm waiting for brushless though But seriously, there are a LOT of tools in their line-up

 

[Kirbot]

Ridgid gets my vote (even though I'm a Milwaukee user)

The only reason I started on Milwaukee, was to get the 3/8" impact wrench.
If you don't need that, I think the lower price and the battery warranty makes a VERY strong argument for them.
In fact, the newer gen 5x kit is on sale for $400 right now.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-G...mbo-Kit-5-Piece-R9652/205883898?keyword=gen5x

 

[woody 73]

Not what the Op wanted to hear but if my two cents is worth anything this is what I would look for used on CL:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/5008473356.html

I like cordless tools big time but a saw is not one of them, my little dewalt just dies after a short time and it needs another battery. let me tell you it is not fun having the saw die in the middle of a cut.

 

[back2class]

OH, TO GET THROUGH 150 LINEAR FEET.

=What I'm hearing in this thread is that I should **** it up and just buy a corded saw.

Si. Think like electric adjustable wrenches or extendable ratchet handles. Just because a company produces them and wants you to buy them, does not make them good or practical for use in real life. I found the one I had was ok for cutting firing strips and maybe for a homeowner who cuts a piece of wood every few years, or people who like to do finish carpentry in remote areas of the forest. And even then, a decent handsaw would be superior.

 

[jd_1138]

Corded is more powerful, but the cordless is more convenient. I love my Ryobi 18V platform. I have the circular saw, reciprocating saw, 2 compact impact drills, regular drill, multitool, work lantern, flashlight. 4 batteries, 2 chargers.

If you are going to do some heavy duty stuff like demolition of a barn or shed, etc., then maybe go for a corded recip saw like a $70 Porter-Cable.

But like for a few cuts here and there, cordless stuff is so nice and easy.

 

[Thumper68]

In my experience saws of any kind are battery killers. For more than a few small cuts I would go corded.

I keep my cordless circ saw around for those quick easy cuts when I only have 1 or 2 to do and running a cord is just a hassle, same with a ricp saw battery is great for 1 or 2 quick cuts but when it needs to really work I reach for the corded.

I have thrown my lot in with Ridgid for the warentee on both the batteries and the tools, not to mention the fact that the new lion bats work on all the older tools as well, so adding to the line-up with auction and garage sale finds is easy and cheap.

 

[Kirbot]

BTW, "Real Tool Review" ( I forget his name, but he's a member here) did a review of the Milwaukee Fuel, and the gen 5x Ridgid. They both cross cut a 2x4 about 230 times.

Even the 12v Milwaukee Fuel cross cut close to 200 times, IIRC.

Both reviews are worth checking out.

 

[Mister_A]

Not what the Op wanted to hear but...I like cordless tools big time but a saw is not one of them...let me tell you it is not fun having the saw die in the middle of a cut.

No, it's not, although from what I saw of the Makita and Milwaukee in stress tests, I would never get there in a single day.

I think I am coming around to the point of view that it is time to buy a 7 1/4" corded circular saw. Looking quickly at the box stores, I see a 13-amp no-frills Ryobi for $40, a 15-amp no-frills Porter-Cable for $50, and a 14-amp Ryobi with laser, edge-guide, and safety for $70.

Not many reviews on any of those, but a lot of bad reviews for the power switch failing on the laser/edge-guide Ryobi 15-amp model.

Any pointers on which saws I should be shopping for?

 

[Mister_A]

BTW, "Real Tool Review" ( I forget his name, but he's a member here) did a review of the Milwaukee Fuel, and the gen 5x Ridgid. They both cross cut a 2x4 about 230 times.

Even the 12v Milwaukee Fuel cross cut close to 200 times, IIRC.

Both reviews are worth checking out.

There's 12V Milwaukee Fuel? I'm gonna go look at this right now, just for kicks if anything else.

EDIT: Ohhhh, it's a 5 1/2". Heck of a 5 1/2", though.

 

[back2class]

I have used everything from $10 used cheepo circ saws and own Makita and Milwaukee models at this time. As an occasional home user, buy the cheapest one you find. Maybe a $20 craftsman or skill at a pawnshop. Such a simple tool and not a precision tool. Same reason cheap die grinders work well....so simple. My red one was with me for a decade on the job as a pro, had been left out for weeks in the weather, dropped, stomped on, used to cut concrete and still going strong 20 years out. Cord is the only thing that shows signs of failing anytime soon. But such overkill for occasional use.

 

[Mister_A]

First thing that really caught my eye was the Porter-Cable PC15TCSM, has a magensium shoe and goes for around $100 retail. Reviews just raving, especially comments about how it doesn't deflect/deform from square like other lower-cost saws.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041K36JC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Looks like a good, solid, basic saw. Thinking to pick one up lightly used.

 

[kctyphoon]

Hi there,

First time poster, I've been doing my homework and this seems like the best forum going, so I thought I'd join and seek some advice.

I got stuck with a B&D 5 1/2" cordless circular saw for putting up new 1/2" plywood sheathing on a shed this weekend, and finally lost my temper at it struggling even with small cuts in this material. Worse, the shoe is not very sturdy and the blade wanders off and binds even if the shoe is moving squarely.

Before I go back to work on it next weekend, I want to buy a 6 1/2" cordless, which also means I probably want to commit to a power platform. I've read a lot of the threads here, but I think the feedback on the circular saws, specifically, is more limited.

My need for the saw is probably 2-8 weekends a year, plus regular use of a drill throughout the year, and I may also be interested in branching out into cordless landscaping tools (blower, hedge trimmer, weed trimmer). A big part of this is deciding if I need another disposable/budget/homeowner saw for my limited use, or if I should break down and invest in something.

This is my current thinking:

- The Ryobi One+ P507 and Porter-Cable PCC660 would probably solve my main frustration and get me through this project, and the Ryobi One+ battery opens up a tremendous array of economical homeowner-grade tools, including for yardwork, etc. Even with my generally light duty requirements, though, I'm concerned about destroying either one on treated 2x or plywood, and I did see a review for the Porter-Cable complaining about the same twisting shoe issue I had on the B&D.

- The Milwaukee FUEL saw is my top choice if money were no object, and the promise of getting all-day battery life is appealing and it looks amazing, but this may be wasted considering how much time it would spend sitting on a shelf. The range of tools in the M12 and M18 lines is impressive, but maybe a little more shop/garage-focused than my mostly-outdoor work. I would probably buy factory reconditioned to save $50 or so.

- The Makita LXT saws seem great, and also open up a huge array of cordless tools, but I've heard mixed things about their battery reliability and I'm having trouble figuring out the differences on the several models of LXT 6 1/2" saws I see. (The brushless is out of my price range.) I did find a BSS611Z saw/LXPH01Z hammer drill combo with a 3.0 battery for a pretty fair price. That battery may even be completely adequate for my generally limited circular saw needs.

Separately, the DeWalt DCS391 looks decent, but the kit price is actually around the same as the kit price for a reconditioned Milwaukee FUEL, so it's really the odd duck/also-ran saw in my mind.

Can anyone give me feedback on these models and help me make up my mind?

the milwaukee fuel is probably the best saw, if money is no object.. however - if money IS an object - you can just go with the regular 6.5 (non-fuel) brushed milwaukee cordless saw.. it is still an amazing saw from all the videos ive seen, and it uses the same battery milwaukee 18 platform as all their fuel (brushless) stuff too.. its probably a good comprimise.

i wouldnt even consider the ryobi - it is NOWHERE near the level of even the brushed milwaukee stuff, let alone the brushless.. PC is basically the in the same ballpark as Ryobi - both entry level tools brands, and will do what you ask - but will struggle at times.

another option for you (and im not kidding) might be the m12 circular saw if you only need if doing lighter stuff.. im a big supporter of Milwaukee power tools, and if you spend time on youtube just watching the saws work - you'll see why..

check these out:
the m12 saw :

the non-fuel m18 6.5 Milwaukee: (this takes any m18 battery despite what they say)

the m18 6.5 fuel vs a corded circular saw: (there is a 7 1/4" version as well - with the blade on the opposite side)

AND THEN - the ryobi---

just keep one thing in mind when reading reviews about the cheaper cordless saws - some people only think they are great - because most have never used a good one..

the obvious answer here (and cheapest) is to just go corded - BUT - if going cordless, please do youself a favor and get something from a decent brand, even if it isnt Milwaukee.. my suggestions would be Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt - in that order and then Ridgid, but only if it was too good a deal to pass on.. alot of people get sold on ridgid's warranty, and then get burned when they need to use it...

buying premium "brushed" tools is not a downgrade - rather the "brushless" is an upgrade.. some more power, and about 10% longer run times.. however, the circular saw will probably earn you the biggest difference in brushed vs brushless - simply for the stress placed on the tools.

and in case you havent figured it out yet :
m18 = brushed
m18 fuel = brushless
m12 = brushed
m12 fuel = brushless

unless we are talking compact drills, cause milwaukee has very recently introduced the "m18 brushless" line, which is their 3rd tier - but only has a drill and impact driver in the lineup so far i think..

 

[Mister_A]

the m18 6.5 fuel vs a corded circular saw:

THAT is interesting.

For me, on this item, money is an object, but it's not, if that makes any sense: I went into this looking to get this project knocked out cheaply, but I've realized I need a grownup saw and I'm willing to pay for a higher-end cordless if that's my answer. If the answer is to go corded, I just want a decent basic saw that will do the job. The corded P-C I found seemed to get rave reviews and be a solid tool for the price, so I'm open to it.

And the Ryobi 5 1/2" looks about like I expected, struggling as bad or worse than my B&D 5 1/2". I suspect a 6 1/2" Ryobi would have a slightly more powerful motor and get me through, but even the M12 5 1/2" video shows that it would just make lunchmeat out of my shed project, and probably the shed itself, if I wanted to. I'm very impressed with that when I see it side-by-side with the Ryobi getting bound up in 2x.

I think I'm pretty well settled that I'm either buying a higher-end cordless *OR* a basic corded. The only upside I see to going Makita is the larger universe of tools. When I think about that, I realize I would probably never pay Makita prices for cordless landscaping tools. So the real question is whether I want to start a Milwaukee cordless collection.

Watching that M18 chew up that plywood like it was nothing sure was awfully satisfying after what I was dealing with this weekend.

however, the circular saw will probably earn you the biggest difference in brushed vs brushless - simply for the stress placed on the tools.

That's pretty much my thought process, too. This is arguably a tool I use the least but may find myself taxing the most. I did give the non-FUEL M18 a look yesterday, but I think if I'm going that far, I may as well go ahead and get a reconditioned brushless. I may not need the battery life, but the power might come in handy. Otherwise, this is the tool that needs to be corded.

This is really an incredibly thoughtful and helpful forum.

 

[mires]

I use the M18 Fuel on a daily basis almost. Granted, it is usually just between 5-10 cuts but I can't imagine using anything else at this point.

 

[GreyOwl]

A while back I got the Ryobi 5-1/2" and found out it couldn't cut a straight line no matter what I did. I tossed the blade that came with it and bought a good blade and wow what a difference! I also started using the Li battery pack from my weed trimmer and that made all the difference for power. I even went as far as picking up a couple of high capacity batteries on sale and it now makes quick work of most jobs that are too much trouble to stretch out the extension cord for the corded saw.

 

[pablo94sc]

I have the 5.5" Ryobi that came in the 4-tool kit and it's good for most stuff, but binds occasionally and making a lot of cuts in a row can overheat the regular lithium batteries that came with the kit (the all black ones). Despite this, I still want to get the new P507 6.5" saw. For the average homeowner it's plenty.

 

[doan]

I got the makita 6.5" circular saw as part of a bundle. Was cheaper than buying just batteries. I never though I would use it. Once I started using it, I never picked up my corded saw again. I've not done any huge projects, but I've never had to stop and charge a battery. The makita 3AH batteries charge in 30 minutes anyway.

Cordless tools really start making sense when you have multiple tools that use the same batteries. I got locked into Makita when I got my wife a Makita cordless vacuum.

 

[Farmall450]

My 18v DeWalt seems pretty decent but anything more than something small I go to corded first.

 

[peteco]

I just bought the Ridgid Gen5x set. It is a heck of a deal at $399. Some Home Depot stores accept HF 20% off coupons. Mine wouldn't, but when I hemmed and hawed they said how does $50 off sound. I haven't tried the saw yet. As said, the saw gets good reviews, and with the 4 amp batteries it should be strong.

 

[Two Door]

I would highly recommend the Ridgid ZRR3204 6-1/2 in. Fuego Magnesium Compact Framing Saw. My saw prior to it was a Milwaukee corded 7 1/2 inch. However when I began to redo the decorative beams on my two story living room ceiling, it required standing on a scissor lift and holding the saw over my head to cut them to a smaller size for cladding. At that point I quickly went looking for a lighter but still capable saw.

The 6 1/2 inch Fuego turned out to be excellent for that project. After using it there I started using it in place of the Milwaukee, which I then saw as redundant and not worth keeping. The weight difference is substantial, and as far as I can tell the performance is equal, with the exception of the maximum depth of cut. It is currently available reconditioned at CPO for $65.

 

[lat905]

A while back I got the Ryobi 5-1/2" and found out it couldn't cut a straight line no matter what I did. I tossed the blade that came with it and bought a good blade and wow what a difference! I also started using the Li battery pack from my weed trimmer and that made all the difference for power. I even went as far as picking up a couple of high capacity batteries on sale and it now makes quick work of most jobs that are too much trouble to stretch out the extension cord for the corded saw.

Similar experience, I have the 5-1/2" that came in the 4 tool kit from back around 2002. Since then I have added a lot of the Ryobi 18V stuff and I have upgraded over the years to the lithium + batteries. I like all of the Ryobi stuff for my hobby/homeowner uses.

The little circular saw I use when I need to crosscut a few 2x4's quick, or rip a piece of plywood. I did buy a nice fine tooth blade for it a few years back that makes it cut tremendously better. But anything more than a few cuts, I get out my old skilsaw and plug it in.

I'm sure the bigger saws are better, but I can't imagine they are good enough if you are using them a lot.

Some stuff you can go all battery and be perfectly happy. I don't think the tech is quite there yet for something as power hungry as a circular saw.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First any circular saw will work better with a carbide tipped blade. If your saw does not come with one, IMMEDIATELY BUY ONE ! More teeth make smoother cuts, especially in plywood and OSB.

DeWalt and Milwaukee are still batteling for king of the hill. Personally I think the Milwaukee FUEL series is overpriced especially for the average DIYer. Shop CL. You can find some good deals there, but remember that you will need at least 2 batteries.

If you have any big projects, buy a corded saw.

 

[kctyphoon]

THAT is interesting.

For me, on this item, money is an object, but it's not, if that makes any sense: I went into this looking to get this project knocked out cheaply, but I've realized I need a grownup saw and I'm willing to pay for a higher-end cordless if that's my answer. If the answer is to go corded, I just want a decent basic saw that will do the job. The corded P-C I found seemed to get rave reviews and be a solid tool for the price, so I'm open to it.

And the Ryobi 5 1/2" looks about like I expected, struggling as bad or worse than my B&D 5 1/2". I suspect a 6 1/2" Ryobi would have a slightly more powerful motor and get me through, but even the M12 5 1/2" video shows that it would just make lunchmeat out of my shed project, and probably the shed itself, if I wanted to. I'm very impressed with that when I see it side-by-side with the Ryobi getting bound up in 2x.

I think I'm pretty well settled that I'm either buying a higher-end cordless *OR* a basic corded. The only upside I see to going Makita is the larger universe of tools. When I think about that, I realize I would probably never pay Makita prices for cordless landscaping tools. So the real question is whether I want to start a Milwaukee cordless collection.

Watching that M18 chew up that plywood like it was nothing sure was awfully satisfying after what I was dealing with this weekend.



That's pretty much my thought process, too. This is arguably a tool I use the least but may find myself taxing the most. I did give the non-FUEL M18 a look yesterday, but I think if I'm going that far, I may as well go ahead and get a reconditioned brushless. I may not need the battery life, but the power might come in handy. Otherwise, this is the tool that needs to be corded.

This is really an incredibly thoughtful and helpful forum.

check out what CPO outlets has going on.. you might be able to find a bare tool on refurb for the fuel saw - and honestly the best way to get batteries is to buy a drill kit.. i bought the fuel hammer drill, impact driver from cpo as a refurb as my first Milwaukee tools.. NOW , after all the deals they had with the holidays, and just an impulsive shopper, ive pretty much replaced all my old cordless stuff with m18 fuel, and m12 stuff ( i have ALOT now) - not to mention dewalt 12v max stuff for clean projects inside the house ( i know, i have issues).. honestly i havent used any of it all that much - but there is a HUGE difference between the 6.5 fuel saw i have, and the old 18v nicad dewalt one i had.. sometimes it pays in the long run to just **** it up and spend some money to make your life easier, esp if your a guy thats going to be doing projects.. if your building decks - go with a corded saw.. but if the ocassional shed is the biggest project, (and most people will never need to do anything that big) and just basic remodeling - cordless offers alot of convience... no dirty extension cords to pick up and trip over, no plugs on the tools to get bent up or cut cords, and no blown circuit breakers..

i suggest any m18 drill/impact driver kit (w/ 2 batteries) and buying the saw as a bare tool if you want cordless. after that, add a light, ( the m18 stick light is AMAZING, and a good compromise between the dozen different models they make) and some kind of sawzall, and you should be able to do almost anything you need to.. i have fuel AND non - fuel drills, impact drivers, and saws between here and work - honestly - you cant go wrong with either.

on the grand scale of things - spending money on 4 cordless tools, and an led light - that will easily last you 20 years or more if you replace a battery pack here and there, is not a huge investment..

 

[jd_1138]

I just got my latest Ryobi 18V stuff yesterday -- a JobMax multi-tool, and a Ryobi job site radio. I immediately used the multi-tool to remove some intruding fasteners that were dangerously sticking through my new shed's door. Also I slapped a sanding pad on it and sanded down the part of the door trim that was keeping the door from closing all the way.

I did all of this while enjoying listening to Pandora blasting through my new Ryobi jobsite radio. The thing has nice bass and power.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Pickup the Ryobi stuff, get a real good blade and just try it - bet you will be surprised. Not like your committing for life, it doesnt work like you want then return it.

I have quite a few Ryobi tools including the circular saw and I think they work great. Im no pro by any means......but we replaced a wall in a fairly large shed using it and none of it skipped a beat (circular saw, reciprocating saw, drill, impact driver, jigsaw).

Im using 4AH batteries though - which I also think is very key to getting good use out of the circular saw. The Ryobi 4ah batteries go on sale buy 1, get 1 free around holidays so you can score 2 4AH batteries for $99. Then I turned around and sold my 1.5AH batteries on eBay (they were new, unused)...broke even.

 

[acer66]

Over at fine homebuilding the Milwaukee fuel 2730-22 came out on top while the Dewalt DCS391M1 was considered best value.
They did not test a ryobi, I have the Bosch CCS180 and am not impressed.

 

[Mister_A]

Alright, making up my mind, here: So I see where I can pick up a reconditioned Milwaukee FUEL 18v 6 1/2" saw and Milwaukee FUEL 18V hammer drill driver with a 4.0 battery between them for $350.

By way of comparison, if I'm going new, I can pick up a 7 1/4" Porter-Cable PC15TCSM corded saw and Porter-Cable PCC620LB 20V Max hammer drill driver with 2x2.0 batteries for $280.

Or a Ryobi One+ hammer drill driver with the PC saw, charger, and 4.0 battery for $300.

This actually doesn't seem like an especially oppressive FUEL tax. Does anyone want to try to talk me down off this whole Milwaukee business before I pull the trigger?