6.5" vs 7.25" circ saw

[dwasifar]

I have a 7.25" corded Makita, and I like it a lot. I don't have a 6.5" saw, and I'm considering getting one, maybe the DeWalt 20v.

For those of you who have both sizes, which do you find yourself using more? I mean, if the material requires the larger saw, obviously that's what you have to use, but say it's something either saw could do, like plywood or straight framing cuts. Do you grab the larger saw for speed and power, or the smaller for portability and weight?

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I have both in my shop. Definitely the smaller saw gets used more. Only for the fact I don't have to string a cord. The cordless saw is about the same weight with the battery (unless you're using a worm drive). I would think it depends on how much you use the saw all day and how many batteries you have.

 

[cgrutt]

I have both in cordless and find myself almost always using the larger saw. Its just what I'm used to using I suppose. I do use the 6.5 if I'm cutting alot of trim and don't have my miter saw set up. Personal preference really. I usually grab my corded saw if cutting alot of heavy 2x or larger lumber for framing deck as example. I can usually run my cordless all day on single battery but find corded is better with wet pressure treated lumber.

 

[Desertskyy]

I have the Skilsaw HD77 worm drive saw (west coast thing)
Bought the 6.5 dewalt brushless more than a year ago and have zero regrets Have used it to cut Hardiebacker along with plywood, studs etc

Been running like a champ

 

[FigN⋅m]

I have both in 20V brushless, and while the 7.25" is built better - the 6.5" gets used more.
Quite often my choice boils down to which side I want/need the blade.

 

[nicks78camaro]

My 20v dewalt 6.5 circ saw seems gutless. Stalls out all the time even with fresh 5.0 battery.

 

[Old tool guy]

Both will cut a 2x4 square, but if you need to bevel the saw for a 45* the 6-1/2” may not have the necessary depth of cut. I went to the dewalt website and found the saw, the depth of cut is not listed anywhere.

 

[strutaeng]

I was really old-school and thought i would keep using my Bosch magnesium worm drive 7 1/4" until I died. I used it for everything.

At some point I'd bought a corded Dewalt track saw for cabinet, furniture and plywood and within the last 2 years finally a 6 1/2 cordless saw.

I rebuilt my wood fence and basically used the 6 1/2 cordless because i didn't want to drag around 100' of electric cord. Have used the cordless saw 100 percent from then on.

In fact, I had forgotten I actually killed the worm drive cutting some concrete last Fall. A replacement was supposed to happen, but forgot about it. Lol

The cordless is so handy. Just think about cordless drill vs corded...as a comparison.

 

[Sal Bandini]

Since I primarily use corded and worm drive I almost always reach for my 6 1/2 Skilsaw. The weight savings from the 7 1/4 is substantial.

 

[Aaron_W]

I've never seen the point in both. In most cases with modern saws the difference in weight between a conventional 7-1/4" and a 6-1/2" is usually only about 1 pound, at the most extreme maybe 1-1/2lbs (6-1/2 vs 7-1/2 to 8lbs). The weight of the saw is also usually supported during the cut which further reduces the impact. A circular saw isn't like a drill or nailer where you are holding all the weight during use and a small reduction in weight can pay off quickly. It just seems like a hassle, dealing with 2 sizes of blades for the small weight savings.

Now back in the day when saw bodies were all metal, and the motors a lot heavier then sure, there was probably a substantial difference. Similarly if you run a worm drive, then you may be up to twice the weight of a 6-1/2", so having the big saw for big work and a smaller lightweight saw for other stuff, then I could see dropping down to 6-1/2" instead of getting a lighter weight 7-1/4".

I could see the appeal if you have a corded 7-1/4" and want to add cordless. I stayed with 7-1/4" mostly because I didn't give it much thought, and I grabbed a cordless when it went on sale. The 6-1/2" wasn't on sale at the time.


Now 6-1/2" or 7-1/4" is a debate I could understand, as both could cut through a 2x4 (the skinny way), and neither can single cut a 4x4. Although I've always had 7-1/4" I doubt I'd find a 6-1/2" limiting, so maybe I should be asking myself why I have stuck with 7-1/4" all this time.

 

[nh_yota]

According to the specs, the 6.5" cordless Makita saw will cut just deep enough at a 45 degree angle to clear standard 2x lumber. I suspect the 6.5" DeWalt cordless saw would do the same.

 

[mopar66]

I have a corded Porter Cable 7-1/4. Had it a long time. Its a nice saw with blade left. Can't even remember the last time I used it. I have a Dewalt cordless 6-1/2. That's been my go-to for years. I do have a miter saw that I use for finish work or if I have a lot of boards to cut.

 

[nh_yota]

I have been eyeing a 6.5" cordless saw for a few years and one of these days I may just find some extra money in my budget for it.

Both my city house and my lake house are on small pieces of property where outlets are within an extension cord's reach, so I don't have much of a need for cordless tools except for the convenience factor (I don't live on a farm or out in the woods). The 6.5" cordless saw would come in handy for simple everyday cutting tasks such as trimming a 2x4 or a small piece of plywood. For anything else I would just use my corded 7.25" saw, miter saw or portable table saw.

 

[tarmy]

I have Milwaukee Fuel for both sizes…won’t get another 6.5”. I works good…but the full size saw just seems easier to grab and use…and because the blade is down farther in cuts a bit easier…

 

[tyyost]

I always found the blade right 6 1/2 saws to be easier for me to cut panel goods. Blade left always seems to have me wander out to the right when I tried to cut a long sheet. Now I have a 6 1/2 inch Milwaukee fuel and a 7 1/4 Makita cordless along with my full compliment of old-school corded ones for that rainy day. I find if I’m cutting larger lumber or sheets I’ll grab the 7 1/4 but if it’s two by fours or two by sixes and I’m cross cutting them to length with a speed square it’s the 6 1/2 Milwaukee all day long.

 

[a6hux]

6 1/2 Dewalt 20v is great for OSB. We use it when we are on the roof for rips. 7 1/4 is great for everything else but is a lot heavier.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My son has an old (NiMh) DeWalt 6.5. I love it for the light weight !

 

[MushCreek]

I have a corded Milwaukee and a an M18. I never use the corded saw. Ever. I tried to sell it, as it was nearly new, and couldn't get $50 for the $150 saw. That tells you something. Our local scout group has an annual tag sale, and I'm going to donate it to that. I use my miter saw for most framing stuff and cutting angles. That, or the table saw. I mostly use a circular saw for breaking down sheet goods.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I hate to say it, but I use my cordless all the time unless I have a lot of work breaking down sheet goods or repetitive cuts that need done. Then I'll break out the mag 77.

 

[Davefr]

I like my 40V Makita XGT 10-1/4" rear handle. It can handle 3-3/4" cuts and is still a few lbs lighter than a Skill 77. You can still use std. 7-1/4" blades.

 

[Wamsutta]

This is the little guy I'd like to try someday.

 

[NoahG]

I have bought both sizes as cordless
Dewalts for the shop, and I own a Milwaukee fuel in 7-1/4. I always reach for the 7-1/4’s first. I have an old corded Dewalt 7-1/4 that lives in the garage and gets used maybe twice a year.

This is the little guy I'd like to try someday.

I’ve used those, and found one at a garage sale last year. They’re beefy little units. I love that blade size but all the cordless ones I’ve used are too wobbly.

 

[Farmall450]

My son has an old (NiMh) DeWalt 6.5. I love it for the light weight !

My dad has the 18v one which we still use with the battery adapter and my 20v batteries.

it is light and handy.

Personally I have the 7-1/4 BL which has much more oomph.

 

[Old tool guy]

This is the little guy I'd like to try someday.

I have a jig saw that uses the same motor unit. Extremely smooth. It was my farhers, or maybe grandfather. Unfortunately it uses bayonet blades, which are still available, and the brass worm gear is worn out.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

I have a corded Skilsaw and a Dewalt 20V Max cordless. I acquired the Dewalt when doing volunteer home repairs. I grab it almost every time I need to use a circular saw. I tend to leave a diamond blade in the Skilsaw and use it when I want to cut concrete. I also use the Skilsaw with an abrasive blade for cutting metal when the chop saw won't do the job due to the size of the metal piece.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I only ever buy 7-1/4" circular saws. Much more blade options, especially in stock locally. Blades seem to be cheaper than smaller blades. And I don't like the blade on the wrong side.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

OP I do not have the 6.5 with battery but it is an interesting addition. Will add just in case no access to power. DIYer currently corded Makita for plywood and corded Dewalt miter saw for 2x4s. Of course also use table saws, jig saws, router, reciprocal saw, multi tool, chainsaw.

 

[dante2]

I have both. The cordless gets used at least several times a week and I honestly can't remember when I used the Makita corded saw. The Makita is a great saw but between the cordless and the table saw it doesn't get much use.

 

[Snapped-off]

6, tracksaw, 7 in that order for me. Only reason I have a 7 is because I got a dual port charger and (4) Makita 5ah batteries for a steal.

 

[dwasifar]

Thanks guys. Sounds like most of you really like a 6.5" cordless, so based on what I've read here, I bought the DeWalt DCS565B.

The saw comes with a single 15t blade, so I'm trying my own mini Project Farm test for 24t blades. Makita blades topped out the PF test, so I bought one of those for $13, and a pack of three Hardwin blades from Amazon that come well reviewed for about half that price per blade. I'll compare them for speed.

 

[dnschmidt]

Basically it all comes down as to whether you prefer blade left of blade right. The 6 1/2 are blade left and the 7 1/4" are blade right with the exception of the Skill 77 worm drive and those that want to be a Skill 77. Most cordless rear handled saws fall into this category.

 

[mike93lx]

Thanks guys. Sounds like most of you really like a 6.5" cordless, so based on what I've read here, I bought the DeWalt DCS565B.

The saw comes with a single 15t blade, so I'm trying my own mini Project Farm test for 24t blades. Makita blades topped out the PF test, so I bought one of those for $13, and a pack of three Hardwin blades from Amazon that come well reviewed for about half that price per blade. I'll compare them for speed.

I have the older brushed version. Convenient size, but I'll echo the gutless comments. Your brushless version is likely a good bit better, plus it has a rafter hook, which is missing from mine. A lightweight saw is nice to use and I think you'll enjoy it

 

[Sal Bandini]

Basically it all comes down as to whether you prefer blade left of blade right. The 6 1/2 are blade left and the 7 1/4" are blade right with the exception of the Skill 77 worm drive and those that want to be a Skill 77. Most cordless rear handled saws fall into this category.

Bosch makes 18V brushless in left or right for both 6 1/2 and 7 1/4.

 

[Renegade1LI]

From a contractors stanpoint we usually set up a bench with a 7 1/4 skil wd, the saws the guys cary around are 6 1/2" dewalt. Even at home sometimes I'll set up a bench with a pc 347, 7 1/4 blade left, it's just a great cutting saw & keep the cordless where I'm working. It seems as 7 1/4 blades are still a little cheaper if that matters, but I like to fit the tool to the job. Good quality, sharp blades make a big difference regardless of what saw you're using.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I have a 18v Bosch which I seldomly use, and a corded Skil which sees a little more work. To tell the truth I use my Milwaukee slider the most. For sheet goods I generally use a Craftsman table saw.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have a Milwaukee M-18 Fuel 6 1/2" saw, Milwaukee corded Tilt lok 7 1/4", and even a corded Milwaukee 8 1/4" worm drive saw.
I have been slow to accept battery tools except for a drill. Today, I have quite a few and find my self reaching for the 6 1/2" most times. It's lighter, and more convenient. I still use the others, just not as much.

 

[BreeStephany]

I have a Skil 67 6-1/2" wormdrive, a couple off 77 7-1/4" wormdrives, a 825 8-1/4" wormdrive, a 107 10" worm drive and a 127 12" wormdrive.

I love the wormdrive for line of sight and controlability, the 67 is a great, lightweight saw with a pretty compact design which is GREAT as a plywood / panel saw, my 77s / Bosch variant mag saw are my go-to for standard 2x framing, the 825 is great for true 2"+ dimensional and the 107 and 127 are incredible for timber framing, beam work, and cutting down large slabs of hardwood where I need a LOT of power.

 

[dwasifar]

Thanks guys. Sounds like most of you really like a 6.5" cordless, so based on what I've read here, I bought the DeWalt DCS565B.

The saw comes with a single 15t blade, so I'm trying my own mini Project Farm test for 24t blades. Makita blades topped out the PF test, so I bought one of those for $13, and a pack of three Hardwin blades from Amazon that come well reviewed for about half that price per blade. I'll compare them for speed.

Well, effity-eff-eff.

Makita and Hardwin blades arrived. I put the Makita blade on first, and the first thing I did was ruin it. I cut up a pallet, and must have hit a nail. Didn't notice that at first, but when I went to test the Hardwin against the Makita, I was like, How is the no-name China blade so much faster than the Makita? Well, that'll happen when the Makita is MISSING FIVE TEETH.

Aw, blast it! Poop flirt rattletrap camel flirt! You BLONKER! Rattle feet sturcklefrat! Of a womp sack **** ratter bottom fodder! Smick melly womp walker! Drop dumb fratten house snickle fifer!

 

[Beemer]

I am at the age that "lighter is better" in all tools. So smaller is better.

 

[UserNameAttempt3]

The 6.5" can get a lot done, even if you need to rotate the board to finalize the cut. Extremely handy, light and efficient. Can't imagine doing projects without one, especially in the field.