Circular Saw Choices

[Bessy]

I'm in the market to replace my current DeWalt 6-1/2" circ saw (or relegate it to the loaner program because I don't throw stuff out). The saw still runs well and has been strong enough for 80% of the stuff I've used it for, but the fact that the shoe is bent just enough that it will not follow a straight edge, is irksome. In my previous research on the topic, I've been leaning towards the DeWalt DCS573B (3yr warranty). I can pick one up for $236 out the door right now at 16% off as a bare tool from HD. For the record I'm quite invested in DeWalt already (8 tools, three 4ah, and several (6-8) of the smaller 1.5 and 2ah batteries) but I have nothing that uses the 60v batteries currently, and from what I've heard they're dear in price.

Alternatively I've got some Ridgid in my collection as well (Belt Sander, 1/4" impact, angle grinder, jig saw, 2 2ah and 1 4ah battery, three chargers) and I've been pretty happy with the quality so far, and the LSA is an appealing feature (whether they are easy to deal with, I imagine not, I've yet to determine).

HD has their Ridgid Tool Takeover event on right now, and I can pick up the 7-1/4 with a 4ah battery and charger for about $202 all in. Or I can step down to the 6-1/2" brushed saw for $112 and spend $148 on a pair of 4ah batteries, no charger included.

Thoughts, stick with DeWalt or go with the Ridgid? On the 6-1/2" version is Brushless really that big of a step up comparatively speaking?

TIA!

 

[Voi]

I do believe it's worth it to step up to brushless for any cordless circular platform.

As far as your choice, I would focus on blade left/right first.

For a small, light & quick to grab I prefer blade left. And I prefer brushless so I prefer DeWalt of your choices.

But nothing wrong with blade right. I have a few. Is the Ridgid 7 1/4" brushless?

 

[Bessy]

The 7-1/4 Ridgid is Brushless. They also have a 6-1/2 brushless that is $10 less on the same deal with the 4ah and charger.

As far as blade left vs blade right it seems that that depends on the blade size? All of the 7-1/4 saws seem to be blade right, while anything smaller is blade left? For some reason blade left feels more natural to me,
Ridgid 7-1/4 - blade right
Ridgid 6-1/2 brushed and brushless - blade left
DeWalt 7-1/4 - blade right
DeWalt 6-1/2 brushed (same saw I have now) - blade left ($199 bare tool with a free tool offer on it as well, or $269 regular with a 5ah and charger)

 

[Voi]

The 7-1/4 Ridgid is Brushless. They also have a 6-1/2 brushless that is $10 less on the same deal with the 4ah and charger.

As far as blade left vs blade right it seems that that depends on the blade size? All of the 7-1/4 saws seem to be blade right, while anything smaller is blade left? For some reason blade left feels more natural to me,
Ridgid 7-1/4 - blade right
Ridgid 6-1/2 brushed and brushless - blade left
DeWalt 7-1/4 - blade right
DeWalt 6-1/2 brushed (same saw I have now) - blade left ($199 bare tool with a free tool offer on it as well, or $269 regular with a 5ah and charger)

As far as the top handled saws, you are correct. The 6.5" saws are all blade left and the 7 1/4" saws are blade right. One exception -- Ryobi may have a top handled, blade left, 7 1/4" saw. All of the rear handled saws are 7 1/4" and blade left.

I don't believe Dewalt makes a worm drive saw for their 20V lineup so if it were me I'd narrow my choices to the Dewalt and Ridgid 6.5" brushless saws. Of those I've only used the Dewalt and it's a great saw.

 

[Odd-job]

Milwaukee! Just kidding... before some idiot chimes in.

Of my three saws, all three are blade left which don't get me wrong I greatly prefer for primary use. This being said wish I had one of them blade right in hindsight for those 2% of the situations like building stairs and what not.

 

[Renegade1LI]

The upside to a 7 1/4” saw is cheaper blades, but i like having both, the dewalt 6 1/2” has been my go to for years. I’m sure they’re all pretty good, but i too am very used to the 6 1/2” blade left, i like to see the cut line. If it was me I’d get another dewalt, proven quality.

 

[Bessy]

As far as the top handled saws, you are correct. The 6.5" saws are all blade left and the 7 1/4" saws are blade right. One exception -- Ryobi may have a top handled, blade left, 7 1/4" saw. All of the rear handled saws are 7 1/4" and blade left.

I don't believe Dewalt makes a worm drive saw for their 20V lineup so if it were me I'd narrow my choices to the Dewalt and Ridgid 6.5" brushless saws. Of those I've only used the Dewalt and it's a great saw.

I haven't seen a 6-1/2 brushless in the DeWalt line up, just their little 4-1/2" is on the brushless platform (blade left). Everything else appears to be brushed for blade left, and larger 7-1/4 stuff being blade right. Considering the Ridgid 6-1/2 Blade Left saw more now, I think, just based on feel (having not actually gone to the store yet). That may change if I walk in and handle it, I guess.

 

[mike93lx]

I prefer a blade right for cutting dimensional lumber but blade left for sheet goods, if I am not using my track saw.
I'd go 7.25 blade right if my 6.5 Dewalt bit the dust.

 

[d.mcfarland]

How much are you cutting that needs the 7 1/4 blade?

 

[acer66]

How much are you cutting that needs the 7 1/4 blade?

That would be my question too and also how prolonged will you use it?

Work sometimes for my buddies fence setting business and all he uses are 6&1/2” saws.

He also does not use the biggest batteries because that is all additional weight you have to carry around.

Besides that a lot “free hand” cuts in 1&2x lumber where additional size and weight are not beneficiary.

 

[Bessy]

Predominately 3/4 plywood and dimensional lumber is what I'm working with, but I have a few other projects down the road that may see me getting into some harder woods potentially. I'd love to have a track saw but I don't think it's in the budget right now. I'm by no means a professional, but I'm ocd when it comes to accuracy wherever I can achieve it.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I bought the Metabo 36v saw for my outside fence project. At the time when you bought saw, charger and battery you could get their cord adapter free. That is what I thought might be a great feature. Battery power when away from an outlet, cord adapter when using the saw in the garage.

well, when the free cord adapter showed up, it was so gigantic and heavy I sold it on eBay. The saw with battery on the other hand is fantastic. I love the soft start and the battery charge seems to last forever. cutting with the saw is accurate and all the adjustments are easy. It cut 4 x 4 pressure treated posts easily (2 passes).

 

[mike93lx]

Predominately 3/4 plywood and dimensional lumber is what I'm working with, but I have a few other projects down the road that may see me getting into some harder woods potentially. I'd love to have a track saw but I don't think it's in the budget right now. I'm by no means a professional, but I'm ocd when it comes to accuracy wherever I can achieve it.

if you are doing much with plywood, a track saw would be a very helpful addition. there are less expensive options out there...i have the grizzly and a buddy has the WEN. the wen setup with a pair of 55" tracks is $226 and is a game changer for sheet goods cutting.

 

[Voi]

Predominately 3/4 plywood and dimensional lumber is what I'm working with, but I have a few other projects down the road that may see me getting into some harder woods potentially. I'd love to have a track saw but I don't think it's in the budget right now. I'm by no means a professional, but I'm ocd when it comes to accuracy wherever I can achieve it.

I might have to change my vote. You might hold out for Dewalt to release a track compatible saw like those from Metabo and Makita. I think technically one of Festool's saws counts as a track compatible circular saw.

I have a Makita track saw (corded) and am thinking about getting their 7 1/4" or 9" track compatible saws. They would be used for breaking down slabs the track saw doesn't have the capacity for.

Read up on them and see if they interest you. Maybe order a new base for your current Dewalt and wait for them to release their own track compatible saw. Milwaukee has one out in Europe so it seems just a matter of time before they're more common.

This is an example of a track compatible saw. It's a regular sidewinder that can be used on a track but doesn't need to be put on a track.

Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT 7 1/4 Circular Saw with Guide Rail Compatible (Bare Tool)

Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT 7 1/4 Circular Saw with Guide Rail Compatible (Bare Tool) - XSH08Z

www.acmetools.com

 

[Bessy]

Went with the Brushless 6-1/2 Ridgid afterall. Thanks for everyone's input! Pics when I get home. ***** that it came with just the 2ah battery and charger rather than the 4ah, but it is what it is.