EmptyWallet
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Anyone have a cordless circular saw for small jobs?
What brand? Likes? Dislikes? Any to stay away from?
What brand? Likes? Dislikes? Any to stay away from?
Cordless Circular Saw? Anyone got one?
- Thread starter EmptyWallet
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Maexle
Well-known member
I have a Bosch, i like it a lot for small / quick jobs.... Battery wears out quick though when you cut through thick / dense material (hardwood...)
fourjeepin
Well-known member
I've had the Dewalt since Christmas and really like it. Very handy.
I got a cordless Milwaukee that was included in a M18 set I bought. I honestly didnt think I would use a 6 1/2 inch circular saw. Now that I have actually used it I really like it. I haven't even plugged in the 7.5 inch Skil in since.
Givl Reggin
Banned
Dewalt, can't complain. Got it mostly because the batteries work with other Dewalt tools that I all ready own.
I have the older now discontinued Craftsman Pro 20V. It works great but it does run the battery down fast. It is fine for someone like me that only makes a few cuts at a time but if you are tackling a major project, I would buy a corded saw. The short battery life is the nature of the technology regardless of brand or model.
metal1313
Well-known member
i have the m18 milwaukee.. it does the job pretty well, the battery lasts longer than i expected. for really big jobs i still use the skil
OP
EmptyWallet
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Trying to decide on a brand right now.
Curious of the feature differences.
Curious of the feature differences.
toolaholic
Well-known member
I have the v18lithium/18 volt nicad 6310 6.5 inch circ saw. Decent power and runtime!
bob_s2
Well-known member
I have a ridgid cordless, bought it used. Batteries were bad, and saw had seen some hard use. Since I have the ridgid 18v cordless drill with two batteries, I just swap them between the tools. I bought a couple blades for it, good as new!
I love the cordless saw! I used it today to cut 4 two by fours that were just a bit too long. The best part of two batteries and the fast charger is by the time one is out of juice, the other is charged and ready to go. As someone else said, I can't remember the last time I used my corded circular saw.
Get one, you'll rarely reach for the corded one.
--Bob
I love the cordless saw! I used it today to cut 4 two by fours that were just a bit too long. The best part of two batteries and the fast charger is by the time one is out of juice, the other is charged and ready to go. As someone else said, I can't remember the last time I used my corded circular saw.
Get one, you'll rarely reach for the corded one.
--Bob
OP
EmptyWallet
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Seems like the review I just read is that the Milwaukee runs the batteries out the fastest.
jackfork
Well-known member
I have two a DeWalt and Hilti both 18v. They equally do a good job, but the Hilti lasts longer on a charge. I bought both saws as bare tools, that is without batteries. If you already have or are going to get more battery powered tools then you might look at getting all the same brand. Hilti, DeWalt and Bosch all sell bare tools, there may be others as well, but those three are the brands I'm familiar with. There is a significant cost savings in going that route. Just buy one tool with batteries then the rest as bare tools. As far as recommending one it would have to be the DeWalt. Cheaper and does a very good job.
Have a 18v 6-1/2 Ridgid. Very hany. When I need a quick a cut, I usually grab it and cut outside the garage. Quick and easy; not much cleaning needed... Of course big woodworking project, you might still need to go with the table or miter saws.
TheGrooveking
Well-known member
Which battery do you have? Do have the Fatpack? The larger battery, I found that if I use a slim pack it will not last long or may have problems in tougher materials, yet install a Fat pack and it will go right through the cut.
To the OP I recommend checking out the Fall 2012 issue of Tools of the Trade magazine, they did testing of 18 volt circular saws.
TheGrooveking
HTGT, Table saws are pretty much crucial to any serious woodworking operation. Equally as important as a miter saw if not more. They're not any more dangerous than any other power tool, arguably a lot less dangerous than either a hand router or skil saw, and they're so ******** high tech nowadays you'd actually have to make a concentrated effort to get hurt using one.
To answer the thread, I have a Makita 18v skilsaw and really like it. I'll use it on really long rips where I don't wanna babysit the cable on the Skil, but for short cuts, angle cuts and really thick material it's hard to get away from my good ol' US made Skil.
To answer the thread, I have a Makita 18v skilsaw and really like it. I'll use it on really long rips where I don't wanna babysit the cable on the Skil, but for short cuts, angle cuts and really thick material it's hard to get away from my good ol' US made Skil.
Tucko
Well-known member
I have a Dewalt, and love it for its light weight. But get ready to change the battery every 5 minutes.
Tucko
Well-known member
Everyone you know is an idiot. I've been using table saws since I was 15, and still have all my fingers. However, I just shot a #30 drillbit through the tip of my finger, and out through my fingernail. So, I guess that makes me an idiot too.
PCO6
Well-known member
I have a DeWalt 20V and have been happily surprised by how much I can do with it. I also have a DeWalt corded saw and agree it handles the heavy work better but I find myself using it a lot less than I used to.
shoot summ
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I've had a Dewalt 18V for many years. It's handy for quick/small stuff, anything larger and I get the corded saw out(or use the table saw).
If you work with any power tools there is a danger of injury, take the right precautions, and pay attention and you reduce the danger. People get too comfortable, almost careless, and have accidents. I've run a table saw for over 30 years, many, many hours, have had 1 incident where some 1/8" plywood kicked back on me. I was in a hurry and wasn't using the saw right, the piece hit me in the gut, taught me to slow down and respect the tool.
If you work with any power tools there is a danger of injury, take the right precautions, and pay attention and you reduce the danger. People get too comfortable, almost careless, and have accidents. I've run a table saw for over 30 years, many, many hours, have had 1 incident where some 1/8" plywood kicked back on me. I was in a hurry and wasn't using the saw right, the piece hit me in the gut, taught me to slow down and respect the tool.
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Big-Foot
Well-known member
Makita LXT BSS610 series (not the BSS611) just plain ROCKS!
Makita has their act together with this saw.
Blade on the left where us "Righties" want it.
Sharp and bringht LEDs focused on the cut line
Ducted air from the motor that blows right down ahead of the blade to blow the sawdust away from the Cut Line (I wish all saws were like this).
Forged aluminum base that is very strong and resists bending or denting unlike steel.
It will cut / rip 45's in 2x material.
I have cut literally miles of 2x with this saw and it's still like new.
One of my better investments that I hope to keep using for many years to come.
Makita has their act together with this saw.
Blade on the left where us "Righties" want it.
Sharp and bringht LEDs focused on the cut line
Ducted air from the motor that blows right down ahead of the blade to blow the sawdust away from the Cut Line (I wish all saws were like this).
Forged aluminum base that is very strong and resists bending or denting unlike steel.
It will cut / rip 45's in 2x material.
I have cut literally miles of 2x with this saw and it's still like new.
One of my better investments that I hope to keep using for many years to come.
I have a Dewalt 18V that came with a kit. Yes, it might be hard on the batteries but I have 4 of them and can usually keep working while having one on a charger. If you already have cordless tools, I'd recommend staying with the same tool line you already have unless you're planning a brand change over.
If I'm making a few cuts, I use the cordless saw. If I'm going to cut a bunch, I break out the corded Dewalt saw and extension cord.
If I'm making a few cuts, I use the cordless saw. If I'm going to cut a bunch, I break out the corded Dewalt saw and extension cord.
The Ratchet Man
Well-known member
I have a Dewalt drill, sawsall and grinder in 18v that I got as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. They were bought as kits so I ended up with a bunch of batteries. A couple years later I started buying bare tools to go with my batteries since I started seeing new models come out. A circular saw was one of them.
The batteries last a fair amount of time but I'm usually doing decks so I'm cutting anything from 2x4s to 2x12s. I have 6 batteries, 4 110v chargers, a 12v charger and a radio with a built in charger. No need for a corded saw for me, I just keep swapping them out.
On another note, new OEM batteries are expensive when bought new. When the old ones wear out have them rebuilt at somewhere like Batteries Plus. I had 3 done for about the same price as new but they use a better quality cell. My rebuilt batteries run a lot longer than the factory ones did when new.
The batteries last a fair amount of time but I'm usually doing decks so I'm cutting anything from 2x4s to 2x12s. I have 6 batteries, 4 110v chargers, a 12v charger and a radio with a built in charger. No need for a corded saw for me, I just keep swapping them out.
On another note, new OEM batteries are expensive when bought new. When the old ones wear out have them rebuilt at somewhere like Batteries Plus. I had 3 done for about the same price as new but they use a better quality cell. My rebuilt batteries run a lot longer than the factory ones did when new.
nit2wn
Well-known member
Have a Craftsman 19.2. Even with the lithium ion batteries, it won't last for a big job. It's fine for a dog house or something small enough. I've built a cabinet with it for large tools but it was spread out here and there on the cuts and I have 4 batteries which was never an issue. I based my choice of saw off the fact I already had the batteries and several other tools that use them. I also rarely do wood working, maybe once or twice a year. My best suggestion would either buy the brand you already have batteries for, or look at it as a group investment of multiple tools and batteries.
shoturtle
Well-known member
I like my bosch 18v unit. With a 3.0amh battery and a 48t feud blade, it does the job on all my home projects on hard and soft wood.
danski0224
Well-known member
I have an original, USA made, Milwaukee 18V cordless bought as part of a recon tool set back in 2004.
Still works great.
A friend has the 18V DeWalt, and told me that mine smoked it for battery life.
These are all "old tech" ni-cad and NiMh battery saws.
I rarely use a corded circular saw anymore. That said, I would not attempt to build a house with one of these.
Keep in mind that extended high current drain will kill LiIon batteries. Recip saws and circular saws are high drain tools.
Far as I know, consumer grade cordless tools in the USA do not have limiters that shut down the tool to protect it or the battery when amp draw exceeds rated capacity. Festool cordless drills seem to be the exception.
I'm waiting for more brushless tool choices to upgrade, but if I can't get a D handle 90* drill in an 18v platform, I'm keeping what I have until it is no longer serviceable.
Exceller8
Well-known member
I bought the DeWalt 18v because I could use the same batteries on my other DeWalt tools. I used it for the first time the other day and I was very impressed with it. For small jobs it works great! I really liked the fact that it wasn't too heavy as I had to cut some lumber that was in an awkward position and a heavy saw would have been hard to handle.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
My son has an 18V DeWalt "panel" saw that I have used a lot. First, throw away the blade that came with it and get a carbide tooth blade (It's an odd size.) After that, it is a great little saw. Cuts through a lot of "2 by" lumber before the battery goes down. If you really are going to be using it a lot you better have a couple of spare batteries and a charger on site.
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I have the Dewalt 18v too. Part of a kit and a very nice saw.
I'll second the safety aspect. Years ago, I went to a woodworker show. Ran into a guy in the parking lot who had just bought a Milwaukee set. Started talking to him and he mentioned that even though it looks like a toy, that little saw can tear you up in the blink of an eye. Someone at his work (movie studio) got careless with one and it bit him. I've always remembered that when I grab that saw.
Duker
Well-known member
+1 on the Makita
saceone
Well-known member
Love my makita
cyato
Well-known member
I got the Makita BCS550Z for Christmas and absolutely love it for cutting metal. It cuts wood in a pinch also, just doesn't tilt.
Maexle
Well-known member
i have the "antique" 14.4 V circular saw, jigsaw with the Blur Core 2AH battery, i know, no match for the up-to-date models, i am shopping around right now already, i am tron between Milwaukee and DeWalt....(would love Bosch but the price wise i guess both brands mentioned above are a smarter choice)
ChrisF250
Well-known member
We have a Dewalt 18v at work. I love it for small quick jobs and have really come to appreciate it.
shoturtle
Well-known member
The bosch 18v li ion is not that expensive through CPO tools for the factory refurbished with the Fat Pack battery. It is 200 dollars with free shipping. It is a good saw, but I would change the blade, it makes a world of difference for cordless saws.
Maexle
Well-known member
Yes, CPO is great and i looked into the prices, but i have to make a decision which route to go, i really would like to have one brand cordless collection for the fact that the battery would be a snap to replace for all the tools.
Maexle
Well-known member
I am kind of tied to cordless tools anyway, when we move to Germany soon i would like to have one charging station for the 110 V cordless tools instead of using a power inverter all the time for the corded tools i bought in the US.....
I am comparing already prizes in the US and Europe for cordless tools...seems like Bosch is cheaper / equal over there and DeWalt / Milawukee / Makita is cheaper over here.
I am comparing already prizes in the US and Europe for cordless tools...seems like Bosch is cheaper / equal over there and DeWalt / Milawukee / Makita is cheaper over here.