Cordless or Corded? Reciprocating or Circular?

[ocloc24]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some input from my fellow mechanics out there, I'm quite torn and curious how others who aren't carpenters or contractors have their set up. Apologies for the long post in advance.

Currently I'm very heavily invested into the M18 Milwaukee line. I'm an industrial maintenance mechanic at and R&D facility who does a lot of fabrication as well. As far as mechanics power tools go, I have just about every thing I could possibly need. For M18, I have the Fuel Gen 2 High Torque 1/2", Fuel impact driver, Fuel hammer drill, Fuel 1/2" Compact 1/2" Impact, Fuel 4 1/2" grinder, Jobsite Fan, and Wet/Dry Vac. For M12 I have the 1/4" ratchet, the rotary tool, and plan on getting the Fuel Ratchets probably in 3/8" and 1/2". Then for Snappy I have the 3/8" compact impact(love it), the 3/8" ratchet, and the polisher/ sander.

So for my first question I feel pretty good with tools I need for work and in the garage, but is there anything that you guys use that you feel makes life easier at work that I don't have? I just recently started upgrading all this stuff and I'm trying to get it all out of the way now so I don't need to buy much for a while (at least that's how I rationalize my addiction).

I'm planning on most likely adding the Fuel M18 Die Grinder next, and that will probably be it for the most part (as far as mechanic/metal working tools). Does anyone have any input on the M18 Die Grinder? There's very little info out there on it. I would use it mostly for cleaning up cuts and welds, and even throw a cut off wheel on it to get into odd places I can't with my angle grinder. Anyone know the runtime with a 9.0ah?

On to the main question/concern of mine, cutting tools. Occasionally I work with wood at work(cutting up plywood or 2×4's for oddball projects), and every now and again at home. I do all my own repairs and projects at home but that's maybe 4-5 times a year. At work, company has a band saw, a circular saw and a sawzall(older, beat up tools that are more of a pain than anything to go check out and use). At home I have a cheap old cordless HF sawzall and circular saw. They both work marginally, but I hate the battery life on them and they cut poorly. I'm kicking around whether or not I should get a corded or cordless version of those two. I'm debating with my limited use, should I just go the corded route so in 5-8 years my batteries aren't obsolete forcing me to upgrade again? And with that, which of the 2 saws would you say you use more often? Do you guys find use for either of these tools outside of contracting/carpentry trades? Would a multi tool cover any basic wood cutting I needed? When it comes to reciprocating saws, would a hackzall be a better option for me, if I go Cordless?

Finally, does anyone have the M18 Metal Cutting Circ. Saw? What are it's uses/capabilities?

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[Ray-CA]

For home use I prefer corded saws. You're never too far from power so it's not a problem to use extension cords. I have a Makita circular saw and their reciprocating (sawzall) saw and they do everything I need.

About the only cordless tools I use on a regular basis are drills and impact (both 18-volt Makita's)

Ray

 

[bob15]

Cutting (saw) tools, I prefer corded. I have cordless Milwaukee saws and honestly don't care for them.

Drills, I use both...all depending on what and how many holes I am drilling.

 

[crewchief888]

for home use i mainly use corded tools, for cutting, sanding, and grinding.
i have both corded and cordless drills/drivers for home use, depending on what i'm doing.

at work, i use a cordless 3/8" dr impact, 1/2" compact drill, and grinder, all milwaukee fuel, anything else i'm using air....

the cordless grinder isnt an absolute "must have" but many times i'm far enough away from my service truck or i cant run an air hose to where i'm working...

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you are only working on small framing projects (not building a house) where you aren't going to be making more than 3 or 4 dozen cuts in a day, get the M18 Fuel 6-1/2 circular saw. Lightweight and it will easily make 40-50 2x4 cuts on a battery. Great for cutting down plywood.

No, it will not cut a 4by post in one pass but what handheld circular saw will.

My son has the small DeWalt 18V circular saw. I love it ! He uses his reciprocating saw a lot also, but on occasion he will borrow my corded reciprocating when he has to make a lot of cuts in posts.. Of course his DeWalt stuff uses NiCad batteries and brushed motors.

Multi-tool/oscillating tool are for light duty work.

There are several videos on YouTube about the Milwaukee Metal Cutting Saw. No negatives and people have pushed it passed the recommended limits cutting 1" steel plate. Blades are expensive and don't last long when cutting thick metal.

 

[Mowerdoctor]

I use a metabo grinder and the slice blades A lot. Have a sawzall but it sees very little use the metabo leaves a clean cut and I can cut most anything. It's corded though.

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[bcradio]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some input from my fellow mechanics out there, I'm quite torn and curious how others who aren't carpenters or contractors have their set up. Apologies for the long post in advance.

Currently I'm very heavily invested into the M18 Milwaukee line. I'm an industrial maintenance mechanic at and R&D facility who does a lot of fabrication as well. As far as mechanics power tools go, I have just about every thing I could possibly need. For M18, I have the Fuel Gen 2 High Torque 1/2", Fuel impact driver, Fuel hammer drill, Fuel 1/2" Compact 1/2" Impact, Fuel 4 1/2" grinder, Jobsite Fan, and Wet/Dry Vac. For M12 I have the 1/4" ratchet, the rotary tool, and plan on getting the Fuel Ratchets probably in 3/8" and 1/2". Then for Snappy I have the 3/8" compact impact(love it), the 3/8" ratchet, and the polisher/ sander.

So for my first question I feel pretty good with tools I need for work and in the garage, but is there anything that you guys use that you feel makes life easier at work that I don't have? I just recently started upgrading all this stuff and I'm trying to get it all out of the way now so I don't need to buy much for a while (at least that's how I rationalize my addiction).

I'm planning on most likely adding the Fuel M18 Die Grinder next, and that will probably be it for the most part (as far as mechanic/metal working tools). Does anyone have any input on the M18 Die Grinder? There's very little info out there on it. I would use it mostly for cleaning up cuts and welds, and even throw a cut off wheel on it to get into odd places I can't with my angle grinder. Anyone know the runtime with a 9.0ah?

On to the main question/concern of mine, cutting tools. Occasionally I work with wood at work(cutting up plywood or 2×4's for oddball projects), and every now and again at home. I do all my own repairs and projects at home but that's maybe 4-5 times a year. At work, company has a band saw, a circular saw and a sawzall(older, beat up tools that are more of a pain than anything to go check out and use). At home I have a cheap old cordless HF sawzall and circular saw. They both work marginally, but I hate the battery life on them and they cut poorly. I'm kicking around whether or not I should get a corded or cordless version of those two. I'm debating with my limited use, should I just go the corded route so in 5-8 years my batteries aren't obsolete forcing me to upgrade again? And with that, which of the 2 saws would you say you use more often? Do you guys find use for either of these tools outside of contracting/carpentry trades? Would a multi tool cover any basic wood cutting I needed? When it comes to reciprocating saws, would a hackzall be a better option for me, if I go Cordless?

Finally, does anyone have the M18 Metal Cutting Circ. Saw? What are it's uses/capabilities?

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I didn't realize this was out yet. Where did you find it?

 

[DFB]

HD has the bare tool M18 Fuel Metal cutting for saw $199 as does most other places ACME ToolUp etc.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke..._8903vry57826_pcrid_74285762149094_pkw__pmt__


IMO if want a saw for woodworking get a saw designed for that obviously with the correct blade either one can cut different materials but the 2782 doesn't bevel adjust.

I have the cordless 7 1/4 Fuel, a 6 1/2 cordless Makita and 18V 5 3/8, along with a corded Makita 5007NB. All have their place but the 6 1/2" with the left side blade pretty much still is my favorite saw. And the Fuel 7 1/4 is feels super lightweight compared to the 5007. Me personally I barely ever use the corded tool anymore but my pal has the same Makita 5007 and uses it almost daily and doesn't even own cordless.

Like others said no need to go cordless with circ saw (and spend xtra money) if power is available and you don't mind using cords.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

For a reciprocating saw if you were going to be doing heavy demo work I prefer corded because cordless seems to run out the batteries pretty quick which is annoying. For me anything that gets heavy use I prefer corded because I don't like dealing with dead batteries and low power due to low batteries. That being said you cannot beat the convenience of cordless tools for smaller projects


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[ocloc24]

I didn't realize this was out yet. Where did you find it?

Nick on FB

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[jd_1138]

Do you have an oscillating multi-tool? Those can come in handy. Once you have one, you start to use it on stuff where as before you would've used a less safe tool.

I'd go corded on the reciprocating and circular saws. I have a Makita recip saw (corded) and a Rockwell compact 4.5" circular saw (way easier to use than a regular size one). I also have a regular circular saw (corded, Sears Craftsman Sawmill).

 

[PhysicsDude]

I've been using cordless 6 1/2" saws for several years. You can do almost anything with them that you'd normally use a corded saw, they're just not quite as powerful and obvious you have to change the battery every so often.

The only time I wish I had a corded saw is ripping sheets of 3/4" plywood or 5/8" furniture grade plywood, but even still my Makita 6 1/2" cordless does the job, just a little slower.

One tool that I LOVE is cordless Jigsaw, they're so much easier to use than a corded one. I could take or leave a cordless circular saw, but with a Jigsaw I definitely think its an improvement.

I really like cordless reciprocating saws, I don't see any reason to buy/use a corded one unless you're doing a huge amount of demo or something where you're using it for hours at a time. Even then, you'll overheat and burn up your blade wayyy before running out of battery juice so I can't imagine many scenarios where I would want a corded saw over a cordless.

I've also been eyeballing the 5+" metal saws. I'm interested in it, but I'm not sure how useful it would really be. If you work with sheetmetal all day like metal siding installers or HVAC guys I can see how it would be awesome, but for other tasks I'm not convinced its worth the money.

 

[kctyphoon]

Cordless tools are NOT what they were 20 years ago.. unless youre the "I'm drilling holes all day non stop type of person" cordless will replace corded probably 80% of the time.

As far as what you think you might need - only you are the best judge of that.. my suggestion, look at the lineup, and decide what you might WANT.. then go down that list and decide which is more important than what.. believe me, you won't be the first person to buy Milwaukee tools out of want, and not out of need. Very few items they offer don't exceed all expectations.. for me, the money is worth spending for anything that will make little things easier.. making things easier, make more things get done.. spend away..

 

[icthruu74]

Again I'm just a homeowner, but my old Mikita cordless gets used a lot more than my corded stuff. Just need to make a few cuts in 2x or plywood? Why drag out the saw, and find an extension cord then have to wrap it all up and put it away when you can grab the saw, make your cuts and drop the battery back on the charger? And typically I don't recharge them till they get to the point that they bog down or stop all together. Having extra batteries is a big plus if you do run low on juice.

 

[ocloc24]

Cordless tools are NOT what they were 20 years ago.. unless youre the "I'm drilling holes all day non stop type of person" cordless will replace corded probably 80% of the time.

As far as what you think you might need - only you are the best judge of that.. my suggestion, look at the lineup, and decide what you might WANT.. then go down that list and decide which is more important than what.. believe me, you won't be the first person to buy Milwaukee tools out of want, and not out of need. Very few items they offer don't exceed all expectations.. for me, the money is worth spending for anything that will make little things easier.. making things easier, make more things get done.. spend away..

That's exactly how I feel, It makes me happy and makes my life easier, I'm trying to decide if these would though.

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[ocloc24]

I've been using cordless 6 1/2" saws for several years. You can do almost anything with them that you'd normally use a corded saw, they're just not quite as powerful and obvious you have to change the battery every so often.

The only time I wish I had a corded saw is ripping sheets of 3/4" plywood or 5/8" furniture grade plywood, but even still my Makita 6 1/2" cordless does the job, just a little slower.

One tool that I LOVE is cordless Jigsaw, they're so much easier to use than a corded one. I could take or leave a cordless circular saw, but with a Jigsaw I definitely think its an improvement.

I really like cordless reciprocating saws, I don't see any reason to buy/use a corded one unless you're doing a huge amount of demo or something where you're using it for hours at a time. Even then, you'll overheat and burn up your blade wayyy before running out of battery juice so I can't imagine many scenarios where I would want a corded saw over a cordless.

I've also been eyeballing the 5+" metal saws. I'm interested in it, but I'm not sure how useful it would really be. If you work with sheetmetal all day like metal siding installers or HVAC guys I can see how it would be awesome, but for other tasks I'm not convinced its worth the money.

I've only used a jigsaw a handful of times, but I could definitely see that. Jigsaws are more for smaller more intricate work aren't they? I honestly have no idea what they're specific purpose is.

Also the description for the metal saw says you can use it for round stock, threaded rod, Angle iron, etc.. if that's the case I would use it. Then again I guess that's what my grinder is for. But I suppose the saw would produce a lot cleaner cuts..
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[ocloc24]

Do you have an oscillating multi-tool? Those can come in handy. Once you have one, you start to use it on stuff where as before you would've used a less safe tool.

I'd go corded on the reciprocating and circular saws. I have a Makita recip saw (corded) and a Rockwell compact 4.5" circular saw (way easier to use than a regular size one). I also have a regular circular saw (corded, Sears Craftsman Sawmill).

No I don't have one yet.. I think that's going to be in the next batch of things though. I hear accessories can be quite expensive. I'm not sure how much I'll use it being that I have many tools for sanding but if for nothing else then plunge cuts and cutting flush against something I'm going to get one. I'm debating on getting the m12 or the m18 OMT

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[bcradio]

Nick on FB

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Sweet did you receive it already?

 

[ocloc24]

Sweet did you receive it already?

It should be here tomorrow! Trust me I'm gonna post up some pics in the addiction thread lol. I can't wait.

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[DGersic]

For cutting wood, circular saw, corded. I have a cordless sawzall (DeWalt) that's great for portability, but hard on battery life. Great for removing things that are in the way when I go shopping for parts at the local junkyard.



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[kctyphoon]

For cutting wood, circular saw, corded. I have a cordless sawzall (DeWalt) that's great for portability, but hard on battery life. Great for removing things that are in the way when I go shopping for parts at the local junkyard.



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I'll venture out and say he doesn't have, or hasn't used a cordless Milwaukee Fuel circular saw.. you'd never drag out a corded model again..

 

[ocloc24]

So what would you guys say you use more often? A circular saw or a sawzall?

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[tarbellb]

I have both the M18 Fuel sawzall and 7.25" circ saw w/ 4.0 batteries.

The circ saw is nice for the convenience, pretty good power (not as good as the hype imo). But the sawzall seems like a luxury thats not needed. Typical sawzall use is demo work with a power source and you go nuts for 5-10 mins, doesnt warrant a $150+ when you can find a corded beast for <$50.

Good luck, anything with the Fuel badge is likely going to provide good service.

 

[tarbellb]

I should probably clarify tho...

Milwaukee (and others to a lesser extent) have finally hit the threshold where a portable battery operated tool is AS GOOD AS ITS CORDED COUNTERPART in most cases. Add the convenience of portability and its clearly a better tool.

At this point its the price the keeps me from taking the plunge on some... for now.

 

[James-W]

When I am working in the garage I tend to use corded tools, but when I am working on a project out of doors then a cordless tool is pretty much a necessity.

 

[James-W]

So what would you guys say you use more often? A circular saw or a sawzall?

You really need to have both, it all depends on what you are doing. If you are cutting a piece of plywood, a circular saw is what you want to use. If you are removing a door frame you want a Sawzall to cut off the nails holding the door frame in place.

 

[kctyphoon]

That depends on you.. if you're a mechanic, obviously the sawzall is the better choice.. there are still some promo kits floating around (maybe even still one clearance) that came with the saw, 9.0 battery, fast charger.. (in both 7.25" circ saw or the sawzall) originally priced at $249, I think I saw them last for $225.

Regular price online still

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...-M18-9-0Ah-Starter-Kit-48-59-1890PS/300134833

Limited number of these in store, not available online anymore -
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...Volt-9-0Ah-Starter-Kit-48-59-1890PC/300134851

 

[Finky198]

I use both corded and cordless Hilti reciprocating saws and if I had to pick one it would be the corded one. Granted they are completely different tools one an 18v cordless model and the other being their 1400watt corded saw. They both cut well but the big one just cuts with more power, control, allowing for more extreme destruction...

I don't have any spec metal cutting saws but I recently put a Lenox diamond blade on my 5" IR grinder with great success. Just another option. As far as a wood circular saw I'd say corded is the way to go as well.

I'm definitely in the more long term approach of buy once cry once. A good wormdrive or quality sidewinder saw should last a lifetime... while my experience with decent reciprocating saws and angle grinders, tend to die an early death. So far Hilti has proved me wrong!

 

[bcradio]

It should be here tomorrow! Trust me I'm gonna post up some pics in the addiction thread lol. I can't wait.

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Awesome, looking forward to seeing it.

 

[lbhsbz]

For years all I had was cordless drills...picked up a Snap On 3/8" impact about 5 years ago and use the **** out of it, but it, along with my Ridgid 18V drill, was getting tired. I also got pissed off at my trimmer and blower (gas) because it seems like I have to clean or replace the carbs/primer bulbs/fuel lines every other time I want to use them. I threw it all in the trash and took advantage of the HD DeWalt 20V Max Drill, Impact driver, circular saw, Recip Saw, flashlight and 2 compact battery combo for $299, then grabbed the blower/weed wacker w/ 4AH battery combo on the way out for $199.

I have lots of corded tools...but I generally don't grab them for a quick job because it's not convenient.

I've since became addicted and got the 2 gallon vacuum, 1/2" high torque XR impact, XR oscillating tool, XR angle grinder, and a handful of batteries. I'm amazed at how convenient things are when your tools are cordless. I had a rotted deck board...2 minutes to replace. I have an old worm drive porter cable circular saw with not a bit of plastic in it that weighs 35 lbs or so and I just avoid using it unless it's an emergency...with cordless stuff, its quick, it's simple, and you don't have to coil up a damn cord when you're done.

Get both saws...Doesn't matter the brand, as long as its one of the major ones...they're all pretty good at most things.

 

[johnnyradiant]

For a circ saw, no matter where I park myself - home, work, jobsite I prefer corded. I have a couple different models depending on grade/type of work I need out of the cut. I have a real nice Bosch that I try to limit to finer grade cuts. And a couple knock abouts including a cheap Black and Decker for garbage type work. For cordless I have a Makita and Milwaukee. The Makita is good for balsa wood only as far as I'm concerned. The Milwaukee works like a little corded saw as it should but I only use it when I need to make one or two cuts.

For recip saws I prefer Milwaukee (they're the company that bring us Sawzall after all), though I have others. Corded/cordless is determined on what or how much I need done at any point in time. Often times I need to make a couple cuts to get at some leaking pipe - cordless.

 

[WittHay]

For general maintenance/ farm type work I use all Milwaukee M18 Fuel, 4 impacts, 2 grinders, drill/driver, sawzall and a 6 1/2 circular saw. I am thinking about retiring my Makita cordless die grinder and buying the new Fuel die grinder. Nice just to use 1 brand of battery.

The circular saw is super handy, have always used the Makita corded before. The sawzall can be used as a small chainsaw for cutting through 6x6 posts or tree branches or it can be used for metal work. Have cut through 5" angle that was 1/2" thick when the cutting torch ran out of gas

 

[ocloc24]

For general maintenance/ farm type work I use all Milwaukee M18 Fuel, 4 impacts, 2 grinders, drill/driver, sawzall and a 6 1/2 circular saw. I am thinking about retiring my Makita cordless die grinder and buying the new Fuel die grinder. Nice just to use 1 brand of battery.

The circular saw is super handy, have always used the Makita corded before. The sawzall can be used as a small chainsaw for cutting through 6x6 posts or tree branches or it can be used for metal work. Have cut through 5" angle that was 1/2" thick when the cutting torch ran out of gas

That's what I like about the sawzall, seems like wide range of uses. I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on this suite grinder and maybe the multi tool for now but I think ill keep my eyes peeled for a good corded one then perhaps if I find it useful upgrade to cordless. Thanks guys.

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[DFB]

So what would you guys say you use more often? A circular saw or a sawzall?

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Depends what jobs your doing really, but if your often doing carpentry or building something you will be using a circ saw for your major hand held cutting, Most recip work is pretty much demo work or roughing in something especially if you doing plumbing. Often a recip or hackzall for cutting EMT, and other pipe or rebar, And of course if your just destroying something a recip is pretty handy too


I find the M18 cordless tools very good for my work needs, (and I'm sure other major brands are just as good) Most days I often don't even carry extension cords except for maybe one small one and a power strip and that's often just for chargers.

The cordless grinder is so handy when I often need one though I do wish Milwaukee would offer a slightly smaller cutoff tool too. I don't run the saw or grinder with much less than 5.0 ever and although I have the 9.0 I like the 5.0 in the saw its lighter, The 9.0 is now in my water transfer pump and that has replaced me using a gasoline engine powered pump for the most part.

 

[Gotcha640]

On the reciprocating saws, I wish I'd bought a jig saw instead. I got a dewalt corded about 7 years ago, and I've used it to demo a hot tub and cut the exhaust off a car. Every time I cut wood I wish it was a jig saw.

Circular saw takes the place of a miter saw, table saw, disc sander, and router any time I'm away from the garage or don't feel like setting the big tools up. Wouldn't want to be without it.

I've always wanted a cordless one for breaking up sheets at the lumber yard when I end up there without a truck.

 

[kctyphoon]

That's what I like about the sawzall, seems like wide range of uses. I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on this suite grinder and maybe the multi tool for now but I think ill keep my eyes peeled for a good corded one then perhaps if I find it useful upgrade to cordless. Thanks guys.

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If your not spending hours a day using a sawzall, you'd be wasting your money buying a corded, and THEN a cordless.. my m18 fuel grinder will run about 45 minutes with non stop use under load using a 9.0 battery. the fuel sawzall cuts just as fast as the corded, and so do the circular saws.. you should spend a few minutes on YouTube watching the old videos where people do a heads up race between corded and cordless.. you'll be amazed how many cuts a 4.0 or 5.0 battery will get you with a circular saw. The 9.0 is just insane on tools like that.

If you don't already have one, then obviously you can can live without a corded sawzall.. keep in mind, some of the people responding are probably in trades where some tools get used all day long. I use to be a stone mason / helper many years ago. I LITERALLY spent hours, days even, where all I did all day long was drill 1" pocket holes into concrete that being wrapped in marble.. THAT is a job for corded tools.. people build decks, houses even these days using noting but cordless.. they are not what they use to be, things have come a long way in battery and motor technology.

Just to mention, there's nothing that says you NEED to pony up for a fuel sawzall. Unless you have the brushed model side by side with the fuel, you won't even notice a difference.. I have both.. at home I have the fuel, just cause that's what I wanted, and I like the bigger rubber boot it has. At work I have the m18 brushed models. They both do everything I ask of em.