which 18V Ryobi cordless circular saw?

[BTL-A4]

I need a cordless circular saw. Has to be a Ryobi 18V, because that's what I have for a battery platform.

Behind door #1 we have: a Ryobi 18VP508 that's 7-1/4".

Behind Door #2 we have: a Ryobi PSBCS01B, 6-1/2".

I have a 7-1/4" corded saw, so I could use those blades. I'm thinking a battery-powered saw might need a smaller blade, since it has less power.

Anyone with experience with either of these saws recommend one over the other?

Thanks!

 

[brianh]

I have the 7 1/4 brushless and it is pretty gutless even with a 4 ah battery, I have an older blue brushed 5 1/2 one that is a tank besides it just barely cuts deep enough on 2 by material.

 

[MR2FC]

Compared to my twenty year old B&D corded, I have to go slow even on 5ah batteries with my Ryobi, not sure on the model or blade size, will check later. It's not brushless, though.

If brushed vs brushless is like my time racing RC cars, the brushless should be worth any extra monies...

 

[Gunfixr]

I cannot seem to remember the blade size, but the one I have is from before the brushless models. It is not a 7 1/2", but it will just barely cut off a 4x4 if you cut from opposite sides at full depth. I use exclusively the 4ah batteries. I can shut it down on a 2x4, since it's almost all it will cut, as far as depth goes, but it'll cut through reasonably fast. It'll cut pretty much as fast as I care to go on even 3/4" plywood. A sharp blade, and the right blade, are really important, since the blade does the work.

 

[BTL-A4]

Ryobi makes a 5-1/2" and a 6-1/2" in additon to the 7-1/4", so maybe it was one of those. I had a B&D 20v cordless saw and it was weak. I was using the blade it came with, though.

I will be using this to cut MDF and plywood down to size, and to cut scrap wood so it fits in the trash can. I thought I might like a lighter saw than the corded 7-1/4" I currently have.

I can go slower if needed. I just don't like it bogging down/stopping on the occasional 2x4.

A new, sharp blade will make a difference a well. I get the thin kerf ones, because it is my understanding they require less power to cut.

The 7-1/4" one is for sale on FB ("new in box!") and is priced half of what a new one would cost. I couldn't find that particular model on home depot's web site, though. I wonder if maybe they have a newer model that's way better or if something is wrong with that particular model. When the price is too good...

 

[Gunfixr]

I believe mine is the 6 1/2", as the blade is smaller than the 7 1/2" on my corded saw, but not by a large amount.
Idk if it's true or not, but i've heard ryobi does not honor warranty if the tool is purchased online from places such as amazon or eBay. Don't know about fb....