What do you plan to do
with it?
More info before I put on my
nomex suit.
with it?
More info before I put on my
nomex suit.
Best cordless circular saw?
I've seen comments here and there about cordless saws, but I'd like to see some dedicated discussion of what to look for and avoid in the current crop.
I've been wanting to pick one up for quite a while, because they are incredibly handy for a few quick cuts without the need to roll out cords and hunt down outlets. Naturally, I'd like the best bang for my buck.
Whatcha got?
I've been wanting to pick one up for quite a while, because they are incredibly handy for a few quick cuts without the need to roll out cords and hunt down outlets. Naturally, I'd like the best bang for my buck.
Whatcha got?
1 - 20 of 68 Posts
i have an old dewalt 18 volt thats ok...its really all about the blade
ive heard the hilti was awesome
ive heard the hilti was awesome
Cut wood. :jester:What do you plan to do
with it?
I have a friend who uses his Ryobi (and a few batteries) for everything from ripping OSB to cutting rafter tails.
For what that saw is, he gets an amazing amount of work done with it. But he also knows where the tradeoff is between the size/power of that and a regular corded saw.
For my druthers, I'd go with a tad more power and ability to cut more than 1.5" deep, all else being equal. If/when I buy one, it will be with two dedicated batteries.
I don't buy those 3-4 tool sets, nor do I stick with just one make for all of my tools. The outfit that makes the best drill doesn't necessarily make the best saw, flashlight or whatever.
But this thread isn't just for me. Let's talk about the best for this, that and the other. :thumbsup:
While I like my Ridgid cordless, I wish the blade was on the left - not the right, that would be one item to consider
LI-Ion for light weight, while I have found the batteries to die out quicker
The weight & feel - how easy does the guard come up - how easy is it to hit the safety lever to start cutting (Dewalt sucked, Ridgid is pretty good)
The actual motor - I had 2 Dewalt's - 1 would hardly cut 1/2 plywood, while the other would zip through it
LI-Ion for light weight, while I have found the batteries to die out quicker
The weight & feel - how easy does the guard come up - how easy is it to hit the safety lever to start cutting (Dewalt sucked, Ridgid is pretty good)
The actual motor - I had 2 Dewalt's - 1 would hardly cut 1/2 plywood, while the other would zip through it
A sharp hand saw has done me better than the cordless one's I have used.
I have an older Dewalt and it works great. Agree the safety switch is difficult to get the hang of but now I just pick it up and cut without issue. A good quality blade is a must for good lasting battery performance. My partner has a Ryobi and it seems to do just fine as well.
I have a Makita 5620d which is 6 1/2" with the pod style 18v Batteries that is just Great. It is much better than expected. I can rip 5/8 Ply with it & it will cut many boards or 2x4's on a single charge. Also the blade is on the left like my PC "MAG". I use it all the time. It has surprised a few people that had worked with me & used it.......................
Just my opinion. If it's a saw I would never use cordless, I read ripping plywood and cutting 2x material. there is no trade off for using cordless rather than corded. Every time I get lazy and try to use the tool around me rather than going to the truck for the right one it ends up taking longer and is more of a pain. I can't say I have completely stopped those bad habbits either. Only time a cordless saw sounds good is when there is no electric. Generator comes to mind(too big, small job) Converter box for truck battery
I've used the 36 volt Hilti, nice saw.i have an old dewalt 18 volt thats ok...its really all about the blade
ive heard the hilti was awesome
When i was working on
Middle Sis' bathroom, I wanted
a shorter drill than my PC 19.2s.
Blowes had the new PC 18v for
$90 so I thought I'd try it, then
I noticed I could get the saw
for $20 more.
I mostly use it for overhead stuff
and the odd thing or two...
One job I tested it out, cut 96
1X4s (2 at a time) and 60+ lf
of relief cuts overhead on a porch ceiling.
All on one battery.
I'm happy with the investment.
Middle Sis' bathroom, I wanted
a shorter drill than my PC 19.2s.
Blowes had the new PC 18v for
$90 so I thought I'd try it, then
I noticed I could get the saw
for $20 more.
I mostly use it for overhead stuff
and the odd thing or two...
One job I tested it out, cut 96
1X4s (2 at a time) and 60+ lf
of relief cuts overhead on a porch ceiling.
All on one battery.
I'm happy with the investment.
I haven't tried the Hilti cordless circular saw, but I have the Hilti cordless sawzall and it works just as good or better than a corded one. I would imagine their circular saw works just as good too. I have the Milwaukee 18V. lithium cordless circular saw and it is useful for small jobs. But it is really underpowered, I usually have to cut straight down to prevent it from binding up. I think all the 18V. circular saws are like that though. If you can afford it, get the Hiliti one.
I outfit the rigs with 18v dewalt and a Milwakee worm drive. The dewalts are great for quick cuts, I agree with the having a good blade if you want the battery to last. With my outfit it is not so much that the Dewalt 18v cordless is the best answer. Battery consistency among all cordless tools I have found work best for my guys.
I'm looking for a new one too. Bought the Canadian Tire brand in an emergency, what a piece of **** Don't know who makes it.
I'm leaning towards the Dewalt, but want something really good.
Thanks for the info so far.
I'm leaning towards the Dewalt, but want something really good.
Thanks for the info so far.
I have used my makita 18v to cut 2x8's length ways before. It was back when it was new but i was very surprised at how powerful that little saw was.
Just my opinion. If it's a saw I would never use cordless, I read ripping plywood and cutting 2x material. there is no trade off for using cordless rather than corded. Every time I get lazy and try to use the tool around me rather than going to the truck for the right one it ends up taking longer and is more of a pain. I can't say I have completely stopped those bad habbits either. Only time a cordless saw sounds good is when there is no electric. Generator comes to mind(too big, small job) Converter box for truck battery
I always had this opinion of them before I bought my Makita- tried it for a few times & Found it to be a great alternative.....I did find there is a trade off- it is much easier to grab it off the truck & start cutting without setting up & having the cord in the way & catching on Ply. Only time a Corded saw Sounds good is when There is some major cutting to do.......... IMO & I have a good corded Porter cable blade left Mag............
We have Makita, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Bosch, Hilti, DeWalt, and Ryobi circukar saws in our shop, from 14v to 28v.
For cutting 2x doug fir or yellow pine plywood you can't beat the DeWalt 18v or the Hilti (no voltage on label) but if I was getting one the DeWalt is my choice for comfort and weight. That saw with a new blade and charged battery is excellent, I bring it home on weekends often.
For cutting 2x doug fir or yellow pine plywood you can't beat the DeWalt 18v or the Hilti (no voltage on label) but if I was getting one the DeWalt is my choice for comfort and weight. That saw with a new blade and charged battery is excellent, I bring it home on weekends often.
Sharp blade..good battery..........don't push it, let the saw do the cutting.:thumbsup: My stanley shark gets limited use nowadays.
You'll wonder why you did'nt buy on years ago!:laughing:
You'll wonder why you did'nt buy on years ago!:laughing:
By the way I use all Dewalt tools for well over ten yrs. and they seem to hold up to my abuse so far.
I use DeWalt 18v's for about everything. The old one I had wasn't great but the new one (about a year old) has a 6 1/2" blade and custs great!!!
1 - 20 of 68 Posts
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