How good are cordless circular saws?

[xraymtb]

Hi

I'm in the market for a new CS (after selling my Triton setup). As I tend to often have to run long extension cables to power my tools, I was considering a cordless circular saw.

I was wondering how good the batteries/power on these are? For instance, can it still handle cutting a 2 inch deep piece of hardwood or will a cordless CS struggle?

Thanks

 

[p111dom]

Hi

I was wondering how good the batteries/power on these are? For instance, can it still handle cutting a 2 inch deep piece of hardwood or will a cordless CS struggle?

Thanks

No not really unless it's a 36v li ion Dewalt. I have a ryobi 18V and while it will cut 2 inch pine it wouldn't do hardwood. Even the pine is a struggle.

 

[gidon]

I have a 14.4V Dewalt and it will cut hard wood to it's maximum cut depth just about (just less than 2" IIRC) - if it's dry! But that's pushing it to it's limit.
However it's so handy for rough cutting long planks and particuarly sheet goods.
However you need both in my opinion - mine at least doesn't give a finish cut.
Cheers
Gidon

 

[Philly]

Mike
I have an Hitachi CS (18v) and for sheet material it is awesome. Can't believe how much better it is than one I had a few years ago - it really is as good as a powered one. I have also used it to cut 40mm worktops - again it is quite happy.
Not tried hardwoods yet - sorry.
Hope this helps
Philly

 

[xraymtb]

What about the Makita 18V LXT one? Anybody used that?

I noticed I can get it body only cheap on Ebay - I've already got a drill that uses the same batteries.

 

[Fecn]

I have the Makita 18V LXT one. Does fine on 18m hardwood WBP ply, but the batteries don't last too long.. I haven't really tried it on anything tougher than that yet - I'm impressed with it's ability to cut in a straight line.

Cheers,

Fecn

 

[Corset]

I have got the milwaukee v28 and we have the lxt at work. The milwaukee is a beast and seems not far off a corded, the lxt less so but still good.
Owen

 

[johnnyb]

the lxt equipment range at least the six i have including the saw are great. the saw is just so handy i wouldnt be without any of it. but it is not a corded saw by any means. it is easily capable of cutting all sheet goods for a decent time but 2 inch hw for more than the odd cut is technically abuse even for some corded saws. the limits of cordless tools are very apparent in the lxt angle grinder where anything aggressive cut wise(say grinding welds back) causes the tool to cutout which is a battery protection feature but shows how easily batteries can be burnt out! BUT for many other tasks it(they) are superb.
value for money wise the six piece set is outstanding the saw is over £300 on its own with 2 batts the set can be brought for £600 ish
im sure the milwaukees/boschs will be more powerful but will still need constant recharging under abuse which will significantly shorten there life. and the price..........!!

 

[chippy1970]

I borrowed the Makita LXT 18v saw the other day off a Polish guy we have working with us and it was very good.

Great to have when you are plying out a huge flat roof 3 floors up, no worries about tripping over wires etc. It cut through 18mm ply almost as fast as my plug in Makita and the battery lasted well.

I already have the impact driver and drill so have been tempted to add the saw.

 

[Ross]

Ditto on the uselessness of that Ryobi!!!! One short cut and the battery is dead. I used mine on two occasions then gave it away.

The problem with battery powered tools is that, even today with improved battery technology, they still don't have the power of mains electricity.
For instance, I have just bought an AEG cordless jigsaw (18v). It is good and powerful and can cut through 36mm of MDF, even 45mm of oak, keeping a straight cut. But it is nowhere near as powerful as either the Makita or Bosch corded jigsaws that we generally use in the workshop. And it eats up the battery power. And it cost twice as much as the corded saws. That makes quite alot of cons for the one pro of not needing a long extension cord.
Circular saws are real beasts and require more power than just about any power tool. You are looking at spending alot of money to get a huge voltage machine to do the business. Most carpenters swear by circular saws. As a cabinet maker, I have almost no time for them and stick to the smallest (which I can just about lift) and the cheapest.

Ross Samson