Replies

1. 
   CAGIV | Oct 06, 2005 04:46am | #1

   I like the Bosch, I've used both it, and the Dewalt, the dewalt isn't bad, but I prefer the bosch

   

2. 
   Shoeman | Oct 06, 2005 04:48am | #2

   I like the Panasonics - not too fond of the proprietary blade (arbor size) - like the battery life

   I also have a Bosch that I use quite a bit and a Ridgid which is pretty decent as well

3. 
   nikkiwood | Oct 06, 2005 05:01am | #3

   I think Milwaukee has climbed into the catbird's seat with their new 28v Lithium Ion circular saw.

   My co-worker bought one, and we have been using it for the past two days, and it is the best cordless CS I have used by a large margin.

   But all its virtues come at a very steep price.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   custombuilt | Oct 06, 2005 05:46am | #4

   I'm not too impressed with my 18volt Dewalt, it seems to have trouble cuttting through just about anything----

   But a buddy has one that works great, so maybe I got a dud or something.

    The 18volt milwake at work has no problems whatsoever

    

    When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!

1. 
   alias | Oct 06, 2005 05:55am | #5

   i agree with you w/ the dewalt i use it just for shingling, and even that seems to put a strain on it. was eyeing that milwaukee, but i'll wait till the default craps out. i like panasonic products, had a drill going on seven years..... just a coupla cents from my way..." Feed the good wolf....."

1. 
   custombuilt | Oct 06, 2005 04:49pm | #6

   the panasonics rock----

    My dad picked up a couple on a flee market with bad brushes.  Fixed em, and they're great!  Do the have a saw too?  I guess I outta check into that

    

    When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!

1. 
   alias | Oct 07, 2005 01:25am | #7

   dont have the saw , love the batteries for the long haul. but the one thing that stands out is the ergonomics, this still to this day has got a big fan in me. the idea that we have 28 volts then there gonna be 32 volt i find a little ridiculous. because the size is defeating the purpose of power / and portability , when is enough a enough. that just my view on this. if a saw with a massive battery takes a lindy the damage will be alot more with all that weight. they sure as hell arent going to bump the gauge of the plastic. so the panasonic is just about right for me, i use so much , when i stop and think about it seal any thought of purchasing another brand....... cheers and stay safe......####" Feed the good wolf....."

2. 
   Shoeman | Oct 07, 2005 02:00am | #8

   Do you have the 12 volt or 15.6 volt Panasonic?

   I have 4 of their 12 volt drills and 2 of the 12 volt impact drivers.  Love the power to weight ratio.  I also have an 18 volt Bosch and an 18 volt Ridgid - they collect dust.  12 volt Panasonic impact driver gets used for most everything - have hex drive drill bits and spade bits.

   edit to add - I also have a 12 volt Panasonic circular saw - works well for small jobs like trimming down a door or short plywood rips.  Think if I were just looking for a saw, I would go for the 15.6 volt.

   Edited 10/6/2005 7:04 pm ET by Shoeman

3. 
   alias | Oct 07, 2005 02:21am | #9

   the 15.6 volts, partner had the 12, i went for the 15.6. he hovers around it like a buzzard to carion." Feed the good wolf....."

4. 
   custombuilt | Oct 07, 2005 04:50am | #14

   like I said, my old man got one on a flee market, which was the 12 volt..........

   I Used that sucker for 2 years and then Ebayed it for 50 bucks! Yippee

    My dad tells me he just got the 15.6 and says it will work my dewalt into the ground.  Haven't been over there to see it yet.

    

    

    When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!

5. 
   Shoeman | Oct 07, 2005 08:33am | #15

   Trust me.

   Father knows best.

4. 
   MRinger | Oct 07, 2005 03:23am | #10

   I am a DeWalt man myself but I had 5-1/4" and 6" cordless saw I hated them both. Love my DeWalt drills but that's it. I purchase PC 19.2 volt cordless saw and it was great, nice fell but I eventually use a corded saw. I hated when I was up in the staging and my battery dies and the cost of the new batterys!!! ughhh..... 

5. 
   JohnSprung | Oct 07, 2005 03:58am | #11

   What I have is the tiny 12 volt Makita, 3 1/2" blade.  Nice and lightweight for really small stuff, and the very narrow kerf can be handy.  It about matches the kerf of an 18 tpi sawzall blade, and I've used it to get a straight and accurately placed start, followed by the sawzall to finish.  It's handy for trim and thin flooring.  You could even get thru a 2x4 in two passes, if you really had to. 

   The downisde is that the batteries are crapping out, and pretty much impossible to disassemble and re-cell.  The first thing I'd check on any new cordless purchase is how the batteries come apart.  

    

    

   -- J.S.

    

1. 
   caseyr | Oct 07, 2005 04:14am | #12

   I have the 19.2 volt Porter Cable trim saw.  I have been quite happy with it.  Actually, it is a bit more than a trim saw as I can cut through a 2x4 at 45 degrees with it (unlike my other trim saws).  Used it to rip some 3/4 plywood sheets lengthwise.  Cut surprisingly fast although it will drain the battery after about a couple of sheets.  Not many stores seem to carry Porter Cable, which I think is too bad.  Epinions shows only Amazon as a vendor of the saw at $130.  Some opinions at epinions.com

   http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Tools-Hand_Power-Circular_Saws-6-Porter-Porter_Cable_6_Saw_Boss_345/display_~reviews

2. 
   caseyr | Oct 07, 2005 04:17am | #13

   John,

   I also have the little Makita.  It is surpringly powerful for such a small unit.  I have cut flooring, trim and thin plywood.  Makes a good, clean cut.  It is not the most comfortable grip, however.