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Cordless Circular Saws

BoJangles | Posted in Tools for Home Building on May 1, 2008 11:00am

Help!   I’ve got to get a cordless circular saw.  I want to use it mainly up on roofs for cutting plywood.

I’ve never owned one and in fact have never even tried one out, but I know I need one because these roofs are getting higher all the time and I need the convenience of a cordless saw at times.

I’m mainly interested in power and battery longevity.

I’d appreciate a recommendation from those of you who use them for everyday commercial work.

Thanks!

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Replies

  1. User avater
    dieselpig | May 02, 2008 12:16am | #1

    For something like that I'd recommend one of the bigger ones.... like the 28V Milwaukee in particular. 

    It sounds counter productive, but I suggest you figure out some sort of lanyard system for that saw if you plan to keep it up on the roof with you.  I've lost two saws in a similar way.... kicked them off the forklift work platform.  I found a big cheap carabiner and length of nylon rope to use to tie it to the machine.  Al ot of times I don't even unhook it unless I need to wander some to make the cut.  The big carabiner keeps it simple and one handed to hook it up and unhook it as needed.  Gotta keep it simple so that I actually use the dang thing.

    View Image
    1. User avater
      Sphere | May 02, 2008 02:43am | #4

      You have a chance to toy around with the DW 36v ? You're prolly not a big fan of DW tho' come to think of it.

      I did at a show at Fastenal, was taking my 18 V in cuz I too dropped it outta a boom lift basket.

      Anyway. the new batts weigh so little the 36v was lighter than my 18, and I was ripping a hard dry 2x treated scrap...like buttah! I mean I leaned into it and cut like a stupid framer ( sorry couldn't resist LOL) ya know, skewed and crooked..it still kept on cuttin.

      Jusy sayin is all.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      "Welcome to Poo-ville, can I have your socks?Seriously Folks, I need a home for 3 lovers of your life.

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | May 02, 2008 02:55am | #5

        I'm not really loyal or disloyal (?) to any particular brand of tool.  I try to just buy the best tool for my needs.  Got lotsa yellow in the truck/trailer.  To answer your question though... no, never checked one out in person.  My general idea is that they're getting closer to mimicking corded tools in performance.... but no where close in ergonomics.  So I really only use cordless saws in a pinch... for quickie type stuff.

        Right now, I can't think of a reason why I'd want that kind of power and not be able to run a cord.... or really have a cord be an inconvenience.  At least right now anyway.  When it comes down to it.... saws are heavy.  Even the corded ones.  To perform equally well compared to a corded model, a cordless needs to have everything the corded one does.... plus a battery (and a place to put it).  So I can't really imagine (yet) a saw with all the features, durability, and power of a corded saw.... and still comes close on ergonomics and weight. 

        But I'm wrong...... a lot.   :)

        All right I just thought of one!  Installing mudsills.  That's a shi44y job.  You've got to drag a saw, a gun, and a drill through the mud, all the way around the foundation.  Now that's a PIA.  Lately we've been setting up a cut station though.... so we're dragging less stuff around.  And I've got enough batteries that we can usually keep two drills going for it as well.  But I like the idea.View Image

        1. User avater
          Sphere | May 02, 2008 03:17am | #6

          Well, of course I don't OWN one either..LOL

          What I was thinking was the OP , and cutting ply roof decking..the more run time the better with any battery, and the ( they don't call it lithium Ion, I forget th ename they use) is supposed to LAST a long time..and sheathing is one place where I could see that being a plus.

          Since leaving Grant, I have been doing a lot of varied stuff, so I can't justify a dedicated "Framing" saw, a an EZ guide saw, a "trim" saw..a MUD day saw..I have two corded MILs and a corded lefty PC, and a DW 18..they all do double duty and triple duty..the oldest Mil is for "It might kill the saw" type cuts, but it won't die!

          I agree with you about ergonomics and weight, and a peeve of mine is seeing knuckle heads using ALL cordless stuff, when clearly it is a job for a corded tool, then they complain when the suddenly "POS SAW DIED"..idiots.

          My hammer drill is leaking smoke, from 3 yrs of tapcon drilling hanging downspouts, all that time, I should have used a corded roto, but I was one of them guys...and truth be told a lot of sites had no external power available, so I'm not quite as much of an idiot as some (G).Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          "Welcome to Poo-ville, can I have your socks?Seriously Folks, I need a home for 3 lovers of your life.

        2. User avater
          Timuhler | May 03, 2008 06:20am | #20

          Brian,

          We bought a DeWalt 36v kit a year ago reconditioned and love it.  The recip isn't much compared to a corded Makita, but it works.

          The saw isn't perfect, but we love it for what it does.  Mudsill, all sheathing (roofs and walls and floors).  It does a great job.  I wouldn't use it to cut rafters (although I have up high) or larger stock, but it works well for a saw without a cord.

           

          1. [email protected] | May 04, 2008 12:49am | #23

            The best use yet for the battery recip saws is quartering deer and elk. 

            It's ok for the occaisional pruning job.   

          2. ANDYSZ2 | May 04, 2008 06:05pm | #24

            I like them for cleaning out the gunk between decking boards.

            ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

            REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

             

          3. iluvgear | May 04, 2008 09:44pm | #26

            Now that's thinking.  Boy are they going to give me a hard time at camp this fall!

          4. User avater
            Heck | May 05, 2008 01:56am | #28

            Take extra batteries.

            BTDT

            YMMV 

            There are two kinds of people who never amount to much:those who cannot do what they are told, and those who can do nothing else.       

    2. BoJangles | May 02, 2008 03:55am | #8

      I'm going to take a close look at the Milwaukee.  That sounds like it would fit my needs the best.

      I got a kick out of your comment about the lanyard.  That is exactly what I was worried about when I got serious about buying this saw. That's a great idea you had and I'll definitely do that.

      Thanks for the tips!

       

  2. User avater
    xxPaulCPxx | May 02, 2008 01:01am | #2

    Look at the Rigid LiIon saw.  It's the same 6.5" saw that in corded version is called the Fuego - The Fuego go really good reviews.

     

    Lifetime warranty on the batteries too!

     

    Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

    Also a CRX fanatic!

    If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts.  You nut, you.



    Edited 5/1/2008 6:02 pm by xxPaulCPxx

    1. BoJangles | May 02, 2008 03:58am | #9

      I love my Fuego!

  3. drh | May 02, 2008 01:08am | #3

    I will also throw in a recommendation for the Milwaukee 28V....

    Disclaimer: I don't work in construction anymore, I bought the 28V kit when we moved into our house... When I first pulled them out of the box I thought I had made a huge mistake because the batteries were huge and I thought the tools would be too bulky to handle. I was used to using a lot of different 18V kits (Ridgid, Dewalt, Milwaukee) and accustomed to their size and feel.

    Turns out I was wrong. Once you get over the look of the bigger battery, you realize it doesn't matter because it weighs about the same as an 18V Nicad. I've been extremely happy with the set. They don't get daily use but I'm using at least one of them 2-3 times a week... those batteries go forever. The circ. saw is great, I haven't pulled out my corded one since I bought this set. I can't compare it to any other Lithium ion tools, but it easily beats the 18V Nicad saws I've used in the past...

  4. iluvgear | May 02, 2008 03:54am | #7

    If you are accustomed to using a corded sidewinder circ saw you might find it a bit different with a cordless since they only come lefty.  For me it is no big deal since I use a PC lefty but it might seem odd to some.

    1. ANDYSZ2 | May 02, 2008 05:36am | #11

      The rigid one is right handed.

      I like the idea of having one of each side just haven't found a deal on the Rigid.

      I have the corded version and it is my favorite saw.

      ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

      REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

       

      1. User avater
        popawheelie | May 03, 2008 07:20am | #21

        Makita has 18V Li-Ion that is right handed. I have it and it works great.

    2. alrightythen | May 03, 2008 06:04am | #18

       

      "If you are accustomed to using a corded sidewinder circ saw you might find it a bit different with a cordless since they only come lefty. "

       

      Not true. Most come lefty.

      Hilti comes righty and Ridgid does as well. May be some others as well.   View Image                                          View Image    

  5. User avater
    JeffBuck | May 02, 2008 05:25am | #10

    I just got the Makita lithium ion 18v ...

    and have worked alot with the dewalt 18v ...

     

    and I'm betting neither would make you happy way up there.

    definitely look at one of the big boys.

     

    I'd also price having 3 batt's.

    one cooking in the charger ... one up there in the tool ... and one up there as the backup.

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

  6. rasconc | May 02, 2008 06:25am | #12

    First I got was a Craftsman 14.4V that I thought was a joke but ripped a lot of 16' 1x6 boards and ate a lot of wet PT 2x material.  I have a 5 3/8 DW 14.4 ( really the same saw), it is ok.  Have a 24 v DW and it will do a fair job.  Have a Bosch 18V and it seems to be the best of the lot.  Had a 14.4 Makita and it kinda sucked.

    1. User avater
      Ted W. | May 02, 2008 07:20am | #13

      I haven't tried other Li-Ion tools but I'm really happy with my Milwaukee V28 circular and riciprocating saw. I had the DeWalt 18V before and wasn't real happy with them at all. Nice thing about anything Li-Ion is they keep their charge about 3 times longer than nickel base batteries when stored.--------------------------------------------------------

      Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com

  7. User avater
    nailerman | May 02, 2008 02:43pm | #14

         I have the Bosch 36v lithium kit. They go for ever on a charge and weigh they same as 18v.

     

                                                            nailer

    1. BoJangles | May 02, 2008 02:53pm | #15

      I didn't know half of this stuff existed before posting this thread!  Thanks to all for the comments. 

      I always thought battery powered saws were for gurls! 

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | May 03, 2008 04:14am | #16

        I always thought battery powered saws were for gurls! 

        They are.   We're just trying to help you out... you big nancy.    View Image

        1. BoJangles | May 03, 2008 03:15pm | #22

          HHmmm,  maybe I could find a "gurl" to climb around 40' in the air.  I'm getting too old for that stuff anyway ;)

    2. alrightythen | May 03, 2008 06:07am | #19

      didn't know Bosch has a 36 V lithium circ saw.

       

      EDIT: Cool! I just checked it out. But another lefty though - I don't like that part.

       

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN0ZgswUFjk

         View Image                                          View Image    

      Edited 5/2/2008 11:12 pm by alrightythen

  8. woody18428 | May 03, 2008 04:58am | #17

    i love bosch and milwakee however it just seems like dewalt has the market . i would like it if all the diffrent brands would have interchangable batterys  ( fat chance )  i came into the trades when a yankee screwdriver was the thing to have, i still have 3 of them in the garage . Then i went to putting bits into my 3/8 milwakee variable speed drill ( no clutch just feel ) then i went to the mikita 9.5 those batterys lasted 20+ years since then i have probally bought 7 cordless tools all diffrent batterys what a pain !!

  9. osb | May 04, 2008 06:40pm | #25

    I have the DW 36 volt saw and i really like it.The 36 volt batt is the same weight as the 18

  10. huplescat | May 04, 2008 10:35pm | #27

    I agree with rasconc about the Bosch 18v saw. I did some work for a contractor who had one, and it was one of our favorite tools. Then a few months back I bought a Milwaukee radio and found an 18v Milwaukee circular saw on Ebay to go with it. The radio is great, but the saw is marginal at best.

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