which 5 3/8″ blade for cordless saw?
i bought the Makita BSS501 18V Li-ion saw and want to buy blades for it. I like the Makita blade that came with it but I’m not sure if there is a better blade for it. The blade that came with it is a thin kerf 16 tooth all around framer with no slippery stuff on the sides. It does bind up a bit cutting 1 1/2″ framing lumber. The sides grab a bit. It is the trim saw and takes a 5 3/8″ blade.
I’d like to buy some framing blades and a finish blade. Any experience with these blades?
By the way, for framing this saw is a little underpowered for my taste. I’m thinking the Milwaukee 28V would be fine. This is the 18V TRIM saw though. The blade is on the right. Would the bigger 18V BSS610 cut framing 1 1/2″ wood better? The reason I ask is because it would take the same batteries. The blade would just be on the left which I can work with. I’m a lefty.
Edited 11/15/2007 5:17 pm ET by popawheelie
Edited 11/15/2007 5:22 pm ET by popawheelie
Replies
I have the 6-1/2 version and it goes and goes and goes. I've even bevel-ripped wet ACQ lumber with no issues.
I think I have a Freud blade on there now which works well. The thinner the blade, the better on a cordless...BUT...thin blades will deflect so you have to be aware of that.
I can't see a reason to buy the smaller 18V saw since the big one is light enough to be a trim saw.
The blade is on the right side on the trim saw and I'm a lefty. It helps to see the line.
I can use both right and left bladed saws but prefer the right sided ones.
I'm wondering what is different on the bigger 18V left bladed saw. Is it geared differently? They're both 18V li-ion saws from the same manufacturer. how do they get more power out of the bigger one?
Edited 11/15/2007 5:19 pm ET by popawheelie