I am on the verge of buying a cordless mini-circular saw. I am looking at (2) 18v models. The Dewalt 6-1/2″ runs at 3700rpm, cuts 1-5/8″ at 45 degrees, and with an extra battery costs ~$279.00. The Ryobi 5-1/2″ runs at 4200rpm, cuts 1-3/8″ at 45 degrees, and with an extra battery costs ~$108.00. I will still use my trusty Skil wormdrive for the majority of my work but would like to get this “mini” for the hard-to-reach areas and overhead cutting. I’ve had great success with other Dewalt products (don’t own any Ryobi tools) but I am leary to pay twice as much for a tool that might not make that much of a difference in the long run. Pro’s and con’s to this quandary?
Edited 7/28/2006 2:00 am ET by d2design
Replies
how about one like this ;-)
http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/5/product-Jack-990-Plus-Hardpoint-Saws-22409.htm
but seroiusly i've got a ryobi one which is ok but i would never use it all day as the batteries wouldn'y keep up. i mainly use it for ripping plywood to size. it's not a framing saw.
i can't comment on the dewalt, but i think the general consenseus on cordless saws is that they can't replace a corded model. although i don't know about the new li ion battery ones
Pick the one that matches your boat. Cause thats all they are good for IMHO.
Boat Anchors.
Im not kidding about that. Unless you spend the money on one of those V28 milwaukee cordless ones. I was trying on out and seemed like I could cut and cut and cut. Burned thru 2x material just fine.
GoodLuck
for occasianl light use the ryobi works well . I have one and its great for small quick light jobs .
rather than pay 108 for it you might want to look at one of the ryobi combo kits
this one gets you the saw, a drill , flashlight, detail sander charger and two battries for 109.00
link is turning funky but go to the HD site
Ryobi
3-Pc. 18V Cordless Tool Kit
Model 638349
Price: $109.00/ea
Edited 7/28/2006 9:25 am ET by skip555
Edited 7/28/2006 9:28 am ET by skip555
i owned the dw and thought it was an ok saw, then i bought a ryobi to use at a out of town location. JUNK. complete junk. the dw can rip 1/2 ply about 20 lengths on one charge, the ryobi, 4 at best. i returned the ryobi the next day. last year i bought the 28v kit. this is a full time framing saw in my opinion. works unbelievable. big power and long lasting. no battery maintaining either. it does it all for ya.
Tmaxxx
Urban Workshop Ltd
Vancouver B.C.
cheers. Ill buy.
I use both. But prefer the weight and balance of the Ryobi. Especially in a tight spot. Just my personal preference. Battery usually last me an hour, two if not constant use. Dewalt might last little longer. If your looking for a light saw for light work, the Ryobi is fine. If you want to cut more stock 2x, the Dewalt is a better choice, and if you want to frame, cant beat the Milwaukee...
Over time, neither the Ryobi, nor the Dewalt will last long. Hoping the next one is Lion and lasts a lot longer. Expecially over the life off the tool. I've gone through sooo many NiCd batteries, its not even funny. Regardless of the brand.
really nice thing is the ryobi 18v you can buy a two pack of replacement battries for 39.00 .
I have the ridgid 18volt and am very impressed with it. Way better than the 24v bosch I used to have.
I've owned and used many cordless tools, of all qualities and types. After the first few months of use, I invariably put them aside for a good corded tool. Its always ready to go, no weak batteries or wimpy performance. Yeah, the cord can be a pain, but live with it. Its the only real answer!
I've had the 18v Rigid for about a year now and used it exclusively until I found an ancient Skil wormdrive saw at a yard sale. My arms are much stronger from wrenching the worm drive around, and it cuts better, too. Not bad for $5 bucks, plus a new cord. But, then I'm a home owner, not a pro.
Norm
Ya might wanna look into the new 36v Dewalt line.
I've yet to take the dive into the cordless saw market....but they have my attention now.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
those of you advocating the utter and complete uselessness of cordless tools or cordless saws in particual are idiots.
No they're not a replacement for the corded version but they certainly have their place where they excel above and beyond a corded version.
Well said.View Image
Never be so impolite as to call anyone an idiot for expressing their opinion, or relating a personal experience.
Edited 8/8/2006 12:10 pm ET by Daisley
never be impolite as to draw attention to anothers' impoliteness....
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know" Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you currently have an 18v dewalt of any kind? If so you can simply buy the tool without batteries or charger for dirt nothing. Our local lumber yard had a special on them for $50.
http://www.toolking.com has a good selection of bare cordless tools.
I'd avoid the Ryobi since they always seem to let out that burning smell as the motors burn up. It's so common we call the smell Ryobi smoke.
Though I find the banter very amusing, I am still confused about which cordless saw to buy. I have narrowed down my choices (the Dewalt and the Ryobi), through extensive research and personal experience with many brands of tools. I tried to be concise with my explanation of my circumstance but will now be more specific.
I own and use MANY different corded and cordless tools in my remodeling projects. I am looking to add a cordless mini-saw to my expansive repertoire of tools for the hard to reach areas or overhead cutting. This WILL NOT replace my Skil wormdrive, ever! Nor will it do the work of my Milwaukie Sawzall. It also won't replace my coping saw, Milwaukie jigsaw, other handsaws, my Ryobi compound sliding miter saw, a Dewalt portable table saw, or the 6" drywall saw for that matter.
This will simply be an additional tool (no pun intended) to use when the right situation calls for some cuts to be preformed in tight places or where its light weight would help the arm muscle by days end. Not a full days worth of cutting but enough to keep it warm for awhile. I tried to list the important "pro's and con's" of each and was searching for testimonials from guys (or gals) who have experience with either one or both? The field test results and advice from fellow framer's who like to build their arsenal of weapons to attack a particular project with ease and dependability.
So, lets try again. Which cordless saw should I buy?
-d2
sorry to side track your thread.
I've used both the Ryobi and the dewalt though neither extensivly as neither are mine. I've also used a Milwuakee and I own the Bosch.
Out of all of them I prefer the Bosch, but that's not what your asking.
Between the Ryobi and Dewalt I'd buy the Dewalt, Most Ryobi tools I've used and seen aren't worth the material they're made out of. If you were a homeowner or using it occasionaly I'd say the Ryobi is probably fine. If you want long term durabiltiy and life, purchase a higher quality tool. I'm not a huge fan of most dewalt tools but if you're limiting your choices to the two I'd say buy the yellow one.What other brands of cordless tools do you have? any that have batteries that could be used in a saw? Often you can find "tool only" sales with just the tool body not the battery nor the charger, for considerably less money.
If you plan to purchase more cordless tools down the road Dewalt is also a better choice because of the amount of tools they offer in their cordless line.
Another alternative would be to buy a package deal, the Dewalt cordless saw is running for $270 at amazon right now, while the 6 tool set is only 500.00 a much better bargain. http://tinyurl.com/lslov
Or my personal favorite Bosch for $550.00 http://tinyurl.com/lfeet
Last option I'd suggest is to look into the new LI tool sets, more money sure, but everyone I know that has one loves it.
So all you want to know is Dewalt or Ryobi? Dewalt then. But I wouldn't buy either. I've got the Bosch 18V and now have the Makita 18V Lithium Ion. I've only had the chance to use the LI once... yesterday in fact. And it blows away any other cordless saw I've ever used including the Dewalt and my own Bosch. The power and run time isn't even comparable.
But once again... if it's only a choice of Dewalt or Ryobi... I'd buy the Dewalt. Ryobi is for homeowners or a tool that you will only use once in a blue moon and aren't really concerned with the results. That's just my opinion, but that's what you're looking for right... opinions?View Image
I posted my opinion and it got axed...sniff....
I caught your post this morning before it got deleted. FWIW, I saw nothing wrong with it. The whole thread's a little cranky anyway. I just went back and re-read it. I don't know what the OP's problem is either.... he got good feedback, most of it was specific about Dewalt and Ryobi experiences.... sure it wandered some but for the most part it was all on topic. Must be the heat.View Image
Ryobi is the cordless brand used exclusively for the construction of Merrilat cabinets. ; >)
F Merillat
And Justin, if you see this, F = Fudge ;)
I'm doing everything I can to get you a vacation from this place. be pushin' buttons 8>}
I'm not complaining but I've never recieved as much as a warning that I know of..
Strike that... I was a dick to Justin a while back and I think I was warned...but I'm not sure...
either way, I got's to be me ;)
I just thought it would make your head explode to read the words Ryobi and Merrilat in the same sentence. See I can be a dipstick too ;>)keywords
I was just joking around, trying to be funny when everyone is on edge. 3 million comedians out of work and I'm tying to be funny.
I didn't take any offence or anything like that...
don't sweat it..
but I'm still talking everyone I know out of Merillat, and everytime I sell a Kitchen I call and either tell or leave a message with my contact at Merillat ;)
Damn. Now I have to go and do some research on Bosch! I like their tools, I was "leaning" toward DW, but would have settled for Ryobi, if I didn't get too many negative feedbacks. Sounds like my intuition was correct, Ryobi is for amatuers. I will now find out more about the Bosch and choose between it and DW.
Perfect! Thanks guys. That's what I was looking for. I will probably jump back in here with more questions after I learn more about my new option.
You guys rock. Alittle long winded but helpful. Thanks.
-d2
Here's the million dollar question.
What do you expect out of the saw, how many other cordless tools do you plan to purchase, and which tools would you like to have in a cordless, and how much can you open your wallet right now...
ok so that's 3 questions.
Number one rule of buying tools for work is buy the highest quality tool you can afford at the time. They last longer, work better, and make life easier then cheap POS's
Yeah, I agree (and know first hand) to buy high quality the first time. Learned that many years ago through trial-and-error. Those POS's end up costing you twice as much as if you would have purchased the good one the first time.
Which is exactly why I am asking "here". I don't want to waste my time, effort, and money. I want something good, that will last and serve my needs.
I don't plan to purchase any other cordless tools to go along with the interchangeable battery options..............YET! But after this saw purchase, who knows?
Like I said earlier, this will only be used occasionally when the situation calls for it (i.e. reaching over a gable end, while on the roof, cutting some existing siding and/or sheathing. Or up on a ladder/scaffolding cutting the plumb/level cut off of a dozen 2x6 rafter tails). Or if my wormdrive is being used cutting some stair stringers or rafters, this could be used to cut a few pieces of plywood or even a 2x4 or two.
I expect good, durable, intellegent design, and ergonomic qualities from my tools. I usually don't buy the "latest and greatest" nor the TOP-SHELF products often, but I'm only one notch below that threshold and will fork over $$ if need be.
Not affraid to put my money behind a product that is worth its asking price, as long as the quality stands behind the tool. Value of investment.
I was aiming for the $150.00-200.00 range but if the saw (kit) is too good to pass up, I am willing to go up to ~$300.00-350.00.
The saw is my main concern at the moment. Sure, a kit with all the other goodies would be great but they are not NEED items at this time.
While we're at it.........what about the RIGID line? Great, now I'm totally complicating my situation!
d2
I know nothing about Ridgid cordless tools.
Bosch Kit, and if you spend more then 200 at amazon right now they take 25 off. Plus free shipping, the lower links for tool king charge a small amount for shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E7I3SK/sr=1-1/qid=1155178652/ref=sr_1_1/103-6354285-1272601?ie=UTF8&s=hi
Dewalt
http://toolking.com/productinfo.aspx?cid=1400&productid=17914
and I know this last one is more then you want to spend but I'd seriously look at it as a good option
Makita LI 18V... These batteries will far out last the above two and they are much lighter to boot.
http://toolking.com/productinfo.aspx?cid=1400&productid=18501
Those are the best prices I could find for the Recon kits, IMO it's the best way to go to get the most bang for the buck, You'll appreciate having the additional tools sooner then you think and for not much more scratch then the cordless saw alone.
but WTF do I know, I'm just an impolite, un-educated, mis-spelling dolt.
Excellent information! Thanks. It looks like I got alittle more research to do before I pull-the-trigger.
I like your idea though. Since I will be spending a few shiney quarters for this tool(s), I might as well look into the LI 18v options.
Damn, just when I was getting close..........
Thanks again. More to come later....
Go the v28 saw, heaps of power and well engineered. If your willing to spend 300-350 that's the saw to get.
Go to the thread about the makita?
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=76850.18 The saw sounds awful nice.
Has anybody got any feed back on the Dewalt 36v saw?
From what it's sounding like It's comming down to Makita/Milwakee/Dewalt? Now it's just a matter of $,fit and finish and color choice.
And after yesterday, which I received a new remodel mag and FWW. In both they had full page ads for the Rigid lithium tools.
So we have to add that to the mix.
At the bottom of the ad they have the warrantee specifics, and it's very aggressive cause they warrant the batteries for life.
Now that is a heck of an incentive.
Just bite the bullet and get out the card. From what I hear these are probably the toughest saws, for the little extra go with the kit. It's only money.
http://www.heavydutytools.net/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=19
I'm am so itching for that 28V Kit. I have no need right now for any of the three but the tools are calling me...
Do it, do it, do it............
lolDon't call me daughter.
so what did you end up buying?
Damn, I haven't bought ANYTHING yet. I'm researching the LI choices now. That Makita set you suggested looks good but I want to go and hold a couple in my hand before I make a decision.
I have determined one thing: Ryobi is OUT. But Milwaukie and Bosch are IN. So, I need to find out more........
One thing for sure, by this time next year I will have something....???
you decide yet?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007ZGZ2K/ref=pd_ts_hi_19/103-7172451-1279045?n=468240&s=hi&v=glance
Found that, thought you might be interested
Neil
And KU grad (:-).
BTW guy who was using his saws for anchors must have had a very small boat or something.
Bob
calm water and wedge it in the rocks...
Bt'ers are a rare breed...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I see the guy posted too went back and cleaned his post up too..
The heat is a factor, so are long hours at work, and my general lack of patience.
My honest no crap opinion is that one would be foolish to purchase a cordless saw for 280 bucks when you can get 6 cordless tools from most tool makers for 500, less if you can find Re-con. I believe one of guys here bought a Bosch recon set for around 350 a while back.
But then some would say I have a tool purchasing problem
I'm really surprised how many people advocated purchasing a ryobi. I've personaly seen two Ryobi tools worth their purchase, one is their old 10" planer, it was a solid machine, but I'm talking old school, not the new one and we have a Roybi chop saw, not a miter saw, an abrasive wheeled chop saw... But that's a tool that's pretty hard to screw up.
Iv'e got a 14.4 and a18v Bosch. I made a complaint to Bosch about the runout of the blade being crappy. I got a couple of comments about not thinking it should run like a real saw? But I think if I can keep up with the bat16 15 minute charger and keep the batteries coming I should be able to run it like I want.
I tried ripping a 12' 2x6 and it jumps and cries and . Plus the safety button is a pain to engage when you want to use one hand and start as your reaching out. It's going out of warrantee so I'll remedy that shortly. Battery life seems short plus I think I have two batteries of the 18v that are???? maybe getting a dead cell or? but they arn't that used that I can accept what they are doing.
In the big picture I'll give it a 4.5 out of 10 and note I'm or was a big Bosch fan.
Now what I was wanting was for Bosch to come out and say hey heres the retrofit lithium batteries for existing Bosch stuff and well accept the old batteries in exchange. Now that would make me a new or renewed fan. But it still wouldn't correct the saws shortcomings.
Edited 8/8/2006 6:45 pm by ClaysWorld
My Bosch 18v circ saw is my least liked of all of my 18v Bosch tools. Can't put my finger on it - but it has crappy balance, or ergonomics or something.Also, The Bosch service center specifically told me not to try and use it for long 2x rips as the solder points on the connections heat up and will actually melt the solder right off the contacts.They fixed that on mine the same time they addressed an issue that I was having with the blade shaft -- the entire shaft would actually move in and out from the motor an entire 1/8".I was starting to wonder how come I couldn't seem to cut in a straight line and it turned out to be the shaft.With any cordless saw shy of the newer hi voltage LI saws, it's probably a good idea to make sure you are using a blade appropriate for the use at hand. I know I probably used my 24 tooth fine blade for a few 2x rips just to get it done at the time, whereas it would have been better to take the time to throw on a coarser tooth blade.These days - if you are buying cordless, you'd be a fool not to start out with one of the newer LI sets. Personally, I'd stay away from the Ridgid line as I have serious doubts as to their long term reliability and their repair services.JT
Ya man that's my saw, doing the same thing. Man I hate all the batteries that I'm going to have to put down.
I've been waiting and waiting for boschs new stuff but I'm getting itchy credit card.
My first was a 19.2 Craftsman that came in a kit back in 98. I expected it to be worthless. I have cut wet pt 2x6, ripped 16' 1x6 and used it for many things I did not want to unroll a cord for. It's batteries crapped out and I may one day get them rebuilt. I have the almost identical DW 14.4 and it is not bad for occasional trim/punch work. It would like to have the extra volts I think. I have the DW 24v 6 1/2 saw and it is pretty much like having a corded one. Especially since I have two of the battery eliminators. They are pretty pricey and batteries are far from cheap.
I did have a 14.4 Makita that I did not like and sold it to a customer. To be fair it was one of the special kit deals and may not have been one that should have recieved high expectations.
Sorry I missed GagIV's post that got him sent to his corner. I had to agree with his first post that started it all. Saying cordless saws are worthless is sort of like saying 1/2ton pickups are worthless. Maybe not for some people but fine for others.
Edited 8/8/2006 10:11 pm ET by rasconc
I've used the ryobi and i own the dewalt. I havn't used anything else but i have had no trouble with the dewalt. I agree that the ryobi can smell of burnt motor. The cordless 5 pack by dewalt gives you a small gaurd that works great. I would say also check out the location of the buttons. Everyone has a preference on whats convenient for them.-Fortitude-
I've got a full set of Ryobi 18v, and a pait of the circular saws (one was a display model for super cheap). Cuts nice for a few cuts here and there, but it goes through the battery quick.
I think the real issue here is batteries and their working with other tools you have. A little silly having a cordless tool that you have 1 battery for, a drill you have a different battery for, another for an impact driver... you catch my meaning. You will end up never having the battery you want charged, or end up killing it by overcharging.
The I have two different cordless brand, Ryobi and Rigid (Rigid cordless rocks BTW, I really like their 12v drill and angle impact). I've got 4 batteries and two chargers for the Ryobi, and two batteries for the Rigid. These tools are always ready to work, and I rarely run into a situation where all the batteries are dead.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Hello,
I do not like the DeWalt 18V 6 1/6" blade saw. I have one and it doesn't want to cut much. My dad has the DeWalt 18V 5 3/8" saw (I think that's the size) and I like that tons better. The battery lasts longer. With the 6 1/2" one, I think it's to big of blde for only 18 volts. I would advise the 5 1/2 DeWalt, if you don't need to cut deeper than 1 1/2". Check on e-Bay for one.
-Josiah