Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | May 13, 2007 07:30am | #1

   You need to buy one of the more expensive models if you want to cut things like 3/4" plywood or 1" hardwoods for more than a few cuts. The PC 314 may be an option over battery saws. The down side is having a cord but the quality and power won't let you down.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   popawheelie | May 13, 2007 03:28pm | #2

   I will need something that can cut deeper than the trim saw. I've looked at the lithium-ion saws offered and am just not sure which one.

   I do small work out of my minivan on occasion and the big Skillsaw is to much.

   So the work can be anything.

1. 
   hammer1 | May 13, 2007 04:36pm | #3

   I haven't used any of the newer lithium ion saws. It sounds like the Milwaukee V28 is the top model as far as power goes. Folks also like the Hitachi, Bosch and Makita. Here is a link with a bunch of reviews. The smaller battery saws are fine for 1/4" material but are lacking if you have a dozen 2x4s to cut. http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/circular-saws/reviews.htmlBeat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 13, 2007 06:17pm | #4

   I don't own one, but I have used battery CS's from Milwaukee, Panasonic, and Dewalt.

   The last two weren't worth spit, but the Milwaukee (Lith-ion, 28v) was great -- and I would say it performed at the same level of a corded CS.

   But -- I should also tell you this info is nearly 2 years old, and battery technology has been much improved.

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

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   popawheelie | May 13, 2007 08:15pm | #5

   The Makita came out later and is supposed to on par with the Milwaukee. Does the makita come in left and right handed models?

   I guess the most imporant feature is power. So it makes sense the milwaukee at 28V rates high.

3. 
   RDNZL | May 13, 2007 09:14pm | #6

   I built my house a few years back now - band sawn spruce framing lumber from my property - full 2x 4's + 6's. I knew I would be working without power until the shell was complete, and I went back and forth on the question of "generator or cordless?"

   It came down to "what will  use more often when the house is done?", and cordless won out. I bought a Makita saw/drill kit at a great price from Tool Crib (Amazon), and added a third battery.

   I built this whole house (admittedly small - 30 x 50 single story) with that saw, and only a couple of days ran out of battery juice before dark (I was also only working after work hours). I would have all three batteries fully charged each afternoon before starting work.

   I have come to love the saw. Light, maneuverable, and accurate, it is the saw I reach for when I need a circular saw. I did all of my rough sawn pine exterior trim with it and a Porter Cable crosscut guide, including the compound miters at the fascia corners.

   Unfortunately, I ended up dropping it off the tailgate of my pickup (while moving - DUH!) and although I got it back close to accurate, it will never be quite the same.

   The downside is that the batteries do eventually wear out, and replacement is expensive - you can buy a new (corded) saw for the cost of 2 new batteries.

   A friend has the newer Makita lithium saw - it has been improved over mine, especially the shoe, which is what took the brunt of it's encounter with the road. I can't speak to lithium vs. Ni-MH vis a vis performance, but it's supposed to be better....and is more expensive.

    

1. 
   popawheelie | May 13, 2007 09:40pm | #7

   The Makita is 18V and the the Milwaukee is 28V. Both are lithium-ion.

   Will the Makita be fine? It would be lighter and if does the job? But 28V is considerably more power.

   Edited 5/13/2007 9:21 pm ET by popawheelie

1. 
   [email protected] | May 14, 2007 05:19am | #8

   FYI  The power of a saw is a function how much metal is in the windings on the motor, and the voltage.  So, given the same weight any corded saw will produce more power than a cordless. 

   The Milwaukee 28V lithium saw weighs 9.5-lbs with the battery attached, and retails around $380. 

    Porter-Cables 6-inch Saw Boss, weighs in at around 8 lbs, is well balanced and comfortable to use, and can cut 2X dimension lumber at a 45-degree bevel in one pass.  And, it retails for $160. 

   Another option is the magnesium cased 7-1/4-inch saws.  The Porter-Cable 424 blade left with brake, weighs in at 9.6 lbs, and retails for $150. 

   Personally, if weight were truly the deciding factor, I would look at a light weight corded saw.  Either corded saw will still be running strong when the batteries are worn out and ready for replacement on any of the cordless saws. 

1. 
   popawheelie | May 14, 2007 05:52am | #10

   I had a sawboss and sold it. I didn't like it. I have a sidewinder porter cable 315-1 and I don't use it. I use my skillsaw but it's heavy.

   I'd like something I'll use and like for pick up work. If I have some serious work to do I'll bring out the Skillsaw.

    

2. 
   popawheelie | May 14, 2007 02:47pm | #11

   Thanks RDNZL. It sounds like the saw worked out fine. I'm leaning toward the Makita 18V. I'm not building a house though. Just pick up work.

1. 
   RDNZL | May 14, 2007 11:30pm | #12

   If you have indeed decided on cordless (I also have the PC sawboss corded, and think it is a nice saw....) I think you'll be happy with the Makita. Good Luck!

4. 
   steveky | May 14, 2007 05:41am | #9

   The good part about a cordless circular saw is that it goes slow enough for you to realize when you have come into contact with a saw horse. I figure I’ve saved myself from having to purchase several new saw horses by using a cordless saw.