Circ Saw

toolgirl1230

Hey guys! I'm doing some research into getting a new circ saw for my brother. He has mentioned a few models, but overall doesn't really know what he wants. He did mention that he likes the feel of the AC saws because they're "heavier" but I would have thought a heavy saw would be a bad thing...am I crazy?!

Any recommendations would be welcome!! Thanks!

sixeightten

AC saws (corded) are way more powerful than cordless saws. More reliable too. Battery tools can have trouble in cold or hot weather, need frequent charging, and often cost more. Unless he will only use it for very light duty, I would go with a corded model. The specific model depends mostly on what you want to spend.

toolgirl1230

I'd be willing to spend up to about $150, probably not too much more than that. He's definitely not a professional but he uses his power tools pretty often.

sixeightten

For $150, you would have your pick of some very good circular saws. I happen to like the Milwaukee, and have had great results over the last 6-7 years. I have also used Bosch, Porter Cable, Dewalt, Hitachi, and others.

ratherbefishing

A battery circ saw is great for carrying up into the attic, making a few cuts when remodeling, etc. For framing or serious use, buy corded. I wore out a Skil and bought a Milwaukee. The power and precision are great. There's something about the feel and balance of the Skil that I still like, tho. Most of the framers around here prefer the Makitas.

woodworkbykirk

as others have already stated. cordless circ saws are for light duty work only. i work for a high end renovation company where im the lead trim carpenter. 2 of our guys have cordless saws but use them sparingly. a corded saw will last your brother a long time if he takes care of it.


currently i own a first gen milwaukee tilt lok saw which is built 5x better than the current version of it made by TTI, mind you mine is almost 8 years old and has taken a beating the current one would have died in half the time.. my other saw is a makita Hypoid (wormdrive) wicked wicked saw geared for framing. honestly ive used probably 12-15 different models of circular saw and the makita's are my favorite, their inexpensive well balanced, accurate powerful and durable. you can easily get the 500Nk and still have a few dollars left over after the tax

Total Tool

I always wanted a standard corded circ saw with a blade on the left. Milwaukee and Bosch each make one. Both are under $150. Just something to think about.

itin1200

I've had this saw for probably 18 years and it is tough to beat. Mine is 13 amp, new ones are 15 amp. Not sure how much of a difference this makes, because this saw just doesn't bog down.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW364K-.../dp/B00002231Z

Some will argue that Dewalt quality has gone downhill in the past couple years, but I can't comment on that as now I buy mostly Makita cordless and Bosch corded tools, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this saw to anybody.

Also have this saw, which is awesome for small jobs. Haven't killed a battery yet, but for the work I've been doing recently it is only being used for 10-15 cuts at a time.

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-Bare-To...2942326&sr=8-4

The choice of blades is a consideration, too. A great blade can make a mediocre saw into a pretty good saw.

I'm partial to Freud/Diablo blades myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Freud-D0724X-C...2942538&sr=1-2

Thin kerf, and seem to hold an edge for a very long time.

I've used, but not owned, Milwakee, Makita, Hitachi and Porter Cable saws and all were very good. But on various sites people would always reach for my Dewalt DW364.

Good luck with the decision.

--Bill

woodworkbykirk

there is a considerable difference between a 13 amp and 15amp saw believe it or not. a lower amp saw will bog down much quicker when ripping lumber even more so if its wet. ive used a few 13 amp saws and when they bog down i can hold the saw in place in a 15 amp saw that has a higher torque ratio the saw will kickback on me.