Saw Case
Choosing a Cordless Circular Saw
A circular saw is a powerful, portable, and versatile tool designed to cut wood with a large spinning blade. While most circular saws are specifically designed to cut wooden materials, most can also be used with specialty blades made to cut metals, plastics, and other industrial materials. Circular saws have a flat, pivoting shoe that moves up and down for depth adjustment, and to the right or left (although generally to the left, from zero to 45 or 50 degrees) for angled cuts or edging. Circular saws are also built with a blade guard which covers the blade almost entirely to protect operators from the jaws of a spinning blade. Most circular saws also have additional safety features like blade and trigger locks -- but don't let these mechanisms fool you. Circular saws can be very dangerous, and because they are relatively simple to use and maneuver, it is easy to forget the potential dangers of a sharp, and spinning power tool as you work.
Circular saws are excellent for rip cuts, cutting with the grain, and also for cross cuts, or cuts made against the grain. The saw is also surprisingly accurate - even without a guide. Because the blade is so large, its bigger size generally keeps your cuts on track. Where accuracy is key, however, a fence or guide can be attached to ensure optimized cutting precision. There is a wide range of circular saws available from 4in. to 7-1/4in. (7-1/4in., for example, refers to the blades diameter), and hand-held to table mounted. Craftsmen, however, can not get too far without needing a lightweight and cordless circular saw to get the job done.
The cordless circular saw is lightweight and convenient eliminating the need for outlets and to lug around endless, knotted ropes of power cord. With its portability and more compact size, the cordless saw can go more places and conveniently conquer your projects with not much sacrifice to power. From commercial jobs to backyard plans, no toolbox should be without this cordless giant.
Milwaukee's 18v 6-1/2in. cordless circular saw delivers extreme power in an ergonomic and lightweight design. For increased performance and comfort on the job the tool has a compact design and soft grip handle that keeps it perfectly balanced for always precise and controlled cuts. The saw is also designed with magnesium lower and upper blade guards to provide maximum durability and keep you, and your blades safe from accidental drops. Magnesium is an element both lighter and stronger than aluminum increasing the stability and durability within the tool in a more lightweight, more efficient package. The saw is also built with an easy-to-read, aviation grade aluminum shoe designed to ensure greater accuracy, withstand wear, and resist breakage and bending. Milwaukee's 2630-22 is built with a powerful 3,500 RPM motor that quickly and easily cuts through even the toughest materials. This powerful cutting capacity is ideal for plumbing, electrical, framing, finishing, and carpentry applications, and is conveniently versatile with a 2-1/8in. cut capacity at ninety degrees (standard position) and 1-5/8in. at forty-five degrees.
Milwaukee is also well known for their advanced and unrivaled battery power. The 2630-22 circular saw utilizes Milwaukee's long lasting 2.8 amh (amp hours) lithium ion batteries. These high capacity batteries last longer to increase your productivity, and produce 20 percent more torque to deliver the most powerful cuts. The saw also features an electronic overload system, a mechanism designed to protect the saw from burning up. Keeping the tool's motor safe from overuse, the overload system extends the overall life and productivity of the saw. Additionally, the tool features an electronic braking system that stops the blade quickly to reinforce safety on the job. Milwaukee's circular saw is ideal for any serious woodworker - contractors and at-home hobbyists alike. With more durability and comfort than most cordless saws on the market, the 2630-22 is excellent for cutting all types of wood and metal. Milwaukee's circular saw comes with two 18v high-capacity lithium ion batteries, a one hour charger, 6-1/2in.- 24T carbide-tipped blade, and a convenient contractor bag. The saw is also backed with Milwaukee's industry leading five year warranty, and a five year / 2000 charge warranty on the batteries.
Makita offers an 18v LXT lithium ion 6-1/2in. circular saw with a powerful 3,700 RPM. The saw's ergonomic and balanced design delivers optimal operator control, even pressure, and simplified operation as you work. Weighing only 7.1 lbs the saw is lightweight and easy to control, and has two built-in L.E.D lights for better illumination of your work space. The saw has a high torque motor with a cut capacity of 2-1/4in. at ninety degrees, 1-9/16in. at forty-five degrees, and 1-7/16in. at fifty degrees. For additional durability and smooth, accurate cutting, the BSS610 has a precision machined, heavy gauge base, and a built-in dust blower to keep your workpiece clean.
Makita's circular saw utilizes lithium ion technology to provide longer battery run-time and an optimized overall lifespan. Makita also provides an advanced charging system (45-minute Optimum Charger) that, through built-in CPU chips, communicates with the battery to maximize performance. Throughout the charging process the charger monitors, with "Active 3 Control" technology, the current, temperature, and voltage within the battery. The 45-minute Optimum Charger also has a built-in fan to cool the battery and deliver optimal performance for the life of the battery. The BSS610 is built with a two-piece armature and field, and has externally accessible brushes to simplify any necessary service. Makita's 18v, 6-1/2in. circular saw includes two LXT lithium ion 3.0Ah batteries, a 45-minute Optimum Charger, saw blade, and a tool case for convenience and portability. Additionally, Makita provides a three-year warranty on the tool and a one-year warranty on the batteries.
DEWALT also offers an 18v XRP cordless circular saw kit with a commanding 3,700 RPM for fast and smooth rip, and cross cuts. The tool is also built with a strong magnesium shoe and upper guard to deliver enhanced durability. For versatility in multiple applications the saw has a bevel capacity from zero to 50 degrees with a cut depth of 1-5/8in. at 45 degrees, and 2-1/4in. at ninety degrees. DEWALT's DC390K has easily replaceable brushes and a fan-cooled motor for optimal power and durability. Its XRP battery offers extended run-time for increased productivity, and longer overall battery life for optimized efficiency on the job. Weighing only 8.7 lbs the circular saw is lightweight and convenient for all cutting applications - industrial and home projects alike. DEWALT's DC390K 18v XRP cordless circular saw kit includes a one hour charger, 18v XRP battery pack, 16T carbide-tipped saw blade, a blade wrench, rip fence, and a heavy duty kit box for security and mobility. The tool is also backed by DEWALT's three year limited warranty on the saw and battery.
These options provide a pretty good review of what's available for cordless circular saws. The portability and power of the tool coupled with its lightweight, compact, comfortable, and cordless design, establish the cordless circular saw as a must-have in any craftsman's toolbox. For rip cuts, cross cuts, beveled or angled cuts, and its fast accuracy, the circular saw is the ultimate cutting tool.
About the Author
As a student at the University of Utah, Mallory Kramer is currently earning an English degree. Three years ago she joined M&M Tool adding to their over 150 years combined experience; there, she specializes in tool parts and web communications. For over 60 years M&M Tool has provided professional service to the tool industry with parts, sales, and service to professional level woodworking products, tools, and machinery.
Saw Case article
