Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - 5 1/2in. vs. 7 1/4in. blade size

Forgive me if I'm asking a lot, but I would like to have my tools first...so when I need to start working...I just go and not have to worry about having to buy a tool as well as repair parts. End disclaimer

I have the Ryobi cordless circ. saw. The blade is 5 1/2 in size. I do know that a circular saw is one of those tools you should have if you want a saw. My question is...is it worth getting a corded 7 1/4in? Is there that much difference?

thanks
matt

The cordless is nice when you need it but a corded is my preference for most work. You don't have to worry about the power fading in the middle of a cut or changing batteries all the time. Corded also has more power so you can get done faster. Good luck.

really depends on what you anticipate doing I really like the cordless one and it does a lot of what I need .

used it yesterday to cut up so old fencing to put in the trash worked great , job was done in less time than laying extension cord . (well close anyway)

I use it to trim plywood , again short quick jobs .

battery hasnt really been a issue if I get into something long term I set up the chopsaw .

if you have the ryobi , I would put the money in a chopsaw rather than a corded 7 1/4 circular saw

There are a few tools that will be your "Go-To" tools
The corded 7 1/4 circ is one

The cordless 5 1/2 is a great tool
It's very handy

But if you don't have a circ saw, go for the corded 7 1/4
You can build a deck, an entertainment center, or frame a new addition or shed with it
It'll handle whatever you throw at it

The smaller cordless won't handle it all
It's great for what it does, but it is not as much of an all-around tool

Go for the 7 1/4 corded if this is your first circ

Yeah, I have the cordless one currently. But thinking long term down the road, I'm thinking the corded one may be something to look at. A deck remodel is something that I will be doing. A shed may happen as well. What is this "worm drive" I see on circular saws now?

A different drive
Great machines
A little over-kill unless it's used daily for hours

also good for heavy use , I used to have one when I was working a lot with 4x and 6x . overkill for 1x and 2x
(does provide weight lifting type exercise though ;) )

also good for heavy use , I used to have one when I was working a lot with 4x and 6x
Yikes...
Yes, I could see wanting a worm drive for those 6xs
;)

Thanks for clearing that up. I would think a normal one without worm drive is ok.

my buddy has a Dewalt 18 volt 5 3/8" cordless and I've got the 6 1/2" 18V cordless. It's amazing what that extra 1 1/8" can do. I hate using his saw- the blade seems to barely clear a 2x4!

I love my saw, but it likes to wear batteries down. Maybe that has something to do with me using dull blades (heh heh)- I cut through nails a lot and those blades are so freaking expensive that I hate to change them very often.

well ....milwaukee does have that new 28volt lion cordless saw for 400 or so


http://www.milwaukeetool.com/us/en/site.nsf/frmIndex?ReadForm

if anybody would like to send me one I would be glad to test it and report back ;)

yeah Mango, I'll get one right out to ya :p Who else needs one? :)

I'll take two, please. :p

...Who else needs one? :)
< raises hand >
Oooo....ooo...
I do, I do!

:D :wmann3: :D