Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Cordless Circular Saw

Greetings,

Does any one have any experience with these saws? Do they worth antyhing?
I am looking to buy one and I don't know if I should go with a corded one or a cordless, which I assume has less power, but definitely more convenient to work with. The question is - what "weighs" more, the lesser power or the more convenient.

Thanks.

Decide what materials and thickness you need to cut. Then decide on the type of saw. If you are planning to cut 2x lumber, you will not be happy with a cordless saw. Not enough power over the long haul.

Decide what materials and thickness you need to cut. Then decide on the type of saw. If you are planning to cut 2x lumber, you will not be happy with a cordless saw. Not enough power over the long haul.

Well, 2x lumber at some point when we finish our basement, and before that maybe some Trex boards to do the back porch, but it's all for a DIY'er work (AKA - once in a lifetime project, not for a pro who uses it all day, every day).

I agree with Ken. The cordless saws are for each extreme of the spectrum. For those who only use them a little as a homeowner, and for those who use them a little as professionals. I would never have one for a primary saw, or as a saw for a project such as a deck, as you indicate. It won't do the job you think it will. I like the cordless for small jobs such as cutting paneling, or to take to the 3rd floor to make a few cuts as opposed to carrying the big Porter Cable and extension cord and having to find a live outlet. Quite often you have to work off a spider on the first floor and by the time we load up cords to the floors above, we don't have good power for motors or we trip out the breaker due to overload.

Thank you both.

Now, that being said, what's a good saw for the above-mentioned jobs that I plan (corded)? I am mostly concerned with the mentioned "over-load" as the panel at my house is old (100 Amp, but old distribution wise).
Does 15 Amp saw mean that it uses the entire circuit...?! If so, it means that a 15 Amp saw needs a dedicated braker, isn't it?! Or am I not interpreting this correctly?

I'll tell you what I use, and let you decide by going shopping. I daily use the Porter Cable left hand saw. I mean, really, a regular circular saw has the blade on the right, and you have to look over it to see your blade. With the left hand saw, the blade is on your side and you can follow your line without standing on your head. (If you will note, the cordless saws have theirs on the left.) It will throw a few more chips, but that's why you wear safety glasses.
As far as your amperage, the saws are rated at 12, 13 or 15 amps, but that is the max overload amperage. You will be fine using the saw on a 15 amp circuit as long as you don't have a refrigerator, freezer, or other motors on the same one. Use common sense on that one. I have to watch on jobsites when my compressor kicks in, and make sure I don't trigger my 12" cut off saw until the compressor has finished its cycle, as it will certainly blow a 20 amp circuit breaker.
Now, go shopping!!!

Yep, I agree with what's been said. Cordless saws are nice for occasional use, or light work over your head. You usually don't want to have to cut very much with them- ripping lots of 2x with them will just run your batteries down! Especially if you are too lazy to put in a sharp blade like me. :eek:

My saw is a Mag 77 Skilsaw which has been known to blow a breaker now and then upon startup- especially in the winter when the bearings are cold and the oil is thick. (tools pull more amps when first starting up).

If I was ever to get another saw it would be a hypoid saw. I prefer Dewalt's model. (Makita 5277 / Dewalt DW378GK)

Thank you everybody.

I have a Craftsman 19.2V cordless as well as a two powerful corded saws. I really like the ability to just grab the cordless and cut. The portability is great. There are areas on the property where I would need to run a 100ft cord to power a corded saw. Overall in my opinion, the saw is great. For heavier work I use one of the corded saws.