Hand building tools have long been associated with only one hammer and screwdriver. Today, these are high-powered and functional devices capable of performing complex tasks in difficult conditions. For several years now, an interested consumer has been able to observe the development of the segment of compact circular saws, which are endowed with productive power engines, durable housings and ergonomic handles.
If before the vast majority of such tools focused on a network connection to a power source, now a circular cordless saw is included in the range of almost every major manufacturer. Another thing is that each company has its own approach to the execution of the instrument, although similarities in characteristics are not uncommon.
Features of cordless circular saws
Basic designis the same filling as in the case of traditional network models - a reliable case with rubberized elements hides the engine, and the disk is responsible for the cutting function. The main difference is the battery pack. Thanks to this component, cordless circular saws allow you to perform work operations away from the power outlet.
Increased mobility is achieved through the capacity of the charger, which may have different characteristics depending on the manufacturer. For example, the Bosch company in the latest models seeks to minimize the so-called memory effect. This means that, for example, a Bosch cordless circular saw from the GKS series, even after prolonged use, will be able to provide the same duration of work on a single charge as in the early days.
Main features of the tool
It's worth starting a review of technical and operational indicators with a battery. As a rule, manufacturers complete saws with lithium-ion cells with a voltage of 10, 8. Representatives of this line include the Makita HS300DZ portable cordless circular saw. At medium voltages, the model demonstrates good performance with a frequency of 1400 rpm. On the other hand, Milwaukee's HD28 CS has a 28V battery capacity, allowing it to deliver over 4000 rpm.
The next important indicator of tool performance is the disc diameter. Herethe weak side of models with batteries also appears. The fact is that technologists do not recommend equipping devices of this type with large cutting elements. For this reason, a cordless circular saw provides a modest cut, limited to a circle diameter of 184 millimeters. But in terms of making complex cuts, there are no special barriers - the movable sole of the tool allows you to cut at an angle of up to 50 °.
Varieties of models
There are several features by which cordless manual circulars are classified. Among the main ones are the scope, that is, the target material with which the tool can work. Most models focus on wood processing. At the same time, more and more manufacturers' lines are replenished with modifications intended for aluminum and mild steel. These include the Milwaukee HD18 MS cordless metal circular saw. This is a high-speed tool that allows you to easily process panels made of foam insulation material. A similar option is offered by DeWALT in the eighteen-volt modification DW934K2.
Another sign of separation of circular saws with batteries is the type of battery. Until recently, nickel cells have enjoyed a certain popularity, but in the process of operation, lithium-ion analogues turn out to be more practical. However, their environmental safety speaks in favor of the former.
Makita product reviews
In the line of the Japanese manufacturer, it is worth paying attentionattention to the DSS610Z model, which, in addition to a powerful Li-ion battery, also has several structural additions. In particular, users note that the combination of a ruler with a parallel stop contributes to obtaining a high quality cut. These devices adjust the working stroke parameters, providing an accurate cut at the entrance. Otherwise, the reviews of the owners also have a positive connotation. For example, it is noted that the Makita cordless circular saw can be considered the best option for beginners, since the tool has a high class of reliability and safety. This is due to the presence of a reinforced protective casing at the base of the disc, an electric brake with an instant stop of the disc, as well as a push-button fuse.
Reviews on Bosch products
The family of cordless circular saws of the German manufacturer is the mentioned GKS modification, which runs on a lithium-ion battery. The owners of this tool indicate the accuracy of the cut, low noise and accuracy when cutting. That is, the device does not scatter sawdust due to the possibility of their instant assembly into a dust collector. Users also note compatibility with the line.
Actually, you can even purchase this option as a basis for making cuts - then the design is easily supplemented with the necessary devices from the same line with screwdrivers to a construction vacuum cleaner for assembling sawdust. At the same time, the circular cordless saw Bosch GKS 10, 8 does notdevoid of shortcomings. According to users, the manufacturer has significantly limited the choice of working disks, among which, for example, there is no element for cutting aluminum.
Reviews about the Ryobi model
The manufacturer Ryobi is not as famous as the above brands, but in this case, he was able to surprise even experienced builders with a successful development in the form of a cordless circular saw R18CS-0. First of all, the owners liked the device for its ability to perform a neat and clean cut. Thanks to the GripZone coating on the handle, a good grip of the hands with the structure is also ensured, which makes it easier to manipulate the tool during work. At the same time, the low power that the cordless circular saw is endowed with is also noted. Reviews, for example, do not recommend this option as a full replacement for network counterparts. The tool provides a quality cut with quiet operation and generally decent ergonomics, however, this model is unlikely to fit for serious work in production.
Metabo tool reviews
According to its characteristics, the KSA 18 LTX fits well into the group of medium hand-held circulars with batteries. However, in some places, the features of the instrument also appear. For example, many builders note that this version is one of the best for making bevel cuts. Thanks to the original design, the operator can easily make angled cuts. Ergonomics deserves special attention. We can say that this is a cordless mini circular saw, since its massdoes not exceed five kilograms. But the number of revolutions exceeds even the initial level - 2700 rpm. In terms of configuration and additional equipment, the model is also not inferior to advanced developments. Already in the basic version, the tool can be retrofitted with a ruler, rip fence and vacuum cleaner.
What to consider when choosing?
The battery principle of power supply does not exclude the addition of the tool with new functionality and operational capabilities. When choosing a circular saw, it is recommended to take into account options such as LED lighting, battery indicators, and the possibility of combining with other construction equipment. For example, the Bosch and Makita companies recommend supplementing the tool with their own industrial vacuum cleaners that suck up debris right in the process. Also, a circular cordless saw must comply with safety requirements. Especially for beginners, it is important to take into account the protective qualities of the case and the presence of protection systems.
Instead of a conclusion
Circular saws in this type of handheld segment benefit from their compact dimensions and easy handling. In addition, the very principle of powering equipment from a battery provides many advantages over network counterparts. This is the reason for the popularity of this product. The tool can be used on construction sites that do not have access to the mains. On the other hand, a circular cordless saw, unlike traditional chain saws,models assumes a limited operating time. Therefore, in addition to the parameters of the cutting disc, structural additions and ergonomics, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the feed unit. Experienced craftsmen recommend paying attention to the ability of the element to maintain stable operation as energy is consumed. It will not be superfluous to have a panel with a charge indicator, which, during the operation of the saw, will allow you to monitor the level of the current potential of its battery.
