Manual construction tools have not been associated with a hammer and a screwdriver for a long time. Today they are high-power and functional devices that can perform complex tasks in difficult conditions. For several years now, an interested consumer can observe the development of the compact circular saw segment, which is endowed with productive power engines, robust casings and ergonomic handles.
If before the vast majority of such tools focused on network connection to a power source, now the circular saw is included in the assortment 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
The basis of the design is the same filling as in the case of traditional network models - a reliable housing with rubberized elements hides the engine, and the disk is responsible for the cutting function. The fundamental difference is the power supply unit. Thanks to this component, cordless circular saws provide the ability to perform work operations away from the outlet.
Increased mobility is achieved due to 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, the Bosch cordless circular saw from the GKS series, even after prolonged use, can provide the same duration on a single charge as in the first days.
Key Features
Starting a performance review is with the battery. As a rule, manufacturers complete saws with lithium-ion cells with a voltage of 10.8. Representatives of this line include the Makita portable portable circular saw in HS300DZ design. With average voltage indicators, the model demonstrates good performance with a frequency of 1400 rpm. On the other hand, the Milwaukee in the HD28 CS modification has a 28 V battery capacity, which allows it to provide more than 4000 rpm.
The next important indicator of the health of the tool is the diameter of the disk. The weakness of battery models is also evident here. The fact is that technologists do not recommend equipping devices of this type with large cutting elements. For this reason, the circular saw provides a modest cut, limited by a circle diameter of 184 millimeters. But in terms of making complex cuts there are no special barriers - the moving sole of the tool allows cutting at an angle of up to 50 °.
Varieties of models
Several features can be distinguished by which cordless manual circulars are classified. Among the main ones, they call the scope, that is, the target material with which the tool can work. Most models focus on wood processing. Moreover, more and more manufacturers are replenishing themselves with modifications designed for aluminum and mild steel. These include the cordless circular saw for metal from Milwaukee HD18 MS. This is a high-speed tool that makes it easy to process and panels of foam insulation material. A similar option is offered by DeWALT in the eight-voltage version of the DW934K2.
Another sign of the separation of circular saws with batteries is the type of battery. Until recently, nickel elements were quite popular, but lithium-ion analogues are more practical during operation. However, in favor of the former, their environmental safety speaks.
Reviews about Makita products
In the line of the Japanese manufacturer, it is worth paying attention to the DSS610Z model, which in addition to the powerful Li-ion battery also has several constructional additions. In particular, users note that the combination of a ruler with a parallel emphasis contributes to obtaining a high-quality cut. These devices correct the parameters of the stroke, 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 as 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 button fuse.
Bosch Product Reviews
The German manufacturer of cordless circular saws introduces the aforementioned GKS modification, which operates on a lithium-ion battery. The owners of this tool indicate the accuracy of cut, low noise and accuracy when cutting. That is, the device does not scatter sawdust due to the possibility of their instant assembly in a dust collector. Also, users note compatibility with the lineup.
Actually, you can even buy 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 sawdust assembly. At the same time, the Bosch GKS 10.8 circular saw was not without drawbacks. 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 model Ryobi
The manufacturer Ryobi is not as famous as the aforementioned 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. The device was primarily liked by the owners of the ability to perform a neat and clean cut. Thanks to the GripZone coating on the handle, a good hand grip with a construction is also provided, which facilitates handling of 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 complete replacement for network analogues. The tool provides high-quality cuts during quiet operation and generally worthy of ergonomics, but this model is unlikely to work for serious work in production.
Metabo Tool Reviews
According to its characteristics, the KSA 18 LTX fits into the group of medium manual 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 performing an oblique cut. Thanks to the original design, the operator can easily make corner cuts. Ergonomics deserve special attention. We can say this is a cordless mini circular saw, as its mass does 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, parallel emphasis and a vacuum cleaner.
What to consider when choosing?
The battery-powered principle of power supply does not at all preclude the addition of a tool with new functionality and operational capabilities. When choosing a circular saw, it is recommended to consider options such as LED backlighting, battery indicators, the possibility of combining with other construction equipment. For example, Bosch and Makita companies recommend supplementing the tool with their own industrial vacuum cleaners, which suck in garbage right in the process. The cordless circular saw must also meet safety requirements. It is especially important for beginners to consider the protective qualities of the case and the presence of safety systems.
Instead of a conclusion
Circular saws in this type of manual equipment segment benefit from their compact size and easy handling. In addition, the very principle of battery power equipment 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 circular saw, unlike traditional network models, assumes a limited operating time. Therefore, in addition to the parameters of the cutting disc, structural accessories and ergonomics, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the supply unit. Experienced craftsmen recommend paying attention to the ability of an element to maintain stable operation as energy is consumed. The presence of a panel with a charge indicator, which during the operation of the saw will allow tracking the level of the current potential of its battery, will not be out of place.