The essential question is: How to decide corded vs cordless circular saw?
You are probably wondering what is the big deal? Why are these machines so similar but so different!
Now, if you have your workshop it will be great to have both types, but if that is not possible and you have to choose you are at the right place!
Look at the situation: You are planning to build your perfect weekend house away from civilization. No technology around, and of course, no electricity.
What can you do?
- You can do all cuts at your workshop and take it piece by piece to the site, or;
- You can buy a cordless tool and do everything on site.
Which idea do you like more?
Now get this, both types will give you the same results: perfect cuts, precision, satisfaction, but there are reasons why one is better than another!
Here is the deal: think about your needs first! Are you mostly working in the workshop, or you are working on-site? Do you like to chase cords and plugs, or you like to be cordless? Power or convenience?
We will try to give you some answers and make your “corded vs cordless” choice easier.
Cutting power: it`s all about this!
You are absolutely sure that power is all that you need! Well, yes! But that’s not the only thing you should lookup.
Let’s talk about the power first.
With a corded circular saw, you will definitely get power! The advantage is that the power stays the same, no matter how long you are working with it. You just pull the trigger and have unlimited top power as long as there is electricity.
Corded saws are usually more suited for heavy duty work because they produce massive and stable amounts of torque without stopping.
But here is where it gets good: new cordless tool innovations are allowing some larger tools to become nearly as powerful as their plugged-in cousins.
We can understand your fear! What will I do when I run out of batteries? Don’t worry!
Nowadays, on market are available long-time working batteries, and with additional batteries, you can be sure that you will be able to finish your work on time!
But to be sure that we know what we are talking about we did some testing; Guess what? Brushless circular saw can do the same number of cuts as corded one. We got the same number of cuts in one minute of time.
What’s the bottom line: If the power is your number one priority you will receive enough power with both types of tools.
The only important thing is what you don’t want to bother with; cords or batteries?
When searching for circular saws, it all comes down to power and capacity. Cordless circular saw has a smaller blade than a corded saw and, as we all know, larger blades produce more cutting power.
Cords
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about the corded machine is cord!
When buying a corded tool, we have to look how long the cord is, cheaper machines have shorter cords.
When we are going on the site, we must first check if there is electricity and search for the closest outlet.
Have in mind that cords are breaking after long usage and you have to replace them. You always have to take an extension cord, or even more than one, on-site.
What is most important is of course safety!
With power tools there are two major concerns for consideration:
-there are electrical and water hazards;
-there are cables everywhere. If you are clumsy you can easily slip and fall over the cable.
On the other side, you won’t have these problems with the cordless tool. Cordless gives you convenience and portability. They are running on a lithium battery, and they’re reliable for long-term use.
Just take your tool, with additional batteries and enjoy working!
Convenience and mobility
And here is where it gets better: When you think about corded vs cordless circular saw, which one sounds more convenient and mobile?
As we already mentioned-for unlimited power your choice should be corded saw. But if you require power and convenience your choice should be cordless saw.
The biggest advantage of a cordless circular saw is portability and flexibility. You can work anywhere without the need of a power outlet. This allows you to work in more areas.
Corded power tools aren’t mobile at all. In fact, a construction using corded power tools will be confined by the location’s energy output. Because of their lacking convenience, corded power tools are often used for specialized jobs.
The corded saw doesn’t give you that much freedom while working. You always have to look where your cable is. It`s important to be careful with the cable, it can be very dangerous if you touch the cable with your saw!
Projects that require a high degree of mobility are more approachable with cordless tools. On the other hand, projects that require a lot of torque should be approached with corded tools.
Price
Someone will say that cordless tools are way more expensive but if you take a little research you will see that there is no big difference in price.
You can find on market corded saw with prices from $62 –SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch up to $158 –DEWALT DW364K 7-1/4-Inch.
On the other side prices for cordless saws go from $88.14 – Hitachi C18DGLP4 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2″ up to $299 DEWALT DCS575T1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX.
I have to mention the advantage of cordless tools and that is the ability to purchase several tools at once for a reasonable price. Some cordless tools come in kits that provide several tools with one or two batteries at a relatively low price.
Size, weight, and handling
When you are choosing a best friend for your workshop to take care of the size and weight because you don’t want to carry the heavy and big tool in your hands all day long.
I personally like and enjoy working with my cordless friend. Its very lightweight and easy for handling.
Most of the producers have in mind the importance of size and weight in mind. For that reason, most of the circular saws have good size and they are lightweight.
Lifespan
If we were talking about this subject a few years ago, I would be absolutely sure to say that corded tool has a longer lifespan. But now?
I will say that if you take care of your machines, they will have a long lifespan no matter if it has a cord or not.
Corded- traditionally have a long lifespan. It might happen that you will have to change the cord or some little repairs.
Cordless- most of them have a lithium battery, and they’re reliable for long-term use. A cordless tool with lithium battery won’t diminish over time if it isn’t in use.
Multiple uses for a battery
Here is the kicker! Most of the cordless circular saws come with interchangeable batteries which could be used on other cordless tools that you own.
Just be sure to purchase a fast charger and the best batteries that you can find on the market.
It will be best to purchase cordless tools from the same manufacturer, in that case, you will be sure that you can use the same batteries for different tools.
Before You Buy a Circular Saw
The circular saw is in the top 5 must-have tools in your workshop.
If you buy the best saw, you can be sure that you will use it for another 10-20 years.
Before buying a circular saw you should take care of the next things:
Blades
Each machine on market includes one blade. Usually, this is the wood blade. If you are planning to cut other types of material we will advise you to buy an additional blade which can cut that material.
The additional blade is always a good choice. Your blades will live longer if you use them properly. Check out some of the available blades below.
Size of the blade is important. The bigger blade gives more cutting power. The most common and useful blade size is 7-1/4 inch.
You should also have in mind that you will have to change blade once, so be sure to check is that an easy process. You can always check our advice for blade changing HERE.
Style
You can choose between two styles:
- Worm-drive
- Sidewinders or direct drive
Worm-drive saws are short and long, with the handle behind the blade. The location of the blade is on the left, making it visible to right-handed users.
Sidewinders or direct drive saws are the most recognizable style to most of us. The handle over the blade-higher and the blade has been located on the right side of the saw. When you compare them to worm-drive saws, sidewinders are lighter and less expensive, and they spin faster. This style is maybe the one we recommend for your workshop.
If you have found your favorite “toy” go and test it personally. The best way to make your choice is to go to the closest store and take the machine in your hands. That will be your final step.
We now answered your question and you know what is better for your needs: corded vs cordless circular saw.
For more info about saws in general, check out our page dedicated to editorials, reviews, and buyer’s guides.
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