Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee Tools
Model number: 834-20
Price: 249.00 bare tool | 446.00 kitted
Power source: M18 battery
Weight: 7.9 lbs

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20 | Specifications

1. 750 Cuts Per Charge (M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery)
2. 2-5/8″ Cut Capacity: Capability to cut 3x material in one pass
3. Bevel detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees
4. Depth detents at 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1-1/2”
5. Integrated dust port on guard and included vac adaptor
6. LED light
7. Integrated rafter hook
8. Magnesium shoe and guards
9. Electric brake
10. Length: 14 in
11. Weight: 7.9 lb.
12. Height: 8.5 in
13. Width: 7.4 in
14. Brushless motor

First Impression

When we first got the new Milwaukee Circular Saw, we put it side by side with the earlier Gen 2 model. The first thing we noticed was that the new saw was much smaller and lighter. Once we made a cut with the saw, my first comment was, “WOW, this cuts smooth!” More on that later.

Accuracy

Not that a lot of people check their saws, but when we checked in the shop, our saw was a perfect 90 and 45 degrees.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20 Updates

Compact Size

Milwaukee tossed out the Gen 2 design and redid this new saw inside and out. They shaved weight and size off the gear case, shoe plate, and upper and lower guards to get a more compact, lighter saw.

Support Handle

The support handle has been moved down in front of the motor. This was done to separate the hands further and create a better opportunity for user control of the saw.

Actuation Safety Trigger

The previous circular saw model had an ambidextrous button that needed to be depressed to activate the trigger and power on the saw. This safety annoyed many users, me included.

Having to actuate this button sometimes made it difficult to use the saw in some positions, like overhead cutting or cutting rafter tails. Milwaukee removed the old button, eliminating the need for a thumb depress.

They changed it to a lock on/off button. Now, when the button is turned on, the saw can be operated from the tool’s trigger without any other safety functions or activations needed.

Finger Guard

You’ll notice a large finger guard surrounding the trigger. This was done to help prevent items from hitting or wedging against the trigger and causing an accidental power-on situation. We found this guard large enough to fit a winter-gloved hand inside.

Blade Adjustment Depth Detents

One nice feature added was the addition of depth detents at 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1-1/2”. This is a little feature that users will appreciate, and once it becomes second nature, they will just feel or listen for the detents and go!

Bevel Lever

The old plastic knob has been replaced with a robust “old-school style” metal lever. The issue we’ve noticed on the older knob was that it often would get loose, fall off, and you’d lose the nut to hold it on. The new lever is securely attached and requires a ¼ rotation to loosen and a simple push down to lock. The saw has two detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees.

Blade Guard Geometry

The new saw has a flared guard end that was designed to eliminate hang-up and improve compound bevel, miter cuts, and thin cuts. We made several test cuts trying to catch up with the guard, and while you can occasionally get it to catch, its design is way better than the Gen 2 model.

LED Light

Milwaukee moved the LED light, and it now points to the cut line and saw blade. We noted that this new LED location really improved the cut line lighting.

Dust Port

I don’t know any tradesmen who use circular saws with dust collection, but it sure is nice to have the option. Milwaukee changed the outer port to have a universal adaptor and eliminate an extra part that the Gen 2 had—one less thing to lose.

Dust Blower

The dust blower uses the motor fan to channel air to three slots in the front of the saw and direct the air to the blade. The slots can be seen near the new LED light location.

Blade Wrench

Milwaukee ditched the old Allen wrench and went back to an old-school-style wrench, placing it in a more secure location, into the saw body just under the battery location. This location seems more secure than the older location and is way less likely to back out.

The wrench itself is bigger and gives the user more to hold onto. You’ll notice a prying section at the wrench’s end, which is a carryover from the old diamond cutouts on blades—even though Milwaukee is eliminating them for a 5/8” round arbor on all their saws.

Guard Spring

While not necessarily new, if you turn the saw upside down, you’ll see the guard safety spring is more visible than the Gen 2. Milwaukee uses what’s called a “Double Bugle Spring,” compared to many competitors that use a J-Spring.

The “Bugle Spring” cones-open on both ends and makes it far less likely for it to come loose under stress and usage. Milwaukee is committed to making safe products. They use the double bugle spring because it’s very reliable option and they test it to the extreme. The goal is to have a guard that always opens and closes properly!

Increased Bevel

The new Milwaukee saw now has the capacity to bevel to 57 degrees versus the Gen 2, which beveled to 53 degrees. The cut capacity does lessen at this angle, but the ability to make that angle cut can be helpful to many carpenters.

New Motor

We like to describe this new motor as power-dense in a smaller size. Milwaukee didn’t shave weight off the motor, instead opting to increase the copper windings, making it 1/10 lb. heavier than the older motor.
Here’s an interesting explanation of motor power:

• Gen 2 Saw #2732: Motor produces approximately 2,000 watts of power with a 12 Ah High Output battery.
• Gen 3 Saw #2834: Motor produces 2500-2600 watts of power with a 12 Ah High Output battery.
• Gen 3 Saw #2834: Motor produces 3200 watts of power with a 12 Ah FORGE battery.

Vent Slots Under Saw

If you look under the saw, you’ll see some vent slots. Vent slots are not new to Milwaukee saws, but these vents pull in cool air to cool off the saw’s components and electronics.

Using this Saw – My Thoughts

Using this saw, I immediately noticed how smooth and effortless it was to make cuts. The bevel adjustment is a standout feature, and I truly appreciate the expanded 57-degree range, which offers more versatility for various cutting angles. The smaller, lighter design makes the saw more maneuverable, and the elimination of the thumb safety actuation switch is a welcome change, allowing for easier operation. The new LED location is another highlight, significantly improving the illumination of the cut line compared to the older Gen 2 model. Additionally, the dust blower does an excellent job of clearing the cut line, ensuring better visibility during use.

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts

The larger story here is that the new motor efficiency, updated electronics, and new batteries come together to give you a more powerful saw in a smaller footprint.

The following four core components all work together to enhance the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20’s performance

1. M18 Forge Batteries

Milwaukee now has more powerful tab-less cell batteries and all-new battery pack construction that can charge faster. They come in the following sizes: XC6.0, XC 8.0, XC 12.0.

2. M18 SUPER Battery Chargers

Active cooling technology COOLCYCLE forces air through compatible battery packs. This airflow can cool overheated batteries within 90 seconds to begin charging.

3. Motor

This is the most power-dense motor Milwaukee has ever created. It has an increase of 36% more copper in the stator windings while reducing the overall size by 15%.

4. Electronics

More robust circuit boards and thicker wires are necessary to handle the increased current flowing between the new batteries and more powerful motors.

The new M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries offer enhanced power in a smaller, lighter design, while the M18 Dual Bay SUPERCHARGER cuts charging time dramatically with innovative cooling technology. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motors have been refined for greater efficiency and power, and the upgraded REDLINK PLUS electronics ensure seamless communication between these advanced components. These enhancements culminate in the new 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, delivering more power, higher RPM, and improved ergonomics in a lighter package, setting a new standard for the M18 lineup.

Price and Availability

ACME Tools offers the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw in two configurations:

1. Bare Tool: $249
2. Kitted: $449, which includes a charger, bag, and a 12Ah FORGE battery. Model # 2834-21HD.

Overall Impression | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20

We were blown away by the recent updates to this saw and immediately noticed the difference in power on the first cut. One of my crew described it as cutting “like a hot knife through butter.” Personally, I’d describe it differently. I’ve owned many pickup trucks, and I recently bought myself a used Audi Q5 as my personal car. This saw cuts with the power of my truck’s towing capacity but feels as smooth as cruising in my Audi.

Well done, Milwaukee.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20 Video Review

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4” Circular Saw 2834-20 Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ridgid 18v 6½” Circular Saw (model R8656B)

Ridgid 18V SubCompact Brushless Cordless 6 1/2 in. Circular Saw

4/5

Manufacturer: Ridgid
Model number: R8656B
Price: $149.00
Power source: Lithium Ion battery
Motor size: 18v
Weight: 7.5 lbs

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I never owned a 6 ½” cordless circular saw until I received the Ridgid 18v 6½” Circular Saw to review.  My work partner Ed and I were skeptical of the saw, particularly because Ed had previous experiences with 6 ½” cordless circular saws that were underwhelming.  The smaller saw with a smaller blade and smaller batteries translated into smaller performance.  Thankfully, this new Ridgid 6 ½” saw was different.

Overview

The Ridgid 18v 6½” Circular Saw follows a similar layout and design to other 6 ½” cordless circular saws I have handled in the past, with a left-blade configuration that is extremely common for the blade size.  Personally, I love left-bladed circular saws because they offer a nice sight-line to the blade for right-handed users.  The base plate on the saw is a full 5” wide and plenty long enough to engage the work surface.  The over-molded top handle feels comfortable and substantial, and the levers to change blade height and bevel are easy to access and adjust.  There’s even a rafter hook for slinging the tool onto the side of a sawhorse or nearby 2x framing member.

Features and Benefits

The Ridgid 18v 6½” Circular Saw is packed with all sorts of features that you might find in a larger 7 ¼” sidewinder circular saw.  Ridgid advertises the following on its website:

• Lightweight Design. Heavyweight Performance.
• Pair with MAX Output batteries for maximum power
• 5,000 RPM
• 30% Lighter Weight when compared to RIDGID’s R8657 Brushless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw
• 27% More Compact when compared to the R8657 Brushless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw
• 50° Bevel Capacity cuts the most common angles
• 2-1/4 in. Depth of Cut
• Lightweight and Durable Magnesium Guard stands up to the toughest job sites
• LED Light for improved visibility in low-light situations
• Accepts 1-3/4 in. and 1-1/4 in. vacuum hose attachments

The Ridgid Subcompact Circular Saw has some impressive stats for its size.  They are as follows:

On The Job

I quickly found that the Ridgid 18v 6½” Circular Saw was a welcome addition to the job site. The first job I used the subcompact saw on was framing a garage.  What better place to test a circular saw than a framing site.  The compact design was light and nimble.   …so light that it could hang off a toolbelt while walking around the job.  The OEM blade from Ridgid was somewhat underwhelming, so after only about a dozen or so cuts through 2×6 lumber I decided to swap the blade for a new Diablo from Freud.  This definitely improved cut quality.

When paired with a Ridgid 18-volt, 4 Ah lithium battery, the saw has decent power and runtime. I managed to make 55 crosscuts on 2×6 SPF framing lumber with one battery.  I think this is respectable considering the size of the saw and the battery.  The Ridgid circular saw had no problem cutting “tough” building materials such as pressure-treated sill plates and ¾” OSB sheathing.

After the framing was complete on the garage, I started to see where this subcompact saw really shines – making quick cuts at different places around the job site.  I loved grabbing this subcompact saw for pre-cutting long lengths of trim lumber to bring them to a miter saw station, cutting small furring strips for our rain screen, and even breaking down waste to better fit in a burn pile or dump trailer.

Room For Improvement

I don’t have too many gripes about the Ridgid 18v 6½” Circular Saw. None of my gripes are deal breakers, nor do they prevent me from grabbing the saw when I need or want it.

The blade guard and its handle feel light-duty to me, but after a ton of use it has held up with no issues. I honestly thought it would break, but it hasn’t.  The base plate of the saw is a bit thin, so running the plate against a speed square as a fence requires the user to handle the saw with a little more diligence.  The dust port is oriented directly facing the user.  At times, depending on what I’m cutting, this results in a ton of sawdust ending up in my tool belt.  The blade depth indicator is a little tough to read as it is a relatively small arrow on an already narrow piece of steel.  Positive stops for bevel adjustment would be nice but are really only a convenience when making repetitive adjustments between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.

Final Thoughts

The Ridgid 18v 6½” Circular Saw is great.  I use the saw all the time, as does my new apprentice.  While this saw probably doesn’t have a full-time position on a framing site, I would darn near consider it a “must have” for a remodeler, general contractor, DIYer, or homeowner.  Compact.  Light.  Easy to use.  What else can you ask for?

Ridgid 18v 6½” Circular Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

HILTI 22V Cordless Circular Saw SC 30WR-22

HILTI Nuron 22V Circular Saw SC 30WR-22

5/5

Manufacturer: HILTI
Model number: SC 30WR-22
Price: 279.00
Power source: 22V Nuron Battery
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 8.2 bare tool

We took the HILTI 22V NURON Circular Saw SC model # 30WR-22 in the field for a few months to evaluate it.

HILTI 22V NURON Circular Saw SC30WR-22 Specifications

• Max. Cut Depth at 90°:  2-5/8″
• Max. Cut Depth at 45°:  2”
• Max. Bevel: 50 °
• Blade diameter: 7.1/4
• Volts:  22
• Electric Brake: Yes
• Guide Rail Compatible: Yes
• Dust Collection: Rotating Dust Port
• Rafter Hook: Yes
• No Load Speed: 4,700 RPMS
• Weight: 8.30 lbs
• Bare Tool Price: $279.00
• Mfg Link: Hilti SC30WR-22
  

Hilti 22V Nuron Circular Saw| First  Impression

As a bare tool, we noticed that the Hilti 22V Nuron Circular Saw SC 30WR-22 is larger and mid-range in weight for its class. We also noticed that Hilti re-engineered the Nuron batteries to be more durable including a new, robust fiberglass-reinforced housing and external shock-absorbing bumpers.

We also really liked the 360 rotating dust chute, with a large open tunnel at the top of the blade and while we did not connect this saw to a dust extractor we know that some of you do.

Another feature we noticed immediately was the depth of cut scale. It’s large and easy to read with white numbers on a black background, indicating 1/4 inch depths from zero to 2-5/8″.  Setting the blade depth is easy with a large lever, but the thing that impressed me the most was how smooth the action was.

A feature that many will be glad to hear is that this saw is track compatible with the purchase of a saw base plate and track. We did not test this in the field but did get to use it at their saw unveiling in Switzerland earlier this year. While it is not a track saw this feature will allow you to use the circular saw to achieve super straight cuts.

Lastly, the Hilti 22V Nuron Circular Saw has a comfortable grip, a smooth rounded trigger with excellent action, and no pinch points.

Using The Hilti 22V Nuron Circular Saw SC 30WR-22

We used this saw to frame a small barn for a client and there were two things that impressed me in the first week, they were:

1. Faster Cuts
2. Amazing Run-Time
3. Robust Features

Doubled run-time per charge – Nuron battery technology and brushless motor deliver our longest working time yet

Faster Cuts

The Hilti 22V Nuron Circular Saws re-designed Nuron battery interface ensures higher performance by allowing a significantly higher power transfer, and it shows. Everyone on the barn build was impressed with the speed of cut and power of the saw. Comparing the older Hilti saw to this newer one, we’d estimate that it’s at least 3X faster, although we did not test for that.

If you’d like to see how this saw compared to other saws, in features, power, speed, price, and other categories, check out our recent  7-1/4″ Circular Saw Head to Head test.

Run-time

We did not set out to determine run-time on the Nuron batteries but man was I wowed by how much work we got done with one battery. Using the larger battery, the HILTI 22V Nuron Circular Saw lasted a week of constant cutting. It cut all of the floor systems, walls, plywood, rafters, and roof sheathing on our 200 sq. ft. barn before the battery needed changing.

Robust Features

The Hilti positive stops were money, and the action on the bevel was smooth. It has a super solid build, with a stop knob on the bevel, and an easy-to-see bevel and scales. The positive stops at max bevel 45 and 22.5 degrees were easy to use, set, and understand. It also bevels to 50 degrees.

Overall we were thoroughly impressed with the Hilti 22 v circular saws job site performance.

Hilti 22V Nuron  | Cloud Connected | Fleet Management

The HILTI 22V Nuron Circular Saw generates data which is then stored on the Nuron batteries and sent securely to the cloud during every charge without any operator interaction. The data collected includes information such as tool usage, tool utilization, charging location, and battery state of health. This information can then be used to alert individuals if action is needed immediately or can be accessed on-demand as required and is available on mobile and desktop via Hilti’s ON!Track software platform.

Together with services like Hilti Fleet Management tool data can be used to reduce downtime and optimize tool cribs to boost customer productivity.

Hilti 22V Circular Saw SC 30WR-22 | Suggested Improvements

If there was one feature on this saw that we’d like to see improved, it’s the rafter hook. Currently, the plastic hook is mounted on the top of the handle and swivels 180 degrees left or right.

The hook will allow hooking one single member 2x material and we often found it in the way of actuating the safety button prior to turning the saw on. there is very little clearance to slip your thumb under the hook, especially for large-handed users. There were several times when the hook was stowed by one user and the next had to rotate it out of the way to use the saw.

Hilti 22V Nuron Circular Saw SC 30WR-22 | Cost

The Hilti circular saw sells currently as a bare tool for $279, and you can add the batteries you think you need.  We preferred to use the larger batteries with this saw; the B22-170 Nuron battery will run for approximately $174 and the B22-255 Nuron battery costs approximately $204.

Final Thoughts |Hilti 22V Nuron Circular Saw

As a company, Hilti has been slow to update its tools as evidenced by some of our past Head-to-Head tests. This  Hilti saw really impressed our crew. It is well-balanced given its long length, has a super-solid build, was powerful and smooth cutting, and had really nice features and adjustments.

Well done Hilti!

HILTI 22V Cordless Circular Saw SC 30WR-22 Video Review

#sponsored

HILTI 22V NURON Circular Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

7-1/4 Inch Framing Saw Blade Testing | 2022

Saw blades come in a variety of designs, primarily revolving around the number of teeth. Blades with more teeth yield a smoother cut, and blades with fewer teeth remove material faster. Standard 7 and one-quarter framing blades have 24 teeth and are effective for cutting jobs such as rough carpentry, where speed is prioritized over an ultra-smooth cut.

Saw Blade Test Specifications

We wanted to test a 10-dollar framing blade commonly used to cut pressure-treated wood, 2x lumber, plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods, and see how they held up under extreme cutting conditions. The decision was easy for us since we had just finished our Best 7-1/4” Circular saw Head-to-Head test and still had our saw testing rig set up.

Saw Blades Tested

We chose to test 7 common 24-tooth framing blades in the range of 10 to 12 dollars. The blades were:

Crescent Nail Slicer 24-tooth 7-1/4” Framing blade 

• Cost $10.00
• Carbide Teeth
• Protective Blade Coating
• Anti-Nail Kickback Tooth Design
• Active Shield Protective Blade Coating
• Laser Cut Vibration Slots
• Laser Cut Expansion Slots
• Available at Lowe’s

Dewalt Framing 24-tooth 7-1/4” Framing blade

• Cost $10.00
• Body Slots reduce vibration
• thin kerf design
• High-Density Tungsten Carbide teeth
• ToughCoat anti-stick coating
• Patented body slots reduce vibration
• High-density tungsten carbide
• Reinforced shoulder for impact resistance in nail-embedded wood

Diablo 24-tooth 7-1/4” Framing blade

• Cost $10.00
• Carbide tipped
• Point tooth design
• Anti-vibration design.
• TiCo high-density carbide
• Perma-shield non-stick coating
• Framing blade

Makita Ultra-Thin Kerf 24-tooth 7-1/4” Framing blade

• Cost $11.00
• Tungsten Carbide-Tipped
• ATAFR (Alternate Top Alternate Face with Raker)
• Ultra-Thin 0.057 in. kerf
• Top bevel angle designed with a sharp 23 tip
• Reduced swing width allow for smoother material removal with less cutting resistance
• Slimmer tip bottoms provide lower cutting resistance
• Blade coating provides reduced pitch build-up
• Framing blade

Milwaukee 24-tooth 7-1/4” Framing blade

• Cost $12.00
• Tungsten carbide teeth
• Precision ground teeth
• Expansion slots
• Cooling vents
• Anti-kickback shoulder
• Thin kerf design

Spyder Tarantula 24-tooth 7-1/4” Framing blade

• Cost $10.00
• Ultra tough NiCo (nickel cobalt) cutting teeth make the cleanest cuts
• Anti-friction coating and stabilization vents
• Nickel cobalt (NiCo) teeth
• Alternating tooth bevel (ATB)
• Anti-friction coating
• Polymer filled stabilization vents reduce noise and vibrations

Blade Performance Testing

The speed at which a circular saw can cut through a particular material is a factor of the blade shape (width, diameter, tooth count, and tooth shape), blade rotational speed, and horizontal force applied.

We wanted to accelerate the wear and tear stress on these blades so we designed a brutal 8-foot nail-embedded wood rip-cut.

For cutting material, we used an 8-foot long 2×10 KD with 16 penny nails embedded every 1 inch. The material was marked every inch, into the side of the board, pre-drilled along the center axis to reduce splitting. We then drive 3-1/2 inch, 16D nails in with a hammer resulting in a total of 94 nails.

Circular Saw Variables

For our test saw, we chose to use the winner of our Head-to-Head test, the Dewalt FlexVolt model # DCS5781 circular saw. 

We made 3 cuts for an average time. Cycling through 3 new 6Ah Flexvolt batteries and using 3 new saw blades. For every test, we used a fully charged, ambient temperature battery in the Dewalt saw. After each test, the saw was allowed to rest for 5 minutes and also cooled with compressed air through the vent slots. We did not experience any electronic or battery overload issues during this testing.

Controlling Cutting Variables

To test the longevity and cutting power of these saw blades the TBB crew needed to control cutting variables. We achieved this by using the same circular saw and same board and nails for each cut. A drop-weight pulley system and low friction saw sled rig was used to achieve a repeatable constant force cut.

For our cutting sled, we used a Kreg Accu-cut track system, secured to our testing rig, and an 8-foot section of 2×10 KD lumber was indexed underneath. The Accu-cut sled was pulled by a line, and a series of low friction pullies and attached to an 11 lb. weight which provided a consistent 11lb horizontal force to pull the saw through the cut.

After each cut, the sled and track were cleaned of all sawdust and debris. Before the first run of each saw the sled was lubricated with silicone spray and inspected to ensure a smooth low friction cut.

Controlling Timing Variables

Electro-mechanical micro-switches were secured to the start and stop sections of the cutting rig. The time automatically started as the saw began its cut and again automatically stopped as the sled reached the far end, and the cut was finished.

If a blade was unable to complete the full cut before the blade deteriorated to a point where smoking or safety became a concern the timer was manually stopped, and the length of cut was noted.

Nails Cut Results – Winner Diablo

We used “nails cut” vs. “time cut” as a scoring variable. As a remodeling contractor, I’d much rather have a blade last longer than cut faster and wear out sooner.

The winner of the test was the Diablo Framing blade which cut 94 nails in 34-seconds. It was also the only saw to complete the full rip cut and clearly had more life in the blade to cut additional material.

Second place went to the Crescent Nail Slicer cutting a total of 91 nails in 54 seconds before the blade was unable to continue cutting.

Third place was a tie between the Dewalt [87 nails in 67 seconds] and Milwaukee framing blades [87 nails in 80 seconds] The Spyder Tarantula blade came one nail short at 86 nails in 32 seconds. It cut almost as fast as the Diablo blade but the cutting capacity diminished and the saw stopped cutting.

Note – Many of these saw blades stopped on the track but could be manually pushed thru additional nails [with more pushing force] but we did not record that.

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Conclusion

This test had some impressive results and proved to us that a 10-12 dollar blade can be successful and productive in a framing and remodeling environment when cutting nail-embedded wood.

24 Tooth Framing Blade Test | Video Review

24 Tooth Framing Blade Test is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi 7 1/4 Circular Saw PBLCS300 Review

If we had to choose a single cordless item for carpentry and construction, we would be hard-pressed to pick against a 7 ¼” circular saw for basic cutting tasks.  We use circular saws on everything from sizing 2×4 rough framing to doing plunge cuts on exterior wall sheathing. So when we recently got the chance to test out the newest Ryobi 7 1/4 Circular Saw PBLCS300, we took it.  We tested it out cutting some replacement 2×4 jack studs and framing for a porch rehab before installing windows and sheathing.  This gave us a chance to test out design, features, and overall performance.

Ryobi 7 1/4" One+ HP circular saw (Model PBLCS300)

3.5/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: PBLCS300b
Price: $129
Power source: Lithium Battery
Motor size: 18V
Weight: 6.6 Lbs

Ryobi PBLCS300 Features & Specifications

• Brushless motor delivers up to 40% faster cutting
• 0-56° bevel capacity for cut versatility
• Adjustable depth guard for cutting up to 2-7/16 in. depth of cut at 0° and 1-3/4 in. at 45°
• Die-cast upper guard for increased durability
• Vacuum dust adapter is compatible with 1-7/8 in. and 1-1/4 in. hoses
• On-board LED worklight to illuminate workspace for clear cut line visibility

Ryobi PBLCS300 Brushless Motor

The single biggest improvement included in Ryobi’s PBLCS300 7 ¼” circular saw is the addition of a brushless motor.  By incorporating a brushless motor, Ryobi has achieved major advances in overall power, tool longevity, and battery life.  A brushless motor eliminates internal brush-based friction by locating the permanent magnets on the outside of the copper coils.  It causes motor rotation based solely on the magnetic interaction of the coils and magnets by energizing the coils.  This means no brushes to wear out and replace which causes the tool to last longer.  It also means there is less wasted energy from the friction of the brushes so more power is delivered by the motor and the battery life is longer.  That’s a lot of words to say that the brushless motor in the Ryobi 7-1/4″ One+ Circular Saw PBLCS300 is a big deal.

Power & Performance

We found that the Ryobi 7-1/4″ One+ HP Circular Saw PBLCS300 cut fast, was powerful, and maintained speed/RPMs under load. We were pleased with this saw’s overall cutting performance, especially with a 4Ah +HP or greater battery pack.  There were a couple of situations of note.  First, we noted that the motor ran smoother with a thin-kerf blade vs a standard kerf blade. This is due to less overall material removal.  Ryobi includes a thin-kerf blade with the PBLCS300 circular saw.

We also found that the saw performed noticeably better with a 4Ah +HP battery vs. a 2 Ah battery, even on initial cuts with a fully charged 2Ah battery.  This is due to the smart HP+ chip electronics integrated into the PBLCS300 circular saw.  The tool recognizes when a +HP battery is loaded and allows the motor to run at a higher RPM (4300 vs. 3700 with the P508).  The One+ tools also have chip integration (P508) but the + HP lineup allows for additional battery power to be directed to the motor.  We could hear some motor strain with 2Ah battery and the blade seemed to have a minimal amount of slowing.  For the bulk of the test, we used the 4Ah +HP battery to cut 2x4s and ½ plywood with zero issues.

Run-time

Ryobi didn’t publish specific claims on overall runtime or number of cuts in a standard material.  At Tool Box Buzz, we feel that most of the major tool brands that are offering a full-size circular saw are using good lithium-ion battery packs along with brushless motors.  And the anecdotal testing of this saw was great; we were able to get a typical half-day of intermittent use out of a single 4Ah HP+ battery.  Simply put, this saw should run long enough for the average worker to complete his or her work in a standard workday, with a battery change. Possessing two battery packs, and the fast charger ensures that the saw sees no downtime.

Cutting Capacity

The Ryobi 7-1/4″ One+ Circular Saw PBLCS300 bevels to 56 degrees and provides a 2-7/16″ depth of cut at 90° and 1-13/16” at 45° (see table below). Adjusting the cutting depth and bevel angle adjustment is seamless with the tool-free adjustable design for both functions. The overall adjustment action is smooth. The bevel lever is large and easy to firmly grip.  The depth adjustment is well placed to allow the operator to use the battery casing as a leverage point for one-handed depth adjustments. The depth adjustment has a depth gauge with a small white marker to make sure the blade adjustment is well matched to the material thickness.  It is a bit obscured behind the handle but otherwise very adequate.

• Bevel Capacity – 56°
• Depth of Cut at 45° – 1 13/16” in
• Depth of Cut at 90° – 2 7/16

Ease of Use

As far as ergonomics go, the Ryobi PBLCS300 has a well-designed and very comfortable grip.  The main grip is comfortable and there is a push-in, ambidextrous safety button that is well within thumb’s reach and easily pressed. The front handle is offset approx. 20 degrees to relieve wrist strain during prolonged or repetitive cutting. This saw measures 13.5” long and is 7.2” high and 11” wide. The bare PBLCS300 circular saw weighs in at a mere 6.6 lbs.  The weight went up to 8.2 lbs with a 4Ah HP+ battery loaded.

There is an LED light, located low on the saw near the baseplate, that lights up the cut line decently when required.  The LED is slightly obscured by the bevel adjustment assembly, although the light is semi-angled on the right side to try and offset this design feature.  The LED light seemed average in brightness.  Most of the cutting done on the jobsite during the test was done either outside on horses or in a lighted area this didn’t have a major negative impact.  Some of our favorite circular saws in the past had no LED so this is more of a bonus feature rather than an essential one.

It’s important to note that the Ryobi PBLCS300 is a right-bladed saw.  The saw blade is mounted on the right side of the motor from the operator’s perspective.  This has a direct impact on line-of-sight as it offers a much better viewing angle for right-handed users.  This is one of the two major improvements over the previous Ryobi P508 brushless 18V 7 ¼” circular saw.  The other being the already discussed +HP technology and increased power.  And for me, makes the extra $10 a no-brainer as a right-handed user.

Circular Saw Line-Of-Sight

The sightline blower design is a great feature.  The design channels the air movement from a fan inside the motor housing to 2 spots along the cutline.  First, air is directed to the front side of the cutline via the front molded baffle (picture 1 below).  There is also a second blower vent located on the bottom of the motor housing directed towards the blade/material contact point (picture 2 below).  The dual blower does a fine job of clearing the dust from the sightline.

In addition to the sightline blower feature, one major addition to the PBLCS300 is the dust port inclusion.  This is an improvement over the PBLCS’s predecessor, the P508.  The molded plastic dust port connection is attached onto the back of the metal blade guard with a single screw. The user can easily remove it if they don’t want it.  It did not obscure the line-of-sight in any way or increase the tools overall length (and have an increased risk of getting broken) so we left it mounted during use.

The Ryobi PBLCS300’s biggest drawback is it’s stamped steel shoe (vs cast aluminum or magnesium).  It was more malleable than the cast shoes and may be more prone to bending.  For the homeowner or DIYer, Ryobi’s target audience, this detail will likely be a non-factor.  The shoe was quite square (about 1/32” out of alignment from front and rear corresponding blade teeth to shoe edge) upon initial tool inspection.  The saw cut accurately in all tasks we used it for.

PBLCS300 Safety Features

The Ryobi PBLCS300 circular saw has a low guard design with a clear polycarbonate blade guard (standard feature).  It provides good visibility to easily spot material hang-ups.  The blade guard also provided a zero hang-up day of operations at a variety of bevels and angles.  Lastly, it is very easy to pull back the blade guard for blade changes.

There is an ambidextrous safety switch on the tool’s handle just above the trigger.  The 2-step operation is an important safety feature.  Of note, the ability to release the safety switch and continue cutting made this feature more jobsite friendly. Lastly, the electric brakes stops the saw blade in less than 2 seconds.  We make it a point of safety on every job site to grip the tool until positive blade stoppage so we appreciated the time saved and added safety of the electric brake.

Kit Includes:

• 7-1/4″ (184mm) Circular Saw (PBLCS300)
• 7-1/4″ (184mm) Blade, thin kerf, 24 Tooth
• Blade changing wrench

Ryobi PBLCS300 Cost

The Ryobi 7 1/4 circular saw PBLCS300 only comes for sale as a bare tool (PBLCS300, $129 MSRP). A 2-pack of 18-Volt ONE+ 4.0 Ah Batteries (P145, $79 MSRP) is an easy add on option. If you want the best battery performance check out the 9AH +HP battery (model P194, $159).  Check it out online here:

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 7 1/4 circular saw PBLCS300 has a great balance of power and performance, especially at its comparatively-low price point.  The brushless motor delivers a noticeable increase in power and performance, especially when paired with a Ryobi +HP battery.  It is a comfortable and very capable saw overall.  There aren’t many features we hope to see improved in future iterations of Ryobi circular saws.  Ryobi could upgrade to a cast aluminum or magnesium shoe.  They could also look at the LED light design to address the miter angle adjustment assembly to be less obstructive.  The PLLCS300 is a very well designed 7 1/4″ circular saw for the DIYer or homeowner as our minimal list of recommendations shows.

Ryobi 7 1/4 Circular Saw PBLCS300 Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DEWALT 20V  Flexvolt Advantage Technology 7-1/2″ Circular Saw Review Model DCS573B

7-1/4" Circular Saw w/ Flexvolt Advantage Technology

4.5/5

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCS573B
Power source: 20v-60v
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 8.2Lbs

DEWALT recently launched a line of 20V Max with Flexvolt Advantage Technology tools. This review is for the DEWALT 20V Max 7-1/4″ Circular Saw w/ Flexvolt Advantage Technology.

The tools that have been released are the 7-1/4″ circular saw, 1/2″ hammer drill, reciprocating saw, and 4-1/2″-5″ grinder. All of these tools are currently in the hands of the Tool Box Buzz professionals being evaluated on the job site to give you the best facts and our opinions so you can make wise purchase decisions

The Benefits of Flexvolt Advantage Technology

What’s the Difference?

The difference in this saw vs the DEWALT 60V Flexvolt Circular Saw is very little. A couple of the noticeable items are the Flexvolt Advantage Technology’s saw has a silver blade guard and shoe plate where the Flexvolt saw is all black. The only other key difference is the ability to run on either 60v/20v or strictly on 60v.

What’s the Same?

These two saws are the same in weight and size. They both have the same industry-leading ergonomics, rafter hook, and onboard storage blade changing wrench. Both of these saws are the same cost which will be detailed below.

DEWALT DCS573B Manufacturer Specifications

• UP TO 77% MORE POWER** when paired with FLEXVOLT® batteries
• FASTER CUTTING: Powerful brushless motor delivers 5,500 RPM for faster cutting
• Maximum depth of cut of 2-9/16 in. at a 90°
• Maximum depth of cut of 2 in. at a 45°
• ELECTRIC BRAKE stops the blade after the trigger is released
• INCREASED VISIBILITY: Bright LED increases visibility and cut accuracy
• EASY STORAGE: Integrated rafter hook for quick and easy storage
• Optional dust port compatible with the DEWALT® AirLock system or a standard 35 mm dust extractor to minimize dust during cutting
• Tool Connect Chip Ready: Chip pocket accepts Tool Connect Chip DCE042 and connects with Tool Connect Site Manager app for easy asset management on the job site. (DCE042 sold separately)
• COMPATIBLE with all DEWALT® 20V MAX* and FLEXVOLT® Batteries

Using the DEWALT DCS573B on Site

We have been evaluating the DEWALT DCB573B on deck construction job sites. We ran the saw on both a 6.0Ah Flexvolt battery as well as the 20V 8.0Ah battery. There was a noticeable difference in power from one to the other. We started off cutting with the 60V and were able to make it the whole day on just one battery. After cutting forty 2″x10″ joists we switched over to the 20V to finish up the mid-span and picture frame blocking and noticed the decrease in power and speed. Once we cut a bunch of blocking we switched back to the 60V to complete the task.

Overall Impression and Cost

If considering purchasing this saw, you do not have to worry about which DEWALT platform you are on. You have the option to select either the 20v or the 60V Flexvolt platform. Need more power use the Flexvolt battery or simply need to make a few cuts pick the 20v battery. Having the option keeps the end-user from having to spend additional money on another battery.

DEWALT 20V 7-1/4″ Circular Saw with Flexvolt Advantage Technology is a post from Tool Box Buzz

18V X2 (36V) LXT® Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 7‑1/4” Circular Saw

With Guide Rail Compatible Base XSH08

18V X2 (36V) LXT® Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 7‑1/4” Circular Saw with Guide Rail Compatible Base

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Makita
Model number: XSH08
Price: $339
Power source: Cordless
Motor size: 36 Volt
Weight: 11.3 lbs

The Makita XSH08Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion 36V Brushless Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw with Guide Rail Compatible Base Is an incredibly versatile cordless saw. It’s not like a track saw, which plunges, it has a conventional retractable blade guard and acts just like a cordless circular saw in regular use. But the base is a little bigger but otherwise it is very similar to the Makita XSH01 with the notable difference that it can be used with a track!

XSH08 Specifications

• Blade Diameter : 7-1/4″
• Arbor : 5/8″
• 0°- 48° bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45°
• Max. Cutting Capacity (at 90°) : 2-3/8″
• Max. Cutting Capacity (at 45°) : 1-11/16″
• Max. Cutting Capacity (at 48°) : 1-5/8″
• No Load Speed : 6,000 RPM
• Battery : 2X 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
• Overall Length : 13-3/4″
• Net Weight (with batteries) : 11.3 lbs.

XSH08 Features

• Guide rail compatible saw base
• Powered by two 18v LXT batteries
• Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, for cooler and more efficient operation
• Electronic speed control adjusts cutting speed and torque during cut
• Electric brake
• Die-cast magnesium base, blade guard, and blade cover
• 3-stage L.E.D. gauges indicate battery charge levels
• On-board blade wrench
• Flat motor housing design for stability when changing the blade
• Built-in dust blower cleans the line of cut
• Built-in tether notch (tether sold separately)
• Dual L.E.D. lights
• Included dust nozzle accessory allows connection to a vacuum for improved dust collection
• 3-year limited warranty

Notable Features XSH08

Anti-tip pawl: Just like Makita’s track saws this saw features their bevel anti-tip feature. A slide on the base pushes a metal disc into a slot on the track that prevents the saw from tipping during bevel cuts.

Electric Brake: For productivity and safety. This feature works very well and very quickly stopping the blade almost as soon as your finger is off the trigger.

Track Compatible Base: The track compatible base is fully featured with anti-slop adjusters, an anti-tip pawl, and dual bevel lock knobs. Makita saws are also compatible with Festool style tracks although the anti-tip feature will not work with Festool style tracks.

Dust extraction Attachment: A small plastic dust port which is compatible with a wide variety of 35mm dust hoses from Bosch, Fein, Festool, Dewalt, Makita, Metabo and others.

LED Lights: Two LEDs provide ample light and are tucked under the saw to illuminate the area where the blade meets the work, very effective.

Scales: There is no scale on the front of the saw, this is probably due to the fact that the base has an uneven surface by necessity to create the slots which make the base track compatible. However, there are kerf slots, one for 0 and one for 45 degree bevels. The depth gauge is easy to read. Some reference or a split scale to set depth while using a track would be helpful.

The bevel scale is cast and is easy to read but only has tick marks in 5 degree increments. This limits scales accuracy but in my experience using a cutoff or bevel square as a “jig” is usually more effective than using the scale anyway.

Locks and Levers: The dual bevel locks make for a rock solid bevel adjustment with or without a track. The guard retraction lever is small and plastic, it’s somewhat slippery but does get the job done. The depth adjustment lever is big and has a nice grippy rubber boot on it making it very easy to actuate.

On The Job

I swapped out the stock blade for a finish blade to test the track saw-like aspects of the Makita XSH08 Track compatible cordless circular saw and it worked very well. I was even able to rip down Corian to make a waterproof interior jamb and window casing for a window replacement in a shower. The results weren’t flawless but there was almost no chip out and the work piece required minimal sanding to remove saw marks and get to a nice smooth finish. I used dust extraction during this process, it worked pretty well but certainly not as well as a plunge cut track saw. The open guard simply can’t catch as much dust as that of a plunge cut saw.

Results were very good when cutting birch ply or pre-finished maple ply with a good finish blade and as with the Corian required only a little sanding to remove saw marks.

I also used the Makita XSH08 Track compatible cordless circular saw as a circular saw without the track for cutting framing lumber on the same job as well as framing partition walls. I found the wide base to be slightly awkward at first, I’m more accustomed to narrower bases, but the wide base is very stable and I quickly got used to it. This saw cuts effortlessly through framing lumber. No bog down or complaints from the tool at all. And the power is plenty for cutting LVL too!

Room for Improvement

One place that could use a little improvement are the edges of the base. They are not 100% straight. For rough cuts in framing this doesn’t really matter but when using a speed square as a quick guide for cuts in trim This can make for a bad cut as the saw can enter the workpiece at the wrong angle or curve very slightly during the cut. I do not know if this is just a fluke or if this is a pervasive problem. This can be solved by using the saw with a short track for cross cuts. But if you will be using a straight edge guide for cross cuts I would recommend checking the base of the saw in-store if you can or making sure your retailer has a good return policy if this is something that matters to you.

Overall Impression Makita XSH08

The Makita XSH08 Track compatible cordless circular saw is a great all around saw built on the LXT X2 platform giving it impressive speed and power. Usually a jack-of-all-trades is a master-of-none. But in this case the Makita XSH08Z is a very capable cordless sidewinder with the added bonuses of track compatibility, and dust extraction, with no drastic compromises to circular saw performance. If you are looking for a solid cordless circular saw and want some added versatility this is a great saw to take a look at!

Makita LXT® Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 7‑1/4” Circular Saw XSH08 Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DEWALT DCS574W1 Circular Saw Review

DEWALT DCS574W1 7-¼ in. Circular Saw

4.5/5

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCS574W1
Price: 279.00
Power source: 20 Volt MAX (18 Volt Nominal)
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 9 lbs

I remember my lead carpenter at the time saying “let the weight of the saw do the work for you” as he instructed me to rest the 2×4 stud on my foot and let the saw “fall” through the cut. Months later, after saving a small portion of each paycheck, I bought my first battery operated circular saw. It was the DEWALT DCS570 7-¼ in. saw. I ran that saw on every task that was given to me. It was lightweight and powerful enough to accomplish most remodeling tasks.

DEWALT Power Detect Technology

DEWALT recently released a new line of brushless and cordless tools that operate with new Power Detect^TM battery technology. The DEWALT DCS574W1 7-¼ in. circular saw kit is a massive improvement to its predecessor, the DCS570 7-¼ in. circular saw kit. It is just as light but even more powerful, giving more reason “to cut the cord.”

The new DEWALT Power Detect^TM battery technology combined with the new 20V MAX 8 Ah battery provides 54% more power than DCS570 saw on a 5 Ah battery. This means that you get not only more life out of the battery but also more accurate cuts.

A Game-Changing Technology

The new Power Detect^TM battery technology from DEWALT  All tools with the Power Detect^TM technology are compatible with 20V Max, including the new 8 Ah battery, and FlexVolt batteries.

 Using the DEWALT DCS574W1 7-¼ in. Circular Saw

I recently had to cut some old-growth Douglas fir 4 x 4 posts while doing demolition on a screened-in porch. The DEWALT DCS574W1 7-¼ in. Circular Saw with an 8 Ah battery cut through these posts with no problems. i

DEWALT DCS574W1 7-¼ in. Circular Saw Features

• Maximum cut depth at 90⁰ 2-9/16 inches
• Maximum cut depth at 45⁰ 2 inches
• Blade diameter 7 ¼ inches
• Bevel capacity 0-57 degrees
• Tool weight 9 lbs (without battery)

DEWALT DCS574W1 7-¼ in. Circular Saw Features

Some of the design features of this saw that make it stand out are:

• a clear line of sight
• a bright LED work light located directly over the point of contact between the blade and workpiece
• a strong rafter hook
• convenient and accessible arbor wrench to change blades quickly and easily
• clear indexing notches for 22.5⁰ and 45⁰ bevel cuts
• convenient and effective dust extraction

Room For Improvement

One feature that could use improvement is the markings for the depth of cut are difficult to read without any contrasting font, especially when sawdust builds up. A nice improvement would be to add indexing notches to improve the ease and efficiency of switching the depth of cut.

Overall, the DEWALT DCS570 7-¼ in. the circular saw offers a significant improvement to an already powerful circular saw.

Price

The DEWALT DCS570 7-¼ in. circular saw kit includes (1) saw, (1) battery charger, (1) 8 Ah battery, (1) saw blade, and (1) kit bag at $279 at ACME Tools

DEWALT 7-¼ in. Circular Saw With Power Detect is a post from Tool Box Buzz

SKILSAW 48V TRUEHVL 10-1/4″ Cordless Worm Drive

One of the highlights at the 2020 World of Concrete was the all new SKILSAW 48V TRUEHVL 10-1/4″ Cordless Worm Drive circular saw. While this new saw isn’t available quite yet we were able to get some hands-on with it at the SKILSAW booth and the saw didn’t disappoint!

True Worm Drive Design

Last year SKILSAW introduced a Cordless 7-1/4″ Worm Drive Saw on their new 48 volt TRUEHVL battery system. That saw was the World’s first true worm drive gear on a cordless circular saw. While other cordless manufacturers have introduced rear handle saws in the last couple of years, none of those are true worm gears like the SKILSAW. So it’s no surprise that SKILSAW is building on their new battery platform and design to also offer a larger 10-1/4″ version. This new saw is sure to make a splash with timber framers, post framers, and commercial framers that use large dimensional timbers and framing material.

SKILSAW 7-1/4″ and 10-1/4″ Cordless Worm Drive Saws

Powerful and Well Balanced

We spent some time cross cutting and ripping 4×4 PT posts at the event. The 48V TRUEHVL battery platform is very impressive and provided plenty of power to perform the cuts at the demo station. Ripping a pressure treated 4×4 is no easy task and this saw was able to handle it. I was able to stall the saw, but only by leaning into the cut and forcing it. When I let the saw do the work it had no problem at all with the cut.

Pricing and Availability

This new saw should be available around October of this year (2020).  We are told the retail price for the saw, a charger and two batteries will be around $800. This seems like a pretty good price considering the current batteries. Also, the 7-1/4″ version is $649 for the saw, 2 batteries and a charger. We’ll get a more accurate release date and information when it becomes available.

SKILSAW 10-1/4″ Cordless Worm Driver Saw Preview is a post from Tool Box Buzz