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fasenuff
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 02:22pm
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I had bought a Porter Cable 18v tool set which included a drill, circular saw, and sawz all that worked very well. I also bought a matching jig saw that uses the same batteries. I originally paid about $125.00 for the set at Lowe's and then paid about $39.00 for the jig saw also from Lowe's. The set has worked very well for me and I also bought a set of two batteries from Lowe's so I would always have one charged up when doing larger jobs. Got all of this at Lowe's and have been very pleased with them. They do very well and have decent battery run times.
I was wondering what cordless tools others used and if they were happy with them.
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 03:03pm
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I built most of my cabin using Ryobi 18 volt battery powered tools; small circular saw, standard and angle drills, reciprocating saw, jigsaw and flashlights. The first purchase came with nicad batteries. I bought a second kit with the lithium-ion batteries as well.
The lithium-ion batteries last longer, the drill and circular saw have more torque with the lithium batteries as well. The lithium have no memory so there is no harm in recharging a partially depleted battery. I strongly recommend the lithium batteries over any nicad.
The Ryobi circular saw comes in a standard blue model and a green "lithium" model. The green circular saw is better made than the blue model. If the blue model receives a shock, like hitting a nail when cutting, the plastic around the main bearing cracks and the blade wobbles slightly. The green model has the bearing held in a metal part. The shoe on both is a bit light and will bend if handled roughly.
FYI, I originally bought a blue one and ran into the bearing problem. It was replaced under warranty very quickly. Then I bought a green kit. Now I leave the repaired blue one at the cabin and have the green on at home.
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fasenuff
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 03:08pm
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The sets I bought were ni-cad because they were almost a $100 cheaper and money was tight. The tools I have will use the lithium batteries and I may go to them later but for now I am happy with the ni-cad. I can buy 2 ni-cads for $59.00 from Lowes where as the lithiums are higher for just one........sigh.
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tony
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 06:50pm
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I have a set of Ridgid.....skilsaw, drill, sawzall and impact driver. 18v lithium. Very happy with them.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 08:27pm
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For years I fought power cords, plugging, unplugging, switching extension cords, tangling, untangling....I was a walking advertisement for cordless anything.
Then I researched battery pack tools.
Dewalt stood out.
Bought their drill/driver used on Ebay 8 yrs ago. Replaced the batteries 4 yrs ago. Dewalt has taken a real beating from me, and keeps coming back for more.
Same with Ridgid.
Good batteries are spendy, but so worth it.
I've used Ryobi tools at work. Not too good in the longevity dept.
I like a brand that I don't have to research too much.
Ridgid, Dewalt, Stihl you can buy blind folded. Others, ya better go in open eyed, knowing what model is best.
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islandguy
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 08:52pm
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I used Mastercraft, Canadian tire brand, used 4 batteries rotated through 2 chargers, very satisfied... put those tools to a lot of tough use, and still use them.
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Borrego
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 10:12pm
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Been using Makita for years, I'm a General Contractor and use the crap out of these, have bought them for my crew, most of my subs use them, the ones that don't might use Bosch, the other brands are considered, well, less desirable .... (you asked). Never had a problem, some have thousands of hours of use, I would recommend them to anyone....
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nathanprincipe
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 10:15pm
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I have the ryobi "blue" circular saw, the batteries are not lithium. My first experience using it was that I cut about 16 ln ft of 1/2" smart siding and the saw didnt have enough torque to cut any more. I dont know if this is normal or not but since I have only used the saw for small odds and ends type stuff
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2010 10:27pm
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Makita, forgot about those.
A top brand for sure.
Borrego-
What's your experience with cordless circular saws?
My experience is the same as Nathan's, but with lesser brands, so I've stayed with corded.
Gary O'
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Borrego
Member
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# Posted: 24 Nov 2010 05:25pm
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I use mine all the time. Now granted it is not for cutting on a framing job, but is great when you need some cuts and don't want to get out the ext cord and find a place to plug it in, etc... etc...
It will cut about 40 2x's on 1 battery charge (a little slower than a corded saw, of course). I use it out at my desert cabin a lot even though I have a generator, it is just so light and portable. Sometimes i will choose it for a finesse cut on a job because of it's smaller size and weight.
I also use the grinder, the sawzall is a must and their jigsaw is the best I (or anyone else who's tried it) have ever used. I never use my corded jigsaw any more....
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fasenuff
Member
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# Posted: 25 Nov 2010 10:49am
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I used to have a skil brand 18v set tjhat I liked and when I started the current project I bought another set. The old set used a full sized saw blade and was built solid. But it was made before the company was bought out. Since the buy out the new set used a smaller saw blade and was kinda shoddy. Also the lithium batteries were pretty easy to ruin. Cutting plywwod the saw blade got in a bind and the battery fried. That was the first day. Day 3 another battery went south when I stared cutting to close and the blade was against a 2x4. I took back those and got the Porter Cable set in a ni-cad set which is lower in cost. I have put them through a lot of hard use and they have stood up well.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 26 Nov 2010 11:34am
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Circular Saws; corded vs uncorded
I really want to give the uncorded another chance, so I'm going to rent a Makita or Ridgid or Dewalt. I do know that a top (new) blade will help. It seems that most contractors I've associated with will use cheap blades (by the pack) due to the fact that they zip thru alot of questionable stuff. I plan to use a Red Devil carbide blade.
Borrego (or anyone else that may know) is it OK to give the batteries a charge from a generator? I'm thinking of getting one of those 800w units (for portability), but still need to read up on the watt/amp/volt calculation for a 18v.
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fasenuff
Member
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# Posted: 26 Nov 2010 11:46am
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I charge mine all the time off of my generator and invertor both. But, having said that, I do know not all will charge off of an invertor. It depends on the invertor and the charger. I use a B&D 150 watt invertor most of the time and my charger works fine but if I try to use my cheapo 350 watt invertor no charge. No problems though with my generator. Charger works fine off of it.
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tony
Member
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# Posted: 26 Nov 2010 07:08pm
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I changed my blade for a Red Devil as soon as I bought my Ridgid saw. I used only the Ridgid to build my cabin....worked out great!
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 26 Nov 2010 08:10pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Quoting: Gary O Borrego (or anyone else that may know) is it OK to give the batteries a charge from a generator? I'm thinking of getting one of those 800w units (for portability), but still need to read up on the watt/amp/volt calculation for a 18v.
Gary, get a Honda EU2000i and dont look back. It has an "eco throttle" and an inverter, so it doesnt have to spin at 3600 rpm like most 2 pole generators do. I used the Honda EU2000i and the idle tapers down to nearly an idle, and about 42 DB. Then when I need a small tool, doesnt even hardly flare up. My worm drive, I need to hit the trigger, then wait about 2 seconds before getting into the wood. Its so quiet, you wont even realize its running. If you look around, you can get this for around $850. I got my from http://www.bigskypower.com for $899. I also bought the Honda EU6500is for $3125, retails for $3995, also from Big Sky Power equip. The big 6500 is the same noise level as the 2000. At full load, they run 59db, a normal conversation measures in at 60 db.
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Gary O
Member
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# Posted: 26 Nov 2010 08:36pm
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t-tech
Been lookin' at those for the long haul, but if I'm going to lay that kinda money down, I may get serious with a big one.
I'm in the valley of decision on whether or not to hook up, since I've been told that the power company in my area has regualr periods of outage.
As for now, just lookin' for something portable that can do the job.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 27 Nov 2010 12:05pm
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech My worm drive, I need to hit the trigger, then wait about 2 seconds before getting into the wood
t-tech-
That gives rise to another question. I've been hesitant to haul my Ridgid 12" sliding compound saw out to the property due to the initial power draw vs my max 3500w generator capability. But gotta do it this year (Last build I pre-cut everything at home). It'll be interesting as my generator rating and saw rating are right at the edge.
Worm drives do have some considerable initial draw. Is yours at the edge with your Honda EU2000i?
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