If you haven’t tried a lithium ion cordless circular saw then it’s time for you to adjust your expectations… UPWARDS. We rounded up cordless circular saw reviews, comparisons and opinions from forums to bring you the top 7 cordless circular saws of 2009. But first, here are a few things we learned during our research:

Primary reasons cited for purchase:
-field dressing sheet goods
-“high up” cutting (on ladders, roofs etc…)
-cordless convenience

Primary negatives cited:
-frequent battery pack burnout/replacement in daily use situations
-when deviating off of the line, binding eats a lot of batteries
-sacrifice torque for convenience

Primary suggestions noted:
-LI is the only way to go, end of story
-18V or higher
-Use thin, sharp blades (ie replace factory blade asap)

That’s enough ado. Check out the top 7 cordless circular saws.

1) Makita
Makita BSS610 LXT

Ranking:
9 Overall Makita Recommendations
3 Makita LXT recommendations
Ranked “Best Cordless”: ConsumerSearch
Makita’s 18-volt LXT Lithium-ion Circular Saw
Makita – LXT400 Cordless Combo Kit
“The 6-1/2-in. circular saw was sturdy and powerful, with excellent controls and adjustments. A dust blower kept the cutting line clear, and an LED light aimed at the leading edge of the blade was a genuine help when I was working in any conditions less than bright sunlight. I didn’t like the saw’s horizontal grip, but the light weight of the battery pack compensated by making the tool easy to handle.”

2) DeWalt
DEWALT DC390B 18-Volt Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
12 Overall DeWalt Recommendations
9 Recommendations: DEWALT 18V

DeWalt DW939 Cordless 6 1/2″ Circular Saw Lumber Jocks Review

3) Milwaukee
Milwaukee 0730-22 V28 Lithium Ion 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
8 Overall Milwaukee Recommendations
1 Milwaukee 18V Recommendation
5 Milwaukee V28 Recommendations

Mike Guertin in Fine Home Building:
“On my last few remodeling projects, I set aside my corded circular saw and relied solely on the new cordless Milwaukee V28. Even though I was crosscutting 2x lumber, ripping full sheets of 3/4-in. plywood, and trimming MDF (medium-density fiberboard) panels, I had to keep reminding myself that I was using a battery-powered saw.”
Milwaukee – 0730-20 V28 Cordless Circular Saw

4) Ridgid
Ridgid R845 Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
10 Overall Ridgid Recommendations
4 18V Recommendations
5 24V Recommendations

Ridgid R922 18v Cordless Combo Pack Review (including Circ Saw)

5) Ryobi

Ranking:
10 Overall Ryobi P500 Recommendations
1 Don’t Buy counter-recommendation
Ranked “Best Budget Cordless”: ConsumerSearch
“it is what it is… with the proper expectations you won’t be disappointed”
Ryobi Cordless Saws – Ryobi Fan expressing adulation

6) Bosch
CCS180 18V Litheon Circular Saw

Ranking:
5 Recommendations

7 tie) Hilti
Hilti WSC 70-A36 Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
1 Recommendation

7 tie) Hitachi
Hitachi C18DLP4 18-Volt Lithium Ion 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw

Ranking:
1 Recommendation

7 tie) Panasonic
Panasonic EY3551GQ 18-Volt NiMH 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
1 Recommendation

>> Forum Sources:
Cordless Circular Saw Recommendations
cordless circular saw? Recomended or not
Need advice on cordless circular saw
Lowe’s Firestorm cordless circular saw advice
DeWalt cordless circ saw
Good Cordless Tools
24V Circular Saw R885
6 1/2″ cordless circ saws – blade speed
People with cordless tools, still use corded ones?
corded vs. cordless? your vote = my purchase…(Long)
buyers remorse – just venting on my cordless vs corded dilemma
Cordless Combo Kit
Another Cordless bites the dust
Cabinet installation tool kit (2004)
Scribing a Template to Fit A Countertop Between Three Walls
Cutting notches (best method ?)

>> Other Sources
Consumer Search on Circular Saws
Circular saws: Plug them in – anti-cordless circ saw propaganda from Consumer Reports
Lithium-Ion Hands On -Though I value the effort that went into the Tools of the Trade overview of Lithium Ion cordless tools, they don’t explain the hierarchy of the tools, or indicate if there’s any preference of one tool over the other. Also, they only talk about the positives. Good overview, but not super useful for decision making in my opinion.
Bosch 18-Volt Cordless Circ Saw (2002)
Cordless Circ Saw videos

>> More Circular Saw Articles from ToolCrib.com
Woodworking Without A Table Saw
Best Circular Saw Under $100
Q/A: Converting a Circular Saw into a Table Saw
DIY Table Saw Alternative: EZ Guide + Circular Saw
Getting Sheet Goods Home: 9 Ways to Reduce the Pain

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