Cordless tool set recommendation

[Tom Slick]

I'd look at milwaukee and bosch. I just like their tools.

[JimD]

I like my Ryobi drill and cordless saw (18V). The saw will only work with a good charge on the battery and even then is barely capable of cutting 3/4 sheet goods or hardwood. I use it for breaking down sheet goods and it works OK for that. Occasionally I use it to square up something with a guide but the stock blade is pretty coarse and the lack of excess power makes me question getting a finer blade. Maybe better brands have enough power to work differently but I doubt it. I don't think a battery will let a circular saw cut like my Milwaukee (which gets used for things requiring more power). The drill, on the other hand, will do nearly anything a corded drill will do. I even drilled 1/2 inch holes in my boat trailer frame when I was moving the axle. With a sharp bit it would do multiple holes before it required recharging. I was pleasantly surprised.

Jim

[gwyneth]

I like my Ryobi drill and cordless saw (18V). The saw will only work with a good charge on the battery and even then is barely capable of cutting 3/4 sheet goods or hardwood.

We must have gotten different production runs of the saw and or batteries...my Ryobi 18v circular saw has plowed through long sheets of plywood, particle board, etc., and has had no problems crosscutting 8/6 maple and ash.

I wonder if you need a sharper blade?

I agree with everything you wrote about the drill...it was a surprise how good it is. A real gem.

[Hellrazor]

I like my Ridgid 18v tools. No complaints and the batteries have been great.

[JimD]

Gwyneth,

What I mean by barely capable circular saw is if you put side pressure on it or move it too fast, it won't cut. I've ripped 8 feet of 3/4 plywood with it but you have to watch your feed rate and make sure you push real straight. I've also cut short crosscuts on thicker pieces of hardwood (to fit them into the SUV) but for any of these things, I need to start with a fresh battery. I'm happy with it because that is about what I expect of a battery driven saw. If I need more power or power for a longer time or power when my batteries are not at full charge, I can always use my corded saw (at least when I'm in the shop).

Jim