Ryobi 18V Circular Saw

[crokett]

A few weeks ago somebody asked a question about using one to cut down ply and I replied. I couldn't find my reply to the post. It might have been a PM but I cleaned out my messages a few days ago. Anyhoo, the gist was I said the saw seemed underpowered for cutting down ply. I figured out why this weekend. A few of the sheets of MDO I was cutting were actually paper over metal-faced ply so the saw had to work harder and the blade got dully pretty quickly. A fresh blade made all the difference. I put the stock blade back in the saw and it had no problems crosscutting some 1.5" thick poplar.

[leehljp]

When I was re-doing our kitchen a couple of years ago, I used the 18V Ryobi quite a bit. More than I expected. I did have to cut down a couple of sheets of 3/4 and quite a few 2 x 4s. It never slowed down on me.

If I were adding a room on, it would never do for the whole job. However for quick cuts here and there and occasional cutting down a sheet of ply when out of the reach of a cord, it is super!

[tedkitch]

I've used mine for cutting down plywood, MDF and 2x4s. It did just fine with the plywood and 2x4, but only OK with the MDF. I've been very happy with it.

[DUD]

I use mine very often, it is very useful on small jobs, like at My Daughters. I have used it today, also the recrip saw. Bill

[LinuxRandal]

A few weeks ago somebody asked a question about using one to cut down ply and I replied. I couldn't find my reply to the post. It might have been a PM but I cleaned out my messages a few days ago. Anyhoo, the gist was I said the saw seemed underpowered for cutting down ply. I figured out why this weekend. A few of the sheets of MDO I was cutting were actually paper over metal-faced ply so the saw had to work harder and the blade got dully pretty quickly. A fresh blade made all the difference. I put the stock blade back in the saw and it had no problems crosscutting some 1.5" thick poplar.

I believe I was the PM recipient. I am still debating about a battery powered circular saw, JUST for taking to the borg, with a section of EZ rail for cutting down plywood/wood, to fit in the vehicle at hand. There are times their panel saw has and 18 tooth blade in it (unacceptable) and you should see what it does to things I am trying to fit in.

I don't really see the need for a bigger one, but I have a couple people telling me, if I want a cordless, get the DeWalt 36V and don't mess around ("you will find other uses").

[gwyneth]

I don't really see the need for a bigger one, but I have a couple people telling me, if I want a cordless, get the DeWalt 36V and don't mess around ("you will find other uses").

My Ryobi 18v is one of my favorite tools, and my take on cordless circular saws is that, at the point at which their weight approaches that of a corded saw, their potential usefulness diminishes.

However, my perspective is tinged by two factors that may or may not apply to others.

First, at 5' 0", my ergonomics issues are distinctly different from most users. Second, my current residence not only has electricity (unlike a couple of the cottages I've known), extension cords can reach just about everywhere.

People who have longer arms or unelectrified stretches would probably see things differently.

[JimD]

I may have made a comment that some saw as negative about my Ryobi 18V circular saw. I like it but I do not keep a battery on the charger and if I go to use the circular saw, it usually does not have enough battery to cut much plywood. The drill will have enough battery left to do some work but not the circular saw. With a fresh battery, it will do work - even rip 3/4 plywood the long way - but still is not close to equivalent to my Milwaukee corded saw. I do not think any battery powered saw, even a 36V, will do what a corded saw will. That does not mean they are not very useful to have (provided you give them a battery with sufficient charge left in it). You need a fresh battery, a sharp blade, and you need to guide the saw straight so it does not bind and if you do that it will go through pretty thick hardwood (at least for a short distance) or a decent amount of sheet goods. If you do not have all of the necessary ingredients - sharp blade, fresh battery, staight cut - I think it will lose power and not get the job done - at least that is my experience. A corded saw has enough reserve power to not be quite as fussy - but then it requires a 120V source.

Jim

[Hellrazor]

Friend of mine used to bring his Ryobi 18v circ and zawsaw on some framing jobs. He used them and I used my Ridgid 18v. He doesn't even bother bringing them along anymore..