Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Makita
JR140DWA | 14.4 | 7.3 lb. | | 0-2,700 | 7/8 in. | yes | 14 sec. | 3 min. 30 sec. | $279 |
Comments: This model surprised
us with its speedy performance in the 2x4 test. The
only 14.4 volt in the group, it kept pace with its
bigger brothers -- except in the run time area. The
small battery didn't last as long as the bigger ones.
We also thought the trigger's lock-off switch was hard
to engage and rather awkward.
www.makitatools.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Bosch
1644K | 18 | 7.9 lb. | | 0-2,300 | 3/4 to 1-1/4 in. | yes | 12 sec. | 5 min. | $319 |
Comments: This well-balanced
tool has a nice view of the blade while you're cutting.
It has two stroke speeds and an easy-to-use, tool-less
blade-change and an adjustable shoe feature. It comes
with two batteries and a box with metal buckles.
www.boschtools.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Craftsman
27129 | 18 | 8.2 lb. | | 0-2,500 | 1-13/16 in. | no | 25 sec. | 5 min. 18 sec. | $269 |
Comments: Craftsman's saw has
decent run time but didn't give us the cut speed we
need. Its cutting action is bouncy. You need tools for
blade changing and shoe adjustment. Because of its low
price it might do well for intermittent use, but would
be hard-pressed as your go-to tool. It comes with two
batteries. www.sears.com/craftsman |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
DeWalt
DW938K | 18 | 6.5 lb. | 2.4 | 0-2,800 | 7/8 in. | yes | 23 sec. | 5 min. 30 sec. | $269 |
Comments: This model is a good
cutter. It packs more spm than the other 18-volt tools
and is right up there with the 24-volters' cut speed.
This saw's battery powered more cutting time than the
battery on the company's 24-volt model. The saw comes
with two batteries, two blades, and a kit box, which
makes it a nice value. www.dewalt.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Makita
JR180DWD | 18 | 7.7 lb. | 2.6 | 0-2,700 | 7/8-in. | yes | 35 sec. | 5 min. 30 sec. | $329 |
Comments: Makita's 18-volt saw
has a nice tool-less blade change. The battery lasted
for a good stretch on our doubled-up 2x10 test. The
trigger lock engages every time you take your finger
off the trigger, which we found annoying. This tool has
decent power and performed well in the field and shop.
www.makitatools.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Milwaukee
6514-21 | 18 | 8.3 lb. | 2.4 | 0-2,700 | 3/4 in. | yes | 24 sec. | 8 min. 40 sec. | $259 |
Comments: This saw had the best
run time in our doubled-up 2x10 test. Its articulating
handle is great in cramped spaces. The Hatchet is the
only saw with orbital cutting action, but this feature
doesn't seem to add much to its cut speed. Its
tool-less blade change and shoe adjustment work well. I
need more power and cut speed on my jobs, but this tool
is a great idea.
www.mil-electric-tool.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Milwaukee
6515-27 | 18 | 8.3 lb. | 2.4 | 0-2,700 | 1 in. | yes | 22 sec. | 4 min. 35 sec. | $279 |
Comments: This model's
tool-less blade change and shoe adjustment mechanisms
are well-designed and work with minimal effort. One of
the best-balanced tools we tested, this one's nice for
cutting in cramped areas. It comes with a heavy-duty
box. www.mil-electric-tool.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Makita
JR140DWA | 14.4 | 7.3 lb. | | 0-2,700 | 7/8-in. | yes | 14 sec. | 3 min. 30 sec. | $279 |
Comments: This model's cut view
at 45 and 90 degrees is restricted. Adjustments are OK,
except for the height adjustment. The locking screw is
completely at full length and allows the bast to move.
It has an adjustable 90 degree stop, which is very
good. The top mounted guard retractor is too heavy.
This is the comments section which will be awkward
because it is so narrow.
www.makitatools.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Ryobi
RJC180 | 18 | 5.7 lb. | 1.5 | 0-3,000 | 7/8 in. | no | 59 sec. | 2 min. 30 sec. | $199 |
Comments: This tool is only
available as part of a kit best suited for
non-professional use. It lacks the cutting speed and
power we need to keep moving. All its adjustments
require tools, and the fit and finish aren't what they
could be. www.ryobitools.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Porter-Cable
837 | 19.2 | 9 lb. | | 0-2,900 | 1 in. | yes | 29 sec. | 4 min. | $299 |
Comments: This saw has a
vertically-mounted motor instead of an horizontal one,
which makes the saw feel heavy, but its low center of
gravity helps pull it through certain cuts. Because
this saw's shorter, you can get into tighter places.
The tool-less blade change works, but is hard to do
one-handed. The shoe adjustment requires a tool.
www.porter-cable.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Bosch
1645K | 24 | 8.7 lb. | | 0-2,300 | 3/4 to 1-1/4 in. | yes | 15 sec. | 6 min. | $399 |
Comments: This is our favorite
tool in this test. The saw's blade change hardware and
shoe adjustment are tool-less and easy to use. The
changeable stroke length is good for switching between
metal and wood cutting. It comes with two batteries and
a rugged box. www.boschtools.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
DeWalt
DW008K | 24 | 8.1 lb. | 1.7 | 0-2,3400/ 0-2,900 | 1 1/8 in. | yes | 9 sec. | 4 min. 30 sec. | $319 |
Comments: This saw can cut some
wood. With its long, 1-1/8-inch stroke and 2,900 spm,
it sailed through our tests. It turned in the best
results of the bunch in the 2x4 test. The tool-less
blade change works well, but we wonder about the
flip-out lever's durability. This fast, light tool was
popular with our plumbers and electricians.
www.dewalt.com |
Tool | Volts | Weight | Amp-hours | Spm | Stroke length | Tool-less blade change | Doubled-up 2x4 test | Continuous loaded run time test | Street price |
Hitachi
CR24DV | 24 | 9.5 lb. | | 0-2,600 | 1 1/8 in. | yes | 31 sec. | 5 min. 45 sec. | $360 |
Comments: This well-balanced
tool features a variable-speed trigger with a safety
lock. It performed well in the roof cut, but slowly in
the 2x4s. The shoe is stiff and you need a wrench to
adjust it. This saw turned in one of the highest
battery run times in our doubled-up 2x10 test.
www.hitachi.com/powertools |