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DIYers looking for manageability in a orbitual saw may want to regard buying a thickset circular proverb for several reasons — they’re normally less expensive , more portable , and easier to maneuver . As part of an extensive hands - on examination of thebest orbitual sawson the market today , I tested a couple of compact exemplar , including theBlack+Decker 20V MAX PowerConnect 5½-inch cordless circular saw .
I ’ve used many Black+Decker might tool over the years with excellent results , but regrettably , the company ’s PowerConnect 5½-inch compact orbitual sawing machine did n’t exist up to my standard this time . That could be due to several factors . Ahead , find out what I liked and disliked about this Black+Decker power pecker , and notice which compact rotary sawing machine I call up makebetter investments .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Black+Decker 20V MAX PowerConnect 5½-Inch Cordless Circular Saw: At a Glance
Rating:5/10
PROS
CONS
Get the Black+Decker compact circular saw at :
What is the Black+Decker 20V MAX PowerConnect 5½-inch cordless circular saw?
This Black+Decker BDCCS20C is a lightweight round proverb with a compact 5½-inch leaf blade . It weighs 8.1 pounds and is 14.25 inches foresightful and 9.25 inches tall . In comparison , a standard 7¼-inch rotary saw weighs about 2 to 5 pound more , is 6 to 12 inch longer , and is about 3 to 6 inches wider . The PowerConnect circular saw sells as a kit with a 1.5Ah rechargeable lithium - ion battery and a battery courser .
I appreciated the included barrage fire because many cordless world power tools are sold as “ tool only , ” leaving exploiter to purchase the battery and charger on an individual basis , which can reduplicate the leverage price . The downside is that Black+Decker ’s battery is reasonably frail . I started testing the saw on a piece of dimensional lumber but did n’t get far before it bogged down . This tedious performance could work for the episodic user who needs it for light - duty DIY projects , such as cut back ¼-inch plyboard or paneling . However , it would n’t be up to par for anyone who regularly needs to trim back compact wood systematically and quickly .
The less - than - impressive power of this compact round saw could have lead from its low - electrical capacity battery . I could n’t make that purpose because I did not have a higher - capability Black+Decker battery to switch in . If you already have this instrument and are experiencing a lack of cut mogul , you might want to try essay it with a higher - capacity Black+Decker 20 - volt battery .
How easy is this Black+Decker circular saw to use?
If I had tested the Black+Decker heavyset circular saw based solely on its design , I would have given it a much higher rating . It comes with a padded ergonomic handle , realise it well-heeled to hold and direct the saw with just one paw . It also features a knob on the front that is well positioned for use with a 2d hired hand if you want added stability .
The PowerConnect compact rotary power saw has the power to make bevel 45 - degree cut , which are usually used for creating mitered corners . Like some of thebest compact circular sawsother team members tested , the Black+Decker saw feature article tool - detached adjustments that are handy when the drug user is exchange steel and adjusting blade profoundness . Older rotary saws require wrenches to change blade and make other fitting , so Black+Decker is ripe on the money with these update designing feature film .
Who sleep together ? Perhaps incorporating a stronger motor or include a higher - capability battery with the BDCCS20C would turn this lethargic saw into a powerhouse .
Other Compact Circular Saw Options
The following three were top performers in our hands - on tests , and each provides the might for a wide range of project .
Makita8V LXT cordless 5⅜-inch circular trimming adage , available atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
I tested the Makita XSS03Z compact circular byword and was quite impressed . It weighs just 6 hammer but features a focal ratio of up to 3,600 rpm . It cut quick through both plyboard and dimensional lumber . Despite its small size , the XSS03Z can swerve up to 2 inches mysterious , which is quite an accomplishment for a compact circular saw . On the downside , you ’ll have to buy a stamp battery singly — we tested it with aMakita 18V 5Ah shelling .
Makita SH02R1 12V MAX CXT 3⅜-inch circular sawing machine kit , available atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Those expect for a stocky circular adage in the super - compact category might want to weigh the Makita SH02R1 . This little saw is designed for getting into restricted spots and for single - handwriting consumption . It comes with a 2Ah lithium - ion assault and battery and a charger , so there ’s nothing else to buy . Our test squad regain it exceptional for cut through thin materials , such as cabinet book binding . It features a potent 1,500 rpm for making clean cuts .
Dremel US20V-01 20V MAX cordless concordat saw kit , available atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Dremel is well known for create timbre rotary tools and multitools , and the company has also hit the object with the US20V-01 . This compact circular adage features an impressive 15,000 revolutions per minute and accommodate a 4 - inch blade . Our testing squad mark that the blades for the US20V-01 come with scratchy edges that edit out quickly through various flimsy textile , such as plexiglass , dry wall , and thin plywood . An tally perk : The US20V-01 comes with a 20V battery and battery charger .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the mental synthesis , remodeling , and real estate industry . She and her husband own a general contracting party , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial-grade building applications . She essay a encompassing image of business leader creature as well as other dwelling house - improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden product
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