With all its repetitive cuts, framing work can make a strong arm weak with fatigue. That’s why many of the top brands in corded circular saws are finding ways to reduce the weight of their products without compromising long-term reliability or durability.
“The need for size and weight reductions is a trend not just for circular saws, but for all power tools,” notes Steve Steadings, director of product development, Professional Power Tools, TTI North America.
High-Torque Performance
Ridgid’s new Fuego provides a good example. It uses a 6 ½-in. blade rather than the more conventional 7 ¼-in. blade, which allowed designers to reduce the tool’s overall dimensions. Other weight savings are derived from magnesium and engineered composite components. Taken together, they make the Fuego 25 percent lighter than a typical 7 ¼-in. saw.
The smaller package doesn’t mean smaller performance: The saw’s high-torque motor propels the blade at 6,100 rpm, resulting in faster cuts and giving the Fuego the same cutting performance as 7 ¼-in. saws.
Light-weight materials can also be found in the 7 ¼-in. blade models offered by DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee. But don’t worry about losing durability. “These materials can be more durable than previous materials [steel and aluminum],” says Christopher Berg, director of marketing, Saws, Equipment and New Business, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.
Ease-of-Use Features
Besides weight reduction, other key trends include additional bevel angles, more powerful motors and ease-of-use features. DeWalt’s DW369CSK, for example, has a 15-amp motor for difficult cuts such as wet wood and engineered wood products. It also features 56-degree beveling capacity with stops at 45 degrees and 22.5 degrees, which helps users locate these common angles quickly. “This time-saving feature allows users to be more efficient in their work,” says John Bigden, product manager for product development, DeWalt.
Improved ease of use also is reflected in Milwaukee’s 6390-21 and 6391-21, which are designed for left- and right-handed users, respectively (left-blade saws make it easier for right-handers to see the cut line). Each saw features a 15-amp motor, 7 ¼-in. blade and Tilt-Lok. The latter improves control and comfort by allowing users to select from one of eight handle positions, depending on sawing application. Depth and bevel-adjustment knobs are located within easy reach, reducing user downtime.
In January Makita introduced the 5007MG, a 7 ¼-in., 15-amp saw that makes extensive use of magnesium components, shaving nearly a pound from the product’s final weight. Other user-friendly enhancements include ergonomic hand grips for improved control, large rubberized levers for one-handed adjustments and larger depth and bevel markings for increased visibility.
To improve accuracy of cuts, the 5007MG uses an LED lights for better illumination, and ducting that blows away dust from the line of cut. The saw also features a blade guard designed for faster, smoother cutting, even on angle cuts, according to Makita.
Safety Tips
When using circular saws, always:
- Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any
other condition that may affect the tools operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced before using.
- Don’t overreach. Keep proper footing and balance.
- Wear eye protection.
Source: DeWalt