If I need battery powered…

[Gary G™]

I’m going to be working a project for my daughter cutting 4x4 posts. Might not have a generator to run the PC Circular Saw. They’ll be in the ground and I’m cutting the excess above 10’.
Will also be cutting 2X’s and 1Xs but the posts are the most important.

I don’t have a battery powered saw. Or system. Yet.
Would this be a good option OR do y’all think there’s better value out there?

DEWALT XR 20-volt Max 7-1/4-in Brushless Cordless Circular Saw Kit (Battery & Charger Included)

Thoughts.

[AHill]

Cutting 4x4's is tough on a cordless circular saw. Especially a 20v saw. Either bring lots of backup batteries or consider purchasing an inexpensive generator - which may actually be a wash compared to the cost of extra batteries. If you've already invested in the cordless circular saw, then a generator can power your battery charger.

[ajkoontz]

I have whatever generic 6-1/2" DeWalt saw that came in a kit when I bought it. It's great for outdoor DIY projects like decks and such. As another said, it does eat batteries. I have a 60V battery that I try to use when it's getting heavy use. It's fine but nothing special.

Were I in your shoes, I'd go one of 2 ways-
- Bauer (Harbor Freight). I think you can get 2 5aH batteries and the 7-1/4 saw for around $200. Maybe better if you catch a deal/ sale. I didn't check but if you can get a DeWalt for similar $$ with same battery life I'd go DeWalt. I own a lot of Baur stuff but not a cordless saw. I'm pretty happy with their stuff for light around the house use. I'm also a HF fanboy so there's that.

- I'd use the $250 assumed budget you have in mind and put it towards a cordless tracksaw. I realize this is out of left field, but I'm also a tacksaw fanboy and I'm happy to help spend other peoples money on here.

[Bill Wilson]

[grwold]

How about a chainsaw for those 4x4s?

[Gary G™]

Been posting downstairs (lots more discussion).
My needs might have changed too.

[EricU]

I have a dewalt and the newer Milwaukee saw. The Milwaukee is much better, even has a thick blade on it whereas I have to use a thin kerf on the dewalt.  HD has the Milwaukee on sale with a 8ah battery for $250.  It has been as low as $200 recently.
I think when they sell it for $250, they won't let you use a veteran's discount.  When it was on sale for $200, you could.  Go figure.

I would consider using a sawzall for 4x4.

[TGW]

For that sort of cutting at work I normally use a 28" Disston number 7 handsaw. Filed coarse crosscut. There is really no time to gain from crosscutting the odd 4x4 with a cirkular saw.

[Allen]

If you don't already have a battery system and you say you don't have a regular use for a system, I would buy a portable generator. Maybe something from the Honda line. It would be something you can use with your corded tool as well as any other electrical equipment within it power rating. I would rather invest the money in a generator than batteries that I don't use often and would have to keep charged or have to replace every few years. I have used a generator for 15 years or so and other than oil changes it's worked fine.

Al

[hbmcc]

Everyone should know my views on the topic of batteries. 'Don't waste your time, or the environment, on them.  

My son has more money than brain, so spent *Gokhm* on a new set of battery tools, shortly after the previous (there's more) set crapped. More batteries meant one works . . . I think.

Give the poor things a tail and count decades instead of months.


My arms and back are shot but one of those pruning/firewood hand saws works for me. the next bet is Ryobi.