A cordless circular saw has replaced the corded skill saw on most South African sites, because a modern 18V brushless saw rips sheet and crosscuts framing without a lead or a generator. This collection covers cordless circular saws from Makita, DeWalt, Bosch Professional, Hikoki, Metabo, Einhell and Festool, including 18V, 36V and 40V models, cordless plunge saws, metal-cutting saws and mini circular saws.
Choosing a cordless circular saw
- Blade size and depth. 165mm saws like the Makita DSS610 and DHS680, DeWalt DCS565, Einhell TE-CS 18 and Bosch GKS 18V-57 cut through 50mm framing and sheet. 185mm to 190mm saws such as the Makita HS003G, Einhell TE-CS 18/190 and Bosch GKS 185-LI cut deeper. The Makita 40V XGT 260mm rear handle and 270mm saws are for structural timber.
- Voltage. 18V brushless saws handle daily carpentry. Makita 36V (twin 18V) and 40V XGT, Hikoki 36V MultiVolt and DeWalt Flexvolt Advantage models give corded power for rip cuts in hardwood and wet timber.
- Battery platform. Most saws here are bare tools. Choose the saw that fits the batteries you own: Makita LXT or XGT, DeWalt 18V XR, Bosch Professional 18V, Hikoki 18V or 36V, Metabo 18V LTX or Einhell Power X-Change.
- Plunge or standard. A plunge saw on a guide rail, like the Makita DSP600, Festool TSC 55 or Einhell TP-PS 18/165, gives splinter-free cuts in melamine and veneered board for cabinet work.
- Metal cutting. The Bosch GKM 18V-50 and Makita CS002G cut steel sheet, roof sheeting and conduit with a carbide blade and no sparks.
- Compact saws. The Einhell 89mm mini circular saw and Dremel Blueprint compact saw cut laminate flooring and thin board one-handed.
Makita cordless circular saw or DeWalt circular saw?
Both are proven on site. Makita offers the widest spread, from the 18V DSS610 to the 40V XGT range. DeWalt's DCS565 and Flexvolt Advantage DCS573 are favourites with shopfitters on the 18V XR platform. Pick by the batteries in your van rather than by brand loyalty. Fit a sharp blade from circular saw blades, add a guide rail for straight sheet cuts, and keep spare batteries charged. See the full Makita 18V LXT and Makita 40V XGT ranges.
Cordless circular saws are in stock in Cape Town with nationwide delivery, free on orders over R2000. For advice, call 021 674 2119.
