Cordless power saws for site and workshop: circular saws, jigsaws, reciprocating saws, mitre saws, table saws and metal cutting saws from Makita, DeWalt, Bosch Professional, Festool, Metabo, Hikoki and Einhell. Most tools are sold bare so you can run them on batteries you already own, and the rest come as kits with battery and charger.
Choosing a cordless power saw
Cordless circular saw: 165 mm blades are the standard for cutting sheet and framing timber up to about 57 mm; 184 mm and 190 mm saws cut deeper on 36 V or 54 V platforms. A plunge saw on a guide rail replaces a table saw for breaking down boards.
Cordless jigsaw: for curves and cut-outs in sheet material, worktops and laminate. Brushless models with orbital action cut faster; the Festool Carvex and Bosch GST 185-LI give the cleanest results.
Cordless reciprocating saw: demolition, pruning and cutting pipe in place. Buy the bigger 18 V or 36 V tool for daily demolition and the compact 12 V for plumbing.
Cordless mitre saw: 216 mm for skirting and trim, 254 mm and 305 mm for decking and roofing timber. Metabo, Makita XGT, Hikoki and Einhell are all stocked.
Voltage: 18 V covers most work; 36 V, 40 V XGT and 54 V FLEXVOLT platforms are for saws that run all day on heavy material.
Cordless circular saw or battery powered reciprocating saw?
A circular saw cuts straight and square and is the tool for sheet goods and framing. A reciprocating saw cuts anything in any position but not accurately, so it is a demolition and renovation tool. Most trades end up owning both.
