Cordless Circular Saws: Questions About Batteries
Cordless circular saws in many ways are a terrific advantage, but you really need to look at them realistically before you decide to buy. While they’re light, quiet, adequately powered and can operate away from a plug-in outlet, you’ll likely pay a significant premium for these advantages.
And, speaking of cost, cordless circular saws powered by lithium-ion batteries cost more up front than NiCd or NiMH batteries, but run longer between charges. Lithium batteries can be recharged for about twice as many cycles, as well, thus in the long run, offsetting the cost. Moreover, the lithium-ion batteries remain charged for longer periods when they’re stored.
While cordless saws do not offer the permanent power source of a corded unit, one way to mitigate this is to have two batteries. Some are sold that way. This way you can always keep one juiced and ready to go, and have a backup on the charger.
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