In Brief: Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saw
The main difference between a corded circular saw and a cordless circular saw is that they are driven by electricity and a lithium-ion battery respectively. Thus, a corded saw is more powerful, can work with any material but does not have portability while a cordless saw is less powerful and suited for DIYers who work with softwood but offers portability.
A circular saw is one of the most essential wood cutting tools you can add to your toolset.
Whether you are an amateur or a professional, buying the right type of circular saw will be an important decision you will make, simply because a circular saw is your go-to all cut, any cut saw.
It is the handiest tool in any workshop and can become your right hand very soon. Confused about which one to buy?
Do all variants seem similar to you or are you stuck at a crossroad? Corded or Cordless? Read on and we’ll help you out
A circular saw is a versatile power saw and can make any type of cut, if used right, be it a cross-cut or a rip cut. It is precise, sturdy and reasonably priced.
It can work on any type of wood, any type of material is used with the right blade.
Thus, it finds its use with masons, carpenters, electricians, construction sectors and of course DIYers.
Cordless Circular Saw
A cordless circular saw is run by a lithium-ion battery. It requires regular charging and can run for several hours when fully charged.
It functions exactly like a circular saw, but due to its battery power supply, it cannot do the heavy work and cut the same materials as easily.
It is best suited for jobs requiring portability, where workpieces might be huge and difficult to lunge around.
A cordless circular saw is light weighted, easier to carry around and safer than a regular corded circular saw.
Thus, it best works in jobs requiring portability or in the hands of DIYers as it is extremely safe and suitable for their needs. It also finds its place at sites where there are no plug points or electricity.
A cordless circular saw is limited in its power, which makes it limited in its scope. It cannot cut all materials because it does not have the energy to thrust through them.
It requires regular charging and having a battery also poses the risk of the battery getting drained with time, which adds replacement costs of the battery over time.
Corded Circular Saw
A corded circular saw is powered by the electrical outlets, through a cord, which reduces its mobility but increases its power and efficiency.
A corded circular saw can make any type of cut, through any material as it is a powerhouse. It does not require regular charging, only uses a plug point but can get heavy to carry around, due to the added power box with the cord.
A corded circular saw finds itself in the toolboxes of most professionals who are playing with the hard materials and have to work for hours at end and cannot afford the battery getting drained out.
It is suited for tough jobs and can cut hardwood and softwood with unparalleled ease.
A corded circular saw is limited in its mobility. It is heavy and it proves to be a challenge for the professionals to move around with the saw and cut pieces.
It also proves to be futile at sites with no electricity and requires an extra precaution to be operated, since it is considered less safe than a cordless circular saw
Cordless vs Corded Circular Saw
Here we compare the most important differences between corded vs cordless circular saws –
Use
A cordless circular saw is used for light-weighted jobs, at sights with no electricity, for jobs requiring portability but not power and is mostly used by DIYers.
A corded circular saws used for heavyweight jobs where the material to be cut is hard and high power is required. It is used by thorough professionals who have to work long hours.
Watch the video below (though it’s on exactly circular saws) to find out the basic difference between corded and cordless power tools in general, it should make your decision easier!
Benefits
A cordless circular saw is light, portable, safer and easier to operate. It is great for cutting softwood and is a worthy investment for DIYers.
A corded circular saw has extraordinary cutting power, can tackle all sorts of material easily and is cheaper.
Limitations
A cordless saw cannot possess as much power as the corded saw and thus fails against hard materials. You have to charge it every day and it does not work for long hours. You also have to change its battery time to time which adds to its operating cost.
A corded saw is heavier and cannot be moved around as easily as the cordless one. It does not work unless you provide electricity and can be unsafe in the hands of beginners if proper precautions are not taken.
Price
Both the saws are in the same price range though the corded circular saw is cheaper. A cordless circular saw might also have extra operating costs in terms of its replacement costs of the lithium-ion battery.
All this should be considered before deciding which one suits your needs.
There might be expensive variants of these saws available. The additional expense might indicate the durability and efficiency of the product which is also to be kept in mind.
Final Words – What to Buy
Both the corded circular saw and the cordless circular saw are highly efficient and versatile power tools that suit different needs.
If your job is not that heavy and you work with softwood more, you can invest in a cordless circular saw. It will be a perfect fit for DIYers who will enjoy the extra safety and mobility it offers.
If you are a professional or have to work with different types of materials, and you cannot afford to have the saw discharged in a few hours, then go for the corded circular saw which will give you power and reliability.
Whatever you end up choosing, both tools are a good investment in their own right and as you progress on your woodworking journey, you will realize there is space for both in your toolset, the question is which you end up buying first.