Cordless hand held circular saw - cheap !

[Krysstel]

Recommendations/suggestions would be much appreciated.

I'm looking for a hand-held cordless circular saw which I intend to use solely for breaking down sheet of probable max 30mm thickness.
At present I use a Bosch PKS54 with guide rail. As a system this works great but I'm so fed up with the cable trailing all over the place. Also the dust extraction is not up to much and it's difficult to get an accurate cut as the base plate is of such low quality (pressed/folded steel plate). There must be an easier/better way without going as far as an expensive plunge saw (Dewalt/Makita/Mafell)

So, my spec is, in order of importance :-
- cordless
- good solid base plate
- good dust extraction
- as small and light as possible
- Budget max £100 :roll:

I know this sounds impossible but a quick google pulled up these possible candidates :-
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=133804
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=123032
Plus Wickes have 2 models but I assume they're rubbish !!
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Power-Tools/Sawing-and-Carpentry-Tools/icat/tssaw

It doesn't matter (within reason !) how long the batteries last between charges, nor how good the side fence is. What's important is size/weight and price ! I know this may sound ridiculous but I'm hopeful .......... :lol:

 

[beech1948]

Hi,

You seem to have several differing problems.
1) Accuracy of cut. The answer is to make your own jog for cuts of 8ft and 4ft. See here [urlhttp://wayneofthewoods.com/circular-saw-cutting-guide.html[/url]

2) Dust collection: You should use a small dust collector such as Alto-Nilfisk or Earlex or Trend AF30. Just attache to saw.

3) Power cable. Once dust collection hose is fixed then tape the cable to the hose and they both drag along together and don't get in the way.

regatrds
Alan

 

[Krysstel]

Thanks for the replies.
(1) Yes, I intend to replace my guide rail with such a jig ASAP.
(2) Already use a shop-vac. It's the design of the Bosch that's at fault, not my vac.
(3) Hmm, maybe, but I like the idea of a cordless solution.
In my mind the ideal set up must be one of these combined with a homemade jig. Unfortunately a bit beyond my budget (batteries in addition) :shock:
http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/section/4593/sn/DEW936

 

[cambournepete]

I must be missing somehting here, but what's the point of a cordless saw if you're using a vac?

 

[Krysstel]

Good point !!! :lol: :lol:
Once less thing to think about. I seem to use too much concentration on avoiding the power cable. It doesn't bother me if the vac pipe falls out but cutting through the power cable is something else.
Since I need a new saw to replace the Bosch then it seemed like a sensible idea to go for a cordless. However, price wise I see the logic in going for a better quality powered saw and rather sorting out where I hang the cable and vac pipe.
Sorry to waste everyone's time !