There is a burning desire for all of us in the trades to swap our power cords for a cordless power tool. Battery life and its power band must meet our jobsite needs, if the purchase is to improve our productivity and enjoyment of our craft. With all the innovations in cordless battery pack technology how does one make the right purchase .. without paying for what you don't need?
We've all experience the frustration of running out of power, unable to find a freshly charged cordless battery pack. We all know that the minute we take the cordless drill outside it loses half of its power. And we all know that muscle fatigue is a big issue when we get into the larger voltage cordless tools.. all of which sometimes convinces us to return to the corded model. But are there better answers?
Lithium Ion Power Tools
Ni-Cd: This is the old time favourite of cordless tool batteries. It has a long history of reliable performance, even in cold weather applications. Batteries are typically less expensive than other alternatives. Some have suggested that these batteries suffer from "memory affect problems" but some manufacturers like DeWalt and Miwaukee dispute this with their new professional quality models.
As a more environmentally conscious population, we have concerns in using cadmium based batteries, and so there is consumer resistance in supporting this option in light of more environmentally friendly Nickel Metal-hydride models.
Nickel Metal-hydride: These are kind of what we would think of as a second generation cordless battery pack. It entered the market with promises of more power and lighter weight, both of which it achieved but at a price! The cell design of a metal hydride battery generates more heat in both the dissipation and charging cycle. In fact it generates so much heat that the charger typically includes a fan to cool the unit during re-charging. This added heat creates a battery that doesn't survive as many charging cycles as its old cadmium cousin, suggesting higher replacement cost leading to less consumer satisfaction.
Of the three common types of cordless batteries metal-hydride are also the one least able to survive fluctuations in temperature. In cold weather it loses significant power, thus if you are an all weather framer, although the lower weight may appeal to you, it is not the battery pack to purchase. On the other hand if your use is more related to indoor cabinetry it may be the perfect light weight option.
Li-ion: This is going to be the battery to watch. Although it has not been on the market for long, initial experience would suggest that it will be the best of the three in cold weather operation. It is also the lightest of the three in direct comparison of "size to voltage".
So what's the down side? Cost. Li-ion cordless batteries are the most expensive of the lot. For long life usage, li-ion batteries must have electronic circuitry on board to balance the charging and discharging load across all battery cells. They also require longer re-charge times to allow for individual cell rebalancing, as a means for extending the life of your battery pack, thus if you are constantly draining and recharge over short periods of time a Ni-cd may be a better choice. Time will tell if this technology will have long term reliability and find solutions to the longer re-charge issues.
So what are the trade offs you should consider? A balance between weight and power is always the first and foremost consideration. Don't buy a 7 pound Big Bertha if all you are going to do is predrill 1/8" holes and don't worry about cold weather performance if you are always working in a heated shop. Recharging speed won't be a big issue if you're the casual user and of course we'd all like to buy with a good environmental conscious.
Thus for a comparative analysis of Ni-Cd, NiMh and Li-ion for each work environment see our table of Cordless Power Tool Battery options. Find out as well, what is the one rating on cordless batteries that will allow you to compare power output on two identical voltage rated batteries. Visit our website http://www.woodsTheBest.com.
Special Price!!! Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)
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Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Feature
- Makita-built motor delivers 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping through wood
- Compact, ergonomic design at only 6.9 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue
- Designed with a large 2-1/4-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees
- Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
- 3-year warranty on tool
Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Overview
Makita built, D35 high torque motor delivers maximum power for cutting 2x material at 45-degrees with 50-degrees capacity; compact design at only 13-5/8-inchlength and weighs only 6.9-pounds ( with battery, not included )for less operator fatigue; ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure and easy control; heavy-gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability; two-piece armature and field along with externally accessible brushes for serviceability and longer motor life.Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Specifications
The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS611Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2X material at 45 degrees. | ||||
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The BSS611Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor that produces 3,700 RPM for faster cutting. The saw has a 50 degree maximum bevel cutting capacity and is engineered with a heavy gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability.
Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BSS611Z weighs just 6.9 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 13-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue.
Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BSS611Z is engineered for a range of cutting tasks, and is perfect for roofing, carpentry, remodeling, woodworking, and for any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered cordless circular saw. The BSS611Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.
About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
What's in the Box
Makita BSS611Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (tool only).
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