Chicago Electric 18V Circular Saw

[Javier]

I checked out the cordless 18v circular saw from Chicago Electric to see how it stacks up.....

[Punda1991]

Looks like a pain to work with! I'd end up breaking it myself! Good review tho!

[ChrisK]

Great review Javier...for cheap money not a bad option for keeping in the shed or the truck.

[DR99]

From what I have read it seems like most of the issues with the Harbor Fright tools is that they don't have any circuitry to prevent over charging of the batteries.  I don't know if they have changed that at all.

[Javier]

Thanks guys, in the impact driver video I go over the battery and charger but I will say that the manual states you must remove the battery after its done charging but the charger does let you know when the battery is done

Not a bad set of tools for the price.

[ChrisK]

So nicad batteries with no over charge protection? Wonder if they make a conditioner charger?

[DR99]

They do offer a quick charger than has overload and overcharging as an upgrade.

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-volt-nicd-battery-rapid-charger-for-cordless-tools-68859.html

[ChrisK]

You know...all kidding a aside, for under sixty bucks you can get the saw, battery and charger...$75 and two batteries. I don't think I'll get one, I want the fuel saw, but that is really a great deal for a DIY guy like me or even a small GC with a budget like my friend Kevin who loves his Ryobi tools.

[DR99]

I think long term Ryobi is the way to go if you can afford the extra money. Just being into that platform with the amount of tools they have is a good thing

[silverado79]

I think long term Ryobi is the way to go if you can afford the extra money. Just being into that platform with the amount of tools they have is a good thing

dont forget ryobi has lithium ion not nicd and home depot has 4 amp batteries on sale all the time

[Javier]

They do offer a quick charger than has overload and overcharging as an upgrade.

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-volt-nicd-battery-rapid-charger-for-cordless-tools-68859.html

that's the same charger that's included in the kits. Weird thing is that all the manuals for each tool say to remove the battery when done

[ChrisK]

Plus they have the Airstrike! Alright, got ya!

[DR99]

that's the same charger that's included in the kits. Weird thing is that all the manuals for each tool say to remove the battery when done

Hrmm, that's pretty confusing then Harbor freight should make things clear on what a person should do to keep their batteries safe.

[Javier]

Is hard to tell who's right, the website or the manual. Atleast the charger lets you know when the battery is done

[Conductor562]

Another great review Javier. I can't lie though, HF and power tool in the same sentence makes me cringe.

[ChrisK]

I'm with you on that Conductor. I have read some pretty horrible comments on HF website with the exception of the wood turning tools. I am really happy the Javier is doing these reviews on this set. Truth be told for the guy (or gal) with little to now cash it's tempting to drop money on a cheap set of tools. What is awesome about these reviews is Javier is filling a void that doesn't seem to have anyone else filling! Good job dude!

[Javier]

Thanks conductor and Chris. If I was starting off with little cash I would have no regret buying this set for doing small projects if I wanted to go cordless. Very not bad for the price. After testing out all four tools, they exceed expectations. I would like to see them smaller lighter, with overload protection and even lithium but you can't have it all at this price range.

[Nordraw]

Gotta remember the old saying, " you get what you pay for" never is that more true then at Harbor Freight.