Replies

1. 
   andyfew322 | Feb 02, 2008 05:36am | #1

   I do belive that DeWalt has universal batteries

    

   "It is like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer: it feels so good when you stop"

2. 
   DonfromUtah | Feb 02, 2008 07:04am | #2

   My 18v. Dewalt batteries fit both my saw and drill.  The 18V. saw will cut 1-1/8" T&G ply subfloor without a problem. I built a 10"x10" shed using the Dewalt to cut all the sheetgoods, with 1 battery on the charger and one in the saw or drill.

3. 
   forestgirl | Feb 02, 2008 08:05am | #3

   I have the 18V Ryobi and have cut 5/4 poplar with it.  It's great for quick cuts I don't want to drag the 7-1/4" saw out for, or for cutting things like Masonite where a lighter saw really helps.  I would think if the Ryobi cuts pretty well, the DeWalt would cut better!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
4. 
   Jamwats | Feb 02, 2008 10:37pm | #4

   There are 2 different 18V DeWalt circ saws.  I have the "compact" version (DW936K) that uses a smaller blade (5 3/8").  I like the light weight - it's very handy to grab and cut something.  There's not much variety in the blades that are available, I've only found 2 DeWalt's that fit it.  There may be a source for them online, I haven't checked.  Also, while it will cut through 2x studs and 3/4" plywood pretty well, the battery won't last very long.  I'm not sure that I would buy one to replace a corded circ saw, but it is a nice addition.

   Their XRP version (DC390K) is larger and may work better as a corded replacement.  I have an 18V NiCad Milwaukee that is worthless, the most I can cut with it is cardboard footing tubes or foam sheathing, and it weighs a lot more than the DeWalt.  I have used a Ridgid 18V (Fuego) that worked well and also uses their 24V and 18V LiIon.  May not be worth buying a whole new Battery system for, though.

   You may want to check on Ebay and other online sources for bare tool DeWalts.   A lot of people sell off tools from a kit that they don't want.  Seems like I saw some pretty cheap on there.

   Jamie

1. 
   lynnroy | Feb 03, 2008 05:48am | #5

   I so the ones on Amazon for 49 + but I guess I will have to buy a new corded one.  Thanks

5. 
   Dave45 | Feb 03, 2008 08:22pm | #6

   For Xmas, Santa (cleverly disguised as my daughters and SIL), gave me the Ryobi 18v Li-Ion tool set.  I've been using it heavily for a month now and am more than impressed with it - particularly the circular saw.  It goes thru 3/4" ply with ease and I can make lots of cuts before it runs low on gas.

   I suspect that you would find the 18v DeWalt just as handy.  Since you say that you recently got the DeWalt cordless drill, I would bet that the saw would use the same battery.  I don't think that any of the major cordless brands make unique batteries for each tool in their lines.  Interchangeability is the name of the game and I believe that DeWalt also lets you use either Ni-Cad or Li-Ion batteries in the same tool.