Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Milwaukee). This thread is read-only.
So, I have to buy a circular saw in a few days and I was wondering if the 6 1/2 or 7 1/4 saw is the best or if they are the same? I dont really care which side the blade is on, but does one have more power?
I can’t say anything about the 6 1/2 but I’ve had the 7 1/4 since it came out and have had real good luck with it. It’s done just as good as any corded saw I’ve ever used as far as power. Use it to rip down concrete forms and 2×10 or 12 all the time and unless the battery is getting low it zips right through.
Sure the other one is probably just as good, main reason I got it was it has same size blade as every other saw so don’t need to stock up on a different size for one tool.
Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk
Love the 6 1/2″, very powerful, light enough to swing around and can still cut 2x lumber. You only lose 3/4″ which would only affect ply stacks. Blades aren’t as available not plate the tooth counts as the 7 1/4″. But I still went with the 6 and no complaint.
Either route you need multiple passes for 4×4
Jimbo
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Honestly it’s prob a wash unless you really have a preference for right or left blade or need the extra depth or cut at angles a lot where more depth always helps. That being said blade availability is nicer for a 7 1/4 and always will.
Case in point: I was on the pro checkout line at HD yesterday and looked down and saw Diablo’s new track tooth 7 1/4″ blades on sale for 2 for $10 on a flyer. I looked 3 feet over and there was a box of the new ones right there. That won’t really happen with 6 1/2 blades because you’ll prob need to wait longer for new blades and they won’t be the subject of sales like that as often because they aren’t made in volume like the far more common 7 1/4. Not the end all be all but it’s nice knowing you have the selection, price and availability always on your side…
BTW- those new blades were cutting wet pressure treated lumber like butter
?
I hear what you are saying Jerry, I love the blade diversely of the 71/4″ blades but I love the size and weight of the 61/2″. I do find myself grabbing the 71/4″ all the time. And you can’t beat @diablotools blades.
Makes me want a 7 1/4″ fuel too, ridgid holds me over though, couldn’t tell you the last time I used my corded craftsman pro saw lol
Jimbo
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have the 7 1/4 fuel and have really liked it. I didn’t even thing about what side the blade is on, but now that I have it I realize it’s opposite of what my old corded saw was, so it feels backwards. Even if I knew that from the start, I probably would still go 7 1/4 because of blade availability.
I have the M12 Fuel 5 3/8″ saw and it works perfect for cutting 2x’s. I do have an issue finding blades, but for all the more I will use it its fine.
Unless you’re running through blades like crazy I don’t think availability or cost should be a consideration compared to the blade side.
jeffmcmillan wrote:
15 hours ago, jeffmcmillan said:Unless you’re running through blades like crazy I don’t think availability or cost should be a consideration compared to the blade side.
my thoughts exactly. FYI the motor housing size is identical, and I believe the motor is too.
What’s the weight difference between the two?
JerryNY wrote:
9 hours ago, JerryNY said:What’s the weight difference between the two?
7.5lbs vs 8lbs so there’s a pretty minimal difference. It makes sense when you think about it only being a 3/4″ difference in blade size. They’re almost mirror images of each other.
JerryNY wrote:
What’s the weight difference between the two?
About 3/4″ ?
8.99 lbs for 7-1/4″
6.8 lbs for 6-1/2″
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
I was having the same problem deciding so I got both!!!!
I ended up getting the 7 1/4 inch saw. I made a few rest cuts on a piece of hardwood and it cut beautifully. My decision to get the larger version was easy. It was the only one the had in stock.