Cordless power tools

[Chauncey Gardener]

I took the new 12 inch to mom's for some storm clean up today. I'm really happy with it and with myself for purchasing the smaller one. Little Chance and the Twins always want bigger and more power. Had to tell um "NO!" This saw is a joy to wield. Mom had a bunch of Fir widow-makers come down a few months back. Most were six to seven inches by 22 feet long. The saw powered through them like butter. It was powered by a 6AH battery.

Really wish I'd have taken some pictures. Was in too much of a coffee-buzz hurry to get started. :o

 

[ven]

Great stuff CG, thanks for the feedback. That is part of the attraction for me, the mobility, simplicity and size/weight. Just easier to grab and chuck in boot if needed without the mess.

Make sure if not ,to drain tank, they all can leak apparently. I bet you know this and have already done so. But a just in case.


Glad happy CG:cool:

 

[Chauncey Gardener]

Thanks much for the reminder, ven. I think it was on a YouTube review video where someone suggested storing the saw on its side with the chain up. Reading your reminder just sent me to the garage to check for an oil puddle. A little more than five hours on its side sans an oil leak. Of course I took the side cover off when cleaning it this afternoon since I don't know when it'll be put into service again.

 

[ven]

Yes they all suffer the same, 60v saw to. I have read roughly a battery use is around the same as oil. So if need to change battery check oil. Also chain tension after using it for a short period. Usually needs a little more tension. Tension wise about 3mm and the chain to snap back. I set mine up as the chain bar came off when showing the kids under the plastic cover haha.

So this week more dewalt goodies, another tough system case(pretty awesome and much more sturdy than the standard cases). Another 887 impact and of course another FlexVolt. Then done until I decide on a strimmer down the line. I might wait until the gas packs in first.

 

[kaichu dento]

...the problem with the black/red single layer PC batteries is they are only 1.3/1.5A batteries so a 4A battery has a huge advantage in 2 ways over them... total Ahr and also 2 layers means the batteries split the current draw on them by 1/2 would reduces greatly the voltage drop and increases runtime more than the difference in current draw. I get 3-5 times the runtime off my 4A battery and use it on saws and whenever I am very heavily using my drills and especially on my yard tools.

I was already planning on getting a 4A battery for the saw but hadn't realized just how much longer it would run over the 1.5 batteries that I've got. What I really wish Porter Cable made was a hedge trimmer and lack of tool options from them may just end up being the reason I switch to DeWalt. I've got plenty of their corded stuff but with the cordless range it really makes sense to go with the brand that makes all the tools you'll end up wanting.

 

[ven]

Milwaukee are worth a look to, as well as dewalt . Just be aware of YouTube fanboys for each brand. Trying to make the other look inferior!!! That aside, both should be more than adequate for most needs.

I simply went with dewalt for easier to find/buy and although similar priced in many ways(UK side), the Milwaukee can get quite pricey on batteries . I say that after just spending over $300 on FlexVolt x2!:crazy::ohgeez:

I don’t go too heavy on my tools, nothing like the crazy stuff on tube. Using impact drivers on 12” bolts etc , but only issue I have had was the 887. I love it and glad I never gave up. Simple contact issue with an easy fix(ever so slight bend ) of the terminal contacts. 100% perfect over a year on, should not had to have done it I know. Also a side benefit of very minimal battery slop.

Their 3sp drill is a beast! Over 90nm or torque . I can possibly see a mower in the future , 2x 20v pack powered. Not replacing my working tools yet, I might be crazy, but not quite there yet!!!!

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I was already planning on getting a 4A battery for the saw but hadn't realized just how much longer it would run over the 1.5 batteries that I've got. What I really wish Porter Cable made was a hedge trimmer and lack of tool options from them may just end up being the reason I switch to DeWalt. I've got plenty of their corded stuff but with the cordless range it really makes sense to go with the brand that makes all the tools you'll end up wanting.

You do realize that I've been using a PC (Porter Cable) 4A battery with a B&D (Black & Decker) 20v hedge trimmer and weedeater and yard blower and B&D also makes a 20v pole saw and chain saw too that can use PC batteries with the quick dremel mod. The only reason to buy the Dewalt yard tools is either they offer options you like/need batter that the B&D ones don't or you want to go with that line of tools. It wasn't till recently that Dewalt finally made a blower and very recently a string trimmer and chain saw that B&D already had available years ago. I suspect however that Stanley Black & Decker may want to pull people away from B&D and PC tools to Dewalt for the sake of profit as those tool lines tend to garner higher prices for similar items especially batteries.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I can possibly see a mower in the future , 2x 20v pack powered. Not replacing my working tools yet, I might be crazy, but not quite there yet!!!!

Unless you have a small lawn to mow I advise against many battery mowers. I went ahead and read a bunch of Google shopping reviews on this mower and found the following concerns: Runtime not enough, only comes with a single battery charger that takes 3 hours to recharge a 9A battery so unless you have a second charger or another set of batteries you are down for 3-6 hours. I'm also guessing the 9A batteries don't last 10 years in use so have to add that in long term cost. My old Toro self propelled mower costs me about $10 (or less) a year in gas over 10 years that is about $100 which probably won't buy a set of batteries for this mower.

 

[ven]

Yes its not a very big lawn, its just a ponder down the line. I am quite happy with my gas mower for now. This one has been going strong for maybe 4 or 5yrs. If its not broke!

Yes have 3 chargers, several batteries. At home 5a,4a,6a and 9a. I would have to bring a 5a from work to match the home 5a if i did end up getting one.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

If you are happy with your gas mower I suggest you hold off on the electric ones till you need to and spend the money on other things. I was just at Home Depot today after waiting in line for 10 minutes to get in there (Virus antisocial distancing) and looked briefly at the mowers and noticed one curious thing: The gas mowers list the torque but none of the battery ones list it at all that I saw....

 

[kaichu dento]

You do realize that I've been using a PC (Porter Cable) 4A battery with a B&D (Black & Decker) 20v hedge trimmer and weedeater and yard blower and B&D also makes a 20v pole saw and chain saw too that can use PC batteries with the quick dremel mod.

Haven't been invited to dinner at your place lately, so no, I don't know which tools you've got. Maybe you listed everything here, but I've not really been worrying about it much until just last week when for the first time in my life I have a bunch of hedges and bushes to shape and trim.
So, any 20v Black & Decker tools can use the Porter Cable batteries then?

 

[Chauncey Gardener]

Well, it was off to Home Depot this afternoon.

Try as I did, I could not position the DeWALT so as to be able to edge with it. I attached the handle behind the joint, in front of the joint and even upside down. The issue is due to the angle of the cutting head/guard/motor. I just could not see where the line makes contact when the tool is rotated to an edging position. I attempted a variety of trimmer and hand positions. CRAP! :hairpull: Edging was the main reason for the purchase.

Other than the above, the trimmer works well. It's quiet, lightweight and exhaust-free. ............. Probably going to keep it. :sigh:

I watched at least ten reviews of this trimmer. Not one mentioned that it is not edger friendly.

 

[tinker901]

Where is Makita in all this ?

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Haven't been invited to dinner at your place lately, so no, I don't know which tools you've got. Maybe you listed everything here, but I've not really been worrying about it much until just last week when for the first time in my life I have a bunch of hedges and bushes to shape and trim.
So, any 20v Black & Decker tools can use the Porter Cable batteries then?

After you mod the PC batteries..... you can just slide them on and voila!. The mod is very simple I used a dremel with a cutting wheel and tool about 30 seconds to cut a little plastic notch out on the opposite side. Now the B&D batteries won't work with all PC tools due to the way they are designed you would have to cut a lot more plastic off either the battery or the tool to make them work that is why I wouldn't buy B&D batteries for my tools now.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Well, it was off to Home Depot this afternoon.

Try as I did, I could not position the DeWALT so as to be able to edge with it. I attached the handle behind the joint, in front of the joint and even upside down. The issue is due to the angle of the cutting head/guard/motor. I just could not see where the line makes contact when the tool is rotated to an edging position. I attempted a variety of trimmer and hand positions. CRAP! :hairpull: Edging was the main reason for the purchase.

Other than the above, the trimmer works well. It's quiet, lightweight and exhaust-free. ............. Probably going to keep it. :sigh:

I watched at least ten reviews of this trimmer. Not one mentioned that it is not edger friendly.

My B&D strimmer you have to push a button near the top of the aluminum shaft that allows it to rotate it so you can then use the rolling wheel on the curb to trim with. The button doesn't look like a button but square sort of black plastic spot.

 

[ven]

Nice tool CG, not sure on the edging side. There must be a way! Worst case scenario see if the 60 trimmer is more suitable for edging and take that one back. Trouble is it’s 50% more then a FlexVolt battery on top, but this can be used with 20v tools so it’s not too much of a loss. It can get expensive quick! Hope you get it figured .

 

[ven]

Well more dewalt mail, tough system case, another flexvolt and impact 887.

Impact and tough is for home, so pretty much duped my stuff.
The flexvolt 6a is for work, having seen a tube vid show 10x21700 inside(15x 21700 for 9a and 12a), i was surprised to find 15x 18650 high drains(not bothered either way to be honest)

Took 1hr 15 mins to go from 1 light to charged.

15 inr

Next to 5a which of course is 10x 18650

So that was work dewalt mail, get home for more!
Case

Extra storage under the lid, useful for drill bits n stuff

887

Chargers ended up in other case

Spare impact and charger

Little dewalt home groupy pic

Thats it for a while:whistle:

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Well more dewalt mail, tough system case, another flexvolt and impact 887.

Impact and tough is for home, so pretty much duped my stuff.
The flexvolt 6a is for work, having seen a tube vid show 10x21700 inside(15x 21700 for 9a and 12a), i was surprised to find 15x 18650 high drains(not bothered either way to be honest)

I don't see how a 60v battery can work both 20V and 60V with only 10 batteries are you sure that is not just a regular 6A 20V (non 60v) pack? I can see a 9A pack not requiring 21700s as there is decent 3000mah 18650s out there to use in them but no 4000mah ones for the 12A pack. I am guessing unless they have 2 different sizes of cases for the 9A vs 12A flexvolt batteries that they use the same case to save a little on production and other costs associated with having 2 separate sizes of cases which may require different circuit boards and perhaps a more different assembly process. The one thing that does concern me about having 15 cells in series vs in parallel is when one cell either gets weak or goes bad it can greatly effect the performance of the pack while in parallel you in 2-3 cells in parallel groups in series you have another battery to take up some of the slack performance would be reduced but not drastically on low to mid drain devices.
I wonder if it would be much cheaper to not have the 60V option using the same cell pack size if you never have a need for 60V tool use. Why pay for the 60V option if you never need it. Perhaps it would drop the cost 20% or so having a more simpler circuit board not requiring as many connections in it. If they can get 12A out of 15 21700s in parallel why don't they offer a fat pack 8A 10 cell pack the extra 2A would give you 1/3 more runtime than a 6A pack and a little more current capability which under heavier loads could add even more runtime.

 

[ven]

Are you referring to the youtube vid, if so then its possible. I am not 100% sure but it could be a 6a 20v pack yes.

My flexvolt 6a has 15x 18650 inside. The 9a and 12a both have 15x 21700 inside. Maybe Samsung 30T and 40T as examples(not opened nor plan on opening pack yet).
6a, look under the print on right side under type 1

Why pay, mmmm well why do i have lots of watches, why have 100's of torches, i am crazy like that

I simply wanted to try out the flexvolt system. Seeing what actual difference it makes to the tool also pushed me a little bit more. Yes a flexvolt on an impact driver V a 20v delwat 4a or 5a battery, the flexvolt performs better. Obviously the load across the 15 cells, larger 21700 all help reduce any voltage sag from heavy load. Testing even with 1.5 or 2a batteries V 4a or 5a again there is a difference. Especially driving in demanding screws like m12 10" types(not that i do). The smaller 1.5 and 2a packs give in pretty quick, the flexvolt just carries on. Overkill for my needs, well yes and no. I do use a lot of impact , 17,19 and 24mm mainly.

But if i also decide on some 54v tools, i have the batteries. But mainly, i just wanted in and to try the system out...........thats about it. I do have overkill running through my veins, along with better to have and not need than to need and not have:crazy:
Home wise, i wanted the 9a for chain saw use, at a pinch yes i can use on drill and impact driver to. Although i should never need to.

I already have a good few 20v batteries in work, and now a 6a flex(one of those 5a has come home now)

Home i have a 4a, 2x5a and flex 9a

 

[ven]

Regarding costs in the UK and battery packs. The general 20v come in 1.5/2.0/3/4/5a sizes. Unlike the US, we have no 6a choice. Well i can actually get hold of the 6a packs still, just not from dewalt.

So for any bigger in tank, the felxvolt is the only real choice(wont buy unbranded packs as i dont know what cells are in, they wont be decent ones if a 6a battery costs £30!).

The 6a flex i managed to get for £85, which is pretty good. Lots of shops have it for £100-£120. The 9a one i got with the fast 8a charger(yellow) for £150. So maybe knock £30 off for charger, around £120 for the 9a. The 12a yes i could have got, but prefer 2 batteries over the one, also not keen on spending over £220-£250 on a battery. My craziness has limits!

So back to the 6a flex, last time i bought a 5a 20v pack it cost me £65 from a shop(can be found for around £55 though). I wanted to buy in a store when i was fault finding, in case i had any battery issues. So roughly a £20 difference to what i paid for the 5a and 6a flex. To me(in my tiny brain) i could justify the little extra for the mah and potential 60v support. Now knowing 15 cells are in the pack, i am actually happier. The more cells, the more the load is spread=happier cells i hope!
The 9a intrigued me, heck 15x 21700 just floats my boat and could not pass up on trying the beast out. It will easily do my saw use, then if needed run a drill for the rest of the day. So i could get away with the one pack easy for home. But like my torches, none share cells, they all have their own . Overkill, crazy, stupid, yes maybe i am all of these.

At weekend me and Callum are going to get a big chunk of wood out of the garage, drill and screw the heck out of it! Drills and impacts at the ready(he has his own lithium B&D drill). He is only 10, so learning how to use, correct PPE all helps later down the road. Plus its fun!

Regarding concerns, every tool and battery is registered with my delwalt app. So i get 3yrs on my tools(not amazing but not bad either, considering the abuse they get thrown at them). The packs are good for 1yr, for me its not too bad. One of my 5a packs is a 2017 and perfect. I dont heavy discharge, dont over heat, dont abuse. So my use, i would expect 5-10yrs use . So 10 cells, 15 cells honestly i dont care. If the pack/s are good for 1yr, then they should be good for several more. If their is a fault, it should show pretty quick. Thats been the usual case with stuff of mine.

I could get away with 2 batteries, heck i could bring my work ones home to use . I just go the easy route and double up, all be it not as wallet friendly.