Replies

1. 
   Dave_Richeson | Jul 01, 2001 04:19am | #1

   *
   Batteries are rated in amp hours, or how long it takes to discharge them when operating at full motor rpm. The 24v saw has a larger motor, so it is going to draw down the battery faster than the 18v motor. The trade off in time is that you have a slightly more powerfull motor in terms of horse power in the 24v model.

   Now having said that, let me point out that the amp hour ratings are done at with no load on the motors. Once you start acctually cutting something with them, the rating don't mean squat. Lumber species, thickness, blade condition,type, and feed rate all are variables that affect how much run time you get out of any cordless tool.

   Dave

1. 
   Bill_Hartmann | Jul 01, 2001 05:14am | #2

   *The 18 volt battery has a little more energy (43.3 watt hours) than the 24 volt (40.8). So doing the same work the 18 volt would last longer.However, we don't know the difference in the two saws. My guess is that the two motors are fairly similar, but the 24 volt MIGHT be a little more efficant and MIGHT have a little more power.This is mostly speculation, but if you are cutting something light weigth then the 18 volt would have the slight edge in running time.If you are cutting something near the max capacity the 24 volt system would have more run time.

1. 
   jon_ledebuhr | Jul 01, 2001 01:47pm | #3

   *thanks guys,I just thought it was odd that the 18v might have more power than the 24v. One would think Dewalt would make the 24v more powerfull rather than less.I think the motor on the 24v saw is 460 watts, im not sure about the 18v saw.does this mean that the the 18v might have to work harder(and use more electricity) to cut throught a 2x6, that the 24v could easily cut through???

1. 
   lynn-_the_art_gecko | Jul 02, 2001 03:15am | #4

   *My two cents/ another consideration:I have a 12v drill. A friend has an 18v drill and circular saw. I considered updating to the newer, bigger 24v, but after a day of lugging, lifting, angling and squeezing the trigger of the 18v, which incidentally my hand barely fits around, I decided to stick with the 12v. Went to the store and tried lifting the 24v, and couldn't imagine doing it for long.If carpal tunnel or anything else plagues you, the power trade off might be worthwhile.Lynn

2. 
   jon_ledebuhr | Jul 02, 2001 03:15am | #5

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   I was looking at getting the 24v dewalt circular saw. I looked on the recharger box and it says the battery is a 1.7 Ah (24v), But the 18v is 2.4 Ah.

   So which is more powerfull and long lasting??

   anybody used these??