Do BigBlue Blades Work in Cordless Circular Saws? Here’s What We Found
We’ve been asked repeatedly: Do BigBlue blades work in cordless circular saws? Until recently, the answer was a firm “not yet.” The main challenge has been BigBlue’s wide kerf—nearly 1/4 inch—which demands substantial power to cut through tough, sticky materials like multiple layers of roofing (including tar, gravel, and wood decking).
Why Cordless Circular Saws?
The benefits of cordless saws are undeniable. They eliminate the hassle of cords and the need for gas, offering greater convenience and portability. However, they’ve historically lacked the cutting power needed for demanding tasks—until DeWalt released the FlexVolt® 60V MAX 7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw.
This saw changed the game, and we couldn’t wait to test it with the BigBlue 5T Heavy-Duty Demolition Blade.
Is a Cordless Circular Saw Strong Enough for Heavy-Duty Blades?
To put the BigBlue 5T blade and FlexVolt® 60V to the test, we tackled a challenging roof tear-off job. The task involved cutting through a tough combination of 1″ x 6″ pine board decking, ice and water shield, and shingles. The shingles and ice shield were stuck together so the only viable solution was to remove the entire roof deck for the first three feet along the gutter line. This demanding scenario provided the perfect opportunity to see how well this powerful duo could perform under real-world conditions.
How Did the FlexVolt® 60V and BigBlue 5T Perform?
The FlexVolt® 60V MAX 7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw exceeded our expectations. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver—particularly noticeable when compared to hefty gas-powered saws often used in similar situations. At just 8 lbs, the FlexVolt® 60V weighs less than half of a typical gas fire saw (which can weigh over 20 lbs).
We loved the freedom of cordless tools: no cords to manage or trip over, and no power source to worry about. Most importantly, the FlexVolt® 60V delivered enough power for the BigBlue 5T to slice through all the roofing materials, including shingles, nails, and pine decking. The performance was so impressive that we wondered just how much this combo could handle.
Testing the Limits: FlexVolt® 60V and BigBlue 5T
After several successful passes down the roof, we decided to push the boundaries further. We added a framing saw blade on top of the already challenging mix of shingles, ice shield, and wood decking. The results were astounding: the BigBlue 5T retained all of its teeth and continued cutting with no signs of wear, while the FlexVolt® 60V powered through without any significant loss of performance.
Cold Weather and Battery Performance
The only hitch we encountered was due to the cold weather. With temperatures hovering around 20°F, the saw experienced some minor glitches. As the day warmed, the issue resolved. We reached out to DeWalt, who explained that their batteries can be affected when temperatures drop below 15°F, altering the battery chemistry and potentially impacting performance. Despite the cold start, the FlexVolt® 60V and BigBlue 5T handled the task admirably.
A Game-Changer for Firefighters and More
The powerful combination of the FlexVolt® 60V and BigBlue 5T opens up a world of possibilities, particularly for first responders. Fire departments often operate on tight budgets, and this setup offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fire saws, delivering comparable power and flexibility without the steep price tag.
Final Thoughts
The FlexVolt® 60V MAX 7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw paired with the BigBlue 5T Heavy-Duty Demolition Blade proved to be a formidable duo, tackling tough materials with ease and portability that outshines its gas-powered counterparts. Whether for construction, demolition, or emergency response, this combination is a true powerhouse.
