Makita UK looks at how the combination of brushless motor technology and specially designed high efficiency blades can help extend the run times of cordless circular saws
Ensuring the completion of each task on site is as quick and easy as possible is an important consideration. Small efficiency improvements can quickly add up and allow jobs to be finished quicker, benefiting both the tradesperson and the customer. Minimising interruptions is one of the reasons why professionals invest in cordless tools with high-quality, high-performance battery systems. However, there are other ways that efficiency gains can be made.
Brushless technology
As any tradesperson will know, choosing the right tools is essential. For improved efficiency, professionals should look for machines that feature brushless motor technology. In this type of motor, the tool is driven using contact-free electromagnetism rather than relying on contact between the carbon brushes and a rotary electrical switch on the rotor. When a tool with a brushless motor is activated, the on-board electronic circuit sends electric currents to convert the copper coils within the motor into electromagnets. This creates north and south magnetic poles that attract and repel the permanent magnets on the rotor shaft to rotate it continuously.
While motors with brushes are effective, the contact causes friction that generates heat and wastes energy. It also causes wear of the brushes, which must periodically be replaced throughout the life of the tool. A contact-free, brushless motor eliminates these issues and is therefore more efficient. A brushless motor can also produce more torque per weight, meaning less power is needed to achieve the same results. In fact, choosing a tool with a brushless motor can extend run times by up to 50 per cent per battery charge. This means greater productivity and fewer recharges throughout a job.
Efficut saw blades
While often overlooked, the design and quality of the saw blade can have a significant impact on the efficiency of the cutting action of a circular saw. For example, the Makita Efficut range of saw blades – for both wood and metal – has been specifically engineered with this in mind.
The design of each tooth helps to deliver excellent cutting performance. A thinner blade and a specially designed tooth profile produces less resistance during operation. The scalloped front face on each tooth provides improved performance to clear waste material from the blade. Finally, the sharp, bevelled angle tip enables a fine cut with only minimal effort.
This combination of features accelerates the cutting speed and minimises energy usage to enable more cuts between charges. In fact, the blades make cuts 2.4 times faster than conventional saw blades. They also allow for 2.4 times more cuts per battery charge when cutting wood and 1.6 times more cuts per battery charge when cutting metal, compared to the standard equivalent. In addition, choosing versatile Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) multipurpose saw blades can make working with different materials easier, as the blades can cut a range of materials including aluminium, MDF, PVC and laminated chipboard.
To make the most of the efficiency that these two innovations can provide, tradespeople should look for tools, such as Makita’s DHS680 18V LXT Circular Saw, that benefit from brushless technology and is compatible with specially engineered Efficut blades.
To find out more about the Makita range of high performance tools and accessories, visit www.makitauk.com
