Working on various DIY projects at home, I’ve always needed reliable tools, especially when it comes to cutting through different materials. After some research, I decided to go for the Evolution Power Tools R185CCS-Li Multi-Material Circular Saw, and I have to say, this saw has quickly become one of the most valuable tools in my collection.
I’m going to take you through my experience using it, covering everything from setting it up, getting started, and using it on various projects. I’ll also point out the pros and cons based on my hands-on use of the saw, so if you’re considering getting one yourself, you’ll know what to expect.
First Setup and Initial Use
Once I got my hands on the saw, it didn’t take long before I was ready to try it out. The setup was easy, with the blade already installed, and the instructions were clear. The lightweight design stood out straight away, making it less of a hassle to carry around and set up compared to other circular saws I’ve used in the past.
Connecting the battery was simple, and because it’s cordless, there was no need to worry about tangled wires or staying close to a power source. This made it so much easier to move around my workspace.
Building Experience: Cutting through Various Materials
Project 1: Cutting Wood for Shelves
The first project I tackled with the R185CCS-Li was cutting wooden planks to build some shelves. I was a bit skeptical at first because I wanted clean, precise cuts, and I wasn’t sure how well this saw would handle the job. But after marking the wood and setting the blade depth, I started making the cuts.
The saw sliced through the wood smoothly, and I immediately noticed how powerful it felt in my hands. The cuts were clean and straight, with no splintering at all. It didn’t struggle at all, even though the wood was quite thick. The laser guide was a big help in keeping the cut straight, and the dust collection port helped keep the sawdust from flying everywhere.
One thing I appreciated about this saw was the adjustable cutting depth. I needed to make a few shallow cuts as well, and the ability to quickly change the depth made things so much easier. Whether I was cutting all the way through or just making grooves, the saw handled it without any issues.
Project 2: Cutting Metal for a Garden Fence
Next up, I needed to cut through some metal bars for a garden fence I was installing. This was where I was really curious to see how the R185CCS-Li would perform, given that it’s advertised as a multi-material saw. I switched to a metal blade and gave it a go.
Again, the saw didn’t disappoint. It cut through the metal with minimal effort, and the cut was clean. The power of the saw really shone through here, and I didn’t experience any kickback or struggle while working through the tougher material.
I was especially impressed with the way it handled the metal without overheating or getting stuck. The blade didn’t dull after cutting through several metal bars, which was a good sign of the durability of both the saw and its blades.
Project 3: Cutting Plastic for Pipes
The next project involved cutting some PVC pipes for a plumbing job. This was more delicate than the other materials I’d worked with, so I was curious to see how the saw would handle it. I didn’t need to change the blade since the saw is capable of cutting through multiple materials with the same blade.
Cutting the plastic was surprisingly easy. The blade went through the pipes without cracking or melting the material. I didn’t have to apply much pressure, and the cuts were precise. There was no rough edge left behind, which saved me the extra step of smoothing things out.
Pros of the Evolution R185CCS-Li Circular Saw
Now, let’s dive into the standout features that make this saw worth considering:
1. Multi-Material Cutting
One of the best features is its ability to cut through a variety of materials — wood, metal, plastic, and more — without needing to switch tools. The fact that I could use it for different jobs around the house was a huge time-saver.
2. Cordless and Portable
The cordless design was a game-changer for me. Not having to worry about staying close to an outlet or dealing with tangled cords gave me the freedom to move around my workspace with ease. This portability made working on larger projects much more convenient.
3. Adjustable Cutting Depth and Bevel
The adjustable cutting depth allowed me to switch between deep cuts and shallow grooves quickly. The bevel adjustment also made it easy to make angled cuts, which came in handy during some of the more complex projects I worked on.
4. Laser Guide
The built-in laser guide helped me keep my cuts straight, even when I wasn’t using a guide rail. This was especially useful for longer cuts where maintaining a straight line can be tricky.
5. Efficient Dust Collection
The dust port helped manage the sawdust, which kept my workspace cleaner. It’s not perfect, but it definitely makes a noticeable difference.
6. Lightweight and Easy to Handle
The saw’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and maneuver. Even during extended use, my arms didn’t feel tired, which is a big plus for anyone working on longer projects.
Cons of the Evolution R185CCS-Li Circular Saw
While the saw has plenty of great features, there are a few things to be aware of:
1. Battery Life
Since it’s cordless, the saw runs on battery power, which can be a limitation for longer projects. Depending on how intensive your work is, you might find the need to recharge the battery often or invest in a spare battery to keep the momentum going.
2. Laser Guide Accuracy
While the laser guide is helpful, I found that it wasn’t always perfectly aligned with the blade. It’s a useful feature but not one you should rely on entirely for pinpoint accuracy. I always double-checked my cuts to make sure they were on track.
3. Dust Collection Isn’t Perfect
While the dust collection system does help reduce mess, it’s not 100% effective. Some sawdust still escapes, so you’ll need to do some cleanup afterward.
4. Blade Change Could Be Easier
Switching out blades is a bit of a process. It’s not terribly complicated, but it’s not as quick as I’d like. If you’re moving between materials frequently, this could slow you down a bit.
FAQ
1. What materials can this saw cut? This saw is designed to cut through wood, metal, plastic, and even some composite materials. It’s a multi-material saw, so it’s versatile enough for a range of projects.
2. How long does the battery last? The battery life depends on the material you’re cutting and the intensity of the work. For light tasks, the battery can last quite a while, but for heavy-duty cutting, you may need to recharge more frequently.
3. Does the saw come with a blade? Yes, the saw comes with a multi-material blade included, so you can start cutting different materials right out of the box.
4. Can I make angled cuts? Yes, the saw has an adjustable bevel, allowing you to make angled cuts with ease. The bevel adjustment is simple to use, making it easy to switch between straight and angled cuts.
5. Is the laser guide accurate? The laser guide is a helpful feature, but it’s not 100% accurate. It’s a good tool for keeping your cuts generally straight, but for precise cuts, it’s best to double-check with a guide rail or marking.
6. Is it suitable for heavy-duty work? Yes, the saw is powerful enough for heavy-duty cutting. Whether you’re cutting through thick wood or metal, it can handle tough jobs with ease.
7. How easy is it to change the blade? Changing the blade is a bit more involved than I’d like. It’s not difficult, but it’s not the quickest process either. You’ll need to take a few extra minutes to swap blades between materials.
8. How is the dust collection? The dust collection system helps reduce the amount of dust in your workspace, but it’s not perfect. Some dust will still escape, so you’ll likely need to do some cleanup after finishing your project.
9. Is it heavy? No, the saw is quite lightweight, making it easy to handle and carry around. Even after extended use, it doesn’t feel too heavy or cumbersome.
Final Thoughts
The Evolution Power Tools R185CCS-Li Multi-Material Circular Saw has been a great addition to my toolkit. Its versatility in cutting through various materials, along with its cordless convenience and ease of use, makes it a valuable tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional. While there are a few minor drawbacks, like battery life and blade changing, the overall performance of this saw more than makes up for them.
If you’re looking for a reliable, multi-purpose saw that can handle different materials with ease, I’d definitely recommend considering this one. Whether you’re working on home renovations, furniture building, or any other project, this saw has proven to be up to the task.
Buy yours here at Amazon