I’m running the Hercules at my job with the 4ah. It’s pretty much a requirement if you are cutting thick materials like Grade 8 bolts and Steel. For the price I paid I would say not bad. I definitely am shocked by that DeWalt though. But then again a 12v tool vs a 20v Powerstack.
Great vid, little tip tho, you always want the material you are cutting to be behind the arbor on a rotary tool so it isn't "pushing" through the material but is rather "pulling". You want the tool to try and sort of pull you through rather than keep trying to jump away, just like on a chop saw, table saw, and circular saw. This will dramatically reduce stalling. I like the DeWalt for it's preformance but at that size I find a 4.5" grinder more useful. The stand out for me was the bosch, it's high preformance enough that it's useful but given that it's so small it makes it a tool that actually fits the category... Plus being German made and bosch, I can atest that like most of its other brushed older German tools they have made, it will be in service for at least a decade with no issues. When bosch releases a brushless model I think it could really shake up the category even more.
@@cdee6096 no problem, when you are cutting sheet metal it's always better to score your cut over and over again as well rather than feed it through like a circular saw. Check out fireball tools video on the topic, it had data in it and is excellent visual representation of what I'm talking about
Yep, I hope to test that when the dyno is done, It will be interesting to see. I also would like to get my hands on some NOS octan battery's with 21700s.
The M12 is competing with 18V tools, its definitely impressive in that regard. I like it because its so small, one handed use is a given. They can improve it by giving it more torque and thus a lower RPM and a holder of course
The DeWalt is a beast. I used it with a 3” sawed blade to trim 3/4” (actual) fence planks. Its cutting depth of 0.9” is significantly deeper than the rest of the field. With the dust shroud in place, it’s practically a mini circular saw, although I wish that attachment was more straightedge-friendly.
With Bauer the 3ah will actually do better than the 5ah. The 3ah battery is made with 21700 batteries where the 5ah is made with 18650 batteries. The 5ah will give you longer run time but the 3ah will give you more bang for your buck. I believe Hercules does the same thing, but it's good to know because if you need a quick burst the 3ah is cheaper and gives you more power in that split second.
Interesting I actually found the performance better with the 5AH. Im working on retesting them now on my dyno so it will be interesting to see, I also now have the 8ah.
I think putting the name of every tool brand your testing (like project farm) might help you reach some more viewers. Just a thought, as always great job!
The Hercules has awful performance with the freebie battery, maybe it would be fine for very light weight work though. However with the 4Ah battery it becomes very feasible, and that battery upgrade is a very affordable $35. While it still is nowhere as good as the DeWalt, its half the price fully loaded vs the DeWalt without battery. $85 total vs $180 + battery. This channel is probably more oriented towards professional usage, but as an average consumer the Hercules is the obvious choice.
Hmm going to have to look at Ridgid's current cut saw. Every stat you showed differs from mine (I know the 2021 RPM downgraded from the 2019 but it's still 19,000 rpm). Even the cutting depth is off here?
Hyper tough (from Walmart) recently came out with a 12v cut off tool. Would be interesting to see how it stacks up to the Harbor Freight offerings. I’m sure it would need to run on the 4ah battery just like the Hercules and Bauer too.
Does the Ridgid do better with a 4ah battery or do you have an octane 3ah battery because that has 21700 cells in it and it seems to wake up a lot of their tools.
Hard to say, I had to sell the ridgid after I made the original video about a year ago. I would say the 21700 cells might be a little stronger. Hoping to have a dyno built for small high speed tools like this. But thats going to be a few months. I will buy the ridgid again once its done.
@@darrenporsch hmm it’s tempting. I really need to spend the money on the dyno first. Hopefully it will still be on sale in a few months, after a few more pay checks. Thanks for the info!
I'm just thinking, man the worst of the worst is still better than doing it with a hand saw. There was a point in my lifetime where we had to use the blade of a hand saw to cut them rebar.
Given the dramatic increase in cost, size and weight for using the big Dewalt battery- I would move to my 18v tool before using the 12v. I use 12v for all quick things. 18v for bigger projects. I have the 12 v and 18 volt Bosch cut offs and they are excellent. I didn’t catch it but I am assuming you compared 12v to 12v tools and not 12v to 18v tools.
If I was on dewalt platform I definitely would pick this up. I’m not going to get the Milwaukee as this one seems lame. Maybe a gen 2 someday. Keep ‘ em coming. 👍
7:45 Having higher Ah battery data for Ridgid and Ryobi would be great. I know they wouldn't really challenge the Dewalt here, but curious to see how close the closest 2 contenders are in performance. I have the no-longer-made 3Ah Ryobi battery with 21700 cells, and that would be a good pairing for that tool because of decent output and still small size. Too bad Ryobi abandoned 21700 cells in their 18V platform
Yep, I have a NOS 3ah with 21700, Its crazy they stoped making them. Once the dyno is built, I will buy the ridgid and ryobi again so we can see. It's crazy how much the battery pack can matter.
@@Tools-Tested I was gonna ask for this same test so plus one from me! I personally have the Ryobi and while it’s no Dewalt I have been quite impressed with it using 4AH HP batteries.
Don't mean to be that guy, but you spelled competitor wrong.. in your title.. sorry. Personally I'm all for freedom to spell how u wanna. But... Just saying. Carry-on!
LOL... I have this Bosch 12V (along with a drill/driver, a driver and an impact - all very small / compact and light) ... I never cut rebar or anything like that ... I work in the medical equipment field: need it for its small footprint and light weight... I also just got a Hercules a short while ago but use it with the 4Ah battery for metal and 2Ah for plastics and other light stuff (it works well and is quite ergonomic in the hand... and was inexpensive $50 with 5yr warranty)
That Hercules with the HO battery was impressive at that price point. Plus a 5 year warranty with a store front exchange... Sweet
Yep most of the Hercules 12v tools perform well for the money, you just need to run that 4ah.
HF even tells you to use 4ah batteries with these tools. Definitely nice to have
I'm pretty impressed with that Bosch considering it has been out the longest and is the smallest
Yep I really wish Bosch offered it sooner in the US.
I’m running the Hercules at my job with the 4ah. It’s pretty much a requirement if you are cutting thick materials like Grade 8 bolts and Steel. For the price I paid I would say not bad. I definitely am shocked by that DeWalt though. But then again a 12v tool vs a 20v Powerstack.
Great vid, little tip tho, you always want the material you are cutting to be behind the arbor on a rotary tool so it isn't "pushing" through the material but is rather "pulling". You want the tool to try and sort of pull you through rather than keep trying to jump away, just like on a chop saw, table saw, and circular saw. This will dramatically reduce stalling. I like the DeWalt for it's preformance but at that size I find a 4.5" grinder more useful. The stand out for me was the bosch, it's high preformance enough that it's useful but given that it's so small it makes it a tool that actually fits the category... Plus being German made and bosch, I can atest that like most of its other brushed older German tools they have made, it will be in service for at least a decade with no issues. When bosch releases a brushless model I think it could really shake up the category even more.
Thanks for the coaching on the position of the blade. I always pushed through and will definitely change that to pull through.
@@cdee6096 no problem, when you are cutting sheet metal it's always better to score your cut over and over again as well rather than feed it through like a circular saw. Check out fireball tools video on the topic, it had data in it and is excellent visual representation of what I'm talking about
I believe the Ridgid is capable of solid performance with the higher amp batteries. Close but not quite to the Dewalt.
Yep, I hope to test that when the dyno is done, It will be interesting to see. I also would like to get my hands on some NOS octan battery's with 21700s.
The M12 is competing with 18V tools, its definitely impressive in that regard. I like it because its so small, one handed use is a given. They can improve it by giving it more torque and thus a lower RPM and a holder of course
Yeah I'm hoping we see a gen 2 in 2025!
The DeWalt is a beast. I used it with a 3” sawed blade to trim 3/4” (actual) fence planks. Its cutting depth of 0.9” is significantly deeper than the rest of the field. With the dust shroud in place, it’s practically a mini circular saw, although I wish that attachment was more straightedge-friendly.
Yeah its awesome, I find my self wishing I could add an additional handle at times lol. I agree on the attachment, wish they did a little better.
To be fair, on the hercules box it says to use 4ah battery(recommended), also it's only single direction.
Yeah its funny how they show it with the 2ah, defiantly a big difference.
Thanks for catching that were I said dual direction, I will edit that out.
With Bauer the 3ah will actually do better than the 5ah. The 3ah battery is made with 21700 batteries where the 5ah is made with 18650 batteries. The 5ah will give you longer run time but the 3ah will give you more bang for your buck. I believe Hercules does the same thing, but it's good to know because if you need a quick burst the 3ah is cheaper and gives you more power in that split second.
Interesting I actually found the performance better with the 5AH. Im working on retesting them now on my dyno so it will be interesting to see, I also now have the 8ah.
Thank you. Almost bought Bauer since I'm a petite woman....doesn't seem like a good idea beyond just cutting PVC pipes.
No problem! Yeah it’s not the greatest. The Dewalt is awesome, but really depends on what platforms you run.
If you can get your hands on the makita. Do test that too. But I think its not available yet in North America
Should see it soon, mine shipped today from ACME acmetools.pxf.io/MmoYvK
I think putting the name of every tool brand your testing (like project farm) might help you reach some more viewers. Just a thought, as always great job!
Yeah I might try that again, originally I did. Vidiq looked at my channel and said I shouldn't list all the brands in the title lol.
Thanks!
The Hercules has awful performance with the freebie battery, maybe it would be fine for very light weight work though. However with the 4Ah battery it becomes very feasible, and that battery upgrade is a very affordable $35. While it still is nowhere as good as the DeWalt, its half the price fully loaded vs the DeWalt without battery. $85 total vs $180 + battery. This channel is probably more oriented towards professional usage, but as an average consumer the Hercules is the obvious choice.
Yeah I agree for the price, with the 4ah battery its a great option. So is the 12v drill, just throw away that 2ah lol.
How are you not blowing up with viewers?
Wish I knew lol! I'm not the best I know, but I think the content is getting better.
Are the battery powered all better than a $40-$70 corded cutoff tool?
No, corded is probably better than the 12v, but its hard to say with the 20v's without testing the corded.
Hmm going to have to look at Ridgid's current cut saw. Every stat you showed differs from mine (I know the 2021 RPM downgraded from the 2019 but it's still 19,000 rpm). Even the cutting depth is off here?
Very good video! I have the Dewalt on order, and I will match it with a 5AH Battery.
Thanks! Nice its a beast, you will be shocked. IMO it almost needs a second handle lol.
@@Tools-Tested 😎👍🇺🇸
I can't fathom why they used the 12v battery for the Hercules when their 20v batteries are way larger in capacity and higher voltage
I was shocked by that as well, heard Hercules was coming out with one and I assumed it was 20v not 12v kinda a letdown.
Hyper tough (from Walmart) recently came out with a 12v cut off tool. Would be interesting to see how it stacks up to the Harbor Freight offerings. I’m sure it would need to run on the 4ah battery just like the Hercules and Bauer too.
Yeah I ordered it & 4ah so it should show up this week, Im curious to see how it performs.
Does the Ridgid do better with a 4ah battery or do you have an octane 3ah battery because that has 21700 cells in it and it seems to wake up a lot of their tools.
Hard to say, I had to sell the ridgid after I made the original video about a year ago.
I would say the 21700 cells might be a little stronger.
Hoping to have a dyno built for small high speed tools like this. But thats going to be a few months. I will buy the ridgid again once its done.
@@Tools-Tested It's on sale now for $99
@@darrenporsch hmm it’s tempting. I really need to spend the money on the dyno first.
Hopefully it will still be on sale in a few months, after a few more pay checks.
Thanks for the info!
@@Tools-Tested Yeah I get it I spend a little too much on tools sometimes
@@darrenporsch yeah it can get out of control fast lol
I'm just thinking, man the worst of the worst is still better than doing it with a hand saw. There was a point in my lifetime where we had to use the blade of a hand saw to cut them rebar.
Yep, o the hacksaw days... I don't miss them.
Given the dramatic increase in cost, size and weight for using the big Dewalt battery- I would move to my 18v tool before using the 12v. I use 12v for all quick things. 18v for bigger projects. I have the 12 v and 18 volt Bosch cut offs and they are excellent. I didn’t catch it but I am assuming you compared 12v to 12v tools and not 12v to 18v tools.
18v to 18/20v
@@Vicus_of_Utrecht That Bosch was a 12v.
@@cdee6096 corrected. Still Bosches fault lol
Just use the powerstack battery 1.7 or 5, easy.
I have a hercules and it stalls alot. I don't think it would cut butter.
Yeah, to get anything out of it you have to use the 4ah.
Thanks for the video, cant wait for the Makita.
You and me both!
If I was on dewalt platform I definitely would pick this up. I’m not going to get the Milwaukee as this one seems lame. Maybe a gen 2 someday.
Keep ‘ em coming. 👍
Yeah would love to see a Gen2 or even a m18 version.
7:45 Having higher Ah battery data for Ridgid and Ryobi would be great. I know they wouldn't really challenge the Dewalt here, but curious to see how close the closest 2 contenders are in performance. I have the no-longer-made 3Ah Ryobi battery with 21700 cells, and that would be a good pairing for that tool because of decent output and still small size. Too bad Ryobi abandoned 21700 cells in their 18V platform
Yep, I have a NOS 3ah with 21700, Its crazy they stoped making them. Once the dyno is built, I will buy the ridgid and ryobi again so we can see.
It's crazy how much the battery pack can matter.
On other channels I have seen the Ridgid dominate all of these...
@@Tools-Tested I was gonna ask for this same test so plus one from me! I personally have the Ryobi and while it’s no Dewalt I have been quite impressed with it using 4AH HP batteries.
@@2down4up yeah hopefully in a few months we will see on the dyno.
@@boosted2.4_sky Same. Torque Test Review comes to mind (sorry you other channels I just don't recall).
you used the smallest batteries for the hercules & bauer.. use the new 12ah and the 8ah max performance batteries....... DOESNT FAIL AT ALL!!!
Milwaukee for life😊
Try the batteries from Hercules much better
I will have to get an adapter and try that!
I just don't get the point of these tools. Any thing I would cut it would just grab for my grinder...
Mostly for tight area's and tile work. But yeah normally an angle grinder works in most cases.
This test isn’t fair at all 😂😂😂
Don't mean to be that guy, but you spelled competitor wrong.. in your title.. sorry. Personally I'm all for freedom to spell how u wanna. But... Just saying. Carry-on!
Thanks for the feedback
What do you want for 50 bucks this test is a joke 😅😂😅😂😅
Not many people will be cutting rebar
What should he cut then? A tomato?
@@bighoss4189 your mommy
@@bighoss4189 no no no havarti cheese!
LOL... I have this Bosch 12V (along with a drill/driver, a driver and an impact - all very small / compact and light) ... I never cut rebar or anything like that ... I work in the medical equipment field: need it for its small footprint and light weight... I also just got a Hercules a short while ago but use it with the 4Ah battery for metal and 2Ah for plastics and other light stuff (it works well and is quite ergonomic in the hand... and was inexpensive $50 with 5yr warranty)
@@marcc482 i think rebar is a good measurement for speed, but obviously most people won’t be cutting it