Comparison Procraft PKA30 vs Procraft PKA44

The location of the motor in the electric portable saw (see "Type").

- Longitudinally. The longitudinal arrangement allows you to achieve a good balance, allowing you to work comfortably in different positions; this is especially true for cutting branches from trees and other similar work, where the cutting plane can be located at different angles. In addition, such a tool has a smaller width and a longer length, which can make it easier to work in hard-to-reach places. On the other hand, such saws are more expensive than cross-cut saws.

- Transversely. The transverse arrangement of the engine slightly worsens the balance compared to the longitudinal one and makes it difficult to saw along an inclined plane, at an angle to the vertical. In addition, the length of such saws is noticeably shorter. However, for the simplest work with sawing from top to bottom, they are no worse than longitudinal ones, but they are much cheaper. Yes, and a small length in some cases can also be a virtue.

The highest speed that the saw engine is capable of delivering in normal operation.

We emphasize that this parameter should not be confused with the maximum disk speed (see below) — here we are talking exclusively about the speed of rotation of the motor shaft. It can be specified for all types of saws, not only for models using discs. However, in general, engine speed is more of a reference than really significant information. In fact, it is needed mainly for some specific tool maintenance tasks; when choosing, it is better to focus on indicators that are more “close to life” — engine power, cutting depth, chain / tape speed or disk speed, etc.

A function that starts the engine smoothly without a sudden jerk and gradually brings the tool up to working speed. It makes the start safer and more comfortable because the saw doesn't jerk in your hands at the moment of activation. In practice, soft start is convenient when you need to make a precise cut in mid-air, work in an awkward position, or simply better control the tool from the first seconds. Compared to models without such a function, the load on the hands, gearbox, and power network is lower. This is especially useful for powerful circular, reciprocating, and chain saws, where a sudden start is felt most strongly.

- Disc. The presence of a saw blade is included in the delivery set of the circular tool. It can be either one or several, which allows you to use the saw “out of the box” without the need to purchase additional consumables. If you already have a saw blade or intend to select it for specific tasks, it is worth taking a closer look at the configurations without a blade - they are usually cheaper.

- Chain. One or more chains included as standard with the saw. The presence of a chain with teeth for cutting allows you to do without purchasing a separate executive body for chain saw. However, there are configurations without a chain - it is assumed that the customer already has a chain or he will select the required option himself.

— Saw blade. The presence of one or more saw blades in the complete set of a reciprocating or band tool. They ensure that the saw is ready for use literally immediately after unpacking. There are also configurations of reciprocating or band models without a saw blade - they are cheaper, and the customer has the right to choose a suitable blade independently.

— Dust collector. A dust collector is included with the saw. The dust collector is a container for collecting sawdust and other d...ebris generated during operation; As a rule, such a container is made removable. Installing a dust collector slightly increases the dimensions of the entire tool, but this is compensated by cleanliness and convenience: dust and other production waste mostly settle in the container and not on surrounding objects.

- Charger. The presence of a charging block in the package allows you to charge batteries. Accordingly, for models with batteries, this accessory is necessary to power the battery. However, there are models without a charger. And saw with it may differ in the charger model, the name of which will allow you to learn more about its characteristics and, if necessary or if required (breakdown), purchase a similar one.

— Case (bag). Availability of a case or bag included with the instrument. A case is a container-suitcase made of hard material; bags are usually made of soft material. This way the case provides maximum protection and the bag can be folded away compactly when not in use. The specific type of case that comes with the saw should be specified separately. However, in any case, a complete case or bag will be more convenient for storing and transporting the instrument than impromptu packaging.

- Stand. The stand makes the saw tool more stable, reliable and safe. The presence of a stand is typical for stationary type saw. Mostly these are powerful, productive, large and heavy models that are located in a separate place. The stand can be implemented either with classic legs (bed) or with a cabinet with a tool compartment. The stand can be equipped with various types of saw: circular saw, miter saw, band saw, cutting saw and even chain saw (with electric drive).

— Wheels for transportation. Transport wheels make it easy to move sawing equipment around the shop. The presence of wheels will come in handy when the saw needs to be moved a little to install some large workpieces or simply when cleaning the workshop. As a rule, wheels are typical for stationary saw with a table top or work holder.

Features of the battery saw package, regarding the presence of a battery in the kit or the design of the tool. For cordless tools in general, see "Power Source", and the options in this case may be as follows:

— Missing. The complete absence of batteries in the delivery set — they need to be looked for separately. This is associated with certain troubles, but it also provides important advantages. Firstly, the model and number of purchased batteries can be chosen at your discretion, depending on your needs and low-cost. Secondly, a suitable battery may already be “in the household” — especially when you consider that some manufacturers produce universal batteries suitable for different types of power tools of the same brand. Thanks to all this, this option is extremely popular — in fact, most cordless saws come without batteries.

— 1 battery. "Classic of the genre": one removable battery included. The main advantages of this configuration are low cost and at the same time the ability to use the saw “out of the box” without selecting power sources for it. At the same time, when the charge is exhausted, you will inevitably have to take breaks for charging — or still buy another battery. Thus, this option is relatively rare — sets with two batteries are more common.

— 2 batteries. The most popular option among saws supplied with batteries included. H...owever, it is worth noting that in this category there are two types of tools. The first, and most common, is saws for one battery. In such models, the second battery plays the role of a spare, its presence allows you to extend battery life and minimize interruptions for charging: while one battery is in use, the second can be charged. The second variety of saws in a similar configuration are models that initially operate on two batteries (see "Powered by two batteries") and are supplied with power supplies in the kit; this case is analogous to having one battery in a simpler tool (see above).

— 3 batteries. A very rare configuration option: in the presence of a charger for 2 batteries, it allows you to practically eliminate interruptions in charging, but it is expensive and rarely needed (and in cases where 3 batteries are really needed, the required number of batteries can be purchased separately).

— 4 batteries. A variant found among individual models powered immediately by 2 batteries. Essentially the same as 2 batteries for a tool powered by 1 battery; see above for details.

— Built-in. A battery built into the body of the saw and not designed to be removed and replaced by the user. This design somewhat reduces the overall dimensions of the tool, but does not allow you to quickly change a dead battery to a fresh one — the only option is charging, which can take quite a lot of time. In addition, if the battery fails, the tool will, at best, have to be carried to a service centre, at worst, replaced with a new one. Therefore, this option is used extremely rarely — in separate low-power tools that are not designed for high loads and long-term operation.

Capacity of the battery supplied with the saw of the corresponding type (see “Power source”).

In theory, the higher the capacity, the longer the tool can work without recharging/changing the battery. However, in practice everything is not so simple. Firstly, actual autonomy depends not only on the characteristics of the battery, but also on the power consumption of the tool (and this is directly determined by the engine power). Secondly, only batteries with the same rated voltage can be compared by capacity in ampere-hours; if the voltage is different, ampere-hours must be converted to watt-hours using special formulas and using the results already obtained. So it makes sense to compare this parameter only with saw with the same battery voltage and similar motor power. And to assess the actual autonomy, it is better to pay attention to the specified operating time and/or number of cuts (see below for both).

Note that many models allow operation with batteries of different capacities - it is enough that they are compatible in connectors and operating voltage.

The noise level produced by the saw during operation. Note that this parameter is rather approximate, because in fact, the “loudness of the work” depends not only on the tool, but also on the material being processed and the characteristics of the environment. Nevertheless, the data given in the characteristics make it possible to assess the comfort of working with the tool. The lower this indicator, the less discomfort the noise will cause, and at high values, even special hearing protection may be needed.

Note that the noise level is usually measured in decibels, and this unit is not linear: for example, a difference of 3 dB corresponds to a difference of 2 times, 10 dB — to 10 times. Therefore, it is easiest to evaluate the noise level using comparative tables. Here is a simplified version of such a table for the range in which modern saws operate:

70 dB — loud conversation of several people in close proximity;
75 dB — a cry in the immediate vicinity;
80 dB — truck engine, mechanical alarm ringing;
85 dB — loud scream;
90 dB — freight car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
95 dB — subway car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
100 dB — industrial shop;
110 dB — tractor engine;
120 dB — demolition hammer, thunder from a close lightning strike (pain threshold of auditory perception).