Battery platform
The name of the battery platform supported by the device. A single battery platform is used to combine various power tools of the same brand into one line (screwdriver, grinder, circular saw, etc.). Devices on the same platform use interchangeable batteries and chargers. Thanks to this, for example, there is no need to select a battery for each individual model of a power tool, because one purchased as a spare battery can be used in various power tools, depending on the situation or as needed. Batteries of the same platform basically differ from each other except perhaps in capacity.
Battery voltage
The operating voltage of the battery in the saw with the appropriate type of power supply (see "Power supply"). The more powerful the tool, the higher the battery voltage, usually. At the same time, this parameter is usually selected in such a way as to optimally match the characteristics of a particular model; therefore, in fact, voltage data may be required only when looking for a spare or additional battery.
Note that most often in modern saws one of two standard voltages is used —
18 V or
36 V. Batteries
less than 18 V are typical mainly for compact low-power models, and
40 V or more — for heavy units, mostly professional ones.
Compatible batteries
Battery models that the saw of the corresponding type is compatible with (see “Power source”). This information will be useful in cases where the battery(ies) must be purchased separately, for example, if the tool does not come with a battery at all, if you need to supplement the original package, or if the existing battery has failed.
Noise level
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).
Weight
The total weight of the tool. For petrol models (see "Power Source"), usually, dry weight is indicated, excluding fuel.
In general, it makes sense to pay attention to this parameter primarily when choosing a hand tool. At the same time, note that higher power, a more capacious battery or a capacious tank will inevitably affect weight. However, tools with similar characteristics can and do differ markedly in weight. And here it is worth considering that a lighter model will be more comfortable to work with, but weight reduction may affect reliability and/or cost. In addition, a more massive tool is more stable, it is not so prone to jerks under uneven loads. If we talk about specific numbers, then a weight of
3 kg or less is considered very light,
3–5 kg is relatively small,
5–7 kg is medium,
7–10 kg is significant, and some powerful tools (mainly gasoline) weigh and
over 10 kg.
As for stationary saws, weight is of secondary importance for them — it mainly affects the ease of transportation.
