Harbor Freight has introduced the Bauer 20V cordless cut off tool. We had just learned they made a cordless version for Hercules, now it’s Bauer’s turn. Let’s check it out.
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Bauer 20V Cordless Cut Off Tool
A cut off tool is similar to a grinder in that it can cut. Unlike a grinder, it is not designed for grinding and is purpose built for cutting. This is evident in the angle the motor and cutting wheel are facing as well as its holding position. It also only comes with a cut off guard.
Cut off tools are perfectly suited for cutting metal with the appropriate cutting wheel. Just like the Hercules, this blade spins toward you. This means that it will kick back all sorts of debris towards you when cutting. Make sure to wear eye protection and long sleeves. Especially when cutting metal as you don’t want red hot shards smacking into you.
These cut off tools are useful for cutting a variety of materials. Such as metal, tile (shown above), and plastics such as PVC. Make sure to wear additional PPE such as dust masks or respirators when cutting tile and stone as it will produce lots of dusts. Dust that’s being pushed in your direction.
Bauer 20V Cordless Cut Off Tool -Features
This Bauer cut off tool is cordless and runs on any Bauer 20V battery. Unlike the Hercules, this Bauer is not brushless. The Bauer does have an edge over the Hercules in the voltage department. The Bauer is running on 20 volts (18V nominal) whereas the Hercules cordless is 12 volts. I haven’t tried either tools so I can’t say which is stronger, however 18 volt tools are typically stronger than 12 volt. 18V tools typically run longer because their batteries have more cells which in turn offers a larger capacity (more watt hours).
The Bauer uses a slide lock-on power switch that’s easy to reach with your main thumb.
It includes a hex key to swap wheels and storage for the key is on the left side of the tool. Even though it’s an 18 volt tool, it doesn’t look much bigger than the 12V Hercules. Except for the size of the battery and battery holder. The cutting guard is adjustable however no mention is made if it is tool-less to adjust. It uses 3 inch cutting wheels with 3/8″ arbor. Max depth of cut is 0.6 inch. Weight is 2 lbs without a battery installed.
My biggest gripe on this model and the Hercules, is that you can’t change the direction the blade spins. Other brands offer this feature however Harbor Freight cordless models do not. I’m just not crazy about the debris being shot back at me, especially when cutting metal as I don’t want red hot shards shooting at me. I also don’t want a ton of dust blown in my direction either which is the case when cutting tile and stone.
Bauer 20V Cordless Cut Off Tool – Pricing
Although the Hercules might seem cooler with its brushless motor, the Bauer is cheaper at $49.99 as a baretool. This makes it $20 cheaper at time of writing. $49.99 also makes it much more affordable than competing brands from Ryobi, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Worx.
- This powerful cut-off tool delivers clean and accurate cuts through straps, hangers, exhaust systems, sheet metal, and more, depending on type of wheel used
- 0.6 in. depth of cut for straight and plunge cutting
- Adjustable cutting guard for accurate positioning
- Ergonomic rubber overmold grip
- 3/8 in. arbor for use with 3 in. wheels
- 2 lbs weight baretool
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Tool Craze does not sell this product or any product on the Tool Craze website. Also Tool Craze does not handle the sale of any item in any way. Tool Craze is an Amazon Associate. And places affiliate links including those from other retailers Tool Craze is an affiliate partner with. If you purchase through a link on the Tool Craze site; Tool Craze may get a share of the sale. Please refer to the About section for more info. Tool Craze cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information/specifications/features of any tool listed in this article. Please do your full research before buying any products.
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