Metabo HPT 36V Rear-Handle Circular Saw Cuts Weight But Keeps The Power
We’ve tested a lot of rear-handle circular saws over the years and one of the common threads with all of them is they’re heavier than your average sidewinder. The Metabo HPT 36V rear-handle circular saw delivers a lightweight design and we wanted to know if it sacrificed power to get it.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Excellent tracking
- Comfortable handles
- Efficient dust and chip removal
- Easily powers through difficult cuts
- Noticably fast blade brake
- Excellent sightlines from both sides of the blade
- Vacuum adapter included
Cons
- No onboard tool wrench storage
- No LED worklight
Metabo HPT 36V Rear-Handle Circular Saw Performance
Power Plant
At the core of this circular saw is Metabo HPT’s brushless motor which is capable of churning out up to 5,100 RPMs. Compared to 15-amp corded worm drive saws we’ve used, Metabo HPT exceeds their torque with stronger cutting. This allows it to tackle tough cross cuts as well as rip multiple sheets of plywood or OSB materials with relative ease.
What’s nice is Metabo HPT only needs a single MultiVolt battery to run the saw. Competitors from Makita and Skil use two, while Milwaukee and DeWalt rely on much larger single packs.
Metabo HPT’s saw is also compatible with their corded AC adapter to provide unlimited runtime when you have a convenient AC power source.
Cut Quality
We looked for weaknesses in the saw’s design by putting it through our standard set of test cuts including 2 x 10 cross, miter, bevel, and compound miter cuts. We were able to quickly and confidently tackle these cuts without any major issues or guard hangups.
One thing we noticed as we cut is how open the sightlines are to the blade from both sides.
The saw tracks really well, even on bevel cuts, but we do recommend you take some time to practice when you need to make the most accurate cuts. The 0° cutline indicator was dead on its flat edge, but the 45° was closer to the middle of its notch. Take some time and scrap wood to familiarize yourself with where the blade travels at each angle.
Metabo HPT 36V Rear-Handle Circular Saw Design Notes
Ergonomics
Right out of the gate, one of the first things we noticed was the weight… in a good way! While it is heavier than most sidewinders, as a rear handle saw it’s surprisingly lightweight. Weighing just 10.63 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, it’s almost two pounds lighter than the competition. Compared to other cordless rear-handle saws from Milwaukee (13.7 lbs), DeWalt (13.8 lbs), and Makita (12.7 lbs), this saw is a relative featherweight.
As we’ve come to expect from Metabo HPT’s ergonomics the rear handle contours well to my medium-sized hands, though it’s not quite as refined as the drills and impact drivers from the line. Overall, it offers a very controlled and secure grip while making cuts.
The front handle is typical for a rear-handle saw with a thin diameter and full-width size. Some brands do a bit more work on this section to fill your hand, but we’re not too fussed by it.
Adjustments
As with most modern circular saws, the Metabo HPT circular saw employs tool-free mechanisms for making blade height and bevel adjustments on the fly. Just flip either movement’s adjustment lever, make the shift, and push the lever back to lock it down.
Blade Changes
Swapping out blades on this saw is no different than any other Pro-grade circular saw. Press down on the blade lock, rotate the blade until the lick slips into place, and use the wrench to loosen the arbor bolt. Unfortunately, there’s no onboard wrench storage so be sure to keep it somewhere safe.
Rafter Hook
The Metabo HPT 36V rear-handle circular saw features a folding steel rafter hook that fits securely over 2x material. Keeping with OSHA regulations, it’s also tether-ready for additional safety when working at height.
Let There Be Light?
There are a few notable omissions in the feature department but they aren’t complete deal-breakers. First is the lack of LED work light. We prefer to have one, especially when working indoors where overhead lights are likely to cast shadows or in the wintertime when it gets dark earlier.
Additional Features
- Magnesium shoe and blade guard
- 0°, 45°, and 53° bevel stops
- Fast blade brake
- Vacuum adapter included
Metabo HPT 36V Rear-Handle Circular Saw Price
The MetaboHPT 36V rear-handle circular saw retails for $199 as a bare tool and $349 as a kit with a single 4.0Ah battery and charger. In a competitive space, it’s an attractive price and Metabo HPT covers it with a lifetime tool warranty.
The Bottom Line
After spending some quality time with the Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt rear handle saw, we’re confident this saw can keep up with the best of ’em. Its strong performance and impressive cutting depth compete well and its lower weight have made it a favorite among our team. There’s still some room to improve the design a bit, but those are relatively minor considering how impressed we are with the saw’s other characteristics.
To check out the full Metabo HPT lineup, click here.
Metabo HPT 36V Rear-Handle Circular Saw Specifications
- Model: Metabo HPT C3607DWA
- Power Source: Metabo HPT MultiVolt System
- Max Cutting Depth: 2-7/16 in.
- Brushless Motor
- No-Load Speed: 5,100 RPM
- Arbour: 5/8 in.
- Bevel: 0-53°
- Weight: 8.5 lbs.(bare), 10.63 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
