The Craftsman V20 3-inch cut-off tool offers big power in a small package
The Craftsman V20 3″ brushless cut-off tool joins the Craftsman RP range and fills an important gap in compact multi-material cutting. At first glance, it’s a versatile saw that has a lot to offer for DIY and general home improvement work. But is it the right tool for you? Let’s find out!
Per
- Fast cutting speed
- Contains a variety of cutting wheels
- Excellent ergonomics
- Forward and reverse operation
- Tool-free depth adjustment
Disadvantages
- Idle speed: 0–20,000 rpm
- Maximum cutting depth: 3/4 inch.
- Motor type: Brushless
- Output power: 500 UWO
- Mandrel diameter: 3/8 inch and 7/16 inch.
Cutting performance
The Craftsman 20V 3-inch cut-off tool can cut through a variety of materials, including metal, drywall, fiber cement, plastic, tile, and even stone. Its brushless motor and variable speed trigger produce a no-load speed of 20,000 RPM. Since this tool is primarily designed for cutting thinner materials, it only has a maximum cutting depth of 3/4 inch. Still, that’s more than enough to handle many of the materials already mentioned.
Interestingly, it has a forward and reverse mode, which is unusual for a circular saw, but actually serves a very useful purpose on this cutting tool. This gives you the ability to direct sparks and chips in the most convenient direction. It also helps clear chips, reduces the possibility of kickback, and gives you more control when cutting.
- Model: Craftsman CMCM300
- Power source: Craftsman 20 V
- Weight: 2.2 pounds (without tools), 3.6 pounds (with 4.0 Ah battery)
- Length: 8.8 inches.
- Width: 5.1 inches.
Size and weight
The Craftsman CMCM300 weighs a modest 2.2 pounds on its own and 3.6 pounds with a 4.0 Ah battery. It measures 8.8 inches from tip to tail and the tool body is just over 5 inches wide. Although it’s primarily a one-handed tool, you have plenty of room to get a consistent cut with your second hand.
ergonomics
The handle feels a little larger compared to some of the Craftsman V20 tools I’ve tested, but I think this gives you better control over the tool. The handle has a textured rubber coating and the directional controls are very similar to those of a cordless drill. One thing we noticed is that there is no trigger safety. For this reason, I would recommend removing the battery when transporting the tool to prevent accidental trigger pulls.
Cutting depth adjustment
As I mentioned earlier, this tool has a maximum cutting depth of 3/4 inch. To adjust the shoe, simply loosen the wing nut on the back of the shoe and slide it to the appropriate depth. Remember, there are no depth markings, so if precision is important, you’ll need to have a tape measure handy.
Additional features
- Compatible with all Craftsman 20V batteries
- Versatrack compatible for easy storage
- LED work light
The Craftsman CMCM300 costs $119 on its own and comes with a metal cutting disc, a tile disc, and a multi-material disc. Craftsman offers a 3-year limited warranty on this tool.
The conclusion
The Craftsman 3″ Cordless Cut-Off Tool is a great addition to your angle grinder if you’re working in tighter areas or just want more control. It’s great for cutting thin to medium-thick metal, and it’s also a great option if you want to cut tile, vinyl, cement board, or drywall to fit. While it has a limited cutting capacity, this tool could save you some headaches on your next project.
