Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery technology is one of the fastest growing trends in the tool community, and certainly for good reason. Lithium Ion batteries have the best energy to weight ratio, meaning they pack the most power with the smallest amount of bulk. They also experience no memory effect or, lazy battery effect. This occurs when a battery can no longer accept a maximum charge for having been repeatedly recharged without being fully used (a common symptom of Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) batteries). Li-Ion batteries, conversely, have absolutely no memory and can continually accept a maximum charge. Additionally, Lithium Ion batteries have a very slow rate of charge loss while the battery is disengaged.

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What is the difference between Lithium Batteries and Lithium Ion Batteries?

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The difference is in the chemistry; a Lithium battery is a disposable power source composed of lithium metal compounds - the key word, here, being disposable; Lithium batteries can not be recharged. Lithium Ion batteries, on the other hand, are intercalated, meaning the lithium ion inside the battery moves between two internal electrodes. This movement, or reversibility of the lithium ion accounts for the battery's rechargeability.

What are the benefits of Lithium Ion Technology?

-- Lithium Ion batteries hold a lot of power and are surprisingly light-weight, especially with consideration to other rechargeable batteries.
-- Li-Ion batteries combine single cell technology with a greater energy reservoir than Nickel Metal Hydride and Nickel Cadmium batteries. They store more power for their size than both NiCad and NiMH.
-- Li-Ion batteries hold their charge for significantly longer than other comparable batteries, and provide steady power until that charge is completely gone. Other batteries gradually and consistently loose power as you work. Li-Ion batteries stay strong until the last push.

Are there disadvantages to using Lithium Ion Batteries?

The disadvantages with using Li-Ion battery technology are generally few and far between, and technological advancements are making them even less so. Manufacturers have recently improved the Lithium Ion recipe to reveal a more reliable battery. Still, every giant has its weaknesses:

-- Li-Ion batteries are sensitive to intense hot and cold temperatures. In extreme temperature conditions, the battery will degrade more quickly.
-- Li-Ion batteries degrade regardless frequency of use.
-- The Li-Ion battery's built-in computer chip tells the battery to refuse a charge once the batteries power falls below a certain point. If this occurs, the battery is beyond repair.

Although these defects are more applicable to the older Lithium Ion batteries, the possibility of seeing these problems is still worth noting. Fortunately, these said defects are fairly rare, and easily avoided.

-- Store Li-Ion batteries (and other batteries as well) in a cool, dry place.
-- Use your Li-Ion batteries often.
-- Be certain Li-Ion batteries have a full charge before storing them, and pull them out every so often to use and recharge. Watch the batteries power level to be sure it doesn't fall below the charge limit.

General Li-Ion Battery Tips:

-- On occasion Lithium Ion batteries require more than one charge (sometimes 2 to even 10) to accept a full charge. The first time you charge your battery, leave it to charge over night. This ensures you'll have maximum power for your first use.
-- To maintain proper balance in your battery, leave it charge over night about once per week for the life of the battery.
-- When buying a new Lithium Ion battery, make certain you are buying a fresh one. There's a chance a battery has been degrading on the shelfs of manufacturer's and distributor's so be certain you are buying a new one. Most manufacturers provide a date code on the battery or packaging. Check dates before you purchase, and be confident you are getting a fresh, high-performance battery.

Lithium Ion Batteries - What You Need to Know About Li-Ion Technology

Makita Power Tool

Special Price!!! Makita Bare-Tool BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw

Nov 08, 2011 01:43:02

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>> Click here to update Cheapest prices for Makita Bare-Tool BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw <<

Makita Bare-Tool BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Feature

Makita-built motor delivers 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping through wood
Compact, ergonomic design at only 6.9 pounds reduces operator fatigue
Large 2-1/4-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees
LXT lithium-ion battery, Energy Star 30-minute rapid optimum charger produces 430% total lifetime work, 2.5X more cycles
Tool only (battery not included) 3-year warranty on tool

Makita Bare-Tool BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Overview

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS611Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2X material at 45 degrees.

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BSS611Z Features

SPEED - 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping

EFFICIENCY - Large cutting capacity (2-1/4" at 90°)

COMFORT - Less weight with ergonomic grip

PERFORMANCE - LXT Li-Ion batteries charge in 30 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles

Battery and charger not included

Tool Specifications

Blade diameter	6-1/2"
Arbor	5-8"
No load speed	3,700 RPM
Max. cutting depth	90° (2-1/4") ,45° (1-9/16"), 50° (1-7/16")
Battery	18V LXT Lithium-Ion
Overall length	13-5/8"
Net weight	6.9 lbs. (w/battery)

Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile Power
The BSS611Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor that produces 3,700 RPM for faster cutting. The saw has a 50 degree maximum bevel cutting capacity and is engineered with a heavy gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability.

Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BSS611Z weighs just 6.9 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 13-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue.

Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BSS611Z is engineered for a range of cutting tasks, and is perfect for roofing, carpentry, remodeling, woodworking, and for any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered cordless circular saw. The BSS611Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.

About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.