Metabo HPT CD1805DB Review: A Compact 18V Metal Cutting Saw That Punches Above Its Size

Introduction

Compact metal cutting has long been dominated by larger, heavier saws, so the arrival of the Metabo HPT CD1805DB is notable. This is an 18V cordless metal cutting saw with a 5-3/8 inch blade, sold as a kit with two 5 amp hour MultiVolt batteries. In 36V configuration, those same batteries read as 2.5 amp hour packs, which adds flexibility if you already own Metabo HPT tools.

The headline here is size. The saw weighs just over 5 lb and measures 11.5 inches front to back with a battery installed, making it one of the most manageable metal cutting options for tight job site spaces.

Key Features and Design

Metabo HPT has put real thought into handling. Lots of rubber over-mold covers the body, so you can set the saw down on finished surfaces without scratching them. The chip collection box sits at the back and can be emptied easily, and during cutting it kept chips contained rather than throwing them at your face or arms.

Blade changes are straightforward. There is a spindle lock button on top, and the blade wrench lives on the opposite side of the saw, so everything you need is within reach. Depth of cut adjustment is handled at the rear with a lever, and the lower guard should always be checked to confirm it is working freely before use.

There is also an LED work light and a battery fuel meter on the tool body, and the included batteries carry their own fuel gauges, accessible from the rear.

Cutting Performance

Metabo HPT rates this saw at a 2-inch maximum depth of cut, and it only cuts at 90 degrees; there is no bevel capability. That simplicity suits its purpose. It cuts aluminum, wood if you choose, and even PVC in a pinch, with wood and PVC chips landing in the collection box.

The surprise during testing was steel. The saw chewed through angle iron with no bogging, provided you let the blade do the work instead of forcing it. For steel, expect to be fine with shorter cuts in thinner material at or near the maximum, but a longer rip through half-inch steel is not what this saw is built for.

A fence mount is available if you need to crosscut a long piece of metal, and the cutting action stays contained within the lower guard.

Silent Mode Explained

The saw has a silent mode, toggled with a speaker icon button, that drops the blade speed to 2,200 RPM for quieter, lighter work. If the saw needs more power, it automatically ramps up to its full 4,200 RPM power state.

In practice, this is a nice idea with a caveat. During testing, the saw repeatedly kicked out of silent mode into full power under load with the materials being cut. That is not a dealbreaker, especially since the test materials were not thin, but buyers should treat silent mode as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

Who This Saw Is For

This saw makes the most sense for people working in compact or smaller areas where a full-size metal cutting saw is overkill or simply will not fit. Metalworkers, electricians, and maintenance crews who make occasional cuts in angle iron, aluminum, or thin stock will appreciate the light weight and easy handling.

Most people using a metal cutting saw are not working in precision or painted areas anyway, and this saw is clearly built for that jobsite reality rather than showroom finishing work.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The 2-inch depth of cut is generous on paper, but it does not translate to cutting 2 inches of solid steel. Steel capacity in practice is closer to shorter cuts in thinner material. Larger metal cutting saws on the market typically advertise a half-inch steel max cut, while this one simply states its 2-inch depth of cut without specifying a steel maximum, so set expectations accordingly.

There is also no bevel function, so every cut is a square 90 degrees. If your work demands angled cuts, this is not the tool for it.

Buying Advice

One of the best things about this kit is battery flexibility. It runs on Metabo HPT 18V batteries and also accepts the 36V MultiVolt packs, so existing Metabo HPT owners can slot it into their collection without new purchases.

Metabo HPT currently concentrates on its 18V platform, and this saw fits that direction well. If you want serious capacity for ripping through thick steel, a larger dedicated metal cutting saw remains the better choice, and it would be interesting to see a larger 36V version down the road. For most people, though, the compact size and light weight are exactly what makes this saw worth owning.

Conclusion

The Metabo HPT CD1805DB is a well-designed, compact metal cutting saw with plenty of power for its size, effective chip collection, and thoughtful details like onboard blade wrench storage and rubber over-molding. It will not replace a large metal cutting saw for heavy steel work, but for smaller cuts in tight spaces, it is a strong addition to the 18V lineup.