Sawzall Recommendations?

slow&rusty · 07-02-2006, 04:42 AM

Guys - I am looking at picking up a Sawzall today or tomorrow ...any recommendations in terms of make and model? I know Milwaukee and Dewalt are up there...anything else I should consider?

Thanks!

Yasin

Seahawk · 07-02-2006, 04:48 AM

Really depends on how much you'll use it. I have a Dewalt that was a christmas gift from my kids years ago. I use it at least twice a month. Works great, no problems to date.

Very versitile tool.

fastpat · 07-02-2006, 05:13 AM

I have a corded Milwaukee, the original Sawzall, and it's hard to beat this brand.

If I were buying today, I'd go cordless. The new

28 volt Milwaukee has plenty of power, and you can use it anywhere. I may buy one anyway, great for pruning larger limbs in the fall. Easier on the tree than a chain saw.

David · David's Garage

My only concern with cordless is would you get enough use out of it before it's time for a new battery.

I only use my Dewalt sawzall a few times a year so I bought a corded one.

I use cordless drills, but I have to buy a new one or new batteries every couple of years. The new lithium ion batteries should extend that by a year or two but the cost reflects that.

cowtown · 02:42 PM

I've got the big red Milwaukee and it's been great for five years. That sucker could cut the planet into pieces if you had enough blades.

slow&rusty · 07-02-2006, 06:03 AM

Guys could you post the model numbers that you own \ recommend...all Milwaukees are big and red!

My plan is to buy one that is corded and will be used for cutting thin walled aluminum and stainless steel with the odd relegated to the yard for branch trimming.

Yasin

5axis · 07-02-2006, 06:08 AM

I have a anniversary edition Milwaukee. It has a polished aluminum body. Extra bling points are a good thing. I prefer corded but I often use mine for extended times too. (structural steel cutting)
That is a lot of expensive batteries and I have several generators to power things anyway.

So, it depends on your intended use (cord Vs battery) and what not, but you won't go wrong with either a Milwaukee or Dewalt.

Lastly, get a large assortment of blades.

Anton · 07-02-2006, 06:10 AM

For a Sawzall, you want the corded Milwaukee. I don't know the model number so get the biggest/reddest one you can find. I'll recomment the two speed model with the variable speed trigger, detachable cord, and steel carrying case. The cord is the only thing that will ever wear out. However, for thin aluminum and stainlees, a sawzall is often overkill and will just shake the hell out of you and the workpiece. Have you tried other cutting methods, or is a sawzall the only way to go. Oh yeah, don't buy cheap blades.

Vipergrün · 07-02-2006, 06:10 AM

Only one answer....Milwaukee.

Check out your local pawn shop.

Anton · 07-02-2006, 06:12 AM

If you buy a power tool from your local pawn shop to save a buck, you don't get to complain when someone steals it back. Go to a pawn shop in a different town and support their criminals.

nine_one_4 · 10:37 AM

I just bought this Black & Decker 7.5A Reciprocating Saw when it was on sale at half price for about $50 CAD. Model No. RS500K.

wrecktech · 07-02-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anton
For a Sawzall, you want the corded Milwaukee. I don't know the model number so get the biggest/reddest one you can find. I'll recomment the two speed model with the variable speed trigger, detachable cord, and steel carrying case.

I agree on this and have one. They have a 24 volt cordless that is very nice. I have an 18 volt Dewalt that works very vell also.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 07-02-2006, 11:30 AM

Milwaukee. Will last 20 years.

cashflyer · 07-02-2006, 12:26 PM

Whatever you do, don't buy the $20 model from Harbor Freight.
You can burn that motor out just cutting turkey.

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

I have Mikita's reciprocating saw and it has worked perfectly for 15 years.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Jared Fenton
Milwaukee. Will last 20 years.

I bought an all metal Milwaukee may years ago at a flee market for 5 bucks. Thing must be from the early 60's. Just can't kill the bastard. While it has 2 speeds a completely variable speed feature would be nice.

cowtown · 07-02-2006, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by slow&rusty
Guys could you post the model numbers that you own \ recommend...all Milwaukees are big and red!

Hehe, my big red corded one is model 6509-21. For what you're doing (with metal, not plants), a bandsaw might be a good choice too.

sammyg2 · 07-02-2006, 05:12 PM

I bought one of the harbor freight sawzalls about 5 years ago, it works just fine and i have used it to cut two 914s into itty teeny pieces, no problems. At $29 if it fails i throw it away and buy another.

Rodeo · 07-02-2006, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cashflyer
Whatever you do, don't buy the $20 model from Harbor Freight.
You can burn that motor out just cutting turkey.

I expected the same thing, but since I have very infrequent need for a sawzall, I bought the Harbor Freight cheapie anyway.

That sucker can cut!l I used it for about 3 hours today and it worked like a champ!

fastpat · 07-02-2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jared Fenton
Milwaukee. Will last 20 years.

I have my late fathers Sawzall too, it's well over 40 years old, maybe 50 years or so, still works. No plastic, metal box.

The 28v cordless will do a great job, batteries for it should last about 5 years or so, the battery can be left on the charger since there's no memory problems, and a Li-Ion should be kept charged.