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DeWalt reciprocating saw

Fender1325

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Dec 30, 2014
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Needed to cut down a small tree, and Id have other uses for it, so I bought a reciprocating saw from HD. Milwaukee's were all bulky and a little heavy. Came down to the Makita (11 amp) and DeWalt (12 amp). Both 99 bucks. Ultimately I chose DeWalt because of the feel in the hand. Makita came with a sturdy case and one metal and one wood cutting blade. DeWalt didnt even come with a canvas bag like many of their tools. A little dissapointed there, but it got the job done. Felt a bit hot to the touch by the time I cut the small tree up, but seems pretty rugged.

Not in love, wonder if I shouldve got the Makita, but hey, it works well. One nice bonus is you can position the blade 4 different ways, allowing you to get a flush (to the floor or ceiling) cut.
 
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jd_1138

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May 8, 2013
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NE Ohio
I think the Milwaukee corded recips are the best bang for the buck, but the DeWalt should be fine.

With corded tools, it doesn't really matter what brand. Not like picking a cordless tool, where you pretty much have to buy what you already have in order to share the battery platform.

I used a Milwaukee corded recip to take down a moldy old shed in my mom's backyard. BIL was trying to do it with a circular saw (dangerous and slow).
 

Cato

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Mar 16, 2012
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Alhambra, California
I got one of those with a canvas case. The canvas case *****, but the saw is more ergonomic than the Makita.

Reciprocating saws can be used for pruning, but how "small" a tree are you cutting down? A reciprocating saw may not be the right tool for the job. This might be a good reason for you to buy a chainsaw. :)
 
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Fender1325

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Yeah I think my canvas case was missing. I'll go back to HD to find out tomorrow. I still prefer that over nothing. Keeps the blades together
 

jd_1138

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Yeah I think my canvas case was missing. I'll go back to HD to find out tomorrow. I still prefer that over nothing. Keeps the blades together

I put all my jigsaw and recip saw blades in a small plastic case that goes into my large contractor's bag where I keep all my cordless tools in.
 

mrvm

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Feb 12, 2014
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PA
A big pruning reciprocating saw blade makes for faster results
 
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Fender1325

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According to dewalts website, its one of the only models that comes with no carrying case. While makita included hardshell case, and 2 blades. Eh..
 
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Fender1325

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Just noticed under Q&A on amazon for this exact model someone said yes it comes with a case.
 

M4A1Carbine

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Sep 13, 2015
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Florida
I've been wanting to try Dewalt's compact reciprocating saw (DWE357 and DCS397). The only one I've seen at Home Depot are the 20V kit with battery and charger, but you can order the bare tool and corded versions online.

41N3qZJ3YCL._SX425_.jpg
 
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Fender1325

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Went to HD, opened a new sealed unit and no bag. Dewalt is ok but I rarely LOVE their stuff. Next round of tools - Makita!
 
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defektes

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Nov 24, 2014
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Arizona
Go exchange it for the Makita, or better yet the Milwaukee. I had a personal one 18v that the shaft snapped when I was in construction. Here at work they supply us with the same ones, the cases like to crack near the battery and the triggers fail. However the old Milwaukee that's corded keeps on going.
 
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Fender1325

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Yeah, Im thinking about the makita. I dunno. Honestly I wont be using it TOO much, and I liked the blade release a little more on the dewalt. I'll give it another week or so and make the decision then. The milwaukee was pretty bulky. The dewalt felt best in my hands for control. But I think im coming to the conclusion that dewalt is the cheapest of the big 3 (milwaukee, makita, dewalt)
 

Southernbuild

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Aug 25, 2012
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North MS
As the owner of a cordless DeWalt sawzall, I would say that the 4 way blade feature is worth much more than a case, and can really be a life saver. You can always find a case / bag for your current saw.
 

shawhite

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May 28, 2014
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We have used about all the major brands at work dewalt, Milwaukee, Hilti, makita. They all perform about the same. The dewalt has a better blade release and the 4 position blade placemen option is nice.
 

shawhite

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If you want a case that bad pm me and pay shipping I will send one of the 10-20 sitting at the shop.
 

iScream

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Apr 8, 2014
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Middle TN
I've had the Dewalt for about 4 years now. Don't use it all that often but it's sure nice to have when I do need it. Mine did come in a hard case though.

If the Dewalt feels the best in your hands I would say it's the saw for you. I think they're kinda like corded drills as far as lasting many, many years for the average guy at home.
 

RedneckWelder

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Nov 12, 2013
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The Ghetto Kingdom of Methlandia
I've been wanting to try Dewalt's compact reciprocating saw (DWE357 and DCS397). The only one I've seen at Home Depot are the 20V kit with battery and charger, but you can order the bare tool and corded versions online.

41N3qZJ3YCL._SX425_.jpg


Lowes has the corded compact model. It's...interesting. I've been eyeing it.

I need a new sawzall after my old craftsman died. Been thinking about picking up two, one for the house and one for work, where it might come in handy sometimes.
 
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Fender1325

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I emailed DeWalt. They said this model doesnt come with one (anymore I guess since other reviews claim it did) but that they'd go ahead and mail me one. I appreciate that. Father in law who used to do remodeling said he's owned milwaukee and makita and the dewalt did the best and lasted years for him. I guess its here to stay.
 
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