School me on corded reciprocating saw

[metaldad]

you can find any brand and model on ebay, to fit your budget. research that parts are available
milwaukees were the standard, when they were made here. stroke, depends on what your main focus on cutting is, wood or steel. however, for steel, a grinder with a cut off wheel is usually a better choice.
by my experience, and ownership, all on older saws,the following:
the sawzall itself, well balanced, resulting in less operator fatigue. power runs the spectrum, as they were made in a wide range of models. the qwik lock cord is nice. including a 18v fuel, which isnt as ballsy as the corded ones, i have 4
porter cable tiger saw - the most powerful saw i have, but, not as well balanced as a milwaukee. i have 2
porter cable tiger claw - verastile tool that has an infinite range of tool/blade alignment. gimicky, i have 2
porter cable tiger cub - one handed tool. gets into tight places. some parts no longer available. i have 2
bosch - whatever model i have, didnt come with a cord, just the prongs you plug an extension cord into. not a fan, as the cord tends to vibrate off. i have 1
milwaukee 12v hacksall, pos homeowner garbage.
don't like starrett and de walt blades.

 

[csp]

My pawn shop Milwaukee has been treating me right for at least 20 years. It's in a metal case and doesn't have the quick connect blade system, so who knows how long the previous owner(s) had used it.

 

[mike93lx]

My pawn shop Milwaukee has been treating me right for at least 20 years. It's in a metal case and doesn't have the quick connect blade system, so who knows how long the previous owner(s) had used it.

Quick connect is an awesome convenience feature. I wouldn't pick one up without it today

 

[Al Borland]

If you are a meathead who will try to force the tool to cut, the DeWalts eat their bushings and then the blade release doesn't work.
I have dozens of meatheads at work. They can destroy a DeWalt in a day.
And the office do-nothing/know-nothings keep ordering more...
And HIRING more meatheads.
I've watched said meatheads "Bayonet" ductwork to start cuts.

 

[RTM]

Yeah, the blade clamp is a weak spot on my older ones. The blade clamp system is considered a disposable part. I keep 2-3 screws and and extra clamps in the box, the allen wrench is magnetically held to the lid. Anything to avoid going to get a different saw out of the garage.

 

[CJM8515]

I like milwaukees better, but I couldnt pass up a free dewalt one. wish it was more powerful as the 6amp one i have is older and so so. but with how often i use it its not a big deal. diablo blades are all i use, i tried some milwaukees and they ****

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Quick connect is an awesome convenience feature. I wouldn't pick one up without it today

Agree. My basic sawzall dates to about 93 and it has been rock solid. Has the set screw blade holder and thats a pain, no choice back then but it would be a deal killer today.

 

[mercifiknow]

you can find any brand and model on ebay, to fit your budget. research that parts are available
milwaukees were the standard, when they were made here. stroke, depends on what your main focus on cutting is, wood or steel. however, for steel, a grinder with a cut off wheel is usually a better choice.
by my experience, and ownership, all on older saws,the following:
the sawzall itself, well balanced, resulting in less operator fatigue. power runs the spectrum, as they were made in a wide range of models. the qwik lock cord is nice. including a 18v fuel, which isnt as ballsy as the corded ones, i have 4
porter cable tiger saw - the most powerful saw i have, but, not as well balanced as a milwaukee. i have 2
porter cable tiger claw - verastile tool that has an infinite range of tool/blade alignment. gimicky, i have 2
porter cable tiger cub - one handed tool. gets into tight places. some parts no longer available. i have 2
bosch - whatever model i have, didnt come with a cord, just the prongs you plug an extension cord into. not a fan, as the cord tends to vibrate off. i have 1
milwaukee 12v hacksall, pos homeowner garbage.
don't like starrett and de walt blades.

Agreed about the angle grinder for metal but there are times when it would’ve been easier using a “sawzall”.

what did you means “parts available”?

 

[metaldad]

Agreed about the angle grinder for metal but there are times when it would’ve been easier using a “sawzall”.

what did you means “parts available”?

parts, are parts. switches, bearings, guides, brackets, electronic boards
i rebuilt 2 tiger cubs, bearings no longer available. pc used needle bearings. i was able to use ball bearings
had a newer version of milwaukee. parts cost more than a new one
and, to tell the truth, a recip saw i really dont use anymore. mainly for caping out fittings, and yard work. for metal work i usually grab a grinder, band saw, or torch

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Maybe. I had a Milwaukee skilsaw that that dated from the early '80s, i took it into our very good local tool repair shop . It was "Sorry we can't get parts." A Makita skilsaw from that same time frame had just got repaired. That was before this disruption.

 

[dnschmidt]

Diablo is indeed made by Freud. Bosch has owned Freud since 2009, I believe.

Didn't know that.

 

[Jswain]

The nice thing about a Milwaukee SawzAll is you can get parts just about anywhere. I inherited a 30 year old one. It even survived being underwater in a flooded basement for a day. After another 20 years parts inside the gearbox finally wore out and it was an easy fix.

The even nicer thing is everybody sells their corded models for next to nothing when they make the jump to cordless.

 

[Aaron_W]

Another vote for Milwaukee, although mine is probably 10+ years old so can't speak to what is current. A nice feature on some of the higher end recip saws is you can rotate the end allowing you to cut upwards or sideways without rotating the grip.

Some of the other brands are lighter duty, but if you are just looking at occasional use vs daily use demo-ing a house I don't think you can go wrong with any reputable brand.

If you look for an used one, the 1/4 turn quick release blade change is a nice feature that isn't on some of the older saws (15-20+, not sure when they added that feature). Much nicer than using a set screw.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have a Black and Decker industrial, Porter Cable tiger saw, Milwaukee, and a Hitachi. They all work equal except for the fact that the Porter Cable and Hitachi have the orbital action selection. Those will cut wood like a banshee. It's been over 10 years since any of them have been touched. Went cordless and never looked back. If I knew where you lived, I would offer to give you one just to clear shelf space.

 

[Terry D]

I have a Black and Decker industrial, Porter Cable tiger saw, Milwaukee, and a Hitachi. They all work equal except for the fact that the Porter Cable and Hitachi have the orbital action selection. Those will cut wood like a banshee. It's been over 10 years since any of them have been touched. Went cordless and never looked back. If I knew where you lived, I would offer to give you one just to clear shelf space.

Same here. I couldn't tell you the last time I used a corded one.

 

[pcmeiners]

"Handy when you need one, but don't expect to cut scroll saw patterns with it."

After you use a Sawzall for many years you would be surprised with the skill you develop.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

After using one at work off and on for 40 years I haven't attained that level of skill. I likely can carve a totem pole with a skilsaw, but the sawzall has mind of it's own. chuckle.

 

[RTM]

Maybe. I had a Milwaukee skilsaw that that dated from the early '80s, i took it into our very good local tool repair shop . It was "Sorry we can't get parts." A Makita skilsaw from that same time frame had just got repaired. That was before this disruption.

How long ago? My circa 82 was refurbed about 10 years ago, many of the parts from newer models seemed to be the same. Not switches, but brushes, the depth of cut thing, rubber boot, and a cord boot I think. Ereplacementparts.

wonder if gears etc are close enough to gamble. Little rework, and away you go.

 

[Ton ton]

This saw will get in places most recip saws could only dream of.

12.0 Amp COMPACT Reciprocating Saw | DEWALT

The DWE357 Compact Reciprocating Saw has a powerful 12 Amp motor with a variable speed trigger to deliver up to 3,000 strokes per minute with a 1- 1/8 in. stroke length for fast and efficient cutting ...

www.dewalt.com

I have not seen something like this in real life. You ****.

 

[mike93lx]

I have not seen something like this in real life. You ****.

They make a couple cordless ones, too...

 

[mercifiknow]

parts, are parts. switches, bearings, guides, brackets, electronic boards
i rebuilt 2 tiger cubs, bearings no longer available. pc used needle bearings. i was able to use ball bearings
had a newer version of milwaukee. parts cost more than a new one
and, to tell the truth, a recip saw i really dont use anymore. mainly for caping out fittings, and yard work. for metal work i usually grab a grinder, band saw, or torch

Didn’t know people repaired them or they were easy TO repair.

learn more on this forum everyday.

 

[mercifiknow]

Looks like I’ll look into a Milwaukee brand since more people swear by them. 1 1/8 stroke and being an orbital one

 

[Iron Beaver]

Here is my opinion:

Pre-TTI Milwaukee are king. But, in 2008 I had a post-TTI Milwaukee "pro-grade" sawzall that was the biggest hunk of junk ever. TTI cheaped out on the wiring and connectors and a wire or connector in the motor would burn up every 20 hours or so of use. I fought that thing for years on end and I am now a Milwaukee hater for ever. That said maybe TTI has learned a thing or two in 13 years.

This one https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/JR3070CTZ is probably okay-ish.

If you want a real pro-grade reciprocating saw, try this one. It will make Makita, Milwaukee, and Dewalt tools look flimsy and inadequate.

Home - CS Unitec

CS Unitec specializes in magnetic drills, annular cutters, HIPPO mixers, and a full line of non‑sparking, non‑magnetic, underwater tools.

www.csunitec.com

 

[Half-fast eddie]

46 cfm @ 90 psi … thats likely to put a strain on my pancake compressor.

 

[mike93lx]

46 cfm @ 90 psi … thats likely to put a strain on my pancake compressor.

You know the answer... Towable diesel

Nothing makes more sense than suggesting a pneumatic recip saw for someone that has never owned one.

 

[Ton ton]

You know the answer... Towable diesel

Nothing makes more sense than suggesting a pneumatic recipe saw for someone that has never owned one.

This is what garage journal is all about.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

How long ago? My circa 82 was refurbed about 10 years ago, many of the parts from newer models seemed to be the same. Not switches, but brushes, the depth of cut thing, rubber boot, and a cord boot I think. Ereplacementparts.

wonder if gears etc are close enough to gamble. Little rework, and away you go.

I replaced the saw with another Milwaukee. I like having two skilsaws. The replacement was a very different Chinese. The American made one was a post adjust, with lots of magnesium and the Chinese was the much more common pivot adjust, with lots of grey plastic.

 

[RTM]

Argh, I misread. Skilsaw and Sawzall almost look alike when you aren't paying attention.

 

[Iron Beaver]

This is what garage journal is all about.

And that's why I like to hang out here

 

[mercifiknow]

After using one at work off and on for 40 years I haven't attained that level of skill. I likely can carve a totem pole with a skilsaw, but the sawzall has mind of it's own. chuckle.

I’ve noticed that across many who use them. Not a precision tool…

 

[csp]

Quick connect is an awesome convenience feature. I wouldn't pick one up without it today

Indeed it is, my cordless DeWalt and the Rigid at my other home both have it. You'd probably be hard pressed to find a used sawzall these days without it. My old Milwaukee has still cut 5x as much as the other two combined.

 

[BlueWho]

I've been considering getting a corded reciprocating saw for some heavier demolition work. If I get one, I've been favoring the Skilsaw 15 amp corded reciprocating saw. It seems to have both excellent power and vibration control at a comparatively reasonable price. It's slightly above your target budget, though there is a 13 amp model that is well below that limit.

I may also just get a high end cordless one, but they still don't seem to have nearly as much power or quite as good of vibration control. It'll probably depend on what has the best holiday sale.

 

[GTO]

The nice thing about a Milwaukee SawzAll is you can get parts just about anywhere. I inherited a 10 year old one. It even survived being underwater in a flooded basement for a day. After another 20 years parts inside the gearbox finally wore out and it was an easy fix.

Mine was under water too in Super Storm Sandy in '12.....still works like a champ. Had to throw out my Skil Circular saw that was also under water.

 

[TJMtl]

I have the big orbital Milwaukee corded for big jobs, usually use my M12 Milwaukee for small odd jobs, usually with hacksaw blade.

 

[Maui]

Buy one at a garage sale for $10 or $20. I bought a corded Stanley Black and Decker at a sale for $12.50 when I was unable to locate my Milwaukee, and it has cut everything that I’ve asked it to so far without any problem.

 

[seber]

I've used Bosch, Milwaukee, Grainger, Porter Cable, and Dewalt. I would buy the Milwaukee or Dewalt again, Not the other three.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I’m looking to buy a reciprocating saw. (Not Harbor Freight). I will be doing the typical things with it, like, projects around the house and automotive projects.

I’m not looking for great blades to use with it as well. Price sub-$150. Not sure if I’m missing any information to give you all.

thanks!

Regarding your HF reciprocating saws: 20 years ago I bought a Chicago Electric (sold by HF), for $19 to cut out a wall section for a doorway. It did the job. Since then I put that saw through Hell. Cutting steel basement window frames, pruning trees, various home repairs, etc. Even used it 2 weeks ago to cut out part of a sub floor at my son's business. The only problem I had is some of the case bolts came loose. I just replaced the missing one and thread locked the rest. I'm not a cheerleader for HF. However, in my experience, this saw is the best bang for the buck. My experience with blades: I've found that better quality, not top $$$ or trash is the best way to go. Unless you're going to destroy a blade by cutting flooring that has nails / screws, then get a bow of "disposable" blades.

 

[mercifiknow]

Regarding your HF reciprocating saws: 20 years ago I bought a Chicago Electric (sold by HF), for $19 to cut out a wall section for a doorway. It did the job. Since then I put that saw through Hell. Cutting steel basement window frames, pruning trees, various home repairs, etc. Even used it 2 weeks ago to cut out part of a sub floor at my son's business. The only problem I had is some of the case bolts came loose. I just replaced the missing one and thread locked the rest. I'm not a cheerleader for HF. However, in my experience, this saw is the best bang for the buck. My experience with blades: I've found that better quality, not top $$$ or trash is the best way to go. Unless you're going to destroy a blade by cutting flooring that has nails / screws, then get a bow of "disposable" blades.

My philosophy of HF has changed considerably over the last few years. While I agree there are some quality tools there, I got tired of spending my money there and lasting either once or not even finishing the job. The final straw was not one but, two faulty jack stands. I try VERY hard to by vintage or antique American made equipment, tools, or things needed here at the house. I like being on Garage Journal and won’t comment on much more than that.

Thanks for your input and IS APPRECIATED!

 

[Ingram306]

I have an m18 cordless that does about 90% of the stuff I need to, such as a few cuts here and there. For big demo jobs I have the 15a corded super sawzall and it’s a beast. Rips through everything, but it’s noticeably heavier.

 

[Finance Guy]

For big demo jobs I have the 15a corded super sawzall and it’s a beast. Rips through everything, but it’s noticeably heavier.

Have you used the M18 Super Sawzall?