| wmquan |
My mother-in-law says my father-in-law wants a reciprocating saw to help complete his workshop. She wants us to pick it up for him.
The main criteria seems to be for a very high quality saw, suitable as a long-lasting gift ("lasts forever"). Usage won't be everyday, probably just occasional. Comfort and ease-of-use are important; he's getting up there in years and has a gimpy back.
Price/value isn't a priority, she likes to buy him nice tools.
Are the Milwaukee and Porter-Cable brands considered "lasts forever" brands?
This one seems to have very strong reviews on Amazon. It has a counterbalance that supposedly reduces vibration, though it adds some more weight:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...5?v=glance&s=hi
Thank you! |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
Milwaukee and Porter-Cable tools make very nice tools. Milwaukee is best known for its larger non-portable tools.
My recommendation however, is Craftsman. You can never go wrong with Craftsman. They always stand behind any tool that bears their name. My experience is that there is seldon a reason to return a Craftsman tool.
In the reciprocating tools I got the lower end of the Craftsman line because that was all of the tool that I required. I only use it occasionally and it does all that I ask. It is used on wood, plastic, metal and any other material that needs cutting.
I will occasionally buy another brand if I need some cheap tool for a one time use. But for the long run Craftsman is the standout.
G |
|
|
| shootist |
I'm in the market for a reciprocating saw too, so I've been looking. There are two or three models (each) from DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Porter Cable that will fit your bill. The biggest and best will have orbital blade action in addition to reciprocating action. Each line rates the power of their motors in amps, which can be compared within the same line, but probably not between lines. I don't see any "bad" saws in these three lines, but a few of the Craftsman saws were unacceptably "cheap"to me.
The biggest and best are also the heaviest, which may be a real negative depending on the arm strength of the recipient.
Milwaukee was the original, with the Sawzall. I'm leaning towards the big Porter Cable, after using all of them. |
|
|
| Echo2625 |
| DeWalt does make some very nice tools!! |
|
|
| andreseng |
FWIW, I've had a DeWalt for about 10 years now. It has demo-ed my kitchen, family room, basement and office without a single hiccup. Not to mention the various jobs it's helped with in the garage and backyard. Still as powerful as the day I bought it.
Click here to see Dewalt's lineup |
|
|
| VA Tech Hokie |
Stick with Bosch, Porter Cable, Dewalt or Milwaukee.
Craftsman was once known for tool quality and it used to be so easy for me to purchase a power tool, because when I needed/wanted a power tool, I went to Sears. Their quality has gone downhill so much, I will not look at a Craftsman power tool now.
I mostly purchase Porter Cable and have found them to be pretty much flawless and very well built. |
|
|
| nytflyt |
I would also recommend the DeWalt brand. I have had mine for over 3 years and it has worked flawlessly. You could also look at the cordless models, if ease of use is important, as they have come a long way in improving the battery life and without the cord you can use it anywhere.
Earl |
|
|
| lightglass |
| I am a tool junkie, and had the Milwaukee Super Sawzall...and it worked just great, but since I bought the 24 Volt cordless DeWalt, had not used it at all---just kept reaching for the DeWalt. So, I would up selling the Milwaukee. Blade changes are a snap on the DeWalt too!- Just flick a lever and pull out the old blade, plug in the new one and snap the lever closed- then keep working. I have been working on my Handyman special house for many years- completely reframed the roof, simplifying the valley and ridge layout. Did the whole thing with DeWalt Cordless tools. Other than breaking a drill in half by dropping it about 20 feet- no problems. If you do get the DeWalt cordless, be sure to get at least 2 batteries with it. For the best price look at the Factory Serviced tools at Amazon- Like new, full warranty, and 40 to 50 percent off!:1: |
|
|
| hiRes |
| I have a Bosch jigsaw that I like a lot. Make sure that it is easy to change out the blades; some saws need wrenches. The higher end saws have a quick disconnect feature that requires no tools for simple blade install/removal. |
|
|
| hockeyplayer |
I am directly involved in construction and have alot of experience with most brands of power and battery tools. The first recommendation I have is that unless the job is a quick 30min to 1 hour job use a corded tool. Battery tools are convienent but do not replace corded tools. That said... My belief is that Milwaukee has the best all round power and battery tools. I loved the Super Sawzall but now have a Milwaukee Hatchet reciprocating saw and LOVE it. No tools required to change the blade. It also has the ability to change the motion of the blade from a straight back and forth for steel and a circular (orbital)chopping motion to bite into wood for quicker cuts. This is attained by the flick of a switch. The handle actually levers down to allow you to get it into a variety of spaces including between 16 O.C. studs. It is available in corded and cordless.
Here is one of many reviews on the internet
http://popularmechanics.com/home_im...waukee_hatchet/ |
|
|
| nightguy |
Hockeyplayer is right. Batteries suck with most tools. Don't use them long enough and they die. In fact, the only battery tools I have are drills and screw guns. Sometimes I see kits of several tools with batteries but most of the time they're not very heavy duty and you'll end up replacing them anyway. And with two batteries, only a couple of things can be run at any given time. Switching around is a pain.
The Milwaukee Sawzall is the tool of choice for most people I know. I haven't done a lot of tear-down, but it's an absolute animal of a tool.
Craftsman power tools, like most Sears products are pretty much farmed out now. I've seen my miter saw and cutting tool with different names on them. If the identical saw is selling for $50 less under the other name, I can't believe the quality is there. Maybe they use better brushes, connectors, etc. in the Craftsman. Changing brushes on Craftsman seems to be more user friendly than other brands. Most DIY'ers aren't going to have to change brushes though.
BTW, DeWalt=Black & Decker. I don't know why but I really hate B&D. Nevertheless, DeWalt always feels nice in my hand. Very solid and unlikely to break and hard to misplace while you're working with the bright yellow design. But I'm not sure the expense is worth it unless you use the tools quite often or can write them off somehow. Almost bought the 10" miter saw but it was impossible to accurately set the blade angle. |
|
|
| shootist |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
BTW, DeWalt=Black & Decker. I don't know why but I really hate B&D. .
DeWalt has been part of Porter Cable for several years.
I know why you hate B&D- they're really cheap tools intended for intermittent light duty by homeowners.
:16: |
|
|
| wmquan |
My thanks to everyone on their great recommendations for a reciprocating saw. I can always count on this forum for tremendous knowledge. This was one of my mother-in-law's gifts to my father-in-law, but I had to do the "legwork."
So I ended up getting the Milwaukee Sawzall with the orbital action for him. Reviews here and on Amazon were very good. Co-worker and friend of mine also has a husband in the construction trade and he also recommended the Milwaukees.
I'm sure the DeWalts and Porter Cables and many others are good.
What cinched it was Lowe's having a promotion for 20% off of most of their tools. The mother-in-law had changed the parameters of the gift at the last minute and said that price was an issue :rolleyes:
With the promotion, I was able to order it online for pick-up at Lowe's nearby. My wife went to their customer service desk the next day, and they just checked her credit card and that was it, pretty convenient.
I don't think he's used it yet but he seemed pretty happy to get it.
Thanks again. |
|
|
|
