Monday, 27 October 2008
Milwaukee Sawzall - reciprocating saws, recipricating saw
This is easily one of the best built tools I have ever owned (and I'm no youngster). It is nicely balanced, solidly put together, runs smoothly, and works just as you would imagine that it should. Milwaukee did a nice job on this one. Made in USA (even though "of US and foreign components") means a lot to me, as well. I only wish I could find Milwaukee blades locally. I suppose that's one of the drawbacks of living in such a nice little town! Milwaukee 6509-31 12 Amp Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit
This is an incredible tool, I love it. Very powerful, very smooth. I thought about getting the 15amp, but it really could not be better for what I'm using it for. I don't think I would use the oscillating feature much anyway. So far I've used it almost exclusively to cut nails in between lumber, such as removing hardwood flooring without damaging it. You definitely want the 3/4" stroke model for this, or any fine, tight space work. The 1-1/8" stroke is probably better for fast cutting in a lot of wood, although this one will still go through a 4x6 in a matter of seconds. In a throw away consumer world, it's nice to find something that really is built like it used to be and will likely last you a lifetime.
This Milwaukee saw is one of those items whereby the manufacturer didn't cut corners to achieve a price point! After all, they invented the reciprocating saw many years ago called Sawzall" Not only is it well made, smooth running (Less vibration because of a built in counter weight)but the best feature in my opinion is the blade chuck. You can change blades, from taking out the existing blade and changing over to another blade in seconds! All it takes is a twist of the spring loaded blade chuck about a quarter turn, insert blade and let go, no tightening of any kind. Another nice item included is a non-metallic case which is good for anybody keeping their saw outside in a pick-up or in the basement where moisture exists and leads to rusting of the case. This particular saw has a 3/4 inch stroke which means it cuts fast!
I have an older Bosch which, when it was working (Down due to blade problems) wasn't anywhere as good as this Milwaukee saw and the blade holder required a allen wrench and most times the blade would fall out and recently the blade holder screw broke off in the clamp so it was time to retire that saw. You can't go wrong with the "Milwaukee" brand.
Milwaukee 6509-31 12 Amp Sawzall Reciprocating Saw is an outstanding home improvement tool that is a necessity for all do-it-yourselfers. The saw will cut through anything, depending on the blades that you use. The blades can go in either way, facing down or up, making cutting easy. You cannot go wrong with this tool.
-Damon Medic
I bought this for occasional light use around the house. Years ago I worked in electrical construction and used Milwaukee tools all the time. They were solid and always got the job done. I decided on this because of the company's reputation, its features, and the fact that it was made in the USA. It arrived in a nice plastic carrying case. Not too much room for extra blades, but I managed to fit a pack inside. The saw is really well made and seems powerful. The variable speed trigger is smooth and easily controlled, and the QUIK-LOK blade clamp works great and is a simple but brilliant idea. No more annoying allen screws to shake loose. I opted for the slightly less aggressive 3/4" stroke so I can use it as a large jig saw for finer work, since I'm not doing demolition (although it would definitely handle larger jobs okay, perhaps just not as quickly). I haven't had too many occasions to use it at this writing, but I have a bunch of plywood to cut up, and that's partially why I bought it. I am confident it will tackle that chore fine.
I bought this reciprocating saw after reading the comments of many landscapers. When asked what's the best way to cut tree roots, many named the Sawzall. When the tool arrived, my husband quickly got rid of some small trees that were hanging over our neighbor's fence, and which they'd asked us to get rid of. Then he cut up the relatively small trunks and branches with ease.
We both used it on tree roots, and it worked well, except on huge roots that we were unable to get through at all. We'll be using the Sawzall for pruning, and for getting rid of more roots, this fall and next Spring.
It's a fabulous tool, and we're still on the first pruning blade. The Sawzall would have saved us countless hours (and a lot of complaining about doing yard work) had we bought it years ago.
I'd always wanted to have this tool, as it's so versatile when it comes to cutting just about anything. It's taken me some time to learn how to use it, and I've bent a few blades and had it kick the heck out of me when blades seize, etc. But it's plenty powerful an appears to be well made. Can't comment on how durable or rugged it is long term, as I've not used it enough, but the fact that these type of saws have come to be known generically as "Sawzalls" seems to be a testament to Milwaukee's quality.
I've used it to cut mild steel angle iron and it does the trick. Next job is cutting some old tires off their rims.
This was my only introduction to a "sawzall". No, I didn't buy it, but the guys who dismantled a 22 foot by 16 foot patio enclosure, called the "greenhouse", came in with this power tool to save hours and hours of labor. This part of the project was to dismantle a fiberglass roof over a brick-bottomed and steel walled enclosure that had windows throughout.
After 35 years of wear and tear, it seemed nearly impossible to remove what was once constructed to be a summer greenhouse to start up plants and seedlings. Over 35 years, it became more difficult to keep the greenhouse "spiffy clean", and raising and lowering the windows was a real chore. Not the least of which was the intense heat inside on a very hot summer day.
So, the project began with two guys who began taking things apart, like gutters and posts, support beams, and doors and windows that were fastened with what seemed like a hundred thousand screws. With only a few tools and this hand tool, "Sawzall", hours of labor were saved, making the dismantling much quicker than planned.
In the days, 35 years ago, when my Dad single handedly assembled this greenhouse, I can now recall the time that was consumed by one senior citizen who dreamed of constructing this magnificent greenhouse. I know that he understands now, that times have changed and I could no longer keep it thriving. Cheers to the Sawzall! - Sawzall - Reciprocating Saws - Reciprocating Saw - Recipricating Saw'
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