Reciprocating saws

alan40 · Nov 4, 2004

Looking at reciprocating saws. Like tractors alot of choices. Batteries or cord? How do the batteries do in the cold? What voltage would you reccomend? What brand? I favor Dewaults but am always open to any advice. Won't use it every day but like to purchase tools to last. I'll use it mainly for cutouts,installing a couple of windows etc.and at the sugarhouse for several different things. It's one of those tools that I always seem to need but never have. Any input is greatly appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Would like to stay in the $200.00 range.
Thanks

Boondox · Nov 4, 2004

Al -- I lined them all up and tried them in the store. Ended up with the Milwaukee as it was by far the smoothest. Never been disappointed with it.

Heck, why don't you drive down and borrow it for a couple of weeks? Been a while since we met. Pete

HickoryNut · Nov 4, 2004

I just bought this one last night at TSC for $59 bucks

Recip Saw

I plan to abuse it as a limb-trimmer and trail-maker

Tractors4u · Nov 4, 2004

I have both a corded and battery recip saw. My corded model is the $59 model from TSC. I like the corded model for extened use in the garage or on big extended project.

My cordless model is an 18v Ryobi. It came with the kit that includes the drill, circular saw, light and hand vac. I like this saw for quick projects where it would take longer to get out an extension cord than it would to make the cut. I also carry it along on my John Deere Gator for trimming limbs on trails.

rdln · Nov 4, 2004

Recently bought this after my 9 year old makita crapped out, went in to get a milwaukee but was just so impressed at the articulation I had to have it.
after using it, I am no less impressed but have noticed using in its most extreme contortions it is not easy to push the fence into the workpiece which is the best practice.

sears saw

alan40 · Nov 4, 2004

Hi Pete, was just thinking we ought to have a get together before the mountain snows in. Can't get Derek out of his new tractor and his wife is also due in two weeks. We'll have to get ahold of Ed and see what he's up to latlely. Can't have a function here because of the sugar house. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Thanks for the offer but it's a good excuse to get another tool. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Take care

BubbaJr · Nov 4, 2004

I have a Milwaukee Sawzall that works very well, but it's kind of heavy for some jobs. Last X-mas my dear wife got me an 18V DeWalt outfit with a hammer drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and work light. After using these and my other cordless tools, I ALWAYS reach for a cordless tool before a corded one. I'm not the most graceful clown in the circus, so the fewer things I have to trip over, the better. The 18V battery life could be a little better, but it's good for most projects, and with the free radio/charger that they sent me, I can charge 2 batteries at once. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As far as battery life in the cold, I took my DeWalt reciprocating saw out in the woods last January to cut up some branches on a big downed limb. The temperature was in the 20's, and I could almost fill my bucket on my B2910 with kindling wood using both batteries. I was hoping for more out of the batteries, but I guess considering the temperature, It wasn't too bad.

dliston · Nov 4, 2004

Have a Dewalt 18V Cordless and a Porter Cable corded one. Both have their uses. The Cordless is good for climbing around on ladders and scaffolding or just if I just need to whack something in two. The Porter Cable (Tigersaw, I think) is great for lots of cutting or hacking my way through a big steel bar, etc.

Doug

Jim_Slagle · Nov 4, 2004

Bubba, my answer is almost identical to yours. I have a Milwaukee super sawzall and my wife gave me a Makita 14.4v tool set for Christmas last year with a recip saw, 6 1/2 inch circular saw and a 1/2 inch hammer drill. The battery tools are great but the batteries do go down in a hurry if you are doing a lot of cutting

Jim

bczoom · Nov 4, 2004

I'm with Bubba (sort of).
I have the Milwaukee corded and love it... if I'm in my shop and not working overhead.
The DeWalt setup is on my Christmas list.