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Richard
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Which "Sawzall"??
11/10/03 12:59 PM
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Contemplating getting one, the local box store has Milwaukee, DeWalt, Porter Cable (I think)
All names reported to me by my father in law.
Not to start a brand war, but any opinions on which brand or model would be "the choice' one to have?
Richard
(Leaning towards Milwaukee)
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GaryM
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 01:39 PM
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I have a Milwaukee Super that I bought a few years back. It's a great tool and with the correct blade can cut virtually anything. It's variable speed which is nice.
The Super, don't know about the others, has a power cord that plugs into the handle and locks in place. Theory being that cords are somewhat consumable on the jobsite. this one can be replaced in about 40 seconds. No disassembly required.
I believe the newer models don't require an Allen wrench to change blades. That would be a nice feature.
Gary
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Hey! Aren't you supposed to be working?
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lblair
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 02:04 PM
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I have the Milwaukee. Var. speed quick release blade came with the case too for 119.00. Ive used it countless times and it works great.
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Richard
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: lblair]
11/10/03 02:14 PM
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2 votes for my initial thoughts
Logic I used was my understanding that Milwaukee "created" the recipricating saw, or if not created it, was the first standard bearer. (Not sure if I'm right, just what I understand).
Thanks for thoughts.
Richard
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Bird
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 02:32 PM
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Richard, my brother has the Milwaukee Sawzall, he's had it a long, long time and never a problem with it, so I'd be surprised if there's anything better. However, . . . I needed to buy one recently and Lowe's had the Makita Model JR3000VT (variable speed) at a better price than I could find that kind of saw anywhere else, so I bought it. Only had it 3 months, so I don't know now it'll hold up in the long run, but I've got a variety of blades, used it for treated 2 x lumber building steps, cut some metal bars, and pruned trees with it so far and I actually like it better than my brother's Milwaukee. I also like it's feature of being able to change blades quickly with no tools, and of course, it came in a nice carrying case.
It cost me $95.68 including the sales tax. (7.5%)
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gsganzer
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 03:07 PM
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Go with the Milwaukee. They should all have the quick-chuck for blade changes. I have a Milwaukee Sawzall, circular saw, 18V drill, 2 angle grinders, hammer drill and chop saw (No, I'm not biased). They've all worked great.
I've had a few of the other brands, on the Dewalt cordless drills the chucks always fell apart and a Porter Cable palm sander went belly up. I've had good luck with a Bosch jig saw and a Porter Cable biscuit joiner though.
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Richard
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: gsganzer]
11/10/03 04:23 PM
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Welp, I got the Milwaukee
Don't recall the model number, but it has the quick attach blade, the stroke is the 1 1/8" stoke, verses the 3/4" stoke.
Truth be told, not even sure what I paid for it lmaooooooooooooooooo I think it was $140 or more likely $160.
Came with a carrying case, 2 blades (wish I'd noticed that before buying the OTHER blades, but I'm sure I'll dull them all up in no time)
The dude fidgeted all around about the "gift coupon" that came with it, only to finally figure out the gift coupon came with the cheaper model... makes sense to me
Thanks for your thoughts
Richard
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Inspector507
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 05:45 PM
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I have a Makita as well. It's very light weight, but sometimes maybe weight helps cut. I've had some probs with it, but nothing I can't work around. I would not have bought it for myself, but Santa brought it 10 years ago and I've sure put it through it's paces. I have used P-C and Milwaukee, they are both good. In my opinion, look for the longest stroke.
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GaryM
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 05:51 PM
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First task I used my Milwaukee for was cutting up a picnic table my neighbor needed to dispose of. Cut through the wood, nails, and 3/8" bolts like they weren't even there.
Second job was cutting up an old gas stove/oven that my nephew need to make small enough to put out in the trash a little at a time. That was a noisy job, but no problems.
A recip saw is a fine tool of destruction! You'll love it!
Gary
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EJB
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 06:02 PM
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>>but I'm sure I'll dull them all up in no time)
In to time at all...better pick up a bunch more before you need them...they do tend to wear out fast, and break at the most inopportune times.
I vote for the Milwaukee too, but I see you already bought yours.
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Bird
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: GaryM]
11/10/03 06:08 PM
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In reply to:
Cut through the wood, nails, and 3/8" bolts like they weren't even there
There was an old 4' x 6' porch and steps here, made with 2 x 4s and 2 x 6s and put together with screws. So I used that Makita to cut it up and put it out for the garbage truck, but I was careful (and lucky ); didn't hit any of the screws, so didn't even dull the blade.
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lblair
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 06:43 PM
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Mine has the quick change blade too...its a great saw. Cuts thru anything!
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robertn
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 08:56 PM
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Get plenty of extra blades. I have found that Milwaukee blades tend to lose thier edge, but can also be bent to fit in difficult places. Vermont blades are real sharp, but brittle and do not lend to any bending, on purpose or accidental. I tend to use a combination of both brands, in my corded Milwaukee, and my 18v DeWalt.
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egon
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Bird]
11/10/03 09:06 PM
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My Makita has managed to cut through live electrical lines several times.
Egon
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Bird
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: egon]
11/10/03 09:08 PM
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I understand that, Egon. I had a cut a hole in a sheetrock wall Saturday to fix a plumbing leak; didn't think there would be any electrical wires in there, but not being sure, I was afraid to use the power saw; just did it the hard way.
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ScottAR
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/10/03 11:28 PM
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My uncle has a milwaukee, I've got the larger Dewalt (8 or 10 amp I don't remember and it's in the truck ) A friend has a PC. They're all good.
Quick change blade holders are great. My dewalt has a nice feature in a "speed limiter". It's a dial in the handle that allows you to dial down the top speed for better control when needed. Handy in tight spots where the saw could buck. I like Milwaukee or Lennox blades. HTH...
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fivestring
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: Richard]
11/11/03 07:41 AM
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Since Milwaukee designed and originally made them, I'd go with Milwaukee.
Gary
Bluegrass Music ...
Finger-pickin' good!
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missourihick
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Re: Which "Sawzall"??
[re: GaryM]
12/21/03 08:54 AM
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The milwaukee sawzall! the name says it all. I didn't spit for the super but should have,their cord is replacable and mine is frayed. I think the super has a longer blade stroke too ,mine is 3/4" stroke. I like the keyless chuck on mine. I used a dewalt and it was no comparison to the original sawzall!
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Richard
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Re: Which "Sawzall"?? (revisited)
[re: missourihick]
02/26/04 03:43 PM
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Well, as luck would have it, my wifes cousin has a bunch of apartments to refurbish and long story short, I "sold" him my saw. (he reimbursed my purchase after my singular use)
I've not needed one since, but am eyeballing some things to do...
(ok...I admit... I just WANT a mega-destructive tool )
Today I was tooling about at the local Lowes and saw a Porter Cable brand that had a swiveling head.
I found that most interesting. Not only do I see that as a potential configuration that will get that odd place you can't quite reach... I also see it as another joint (2 actually) where something can break and junk the saw.
Anyone have the PC (or other brand) with a pivot and more interestingly, swivel head for the blade?
I think they are a very similar price point to the middle or upper Milwaukee.
Second admission... I like GOOD tools, and I like things that can be used creatively to bail my hiney out when needed...I see the swivel head as an interesting thing to have if/when it's needed.
Do any other brands make a swivel head?
Is it a gimmick or is it as useful as it is interesting looking?
Richard
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Inspector507
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Re: Which "Sawzall"?? (revisited)
[re: Richard]
02/26/04 05:42 PM
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Richard, PC is a brand I don't think I would ever regret buying. The swivel head recip saw has been on my mind a lot lately too
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ScottAR
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Re: Which "Sawzall"?? (revisited)
[re: Richard]
02/26/04 08:08 PM
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A buddy of mine has a normal headed PC. Strong and trouble free through 3 renovations. (different houses) I love all of my PC tools.
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Pat
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Re: Which "Sawzall"?? (revisited)
[re: ScottAR]
02/29/04 11:10 AM
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I traded a home built Heathkit H-8 computer with homebuilt monochrome monitor for tools. I got a Milwaukee SAWZALL, a Milwaukee Magnum Holeshooter drill, and a worm drive Skillsaw.
Now over 25 years later, all three tools are running great. I replaced the twist on-off cord on the drill a couple years ago and realy wish my Sawzall had that style as I finally wore out the jacket on the cord next to the strain relief by the handle. I just doubled the cord over and wrapped it with electrical tape. In another 5-10 years when that fails I will put a new cord on it.
The swivel shoe/head/??? thingy that contacts the work is getting beat up a bit (I'm not easy on these tools.) but I will order one from Milwaukee and replace it. They told me they have parts. It also isn't the QUICK CHANGE model (Remember I said it is over 25 years old!) but the original allen key holder is still firmly attached to the power cord and it doesn't take all that long to swap blades.
Don't want to start a urination contest but I haven't seen a lot of other brands take so much abuse and perform so well. The drill is a wonder. It is a 3/8 inch high speed variable speed reversable with more torque than my B&D 1/2 inch geared down model. The Holeshooter is dangerous to the casual or light weight operator as it will produce enough torque to hurt you if you stick a large bit or hole saw. I get a "death grip" on it whe making large holes and still get fooled sometimes nearly getting wrapped up in it. I loan tools to certain friends but not this one as I don't want someone to get hurt.
Milwaukee makes a really good tool. Others do too I am sure but I haven't seen all that many 25 year old tools that are still going strong in other brands. I'm sure there are exceptions, but I haven't seen them.
Pat
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
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fivestring
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Re: Which "Sawzall"?? (revisited)
[re: Pat]
03/01/04 08:11 AM
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Milwaukee is definitely the brand that I'll buy when I'm ready for a SAWZALL. I had my grandfather's old Milwaukee electric drill and used it up until two years ago when I burnt out the motor. That thing was made of metal and every once in a while, you could see the arcs from the motor; sometimes you could feel them!
Gary
Bluegrass Music ...
Finger-pickin' good!
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