Replies

1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Oct 26, 2007 06:58am | #1

   If you are going to just use it occasionally, light duty like cutting plastic pipe, you might want to look at (GASP) the new Ryobi LiIon kit.  For $259 at HD, you get a reciprical saw and two LiIon batteries.  They hold their charge longer, so they are ready without you having to drop them on the charger first.

   Hey, ya smoke it out you can replace it with another saw for only $40.  Their regular line works with the new LiIon batteries.

   Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

   Also a CRX fanatic!

   If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts.  You nut, you.

1. 
   JulianTracy | Oct 26, 2007 03:35pm | #2

   I'd say get whatever fits your main cordless setup. If you don't have one, than think ahead to which you might buy into.I've used my friend's Dewalt cordless saw, and it's a beast, but it's loud as heck and vibrates like it's falling apart.My Bosch 18 recip saw has been a beast that does just about everything I ask of it, and 4 years later, it's as smooth as can be and feels like it'll last forever.One tip - There were/are so many combo kit deals on Bosch stuff in the last few years, that the individual 18 tools are always on Ebay new for $45-60 each. Plus batteries can be had new for $45-55 each as well.JT

   Edited 10/26/2007 8:35 am ET by JulianTracy

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Oct 27, 2007 12:10am | #7

   My cordless stuff is Panasonic 12V and I have an older 12V Dewalt for home. For my use the 12V has been excellent but for a RS I think I need to step up the voltage. For my corded RS's I have an older Porter Cable and an anniversary Milwaukee. I like the PC much better but I was looking for recommendations as far as durability and feel. Sounds like the DW may not be the answer. I have a buddy that uses a Milwaukee and likes it for the same application. I may check out the Bosch.

   Thanks,John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

1. 
   JulianTracy | Oct 27, 2007 12:28am | #8

   Out of all of my Bosch 18 volt stuff, the RC saw is one of the nicer tools.The whole setup is pretty kick butt, but it's be nice if they came out with LiIon update the existing tools.The jigsaw is made in Switzerland, and I sold my corded model - haven't needed a corded one since.
   The Drill is made in Germany I think and although heavy - it's a tank and has great hammer action.
   The planer is Swiss made I think, and you use it more than you realize - would be hard to be without it.
   The 10" cordless chopsaw rocks - I use it for everything aside from crown or decking.
   Don't care too much for the circ saw - plenty powerful I guess, but seems akwardly balanced.
   The cordless roto zip takes the Bosch 18 batts and it's handy to have around.Having said that, I'm still looking at the new Makita system, mainly cause it's pretty cool looking at the new kid on the block.The bosch stuff won't die, and I have extras on all the basic tools cause I got a deal on Ebay a few years back sso I have no reason to be looking.The other thing to look at - HDtools.net had the Milwaukee V18 4 pc kit for like $317 a while back - I've always liked the look of the Milwaukee cordless.The 18v planer and 18v miter saw keep me with the bosch - love the saw - it's 25lbs I think.Julian

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Oct 27, 2007 12:39am | #9

   Holy snit! I just checked prices on Toolking and if I were to shop on price, the Dewalt would win with 1 battery but I have a feeling that you get what you pay for. The Milwaukee deal at HDtools doesn't sound bad. It looks like you can get multiple tools for the same or darn near the same money. I'll have to do more checking. I didn't really need the whole kit but since I use Panasonic (and love the impact driver and drill) I think I am SOL for a RS.John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

2. 
   renosteinke | Oct 26, 2007 06:23pm | #3

   While I often encourage folks to try Harbor Freight, this is not such a time. Their cordless stuff is junk.

   I'd also avoid B&D "FireStorm." The batteries, and charger, are ####. They're the same junk that let Makita push aside B&D, and become such a big hit in the cordless tool business.

   I've used both Milwaukee models, and the DeWalt. Both are fine. Yet, for other tools, in my comparison of different makes, Makita keeps popping up on top. I have the Makita corded version, and am quite happy, Makita cordless tools have a battery release mechanism far better than either DeWalt or Milwaukee.

   So .... I'd give the Makita a try.

3. 
   JDRHI | Oct 26, 2007 07:08pm | #4

   I'm with Julian. As it seems that you are already aware, none of the cordless are going to replace your corded for the all day, heavy duty, stuff....so if you're just looking for one for those odds and ends type jobs, I'd say look into the brand with which you already have batteries for.

   No sense buying into another system...especially if its likely only to be used on rarer occassions, when chances are you didn't think to have the battery charged and ready.

    

   J. D. Reynolds
   Home Improvements

    

    

   
   

4. 
   carloa007 | Oct 26, 2007 07:17pm | #5

   For recips, I've always preferred the Milwaukee. Till I picked up the new Dewalt 18volt cordless the other day. It was smooth, easy to operate, no blade wobble. It wont replace my corded Milwaukee, but for a cordless it did surprisingly well.

   FWIW the NiCad Ryobi recip blade wobbles like heck. It also has a hard to reach safety trigger that has to be depressed to start the tool. Haven't tried the Lithium version. But if you need a cheap saw to rough in, it will do the trick.

5. 
   CAGIV | Oct 26, 2007 08:04pm | #6

   I have the bosch and it's my least favorite tool out the cordless kit I have.  It works well and is solidly constructed it's just slow IMO.

   I like the dewalt the least out of any cordless recip I've used.

   Never tried a Milwaukee.

   A guy here has the makita LI kit, and it's a sweet tool, If I needed to replace mine it is what I would buy.

   

6. 
   popawheelie | Oct 27, 2007 06:59am | #10

   I just bought a Makita 18V Li-ion because I already had a circular saw. So I got the recipricating saw alone off e-bay cheap. I didn't need more batteries or a charger.

7. 
   Abm | Oct 27, 2007 11:49am | #11

   I have the Milwaukee V28 and it does just as well as their corded models.

8. 
   Jer | Oct 27, 2007 03:20pm | #12

   I have Milwaukee 18 v drills so I bought the recip saw and circular saw to go along with it. They're great. They go through a charge faster than a drill of course but I now have about 6 (I lost count) batteries all in good shape. I don't use the recip cordless that often because I usually need my Super Sawzall corded to rip through the rough stuff all day,but when called upon it is just fine. I do use the cordless circular saw a surprising amount.

9. 
   danski0224 | Oct 27, 2007 04:29pm | #13

   I have both Milwaukee versions- "The Hatchet" and the standard issue. Both do the job well, and the Hatchet can get into some tight spots.

   The DeWalt version has a faster stroke, so it seems to cut faster. Vibrations on the Milwaukee seem to be better dampened, though.

   Saws from either maker above eat through batteries.

   I have not personally used any other cordless recip saws. 

   Milwaukee V28 is supposed to be the shiznit.

   Anything up to 2" PVC above 55* I will use PVC cutters. Colder PVC seems to shatter for me, and the cutters don't do so well cutting off small chunks less than an inch long on 2" pipe.

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Oct 27, 2007 05:02pm | #14

   I'm still doing the research on the best saw for my application. I'll be using this mainly for cutting 4" PVC. I typically use a hand saw but 8' down in a ditch or teeing into a large field tile a cordless saw would be nice. We currently drag a generator and corded RS out for some of these jobs. IE. 2 days ago we had to T  into a 12" corrugated tile with a 6" tile. We drug out the generator and corded RS for this. Also on septic system instals this would be very handy. I know a cheap RS would handle the PVC no problem but I think a better one would be more versatile for framing and demo applications.John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

1. 
   danski0224 | Oct 27, 2007 05:11pm | #15

   If you don't own a lot of cordless stuff, or if you want the best cordless out there now, then I would suggest the Milwaukee V28. Corded performance from a cordless tool... I just don't need one.

   Milwaukee or DeWalt 18v cordless recip saws will do demo, just not a lot of it. Either will cut PVC nicely, though. You would need 4 batteries and a fast charger to use the 18v tool for serious work. Been there, done that.

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Oct 27, 2007 08:27pm | #16

   The V28 saw looks about like the best saw for the money out there at $320......but it's hard not to look at Ryobi 4 pc. set for $269. I know it's comparing apples and oranges. I'll probably order the Milkwaukee.

   Thanks,John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

2. 
   renosteinke | Oct 27, 2007 08:36pm | #17

   I have two alternative ideas, depending upon your specific conditions. Is the pipe secured in place, and is there significant space around the pipe? If the pipe is secure, and there is little clearance, the old wire saw (think 'garrote') works well, even on 6". If there is space around the pipe, or the pipe is not secure ... have you considered a cordless bandsaw? Two makes are Stout and Milwaukee.

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Oct 27, 2007 10:32pm | #18

   Cordless RS is the tool for me. Small, light, and easy to get into tight places. Most of the use will be cutting PVC for septic system or sewer installs. Heck it may replace the 2 corded RS's I have for demo work. Wire saw would work for cutting plumbing in tight spots and a portable bandsaw is too danged big for me. They do have their applications though. I think the Milwaukee V28 is the tool for me.John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

10. 
    toolbear | Oct 30, 2007 05:23am | #19

    @@ Looking for recomendations on a cordless reciprocating saw. Leaning towards Milwaukee. Any referrals? Mostly for cutting PVC pipe in the trenches. Not intended for a corded replacement.

    @@@

    Have done PVC down in the trenches. That's life in the mud and dirt for you and the saw. Got the Bosch NiCad recip (OK) and the Makita LiON recip (nice). I'd get the Bosch out of the attic and send it down.

    Time like this, I wonder about Ryobi.

    There is also a PVC flex saw that you can wrap around the pipe and saw away. Saw one at Walter's Elec. Done it with string. Works.

    As LiOn comes on line, there should be some good deals on NiCads.

    The ToolBear

    "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

11. 
    paulbny | Nov 07, 2007 08:26am | #20

    My corded Milwaukee hasn't seen daylight since I got my 28V one.

     

1. 
   mesic | Nov 07, 2007 08:51am | #21

   Three of us, all pro's, well, two pro's and me just used two new Li 18v. Makita and Ridgid. Surprisingly the Ridgid was smoother.