cordless reciprocating saw / drill set
I’ve been looking for a good price on a set of cordless reciprocating saw and drill. Most likely to be used in reno situations where I want all power turned off in advance… Panasonic is offering a good deal on this (18V, I think I’d be happy with 14V), but I don’t know anything about their saw. Any comments? I’m strictly a DIYer so maybe I won’t be too put out if I have to order proprietary Panasonic saw blades from Japan; I don’t know that’s the case just my worst case scenario. Panasonic cordless drills appear to have a good rep. I’d go Milwaukee except they are not offering this package, in any case I get the impression Panasonic batteries are better.
Replies
Taylor,
If you are a DIYer, does it have to be the best? Maybe (gasp!) Ryobi is good enough, and a whole lot cheaper, to be sure. The Panasonic drills and batteries are tops, but I have heard nothing about their recip saw. Also, their 18 volt drill is too big and heavy for my taste. The 15.6 and 12 are both wonderfully balanced, but the 18 feels like their first version of the 15.6, ungainly.
Bugle
Taylor:
I've had great luck with Mikita cordless. I used the recip saw to rip through a bunch of 5/8 inch rebar a couple days ago with no problems (though the Dewalt metal-cutting blade(s) took a beating). I just found what seems to be an awesome combo-kit deal on Amazon.com. Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000B28ER/103-3216239-8139869?v=glance&s=hi&vi=special-offers&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
My stuff cost a lot more AND you get a circular saw and flashlight (wahoo!) to boot... Hmmmmm (looking at Amazon) you also get free shipping, $50 for your next Amazon purchase AND a pair of Mikata WORKGLOVES... (still reading the deal)... This kit is NEW from Amazon but they also list the same kit from 2 third-party vendors for $609.
Anyway, good luck.
Flash
Edit @ 12:59PST: This seems like the same deal but also comes with work bags:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001GUEAE//ref=pm_dp_ln_hi_1/103-3216239-8139869?v=glance&s=hi&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER
If I were you, I'd hold out for the Mikita t-shirt, key chain, and bumper sticker <grin>.
Edited 5/13/2004 4:02 am ET by Flashy2000
Don't fall for that cordless -combo hype. Get a real sawzall (Milwaukee) and a good 50 foot (12Ga) cord. You only need to cut the power in the areas you are working in.
Get a real sawzall (Milwaukee) and a good 50 foot (12Ga) cord. You only need to cut the power in the areas you are working in.
Or even better, get the sawzall, a good 100 foot cord, and plug into your next door neighbor's juice.
Yeah but what happens when I cut my extension cord? :-)
Edit: Part of the problem in an old house like mine is knowing where all the circuits are going (esp hidden behind old plaster walls). There's only one guaranteed way to avoid shocks, that's cut the power everywhere ...
Edited 5/13/2004 8:40 am ET by Taylor
You could get a real nice little generator - even my super sawzall only pulls 11 amps.
Or, put in a designated circuit going to just one box right next to your panel; then, you can cut everything else and still have power.
Or, put in a designated circuit going to just one box right next to your panel; then, you can cut everything else and still have power.
Best advice yet for this situation ....
will take him the whole way thru the remodel ... of course ... right after the walls are open ... the plan is to get an electrician in to straighten out the wiring .... right??
JeffBuck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
"Get a real sawzall (Milwaukee) and a good 50 foot (12Ga) cord. You only need to cut the power in the areas you are working in."
Good words Mike,
A recip saw is a demolition tool, and you need all the power you can get. The Milwaukee HD Sawzall is the toughest and smoothest on the planet IMO, and the only one with a lifetime warantee, meaning it will last you a lifetime.
Heads up, I would not buy one of their orbital ones yet.........and all the other brands that have niftier features, also only come with 90 day warranties.
That's why you don't see BIG RED coming out with them......yet, at least to the general public. Lot's of stuff in testing though.
Jon