My Dewalt reciprocating saw died today, one second it was working, the next it was totally dead.
I thought at first that the power had gone out, or I had come unplugged, but nope, dead as a doornail. (what does a dead doornail look like, anyway?)
Checked the brushes, fine, armature still turns, it’s not froze up, just no fire when I pull the trigger.
I guess it’s time for a new one, maybe with one of them there fancy new clamps that don’t take a wrench.
What’s a good one that won’t take the retirement fund?
Replies
Milwaukees are running around $100. Like this:
http://www.tylertool.com/mi6510ampsar.html
Thanks for the link, I saw a Hitachi on there that looks good for the same price.
Seems like there was a discussion a while back about the newfangled blade clamps, some of them didn't hold the blades good, some of them jammed where you couldn't get the blades back out.
Anybody remember which ones actually worked?
Hmm, I don't remember the discussion.But I can tell you I'm not terribly fond of my Dewalt, nor the wrench change. I've got a Makita cordless with the tool-less blade change and it's been great. No problems with the blade getting loose, or not being able to remove it.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
I've beaten up some milwaukees and have yet to lose one, my votes for the red and white (Milwaukee). Fast and easy blade change, too, imo.
Edited 1/22/2008 10:21 pm ET by peedee
Heck,
Dewalt switches are not the best. Easy to change tho.
KK
Yeah, it's probably the switch, but I was hankering for one where I didn't have to look for the allen wrench.
I'll try a switch on the old one, if that works, I'll have a backup.
You want a PC then for aggressive work
Milwaukee for nicer smooth ccontrol.
Makita for basic cheap but fast cutting
I have a rigid too, but the blade clamp was in failure almost from the beginning. Any hard cutting and it spits the blade out
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
That's what I was afraid of.
You want to guess what brand IMERC will vote for?
Just got a new Bosch on the jobsite. Blade clamp is way cool. Squirts the old blade out and you just click a new one in.KK
bosch is far 2nd from the Milwaukee super sawzall...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
You know, I always wanted that super sawzall.
get high amps, dual stroke, quick change, rotating handle, orbit and I still have G8's CC cards....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
That's right! I forgot about the CC's...How about I get a Milwaukee and a Makita both...
But what is a doornail?
I thought it's dead as a doorknob, but what do I know.And steer clear of the bosch.After a few uses the squirt out feature gets stuck.My boss has one and it can be a pain.Count me in for milwaukee.
G8 doesn't do Makita or DeWalt....
don't think it will fly...
a door nail is what dead is....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
OK.
Put two Milwaukees on G8's CC.
WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?
none fer me....
you hogging???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I've had five bad switches so far on my 2 Dewalts, and I normally use my porter cable for the majority of my work. I haven't had any luck with the switches lasting on these units, so i couldn't recommend them.
Greg in Connecticut
Makita 3070 or Milwaukee supersawzall
U only need a switch
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
change the switch and get a Milwaukee...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Its a Dewalt.
Why bother changing the switch? It'll serve its original purpose as a boat anchor just fine.
'Nother vote for the Milwaukee......super sawzall that is.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
yup....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I don't like dewalt or rigid's blade clamps.Blade is too far recessed too.Only half decent clamp I've seen is milwaukee's.They've got a sweet 13 amp power horse w/ a handle that rotates 360dg. to give you multi blade positions.But it goes for around $200.
Honestly, if you don't cut with that thing 4 hours a week every week like the other guys here do, I'd suggest sticking with Dewalt:
A new Dewalt runs about $99 at a big box, and of course has the quick change clamp. But what it has, that none of the others has, is a flush cut blade position. All the other reciprical saws mount their blades in the center of the saw. Only the cheap Dewalt had another mounting position, within 1/2" of the top flush edge of the tool. Forget rinkydink adapters, this saw will easily cut flush without bending the heck out of a blade.
Only the Dewalt does this.
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.
Honestly, if you don't cut with that thing 4 hours a week every week like the other guys here do, I'd suggest sticking with Dewalt:
This is Heck you're talking about, not some common homowner.
Now, how the heck do you put that nicely?
Well, you get the idea. He does "this sort of thing" for a living. He wants quality, long lasting (tho he isn't getting any younger) and ease of use.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
not some common homowner.
he owns a home....
but I will grant ya that he isn't common, a commoner perhaps - but "different" is a better nomenclature....
or would that be nomenculture???
what ever...
Wade is differently different ferure....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
pot and kettle?
or cake and pie?
LOL
I like ilk for the cake and pie better....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I recently picked up the Hilti Sawsall - the one that has an odd-shaped design.It seems very powerful - and I used it to cut through some cast iron pipe a few weeks ago - I think I would have burnt through 5 Dewalt saws just doing that job alone.It also has a variable speed dial, which you don't see as often on sawsalls.But the main thing I like about it is the odd shape handle and the multi-trigger allows you to either grip the handle like a reg saw, or allows you to use the saw with your hand from the top and still access the 2-way trigger pivot.Super handy to have that kind of changability in the handle positions. Much cooler I think than just a simple rotating handle.And, like my Fein and Festool item - it just seems like I'd have to really kill it to make it die - whereas with any other saw, it'd be pretty easy to abuse it and have it die on you.Of course, they sell for $279 or so - not sure if I'd pay that for it, but I picked it up used mint for $90 - definitely worth that, and Hilti's have very good cases.JT
they are great saws, but don't put the blade in backwards. I cut the tip off my finger. to easy for your hand to slip. First day on the job, saw not me, last day on the job.
I always put the blades in backwards, but I guess that depends which side you're standing on<G> Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
You put them in pointy end first?
Well, that way I don't cut myself.... jeeze, safety first <G> Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
You're right Cal, I am not a common homowner.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
I was going by his profile information:
Locationon the fence
GenderMale
Age50
OccupationHomemaker
If the term "bedmaker" or "making your bed" means you start off with a pick list of lumber and fabric, then I guess I read his profile wrong. I'd call myself a "Homemaker" too, as I'm the one who keeps the kids in line an places a fresh martini in my wifes hand when she walks through the door after a long day at work.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.
Homemaker.
Makes Homes.
And you've been here long enough to have run into Heck for crying out loud.
Who do you think the illustrator is for the Rooftop Bordello?
Lighten up man.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Surely you're not putting Heck into the catagory of Ranting Geezer are you?
...and yes, I just called you Surely!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.
Well you sir surely have a screw loose somewhere.
I will try to figure out your goofy #### 'd geezer thing. You californians are somethin else.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
nope, Your reference to ranting geezer makes as much sense as screwing everything.
Sorry.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
:)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.
at 50 Heck is just a kid...
a ranting kid perhaps...
but still just a kid...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Only the Dewalt does this."wrong - you obviously don't know the other saws - probably just read what DW prints
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
ditto...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
OK, what other saw does this?:
View Image
I've looked at every other model I could get my hands on, in the tools stores and in the building shows. Exactly which other saws put the blade within 1/2" of the edge of the tool?
Ya know, posting that I'm wrong, without posting exactly what is correct, means yer either lazy or you like the smell of your own farts. ;)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.
I gotta agree. I am unfamiliar with another recip. saw with such capability.
That aside, I have heard that Piffins farts have the distinct scent of roses.
So maybe yer both right.... : )
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
So then his **** doesn't smell either?
What you described was putting the blade in the reverse 180°. What you show in the photo is side to turning the blade 90°There is quite a difference.now that you have learned to correct your communications blunder, I will retract what I said.god been scratching you lately?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
"within 1/2" of the top flush edge of the tool."See - the top edge is the top. Most of these recip saws will let you turn the blade around to cut to flush.
your photo shows the side edge.
And flushe sideways is not 1/2" away from flush.side cutting is not hard with any recip saw and a long blade without bending the blade. you just gotta learn how to hold it.( BTW, did you ever learn how to hold a hammer yet?)So there is nothing special about a DW recip saw, except that it doesn't last very long.'scuse me now, I gotta go open a window. Somebody farted in here;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Hey Heck, I had a super sawzall that didn't have the pivoting handle. The blade clamp was a bit of a pain, cause it would get stuck from debris, and when you're sawzalling, it's all debris...That sawzall took a walk, and I picked up the 89 buck bosch... it doesn't have power and balance of the Milwaukee, and no orbit... but cuts just fine... course I only use it once or twice a week...but the blade clamp is the best I've ever used, it does just squirt the blade right out, every time, too... and it has a very handy rafter hook... plus G8 probably wouldn't notice it on his CC <G> Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
what else are we putting on his card???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I don't want sound greedy, but I do need a replacement SLP20 and SFN40... that oughta bout do it <G> Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
that's not greedy...
we be getting price breaks with the frieght lines because of frequency and volume of use...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
in that case, let's get some for G8, too! Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
can't do that....
it won't be right...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Were in the MTs. right now, forget the charger for the Lap Dog so this is going to be the last post till Monday!
But at least Now I know whos been charging all them 900#s to my CC.
that was Heck...
the semis of tools were the rest of us...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I just can't help it, 900-HOT-TOOL has me hooked... so much better than the blow up Heidi... but , they said your card was already on file <G> Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
I picked up a few models to look at today.
The super sawzall seems heavy and bulky to me.
The others there were different grades of DeWalt, don't want another one of those.
There also was one of those weird looking Hitachis, it seemed bulky, plus, it's just too weird looking. Did I mention that it's weird looking?
They had a Bosch, under a $100 I think, it felt pretty good, the rafter hook might come in handy, almost bought that one, but Marty has the CC.
Didn't see a hard case with any of them, thing of the past?
I feel the same way about the super sawzall... but it is a cutting monster... the bosch I got has a blow molded plastic case, pretty big, but surprisingly little space in it for my assortment of bent blades... you made me think I might try it in the metal case I have for my old dead DeWalt, dang you are a geeniuzzz<G>too bad we got cut off the cc. Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
Bosch and Milwaukee have hard cases...
you want that I call in the card #...
not gonna break off fishing just to buy tools....
man has to have his priorities....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Edited 1/24/2008 10:59 pm by IMERC
The weight of the Milwaukee may have something to do with how smooth it operates and that can translate to good controlIt depends how you use them. Mine is almost all pure demo so the rough and rugged PC is my go to. I smoked the front end out of a bosch so I don't feel like another one of those would keep up with me.
My Rigid was on sale for less than a hundred and I haad a 20% off certificate so I picked it up as a backup.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I smoked the front end out of a bosch so I don't feel like another one of those would keep up with me.Ha, funny you should mention that. I had another bosch that we literally had smoking out the front end after cutting out only 3 bottom plates for doors. Took it back and picked up the super sawzall... but mine must have run off with bobby's, dang. I gave bosch another shot, and no smoke<G>
I had spent a week cutting out beams as big as 8x12 so I didn't hold the saw to blame, but when I replaced it with a PC, that thing pulled me right through the wall!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I'm leaning toward the PC 9748R, I can get a reconditioned one for $100 from CPO PC.
Still haven't ordered a switch for my DW, am using a borrowed Dw for now, plus my cordless Bosch backup.
Even though you don't want another DW, they do come with a nice plastic case.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.
I have that Dewalt in cordless and I find the dual mount system very handy it lets you put the blade in on 2 axises creating 4 positions of which 2 are very close to a flush cut.
I also have the Porter Cable that's handle rotates on 2 axises and that has some abilities unmatched.
I also have the Bosch with the scrolling handle which works well too.
I also have the Rigid cordless and have not encountered a problem with the holder but i will say it seems to be the least sturdy of the 4.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
What?
No Milwaukee?
be 5. do I hear a 5?
Peace full.
You know I only have 2 Milwaukee tools, a close quarter drill and a 10" circle saw both of which I like but I am such a clearence shopper and Milwaukee's aren't on sale very often. I have almost bought the lithium tool kit clearenced but just didn't want to add a new system to my cordless addiction.
ANDYSZ2
PS I also have the the big bosch recip and an old PC recip that took ten years to wear out. 8 in all.WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Do you have a Craftman that is the one you lend out when someone stops to borrow? ;o)
Peace full.
No but i did buy a Craftsman laser measuring device last month works well and half the cost of the bosch.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
they all flush cut if U use the right blade!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
As we learned from the Smothers Brothers:
If it doesn't fit: Force it!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.
(what does a dead doornail look like, anyway?)
Straight from wiki:
When doors were built using only wood boards and hand forged nails, the nails were long enough to dead nail the (vertical) wooden panels and (horizontal) stretcher boards securely together, so they would not easily pull apart. This was done by pounding the protruding point of the nail over and down into the wood. A nail that was bent in this fashion (and thus not easily pulled out) was said to be dead. Thus the expression - dead as a doornail.
so if we clinch a nail it's dead...
cool...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Interesting.
Seems I've killed a lot of nails in my day.
Hmmm, 55 posts to find out that your not a typical diy'er and that some on here think that its beneath you to use a DW - remind me again what brand recip saw that you have?
Get the PC
Doug
Well, I've burned up a few different ones, I think the first I ever had was a Makita, but maybe I'm just ranting.
The DW that just died I got when the one before it died, I needed one, and the local lumberyard only had that brand. I would guess it lasted a good ten years.
My spare is a bosch 18v, works OK, but it eats batteries, and it cuts slower than the DeWalt did.
It's faster now, tho.
I just bought the Makita AVT and love it. I have the Hitachi, Porter Cable and Milwaukee and this thing vibrates less than my jig saw. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
I haven't seen one of those in person yet, I will check it out if I can.
im useing my supersawsall after my PC was stolen or ran off, I miss her powerfull thrusts, she was nimble and responsive, Ok she was not much to look at and not cheap but she served MY needs, I would NEVER lend her out, I could not take the chance some bum would abuse her, Many times i wiped her down when i was done with her to remove my sweat, And yes i did drool on her backside once in awhile but hey i was pushing too, Now all thats left is a empty case and memories, O how i miss her
She climbed the wall, cut through the barbed wire and eluded the gaurds. You'll have to get on down to Tijuana to pick her up again now
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Too bad that PC is now owned by Dewalt and HECO EN MEXICO. I wonder if the quality has dropped off...
I've been using the Makita 15amp recip saw for a couple of years and it is the best that we've used.