The reciprocating saws compared here are the cheapest ($20) Harbor Freight reciprocating saw, and the Makita AVS ‘top of the line.’
I had not intended comparing these tools, but today’s job site drama made it too good to pass up.
The GC had shown up with the HF. Having seen others attempt to use this tool, I never considered buying one. Whether the “heavy duty” $40 HF is any better, I cannot say.
Out of the box, the HF proved areal chore to get a blade into … much more difficult than simply having to use an Allen wrench would account for. The tool did appear to be considerably smaller overall, and lighter than my Makita AVS.
The job was cutting a large hole (for ductwork) in a steel ceiling. The steel panels were about 24″ wide, and connected to each other with a variation of a concealed standing seam. Metal thickness appeared about 1/8″. From my work, I can say that the steel drilled, threaded, and cut readily. Sparks thrown by a grinder suggest that the steel was a simple, mild steel.
The GC had little problem making his long cuts with a powered shear (“Kett” type). When he came to the seams, he switched to the reciprocating saw. The seams appeared to stand about 2″ tall, and consisted of several thicknesses of the material.
Using the HF tool, much noise ensued. The blade moved. The worker shook. The ladder shook. The ceiling was unaffected. NO progress was made in making the cut. The GC paused to shake the tingling out of his hands. Time to break out the Makita.
For those who have not handled the Makita AVS … this is a large tool, somewhat heavy, even by “Sawzall” standards. It has a distinct nose-heavy feel to it.
Ignoring my suggestions for the use of the tool, the GC proceeded to cut the first seam, while holding the tool nearly vertical. There was a bit of wrestling, but the seam was cut.
The next seam, the GC decided to try it ‘my way” … holding the saw a bit above horizontal, with the weight of the tool helping to hold the nose down. As has been my experience, the saw was through that seam almost as soon as the trigger was touched.
I’ve said some nice things, about SOME HF tools in the past. This is one time, however, that having NO tool is better than having such a POS as the HF reciprocating saw.
There is sometimes a reason one tool costs ten times as much as another; this is such a time.
One advantage the Makita tool has over the competition -even Milwaukee- is the metal case that comes with it. There is ample room for storing the cord, as well as blades and accessories. There is even room to place one of those great plastic DeWalt ‘blade indexes.’
The downside to the Makita? Many of the after-market guides, etc., made to fit the Milwaukee product are not available for the Makita. Can they be made to fit? I don’t know. It’s something to consider, if you wish to uses such accessories.
Replies
HF- I just don't go there unless I plan to throw away or use up.
I suppose I should feel fortunate to have a metal case for my Sawzall, man, I can store a crapload of stuff in there.
Been giving that saw serious consideration. If I didn't have a Milwaukee and 3 craftsmans(2 are the Dewalt built Industrial 6.5 amp versions)....
If I had no recip saw, I would get the Makita AVS. Of I already had a Milwaukee -either version- I would not bother with getting the Makita. Cordless? I'd go with the Makita .... their battery attachment looks similar to Milwaukee (Or DeWalt, depending on the tool) ... but their execution of the design is much better.
The downside to the Makita? Many of the after-market guides, etc., made to fit the Milwaukee product are not available for the Makita. Can they be made to fit? I don't know. It's something to consider, if you wish to uses such accessories.
They make guides for sawzalls?----- I'm a friggin artist I tell ya. ;-)
Cutting that hole I probably would have used my bosch jig saw though.
I looked at the Makita recip saw- too bad it is made in China, just like their new circular saws. Maybe even the same factory as the HF stuff.
Did the AVS kit come with a free lead test kit? :)
China or Mexico, Take your pick...Dewalt and Porter Cable are now doing the Mexican Hat Dance! Some Makita stuff is made in Buford,Ga. Some milwaukee is German now...Who can Keep track Anyway? The bottom line is the quality of the tool.
I'd add that, besides the quality of the tool, what matters is the quality of the people behind it. I had a 'cheap' tool fail after a few uses; the 'import' merchant immediately replaced the 'no warranty' tool. No questions asked. I had a 'top of the line' tool fail on its' second use. I got jerked around for months by the repair center, the factory rep, and the factory. I heard ever variety of sob story. Finally, the merchant replaced it himself.
I still favor that merchant. I do not favor that brand. I have several tools from a third firm. While these are presented as professional-duty tools, in the past few years I have noticed a certain arrogance by the maker. For example, they will take part in 'open house' at the vendor, even have a fancy display .... but never a rep in sight. If you track one down (usually by the free donuts), you're left in no doubt that you are inconveniencing them.
As you might guess, I am losing my enthusiasm for that make.
Cool...but you'll have to pry my PC Tiger Saw with the articulating head from my cold, dead hands.
renostienke,
I love both my Mikita equipment and my sawzalls.
However for a really great sawzall buy a Hilti..
Over twice as fast as the newest nastiest Milwaukee on the market.. You literally cannot bog it down, sawing these big massive hardwood timbers is a work out with anything but a Hilti!