Power Saws Reviews

I have several Bosch power tools and they are all of exceptional quality and craftmanship... the Bosch 1639K is no exception... German engineering, can't beat it! The tool has a good 'heft' to it and feels very good in your hand. Loud, but quieter than other brands, this is due to a very smooth running ball-bearing motor which just hums smoothly along. (Wear some sort of hearing protection, hearing loss is cumulative over time. Check out Peltor #H10A Professional Earmuff Hearing Protectors) A roto-tool of some type is a must working with a lot of drywall and, as one reviewer stated, you will find that the circle cutter is VERY handy! It has been some time since I've noticed anyone still using a drywall/jab handsaw, although I still have one handy. The unit also works great on cut-outs through concrete backer-board. I also use 1/4" shank bits; the 1/8" having a proclivity for snapping; I guess I'm too rough on them. At 2.4 lbs, the Bosch is 1 lb lighter than the Dewalt and 1/2 lb lighter than the Rotozip. It may not sound like much, but high or overhead work will wear you out... lighter is better. Dealing with gypsum dust from drywall, you will want to blow out the tool after each day's use with a compressor; it will extend the life of your (any) rotary cutter.

Wrenching to change bits is no problem to me, heck, before the days of 'quick-change', thats what you had to do. I like the bump-off switch; very safe, very handy; I usually just tap it against the drywall to shut it off. This tool 'spells' quality and is well worth the money!

I seem to have more control with this type of rotary cutter, rather than one with a side handle. Perhaps it has something to do with having your hands closer to the tool.

You need a wrench to change bits, but it's fast and simple to apply plenty of force to absolutely hold the bit in place.

This Bosch has a simple and safe switch. Pull the slide switch out one click for the 25,000-RPM speed, and all the way out for 30,000 RPM. Bump the switch forward (hand, forehead, knee, whatever), and it stops quickly.

The tool must have terrific bearings, because it is very smooth when on, with a nice hum to the motor. The circle cutter is a useful accessory -- from small holes, up to 12" in diameter. The case is quite nice, with metal clasps, and room for the circle cutter and extra bits. Since 1/8" bits snap too easily for my temperament, I mostly use the much stronger 1/4" bits (tool comes with 1/8" and �" collets).

As with my other Bosch tools, this one is well designed and built - clearly a professional grade cutter.

I read these reviews often but had never been moved to write one until now as this is one of the first products that exceeded my expectations.

I had a medium size dry wall project coming up and had heard about these rotary saws but after reading the reviews for them all, I was in doubt: everyone said the DeWalt and Rotozip were loud, messy, difficult to control, and broke bits off often. I like Bosch's products so I decided to take a chance on it. It has been great. I have now finished the project and I can say that all the complaints about the other models do not apply to the Bosch. It is not too loud nor does it send a cloud of dust in one's face. After a couple of cuts it was easy to control and I used the same bit for two weeks without it breaking or seemingly going dull. I have not tried it with real hard surfaces like tile but so far it has been tremendous. It has saved so much time and seems so well made. I liked it so much that I hope this review helps others who are deciding what product to buy.

After I got this saw, I no longer use my corded Dewalt saw. I have kept it, mainly because the dewalt was the first tool I every bought. The bosch has plenty of power and a long battery life. It works as well as my corded saw.

I got mine when Bosch first ran their free tool promo a few years back and it's been one of my favorite tools. No cords, no hassles. It has a good runtime and has plenty of power. The toolless blade change is great and the dual stroke is nice for when you need to be more/less aggessive. With two batteries and a one hour charger, you won't run out of power. It may never replace a corded recip saw for extreme use, but a corded saw will never be as handy as this saw

This cordless reciprocating saw seems to have as much power as some corded saws. It works great for jobs where I don't want to run an extension cord. It has selection for two different stroke lengths. Quick release for changing blades. The Bosch 1645K 24V saw has a great balance of power, durability, weight, comfort & convience.

This saw is Great!! It's solidly put together. The saw cuts smoothly, strongly and precisely. I couldn't ask for more.

The saw blade is wonderful. It makes really nice cuts. The battery is great because I don't have to recharge it as often as other cordless tools I have owned in the past. It is a very comfortable tool to work with. I would recommended to anyone looking for a new saw. I am very happy with this saw. The 3 year service plan is great. If I break my tool they fix it or replace it.

The saw blade is wonderful. It makes really nice cuts. The battery is great because I don't have to recharge it as often as other cordless tools I have owned in the past. It is a very comfortable tool to work with. I would recommended to anyone looking for a new saw. I am very happy with this saw. The 3 year service plan is great. If I break my tool they fix it or replace it.

I scored the 18v. set (CircSaw, JigSaw, RecipSaw, Hammer drill, Hand Planer, Flashlight, 2 batts and standard 1-hour charger...$515) and feel extremely fortunate to have done so. (I notice there's no such deal available now, so I'm guessing the weak GOP dollar is digging in.) Haven't used the planer much, but everything else works dandy. The jigsaw in particular, is a fabulous tool. That's a healthy pile of tools for $515, and they threw in a very nice tool bag that holds everything!

My ONLY complaint is the circular saw can seem just a wee bit underpowered cutting 3/4" ply, so if you're buying one piece at a time, that would get my 24v. recommendation. Everything else has power to spare for my dinkin' around purposes.

As an added bonus, Bosch had a free rebate for their fast charger last winter (1-'04), 15 minutes from total exhaustion to full charge. I was a little worried that it might stress the batteries, but it seems to work perfectly. There's no extra heat or anything. Put it all together, it's an exceedingly slick set-up. Very happy customer.

I purchased this kit with the bonus jigsaw which made this an even more incredible value. I work construction/remodeling with about 10 other guys and this is by far the most used and abused tool kit on any job we do. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more show up on site after the compliments I've received. I would recommend an extra battery (if you can find one). Every tool performs flawlessly and up to the Bosch standard.

I have the 18 volt Bosch set that also included the Jig saw and the hammer drill. I can't seem to find that set in the tool listing, but its in the catalog Amazon sends me. I couldn't be more pleased with these tools. All of the tools had plenty of power and features such as quick release blades and vacuum port on the circ saw. Also, the blade for the circ saw is a standard size, unlike the Porter Cable saw I had before. I returned a porter cable set and bought these. Bosch's tools are quite superior than other rechargables I have used.

One feature I like is the bag. Other tool sets have large and heavy plastic boxes which are so tight you can hardly get the things back in there and the lid closed. My Bosch set came with a contractor's bag which is much easlier to carry in a house without bunping the walls. Additionally, the bag will hold additional accessories unlike some cases I have used.

The only weakness is the charger. I would like a charger that indicates battery condition, charge status, etc. Bosch's 1 hour charger has only one light and only tells you if its charging or not.

makes mitre cuts fool proof
laser makes cuts fast and accurate
built very well

love this saw

The Delta 12" compound miter saw is worth ever penny. Excellent heavy-duty construction and great power and accuracy. Make sure you buy one with twin laser guides - you'll never want to use a saw without a laser again.

I've been using this saw for [a while now]. It certainly does everything it should; bevel, miters etc with lots of power. The positive stops are very accurate and easy to use. One of the things I like best is the mounting system - the base has slots for setting it on 2 2x4's... ...The included blade isn't too bad either - especially for framing lumber.

I had went thru about three craftsman saws when I decided to purchase a unisaw. I had held back sometime because of the cost.
When I started using it I knew why there was a difference in cost factor. I also wondered how my old saw was rated at 3 HP,when there is no comparison between it and the 3 HP unisaw. It was like changing from from a model T Ford to a new Cad. What a difference! I highly recommend spending a few more dollars and getting what you really want. Very satified with it and wished I had purchased it sooner.

In the three years that I've had the saw, I can't find one complaint. It's been up to the task on every occasion. I routinely rip and crosscut 8/4 oak, rock maple, and old growth locust - (the hardest wood that I've encountered), without a glitch. If you keep your blades clean, all that you'll hear from these saws is that familiar whistle that the blade makes when powered up. It seems to be saying, "Bring it"! What amazes me most is the lack of run out. To date, I haven't measured any. My dado set keeps advising me of it & I shim using their recommended sizes, but always end up with dado's that are too tight. This is a very precise machine. To any one considering the 36-821 Unisaw, I would highly recommend it. However, after your purchase, don't be too anxious to discard the blade guard. I've recently reinstalled mine to improve the performance of my dust collector. What a difference, who would have guessed that it's possible to run MDF without choking. The splitter also keeps the cut stock tight to the back of the fence. Thus, eliminating that left turn that long stock likes to make towards the back of the blade after being cut.

When guys like "Norm" and others recommend the Unisaw, they are not kidding about how nice and smooth they cut compared to contractor type saws. Unisaws and all cabinet/type table saws are made for woodworkers. You can balance a nickle on it's edge, turn the saw on, shut it down, turn it on again - the nickle doesn't fall over. It's that smooth. I expect that most all cabinet saws are this good - I really don't know. The reason I like and recommend the Unisaw is that they are pretty much unchanged as far as internal parts are concerned. In other words, if your 1950 model Unisaw needs a new trunion - chances are it's still in stock. This tool definately falls into that category of "expensive but worth it."

I had bought a Sears 19.2V cordless reciprocating saw which came with 2 batteries. However, the batteries would not hold a charge (both of them) and the brief time it work the saw seem to bog down. Believe I paid about $110 for the Sears. After the returned the Sears unit I purchase the Dewalt and couldn't be happier. Used it to cut wood and metal with excellent results. It's heavier than the Sears model but the Dewalt really works well and the battery has staying power. I paid $179 for the Dewalt with free Amazon shipping. As always its best to spend a little more money and get a quality unit.

This tool is quite powerful and last a long time on a single battery. This was part of the DC6KITA. I have tested each tool and have reviewed some. This one is not exception. On a fresh battery and with the supplied blade I continual cut 2x4's until my hand was sore from holding on. The power is nice. It did not seem too bog when pushed hard through the wood. Battery life suprised me by never giving up. On a full demo job where cutting throught various materials is necessary it might show it's weakness in longevity.

Having purchased a 1/2 rebar to test the DC410 cut-off tool, I proceed to test the DC385 with a 18tpi metal blade. It worked quite well. The power was still there. No bogging. Of course pressure was needed to help the teeth bite, but that is to be expected.

Also the adjustable shoe is a new feature. It does not have much range of motion but at least it is there.

For most all home projects this is going to be a wonderful tool. In owning many XRP batteries and having several chargers, I don't forsee buy a corded saw. I have given this 5 stars, but there is only one thing that slightly bothers me. The blade is not centered in the shoe becuase of the 4 way blade clamp. Now I gave it the 5 because I would rather have the 4 way clamp than have it centered.

This tool is quite powerful and last a long time on a single battery. This was part of the DC6KITA. I have tested each tool and have reviewed some. This one is no exception. On a fresh battery and with the supplied blade I continual cut 2x4's until my hand was sore from holding on. The power is nice. It did not seem too bog when pushed hard through the wood. Battery life suprised me by never giving up. On a full demo job where cutting throught various materials is necessary it might show it's weakness in longevity.

Having purchased a 1/2 rebar to test the DC410 cut-off tool, I proceed to test the DC385 with a 18tpi metal blade. It worked quite well. The power was still there. No bogging. Of course pressure was needed to help the teeth bite, but that is to be expected.

Also the adjustable shoe is a new feature. It does not have much range of motion but at least it is there.

For most all home projects this is going to be a wonderful tool. In owning many XRP batteries and having several chargers, I don't forsee buy a corded saw. I have given this 5 stars, but there is only one thing that slightly bothers me. The blade is not centered in the shoe becuase of the 4 way blade clamp. Now I gave it the 5 because I would rather have the 4 way clamp than have it centered.

Great saw, great service, great price. Couldn't have found a better deal anywhere, and couldn't have found a better saw. The tremendous service and delivery from the Amazon.com people is unbelievable.

I have the entire 24V kit, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I like the AC/DC converter feature, so that when the uncommon dead battery situation happens, you're not left without power. DeWalt: How about a 24V jig saw, plate jointer, miter saw and handheld planer? I'll buy them whenever they come out.

I cut a 3.5" solid hardened steel blower shaft in half with this saw with one blade, faster than if I hauled a oxy/act rig up to the roof, or ran around trying to tap off power somewhere for a corded saw. This saw never stalled once and still had plenty of power left in it. This is one heck of a time and energy saver for me. Believe it from me, I'm a Commercial Air Conditioning Repairman.

If you have enough room to work, i.e. not under a house or in the rafters this is the one to use. I have a smaller saw I use and bought this one because of the extra power. Just use a good blade in the saw. I used a cheap one the saw chewed it up and spit it out. I then used one of the dewalt blades and it was smooth for cutting cast pipe.

If you are doing demolition, this is a great saw to have. If I had it to do over again I would buy the DW309, but that's just because I like lots of power. This saw has cut through everything that I have asked it to. I just finished tearing out a kitchen, and pulling out a ceiling soffit. Nothing slowed it down. The depth adjustment is a nice feature. Occasionally you don't want to send your blade through the next wall. You can at least knock off about 1 1/2" in blade length with the depth adjustment. A previous review wrote about the plastic lever to release the blade. Now a days most plastic is harder than metal. It feels like a composite of nylon and plastic. In 2 years of use mine has never given me trouble. Blade changes take about 5 seconds. It always works. The blades are always secure. The saw also comes with a relatively long cord. That's nice because on small projects I don't always want to pull out the extension cord. In fact, I nearly did my entire kitchen with nearby wall sockets. Enjoy your destruction.

This was an amazingly valuable tool and I have no qualms about recommending it to someone who needs a saw to cut into studs or a major demolition repair project. I had an infestation of termites that ate into a first floor exterior wall, and I had only 1 1/2 weekend days to fix it, never having done this before and having a business trip at the weeks start. Since the rental stores were closed - I bought this to help cut the studs. I got the 6" wood blade (it comes with a 4" bimetal. Okay, I was ignorant (I didn't know it cut nails), but I was flabbergasted when I just sliced through nails - so I didn't have to pound or peel off siding and seperated nailed together studs. It cut the studs in a snap (I did have a jackstand holding up the beam). Sill plate went in a flash too. I was able to replace all of the spoiled wood and a safety margin well ahead of any hand tools, plus there's some things, like cutting nails from one side, I couldn't have done. Really did the job. My only note is that they should include a 6" wood blade with this (in addition to the bimetal). It's also a limited use tool - It's impossible to do any kind of a nice wood working cut - you can do a sort of striaght cut for a reinforced support 2/4 to go under (with bracing on both sides of the join). This is for removing things only, also good on branches.

First let me say that 97% of my portable electric tools and air staplers/nailers are from Porter Cable. They and Delta remain my standards for comparison. I broke my old PC 348 jigsaw and nearly cried when I was told that most critical parts are no longer availabe. But then, I purchased it back in the late 70's so it has been a true workhorse. So what to replace it with? After much research and hands on at various tool stores I settled on the DeWalt DW331 and let me tell you that this is one fine machine in every way and that the yellow D can be very proud of this product. I rate it a full 10. Wonder if I can get 20+ years out of this one - I think perhaps. Best feature - the ability to flush cut to the wall. WOW!! The vibration is minimal, the adjustments are rock solid, the grip is as good as gets for a top handle, and jeesh there is gobs of power. Buy this one if you want to own the current standard for corded jigsaws. Oh, the yellow means it can't hide in the pile - it's like its saying "I'm over here, silly".

Over the years, I have used jig's from others companies, and by far this is a sweet saw, the blade changer is great. and it just flows thur wood. I would buy another, and wonder why it took me so long to buy this one.

I work in a car audio install bay. We use and abuse a jig saw on a daily basis. I bought this Dewalt to replace a Bosch that our shop has used for years. The Dewalt outperforms any other jig saw that we've used in our shop. A+