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Inserting the blade is a bit tedious, compared to the Milwaukee 12v Hacksall, that I also use. I own this Kit. Comes with saw, bat, charger (NIMH and NiCad, 7.2 to 14 volt), and two blades, #78 for wood, and #71 for metal. I bought this saw Kit because I have two drills and a mini circle saw that use the same platform. Saw is very handy for a quick cut, no "Jitter" if held firmly.
That's one of the negatives here. Finding replacement blades is no piece of cake if you want them from a stick built store. After 14 years, I finally broke one of its saw blades today, cutting through aluminum channel metal, which is tricky to keep from twisting and stressing the blade. Its portability is one of its most positive aspects, just as with the drill. I've had this saw since 1995, and admittedly only use it a few times a year for home projects. On its own in not too thick a steel, it will buzz through like it was butter. And wear safety glasses cuz my blade broke off the tip as well as broke at the base, and that tip went aflying across the garage.That leads to the only other negative. But that's why it can snap a blade; so a modicum of caution is advised - don't overreach the shorter blade throw, nor cut too cockeyed a line.
All that negative aside, I'd recommend this rig to any friend or acquaintance. Limited power = limited blade size and capability. However it uses the same battery as my Makita angle drill, which makes it super convenient. Plenty available online though. the blades are not standard reciprocating saw blades, but rather oversized jig saw blades, for all intents. Not that this rig doesn't have plenty of power, because it does. And I'd buy another myself if I needed one, because it is so easy to take anywhere (upstairs, downstairs, to the yard or shed) and use without worrying about a darned cord, and it makes a lot quicker work of steel cutting projects than a hack saw; as long as you control its power and don't force the cut of the blade. Like any recipro, the width of the guide foot can complicate closesness of cut, but that inconvenience doesn't overshadow the great overall usefullness of this very handy tool.
I've cut up to 4" conduit with this tool, so it is no slouch. The great thing about this tool is that you can use it with one hand and still have great precision and control of the tool because the trigger is only 5" from the blade instead of way in the back. I use this tool for cutting conduit, steel/aluminum tubing, bolts. The short stroke of the blade allows you to get into some pretty tight places while minimizing collateral damage. Your hand grips the center of mass of the tool and it's amazing how light and balanced it feels in your hand. This saw is a scalpel and more suited towards finish cutting than the larger recipro saws. It is one of my favorite tools. The only thing I'd change about the tool is convert over to 12V and some of the newer batteries, but keep the overall shape and size.
How did I survive without this one. This is made in Canada, so I have faith they did it right. Sure to be a classic in my Hall of Tool Museum. I love Makita's, especially if made in Japan. Now, I have the whole line. So much better than a sabre or sawzall.
I purchased this for a "self" Christmas present as I often find that I need a saw to get into tight spaces and the big reciprocating saws were too long or just didn't fit. I recently had a plumbing project and the saw worked excellent. I have used the saw for several cutting projects around the house and I'm very satisified. I do recommend purchasing a few extra blades if you decide to buy the unit.
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