Very handy, but has some shortcomings (Rating: 3.00)
Review : Don't get me wrong, I'm very glad I have this handy little saw. It has been quite useful in a number of applications. However, I don't think it's worthy of more than three stars because (1) The battery drains very quickly. Fortunately it also charges very quickly, but it can be a real pain when it goes dead in the middle of a cut; (2) It is underpowered. A DeWalt sales rep once explained to me that this saw is really intended for cutting the ends off 2x4s, which it does very well. But a miter saw does a much better job. If that's all you were ever going to do with this trim saw I'd say it's not worth it. However, I use it to cut sheet stock as well, and when it comes to cutting even thin or soft pieces of sheet stock it strugges through the entire cut. Frequently the blade even gets stopped dead in its tracks. This occurs even with a brand new blade. It will get the job done, but it ain't always pretty; (3) The saw causes significant tear-out, mainly due to the fact that the blade turns so slowly compared to a table saw or even a full-size circle saw. This is related to problem no. 2 (i.e. it is underpowered).Despite these drawbacks, I still think this saw is worth having. Whether it is worth $200 is another issue altogether though. If you don't have a miter saw, definitely buy one of those first. Then think about buying this trim saw if you can get a good deal on it.
Handy, but keep a sharp blade (Rating: 4.00)
Review : I am now on my second saw. I used (abused) the first one so much that I needed to buy a new one. That probaly tells you all you need to know about my opinion. A few suggestions: keep a sharp blade available. The case has a handy bolt for keeping spare blades. I always keep a couple freshly sharpened blades ready. The saw is a bit underpowered -- a trade off with weight and battery life. It really helps the saw make it through a tough cut if the blade is sharp. The battery drains pretty quick, but it does charge up quick as well. I keep a battery in the charger. I am a trim carpenter and this saw really helps me get a job done faster. Before I bought this tool I was constantly trekking back and forth to the miter box or killing my old wrist with a heavy 7 1/4" saw. I have used the saw when building a couple of decks and the tool can get the job done -- but it is definitly above grade. I hope that helps.
Handy little saw (Rating: 4.00)
Review : This is a handy little saw that packs more punch than I expected. I bought this saw as part of a combo pack with an 18V drill, charger, and two batteries. It was a steal at $200. I had been using a 7-1/4" Skil with an incredibly short cord. I have a small shop and cutting 4x4 and 4x8 plywood panels on my table saw is simply not an option. I've been breaking down 3/4" plywood sheets in the garage without a problem. I built a firewood holder and the saw had no problem cutting through 2x4s. It's nice not to worry about cords. It's light, well balanced, and quiet. It does cause a bit of tearout, but I assume that is the case with most circular saws. So far the battery life and power have been more than adequate. Last weekend my I built a workbench for my dad using 2x4s and some 3/4" plywood. The saw made around 12 - 15 4ft /8ft cuts on the same battery. The charger fully charges the battery in less than an hour.
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