the 'ol Sawzall

[daveshoe]

I followed a recent thread about a sawzall comparing features and such. i was thinking about whether I should have mine repaired,or just buy a new one. After seeing all that PLASTIC on the new one,I believe that it would be worth it to spend up to a hundred on the old one. I think the reason mine is in trouble is that has a five speed limiter and a variable speed switch. It may be possible that the limiter could be worked around and eliminated. This is a rheostat feeding another rheostat. Just not necessary

The big differences are as follows. The only parts of my saw that are plastic are the grip handles. The handle also does not rotate. All the guts of the recip machanism are in an aluminum housing. the helical gear that drives the housing is part of th rear housing [also metal]that attaches to the front housing with metal -to metal torx screws. There is no clutch to protect anything--the clutch is your wrist--the one you just sprained if you bind the cut. :{

I do not want to criticise anyone for their views on Milwaukee,but they ain't what they used to be. i think that it is time they offered the heavy stuff for us willing to pay more for it ,and have a cheaper line for the big box stores. I may start cruising little out-of the way stores for old stock,or look to pawn shops for the heavy ones.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

Try one of THESE. A great saw. Very well balanced, tough, and lots of power.



CJ

 

[DBogo]

i got and old milwaukee like you got the only thing thats just as decent is the dewalts my buddys got one its no old milwaukee but it is sure one durable saw

 

[Hemiless]

This one is very handy!!!

I have and old Milwaukee saw and I like the old Milwaukee tools but dad runs a plumbing & heating business and has 4 different brands of sawzalls. 1 dewalt 18v cordless, 1 rigid cordless,1 Milwaukee, and one porter-cable. Truth is he uses the cordless ones the most just because they are handier but they are really just so so saws. The problem we have found with most new sawzalls is they all brag about the long stroke but when we’re cutting in a tight joist bay or wall that just means we're going to bend more blades getting the same job done my old short stroke sawzall would get done in one. :-laf



I have to say though the greatest improvement to come out to date on a sawzall has to be the Porter-cable model that dad has. (this one) The swivel head is awesome for getting into place you never though possible. We use this saw a lot because of the swivel feature and it has held up great. So before you throw a bunch of money at the old Milwaukee you might want to get the Porter-cable tigerclaw a try.

 

[rbattelle]

The older I get the more I become convinced that the best quality tools are 25 or more years old. I love my brand new Sawzall, but wish it had less plastic.



Ryan

 

[daveshoe]

Already have them

Well,you know how it goes--one tool breaks,and you need another one to get a job done. I bought a Porter years ago when the orbital feature was new to the industry. The orbital no longer works,but the saw still is crankin--a little worn,but crankin. My newest ''sawzall'' is the Porter that Hemiless describes. It is my favorite,but the way I beat them up,I try to wear out the other ones first. I own four--An old short stroke metal Milwaukee,the busted Milwaukee,and the two Porters. All opinions stated here are true,depending on what you are using the saw for. Orbital is great for wood that is not subject to binding,Short stroke for metal pipes,and the ''pretzel'' Porter Cable for the tight spots. Keep yer blades sharp and yer sticks on the ice.

 

[RDHamill]

Send me a PM if you're interested in the blades at wholesale.



I have a Porter Cable Tiger, it's about 8 years old, I can't tell you if it's any good thou, it's never been pluged in.



enjoy