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That's already more & thicker wood than I expected out of this small unit anyway, especially on the first, warm up, charge.I let it cool & plugged it into the charger again. But they are weird if you aren't used to them.I charged 9 hrs before using. NiMH needs "special care" which ARE in the instrucions (yes. So it's not a Grab-'n-Go type of tool battery set up.
to get it started working well & long term. With the short throw & small size I bought this to get nails that are in spaces too tight to reach with a sawsall.With the battery recommendation to NOT keep it on the charger (you'll ruin it)., and that it will achieve full battery power after several uses, it sounds like this is a NiMH battery, not the usual NiCad or Lit folks are used to for a power tool. I'll expect that it will only get stronger over the next uses. If I run into a problem I'll let you know.One day Update: Cut nails easily in tight spaces. Then cut 2x4s to see how strong the cutting power is (no problem when held solid to wood) & when the battery would get noticeably weaker.
But I'm too lazy to fully fully run it down test anymore, and don't have a lot of jobs for it, just a few hard to reach nails I want to get rid of.The other thing about NiMH is that it self-discharges so it will need to be used a bit & charged perhaps every couple of months to keep the battery fresh, could be a hassle. The protective box is rather big making access/angle of some cuts more difficult, but still do-able. they are). Too bad B&D didn't use an Eneloop battery pack. After six 2x4s, with a bit of rest to cool down after each pair, I noticed a very slight decrease in power.
It may have just been me getting tired. If I can I'll run it down & charge the day before I really need a lot of cutting, that's the best system I can think of. The battery is very strong as expected.
My dad gave one of these saws to me for Christmas 2007. I am critical on product designs. It bounces like crazy on vinyl siding -- a finer blade might be the answer.
I can cut holes for electrical outlets or ceiling light fixtures in less than 30 seconds. The blade changing mechanism is the easiest I have ever seen. I agree it will not cut hardwoods or 2x4s, but it is great for trimming drywall and trim molding.
There is not enough power in the stroke to handle 2x4s and moderate thinkness hardwoods. Because of the fast strokes, the mess is minimal -- I usually hold a box lid under the cutting area to catch the dust. While I love this saw for drywall and trim molding, it is lousy when used for cutting vinyl siding, 2x4s and 1" or greater thinkness hardwoods.
I am an engineer and like to be my own handyman at home. I am amazed the spring-loaded blade holder holds the blade so well and eliminates need for screwdrivers and wrenches to change the blade.
It will not cut any thing over 1 inch thick. I have always felt like we do not need one. We do not own a circular saw. The cut is a clean cut if you hold it correctly and close to what you are cutting. This hand saw was great to use. We used it to orgainaze my outside storage room, cutting peg boards and 1/8 inch plywood to make shelving. It charges very quickly and cuts a long time. I believe that,"having the RIGHT tool makes the job a whole lot easier and faster." The storage room looks GREAT.
I'm a "little old lady" who only uses power tools for minor jobs. I found it impossible to cut a round dowel because there is only one speed (fast).It would have been possible if you could have "set" the cut at a slow speed. I have a B&D variable speed drill which I use with no problem.
Blade change really quick and EZ. Lacks power when used on hard woods. Works OK for small cuts. Cutting material needs to be on solid surface. Wear safty glasses. Broke a few blades. Hard to see cutting line. All depends upon your needs.
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