Milwaukee vs. Makita Reciprocating Saws
I’m a DIY and seldom have done any demolition jobs- until now. I need to demolish and build a new deck and widen an opening between two rooms- creating a large archway rather than a rectangular opening. So a reciprocating saw has come to mind. After the above demo work is done, I hope to use the reciprocating saw for rough cutting wood and alabaster stone sculptures. I’ve already decided that I don’t want anything too heavy- especially for the sculpture application so I’m considering the 10amp Milwaukee 6509-22 with 3/4″ stroke, the Milwaukee 6519-22 with 1 1/8″ stroke, 11amp Milwaukee 6521-21 with orbital action, and the 9 amp Makita JR3050T (based on the FHB review).
Given my uses, which one should I get? For occasional use and cutting stone- is the orbital action or a longer stroke length a real advantage. From what I’ve read on earlier posts, it sounds like the longer stroke length can have some real disadvantages at times. If these features are not a huge benefit, what is your all’s opinion of the 9amp Makita compared with the 10amp Milwaukee 6509-22?
Thanks,
Lyptus
with read the FHB review and need a reciprocating saw to
Replies
One of the serious flaws with tool reviews is they only look at the machine out of the box. No one looks at reliability, repairability, availability of service/parts. All machines eventually need service and many times it happen at the most inconvenient time.
Check the web site for both Milwaukee and Makita for local service centers - Makita has only 2 in my area, and not that close. Milwaukee has 10 centers and I live in a major metro area. Milwaukee is one of the few tool manufacturers with parts going back to the earlier machines - not so with B&D/DeWalt, Porter Cable and others. Check Makita for their parts retention policy.
A tool review is nice reading, but should only be part of the overall decision - unless it's a throw away tool.
I was thinking that if you do any controlled or delicate cuts, the orbital action may fight you, more even than the longer stroke models. If you just want to cut a smidge or to a line, I would think the orbital action would make it hard to stop the cut where you wanted.
I own two of the machines you listed. One can be used with an offset for offset work from the saw. The orbital cannot. The orbital action is a powerful saw and the orbital action can be adjusted and completely turned off. It cuts faster because of the orbital action and the longer stroke.
If I had to pick just one it would be the orbital action Milwaukee.
Which model can be used with an offset and is that a separate attachment or homemade jig?
- Lyptus
"Which model can be used with an offset and is that a separate attachment or homemade jig?"It was used in conjunction with the sawzall which used the old style of blade clamp that tightened with a hex wrench. The offset blade adapter was one Milwaukee made. I tried putting in the part number and it did not come up. So perhaps it is not made anymore. The part number I have from my 1980s owner's manual from is 48-03-2000. I was able to find one at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00027LGS6/ref=nosim/103-3932927-1564613?n=228013It does look like they make an attachment for use with the newer sawzalls. I found one at http://www.korit.com/shop/milwaukee/sawzallblades.htm The part number is #48-03-2010. Howevr I would make sure it is what you would want first. However Milwaukee does not seem to list one in their catalog. I have an orbital sawzall I bought about six months ago and it does not list an offset blade adapter. So maybe it is not possible to get it anymore.It does look like someone has manufactured one at http://www.theflushcut.biz/
Edited 1/27/2006 8:13 pm ET by gb93433
I still have my old Milwaukie dedicated to the offset attachment. If Milwaukie was smart, they'd make an adapter for the click-lock blade.
To the OP: I'd go with the Milwaukie....the orbital function, as someone mentioned, can be cut off....Milwaukie's a good tool.
For your use, however, the Makita may be OK.
The PC is "ok" too, but it certainly wouldn't be my #1 choice.
I have a few of the FlushCut accessories, including two of the offsets, one for each saw. I think the offset should be standard equipment with any recip saw, it really comes in handy.
-- J.S.
I have the big orbital Milwaukee and the articulated PC. If I had to choose just one, hands down it would be the PC. It can go places the other simply can't. For a one and only DIY saw, go with the PC.
-- J.S.
Tools are like pick up trucks, everyone has their favorite. I would not have any truck but a Ford, and no sawzall but a Milwaukee orbital. We have four Milwaukees, the oldest of which is 16 years old. I have only taken that one to the shop for repair and tuning twice. They are extremely reliable.
sully
I like the PC with the articulating head as well. In renovation work you frequently need to cut at some tough angles that other saws can't reach easily. The Milwaukee will probably last longer but it sounds like you're not looking for an every day saw.
Billy
Another vote for the PC
I agree with most of the others...I own the mid-grade Mil and the orbital PC...turn the orbital off on the PC and it's just as smooth as the Mil. Definitely more powerful, and probably just as durable...my PC has been used much more than the Mil has, and for dirtier, tougher work. It works great.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling
I recommend the Makita. The guy I work with has the Milwaukee and he likes my Makita better. It's just a straight no frills saw. One advantage with the Makita is you can turn the blade around backwards which makes it easier to get in a lot of places.
I have a orbital action Bosh that I leave home for the wife.
My first recip saw was a Milwaukee, then a PC Tiger Saw, and currently a 50th Anniversary Super Sawzall (11 amp orbital). The Tiger Saw had more power than the first Milwaukee but shook you to pieces ............. I sold it. The Super is smooth and imho the longer stroke and orbital action are of real benefit for wood demo work and would more than likely still be my first choice. The Makita truck came to town a few months ago and I got a chance to try their new JR3070CT and was very impressed. Very smooth, lots of power (15 amp), and for me, very nicely balanced. Worth a look.
Edited 1/29/2006 3:09 am ET by jc21
Milwaulkee Super Sawzall. I own it and it's very reliable. The PC is a good saw too, and the Makita I have not used. Makita makes a very reliable too though, I have never had a Makita that didn't serve me well. I have used most every other one and have found that the cutting power and smoothness of the Milwaulkee is tops.
If you're looking for something light weight, I wonder if one of those Milwaukee "hatchet" things would work.
It wouldn't cut as agressively, but it sure would be lighter.
A buddy of mine has a corded Hatchet...it works well, and I think it's got orbital on it, but it only packs 7 amps, so not for heavy-duty work.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling
Thanks for all of your thoughtful replies. After reading them and reading reviews from Amazon customers, I am leaning towards the Milwaukee 6519-22 because it is seems to be a good compromise- light but with a longer stroke length. While some seem to swear to the value of orbital action, based on some Amazon reviews, it sounds a bit over-rated. I was intrigued by the variable speed dial but many have attested to the adequacy of just the trigger speed control.
Another variable I'm considering is vibration. To use the saw for roughing out stone and wood sculptures, I really don't want a saw that vibrates much. Based on what I read, the Milwaukee's fair the best in this realm. Is this true?
- Lyptus
Yah, the Red tool is great on vibration, better than the orbital PC...of course orbital is what gives these saws the vibration.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling
Milwaukee is far and away the leader in anti-vibration. As far a realiability, go with the milwaukee. I have 2 sawzalls one for over 17 years. Make sure you get one with the quick lock cordset. Easy to replace.