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Sazall question from new user

MrBill | Posted in Tools for Home Building on June 12, 2006 04:53am

Hey guys,

 I picked up a Makita sawzall a while back in a business purchase but really have not had time to use it until today. It works fine, but unless something is wrong with the one I got, it seems to me that the shoe pivots in the wrong direction. I would think that you could tilt the saw down a little and keep the shoe in contact with the material you are cutting. This one is exactly the opposite, and I looked at a few at HD today and thay all seem to be the same way. This just sort of goes against instinct. If you have a board laying flat on a support and want to cut it, you should be able to tilt the tool back a bit towards you as you cut ?? 

 SO is it just me, or are they all that way ? Otherwise, great tool !

Bill Koustenis

Advanced Automotive Machine

Waldorf Md

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Replies

  1. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Jun 12, 2006 05:08am | #1

    I don't have a Mak, but my Milwaukees all have removable shoes.  Try removing it and turning it 180 degrees and reinserting.  If that doesn't work, I'm sure someone else will respond who does own one.

    Good luck.

     

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

    1. MrBill | Jun 12, 2006 05:11am | #2

      Nick,

       Tried that, wont work :( Bill Koustenis

      Advanced Automotive Machine

      Waldorf Md

  2. RichMast | Jun 12, 2006 05:23am | #3

    Could you post a picture so we can see if it looks abnormal?

  3. butch | Jun 12, 2006 05:30am | #4

    Did you try reversing the blade?

    1. MrBill | Jun 12, 2006 05:47am | #5

      Ok,

       Now that my Wife thinks I am crazy walking out to the garage at 11pm to take pictures  :)  Picture one shows the entire tool, 2 shows one position of the shoe, and 3 shows the other direction you can tilt it.  You cant turn the shoe upside down, it hits the blade :) 

       It just seems awkward to me using it that way. Bill Koustenis

      Advanced Automotive Machine

      Waldorf Md

      1. CAGIV | Jun 12, 2006 05:52am | #6

        That's a normal set up.

        With most recips you can reverse the blade and gain what you are looking for albeit having the handle in the "wrong" direction.  I've never used a Makita so I do not know for certain if it will work.

        As for your wife.... ask her if she'd you rather be walking out at 11pm, and then come back in smelling like cheap perfume with a silly grin on your face.... should put things in perspective.

      2. User avater
        dieselpig | Jun 12, 2006 05:55am | #7

        Yup.  Dats da way they go.  I never thought much about it before now, but you're right.... it probably would be better suited if it were the other way.

        Truth be told though.... it's a very rare day that I actually use the shoe anyway. I mean, I leave it on the saw so the chuck doesn't get smashed to bits, but most cuts with a sawzall are quick and dirty so accuracy isn't exactly high on my priority list.  You also can't see what you're cutting too well if the blade is buried to the shoe.  I'll add that I'm just speaking for myself here. 

        I'll bet that once you start using it some, you'll find you don't use the shoe much either.  Then you'll forget all about the bass-ackwards engineering.  :)View Image

        1. User avater
          DDay | Jun 12, 2006 06:01am | #9

          I think they have the pivot that way to increase cutting speed.  Especially when you use an agressive wood blade, if you angle the blade with the pivot, the teeth are at a better angle and the saw cuts much faster.

      3. User avater
        Rugby | Jun 12, 2006 07:24am | #14

        You got me thinking and so rather than have it bug me all night I had to go see.

        Must be the brand as my Milwaukee shoe tilts both ways.  I gave a old DeWalt to my brother and IIRC it had the same shoe travel as your Mak.

        You can tell your wife you're not the only "crazy" one taking tool pictures after 11:00. : )But it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. - Herman Melville

  4. User avater
    Fonzie | Jun 12, 2006 05:59am | #8

    MrBill,

    I have had a Makita for years and took the shoe off many years ago. Usually I put the blade in backwards (less clearance between teeth & surface).

    I also took the rubber boot off both my Makitas - not advising that, but I like it.

    Fz

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Jun 12, 2006 06:01am | #10

      Now that one I'm curious about.  What's the benefit of taking the rubber boot off?  By rubber boot, you mean the one on the housing?  Humor me.... I'm curious.View Image

      1. MrBill | Jun 12, 2006 06:05am | #11

        Thanks guys,

         At least I know its not just my saw. Its not that big of a deal, just does not feel "right" to me.  I probably wont use it that much anyway. I was trying to do an overhead cut today and it seemed like it would have been better if the shoe tilted in the other direction.

        Thanks !Bill Koustenis

        Advanced Automotive Machine

        Waldorf Md

      2. User avater
        Fonzie | Jun 12, 2006 06:08am | #12

        dieselpig,It's been a long time and best I can remember I thought it was in the way of seeing what I was cutting. I think it was "slobbered" a little on the bottom (leading edge) too, then I liked it so well when I bought a used spare on Ebay I took it off too.I don't recommend it, I just like it. I also really like changing blades with a long "T Handle" hex. A lot easier and faster. Also easier to keep track of.Fz

  5. User avater
    hammer1 | Jun 12, 2006 06:24am | #13

    The shoe should pivot and not be locked in one position. The saw is most often used in a straight ahead position but the shoes do get in the way in some situations. You need to be able to control the reciprocating action so that it is focused on the blade. The shoe helps provide an anchor so the saw doesn't reciprocate you. The blades cut more effectively with the shoe solidly against the material. These saws often get used like a demo tool more than a saw. They will do either but they work best within limitations of space and angle of attack. Keep your fingers clear of the shoe area. Be careful in tight places, like between joists, where the saw can ram your handle hand backwards. Look on both sides before you cut.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

  6. User avater
    IMERC | Jun 12, 2006 11:25am | #15

    flip the blade over..

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

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