Rockwell VersaCut and Kreg Rip-Cut sort review

[reible]

I'm putting these two items together because I often use them that way. This will be brief but if I don't cover something you want to know about then you need only ask and I let you know how I see it.

Starting with the Rockwell saw, I've owned it for several years now. I do use it either with an edge guide or the Kreg jig most of the time. I have done free cuts but that doesn't happen much unless I have no way to clamp a straight edge or an edge to ride against.

It does have a laser which helps with the keeping on line if you can see it. Since I often work outside it is easy for the sun to make it very difficult to see the line. Inside it works fine.

It has a plunge feature, and that was one of the big selling points to me. I never feel that safe plunging a typical circular saw even if "works". This saw allows me to do some nice cut outs in the middle of panels when I don't want to or feel like setting up a router to do it.

It took a while to get the feel for using the saw. It is a little large for me but it loosen up after a while and of course there is a learning curve. When I first started using it the plunge seem very stiff, now it better and I have a knack for getting the right grip to use it.

The blade is very thin, so it cuts plywood just fine and I have never even came close to stalling it. The blade that comes with the unit is a 24 tooth carbide tip 3-3/8" dia. It also come with a HSS blade for thin metal and AL and a diamond grit for cement board and the likes.

Dust collect is there but it could work a lot better. Keep in mind the kerf is small so it isn't making that much saw dust.

It makes a nice cut from what I've found. I believe I have seen a blade with even more teeth that can be purchase. I'm thinking 36 teeth?

I love the long cord, 10'! This is really handy when working around sheets of goods.

I'm a guy who likes to store his tools in boxes, well this one comes with a bag and it works. Plenty of room inside which is also nice.

This is about what you get, well minus the paper work.

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This side view shows the depth stop, I was cutting 1/2" plywood today, I take off the plastic sole off the saw and have to accommodate for the thickness of the jig. It will just cut 3/4" this way, so we are at the extend of its dept with the thicker plywood.

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If you want to read more about and some other peoples reviews check this link out:

http://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-RK3440K-VersaCut-Circular-Saw/dp/B0052EK78O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406158070&sr=8-1&keywords=rockwell+veracut



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The Kreg Rip-Cut was purchased with the intent of using it to cut up sheet goods when it is in the range of 0 to 24". I was confident that with the Kreg name on it I'd like it, well that didn't happen for a while.

I put my PC saw boss on it and I did not like it at all. The first thing I thought was "what were they thinking?" It felt way to light weight as compared to the saw. Mind you this is a compact saw we are talking about here. I liked it less when I used it. I was about ready to return it.

Then came the idea to try to put the Rockwell saw on it. It had promise but it would not cut 3/4" plywood, could not get enough depth of cut. Worked that out by removing the plastic sole plate off the saw. It just makes it then.

You can see this item here:

http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-KMA2675-Rip-Cut/dp/B007K5HIFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406158304&sr=8-1&keywords=kreg+rip-cut+circular+saw+guide



Once I made friends with it and went to the smaller saw it has worked out very well. Today's project was to cut up some plywood, 16" wide and 61" long. I did the "rip" cut first then set up to do the cut off. The next two pictures show this.

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You can adjust the pointer so it is at the kerf, either in the middle or to the right or left side of the cut. Once set you then just flip a lever and slide to the dimension you want. It is labeled in 1/16", it is easy enough to find the half way point between markings but you are getting to the point that accuracy of a 1/32" might be more a bit of luck then skill. I still go for it but then that is me.

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Attaching and setting up is fast and easy enough that I take it down after use at the end of the day rather then trying to keep it together because it is so easy to do.

On a rating scale of 1 to 5 they are more like three's each but together they are a 4. Price wise, I paid less then $100 for the saw and I believe less then $30 for the Kreg. I think it was worth the money, well at least for how I work. It is no expensive import from Germany but then either is my car but I get around just fine.

Did I say a short post.... If I end it here it still short right?

Ed

[tomsalwasser]

Hi Ed, great review, thanks for taking the time. I had not heard of either of these tools before. Your complaint on the Kreg jig being a bit light for a full size circular saw was found in some of the Amazon reviews too, although many like it just the way it is. I always struggle with breaking down sheet goods and go out of my way to break them down on a panel saw at the lumber yard whenever I can. I may give this a try...or maybe there's a track saw in my future.