Cut Out Saws

Tester Comments
The plush start-up and smooth, variable-speed motor indicate a nicely designed tool with good power. I liked the side handle, but combined with the cord they obstructed my sight lines somewhat as a left-handed user. The base plate was flimsy and you need a screwdriver to adjust depth. The tool body is on the big side for me. The switch is nice. I liked the tool-free bit change.

Price
$160

Contact
Sears/Craftsman
800-377-7414
www.craftsman.com

Tester Comments
This slim tool is very comfortable to hold, and the included side handle makes it even more so. I loved the pop-up off switch for quick shutoffs?a nice safety feature. The bit change was somewhat tricky. It has a nice, sturdy base, great tool-free depth adjustment, and a smooth motor?a real winning combination.

Price
$99

Contact
DeWalt Industrial Tool
800-433-9258
www.dewalt.com

Tester Comments
Makita’s tool was the most comfortable in the group to hold. It ships without accessories, but that’s fine. I liked the sturdy base and the tool-free depth adjustment. It cut closer to an obstruction than any other tool in the group?a very nice feature. The bit change is typical. The motor was on the loud side. All told, a very good tool.

Price
$69

Contact
Makita
800-462-5482
www.makitatools.com

Tester Comments
This is the great tool that started it all, and it’s a high-quality, well-designed, powerful unit. Its tool body is bigger than the others in the group, but the variable-speed motor purred and it has a nice tool-free bit change. Depth adjustment requires a screwdriver, and the base could have been tougher. The tool comes in a very inclusive kit.

Price
$150

Contact
RotoZip by Bosch
877-768-6947
www.rotozip.com

Tester Comments
This tool’s smooth, quiet motor had good power. The off switch is the best in the group. Like its corded brother, it has a good side handle, which I liked a lot on this tool because there is no cord opposite it to obstruct my view. The 30-minute quick-charge battery never left me missing a cord, either. Depth adjustment required a screwdriver, and the base could have been tougher. The tool felt top-heavy.

Price
$169

Contact
RotoZip by Bosch
877-768-6947
www.rotozip.com

Tester Comments
You’d think that a tool that ships with no battery, no kit bag, and a loud motor would have too many strikes against it, but not this one. The 18-volt Ryobi was powerful and well-balanced, and it has a sturdy base plate, tool-free depth adjustment, and excellent balance. It was also comfortable to hold for out-of-the-way cuts. Because of its light weight and no cord, this was the crew’s favorite saw.

Price
$40

Contact
Ryobi
800-525-2579
www.ryobitools.com