Customer Reviews

Factory-Reconditioned RotoZip RZ20-2100-RT Spiral Saw Kit

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I believe the Rotozip is a superb tool and an absolute necessity for any professional or devout amateur. I recommend the premium model because it offers the most power, and the LED lights ("headlights" as I call them) are a nice accessory that makes using the tool in less optimal conditions more effective, such as cutting holes in ceiling sheetrock for recessed lighting. For tile work, the diamond blade is excellent provided you don't exert too much pressure and cause the blade to overheat; having said that, it does an amazing job of cutting eccentric or irregular tile pieces that cannot be obtained by using a wet saw. Ditto for using it to cut metal pipe, masonry, plaster, or drywall. You should be very carefull to use the right cutter for the targeted material; for example, plaster will literally roast a saber cut bit; the company sells a special carbide cutter bit especially designed for plaster that costs around $8-$10; it is a must have if you will do this type of work. Overall, most of the replacement items and accessories are reasonably priced and of high quality. Be cautious with the speed adjustment, as some cutters such as the diamond blade are rated for a top RPM and going too fast will burn them out and possibly be dangerous.

The disk attachment is well made and allows rapid change of the cutters I have described. I was able to retro-fit this accessory onto an older model Zip Mate and have been very happy with its quality. Provided you know the limitations of this tool, it can be one of the most usefull around. Word of advice: keep a set of safety goggles, a dust mask, and perhaps ear plugs in the tool bag at all times. The cutters-especially those supplied for drywall and wood-cut at 25,000 rpm or so, and a lot of dust is thrown off and they can be loud as hell depending on the material you are cutting. Therefore, it is very easy to be distracted if dust is flying into your nose and eyes while trying to do use this tool, especially for extended periods of time. The more you can isolate yourself from the noise and debris that are normal byproducts of use, the better the results. Overall, anyone with half a brain will find zillions of uses for this tool and it will save loads of time for almost any project it is used for.

Bosch does make all the attachments for this series as for the last. In fact the RZ20-2100 kit comes with the cutoff/grinder attachment and circle cutter. They have actually increased the number/type of bits available as well.

There is not much else to say other than the tool itself is pretty handy and does exactly what they claim it does. No less, but no more either. It is well made and pretty solid feeling. Feels like it would survive a good working life and a few decent drops, though I'm not willing to toss mine around to assure you of that. ;o)

My first job with it was cutting out a section of the back vertical part under the top storage section of my computer desk so the monitor could be pushed back another 3-4 inches. Other choices would have been the jig saw, 3" circular saw, or a hand saw. All would have been awkward without taking the top hutch off first. This cut right through the 1" thick laminated pressboard fairly easily and I didn't even need a guide to cut a darn near straight line.

Its certainly not a required tool, or one of the first ones to go in a starting out tool collection, but if you have gotten to the point of buying any specialty or 'convenience' tools, then its a good choice. For $140 or so for the RZ20-2100 kit that includes the top line RZ20 unit, the cutter/grinder, circle cutter, a bit case, and a nice soft sided carrying case for it all, I think it is well worth it.

I bought my Rotozip kit after using a Dremel for about a week (at which time it broke and I discovered too late that I was among many this has happened to).
So I needed a more robust tool, one that could stand up to serious home improvement projects. That having been said, I find the Rotozip to be quite powerful, and much more robust than the Dremel (which will burn out on you in less than a few hours if you apply too much torque to it, in my opinion). The Rotozip runs at 30,000 RPMs as did the Dremel but is quite frankly a more sturdy tool. With the keyless chuck I've been able to put non-Rotozip bits on it (although being told at Lowe's I wouldn't be able to) and this seems to work. The Rotozip isn't as nimble and lite as a smaller tool is, and can be difficult to use in tight spaces. But that is the tradeoff - Rotozip is bigger and powerful than other tools in its class.
Disclaimer - I didn't mean to badmouth Dremel too bad - its a good hobby tool but can't do serious work in my opinion. Also I tried the Black and Decker equivalent and managed to have it burst into flames within a couple hours of buying it (I was sawing through some wood with a circular cutting disc attachment when the motor blew up). But I'm not bitter :)

It's sad when someone who obviously has no mechanical aptitude writes a tool review. The previous reviewer states that the tool has limited attachments or previous ones don't fit.

Remove the keyless chuck from the RZ1-20 and install the nut, 1/4" collet, and pinion gear needed for the ZM1. Next, install the ZipMate attachment and use as before.

Another reviewer couldn't make true circles. Three things are important to get a nice round circle. 1. Use the right tool adapter. 2. Make sure the guide pin hole in the center of the circle is the exact size required for the guide pin. 3. Rotate the tool in the correct direction. Even the best tools produce poor results if attention is not paid to detail when it's used.

The available RotoZip accessories are the same as before; the ZipMate attachment, Circle Cutters, Grout Removal Adapter, Flexible Shaft, and various bits and cutter wheels. And the new Plunge Router adapter has been released.

Given its size and power, the RotoZip is one of the most versatile tools in my tool box.

My advice is never place too much stock in a review unless you clearly know the credentials of the source. As an IT manager I constantly see negative reviews of software and it doesn't take much to figure out that the reviewer didn't read the instructions or fully comprehend how to utilize the capabilities of the product.

So, if you are a novice, it's cool, because everyone must start at the beginning. But, please, refrain from wasting everyone's time and wait until you've gained enough experience to accurately review a product.

I must disagree with that first reviewer! Bosch has made some design improvements. My Rotozip Rebel quit because of dust and debris in the switch. The cam lock had problems, as did the ZipMate. Bosch took a good design and made it a little more sturdy, enclosed the switch to prevent debris from causing it to foul and made the NEW ZIPMATE ATTACHMENT longer and easier to manuever. They also made changing the bits and attachments easier.They even added an LED light (model RZ20) to see what you're cutting. Some of the new RotoZip tools are compatible with older attachments and vise-versa. (...)

I am an air conditioning contractor is south Alabama.I was in need of a cutting tool for cutting through new pre-fab I-Beam trusses they have started using in local housing construction, in order to route my ductwork.Was using a reciprocating saw,but it was realy hard to get the saw in between the joists and therefore ,holes were not very neat looking.I purchased the roto zip with circle cutting attachment and now the holes look like they were cut into the joists when fabricated.Superb looking job.Great tool at a great rice.Thanks

I'm buying this unit to replace the original infomercial model I bought 9 years ago, which finally died when I loaned it to some numbskull who rammed the zipmate into really thick mortar under ceramic tile.

You just can't imagine how often I've said "No problem. I have my RotoZip." I had three guys look over my shoulder as I put up drywall, with a bunch of holes for electrical, an angled drain and two shutoff valves, and they were amazed at how perfectly the holes were cut (with my RotoZip). Same thing with the sink base. Just a couple of minutes later and we were pushing that sucker into position. Cutting a 6" hole to run ducting from one cabinet to the next was no problem either. Now watch me as I dazzle them when I install ceramic floor tile and a marble mosaic backsplash! Over the years, I've also cut Lexan to replace my tailgate window, cut swirlies on a bathroom light fixture cover to match my bathmat, cut perfect notches on laminate countertops whenever I needed to (like when they were in between walls), and countless other things that I can't even remember. For anything involving drywall or tiles of any kind, this tool is invaluable.

Mind you, I've had 9 years of practice. This tool has a lot of torque and is not easy to control, but once you get the hang of it, the tool becomes quite handy. I was all set to buy a Dremel XPR instead (for the added control), but you can't really install floor tiles with those, and it would only piss me off whenever another limitation came about. And now that I know they've started making RotoZip Flex Shafts and a grout removal tool, I think RotoZip is still the way to go. Now if you're doing lightweight, intricate hobby stuff, probably not. But if you're doing heavy DIY construction like me, then you'll appreciate the extra power. Get the kit with as many attachments as you can afford. You don't think you'll need them now, but trust me. You will. Plus, don't forget about the cool little LED light on the RZ20! I won't have to wear that nerdy little bike light on my head anymore! Messed up my hair! :-)

I have used my little roto zip a few times and would like to add a little positive juice here. I do tile work and found I can cut heavy floor tiles with the diamond blade to make right angle(and more) cuts. This saves breaking out the wet tile cutter- just a simple scoring type cutter and this little unit- for most floors or whatever. I also found it(metal blade) cut aluminum siding no problem. Didn't affect my blade at all really. I don't really see what one other reviewer was complaining about. I also cut a heavy four inch iron pipe all the way around. I have to admit it makes a lot of muss and fuss when often a hand tool will suffice. But other times and in other situations- I gotta have it. The blades are wicked expensive- (typical for German stuff) but decent quality- and the same logic applies- right tool for right job. It is quality over all - and of coarse there will always be the Paul Bunyon paradox- its just another tool in the aresenal. BTW- get the kit - the whole kit- no use having for some thing but not another- and again the Germans eat your lunch if you buy seperate

Had mine for about 3 weeks. It works and does its job which is what I wanted. It is definitely a refurb, it came pretty beat-up scuffs, scrapes and dings, more than I expected for a refurb. The cutoff attachemnt being the most beat up. All the parts came (for me) in a large tool bag. So far it works well, when I got it there were 2 or 3 bent and damaged washers in the bottom of the bag, I was worried these were pieces of the unit, but haven't had any issues yet. If you don't mind that it may not be pretty, then it is well worth the price.

While I was excited about the price of this product, after 3 uses it became clear that you get what you pay for - not! The "reconditioned" RotoZip simply died. Don't expect Tool King to go beyond their 30 day return policy. They stand behind that policy 100%.