Customer Reviews

Hitachi CR13VA 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw with Electronic Variable Speed

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Great tool! I have tried this tool and loved it! In a 2x10 saw cutting test, the Hitachi "Rip Saw" beat all comers. The new technology "swing action" blade format is great. The blade is always cutting, not like orbitable action saw where the blade is only cutting half the time. This tool has one-hand quick change blade system and quick one hand foot adjustment. Great New Product.

This saw was purchased as a replacement for a Makita reciprocating saw that was about 15 years old and getting very beat up. This thing is enormous in comparison to the Makita (and most others) but is well balanced and smooth cutting, not a lot of vibration. It is also very comfortable despite its weight and can be used with heavy work gloves, I use mine mostly for demolition work. The trigger is extra wide so you can pull it with two fingers which is nice on longer cuts. Hitachi apparently fixed the case problem that others mention, mine came with a molded plastic case (no cardboard dividers). This is the most powerful saw of its type that I have ever used, be careful about dead-ending the blade, especially the real heavy demolition blades, you could seriously hurt something like an elbow or wrist (or worse depending on your position) from the kickback. The swing cutting action works great and is easily engaged/disengaged with a lever on the side.

This thing is bad ass! It'll cut threw anything like butta. The power is enormous. I own many sawzalls, and let me tell you, this thing will out cut any of them. I believe this beast will beat anything on the market. With regards to the previous posters remarks about a loose blade and the "vertical plane". That's nonsense! It's designed to keep the blade from snapping due to the overwhelming power of this machine. You see, the blade only flexes on the flat part, moving back and forth. So, it was designed with about a half inch of play to move up and down. This prevent it from snapping when or if the blade gets caught. Capeesh? In fact, check out any other sawzall and wiggle the blade. You'll notice anywhere between a quarter to a half inch of play depending on the power of the saw. The mean green machine will not be beat!!

I bought this saw to replace an old Miller Falls recip saw I had for years. The Hitachi has great power and I love the quick blade change feature. The one thing I was disapointed with was the interior of the case. Instead of making the interior of the plastic case contoured to the tool, Hitachi chose the cheaper alternative by installing a cardboard insert. Other than that, this is a great tool at a great price!

You can't beat the value this saw offers. It is one of the most powerful and has most of the features of other saws at almost half the price. The tool is very well built and very heavy. Blade changes are super quick with just a twist of the blade lock. This sure beats the allen head screws on the old machines. It comes with a plastic carrying case but the case ships with a pressed cardboard form that the saw is supposed to sit in. It doesn't work. You will have to live with it or make your own from polyisocyanurate (the blue high density foam insulation)

I have owned this saw for several months, and am still amazed with the speed and power it has.It puts to shame any offering from Dewalt or Porter-cable.The saw handles nice and is a joy to work with.If you are looking for the perfect reciprocating saw look no further than Hitachi.

I am a window & door replacement contractor that uses this saw on an almost daily basis. I puchased mine after having an opportunity to help another contractor cut out a wall for a patio door. After using the saw for 15 minutes, I was sold and purchased one of my own. I have used other brands of saws extensively, but this one will out-cut them all. It is heavy and a bit bulky, but this is a small issue when fast cutting is required. Time is money and this saw will save you both. I have worn out my first saw and am getting ready to order another. I was glad to see that they have a better case and warranty - both weak areas in the older model. Only gripe would be that high repair costs on Hitachi made it a better move to just replace my old saw rather then fix it.

I have neraly taken apart a house and put it back together with this saw and let me say it is a workhorse. It cut through drywall wood anything. Very easy on the elbow and will take anything you throw at it and very affordable to boot. It has adjustable speed and two cut settings. Highly reccomended.

I bought this saw as a replacement for B&D old reciprocating saw. The saw albeit bulky in shape, is comfortable in grip and balance. Doesn't vibrate as much and a cool "swing" action of blades gives extremely aggressive cuts. What struck me most is that the "bang for the buck" I got from this product. Overall this adequate saw can handle anything a diligent DIY enthusiast can throw at it.

I purchased this as part of my basement remodeling project. It has exceeded my expectations. I have not noticed any problems with a loose blade, as mentioned in other reviews. I was cutting through 2x4's, sheetrock, and metal, and this saw worked great for all of them. It had quick, smooth, easy cutting strokes. The variable speed was wonderful, and switching from circular to straight cut was a breeze. Changing the blade was simple too (I wish it came with more than 1 blade). My main motive for purchasing this was price, but after owning it, I would still get this saw, even if I had to pay more.