Customer Reviews

RotoZip RZ20-4500 120-Volt Spiral Saw System

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I needed to remove a linoleum floor along with it's underlayment so I could install a hardwood floor in a kitchen. Cutting the underlayment under the toe-kick areas of the cabinets looked like it was going to be a problem. I considered the Crain Tools Toe-Kick Saw but the design was such that I worried about possible kick back tearing up the cabinets and, possibly, my flesh. This tool with the ZipMate Right Angle Attachment, XSHIELD Flush Guard Attachment and XW-WD1 looked like it would handle the task so I ordered this set.

The setup worked pretty well. I had to modify the XSHIELD to make the contraption fit under the toe-kick (see photo). This no doubt voids the warranty but it worked. If the saw blade was smaller in diameter and the XHIELD proportionately smaller, this would not have been necessary. Cutting went very quickly to within a couple of inches of inside corners. The corners still had to be chiseled. The XSHIELD rotates so that you can cut into either left or right corners. It is preferable to cut against the rotation of the blade like would be done with a circular saw. The XW-WD1 does not dig in like a toothed blade so you can cut with the rotation of the blade without having the tool pulled out of your hands. Cutting wasn't perfectly flush but was close enough (about 0.040"). Hit a couple of hidden nails but the XW-WD1 went through them without itself being destroyed.

I've cut out some rough window openings using the RZ20 and the XB-MPGP2 Tracing Bit. The technique is the same as cutting drywall for outlet boxes. Just let the bit ride on the framing while the cutter runs through the OSB. The resulting openings were much smoother than using a saw. Makes the window installers and finish carpenters happy.

I also own a DeWalt DW660 that was my basis of comparison for this tool. So far, I like the RotoZip much better. RotoZip has a much better variety of accessories available making the tool more versatile. RotoZip's 5/32" bits are also a plus. DeWalt only has 1/8" and 1/4" bits available. The 1/8" bits break too easily in anything harder to cut than gypsum board. The 1/4" bits cut too big a kerf. The 5/32" size is a nice balance. The three-jaw chuck seemed like an advantage over the collet chuck until a couple of bits worked loose. I called RotoZip about the problem that I was having. They said that they had not had any other reports of this and would send a new chuck. It arrived in two days! The new chuck has held the bits without problem.

While out purchasing some additional cutters at the local Orange box store, I saw this same promotional set at about the same price. If you can't wait for delivery, check it out.

The Rotozip did not live up to my expectations. I bought it on the basis of the many great reviews here. The DVD shows it cutting through wood like a hot knife through butter. My experience, however was not nearly the same. For example, cutting a 1/4" piece of plywood along a 24" line was a slow, extremely loud (sreeching), wood burning experience. I played with lowering and increasing the speed, using a light touch, as well as a firm push, but no matter what, it performed poorly (yes I used the correct bit). After a quarter of way through my last cut, I broke down and swtiched to my old jig saw and made a quick, cleaner, and "quiter" job of it. Using the Rotozip without a guide to cut straight lines was difficult. Perhaps I have not developed the knack for it yet... I am hoping that I will find it handy at some point. I am sure I will, but at this point, I am really disappointed to not have it be the killer tool that I thought it would be.

But if I had to complain about anything, the motor's definitely a bit anemic. I find it bogs down more, and more often, than I'd like - especially using a cutting wheel.

I'm probably just a little too impatient, or push a little harder than the tool's intended to be pushed, but no matter what I use it for, I find myself wishing it had more power.

With the diamond blade, it'll cut ceramic tile, but you really have to have some patience. Good for two or three oddball tiles. If you've got more, think about a real tile saw, or a stronger angle grinder.

On the other hand, it's well built, and it's like a dremel tool - there's no one reason you really need one, but there's a million times you're glad you have one.

If you're just starting out building your tool aresnal, I'd say hold off on this one for a while. It's not the magic "do it all" tool they advertise it as.

If however you've already got all the basics and you're looking to blow some money on "gadgets" you could do worse than buying one of these.

I should add that it is great for cutting odd shapes/box cut outs in drywall. That alone may justify this tool if you have such a need.

I ordered this kit to replace my original Rotozip that just failed. I had used it for a number of years so I wasn't unhappy that it failed, just unhappy that it failed in the middle of my current project! I wanted this newer model, rather than have my old one repaired, so that I could use the newer accessories that would seem to make the Rotozip even more useful. Rather than just go over differences between my original Rotozip and this newer model, I thought I'd share some of my home uses. I use the right angle adapter and metal cutoff wheel quite a bit. Great for cutting wire closet shelving to length, cutting bolts, rebar, and copper water pipes when there's not enough room to use a tubing cutter. Used the basic spiral saw bit extensively when I remodeled my kitchen. Had to trim the new cabinets a little and of course make cutouts for pipes. The diamond blade, sold separately, is also very handy. Can make cutouts in concrete block walls for electrical boxes. Also have used it to cut concrete lawn pavers to size. When I replaced a French door, the rough opening in my concrete and stucco home was just a tad too tight for the new door. If I had used a hammer and chisel I would have had a big mess to repair. The diamond blade quickly did the trimming without damage. I have a tile wet saw, but the new X-wheel tile accessory in this kit will come in handy when I do my next tile job, supplementing, but not eliminating, the tile saw. I probably won't buy the wood cutting X-wheel blade because I already have a Bosch flush cutting saw. I probably will purchase the Flex Shaft accessory as the shaft for my Dremel didn't last very long. I may get the vaccum attachment because the Rotozip does generate a lot of dust. Now, if I'm concerned about dust, I just have my wife stand by me with the shop vac hose in hand. I see from some of the other reviews that some were frustrated trying to use the the Rotozip. I would suggest that the Rotozip is just like any other power tool in these two aspects: 1) Some amount of time must be invested to learn what the tool can and cannot do, and one should practice before "going for score". When I first used this tool years ago, I did burn and break a few spiral bits, 2) I have found that any tool that says it's "multipurpose" actually does some things really well, other things adequately, and still other things not very well at all. My Sears radial arm saw claimed to be a drill, sander, router, and a planer as well as a saw. I quickly learned that it was a very good saw and that was all. I also own the Fein Multimaster, costing twice as much as this Rotozip kit. I have done things with the Multimaster that I don't think I could have done any other way. Having the Multimaster, routers,and other power tools, I would still say that the Rotozip is an indispensable tool and reasonably priced especially since you get the accessories. I'm anxious to try the included jig saw handle which can replace the included depth guide bracket. It would provide more stability than the guide bracket if you have room for it. One should not plan to use the Rotozip to make high quality furniture, although, with practice and careful use, it might be able to do that. I look at the Rotozip as a quick and sometimes the only way to remove material where you don't need absolute precision. There are ways to improve precision. For example, you can cut a straight line in drywall, or anything else, if you simply run the tool against a straightedge while you're cutting. The Rotozip is a basic need for any homeowner's toolbox.

This tool is much better than a Dremel . It has more power and more versatility and if you buy the RotoZip FS2 Flex Shaft Attachment you get pen like precision. This tool becomes a Dremel on steroids.

The jig saw handle provides you with a jigsaw that glides over your work cutting angles with depth precision that are only possible with a spiral saw and providing you with the firm platform of a jigsaw. The Sanding and cutting disk head attachment are equally useful and well made.

Great product and worthy of 5 stars.

I used Rotozip RZ20-4500 to cut larger wall opening in already installed tile. The opening was close to sealing so I had to hold the tool at the eye level. Not so cozy. Had to ware face mask as well... I manipulated the machine and cut at any angle needed. Job well done. BTW, set also came well packaged: bits, disks, bag, manuals, DVD.

I purchased this Rotozip to remove grout from our kitchen floor tile. As instructed on Rotozip's website I used the diamond wheel versus the grout removal bit and attachment. After a little practice I was flying through this project.

The right angle attachment got slightly hot after apx 30-40 minutes of steady use, not surprising or alarming considering the steady use. Just took it as a good reason to take a break and let it cool down.

This is the only thing I have used it for so far but would highly recommend this tool for that purpose.

Received product quickly and on time. Tool was easy to assemble after reading directions. The tool worked as avertised and was a pleasure to use. I was working in tight quarters and could not have done a professional job without this tool.

I used the metal wheel to remove a rusted bolt holding one of the shocks on my truck in place. Half way through pink dust began blowing out of the Roto Zip's air exhaust and I could hear gear grinding.

Any advice on what I could do to repair it would be greatly appreciated.

Of all the power tools I have ever used, this is the most flawed.

The button on the zipmate that must be pressed in order to install or remove tools failed. There is no way to repair it. This makes the power head useless because tools can not be attached to it.

The tool had less than two hours use when it failed. I can not afford to purchase new accessories every two hours.

I also found that using the tool to cut lines or circles is very inefficient and can be accomplished with other hand tools faster and cleaner.

Total waste of money. I am giving this unit one star because there is no zero star rating.