This has been one of the most carefully researched products I've purchased lately. In addition to reading all of the Amazon reviews (and dozens of others online) and watching several videos, I went to several stores to test how various types of mini saws felt in-hand. Here is a summary of the results:
TYPES OF SAWS:
This is a mini circular saw, which means it has the same type of serrated blade as a full-size circular saw only smaller. There are a handful of brands making this style of saw. There is a similar type of saw from some other companies (Dremel is one of them) that look similar but use a grinding wheel type cutting edge rather than a serrated saw blade. And there is a category of saws that are about half the size of a full-size circular saw, most of which are battery powered. All of these are designed for portable hand-held use cutting primarily in a straight line, as opposed to a jig saw or saber saw. Other types of saws available are bench saws, band saws and miter saws which each have their own characteristics.
WHO IS THIS FOR:
Like any tool, choosing the right type of tool can make the job easier. By its nature a mini circular saw is not designed for cutting thick wood or use for extended periods. It is not intended to cut intricate designs nor complex angles. It can be considered an occasional saw for such tasks as cutting trim, flooring, trimming paneling, plunge cuts (for example cutting a hole for an electrical outlet in wall paneling), and in the case of some of saws thin metal, PVC piping, tile and other relatively soft materials.
WHAT ITS NOT:
There are occasional comments that this saw will not cut 2 x 4's and other thick materials. No, that's not what it's designed for any more than one would use a teaspoon to stir cement or a whisk broom to sweep an auditorium. This is not the tool to own if you are only going to have one saw in your workshop. A full-size circular saw can't be beat for cutting 2 x 4's.
IS IT SAFE:
No. No power tool is safe and among the least safe are power saws of any type. All power tools must be used with common sense, whether you are an experienced carpenter or an apartment dweller who dabbles in light fixit work. But used properly and prudently it is no less safe than any other saw with a rapidly rotating blade
IS IT EASY TO USE:
While the VersaCut is indeed truly versatile and relatively lightweight, the design leaves a lot to be desired in terms of being to hold it comfortably. To be able to wrap my hand around the barrel and squeeze the trigger the natural position for my wrist was to hold the saw counter-clockwise at about a 10 degree angle, which of course would not be a correct cutting position. When I rotated my wrist so the saw was at the correct angle it felt very uncomfortable. Adding to that is that I had to stretch my index finger to be able to reach the trigger. At that position it was hard to be able to control the saw without wobbling it from side-to-side and to be able to press down firmly enough to keep the blade guard pressed against the material I was cutting. In addition, the plastic barrel was hard to hold for more than a minute at a time because my hand got sweaty and tended to slip against the plastic. I found that all of this improved significantly when I wore a knit workshop glove with a leather palm and fingers (which should be SOP for such a tool anyway). The difference was night and day in being able to hold the tool and operate the trigger.
WHICH ONE TO PICK:
Among others I own a full-size circular saw, a power miter saw, a power jigsaw, power saber saw, Dremel tool, and oscillating tool with saw blades. My application is short cuts on flooring, paneling, cabinetry, trimming shelving and similar work. This dictated a small circular saw to quickly cut smooth squared ends. I looked at the similarly shaped Dremel-type saw and did not choose it because it uses a grinding-type edge rather than a serrated saw blade. I found those types of saws prone to burning the wood, nicking the finish of flooring/paneling, and being slow to use, not to mention dulling more rapidly than a serrated blade. I looked at the battery powered mid-size saws and while very inexpensive they were not all that much lighter than my Skil saw, were underpowered and subject to short battery life. My final choice was the 4" version of the Rockwell (Compact Circular Saw)
Rockwell RK3441K Compact Circular Saw Kit
which is larger, heavier and lacks the fancy depth adjustment plate/blade guard of the VersaCut. The problem was that they are very hard to find and the fact that the VersaCut came with 3 blades and a finish protecting plate for only a few dollars more made it a little bit of a better buy and slightly better suited to cutting 1" or thinner wood plus sheet metal, tile and more.
WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IMPROVED:
1. The weight distribution and handle design
2. The trigger location (I would put it on top to push down with the thumb)
3. And most important, I would add a handle on top to stabilize operation and to be able to press down directly on the spring-loaded depth gauge/blade guard.
4. I have yet to meet a handheld saw that can cut a flawless straight line and the VersaCut is no exception. Having the laser guide and ESPECIALLY the parallel guide helped tremendously. My first task was to use the tool to finish a Pergo flooring project for which I had to cut several 3" wide strips lengthwise, something that would have been a major challenge for any other tool. I messed up of the first cut because I took my eyes off of the parallel guide for a second. After that with my hand resting on top of the tool the rest of my cuts were perfect. Again, a handle on top would have been very helpful.
| Brand | ROCKWELL / WORX |
|---|---|
| Color | Brown |
| Blade Material | Metal |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood, Metal |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Special Feature | Brushless |
| Included Components | Construction - Power Saws, Circular Saws - corded, Power Circular Saw |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Amperage | 4 Amps |
| Item Weight | 4 Pounds |
| Speed | 3500 RPM |
| Number of Teeth | 24 |
| Manufacturer | Positec |
| Part Number | RK3440K |
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Item model number | RK3440K |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Pack of 1 |
| Style | Circular saw |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Special Features | Brushless |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 2-year |
