If your an avid Tools In Action reader, you already have seen a sneak peek at the RK3440K RockWell VersaCut from our 2011 NHS coverage. Well we were lucky enough to test one out. Mini circular saws are not a new idea, the Craftsman 10872 3 in. Mini Circular Saw has been out for a while with great fanfare. Why a mini you ask? Well, for small quick or precision jobs they are invaluable and usually allow you to have one hand free to hold your work.
Rockwell tools are innovative and well built, the VersaCut is great example of this. It comes with three 3 3/8″ blades for metal, wood and ceramic tile cutting, 2 allen head’s for removing/replacing the blade, a parallel guide, a dust extraction nozzle, a no mar skid plate and a nice bag to hold it all. The saw has a powerful 4 Amp rear mounted motor that allows you to rip through material at 3500 rpm. The ergonomics of this tool were great from its over molded grip to its weighing just 4lbs. On the trigger there is a safety catch that protects the blade from protruding and allows the saw to be adjusted to its maximum 1 1/16th cutting depth. You can adjust the depth with the side depth lock. The laser guide is powered by 2 watch style batteries, it was clear to see and aligned perfectly with the blade. I would like to have seen laser powered from A/C power, as I am always one to leave things on and then when you need it the batteries are dead. It is covered by a 2 year warranty.
The tool tracked straight and accomplished every task we threw at it with ease. We cut some aluminum tubing, ripped some plywood and cut some tile and even made some plunge cuts! We recommend using 2 hands for plunge cuts to avoid kickback. The consensus was that this tool is a must have! The Versacut is great for both the professional and the home owner. The VersaCut will be available in July 2011. Check out our video below.
Very cool, I am going to have to order one.
What a great review guys! Love all the photos you included in it!
Thanks Momstart!
I purchased one of these about a month ago. So far the only disappointment I have is it’s in ability to do angle cuts. So if you want angle cuts this is not the tool for you. Otherwise this little baby works as advertised and I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase another or one for a Christmas present for someone. I would give it 4 stars. I with held one star simply because it does not do angle cuts. Great tool.
Great point.
This saw has worked great for me in my hobby shop. I love working in my garage and this helps me spend more time in there. This has made the start to my retirement a lot nicer.
I’m from Kuwait wanted to get one but electricity power not like what you have because we use 240v 50/60 Sickl can get one with the same descriptors
Good Question. I am not sure. I would think you could because I believe they sell then in Europe which isn’t that the 240V 50/60?
What is the maximum thickness sheet metal this saw will cut? How long will the metal cutting blade last @ that thickness?
Good question. The max depth cut is 1-1/16″, but not sure for sheet metal. I looked through the information and not sure the depth for sheet metal, I know its light gauge.
.050 soft steel and .125 alumimum allow 1/8 blade protrusion past bottom of stock also be careful the depth lock lever slips and blade goes too far down and you re gonna get a crooked cut.
Looks interesting but can it flush-cut ala the RotoZip Zip Saw or Dremel Saw Max?
No It does not flush cut like the saw max, it is a bit bigger than the SawMax also
Looks like a versatile tool and I’d love to order one but unfortunately, like most power tools; they’re designed for right handed operators and are not safe for us leftys:(
I am a lefty also, so I know what you mean.
Good review. I am confused by the statement “I would like to have seen this powered from A/C power, as I am always one to leave things on and then when you need it the batteries are dead.” It is AC powered so I guess you happy about that? I heard Rockwell is considering a cordless model as well. Don’t know when that will come out.
Thanks for catching that! I meant the laser is not A/C powered, I corrected it.
Was just about to buy one when I found this info on the Versacut saw. Under steady use, I can’t see throwing $10 out every couple of weeks for batteries to align the blade, so will postpone this purchase until they power the laser from the inline power cord. On some other saws, eg Rotozip, you can see the blade to guide it.
This tool make only vertical cut…
I am excited that my wife found this on tv advertisement since my table saw accident that severed part of 2 fingers… I know she is getting this for me for Christmas… People please be cautious with table saws and hand tools… this one sure looks alot safer if you need straight cuts.. and you can rip woods easier with this.. Blessings!
working with a chain of restaurants i have to repair floor tiles almost every weak.sending all that dust in the air in any food establishment is a hazard to public safety . what i found interesting is the vacuum attachment on this tool .i am not really interested in other uses for this tool for now. can any one tell me if they have used this saw with vacuum hose attached to it or its ability to remove grout?
. what i found interesting is the vacuum attachment on this tool .i am not really interested in other uses for this tool for now. can any one tell me if they have used this saw with vacuum hose attached to it or its ability to remove grout?
What it does it does very well. I have found out that tools that do everything usually do nothing very well.
I just bought this to cut formica counter tops and used a straight edge to guide it. I t was fantastic the first runand after that it it started cutting left and jammed once because my guide was there. I can find no reason for this to happen. The blade doesnt wobble, nothing is loose. Any help on this would be appreciated.