Skil 9206-02 7.5-Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw

After putting it through some projects, I felt confident to share a positive experience. This saw has make tough jobs significantly easier and faster.The variable speed is a great feature. Whether I'm need delicate cuts or aggressively tearing through fence posts, the ability to control the blade speed precisely has been invaluable. It allows for a much cleaner start to cuts and prevents kickback, giving confidence and control, especially when dealing with different materials. I used it on wood and metal, and it handled both with impressive power.Out of the box, the saw felt surprisingly well-balanced, it is well constructed and feels durable, not so heavy that it causes fatigue during extended use. The grip is comfortable, and the anti-vibration technology really helps reduce arm strain. Changing blades is also incredibly quick and tool-free, which is a huge time-saver when you're switching between tasks.Considering its performance, build quality, this saw offers exceptional value for money.

I love this saw! Never used one before, until a few years ago when a neighbor lent me one to cut up some branches that came down during a storm. It'll handle a 6" diameter (being made for pipe), but I've found it can actually handle thicker if you sort of cut around the outer diameter before going all the way through.Moved to the Raleigh, NC area, and this property has a lot of brush and trees: Pine, ironwood, dogwood, and oak. I can cut the oak saplings with a standard lopper, but not so easy with the larger branches and saplings. I have a hand saw, to take out the saplings at the far edges of the property. Then I can drag them closer.I'd thought about a chainsaw, but the "chain" doesn't cut as well, given the teeth placement. Plus, the chain can break. I need to get all around the property, and an electric chainsaw doesn't last more than 20 minutes or so on a charge. This SKIL reciprocating saw, though, is still AC power cord. So I got a 100-ft extension.The rating is about 7.5-Amps, and at 100 feet, we're going to lose only a small bit of amperage with distance. I was a bit worried, but no problem: The saw runs perfectly, no overheating, and no loss of power. It's got a variable speed trigger, and comes with a 6" general purpose blade. (You can buy other types of blades if you're using the saw for plumbing or metal.) With the 100-ft cord, I went indoor/outdoor, 15-amp, and the 3-hole grounded connector. This saw uses only a polarized 2-prong plug, but it works flawlessly on the cord. A 12-guage cord is just too heavy, so I went with 14-guage. Again, a little worried, but no problems at all. The cord stays cool.The only problem anyone might have is that the unit is a bit heavy. I could have gotten maybe something lighter from Walmart or Harbor Freight, but those saws actually are less amperage -- the amperage determines the power, so the 7 amps of the SKIL saw make it more powerful. It's not THAT heavy, just it'll take a bit of arm strength to use it one-handed. It's 7lb-4oz, about the weight of a 7lb bag of cat litter. If you can use both hands, like branches on the ground, then no problem. Plus, this is an American company with some history. Not sure where other brands come from.The maneuverability, speed, and solid blade make this an all-purpose, utilitarian saw for all sorts of home projects. Try cutting a 4" ironwood sapling by hand! Yikes! It took the saw longer than with maple or oak, but it was pretty quick. That stuff doesn't even burn all that well! The saw got a little warm, but the manual said that's normal.Finally, the big test was a fallen pine tree from last winter. This was partially rotted, and about 9" diameter. I was able to drag it to the driveway, then went ahead and tried cutting it. I started at the upper surface and cut down about 2 inches, to where the end of the blade was about matching the trunk surface. But then I started continuing that cut down the back side, then moved it up and around the front side. Like cutting a pipe. That got me about halfway through. At that point, I was able to turn the saw upside down and cut up from the bottom. Met the cuts from the top, and Wah-Lah!...done!It's very easy to put the blade in, with a simple lever that lifts up -- slide in the blade until it stops, then release the lever (pulling on the blade to make sure it's locked). Very much like putting beaters in a hand-mixer. I could have taken the blade out, flipped it upside down, and put it back in the saw. It'll go in either way -- cutting downward, or cutting upward.The cord is about 7 feet, I think, which makes it easy to forget it's there, and hit it with the saw while cutting. Best idea is to coil-shorten the unit cord, then tie the extension cord around your waist and plug the saw into the extension. That way you don't have black wire wandering around close to your work area. Otherwise, just pay attention! The cord is permanently installed, so if you cut through it, you'll have to get it repaired by SKIL.UPDATE: 1 year later -Still working perfectly! I'm going to buy an 8" blade for larger pieces, but we've had a lot of big wood to clear. This place was a jungle, after 40 years of no maintenance. WARNING!!!! DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE until you allow it to cool down, after using it!!! I was an idiot, and noticed a bend. I didn't think and went to take out the blade after 5-minutes of steady cutting. Instant second-degree burns! Blisters and all, with numb finger tips. LET THE BLADE COOL! It gets hot!

Heavy duty and great demolition tool

This was a good deal , not a super powerful saw, but plenty to do even heavy cutting if you take your timeIt’s a good quality corded sawzall

Great price well made saw lots of power easy blade change

This tool definitely punches above its class. I’ve been using it to help cut out tree stumps and has not let me down yet. The 9amp motor packs a very good punch and feels very capable as long as you’re using the right blade for the job. I like the handle design - feels good in the hands. The quick release lever helps a lot with quick blade changes and seems to hold pretty well as long as you don’t twist the blade around too much while cutting. It very easy to use and not terribly noisy. Overall I’m happy to be in the trench with this tool.

Great saw! Works like promised. Some might think it’s a bit heavy because of the size. I’m a 67 yr old female and I just thought it was sturdy. It’s bulky because of how it’s shaped. Highly recommend this product.

Almost bought a small chain saw. Then decided l didn't need to worry about chains coming off, so l bought this. YAY! Finally trimmed my lilac bushes. Quick and easy.