If you’ve seen the TV or YouTube ads for this saw, you’ve seen how it’s said to replace almost every saw that a woodworker might have. You know, circular saws, saber saws, tile saws, outlet box saws, etc. With all that it’s claimed to do, we at WoodWork Boss present you one of the best RotoRazer reviews so that you can get the low down on this saw.
I’ve used many a different saw over the years, and I do prefer the lightest and smallest saw to do the job. The RotoRazer is a compact saw and shouldn’t wear your arms out when using it, so it just might fit the bill.
It would be nice to have a tool that could do all the jobs that others do. Once could save a fair amount of money and storage space. The RotoRazer is claimed to do the jobs of many other saws. Let’s take a look and see how it stacks up.
About the RotoRazer
As mentioned above, the RotoRazer is a compact saw. It shares numerous features with other compact saws and some that are different. Read on and you’ll find out how so.
Key Features
- 54.8mm (25⁄32 in) diameter blades – The small blade size allows for a smaller base plate, as well as making tighter internal cuts. It also allow for an overall smaller tool.
- Three blades are included – Carbide tipped, high speed steel, diamond grit
- Small base plate – The small base plate allows for cutting in tighter spaces than a standard circular saw will allow.
- 120 Volt / 360 Watt (3-amp) motor – Although not as stout as other compact saws, 3 amps can get many jobs done
- No-load speed of 4,000 rpm – Other saws have a lower rpm, which means slower blade speeds, which means slower cutting.
- Blade is off set to the left side – This may not seem like a big deal, but really works well for right handers.
- Dust collection port – Dust collection? Yep. This can allow you to use it in an area that you wouldn’t normally, such as inside a house with carpet.
- Max. depth of cut at 90 degrees: 1/2”
- Weight – 2.65 pounds
- Retractable blade guard. This is not unusual, except that the guard also acts as the base/shoe of the saw.
More about the RotoRazer Saw
Now that we’ve covered the features of the RotoRazer, let’s take a more in-depth look at this competitor in the compact saw arena. I’m pretty sure that you’ll find some interesting bits of information.
Cost/Value
The RotoRazer is not an inexpensive tool for what you get. Many a full size circular saw can be purchased for less than the cost of the RotoRazer. Of course, you give up the light weight and compact “foot print.”
Motor
A 120 volt 360 watt (3.0 amp) motor powers the RotoRazer. That’s a bit smaller than some other compact saws and numerous jig saws.
Battery
None included, as this saw uses 120 volts AC.
Blade
At 54.8mm (25⁄32 in) in diameter, the saw blades are not going to cut through a 2 by 4. Heck, they’re not going to cut through 3/4” stock. This limitation puts this saw in the hobby category, or specialty use, such as cutting tile and other thinner materials.
Blades are removed installed with the aid of an arbor locking tab and a wrench
Shoe/Base
The shoe, or base, is actually the plastic blade guard and it cannot be set at a bevel. Nope, you’re limited to 90 degree cuts with the RotoRazer.
Body/Frame
Most modern day power tools are made primarily of polymer casings and metal structures. The RotoRazer also utilizes this construction format. Polymer parts help keep the weight down, without sacrificing quality.
Blade Guard
As mentioned above the blade guard is the shoe, or base, of the saw. It can be set to automatically stop at a number of depths and retracts when the saw is pushed down against the material to be cut.
The blade is completely enclosed by the saw’s body and guard, so you can’t sight on it while making cuts. The RotoRazer does have sighting marks on the guard, but these aren’t as easy to use as sighting on the blade itself.
Ergonomics
Most standard circular saws use a perpendicular motor. The RotoRazer uses an inline motor that is part of the handle. This allows for a narrow saw and puts the motor weight in the user’s hand, instead of cantilevered out from the user’s grip. This is much easier on the wrist and provides for less fatigue inducing work.
Ease of Use
Being lighter than conventional circular saws, the RotoRazer is easy on the hands and arms. With the blade towards the left side the user can easily sight where the blade is cutting, without having to look over the saw. This makes for more accurate cuts.
Build Quality
The RotoRazer is not a known name, made by a known manufacture. Instead, was originally pitched on TV, only available by ordering directly. Later, the RotoRazor became available through retail outlets. The plastic housing and guard seem more brittle than many other manufacturer’s products.
Additional Features/Accessories
The RotoRazer features a built in dust collector port, allowing for keeping things neat when cutting in a finished house, or in your shop, if it really worked. The collection port is pretty small in diameter and uses a small hose to connect to a shop vac via and adapter.
Using the RotoRazer
Who should use the RotoRazer? – Well, based upon the limited depth of cut and the lack of making bevel cuts, this not going to be a go to saw for the average woodworker. On the other hand, this could be a good saw for the hobbyist who is dealing with materials thinner than the 1/2” maximum depth of cut.
Uses for the RotoRazer – This small saw will be limited in doing standard woodworking, but one can cut tile, thin steel, aluminum, copper, wood, plastic. Just mount the correct blade for the material to be cut.
The RotoRazer is also capable of making plunge cuts, same as a standard circular saw, but remember, you’re limited to perpendicular cuts with the RotoRazer.
Motor and Blade Location Makes for Ease of Use – Most circular saws use a motor that is perpendicular to the blade, directly driving it. This makes the saw wide, with the motor projecting out in the way of some guides and clamps. The RotoRazer’s inline design makes for a narrow width allowing the saw to slide past clamps and other obstructions when cutting. The motor is housing is the handle, putting the weight within the user’s grasp.
The RotoRazer’s blade is mounted toward the lift, which easier use by right handers.
Toss in a Carry Case and Go – Being a compact saw, the RotoRazer is easy to haul around. Toss it in a tool case and get going. It won’t take up much room and is light enough to easily haul it where you need to work, as long as the work isn’t too thick or stout. A carry comes with the saw.
For the Budget Minded? – Not necessarily so, for the price the RotoRazer is limited in performance. Once can buy a couple of more powerful tools for the cost of one RotoRazer.
Pros and Cons
Everything has its ups and downs and the RotoRazer is no exception.
Pros
- Compact size provides for light weight and ability to cut in tight locations
- Dust collector port
- Can cut wood, plastic, metal, tile, and other materials, depending upon blade choice
- Blade is toward the left side allowing for easier use by right handed users
Cons
- Limited depth of cut
- No bevel adjustment
- Blade is not readily visible making tracking cut lines awkward
- Dust collection port and hose are small in diameter, restricting dust collection
- Not a known product name by a known manufacturer
Wrapping It Up
On the RotoRazer web site it’s claimed that this saw will do the job of the following saws:
- Jig Saw
- Circular Saw
- Hand Saw
- Band Saw
- Tile Saw
- Hack Saw
- Miter Saw
Having spent many years in woodworking, I don’t see how the RotoRazer can do the jobs of a band saw or jig saw unless it’s not expected to cut the kind of curves that those two saws can. Nope, I think it can fill in for the other saws, but not those two.
We’re sure that the RotoRazer can serve certain people fairly well, if it’s used with its limitations in mind. Here at WoodWork Boss we’re all about helping you become just that, a WoodWork Boss so we can’t recommend the RotoRazer as a gotta have tool.
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