Inexpensive reciprocating cordless saw?

[jymbee]

Too many choices out there to make a decision!
Have a need for a cordless reciprocating type saw as a gift for a family member. Usage will be light-- perhaps to trim branches on shrubs & bushes (too thick for loppers), occasional use to saw up dead branches for kindling, etc. Looked briefly at electric chainsaws and while they are very cool, just a bit overkill for this application.

Advice anyone?

 

[Roadworthy]

I have a Ryobi. I got it on one of those Black Friday sales at Home Depot. It came as part of a kit. It will stall out when cutting wood if the battery is low but that is easily overcome, it came with two batteries. I don't like the lock out that prevents accidental operation but I have become accustomed to it. You can change blades with no tools and it takes normal reciprocating saw blades.

 

[jymbee]

I have a Ryobi. I got it on one of those Black Friday sales at Home Depot. It came as part of a kit. It will stall out when cutting wood if the battery is low but that is easily overcome, it came with two batteries. I don't like the lock out that prevents accidental operation but I have become accustomed to it. You can change blades with no tools and it takes normal reciprocating saw blades.

Aha-- Black Friday! Thanks for the reminder as that's typically a good opportunity to pick up a pretty good deal-- especially if you're not locked into a particular model. I got a great deal on a shop vac and compressor over the last couple of years on that sale date.

 

[RNeumann]

Unknown definition of inexpensive.....

With that, I have the Milwaukee M12 and purchased a few of the pruning blades. It works ok. But a reciprocating saw may not be much faster than a nice hand saw.

 

[MossRoad]

Harbor Freight meets the definition of inexpensive...

 

[/pine]

Garage sale hand saw...

 

[jymbee]

Unknown definition of inexpensive.....

INEXPENSIVE:
adjective
not expensive; not high in price; costing little.

Sorry-- couldn't resist.
I'm thinking somewhere around a hundred bucks-- give or take? Personally I typically "overbuy" thinking that perhaps a better/more expensive tool will make me a better craftsman. So far that has not proven to be the case.

With that, I have the Milwaukee M12 and purchased a few of the pruning blades. It works ok. But a reciprocating saw may not be much faster than a nice hand saw.

That does look like a nice saw but perhaps a bit pricey-- thanks. Of course my perspective might well change once I get a better idea of what's out there. As for "hand saw", in this case it would primarily be used by a senior citizen where a hand saw would be a bit of a challenge.

 

[RickB]

Harbor Freight meets the definition of inexpensive...

I bought a Northern Tool store brand corded reciprocating saw for work because that’s what was suggested. An hour later I took the nonworking POS back and got a Dewalt. Whether or not Dewalt was the one to buy is not the point. The store brand was NOT the one to buy.
If you are buying a gift, make an attempt to buy one you might want to own yourself.

 

[RNeumann]

Seems I got the bare tool for $79 or something. But with a battery and charger I’m sure it’s over $100.

Problem with cordless is if you get an off brand (el cheapo) you won’t be able to find batteries in a few years. I think Ryobi May be about as competitive is it gets while still being a common brand.

 

[RalphVa]

Almost any battery-driven sawsall with a course blade will do for this. Had a Dewalt 18v. Now have a Porter Cable 20v. I'd look for the latest brushless ones.

Ralph