DEWALT 10-amp Reciprocating Saw (DWE304)

The DWE304 includes a 10 amp motor that fits the bill for most tasks thrown at it.  At 7 lbs, the saw is neither too heavy nor too light.  The just-right size helps with stability as well as arm fatigue.  There’s just enough weight to allow the tool to do the work without having to apply much pressure to the workpiece.

The variable trigger is easy to control and allows the user to quickly adjust blade speeds.  The fixed footplate doesn’t tilt like much of the competition, but we don’t think we’re missing out since the DEWALT’s footplate seems sturdy and stable.

We really like the blade change mechanism.  It employs a physcal lever to lock and unlock the blade.  Most competitors use a twist lock with an internal spring.  These springs might last a while but will have to be replaced eventually.  The lock lever on the DWE304 should last for the life of the tool and gives definitive feedback that the blade is locked and loaded.

The blade clamp also includes a feature no other saw in its class offers.  Blades can be positioned in four directions: the standard teeth-down, as well as teeth-up, teeth-left, and teeth-right.  This allows for a variety of cuts, particularly clean flush cuts to by accomplished.  Left-handed and right-handed users will find that the different configurations allow for more comfortable (and safer) cuts regardless of hand dominance.  No more twisting the tool to make difficult cuts.  Just switch the blade to whatever orientation works best for the task at hand.

DEWALT’s warranty is among the best of the industry.  It says a lot when a company stands behind their product and doesn’t expect any issues for years.