Rockwell has come out with a new version of their multi-functional BladeRunner saw. The new BladeRunner X2, model RK7323, has been redesigned with greater cutting capacity, better cutting control, and less weight.
It looks like the BladeRunner X2 was also designed to be less expensive than the original, as the X2 is priced at $120, while the original was launched at $180 and recently available for $150 to $170.
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One major change that I noticed is that the work surface is now made from plastic instead of metal. On the bright side, this means the saw weighs less and should be more portable and easy to carry.
As with the original BladeRunner, the X2 can be used to cut wood, metal, tile, and plastic materials. It can be used to make straight rip cuts, cross cuts, miter cuts, and complex scroll cuts.
Cutting Capacity
- Wood: 1-1/2″
- PVC pipe: 1-1/4″
- Aluminum: 3/8″
- Ceramic: 3/8″
The saw is bundled with a couple of accessories, such as a miter gauge, rip fence, a starter blade assortment, and the vacuum port is built into the top of the saw head.
You can use this with any standard T-shank jig saw blade, which as you might know are available in a wide range of sizes and styles.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Note: Lowes is currently offering the sale for $99, probably for a limited time for the 2014 holiday shopping season.
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First Thoughts
The new redesign looks okay, especially the new style blade arm, but I’m hesitant about the plasticy-looking construction. It’s hard for me to see this as a serious or accurate tool with that plastic table.
On the other hand, the T-shank blade holder offers a lot of freedom. You can buy blades anywhere, and there are plenty of choices. Small hobby-sized table saws often work with specialty blade sizes and can be difficult to find blades for.
Another big turn off – the saw seems to have a single non-variable and non-adjustable speed. This means that the saw cannot be tuned for different materials, you’re stuck with one speed, whether you’re cutting an aluminum bar, copper pipe, or thick slab of wood.
This is one of those tools that looks great in theory, but I’m hesitant as to how well it performs in practice.
Dennis
When the first one came out I thought it was a neat idea, but the reviews were less than stellar. I’ve noticed that at Lowes the price started high, then slid lower and lower. It seems like there is not a lot of buy in to this product. I don’t know anybody who has one, nor has used one, but Rockwell keeps pushing the idea. maybe when they correct problematic issues somewhere around revision 3 or 4 it might be worthwhile.
Chad
always wanted to get one thought it would be better than the ryobi scroll saw but i still have the ryobi and i have yet to buy the rockwell.
same as the last poster i dont know anyone that had bought one or used it, but like the article states i like it cuz it uses t shank blades
may still think about it !!
Stuart
If you intend to do intricate cuts like the kind you would use a scroll saw for, you’ll still need a scroll saw. Even the smallest T-shank jig saw blade is going to be too big for tight curves or fine cuts.
Gary T.
I picked one up after Lowe’s lowered the price. I’ve had it for a week and have cut only wood with it. For what it is, it is a good saw. Light and portable, setup is fast. I’ve done cross cuts and ripped some 4 foot, 3/4 inch plywood with no problems. Real tool reviews has a good review of it on youtube. Just keep in mind that it seems to be made for a DIYer.
fred
Bosch used to sell a table contraption to mount your jigsaw upside down – clamped to a bench. It was also not such a great idea – probably did not sell well:
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-MT250-Inversion-Table-Jigsaw/dp/B0041E9GGK/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
Matt
When did Bosch sell this? I don’t remember it. I see that they did when I clicked on the link. That is some old packaging. I might have to see if I have a old catalog fromwhen I started at Bosch somewhere. ( I no longer work for them).
Moo Kahn
Nobody needs a “BLaderunner” – especially if it’s a plastic table single-speed POS. If you’re any kind of a DIYer who owns a handheld jigsaw and occasionally needs a stationary tool- you can mount a standard jigsaw under a piece of 3/4″ plywood in about 10 minutes. two small C-clamps and a piece of anything straight and you have a fence. Search YouTube you’ll find a million examples. Ditto for a router, sander, grinder, even a circular saw.
James C
It took me a while to convince myself that pic isn’t a computer rendering of what it looks like. My high-end jigsaw has great variable speed control and multiple orbital settings. I don’t think I’d want to give those up.
matt
I have one it works good for what it is.. I have cut everything from steel to wood on it without a issue.
The only negative is the the overarm must stay tight on the work. and its a less then stellar design to keep it locked down.. not really a issue on wood or other soft materials. but on steel it is a factor..
ktash
I’ve used it to cut aluminum, with Bosch t-shank blades and find it did an excellent job using the aluminum cutting blades. I didn’t need to do all the clamping I did with my regular jigsaw for aluminum. As with metal cutting using any tool LOTS of protective gear for skin, face, eyes, etc should be used.
It’s also good to do quick crosscuts of wood without having to pull out a regular jigsaw or set up the miter saw. I’d not use it for exact miters, though. I like cutting curves with it, too. I’m happy with what it does for the price.
Using the Bosch blades makes a lot of difference. Since I already have them for my jigsaw there was no extra investment in blades. Even high end jigsaw blades are much cheaper than any other blades, so it is cost effective. The suction with a vacuum is good, too.
With a jigsaw you move the saw, with this you move the workpiece. Depending on the job and your workshop setup it can be useful. I have a workstand for various tools and it’s easy to just clamp this on the top. It stores easily on the shelf. I got mine as an Amazon lightening deal very cheap and have the old model with the metal top.
The main weakness I see is the pressure of the arm as mentioned above. I’m a hobbyist and diyer. I don’t see this as a tool for heavy use in a pro setting.
Darren
I bought this saw a couple of weeks ago and I like it for the most part. It does look and feel kind of cheap, but it was only $90. It is perfect for me since I am just getting into DIY stuff and have very little space for things like a table saw and scroll saw and what not. I just built a twin bed for son using this saw for most of my cuts. It worked fine.
Seeing as the only power tools I owned prior to buying this saw were a circular saw, drill, and sander, this was a welcome and versatile addition, especially on my limited budget. If you already have the tools this saw is designed to replicate, you definitely don’t need this saw. Those saws likely perform those functions better. But if you are on a budget, don’t have a lot of space, and would like some versatility, this would be a good option.
Matt
Ok I bought this a few weeks ago. I used it for the first time this weekend. It did some things well and others ok. I tried the blade it came with to try to rip a small section of wood paneling. This was thin 1/4 inch or less I think. The blade flexed so bad I had to stop and put in one of my Bosch blades. Which I have a ton of (Bosch blades). Since I’m a former Bosch tool sales rep. It worked better but I might have to adjust the back of the guard wood splitter. Not sure it’s lined up with the blade correctly. I was in a hurry. I crossed cut some base board and it did a great job. I have a small area to keep my tools. I have two Bosch jigsaws (one is cordless) and a Dremel scroll saw. Along with with a lot of other hand held power tools I wanted something with a bench top that would do more then my scroll saw. It works but more for a hobbyist and diyer or a budget handy man.
Toby
Will it cut non hardened hi carbon 1/4 inch steel? 3/4 inch s7?
John
I used to rip down some fence boards
bad it gets stuck on the split bar and is tight and hard to push thru
very dissapointed
Mark Pawlowski
Hello, I was just looking at this saw, it appears to be perfect, but then realized i cannot tilt the saw blade. with that you cannot do complex angle cuts.
I don’t have one, but am i wrong in wanting the blade to tilt at an angle? or is this the wrong type of saw for that?
Shashi
Just bought a blade runner 2, I like the fence and the mitre, gave me straight cuts on 1/2 ” chipboard. Attached a vacuum, cleans work area quite nicely. I would have liked to see a variable speed adjustment and a stainless steel top.
Yvonne
I just saw the same information on this saw on the Worx.com site. Who developed this saw? It appears to be the same saw. Would appreciate any information about this.
Stuart
Rockwell and Worx are part of the same company. I saw the Worx model online, and it looks to be the same as the Rockwell.
CARL D KENNEDY
Same disaster as the first, without stainless top. it needs to be more powerful and have speed control. the improved arm was a must. I would ask Rockwell to make it with a stainless top again, a more powerful motor with speed control, and quality blades that actually cut. They are wasting everyone’s time and degrading they’re great name. And yes, it will cost more and yes, a little heavier(not that much). then it will actually be versatile as claimed. what I’m hearing on reviews are people looking for decent blades (the ones that don’t just return it), and people finding only one thing it can do, as well as struggling to do it. you can have a winner if you quit listening to your cheap design advisers.
Edward smith
I bought the Rockwell at Lowe’s. I was able to get a price match on it. Home depot was 88.10 and Lowe’s was 110. 98. I went through its paces and found that I could not get a straight cut with a 1×2 or 1×3. I even used the miter and the fence at the same time. There was always a bow in the middle of the cut. Frustrated, I called Rockwell and after much discussion, a new saw will be sent out to me. Time will tell. I guess it is what it is. The works saw looks the same but claims only 4 amp. I suppose the wall Mart model is a cheaper version. I wonder if the Lowe’s brand is specifically for Lowe’s. Don’t know. As the upper review said, it just could off brand blades are not as good as a premium brand. I am a guy who needs to know all the details. But that’s just me. Would like the steel table but are no longer made, I asked.
Edward smith
Well this an update on blade runner. Received the new saw. Works like it should. The motor even sounds a bit stronger as a side by side test. I am pleased with there customer service. Thank you so much Rockwell. Ed S.