Rockwell Bladerunner on sale at Menards: $79

LightninBoy

LightninBoy

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Jan 13, 2014
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Just a heads up that it appears (at least locally) like Menards is pushing out the version 1 Rockwell BladeRunner for $79 to make room for v2.

Its not the be all end all cutting tool, but its a handy cutting tool to have around - particularly for PWD and particularly for just $80.

I did a little research on the v2 model and it looks like Rockwell went backwards. More plastic and no variable speed on v2. V1 models have actually jumped up in price on Amazon to over $150.
 
Looks like a table top jig saw. I imagine this can handle thicker wood than a scroll saw then. With a scroll saw, it can get "tedious" cutting wood over 3/4", like I would do for a cub car if they had no interest in building anything other than a "police car" or something similar. I know a small band saw would be better suited for the task, but this saw looks like it is up to the task.
 
I looked at the bladerunner a year or so ago and I got kicked out of Lowes for using it (but no body would help me) haha. I can tell you it is super cool and would work for a lot of things but it vibrates like a son of a gun. Try if before you buy it...just don't get kicked out of Lowes.
 
Chief said:
I looked at the bladerunner a year or so ago and I got kicked out of Lowes for using it (but no body would help me) haha. I can tell you it is super cool and would work for a lot of things but it vibrates like a son of a gun. Try if before you buy it...just don't get kicked out of Lowes.
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I do remember you telling that story. It's just as funny now, as I recall your exploits, as it was then. You crack me up Chief.
 
HurriCrane Racing said:
Man these things are selling fast! I had a store put one behind the counter for me to pick up in the morning.
Thanks for the tip LB. Looks like I'll be running to ST. Paul in the morning.
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I picked mine up yesterday. I think there were 2 or 3 left. Had to go back to Menards today for something else and there were none left on the shelf.

I read a lot of reviews complaining about vibration and noise. But mine runs smooth as silk compared to my scroll saw. And I don't think its noisy either.

I used it to make several body blocks from 1/4" thick basswood. I had to calibrate the fence a little, but once I did I was able to make super straight cuts with it. It cut through the 1/4" bass like butter (as it should).

I also tried to thin down a standard pine block to 1/4" thickness. On this, it didn't fair as well. It was powerful enough to do it, but the cut ended up a little crooked - like the blade bent a little sideways - which is totally possible given that the blade isn't really secured on top. Also I wasn't able to push the block all the way through. With about an inch left to go, the block hits an under piece of the guard arm and won't go any further. I had to stop the blade turn the block around and start from the other side of the block to finish the job.

Overall, I really like it.
 
The thing I really liked about this particular tool was you can pick it up with one hand and go anywhere with it and not break a sweat. It is really light weight, it only weighs 13lbs. My band saw on the other hand comes in at almost 75lbs, dang near need a two wheeler dolly to move it
eeek
 
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