About two years ago I broke down and bought a Bosch oscillating jigsaw, and have used it sporatically, but with nice results. For cutting curves and scrolls in 1/2" baltic birch plywood or MDO, it does nice work.
But lately I've been wondering if a Roto-Zip wouldnt be better.
So I ask you - those that have used both - what are the strong points or best uses for each, weaknesses, etc in your opinions?
My woodworking equipment consists of a radial arm saw, a panel saw, vertical drill press, various hand drills, electric planer and hand tools, along with the jigsaw mentioned above.
*and a router*
I mention those for sake of argument in case the roto-zip replaces or extends any of them.
posted
I wouldnt say the RotoZIP can replace any tool but it is a handy one.
It's great for cutting lighter stuff.. can even cut heavy stuff like MDF or 3/4" thick plexi, but the heavier the material gets I'd say you'd want to cut down on the amount you need to cut. Or if you need to cut alot of a heavier material, stick with the jigsaw or a plunge router.
One of the nice things about the rotozip is the fact that you can plunge it into the middle of a piece eliminating cutting a starter hole.
I use my rotozip quite a bit but it's not a replacement for any tool.. but then again, of all the tools that are out there, no single tool can really replace another one.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
Ditto what Mike said. I've found the rotozip to be the greatest tool for cutting holes in drywall ... other than that it lacks IMO. If my Bosch and zip both died and I could only replace one the saw would be the one. If you don't already have one I'd suggest a good router ... or quality "laminate trimmer" (router with a smaller base). If you do go zip, get a good set of ear plugs ... those things scream.
-------------------- Compulsive, Neurotic, Anti-social and Paranoid ... but basically Happy Posts: 2677 | From: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Depends on the kind of "wood working" you want to accomplish. For straight thru cutting of curves,it would be a scroll saw. The portable model being a jigsaw. NOT all the way through,would be router or zip! Please remember:Detailed questions,Receive detailed answers!!
Hope this helps
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
You just don't have the control with a rotozip, especially if you're cutting letters, if you don't have cnc router, then nothing beats a good scroll saw and a good jigsaw. I have a millwaukee, with a quik lock system, I tell you it's the smoothest Jigsaw I've ever used.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
i already have a RYOBOI laminate trimmer(bought it before roto-zip for the same purpose) just by the roto-zip drill bits...and use in trimmer.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
The rotozip is a great 'professional' tool, in that it is quick and easy to use, and does not require pre-drilling, so it speeds some things up. It is not, however, anywhere near as smooth and precise as the Bosch. Having both, I can tell you I use the Bosch often, I love the feel of moving it through the substrate... When I rarely use the rotozip, it's just for hacking out large sections that will be smoothed by another tool later.
Man, I bought a Rotozip and couldn't get to the store quick enough to return it. I tried to cut an outlet hole in my drywall, and the "bit" got glowing red hot, wouldn't cut through the drywall and almost caught my house on fire.
I must have done something wrong? I just put the "bit" in per the instructions, got it humming, and then slowly tipped it into the drywall at an angle per their instructions. I tried to move it along the drywall, but it would barely go...then got red hot and about smoked me out of the room.
No, I wasn't hitting a stud or any other obstruction...I was in a hollow spot on the wall.
I tried cutting a couple other things with the same poor results. Glad you guys met with success.
Todd
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
I had never heard of a roto-zip until I read this post. I'm always on the lookout for any tool that'll make life easier. The first thing that I discovered when I did a search on roto-zip is that 1.9 million of them are being recalled for safety reasons. Be careful
posted
whoa Todd, bummer experience ... I know, I did it the first time I tried to use it. The reason ... the bottom 1/2" (or so) of the drywall bit is smooth, like a guide rail so once it's in the drywall you can guide it against/around the socket box without digging into it ... if the cheesy plastic base isn't high enough to allow "blade" all the way through ... well, you know what happens
now I'm glad I don't have one of those sleek looking models but I always hold it by the tool itself anywho
-------------------- Compulsive, Neurotic, Anti-social and Paranoid ... but basically Happy Posts: 2677 | From: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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