cut nine holes for recessed lights in 3/8th thick plywood, cut through with no problems - only one minor problem occurs after the saw has cut the hole when I use the drill If you didn't slow down immediately the saw would jump off the arbor and fall to the ground, even after twisting the arbor nut with the crescent wrench it came loose so be careful your feet aren't directly under where you're cutting. At the last pile of holes, I figured out how not to turn it up. as well as the spring on the starter head, which automatically pushes the piece of wood out of the saw. Haven't tried drywall yet, but I think it gets even better. I can't say anything about the durability, but I cut the ninth hole just as smoothly as the first.