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749 Review
46 Karma

Review on ReciProMate- Guide Attachment for Efficiently Cutting 4x4 Fence and Deck Posts with a Reciprocating Saw by Antoine Scisson

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Works but a little awkward to use until I ignored a step in the instructions.

I like this tool. I used it for a pergola project. Once you tighten it down to 4x4 it works well to get a nice straight saber saw line. That's why I didn't give 5 stars. Firstly you need to align one side with the cutting line and while holding it in place insert a screw from the other side to align it. It's clumsy and difficult. The manufacturer includes two small screws and recommends using them to hold the side of the ankle in place. This only makes things more difficult as it is almost impossible to see the cut line through the die gap let alone hold it there while trying to insert the screws. I did the following: 1. Mark the point of the cutting line.2. Using my 12" metal combo square, I marked the cutting line on all four sides of the post.3. Place the ReciProMate on the backing and lightly tighten near the cut line.4. Using a combination square, I inserted the ruler through the ReciProMate inside the blade stop but outside the 4x4, made sure the ruler was right on the cutting line, and then tightened the tool just enough to hold it in place. Not only did this bring the tool closer to its final position, removing the ruler left enough room for the saw blade on either side of the post.5. Repeat this process on the other side so that the ReciProMate is on the cutting line. Check this again with an angle on both sides and then finally tighten the screw. After a few racks using this method, you'll get pretty good at it and be able to do it on your own. Second: if the saw goes through the bar if you are not very careful. The saw blade often comes into contact with the saw stop rivet that holds the tool together. The rivet has an aluminum appearance and has shown little wear after one project. I worry that too much contact with the blade will eventually cut through the rivet and render the tool useless. Only time can tell. Now that I've gotten pretty good at using it, I'd probably give it 4 stars if I wrote the instructions :) and 5 stars if the blade stops were hardened steel. Saber saw and even circular saw in the past. I will only use this tool in the future.

Pros
  • Weight
Cons
  • Some little things