These two saws work where other saws can’t fit. Both are compact and lightweight so you can make almost any place your worksite. Let’s see which one will be the best fit for your next project.
Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut Circular Saw
The VersaCut RK3440k doesn’t bevel, or tilt its blade to cut at an angle. If that is a function you really need, skip down to the next saw, the RK3441K. It bevels up to 45 degrees.
If you’re looking for a handheld circular saw that can cut wood, metal, plastic, slate, cement and ceramic materials, read on right here. Rockwell puts three different saw blades in the box so the VersaCut is ready to go to work right away. It comes with a 24-tooth carbide blade for wood, a diamond tip for ceramic and cement, and a high-speed steel (HSS) for plastic and aluminum.
The VersaCut’s blade diameter is 3-3/8 inches. The minimum depth of cut is a tiny 1/8 of an inch, and the maximum is 1-1/16-inches. To help the user get the perfect cut on the first try Rockwell includes four helps. First, there is a laser indicator to show the cutline. Second, there is a depth of cut lever with a clearly marked gauge. Third, there is a plunge cut indicator. Fourth, they include a parallel edge guide in the box. The blade is located on the left side of the saw, a bonus for right-handed users because they can see better where they are cutting. The saw also has a dust port so the user can attach a vacuum hose to collect sawdust.
Rockwell says the VersaCut can be operated with one hand. It weighs 3.4 pounds, which is light compared to many other circular saws. It’s got a balanced feel with the motor in the back. But there have been some complaints from people saying that it is a bit difficult stretching their fingers to hold both the trigger and the safety switch. Some users have also said that it takes a lot of pressure for plunge cuts because the footplate spring is very firm.
More features of the VersaCut RK3440K
- 3500rpm under no-load
- 4-amp motor
- Approximate measurements are 17 by 5.5 by 9 inches
- Uses two coin batteries for the laser indicator
- Lock-off switch for safety
- Durable metal inner and outer guards
- 10-foot cord
- 2-year warranty
- Comes with three blades, no-mar plastic base cover, parallel guide, vacuum adapter, spanners for blade changes, and a carrying bag
Rockwell RK3441K Compact Circular Saw Kit
This compact circular saw, the RK3441K, bevels up to 45 degrees. It comes with just one 24-tooth carbide blade for cutting wood. The blade is 4-1/2 inches in diameter, larger than the one on the VersaCut. As a result, the RK3441K has a deeper depth of cut, ranging up to 1-1/16-inches. If it is beveled to 45-degrees, it cuts down to 1-/1/8-inches. This means it can rip 2x4s just as well as it trims baseboard. It can also do plunge cuts, which are easy to set with the depth gauge lever. Rockwell includes a parallel cut guide with this saw, but there is no laser guide like there is on the VersaCut.
The RK3441K weighs less than 5 pounds and feels balanced. Comments about the VersaCut made by users with medium-to-small hands applies to this saw as well. They said it’s a stretch to reach both the safety switch and the trigger at the same time. Some other users have commented that shoe assembly feels wobbly. One user solved this by inserting screws to make the connections more secure.
More features of the RK3441K Compact Circular Saw
- 5-amp motor, more powerful than the VersaCut
- 3500rpm under no load
- Blade arbor is 3/8″
- Cord is 10 feet long
- Blade is on the left side, better for right-handers
- It comes with a dust port on-board and a vacuum adapter, parallel edge guide, Allen wrench, and the carbide blade
- 3-year warranty (longer than the one offered on the VersaCut)
Recommendation
Do you need a saw that bevels? Go with the RK3441K. It has a larger blade and a deeper depth of cut.
If you want a saw that is very versatile with regards to the materials it can cut, the VersaCut is the one for you. It doesn’t bevel, but it can cut the tiles for your bathroom remodel and the aluminum siding for your shed, and all the blades come in the box. It has a laser to keep your cuts in the right places and it weighs less than the RK3441K.
Click here to purchase Rockwell RK3441K on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Rockwell RK3440K on Amazon!