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I recently got myself a Ridgid JobMax and I think I love it. I did spend quite a bit of time, however, trying to get through an old (100 year old home) 2x4 (dimensional). I don't know if the wood was just really hard or if I am just not good at using the tool yet. I did watch some YouTube videos and started using more of a sweeping motion with the cutting blade and that helped. I'm just wondering if anyone else has any good tips or experience using this tool that would be helpful to me.

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  • A rocking motion seems to help.
    – Tester101
    Commented Nov 28, 2011 at 17:45
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    I would bet that part of the problem is that the old wood really is a lot stronger. I was blown away at how quickly I would go through reciprocating saw blades when cutting through the original walls at my house (85 years old).
    – auujay
    Commented Nov 28, 2011 at 17:58
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    Agreed w/ auujay and Evil Greebo -- old wood can be almost petrified; I burn through drillbits, saw blades, etc, for a house that was ~60 years old when I bought it. (2x4s are ~1.75"x3.75", except for two additions)
    – Joe
    Commented Nov 28, 2011 at 18:06
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    I agree with the consensus that your 100 year old 2x4 was probably hard as a rock. But it's worth keeping in mind that of all the cool things these tools can do (aside from the name I love my Rockwell SoniCrafter too), cutting quickly isn't one of them. The small-stroke oscillating motion and those tiny triangular gear teeth just can't remove material like a "real" saw blade with raked teeth and kerf.
    – Mike Powell
    Commented Nov 29, 2011 at 6:39
  • I also have a Rockwell and love it. Don't know how I got to this point in life without it. LOL. Old wood can be very hard and takes a while to work thru. Also be sure you are using the most aggressive blade possible. A fine blade will dull quickly and take forever.
    – shirlock homes
    Commented Nov 29, 2011 at 15:28

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Like you, I find it more effective as a cutter through harder surfaces if you move the blade across the surface you wish to cut. I also apply light pressure to the tool while "sawing" with it.

Although in your case, it probably was simply that the wood was very hard.

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