Trade education and workforce development are two initiatives we value highly here at Dunn Lumber, so it should come as no surprise that we have close ties with Seattle Central College's Wood Technology Center (WTC). With roots dating back to the early 1900s, WTC's history intersects with ours at Dunn Lumber at various points (our very own Ed Dunn Jr. took some classes at Edison), and we're proud to be connected with such an exemplary educational institution.

Throughout the episodes in this series, we'll be speaking with Dave Borgatti, a long-time faculty member at the WTC, about the center's history, program offering, and various topics in woodworking education. Dave got his start in woodworking as a boat builder in Portland, Oregon, for Schooner Creek Boat Works, and ended up at WTC as an instructor in 1992. Since then, Dave has helped countless students—from boat builders to carpenters and cabinetmakers—learn the woodworking craft.

In today’s conversation, Dave and I are joined by Nick Brodeur, Territory Manager at Milwaukee® Tool, to go over the features of the cordless Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ Brushless Super Sawzall®. 

We share key points from the conversation below, but recommend watching the full video for demonstrations and more in-depth explanations of what we cover. 

What is a Sawzall®? 

Milwaukee developed the first reciprocating saw in 1951 and called it the Sawzall®. Today, the two terms are often used interchangeably (kind of like using both the terms “tissue” and “Kleenex”), but Milwaukee continues to produce the proprietary Sawzall® line. 

Reciprocating saws are particularly useful for demolition and renovation projects as they can cut through a variety of materials, including harder materials like metal or masonry. A plumber, for instance, could use a reciprocating saw or Sawzall to cut cast iron without having to rely on a more advanced tool like a bladesaw.

Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ Brushless Super Sawzall® features

The Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ Brushless Super Sawzall® is a two-handed tool that’s front-weighted, allowing gravity to help the tool fall into the cut. This tool was carefully designed to be incredibly ergonomic, compact, and convenient—they thought of everything!

Key features include:

  • Cordless functionality for use anywhere
  • 15-amp power, similar—and at times even better—to a corded Sawzall 
  • Trigger safety lock
  • Speed setting range from 1-6
  • Both reciprocating function and orbital action for most aggressive cuts (see what this looks like starting at 6:00 in the video)
  • Convenient rafter hook to hang the tool on a 2 x 4 
  • Adjustable shoe to change the cut depth
  • Blade clamp that accepts a universal tang (the back shank section of the blade that slots into the clamp, no hex key needed)  
  • Small light illuminating the blade and where it’s cutting 
  • Well-shielded, grippy exterior that protects the user from the power source and ensures the tool won’t slip from their hands

Blades compatible with the Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ Brushless Super Sawzall®

This tool’s versatility and convenience extends to the wide range of blades it’s compatible with. Since the blade clamp accepts a universal tang, the Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ Brushless Super Sawzall® can be used with both Milwaukee-branded blades as well as other brands’ blades.

That said, Milwaukee has created an extensive line of blades with different lengths, metals, and number of teeth (blades with fewer teeth cut roughly through material while blades with more teeth produce a smoother cut) to meet various needs. These are covered starting at around 10:00 in the video and include: 

  • The AX™ line of blades with carbide teeth designed to use on nail-embedded wood (Nick goes over the features and potential uses of this blade even more at 09:26)
  • Bi-metal blades that are available at a lower price point than carbide blades 
  • Pruning blades
  • The WRECKER™ line of blades that offer a jack-of-all-trades kind of blade 
  • The TORCH™ line line of blades used for metals
  • Nitrous carbide blades specifically designed for cast iron 

Nick notes that while there are different needs for different blades, carbide blades have a greater longevity compared to bi-metal blades, performing for at least 50 times more use.

How to use a Sawzall®

Dave and Nick demonstrate how to use different features of the Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ Brushless Super Sawzall® and how to handle the tool throughout our conversation, however some key points include: 

  • 03:28 — Highlighting that the shoe must be touching the surface you’re cutting before starting to cut 
  • 04:43 — Showing how to use the blade clamp to properly release and insert blades
  • 09:10 — Demonstrating how to make a plunge cut using a Sawzall® 
  • 17:32 — Showing how to position the Sawzall® to flush 

Throughout it all, safety remains paramount. Always keep the trigger lock on when not in use—this is especially important as the handle is the main way of grabbing the tool whether or not you’re cutting—and remember to remove the battery when changing the blades. Dave recommends always using this tool with both hands as well.

How to maintain or protect a Sawzall® 

Building out your kit is an investment. While high-quality tools like the M18 FUEL™ Brushless Super Sawzall® are designed to withstand heavy-duty use, caring for them properly can help protect your tool for years to come.

Milwaukee makes it easy with its One-Key™ Bluetooth technology available on certain tools, which allows the tool owner or user to customize, track, and manage the tool’s use through a mobile app. 

The brand also offers a no-questions-asked 5-year warranty on the M18 FUEL™ Brushless Super Sawzall® and a 3-year warranty on the battery. If something on the tool gets damaged or isn’t working properly, a user simply has to start a maintenance request online, print out a prepaid shipping label, and send the tool to Milwaukee’s service center where they’ll fix the issue and then return the tool. If the warranty has expired, users still have access to the service center for a fee.   

Ready to learn more? We’re covering features and use tips for several of Milwaukee® Tool’s other cordless power tool options:

You can also always find more tool-focused tips in previous Wood Technology Center Series episodes as well as our power tools archives.