I am a residential contractor and purchased 2 of these recips for my company. I own alot of dewalt tools, that I have been very happy with, I was shocked by the lack of power when I used this new 36v recip. It feels strong and well built, until you start cutting, once the blade begins to get presure on it, it will actually stop (Almost like it is geared too high?) I was using it to cut out a door jamb for the first time and when I got halfway through the shims, the blade gets binded on a little, and the recip would stop??? I was certain that it was defective, and ordered another one...same thing, I switched batterys, made sure they are fully changed, same problem. I will be returning both, and am going to research from now on before buying any further DeWalt products. I have the 36v 1/2" impact that works fantastic, very powerful, I guess I expected the same performance out of the new 36v recip.

I'm just a regular guy and do scrap metal recycling on the side, I bought this tool because it was a DeWalt but now am having second thoughts. I agree that the blade does seem to bind and stop the saw easily. At first I thought it was just me, either that or a low battery. Wish I had done my research first. So far, I've cut a steel belted tire off a rim and some medium guage rectangular tubing. To my surprise the saw binded on the small tubing when I bore down ever so slightly. I had better luck on the tire, I used penetrating oil as a lubricant. I guess I'll keep a can of spray oil in the case from now on to address the binding/stopping, or maybe I'll just try to return it for Makita. To be fair, the saw is fairly light and comfortable to hold.

My 36v recip saw is a huge improvement over the 18v recip saws I have used. The biggest difference is that it does not lose rpms under a heavy load like my 18v saws have,I have used this saw to cut small trees,and I used it to cut up and tear out kitchen cabinets. I have a Milwaukee super sawzall and it is great,but the 36v is the saw I use.
br /I like the weight and it only weighs slightly more that my 18v Makita. I didn't like the 4 way blade clamp at first,but I found it useful during my kitchen project.
br /This saw and the batteries have never gotten hot,only slightly warm after heavy use. I love the nano batteries,I can grab this saw and use it without worring about the battery being dead like the nicads.
br /It works for me.

WOW! Buying this saw saved my husband and I so much time and work! It's GREAT! It paid for itself the FIRST time we used it. We've built TWO barns using this saw, as well as using it on other jobs around the home. It cuts through a 6x6 post in less than 5 minutes! It wasn't even a struggle for the 36V! It seems pricey, but well worth EVERY CENT! Battery holds charge very well. We've not regretted purchasing this saw. The only regret we've had is not buying it sooner! We HIGHLY recommend this saw!

My dad owns a glass and door company where they install aluminum storefronts and doors in commercial buildings, and has one of these he uses on occasion. I have an 18v Craftsman myself but couldn't find it, so he let me borrow his. I went down to the salvage yard to cut a 1/4 panel out of a Monte Carlo and was prepared to have to recharge the batteries a few times like I would have had to with the Craftsman. Surprisingly, this tool cut through the metal so quick, I had the 1/4 panel out in 30 minutes. Granted an 87 Monte Carlo seems to be made of thinner metal than the older cars, but this thing beats the pants off the 18v. And I did cut through some bolts and metal plates while I was at it. There was no "binding" or stopping as these other posters write. The only thing I ever saw was smoke when I got to the thicker metal. I probably could have cut the other 1/4 panel and plenty other stuff without even charging the battery. I'm going to get one of these for myself. These are great for when you have no electricity access. All my other Craftsman tools hold up but when it comes to sawzalls this is definitely the way to go. I'm not sure what these other people were cutting... 3/8 inch thick metal??? Forged steel? For things you would normally use a sawzall on, this is for sure a powerful saw.