Dremel Ultra-Saw vs Rockwell VersaCut RK3441K: Which One’s Best?
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| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Winner
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Rockwell RK3441K |
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CHECK PRICE |
The Runner-up
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Dremel US40-01 |
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CHECK PRICE |
For this review, two small-saw titans face off in a battle to see which is best in the intended role and which will be the best choice for you and the projects you have lined up. Dremel has a longer history than Rockwell, being founded in the early 1900s. Rockwell, not to be confused with the aerospace giant, hit the scene in the early 1990s. Both have reputations for producing quality tools at affordable prices, so this promises to be a fun matchup.
Small saws are designed to work in situations where a full-size hand-held circular will not. These situations can occur when you are working in extremely tight spaces, are trying to cut and shape materials already installed, or want to handle a quick and dirty job without dragging out the big guns.
We are giving the nod to the VersaCut from Rockwell for a variety of reasons that we will detail as the review progresses. Given the total feature set and capabilities delivered by the Rockwell tool, it is the clear winner in our analysis.
What are the differences between them?
Do you know the drill, or should that be “saw” in this case? We are going to compare the two products based on specific categories to see which tool excels in each area. Points are at stake, and the competitor with the most points at the end of the comparison will be crowned champion of the review.
Power – Point to the Ultra-Saw
The Ultra-Max takes the first point by delivering a 7.5 A motor, compared to the 5 A motor for the Rockwell contender.
Price – Point to the VersaCut
When comparing the base offerings of each tool, the VersaCut is less expensive. Saving money is always a good thing.
Well equipped with accessories – Point to the VersaCut
The Ultra-Max ships with five blades for tackling a wide array of materials, plus a screw-in side handle for using the tool like a cut-off saw/grinder. The VersaCut comes with a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade, a parallel (edge) guide, and a vacuum adapter. The Dremel saw cannot accept a parallel guide, and the vacuum adapter is extra.
Overall feature set – Point to the VersaCut
The VersaCut comes with a very effective laser guide and a bevel capability, neither of which are available on the Dremel.
Tough where it counts – Point to the VersaCut
The Ultra-Saw appears almost to be purpose-designed to serve as a grinder, and a metal cutoff saw. To allow for that use, Dremel uses cast metal for the foot and guard so they can resist the heat and sparks of grinding and cutting tasks. The VersaCut has a cast metal guard and a stamped steel foot. Stamped steel is more durable than cast metal.
Depth of cut – Point to the VersaCut
The VersaCut offers a 1-11/16” depth, compared to the 3/4″ of the Ultra-Saw. To be fair, Rockwell positions this tool as primarily for cutting 2-by-dimensional stock, so a depth able to cut through in a single pass is required. Dremel, on the other hand, positions its saw as fulfilling a wider array of jobs, with a particular focus on working with metal.
Just a thought amid the competition: if you never work with lumber thicker than 2-by dimensional stock and don’t tackle major building projects, you can get by with the VersaCut as your primary saw.
Able to accept other manufacturer’s blades – Point to the VersaCut
Rockwell opted to use a 3/8” arbor, which is compatible with a larger range of third-party blades compared to the unique-sized arbor of the Dremel saw. Using a standard-sized arbor allows you to choose from a wider variety of blades regarding price, quality, and cutting ability.
Quick Rundown of the VersaCut:
- [MORE MANEUVERABILITY] All the functionality of a full-size circular saw but in a compact design that’s easier to use, and easier to...
- [REAR MOTOR] For a more balanced feel. With the motor in the handle, you control much of the weight of the saw with just the palm of...
- [EASY DEPTH SETTING] The readily accessible adjustment lever lets you change the cut on the fly, and the bevel adjustment lever enables...
Our recommendation in this competition, the VersaCut RK3441K, brings you:
- Deeper one-pass depth of cut
- More useful accessories supplied
- Overall better feature set including laser and bevel cutting ability
- Lines drawn on the stock can be difficult to see
- Less powerful motor
Quick Rundown of the Ultra-Saw:
- Powerful 7.5-Amp Motor for tough applications and faster cutting
- 3-in-1 Tool for Expanded Versatility: Go beyond just cutting- with the added benefit of surface preparation and flush cutting...
- Faster Speed of Cut: Rip through plywood and cut more metal
Battered, but undaunted, the Ultra-Saw offers the following:
- More powerful motor
- Comes with five blades for cutting and grinding a wide array of materials
- More expensive
- Shorter warranty (two-year vs. three-year with a 30-day MBG)
What the Users Say
Comments from users of both tools reflect strong positive and negative reactions to both tools. In several areas, there is common ground, especially on the positive side of the equation. When it comes to the good, both tools receive praise for:
- Their power
- Their ease of use, both setting up and handling under power
- Satisfaction with the ability to perform the jobs the user puts them to
- Satisfaction with the tool’s quality, fit, and finish
- Happiness with customer service interactions, where support is needed
Users these days are rarely shy about letting the world know of poor experiences. In fact, research has shown over the years that, when people are dissatisfied with a product or service, they will tell ten people. Compare that to one or, at most, two when they are happy.
For users reporting negative experiences, we will break it down between the two tools.
VersaCut negatives
- Thin blades cause the saw to “wander” off the desired line once they get hot
- The bolt that secures the blade to the motor can shear off, sending the blade flying
- It takes considerable strength to push the saw through the plunge cut and keep it at the desired depth
- The cut line can be difficult to see because of the foot design
Ultra-Saw negatives
- Expensive blades with short lives available only from Dremel
- The cast metal foot and guard sometimes arrive broken/cracked
- The motor overheats and fails
Conclusion
Let’s look at the winning formula for Rockwell’s VersaCut RK3441K:
- Able to cut 2” dimensional lumber in one pass
- Able to cut bevels up to 45o
- Better accessory package plus a laser guide
- Freedom to use third-party blades
- Lower price
- Excellent quality and customer support
When a tool brings this kind of muscle to the contest, it isn’t a contest at all. We recommend the VersaCut for the versatility to cut and shape practically any material likely to be encountered in the home or DIY, and for many professional jobs. Buy the Rockwell, and you will not be disappointed.
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