Review: Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw
Contents
A good portable saw should set up quickly so you can get to work. It also helps if it can cut tile, soft metals and plastics as well as wood.
The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 portable tabletop saw does all of that. It is not a true table saw: it drives a jigsaw-style blade up and down through a small table, much like a benchtop scroll saw.
What We Like About the Rockwell Bladerunner
Here is a look at what this particular tabletop saw is able to do.
- It handles scroll cuts, inside cutouts, miters, crosscuts and rip cuts.
- It is light for a benchtop saw: Woodworker's Journal lists it at under 15 pounds. A built-in tabletop handle makes it easy to carry.
- It includes a hold-down guard and splitter, a miter gauge and a steel rip fence, with on-board storage for the fence, miter gauge and blades.
- A key-operated safety switch helps prevent accidental startup.
- Blade changes are tool-free. It takes standard T-shank jigsaw blades under 4 inches long, which are easy to find.
- It runs on a 5.5-amp motor at up to 3,000 strokes per minute.
The saw comes with five assorted blades and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
If you're looking for other table saws, you can check out our top table saw recommendations, or look into this Dewalt model, which is also a compact portable tool.
What Is the Cutting Capacity of the BladeRunner X2?
This is not your traditional table saw, so check the cutting capacity before you buy. It performs best with wood, with a rated capacity of 1-1/2 inches thick. Rockwell rates these other materials:
- Plastic pipe: up to 1-1/4 inches in diameter.
- Aluminum and other soft metals: 3/8 of an inch.
- Harder (ferrous) metals: 1/8 of an inch.
- Ceramic tile: 3/8 of an inch.
You can switch between materials by swapping the blade. Use a blade made for the material you're cutting, and replace it when it dulls, since a worn blade burns wood and leaves burrs on metal.
Keep the guard and splitter in place and feed slowly. Wear eye protection, because OSHA notes that blade-driven saws can throw chips and splinters.
The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 portable tabletop saw is a compact, versatile cutting tool. It has a guard and splitter system, handles multiple materials and stores its accessories on board. For these reasons, it earns our recommendation for small shops and hobby work.
Sources
- Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw, Woodworker's Journal
- Woodworking eTool: Jig Saws, OSHA
