Last Updated on 2020-11-07 by Harry Masterton
When the Craftsman CMCS350B V20 Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw was released it was quite a step forward for Craftsman as a brand. A comprehensive review.
When Stanley Black & Decker bought the Craftsman brand from Sears, a product range that Sears introduced 93 years ago in 1927, it was obvious that Stanley was going to put it’s expertise into improving the iconic brand both from a broader retail base and an engineering point of view.
The result has been a push by Stanley Black+Decker to position the Craftsman power tool range as higher end semi professional tools to stand in between DEWALT and Porter Cable, Black & Decker continuing as the ‘budget power tool’ range for home, DIY use and as starter power tools for the beginner.
So how does the Craftsman CMCS350B V20 Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw stand up? Let’s take a look.
Craftsman CMCS350B Features.
First up is the introduction of a brushless motor which Craftsman claim will offer upto 75% more power than previous models like the CMCS300B with its brushed motor.
A brushless motor is much more energy efficient because there is absolutely no energy loss via the brush and the motor armature. This results in batteries running 45/50% longer and a longer life for the power tool its self.
The saw has an interesting speed control system with two settings at 0 to 2300 Strokes Per Minute – Low and 0 to 3200 Strokes Per Minute – High. The saw then has variable speed trigger for finer speed adjustment.
Blade changing is completely tool free making for fast and easy blade change on the job when cutting a variety of materials. The Craftsman CMCS350B uses 6 inch blades with a 1 1/8” stroke length. The shoe pivots to keep in contact with the work surface at all times.
The ergonomic contoured soft touch handle reduces vibration feedback and fatigue during longer use and an LED lights up the cutting area.
What we like the most about the Craftsman CMCS350B V20 Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw is its lightweight and compact size.
The Craftsman CMCS350B weighs in at only 5 lbs and with a length of only 15.3 inches and height of 4 inches this is one of the most compact cordless reciprocating saws in it’s class.
The compact size allows you to get into cramped and tight spaces especially if you’re remodeling and working between narrow framing or sawing pipe work, metal, nails and tough jobs overhead.
Read our The Top 5 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw Recommendations here
So being cordless how does the Craftsman CMCS350B perform?
The Craftsman V20 Lithium Ion Batteries range from 2.0 Ah up to 6 Ah.
The V20 system gives extended running time with higher performance cells and boast minimal self discharge and no battery memory. V20 batteries have an overload protection system resulting in a longer battery life and fully charge in as little as 60 minutes.
The V20 2.0 Ah starter pack gives you 2 x 2.0 Ah batteries and a changer. The V20 batteries of course fit across the whole Craftsman V20 range.
For extended running time whether you’re using the Craftsman CMCS350B V20 Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw on a job-site, a large remodeling job or for fall tree pruning you’ll want to step up to the V20 4.0 Ah or V20 6 Ah batteries which offer 3 x and 4.5 x the capacity compared to the st5andard V20 battery.
Both the V20 4.0 Ah and V20 6 Ah give extended run-time with their professional grade high energy cells and a charge indicator with 3 x LED to tell you exactly how your batteries are charging..
The Craftsman CMCS350B V20 Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw is a worthy addition to the ‘new’ Craftsman range under the stewardship of Stanley Black & Decker and will not disappoint fans of this iconic American tool brand. Currently you can buy the Craftsman CMCS350B V20 Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw at Lowes in store or online
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