Ful Review of the Rotorazer Mini Circular Saw

July 12, 2021

Pros

Compact size provides for light weight and ability to cut in tight locations
Dust collector port
Can cut wood, plastic, metal, tile, and other materials, depending upon blade choice
Blade is toward the left side allowing for easier use by right handed users

Cons

Limited depth of cut
No bevel adjustment
Blade is not readily visible making tracking cut lines awkward
Dust collection port and hose are small in diameter, restricting dust collection
Not a known product name by a known manufacturer

If you’ve come across the Rotorazer in TV or Youtube ads, you’ll know that it makes some big promises. Supposedly it can replace circular saws, saber saws, jigsaws, and other saws. Our full Rotorazer review is below, but our ratings above should give you an indication of our thoughts.

At the end of the day, this is a mini circular saw with a max cut depth of about 1/2 inches. It won’t cut through a 2×4, it’ll struggle with a lot of general woodworking cuts, and in general this saw is best suited to a crafts enthusiast who only needs it for light work.

Being a very small circular saw, the Rotorazer does have some benefits. It’s very easy and comfortable to use, and also easy to store and move around.

Contents

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Key Features

As mentioned above, the RotoRazer is a compact saw. It shares numerous features with other compact saws and some that are different. Here is a breakdown of some of the key features.

54.8mm (25⁄32 in) diameter blades – The small blade size allows for a smaller base plate, as well as making tighter internal cuts. It also allow for an overall smaller tool.
Three blades are included – These are three of saw blade – Carbide tipped, high speed steel, diamond grit.
Small base plate – The small base plate allows for cutting in tighter spaces than a standard circular saw will allow.
120 Volt / 360 Watt (3-amp) motor – Although not as stout as other compact saws, 3 amps can get many jobs done
No-load speed of 4,000 rpm – Other saws have a lower rpm, which means slower blade speeds, which means slower cutting.
Blade is off set to the left side – This may not seem like a big deal, but really works well for right handers.
Dust collection port – Dust collection? Yep. This can allow you to use it in an area that you wouldn’t normally, such as inside a house with carpet.
Max. depth of cut at 90 degrees: 1/2”
Weight – 2.65 pounds
Retractable blade guard – This is not unusual, except that the guard also acts as the base/shoe of the saw.

Before we get into the review…

Our Opinion: The RotoRazer Review

Now that we’ve covered the features of the RotoRazer, let’s take a more in-depth look at this competitor in the compact saw arena.

Cost/Value: 3/5

The RotoRazer is a pretty expensive tool for what you get. Many a full size circular saw can be purchased for less than the cost of the RotoRazer.

Of course there are some other trade offs when you go for a larger circular saw – heavier, bulkier, louder, and so on. But power saws are primarily made to make cuts, and in terms of cutting capabilities you’ll get much more bang for your buck with other circular saws.

The don’t even need to be larger circular saws. These are both small circular saws, which frankly perform much better than the Rotorazer when all the prices are considered.

Motor: 3/5

A 120 volt 360 watt (3.0 amp) motor powers the RotoRazer. That’s a bit smaller than some other compact saws and numerous jig saws.

With that said, it has plenty of power for this little saw. The limiting factor of this saws capabilities won’t be lack of power – the general size and functionality of the saw already make its capabilities quite limited, as mentioned above.

So in other words, the power production here is not an issue. This motor will easily handle all of the small jobs for which it’s best suited.

Blade: 3/5

At 54.8mm (25⁄32 in) in diameter, the saw blades are not going to cut through a 2 by 4. Heck, they’re not going to cut through 3/4” stock.

This limitation puts this saw in the hobby category, or specialty use, such as cutting tile and other thinner materials.

Blades are removed installed with the aid of an arbor locking tab and a wrench.

Shoe/Base: 2/5

The shoe, or base, is actually the plastic blade guard and it cannot be set at a bevel. Nope, you’re limited to 90 degree cuts with the RotoRazer.

This once again emphasizes the types of jobs the RotoRazer is best suited for – Simple tasks involving light materials. Light woodworking and general hobbyist arts and crafts is what you should expect this saw to handle.

The base on the Rockwell RK3441K Versacut allows up to a 45 degree bevel cut. It’s pretty similar to the Rotorazer in terms of size, weight, and power – but made by a better manufacturer, and generally a more capable power tool.

Body/Frame: 4/5

Most modern day power tools are made primarily of polymer casings and metal structures. The RotoRazer also utilizes this construction format. Polymer parts help keep the weight down, without sacrificing quality.

This is one of the few areas where we can give the Rotorazer close to top marks!

Blade Guard: 3/5

As mentioned above the blade guard is the shoe, or base, of the saw. It can be set to automatically stop at a number of depths and retracts when the saw is pushed down against the material to be cut.

The blade is completely enclosed by the saw’s body and guard, so you can’t sight on it while making cuts. The RotoRazer does have sighting marks on the guard, but these aren’t as easy to use as sighting on the blade itself.

We’re big on workshop safety here at BuildEazy, so I was happy to see a good solid blade guard on the RotoRazer. The sightings on the guard are a let down though.

Ergonomics: 4/5

Most standard circular saws use a perpendicular motor. The RotoRazer uses an inline motor that is part of the handle.

This allows for a narrow saw and puts the motor weight in the user’s hand, instead of cantilevered out from the user’s grip. This is much easier on the wrist and provides for less fatigue inducing work.

Ease of Use: 5/5

Being lighter than conventional circular saws, the RotoRazer is easy on the hands and arms. With the blade towards the left side the user can easily sight where the blade is cutting, without having to look over the saw. This makes for more accurate cuts.

Build Quality: 3/5

The RotoRazer is not a known name, made by a known manufacture. Instead, was originally pitched on TV, only available by ordering directly.

Later, the RotoRazor became available through retail outlets. The plastic housing and guard seem more brittle than many other manufacturer’s products.

Dust Collection: 1/5

The RotoRazer does have dust collection features.. but honestly, don’t even bother with them.

Even on top of the line circular saws (and other types of power saws), dust collection is a real challenge and it’s an industry norm for the dust collection on most power saws to be generally poor.

It’s the same story with the RotoRazer – there’s a dust collection port, but it’ll basically catch none of the dust.

Who should use the RotoRazer?

Based upon the limited depth of cut and the lack of making bevel cuts, this not going to be a go to saw for the average woodworker.

On the other hand, this could be a good saw for the hobbyist who is dealing with materials thinner than the 1/2” maximum depth of cut.

Uses for the RotoRazer

This small saw will be limited in doing standard woodworking, but one can cut tile, thin steel, aluminum, copper, wood, plastic. Just mount the correct blade for the material to be cut.

The RotoRazer is also capable of making plunge cuts, same as a standard circular saw, but remember, you’re limited to perpendicular cuts with the RotoRazer.

Motor and Blade Location Makes for Ease of Use

Most circular saws use a motor that is perpendicular to the blade, directly driving it. This makes the saw wide, with the motor projecting out in the way of some guides and clamps.

The RotoRazer’s inline design makes for a narrow width allowing the saw to slide past clamps and other obstructions when cutting. The motor is housing is the handle, putting the weight within the user’s grasp.

The RotoRazer’s blade is mounted toward the lift, which easier use by right handers.

Toss in a Carry Case and Go

Being a compact saw, the RotoRazer is easy to haul around. Toss it in a tool case and get going.

It won’t take up much room and is light enough to easily haul it where you need to work, as long as the work isn’t too thick or stout. A carry comes with the saw.

For the Budget Minded?

No, not really. This tool tends to be pretty pricey – especially when compared to other similar options.

Overall I would say that the Rockwell RK3441K Versacut has more features, is a much better and more capable mini circular saw overall, and offers far more bang for your buck.