Rechargeable Reciprocating Saws for harvesting bamboo poles

[toisan]

Mark,

A rechargeable battery operated Sawzall with a long fine blade would make your selective cutting easier. Sawzall is a brand name but all the major tool makers are more into battery operated tools.

toisan

[Mark Meckes]

With a tool of this nature, that would be put to strenuous work, I think it would be best to invest in quality and durability, ease of handling, of the highest voltage power, and long lasting rechargeable batteries. I don't know how many batteries would be needed to do a day's work.

Come to think of it... if the saw did quick work, maybe I could take half a day off to ponder the elements!

~ Mark

[audior1]

Mark,
I'd recomend Makita. They are one of the few that let you reverse the blade in the holder for back cuts. Very durable tool. The higher the votage the better. Comes in 12, 14, 18 volt. Newest is 18volt.
Get an extra battery.

[Mark Meckes]

Here's some more info on Makita tools:

*** JR180DWB 18 VOLT CORDLESS RECIP SAW KIT

Tool-less blade change and shoe adjustment • variable speed (0-2,700SPM) • High performance "Makita " motor with externally accessible brushes • cuts up to 21- 2x10s from a single charge • lock off button • electric break • includes charger, case and a 18V(2.2Ah) Ni-MH battery

Price $299 ...(A 12 volt model is $114)

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Here's two Makita cordless chainsaws...don't know anything about them, but the one below with a 15 tooth/inch blade would be interesting to try out...
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*** UC170DWD - 12V Cordless Chain Saw_ 7" Blade with 15 Teeth per Inch is Ideal for Cutting PVC and ABS Pipe
Features
Long lasting chain blade cuts 4,000 pieces of 4" PVC pipe with minimal oil required
Chain-tip guard helps prevent tool kickback and extends chain life
Electric brake stops within 0.5 seconds of trigger release
Standard hand guards protect hands from debris
Conveniently located hex wrench for quick and easy blade changes and adjustments

Price ?
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*** UC120DWA 4-1/2 " Cordless Chain Saw

World's first Cordless Chainsaw. Cuts up to 76 pieces of 1-3/4 " medium hardwood from a single charge. Electric brake. Saw guide allows cutting of branches from below. 525 ft/min, weighs only 3.8 lb. Includes 2 amp/hour 12 volt removable battery, 1 hour charger and case.

Price - $209

[JamBoo]

I like to get these tools as "rebuilt" or reconditioned. All major brands give the same warranty as a new machine, but there is a good break on the price. Harbor Freight, electric tool retailers sell rebuilts.

[gregorio]

Hi folks -

I live in Costa Rica, and I use some local bamboo as test pieces before committing to guadua. I use a Ryobi 18-volt sawzall with a pruning blade made my Skill, also available as a house brand at Sears. Works like a hot knife through butter, when sharp doesn't leave splinters. Even when dull, great for trimming branches at the nodes. The end is flexible enough to use for fishmouths and curved cuts. The Ryobis, cheap as they are, have outlasted Dewalt and Makita cordless tools, and been way more abused. And two 18-volt batteries for $40? Compared to one Dewalt for $100? Hands-down winner, and they have a great little radio with an MP3 input. Too bad they still don't make the chopsaw, though...