Rotation or reciprocating? Makita chainsaw & recipro saw dilemma. Amateur “soft felling” series? Which one to choose

The other day,
I acquired the Makita Recipro Saw JR189DZ.
I’ve owned the Makita Handy Saw MUC101DZfor some time now,
and
each has “different strengths,”

so having both is ideal, but
if you want an all-in-one solution?
I’m pretty sure
the Makita Recipro Saw JR189DZis the answer (in my opinion).
Rotation or reciprocating? It’s a tough choice, isn’t it? (*´ω`*)

Chainsaw (rotational) Recipro saw (reciprocating)

At first glance, the chainsaw looks more compact, but when you remove the recipro saw blade, they’re almost the same size.
Weight-wise, the recipro saw is 2.5kg,
while the chainsaw is 1.9kg, so there is a difference.

You shouldn’t worry about size differences.

The recipro saw’s easily removable blade is advantageous for effective cutting diameter and material versatility.

When cutting wood, you tend to push the limits a bit. Probably
things like cutting material larger than the effective diameter,

the Makita Handy Saw MUC101DZ does tend to have the chain slip off easily.
When that happens, you have to open the cover every time, and
chain adjustment (loosening it slightly) is essential.

Honestly, dealing with chain slippage, adjustments, and oil refills is tedious.

The Makita Recipro Saw JR189DZ just
requires twisting the tip to swap blades.
You can simply change the blade length according to the effective diameter. Plus, by switching to a metal-cutting blade, you can cut materials beyond wood.
The advantage it has over effective diameter and material versatility is
really exceptional. This is fantastic.



The cutting performance on wood can’t match a chainsaw! However,


the Makita Handy Saw MUC101DZ cuts so smoothly and satisfyingly, making felling really pleasant.
As mentioned earlier, it’s limited by effective diameter.
It can’t be used close to the ground,
*and it can’t cut as flat against the ground.


the Makita Recipro Saw JR189DZ is admittedly slower
compared to a chainsaw. However, by changing the blade according to the effective diameter,
you can adapt to different situations, and you can even cut quite aggressively close to the ground.
There’s no risk of “kickback” that comes with rotational tools, so you can use it with confidence.

If I were starting now, I’d choose the “recipro saw” first.

  • Wood and metal—by changing blades, you can cut any material (chainsaws can only cut wood).
  • Wide effective diameter range—depending on the material, blade lengths range from 50 to 300mm.
  • Can cut close to the ground.
  • The counterweight significantly reduces vibration. When used properly, it’s smooth and gentle.
  • Blade replacement is easy (maintenance is simple).

In short, the Makita Recipro Saw JR189DZ is an all-around cutting tool, while the Makita Handy Saw MUC101DZ is specialized for wood.
If you just want to fell some wood occasionally, I think it’s a really great tool.

If you’re buying for the first time, the recipro saw is the only choice! Though it might be hard to find.

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