Electric Cutout Tool

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

I have bought two of these (second one for the clear depth guage) which breaks easy. Overall for the price it is a good deal and works well. The bits will break easy if you try to go to fast and put pressure on them but fairly inexpensive though. You can use Dremel replacement bits in the tool also!!!

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

I hang alot of Sheetrock and this thing saves more time and money. No more razor knife and measuring to cut out for recepticle boxes, takes less than 10 seconds to cut out a perfect light box. Every Sheetrock Hanger Should Have one of These!!!

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

I've own mine for many years and have no complaints about this little unit. I have used it for many woodworking applications, as well as for my fence work. The last project I used it for was for trimming some Formica. It's a great addition to my arsenal of tools!

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

Its a cut out tool!! and even though I did not use it on drywall or Sheetrock I did cut out the metal lock plate for a deadbolt on a door that swelled and would not lock. I went through a few different bits but some standard metal rated 20,000RPM bits worked perfectly. The unit does get pretty warm and I removed the plastic guard due to the fact I was working inside the door jamb. It did what I intended it to do for a really good price, beating the big box Dremel price of 69.99!!!

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

Bought this tool to cut random shapes while installing laminate flooring. Tool had plenty of power, and after 5 years is still going strong. Buy bits though! You will definately burn through them. Overall good purchase.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

I bought this thing years ago when I was starting out doing side projects for home installations. I expected it to get me through the first week or two until I had made some money and was ready to invest into pro-grade tools. I don't use it every single day non-stop, but it's been highly reliable. I never had the need to make that upgrade.

The main reason I'm writhing this review is that I lost my 1/4" collet and needed a replacement one. I know that the tool is not exacly interchangeable with all rotozip stuff and while the locking nut is a different thread pattern, the collets themselves are interchangeable. So if you are in the middle of a job and lose it you can just run to the local hardware store and pick up a replacement collet kit for about $10.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

good product!.....clear plastic no strong

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

I picked up one of these units to a small job on a jobsite. Using 1/4" carbide bit I removed a two 6" x 6" x 1/4" deep pockets in plywood in short order. I also cut two 1/4" x 1/4" x 6" grooves in aluminum plate with no issues.

The only drawback to this unit is the "base" is not very strong. It is made of clear plastic and doesn't look like it would hold up over the long run.

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

Special thanks to Carl Schoner for a great review and tip about using Nylon stockings to keep dust out in his review: Great of power and functionality, and unbeatable at this!





I have owned this tool for about 4 years. I have the older one that uses metal instead of plastic. Fear not if your plastic has issues. To change bit you take it off. That's what I do with mine. To me the real value of this tool is to put a bit on and leave it on until it gets dull. I use my roto zip with a cutting wheel, and this with a zip bit. That make both of these tools "grab and go". Lets face it ... how often do you have time to switch a bit and find the wrench etc. When I need something like this I'm usually involved in a much larger project.





For the adventurous you could easily fabricate custom shoes (depth adjustment) with a mig welder or plywood square and carriage bolts and wing nuts - you get the idea.





CONS: it is tall and so a bit awkward to use as a router / zip cutter. Dremel and roto zip offer nicer more stable "feet" similar to a saber saw but this also takes more space which may not be available.





Has lots of uses and plenty of power - don't hesitate.





PaulC

Comments about Chicago Electric Power Tools Electric Cutout Tool:

The good: Price, ease of use, ability and versatility.


The bad: Plastic guide flexes and seems frail. Bit takes a long time to change because the wrench doesn't turn much because it is stopped by the plastic guides.





For the most part it is a good product. I used it to zip out a 2x2 foot square of drywall. I drew the lines and free-handed it which was a bit of a mistake because it did skirt around quite a bit. I haven't tried it on harder surfaces but so far it is pretty good for the money. I think a higher quality bit would help.