Black & Decker RS890K

Great for general household jobs – (This is not be confused with BLACK+DECKER 400 V Scorpion Electric Saw) I was looking for a tool that I would be able to cut up a small amount previously trimmed branches that had been lying around for well over a year as well as being able to use to trim new branches as the need arose. The ability to be able to use the tool around the house for other jobs would be a bonus. I was looking for some kind of multi-tool. Reciprocating saws looked a bit limited (like jigsaws), Oscillating tools seemed like they were for small DYI jobs or hobbies (also seemed a bit limited) and a small chainsaw just looked like too much hard work (chain tightening/sharpening and 2 stroke fuel etc). So when I came upon (by chance on Amazon) the Black & Decker 500W Scorpion Powered Hand Saw, I was intrigued to say the least. It looked like a powered hand saw (as the name suggested), but with 2 different types of cutting blades and the ability to also be a jigsaw. The “powered” part of the product’s name referred to the fact that is powered by a cord (mains/240V) as opposed to cordless. I’m enough of a Luddite for this not to worry me, as I’m more worried/paranoid about not having enough charge to finish a job or not having the tool charged for when I want to use it. So I clicked the purchase button on the big A, and it was literally delivered the next day. From opening the box to using it for my first job (cutting out a template on 2 hollow doors for some cat doors) was only a matter of minutes. Inserting the correct blade (jigsaw), I was done in moments and ready to clean up. It was really easy to use as the jigsaw blade was considerably thicker than previous jigsaws I’ve used and it cut through the hollow doors like a hot knife through butter. So the next text I pit it through was the cutting up of all those old trimmed branches and off cuts etc. I swapped blades (which is so simple to do when all you have to do is press a simple “release” button as opposed to using hex keys etc like on jigsaws) and started. I really put this little tool to the test here. Softwoods, hardwoods thick and thin. It wasn’t quite as good as I was hoping for and it took me while to figure how to use the branch steady function effectively (It’s easier when the branch is still attached to the tree). It did manage to get through every thickness I gave it, but the limitations of 500W were noticeable compared to previous of using a circular saw, but that’s the trade off you get get for a far more portable (lighter) tool. It was still hands down better than having to saw any of this manually. Compared to a tool that would be more suited/dedicated to branch trimming/cutting, it didn’t quite meet my expectations, but for a tool that can do this, as well as being a very good jigsaw, I think that the Scorpion is a great tool for general household jobs. It can be used to cut wood, metal and PVC and there is a selector you use depending on what you are using it for. The price (RRP $99, but I only paid $89) and free shipping certainly make this a compelling tool to have, but remember that it is a multi tool and as such, might be a bit limited for some peoples’ needs. As a jigsaw, I’d give it a 5/5 and as trimmer/cutter I’d give it 3/5 (remembering that I was probably going beyond it’s realistic expectations here). The ability to cut PVC wasn’t tested, but I can’t see how this tool would struggle with this task. Would I recommend it….yes, as long as you are aware that it might be a bit limited, but want a tool that seems to manage jigsawing very well and some cutting.

Great power pruning saw! – Great saw for cutting wood, plastic and metal. Kit comes with saw, hard plastic case and three blades. Easily cuts tree limbs as long as they are stable. Safe to use and easy to change blades. A good little workhorse that saves time and energy!