Photo: Rockwell
What We Like
- Versatile; can cut different materials
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
- Instant tool-free blade changes
- Built-in carry handles
What We Don’t Like
- Small cutting capacity
- Does not bevel
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a versatile, compact table saw that can be used to cut different materials and is small enough to fit in tight spaces in your workshop, Rockwell’ RK7323 BladeRunner X2 should be your go-to option.
Introduction
While most table saws are designed for wood cutting, some are more versatile because they can be used to cut different materials such as metal, plastic, and ceramic, just to name a few.
One such example is the Rockwell BladeRunner X2, which apart from being very versatile, it has a compact body that makes it easily portable. The tool offers much more in performance, design, portability, and safety, all of which are explained in detail below.
Rockwell RK7323 BladeRunner X2 Review
Photo: Rockwell
Performance: Extremely Versatile
The BladeRunner X2 is the ultimate cutting machine because it is very versatile. Instead of having the regular circular blade, this saw uses a jigsaw blade and is compatible with any 4-inch t-shank jigsaw blade.
This means you can fit in different blade types to cut different materials and the saw strokes them at a length of 0.75 inches and a rate of 3000 strokes per minute.
All this is done on a 15.75 x 17-inch table surface and the saw can cut wood at a maximum depth of 1.5 inches, PVC pipe at 1.25 inches, aluminum, and ceramic at 0.38 inches and steel at 0.13 inches.
Overall, I find this versatility to be a big advantage because it gives you an all in one tool that can be used across the entire duration of a project where you might need to cut different materials to complete the final workpiece.
Design: Convenience at its Best
Because you need different blades to cut different materials, the blade changing process is the biggest challenge.
However, Rockwell managed to simplify this by using a tool-free blade changing system, which takes as little as 3 seconds to do the switching. This means you can go from cutting wood for your picture frames to cutting PVC pipes for some light plumbing work.
Portability: Compact and Lightweight
Measuring in at 16.1 x 17.5 x 8.3 inches, this table saw is extremely compact and occupies very little benchtop space.
Additionally, it weighs only 14.74 lbs. and combined, this makes it highly portable. This is further enhanced by a built-in carry handle, which allows you to easily carry it using one hand.
Due to this, Rockwell has named it the “go anywhere, cut anything workshop” and it does live up to its name.
Safety Features: Guard with Vacuum Port
The primary safety feature that is built into the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is its hold-down guard. This keeps the jigsaw blade covered as it is being stroked, which eliminates the chances of making contact with your fingers to avoid accidental cuts.
To make the best use of this component, you need to press it plus the guard arm firmly down into the material.
At the other end, the guard’s arm has a splitter that separates the workpiece when making long rip cuts and crosscuts. This helps to prevent kickbacks, which can cause injuries to your face and chest.
Lastly, the guard has a vacuum port that can be hooked up to a shop vac to get rid of sawdust. This leaves you with a cleaner working area and reduces debris in the air, which might get into your nose, eyes, and ears.
That said, you should still add on your safety protection layer in the form of safety goggles and a dust mask.
Accessories: All the Essentials
Being very affordable, this product still packs in the essential accessories and one of the key pieces is the large steel rip fence. This component enables you to make controlled long rip cuts on the right side of the blade.
To help you get started straight out of the box, 5 assorted blades are included. Two are designed woodcutting, with one having 10 teeth per inch for smooth wood cutting while the other has 6 teeth per inch for scroll cutting.
The other three are meant for cutting metal (21 TPI), aluminum (8 TPI), and ceramics (#50 65Mn).
In my opinion, these assorted blades are very essential because they enable you to utilize the full strength and potential of the table saw, which is its versatility.
Price: Very Affordable
Despite being very versatile, the BladeRunner X2 is very affordable and packs in a fold-down guard, miter gauge, a rip fence, and a 5-piece starter blade set, which gives you a very good deal.
However, being a tabletop saw, it is within its price range and is the only one of its kind in Rockwell’s lineup. The other close product to this is the Rockwell RK7241S, but this costs much more because it is Jobsite saw that has more advanced features.
Read More: The Best Table Saws under $200
Verdict
A versatile table saw that is very compact and is suitable for DIYers in everyday home use.
With its jigsaw blade cutting mechanism and a quick blade-changing system, Rockwell’s RK7323 BladeRunner X2 can be used to cut a wide variety of materials. It can also be used to make different types of cuts, such as rip, cross, miter, and scroll cuts.
However, due to its small cutting capacity, the tool is not ideal for professional woodworking. With ceramics though, it can be used professionally because most ceramic pieces are usually small.
Specs
- Product Name: Rockwell RK7323 BladeRunner X2
- Product Brand: Rockwell
- Power: 5.5 Amps
- Max Speed: 3000 SPM
- Table Size: 15.75 x 17 inches
- Blade: 4-inch t-shank
- Stroke Length: 0.75 inches
- Max Cutting Depth in Wood: 1.5 inches
- Max Cutting Depth in PVC: 1.25 inches
- Max Cutting Depth in Aluminum: 0.38 inches
- Max Cutting Depth in Ceramic: 0.38 inches
- Max Cutting Depth in Steel: 0.13 inches
- Product Dimensions: 16.1 x 17.5 x 8.3 inches
- Weight: 14.74 lbs.
- Warranty: 3-year limited
Key Features
- Versatile t-shank cutting system.
- Instant tool-free blade changes.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Large rip fence for accuracy and better control.
- Built-in carry handle.
- Protective hold-down guard with a vacuum port.
- Compatible with any 4-inch t-shank blade.
References
- BladeRunner X2 | Project Ideas – YouTube