This is a review of the BladeRunner X2, purchased from Amazon. I have the one from WORX, but it is the same machine as the one from Rockwell. My review is positive but realistic, not “unbox & first impressions”. I have used my BladeRunner to make several items and it's definitely a keeper in my opinion. I am not affiliated with WORX or Rockwell in any way.
When I first received the BladeRunner X2, I tried a few things and had immediate buyer’s remorse. This was because, before my divorce, I had a nice workshop and I'd made a few pieces of furniture. I know firsthand that nice woodworking tools can make getting good results fairly easy. If you have unrealistic expectations of the BladeRunner, you will be disappointed. You CAN get good results with it, but you will need to work slowly and carefully within the tool’s limitations. You will not be building a cherry armoire or a walnut grandfather clock case with the BladeRunner, but if you love to make hobby and craft projects and little ideas you think up, the BladeRunner will prove very satisfactory.
This BladeRunner review is in three parts: 1) clever and useful features, 2) limitations and how to work around them and 3) final thoughts.
1) Clever and useful BladeRunner features:
o The BladeRunner is lightweight and easily portable, has a handle, and the plastic is durable if you handle it reasonably. I bought a DeWalt portable folding workbench for my BladeRunner and it’s a perfect combination.
o Front compartment holds spare blades, easy to access.
o T-shank blades are available everywhere, lots of choices, though the blades must be 4 inches or less maximum overall length.
o Blade changes are ridiculously easy and quick, no tools needed.
o A wire bracket folds out to hold the BladeRunner from creeping backwards when cutting.
o There are storage slots for the rip fence which work very well. There is also a clip for the miter gauge though it’s a little loose.
o The cutting guard works well to hold the work down (more on that below).
o Motor is strong enough for the kind of work intended for this tool.
o Polarized plug, use anywhere there's an outlet.
o Will cut inside curves and squares and can start from an inside hole.
o The vertical motion of the blade means that cutting with the rip fence as a sizing guide is very safe and recommended. It will not bind as a circular blade would. This also means that to a certain degree you can make a square cut even if the work is not perfectly square to the blade, as long as you cut to a line marked on the piece.
o Both hands are free to control the cut. Using both hands for all cuts is highly recommended.
o Vibration is minimal. Noise is a little louder than a vacuum cleaner, but the feet keep it in place.
o On-Off switch is easy to reach and has a safety key.
o No tools are required for any adjustments.
2) Limitations and how to get good results.
o Overall, to get good results you will need to work slowly and thoughtfully, marking lines for every cut, using a square as much as possible, holding the work down and guiding the piece with both hands.
o Check and double check the setup of the rip fence, and don’t rely on the markings molded into the plastic top and miter gauge.
o Being plastic, don’t rely on the miter gauge to cut square. Instead mark a line for the cut and use the miter gauge as a helper. Watch the blade and the line and guide it with both hands, and you can do well.
o The rip fence pivots at both thumb knobs. In other words, it’s not square unless you make it so. Use a square when setting up a cut.
o The splitter that holds the guard at the back will bind on long rips unless you accommodate it by giving it space on the right side with the rip fence. HOWEVER, because it’s not a circular saw, it will not affect the cut. Assuming you’ve moved the rip fence slightly to the right at the back to allow a bit of room, you can get a good straight cut as long as you use both hands and keep the piece against the fence.
o YOU MUST KEEP THE PIECE THAT YOU’RE CUTTING HELD DOWN, either by adjusting the guard or pressing down on the work (if cutting freehand).
o I did not have a good experience cutting a piece of scrap oak, and cutting thick pieces will require going very slowly. This is because, unlike a bandsaw, the top of the blade vibrates, and if you push too hard the blade will curve vertically. Cutting for thickness (as you would with a bandsaw) is not going to work.
o Overall, I think you will need to stick with softer woods like pine and poplar that are planed to the thickness you need. Lauan 5.2mm plywood works beautifully, and I think ¼” plywood would be fine. Anything over ½” or ¾” will require slow cutting. The harder and thicker the piece, the more likely you will get into trouble if you don’t slow down and take your time.
3) Final thoughts: I would recommend the BladeRunner X2 to anyone who wants to do small projects and hobby/crafty-type things. In the past I built furniture, but now I’m content to work on my ideas without the benefit of a lot of expensive tools. Life is compromises. The BladeRunner X2 is a cleverly designed, lightweight and inexpensive tool that will do a lot of things that a more expensive tool cannot (like inside corners, scroll cuts, etc.) You are not going to do fine joinery with it, but maybe (like me) you don’t need to or want to. Go for it.
| Brand | WORX |
|---|---|
| Color | Multicolor |
| Blade Material | Metal,Steel |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood, Ceramic, Plastic, Metal |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Included Components | 1-Miter Gauge, 1-Rip Fence, 5 blades (1 each wood, aluminum, steel, ceramic tile & scrolling), vacuum adapter & blade grip |
| Product Dimensions | 16.89"L x 15.71"W x 7.13"H |
| Voltage | 20 Volts |
| Warranty Type | 3 Years Warranty |
| Item Weight | 14.7 Pounds |
| Speed | 4500 RPM |
| Blade Length | 4 Inches |
| Number of Teeth | 5 |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Unknown batteries required. |
| Current Rating | 5.5 Amps |
| Wattage | 27 watts |
| Manufacturer | WORX |
| Part Number | WX572L |
| Item Weight | 14.7 pounds |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | WX572L |
| Batteries | 1 Unknown batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Special Features | Portable |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 3 Years |
