Tool Review: Dremel Saw-Max Multi-Saw—Ready and able for DIY projects

Tool Review in two sentences: The Dremel Saw-Max is a kind of hybrid angle grinder/circular saw that is a surprisingly good entry-level tool for DIY projects and home repairs. In Dremel’s 3-tool combo kit—the way I got it—it’s even better. Here’s a deeper look.

We’re part of The Home Depot’s ProSpective Program and we worked with Big Orange on this blog. The ideas, opinions and observations are 100% MyFixitUpLife’s. For more specs or to buy the the Dremel 3-Tool Combo Kit, click the link.

The other two tools—or very similar versions—have already been through the shop. The Multi-Max oscillating tool (video) and the Dremel 3000 rotary tool (video) are helpful DIY tools for everything from flooring installations to drywall cut-outs to sharpening the lawnmower blade. Combined with the power-saw/grinder, I think the whole kit is a good value and a great “get-started” tool for DIY and home repairs of a wide variety.

Since we haven’t done a deep dive on this unit, that’s what this blog will focus on.

I used the tool to cut copper pipe—I love making things out of soldered copper pipe—with its grinder wheel on. It cut the pipe cleanly and easily. Impressed.

Next, I changed the blade to cut 1/4-inch plywood. I was surprised to find that the blade is more of an abrasive wheel than a circular saw blade. It left a reasonably clean cut. It was easy to see the line and make a straight cut and the tool was really easy to hold in my hand.

The blade depth on the Dremel Saw-Max is adjustable too, which is nice. It’s not really a ton of range (3/4-1 1/8-inches) but any time you have options, it’s usually a good thing.

The blade change works just fine. It is an Allen key (included). Just a heads up, it’s a nearly 100% certainty you’ll lose it. There’s no place for it on the tool and it just sits in the bag. So, if you change blades often, either have a black-up wrench or be pretty methodical about putting the wrench back in the bag every time you use it. Not a big deal. Just something to look out for.

In addition to the wrench for the this puppy also comes with 2-grinder wheels and the wood blade (which also cuts plastic). The other tools come with a smattering of stuff too.

Overall, the Dremel Saw-Max is a tool I can see lots of uses for, especially for entry-level DIY and crafty stuff—cutting plexiglass comes to mind. You can also cut copper and PVC (say you’re making a soccer goal from PVC pipe for example). Versatile and easy to use.

Dremel 3-Tool Combo Kit: $229

Worth it: No doubt.