Tired of bulky circular saws? Well, good news! Rockwell produced two compact circular saws; namely, Rockwell RK3440K and Rockwell RK3441K.
Do not think of them as alternatives to large circular saws, but as specialty tools. These compact models are there to help you manage cuts in areas that are not accessible by regular circular saws.
In this article, I tried to gather all their features, pros, and cons to make you understand them better.
So, while reading this article, keep in mind “Rockwell RK3440k vs. Rockwell Rk3441k”, and hopefully by the end of it, you will know which one is best.
Power and Portability
Although Rockwell RK3440K is a lightweight circular saw weighing only 4 pounds, it has a motor of 4 amperes, which is relatively similar to the power of bulky circular saws. Four amperes is more than enough power to cut various materials.
Its light weight makes it portable so that you can take it with you to any job site. Moreover, it offers its users with power and accuracy while working in tight areas that cannot be accessed by traditional circular saws. Its blade makes 3500 Rotations per minute, so they are pretty powerful as well.
Rockwell RK3441K has a slightly more powerful motor of 5 amperes with a max no-load speed of 3500 RPM. Its performance is pretty much the same as that of full-size circular saws. It, too, can be used in tight areas due to its five-pound weight.
Blades
Rockwell RK3440K is designed to cut different materials that have a thin profile. It can also cut materials like wood, plastic, flooring, and sheet metal.
In order to do that, it comes with three different types of blades, each of which is designed for a specific material. It has a blade that can cut wood, another that cuts aluminum/PVC, and one for ceramic tile. The depth adjustment is quick and easy because its lever is well-placed.
Rockwell RK3441K has a 4-1/2 inch blade that enables it to cut up to 2 inches in depth. This thin blade causes less effort and less motor strain.
Bevel
Sorry to say this, but Rockwell RK3440K cannot do bevel cuts. It can only do cuts at 90 degrees. It is needless to say that if you are going to do bevel cuts, then this circular saw is definitely not right for you.
Conversely, Rockwell RK3441K has the bevel cuts feature (YAY!) Its maximum cutting depth is 1-11/16 of an inch, and1-1/8 inch at 90 degrees and 45 degrees, respectively.
Comfortability
Rockwell RK3440K is designed to be used single-handedly, which is excellent given that you may need to do anything else with your other hand without having to stop working. Moreover, it allows you to produce accurate cuts in a short span of time, and therefore, gives you a chance of finishing work a bit early and spending the rest of the day with your family, friends, or enjoy some quality time alone.
Besides, its rear-mounted motor provides it with a balanced feel. Also, thanks to the motor position, you won’t be exhausted when you use it for a long time. Note, though, that it is more suited for right-handed people . The line of sight is favored for right-handed ones because the blade and line guide are mounted on the left of the main body of the saw.
Additionally, its Pivoting metal guard accommodates safe and easy plunge cuts, and its thin grip handle will not leave you fatigued.
Similarly, Rockwell RK3441K is better for right-handed people for the same reason stated above. Also, its motor is rear-mounted, so it provides you with balance and comfortable feeling while you are using it. It also has a slim inline grip that provides the user with control and comfort.
Comfortability is pretty much a tie between both models.
Laser Guide
Rockwell RK3440K uses a laser guide to increase your cutting accuracy, especially when you are making long cuts on wood. Moreover, it has a dust extraction adapter that keeps the cut line free of dust for improved visibility.
On the other hand, Rockwell RK3441K does not come with a laser guide. However, its line of sight is well-maintained thanks to its left-handed blade design, well-organized body design, and the parallel edge guide. Also check comparison of DeWalt DWE7491RS vs Bosch 4100-09
Voltage
Rockwell RK3440K: zero volts
Rockwell RK3441K: 120 volts
Size
Rockwell RK3440K: 17.3 x 8.6 x 4.8 inches
Rockwell RK3441K: 18.2 x 4.2 x 6.9 inches
Power Source
Rockwell RK3440K: corded-electric
Rockwell RK3441K: corded-electric
Dimensions
Rockwell RK3440K: 2 x 23 x 18.5 inches
Rockwell RK3441K: 21.5 x 17.7 x 17.1 inches
The Box Includes:
Rockwell RK3440K:
- Large/small Allen key
- Laser batteries
- Three blades and a carry case
Rockwell RK3441K:
- Rockwell 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw
- 1 x 24 Tooth Carbide-Tipped Blade
- 1 x Parallel Guide
- 1 x Vacuum Adapter
- 1 x Hex Key
Rockwell RK3440K and Rockwell RK3441K Pros & Cons:
Rockwell RK3440K
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to handle
- Two-year warranty
- Lock-off switch that prevents accidental starting
- Full metal inner and outer guard design that extends the product life
Cons
- No bevel cut capability
- Hard to see the blade
- Easily gets clogged
- Suitable for overhead tasks
Rockwell RK3441K
Pros
- Makes bevel cuts
- Easier to use than a full-size circular saw
- Relatively cheap
- Three-year warranty
- Cuts through 2x4s in a single pass
- Suitable for overhead tasks
Cons
- Sold ready only to cut wood
- Bolt might break
- No laser guide
Rockwell RK3440k vs Rk3441k: Which One To Choose?
As stated above, both models are quite similar in many features. However, the significant difference between them is that Rockwell RK3440K does not have the bevel feature. This will be a severe problem if you plan on doing bevel cuts.
Moreover, note that Rockwell RK3441Kdoes not have a laser guide. However, this may not constitute a massive problem because its line of sight is well-maintained due to its left-handed blade design and parallel edge guide.
Also, Rockwell RK3441K is mainly designed to cut wood; whereas, Rockwell RK3440K can cut various materials and has multiple blades for this reason.
To conclude, both models are lightweight, portable, easy to use and maneuverable, so to choose one, consider their slight differences that are stated above.