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Saw Reciprocating Cutting

Reciprocating Saws – the Jig Saws Mean Big Brother

The reciprocating saw is an adaptation of the saber saw, or jig saw, for heavy duty work such as construction. In this article I'll cover the types available as well as blade types and their uses.

Reciprocating saws range widely in power, speed, and features, from less powerful portable, to high-power, high-speed, corded models. Modern reciprocating saws almost all have variable speed, using a trigger or preset using a dial. Another feature that has become important to the way these saws are used is the inclusion of an orbital action. The action consists of oscillating the traversed reciprocation in up and down fashion causing the tip of the blade to move in an oval pattern, up and down as well as back and forth. This feature is primarily for wood, allowing quick cuts.

The blades for these saws are range in length from 2 ½ to 12 inches, and are generally heavier than saber and jig saw blades. They range in purpose from cutting metal and wood as well as manner of materials in between.

Blade Types

Course Tooth – Typically used for cutting green wood.

Hack Saw – Used to cut metal, typically up to 1/8 inch in thickness.

Knife – This blade has the greatest range of uses. It cuts leather, rubber, cloth, linoleum, and many more similar materials.

Fine-tooth – When a smooth cut is need for wood, plastic, or hardboard this is the one for the job.

In many models, blades may be mounted to cut up, down, or horizontally, and flush with an adjoining surface. In structural work and remodeling, long blades are sometimes used to cut right through a wall, after of course making sure wire or plumbing won't be damaged. Blades for such use can cut right through any nails they encounter. Blades manufactured specifically for cutting heavier metal, such as pipe or bar stock, need to be lubricated regularly with light oil.

These saws today almost always come with variable speed control. Speeds range from around 2300 strokes per minute down to a few hundred (for cutting steel and some plastics).

Picking the right saw for your own use really depends on the type of job(s) you intend to accomplish. A larger, more robust model is probably overkill for most around the home projects and not to mention the price for these puts them out of reach of most budgets. The smaller, lightweight, more affordable versions on the market today offer the typical handyman more then enough versatility to handle any "honey-do" list.

There you have it. Reciprocating saws are not for everyday use in most cases, but having one in your tool box is a smart decision for the avid do-it-yourselfer. Just remember to choose the right for your needs, and above use it and any power tool in a safe and controlled manner.

About the Author

Chuck Lunsford is the Internet Manager for Mytoolplace.com. He offers advice on how to select and use the right reciprocating saws for the job. Visit our website and learn more about saving money on brand name power tools.

DEWALT DW4856 6-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set $16.99 6-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set - DW4856. 6-in 6 TPI Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade. 6-in 5/8 TPI Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade. 6-in 10 TPI Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade. 6-in 14 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade. 6-in 18 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade. 6-in 24 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade

Bosch RS428 14 Amp 1-1/8-in Reciprocating Saw $159.99 14 Amp 1-1/8-in Reciprocating Saw - RS428. Wood Cutting Blade

DeWalt® - Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades $14.9 Friction-minimizing reciprocating saw parts & accessories. DeWalt® reciprocating saws are made in the US and are sold in 5 pieces per standard pack. Include aggressive shank angle that increases tooth contact and maintain cutting speed as blade wears for longer blade life Feature specially formulated anti-stick coating that minimizes friction and gum-up for smoother cuts. Power tools with patented tooth design utilize sharper tooth geometry for faster cut rates.

DEWALT DW4892 12-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set with Telescoping Case $24.99 12-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set - DW4892. (3) 6" 6 TPI Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades. (2) 6" 18 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades. (2) 8" 14 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades. (2) 9" 6 TPI Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades. 9" 10 TPI Demolition Reciprocating Saw Blade. Telescoping Case

DEWALT DWA4186 6-in 14/18 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades (5 pk) $17.99 6-in 14/18 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades (5 pk) - DWA4186

DEWALT DWA4188 8-in 14/18 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades (5 pk) $23.99 8-in 14/18 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades (5 pk) - DWA4188

DEWALT DW4808-2 6-in 14 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades (2 pk) $7.99 6-in 14 TPI Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades (2 pk) - DW4808-2

Porter-Cable PC850RSOK Tradesman 8.5 Amp Orbital Reciprocating Saw $69.99 Tradesman 8.5 Amp Orbital Reciprocating Saw - PC850RSOK. Wood Cutting Blade. Storage Case

Porter-Cable PC75TRS Tradesman 7.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw $59.99 Tradesman 7.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw - PC75TRS. 6-in Wood Cutting Blade. Operating Manual

Porter-Cable PC85TRSOK Tradesman 8.5 Amp Tigersaw Orbital Reciprocating Saw $79.99 Tradesman 8.5 Amp Tigersaw Orbital Reciprocating Saw - PC85TRSOK. 6-in Wood Cutting Blade. Kit Box. Operating Manual

Makita Makita 9a Reciprocating Saw JR3050T $113.31 9a reciprocating saw 9.0A hi-tech motor for wood and metal cutting Double insulated Well-balanced and lightweight Smooth 1-13/16? stroke length Adjustable front shoe assembly Ball and needle bearing construction Accepts standard 1/2? width saw blades Standard equipment: 1 blade, and plastic carrying case 15-3/4? long Variable speed (0 to 2300 SPM) Brand #: Makita JR3050T UPC: 088381061407 Keywords: reciprocating saw

Dewalt Dewalt 10a Reciprocating Saw DW304PK $121.68 10a reciprocating saw 10.0A motor 0 to 2700 SPM 1-1/8? stroke length Multiposition blade clamp for flush cutting and cutting in tight areas Keyless blade change Compact and lightweight Ball and roller bearing construction 8' rubber cord Includes carrying case Brand #: Dewalt DW304PK UPC: 028877487748 Keywords: saw variable speed reciprocating

Challenge Xtreme Reciprocating Saw 500W. $39.99 Reciprocating saw.500 watts.240V.Variable speed.Number of blades 6.Stroke length 13mm.Sawing capacity: wood 100mmmetal 3mm.Soft grip handle.Accessories included: 1x spanner.6 assorted blades.Cable length of 2.5m.Additional features: 3 tools in 1: handsaw, jigsaw, reciprocating saw.Size H7.8, W19.7, D36cm.Unpackaged weight 3kg.100mm cutting depth.Safety lock switch.Ideal for: Wood, metal, plastic, aluminium cutting.Suitable for the left handed.Manufacturer's 1 year guarantee.

Makita 18 Volt LxT Reciprocating Saw. Each $463.4 Manufacturer: Makita. Each. Features Benefits: 18 Volt Reciprocating Saw with 2 - 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion batteries for 50% faster cutting, 280% more work and 2x more cycles 1-1/8" stroke and 2900 spm 2 built in LED lights illuminate the cutting line Tool-l

Vermont American 6in. Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade 30211 $22.96 10 times longer than high carbon steel and 2 times longer than high speed steel. Flexible spring steel backs provide long blade life. Superhard high speed steel teeth for a sharp longlasting cutting edge. Shatterproof handles the toughest cutting jobs. Fit all jigsaws using .25 universal shank. For cutting ferrous and nonferrous metals up to 18 gauge. Bimetal reciprocating blade. 24 tpi. 6 length. Length: 2. Width: 9. Height: 1.3

Dewalt Dewalt 14.4v Reciprocating Saw DW937K $227.14 14.4v reciprocating saw Variable speed control (0 to 2700 SPM) and 7/8 stroke for fast cutting Electric brake for longer blade life High-performance, fan-cooled motor with replaceable brushes Reversible blade clamp Open shoe for maximum visibility Anti-slip comfort-grip Includes 2 blades, XRP battery (model No. DW9091), 1 hour charger (model No. DW9107), and plastic carrying case Brand #: Dewalt DW937K UPC: 028875109376 Keywords: reciprocating saw

Dewalt Dewalt 18v Reciprocating Saw DC385K $261.31 18v reciprocating saw Variable speed control (0 to 2800 SPM) and 1? stroke for fast cutting Electric brake for longer blade life High-performance, fan-cooled motor with replaceable brushes Keyless reversible blade clamp Open shoe for maximum visibility Anti-slip comfort-grip Includes 1 blade, XRP battery, 1 hour charger, and plastic carrying case Brand #: Dewalt DC385K UPC: 028877478708 Keywords: reciprocating saw

Irwin Industrial Tool 12in. 6 TPI Nail Embedded Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Bla $23.53 Reciprocating saw blade. Ideal for nail embedded wood cutting. Aggressive cut. Roughing in. Bimetal. Made in USA. 6 TPI. 12 . Carded. Length: 13.9. Width: 0.25. Height: 1.88

Vermont American 3in. 17 TPI High Speed Steel Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blad $22.49 High speed steel reciprocating saw blades are precision filed and set for maximum cutting performance in ferrous and nonferrous metals. Teeth are precision ground for fast smooth cuts. Scroll cutting in ferrous and nonferrous metal over .13 . 17 TPI. 3 blade length. Carded. Length: 1.25. Width: 3.81. Height: 1.5

Mini Air Reciprocating Saw $88.95 ? Ideal for body shop repair, muffler and exhaust work ? Adjustable blade guide increases blade life ? Cuts all types of aluminum, plastic, fiberglass and sheet metal ? Versatile; cuts intricate shapes and tight radius curves on flat and curved surfaces Specifications: Cutting capacity (stock thickness): 1.5 mm Overall length: 8-1/2'' (216 mm) Net weight: 2lbs. (.9 kg) Piston stroke: 1/4'' Strokes per minute: 10,000 Air inlet thread: 1/4'' Average air consumption: 7 CFM Working air pressure: 90-120 PSIBy Astro Pneumatic.

Black & Decker RS1050EK 1050w Reciprocating Saw. $81.69 Reciprocating saw.1050 watts.Stroke length 28mm.Soft grip handle.Accessories included: 1x wood cutting blade.Cable length of 3m.Carry case included.Manufacturer's 2 year guarantee.EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 5055301258549.

DeWalt 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit $279.95 ? 1'' stroke length and 2,900 spm for fast cutting. ? Keyless blade clamp allows quick blade change without touching blade or reciprocating shaft. ? Electric brake minimizes risk of blade breaking when exiting plunge cuts. ? Compact and lightweight; 7.1 lbs. ? Pivoting shoe with open top for maximum visibility. ? Blade can be reversed for flush and plunge cutting. ? Variable speed with trigger lock for increased blade control. Comes with: 1 hour charger 18V XR+? pack battery Reciprocating saw blade Heavy-duty molded storage case Specifications: Voltage: 18 V Keyless Blade Clamp: Yes Strokes/Min: 0-2,900 spm Stroke Length: 1 '' Electric Brake: Yes Tool Weight: 7.1 lbs By DeWalt.

Black & Decker RS600K 8.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw Kit with 6 Speed Control $69.99 8.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw Kit with 6 Speed Control - RS600K. Wood Cutting Blade. Metal Cutting Blade. 6-ft Cord. Carrying Case

Factory Reconditioned Ryobi ZRRJ165VK 6.5 Amp 3,000 SPM Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw $39.99 6.5 Amp 3,000 SPM Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw - ZRRJ165VK. Wood Cutting Blade. Metal Cutting Blade. Tool Bag. Operator's Manual

Factory Reconditioned Ryobi ZRRJ162VK 6.5 Amp 2,800 SPM Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw $34.99 6.5 Amp 2,800 SPM Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw - ZRRJ162VK. Wood Cutting Blade. Metal Cutting Blade. Carrying Case

Makita MAK723062A5 4 Inch 14 tpi Bimetal Reciprocating Saw Blade 5 Pack $25.68 For cutting metal under 1/8 4 14 tpi bimetal reciprocating saw blade for cutting metal under 1/8. 5 Pack. Satisfaction ensured.

Panasonic EY3544GQK 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw $254.95 "Panasonic EY3544GQK Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Panasonic EY3544GQK is a 18V, reciprocating saw kit that has improved motor/gear technology for long lasting performance and powerful cutting. With 0-2700 spm and a 7/8 stroke length you get fast, accurate cut every time. The adjustable pivoting shoe provides visibility and stability for all your cutting needs. The convenient keyless blade clamping system allows you to install a blade safely and easily. A quarter twist of the collar releases the blade without having to touch it, a nice feature when that blade heats up from heavy use. The high capacity battery delivers long run time and will allow you to cut 35 pcs of 2 x 10 pine on just one charge. EY3544GQK Features: 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw High Capacity 3.5Ah Ni-MH Battery, Lightweight, Compact Size, 65 Minute Charge, 2700 Strokes Per Minute, Electric Brake, Ergonomic Body with Two Finger Trigger, Safety Switch Lock, Keyless Blade Clamp For Easy Blade Replacement, 0-31/32"" Cutting Depth, 7/8"" Stroke Length, Ideal For General Construction / Carpentry / Electric Installation Work / Plumbing, Replacement Battery Pack: EY9251B FREE Carrying Case Included"