Purpose of the reciprocating saw
The reciprocating saw will come in handy in repairs and in work on a personal plot. It will help you make straight and curved cuts. Its capabilities are more advanced in relation to a hand hacksaw, and the work is carried out much faster and better.
The power tool allows you to vary, inspiring the master to experiment. With its help, simple blanks and parts of complex shape are made. Trimming is done with the durable hacksaw blade supplied with the reciprocating saw or sold separately. In order to avoid any inaccuracies and make the cut clearly along the mowing line, you must have a firm hand and have a good eye.
A beginner may encounter certain difficulties, so it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the tool in advance, having completed, for a start, insignificant work. It is necessary to feel the maneuverability of the electric hacker, and get a little experience in sawing. After that, self-confidence will surely appear.
Reciprocating saws are universal tools.
The electric chewer successfully replaces:
- circular saw;
- jigsaw;
- lopper;
- file;
- a metal brush for removing rust and removing old paint residues.
In some cases, the tool is used as a chain saw or angle grinder. The type of application depends on the nature of the work, as well as on the type of nozzle installed. It is interesting that when cutting metal with a reciprocating saw, sparks do not fly in different directions, since they simply do not exist. Branches from trees are removed even in the most inaccessible places completely safely, because you do not need to bend in uncomfortable positions.
Speaking about the advantages of the power tool in question, it is necessary to mention its disadvantages. The main one is the same versatility of the reciprocating saw. The fact is that a specialized tool always does the job better than a “station wagon”. But there are a couple of excuses here. Firstly, buying a bunch of power tools for home use in order to occasionally get them from the mezzanine is unlikely to be called a reasonable decision by anyone. And secondly, the electric hawk can completely replace a large-sized specialized analogue in hard-to-reach areas.
Reciprocating saw application
This tool, which is not quite familiar to many, is used when:
- pruning branches of garden trees and shrubs;
- construction and repair work;
- sawing wood, drywall, plastic;
- work with metal and aerated concrete.
In all cases, a reciprocating saw replaces a conventional hand saw, only it is more convenient to work with it. To work with large workpieces, it is recommended to choose tools designed for a cutting depth of up to 240-255 mm with a blade stroke of 28-32 mm.
How to choose a reciprocating saw: the main purpose of the tool
In the arsenal of some home craftsmen there is a reciprocating saw. This is a tool that many have never even heard of. A reciprocating saw in many situations can replace a chain and circular saw, jigsaw and a conventional hacksaw. How to choose a reciprocating saw for those who want to purchase one? It is used for working with wood, plastic, metal and some other materials.
Reciprocating saw is used for working with wood, plastic, metal and some other materials.
Women like this saw very much for its small size. It also weighs relatively little, and is completely safe to use.
The use of reciprocating saws
In most cases, a reciprocating saw can replace both a jigsaw and a circular saw at the same time, but it is wrong to call this tool universal. If we consider the saw as a “summer cottage” tool, with which you can cut a couple of boards or cut down a tree at any time, then it is quite reasonable to call it not a universal, but an ideal assistant for such work.
Reciprocating saw universal tool
In the photo, the reciprocating saw in action
Even a low-power household version of a reciprocating saw can easily eat a hundred planks or three or four trees without a break. But at home, working with such power most often does not make sense.
Principle of operation
The reciprocating saw blade performs not only rectilinear, but also pendulum movements. It moves back and forth, rising when moving to its original position. This means that the cutting element, having made a cut, does not pass through the same place a second time. The web is retracted automatically. At the same time, the friction of the hacksaw on the cut surface is reduced, which, in turn, facilitates and speeds up the work. As a result, excessive physical effort and frequent replacement of the detachable part of the reciprocating saw is not required.
The working bodies of the power tool, except for the hacksaw blade, are hidden in an ergonomic case. Outside is a conveniently located lever-shaped button that fits the index finger. The reciprocating saw has a number of options, the main of which are:
- speed regulator;
- blade travel stop;
- accidental press blocker.
Guides help to adhere to the correct lines and angles when cutting, avoiding irreparable mistakes. They are not included in the tool kit and therefore must be purchased separately. In fact, the guides can ensure the accuracy of the electric hacker and increase the efficiency of its use.
Reciprocating saws are presented on the market in three groups. household, professional and semi-professional.
The models differ in several ways:
- power;
- productivity;
- the frequency of strokes of the hacksaw blade for a certain period of time;
- materials of manufacture;
- safety margin;
- work resource;
- dimensions;
- wear resistance;
- cost.
Professional equipment is intended for professionals. For DIYers, a household power tool is quite suitable. A semi-professional electric hacker will be needed by craftsmen who occasionally engage in carpentry.
Hacksaw blades
The cutting element for the reciprocating saw is selected taking into account the material with which you will have to work. At the same time, attention is paid to the size and pitch of the teeth, as well as to their shape and degree of sharpening. It should be understood that a large tooth helps to speed up work, and a small one improves the quality of cutting the material. From this we can conclude that blades with large teeth should be used for rough but fast processing of products, when quality is put on the back burner, and speed remains a priority component of the process.
A jigsaw is much better for the home.
Firstly, it does not spit out as much dust during operation as a saber. In an apartment or house for non-working residents, this factor is likely to be even more important than the final result.
Electric jigsaw for home
Secondly, the jigsaw leaves a much more accurate cut than a reciprocating saw, which will be very appropriate if you need to saw off clearly along the contour and as accurately as possible.
Reciprocating saws for metal and more. electric hacks as they are!
Reciprocating saws. this phrase in itself does not always evoke understanding even among connoisseurs of electrical engineering and its sellers. Surprisingly, in the West, this tool is as popular as an electric drill or a chainsaw, everyone knows about it and is used in every home. Why such a saw did not please the Slavs is unclear, although, most likely, we, in view of certain stereotypes and banal economy, simply cannot appreciate the tool.
Perhaps the whole point is that not so often we have to deal with a hacksaw for wood. the townspeople live in a concrete jungle, where dynamite is more useful than a hacksaw, and in the villages they prefer to work in the old fashioned way. But it is precisely to the hacksaw that the reciprocating saw is the closest in terms of operation, and, in fact, it performs its functions, only instead of muscular traction, an electric motor works.
In the tool itself, everything is quite simple. a long body with an easy-to-grip handle in the form of a familiar pistol, a trigger, several switches, a replaceable working blade. that’s the whole tool, if you don’t delve into the details. In principle, even a person who has never dealt with it will figure it out in a matter of minutes.
Einhell TH (TC).AP 650 E
Quick release mount: yes
Speed control: yes
Pendulum stroke: yes (constant)
Soft start: yes
Backlight: no
PATRIOT RS 808
Quick release mount: yes
Speed control: yes
Pendulum stroke: no
Soft start: no
Backlight: yes
What is a reciprocating saw
A reciprocating saw is a multifunctional piece of equipment that looks like a drill. It has an elongated body with a handle and a working trigger located at the level of the index finger. To ensure protection when using the tool, it is equipped with fuses that protect against accidental pressing of the button. Also, the device is equipped with a special cutting blade, moving in a straight line, capable of performing pendulum-like actions (on some models). According to the principle of operation and according to the assigned tasks, which will be discussed below, a reciprocating saw can be compared with a hacksaw, which is familiar to an ordinary user.
The weight of the reciprocating saw varies within 2.5 kg. In a sense, weight determines the power and application of the equipment. Manufacturers produce a large number of files, the length of which varies from 8 to 35 cm.This assortment allows you to work with materials of different thicknesses.
Electrohacks can be divided into:
- Professional
- Amateur
- Household
In the West, almost every owner of a house or summer cottage uses such a tool. In Russia, despite the great capabilities of the reciprocating saw, only a few have it. This is due to the fact that many residents of the country believe that the use of an electric tool is always fraught with danger, and only a specially trained person can use it. Few people know, but behind such a scary name is an ordinary tool that provides comfortable work and does not pose a danger to its owner.
Rating of reciprocating saws for home and garden
Specifications
There is a large assortment of reciprocating saws on the market, in which a small set of numerical values, called technical characteristics, helps to determine.
Power. The main indicator of not only a reciprocating saw, but also any equipment with an electric motor. The higher it is, the faster the material will be cut. However, as the power grows, the mass of the tool will also increase, which is not always convenient for the user who constantly holds it in his hands. Also, the power value affects the cost of the device. Vibration is a side effect of power growth.
Before purchasing the most powerful reciprocating saw, you should weigh all its advantages and disadvantages. For household needs, a tool up to 1200 W is quite suitable. It is able to penetrate metal and wood to an average depth of 13 cm and 30 cm, respectively.
Sawing depth. In fact, this is the same power indicator, but more understandable for the average user. This specification defines the maximum workpiece thickness that the tool can handle without getting stuck or causing overheating. Some owners put a rather long blade on low power electric hacks, however, this can damage the device. The average cutting depth of the tree is 18 cm.
File stroke frequency. If you plan to cut a material that is very hard, such as stone, a high travel speed is required. Whereas for cutting trees, productivity only depends on power. Before deciding on this parameter, it is recommended to think in what area the tool will be used. This is due to the fact that the great capabilities of the reciprocating saw allow you to cut any material. It is optimal to purchase equipment with a frequency controller.
The weight. If the equipment is supposed to be used in conditions where it cannot be grasped with both hands, for example, when pruning vegetation in the garden, the large weight of the tool will significantly complicate the work. The priority of this value depends on the intended conditions of use of the tool.
Pendulum stroke. The principle of operation is similar to the operation of an electric jigsaw, when, in addition to reciprocating movements, the blade also performs oscillatory movements. This increases the productivity of the equipment and increases the service life of the saw. On models with the implemented function, there is a regulator with which you can determine the amplitude of movement. The harder the material being worked with, the smaller the step should be. If we talk about such hard materials as stone, it is recommended to turn off the function in question. Also, turning it off is mandatory when curly cutting.
Quick-clamping file attachment. This is the functionality of the tool, designed to greatly facilitate the user’s work, as it shows whether it is possible to quickly change the cutting blade without the use of additional tools, such as a screwdriver.
The reciprocating saw models have a soft start function. This does not affect the operation in any way, however, with its help it is possible to significantly increase the safety of the equipment and its service life. In the first case, at the beginning of work, there will be no sharp jerks that can pull the tool out of the hands. This parameter also increases the cost of the tool, so it’s worth considering whether such a function is needed or not.
The last thing to say about tool performance is the presence or absence of a support shoe. This is a device on which the reciprocating saw can be supported if necessary. This function is often used for curly cutting. In some cases, the support shoe is fixed at right angles, and in some it deflects significantly. Essentially, this feature expands the capabilities of the tool.
AEG US 1300 XE
Quick release mount: yes
Speed control: yes
Pendulum stroke: no
Soft start: no
Backlight: no
What is a reciprocating saw for: selection, rating and video reviews
The reciprocating saw is intended not only for professional craftsmen, but also for those who are far from this field. Thanks to this tool, you can quickly, and most importantly, qualitatively perform almost any work related to cutting material. In this topic, we will touch on the features of reciprocating saws and talk in detail about the specifics of choosing this device.
Enkor SPE-710 / 115E
Quick release mount: yes
Speed control: no
Pendulum stroke: no
Soft start: yes
Ryobi RRS1801M
This is a cordless saw, so you can cut material away from the outlet with it. It has a comfortable weight and a fairly high performance. Handles various types of wood and other materials. The saw comes with a metal blade, so you don’t have to purchase it separately.
The disadvantage of this device is the absence of a pendulum movement. Also included is no battery or charger.
Reciprocating saw: professional or household
If the use of a saw will be limited only to solving everyday problems from time to time, then it is better to choose a tool designed for use in everyday life. Hobby class models from well-known manufacturers are no worse in quality. They have a set of all the necessary options, as well as are lightweight and have a good cost.
The only thing to consider is that such models are not intended for permanent long-term use, therefore they are not suitable for performing a large amount of work.
Only those who plan to use this tool regularly for a long time will need professional ones. Manufacturers have provided many additional options in the configuration of such devices that simplify cutting and increase productivity.
The best firms
The review of the best manufacturers includes not only standard models of tools that operate on the network. There are also rechargeable devices that are in no way inferior in terms of performance, quality.
Skil 4900 AA
Will be a good helper in everyday life. Its power is 1050 watts. The case is comfortable and does not slip out of hands during operation. The tool has special holes that prevent overheating of the electric motor.
The device provides a function of stepless speed control. The set includes a hacksaw for pruning trees, blades for metal and wood, as well as a hex wrench.
Reciprocating saw Skil 4900 AA
How to choose: basic characteristics
Answering the question of how to choose a reciprocating saw, it is worth paying attention to the main criteria on which the choice should be based.
How To Choose and Use A Reciprocating Saw. Ace Hardware
Stomer SSS-1000
The tool has a fairly high power. 1100 watts. The saw does not belong to the category of professional, but it will become their alternative. The weight of the saw is quite large (almost 4 kg), but it is convenient to hold the saw during operation due to the comfortable rubberized handle. This tool has a stepless speed control option.
When purchasing this saw, you will receive a set of blades for metal and wood, as well as a key and additional brushes.
Makita JR3070CT
The device has a high power (1510 W) and an impressive weight (4.5 kg). This is a quality tool designed for professional use. Suitable for cutting various materials.
The saw is equipped with a system that blocks the formation of vibration during operation. There is a pendulum motion. The set includes 3 types of canvases.
Reciprocating saw Makita JR3070CT
Double insulation of live parts
This solution extends the life of the electrical unit and allows the operator to operate from an outlet that is not grounded. Reciprocating saws equipped with such a protection system allow you to work even outdoors in wet weather.
Reciprocating saws. How to choose the best?
Pros of a reciprocating saw
The reciprocating saw has a number of advantages over other tools of a similar type. If you compare it with a conventional hand saw, then the superiority is obvious. This tool allows you to complete work much faster and better, spending a minimum of effort. Comparing a reciprocating saw with a jigsaw, it can be noted that the weight of the saw significantly exceeds the weight of a jigsaw, but at the same time, the scope of application of a reciprocating saw is much more extensive, due to its shape, it can perform work where a jigsaw cannot do it.
The principle of operation of reciprocating saws
The main design feature of the saw is the pendulum trajectory of the cutting blade. In short, this mechanism involves raising the cutting edge during the return movement, due to which friction and heating of the blade is significantly reduced. Thanks to this approach, the designers of the device have achieved an increase in the service life of replaceable saws, as well as an increase in its productivity in comparison with analogues, since the pendulum mechanism contributes to the automatic removal of the sawdust accumulated during operation. Thus, there is no need to use excessive force during work, it becomes less tiring.
The devices are supplied complete with a special table, according to which you can change the speed of the cutting blade depending on the characteristics of the material being processed. A set of interchangeable saws, sharpened for specific properties of wood, also helps to expand the scope of the tool. It is safe to say that the reciprocating saw is superior to manual counterparts in productivity, accuracy and ease of use.
Assortment of reciprocating saws. How to choose?
In order to make the right choice in favor of a particular model, you need to clearly define the tasks where and in what conditions it will be used. If the tool is purchased for the home and will be used irregularly, then a more budgetary option can be purchased. But it is worth considering the aspect that such a reciprocating saw will need to rest every 20 minutes of continuous work. If the choice is made towards a professional model, then the advantages of such a saw are much higher, however, like the price.
First of all, you should pay attention to the power declared by the manufacturer. For domestic use, a reciprocating saw with a power of 600 W will be sufficient. When choosing a more powerful tool, its weight also increases, this nuance is justified only in the case of professional use. If the work will be carried out not only on metal, but also on wood, then you need to give preference to a reciprocating saw with adjustable blade travel. In order to keep your hands from getting tired, you should choose a tool with rubber pads. You also need to pay attention to safety when using a saw, it is determined by such criteria as:
- Availability of a soft start mechanism.
- Electrodynamic brake (instant stop).
- Blocking accidental start.
- Vibration isolation.
- Double electrical insulation.
A tool such as a reciprocating saw can make life easier not only for an ordinary user, but also for a professional. The reciprocating saw is a convenient body made in the shape of a pistol, under the index finger there is a working trigger and a power adjustment mechanism that allows you to make the appropriate settings depending on the specifics of the work. To ensure an adequate level of safety, most reciprocating saws are equipped with a safety lock that prevents accidental clicks. details on how to choose a suitable reciprocating saw model will be discussed below.
What is a reciprocating saw for??
The reciprocating saw belongs to the class of universal tools with a wide range of applications. She is able to provide maximum comfort when performing:
- planned pruning of trees in the garden;
- sawing logs heating;
- cutting metal pipes;
- many other repair and carpentry work.
This tool is able to quickly and efficiently cut most materials used on the farm. Unlike mechanical counterparts, due to the narrow blade of the hacksaw, reciprocating saws can cut along a curved path, which significantly expands its scope. Of course, to implement such “maneuvering” you have to gain experience. But with a developed eye and the skill of working with such equipment, you can quickly enough learn how to work with a saw so as to cut exactly along the mowing line of markings of any degree of complexity.
Reciprocating saw care rules
Like all tools, a reciprocating saw is afraid of water and high humidity, so that rust does not form on the tool, you need to store it in a dry room and protect it from water. You should also not expose the tool to overloads; in order to extend its service life, you need to give it a rest in time. When using the reciprocating saw, wear protective clothing and goggles to avoid injury. After the work with the reciprocating saw has been completed, you need to clean the tool from the dirt received during the work and carefully pack it in the case until the next time. Always check the integrity of the power cord before use. These recommendations will keep the tool in working order for a long time.
The simplest answer that can be given to this question is “this is an electric hacksaw.” It solves the same tasks as a conventional hand hacksaw, and its principle of operation is based on the same reciprocating movements of the toothed working blade.
Abroad, this tool is very popular and has practically supplanted the usual hacksaw, but here a rare master has this tool in his arsenal. The reason is that a power tool. and especially a power sawing tool. is a priori considered to be something extremely dangerous, which can only be handled by professionals. Our housewives and owners of summer cottages have no idea that behind the belligerent name in the saber saw is a simple, convenient and safe tool.
But professionals do not like this tool very much. Of course, if you have a circular saw, chain saw, angle grinder, renovator and jigsaw in your workshop. you don’t need a reciprocating saw. It is unlikely that it will seriously compete with any of the listed tools in their narrow professional specialization. But if you do not use the tools from this list in your professional activity, it is worth considering that if you had a reciprocating saw, those tools might not be required at all! As well as the workshop itself. a carnation in the hallway is enough. Or in the kitchen, given that a reciprocating saw can be used for cutting bones and frozen meat (you just need to remember to wash it thoroughly).
Do not confuse a reciprocating saw and an alligator saw. Although they are often classified under one section, they are completely different tools with different purposes. An alligator saw looks most like a chain saw and has two blades fixed on a stationary tire and moving towards each other. An alligator saw is a professional construction tool capable of making cuts not only in wood, but also in brick walls and walls made of porous concrete (aerated concrete, cinder blocks) up to 80 cm thick. It is impossible to saw metal with an alligator saw. Also, despite the high power and huge (in comparison with saber saws) length of the blades, there are practically no vibrations in it: moving in the opposite direction, one blade dampens the inertia of the other. The advantages of alligator saws are the same as with saber saws: safety and ease of use. Due to the mutually compensated moments, it is much easier and safer to handle it than with a chain. The disadvantages include the impossibility of “bumping” into the wall (the stationary tire interferes) and the high price.
What can a reciprocating saw?
Everything is the same as a hacksaw and even more:
- cut boards, beams, sheet material (plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, OSB)
- cut branches of trees and bushes
- cut old boards even with nails
- cut out curly parts from plywood and thin boards
- cut steel pipes and corners without sparking
- saw off protruding excess boards, bricks, steel reinforcement
- make openings in wooden walls
- butcher frozen meat with bones
How To Use A Reciprocating Saw. Ace Hardware
over, for all this, it is not at all necessary to fix the material on a workbench. The reciprocating saw is perfectly suited to work “on the fly” and the material can be cut directly on site in almost any position. A rare professional tool will allow this.
At the same time, it is quite difficult to name a professional field in which a reciprocating saw will prove to be a really necessary tool. Perhaps, only in dismantling works it will be difficult to replace it with something else. But in everyday life, it can turn out to be such a valuable assistant that soon after acquiring it, you will be surprised how you did without it before. Even professionals who have their own workshop filled with all sorts of tools should not pass by a reciprocating saw: in the end, everyday problems also arise for professionals. And, using a safe and convenient reciprocating saw in such cases, you can save a lot of time and effort.
Reciprocating saw characteristics
Power. The main parameter that determines the performance of the tool. The more powerful the saw, the faster it will cut and the longer and more “toothy” the blade can be installed in it. True, along with the power, the weight increases noticeably, and for a tool that is always on hand, this is a serious argument against excess power. Along with the power, the price rises noticeably, and this is a serious argument for any tool. In addition, models with high power and a long heavy blade vibrate noticeably during work, and for such saws it becomes appropriate to install anti-vibration systems, which further increases the cost of the tool. Therefore, before choosing the most powerful model, you should decide how thick the materials you plan to cut. The maximum cutting depth is directly related to the saw power, so often the choice begins with the cutting depths of wood and steel.
Sawing depth. This is, in fact, the same power, only expressed in more understandable values. Indicates how long the blade can be placed on this saw without the risk of getting stuck in the material and overheating the tool. In fact, you can put a long blade on a low-power tool, and even cut with it, but the productivity will be small, and the risk of damage to the tool will be quite high.
The maximum frequency of movement of the file. A high speed of the blade is necessary for cutting hard materials: metals, stone, ceramics. While when cutting soft wood, productivity is only related to power, when cutting steel, the cutting speed is also strongly dependent on the maximum frequency of the saw. If the saw is supposed to be used for cutting materials of different hardness, a stroke frequency regulator is also required.
Pendulum stroke. If you carefully examine the blade up close, you can see that only the front. cutting. edge of the teeth is sharpened. The trailing edge of the teeth is not sharpened and, with the reverse movement of the blade, creates resistance, increasing the load on the engine and practically not increasing the depth of the cut. The pendulum stroke reduces this resistance by raising the file slightly during the return stroke. As a result, the saw performance is noticeably increased. Obviously, this function will only work with straight cuts. when there is free space above the back of the blade. When cutting curly lines, it is better to disable this function.
Power supply type. Get rid of the long, persistent tangling tail. a dream come true for any gardener working with garden electrical equipment. If the reciprocating saw is supposed to be used not at home, but “on the street”, the choice of a cordless tool can quickly justify itself. There are only two drawbacks to cordless saws, but both are significant. low power and high price.
Quick-clamping file attachment. The ability to quickly change the blade without the use of additional keys or screwdrivers, of course, greatly increases the versatility and convenience of the tool. Unfortunately, it also increases the price. the simplest and cheapest models do not have this function.
The weight. An important parameter for a tool that is designed to work “by weight”. If the saw is supposed to be used in “uncomfortable” conditions, when it is not always possible to ensure a confident grip with both hands (for example, when pruning garden trees), it is better to choose a lighter model.
Some models are equipped with a soft start function. Without affecting the productivity of the work, this parameter, however, significantly increases the safety of the tool and its service life. The first is due to the absence of sharp jerks that could snatch the tool out of the hands at the start of work. Second. by eliminating loads dangerous for engines arising from such jerks.
After choosing a model, you can take a closer look at it. does it have a support shoe? The ability to push the tool against the material being cut is often very helpful. In addition, a support shoe is almost essential if the saw is to be used to cut shapes from sheet material. Sometimes the shoe is not fixed strictly at 90 degrees, but can be deflected, allowing you to cut at a given angle to the surface. This expands the capabilities of the tool, bringing it closer to jigsaws.
What is a reciprocating saw?
Choice options
To solve everyday problems arising in an apartment or a small household farm, the capabilities of basic models are quite enough.
If you intend to serve a country house, and garden trees and shrubs are growing on the site with might and main, it will be appropriate to choose a saw of medium power.
If you intend to use a reciprocating saw in construction and dismantling. pay attention to a powerful professional tool.
A lightweight cordless saw is ideal for large gardens with shrubs and small trees.
If you are using a reciprocating saw for straight cuts in wood, pay attention to the pendulum function.
And finally, if you need a professional tool that can cut a brick into neat cubes or cut a doorway in almost any wall (except for solid concrete), you need an alligator saw.
Buy quality tools and use them with pleasure!