Saws Metal
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.
Baileigh Horizontal Band Saws, Metal Cutting Bandsaw Band Saw
|
|
IRWIN 373058BX 5/8-Inch Bi-Metal Hole Saw $3.49 |
|
|
RUKO 106160 Bi-Metal Hole Saw 160 mm $96.00 |
|
|
Ruko 106152 Bi-Metal Hole Saw 152 mm $91.89 |
|
|
RUKO 106055 Bi-Metal Hole Saw 55 mm $28.54 |
|
|
Draper Expert 41071 22 mm HSS Bi-Metal Hole Saw Blade $12.57 |
|
|
Rolson 58167 Electrician’s Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit (9 Pieces) $77.51 |
|
|
Ironside 131001 Metal Saw 300 mm Square $63.86 |
|
|
Irwin Metal and Wood Cutting Sabre Saw Blades (Pack of 25) 10504141 810r $119.74 |
|
|
BOSCH 2608584750 Hole Saw Centring Adapter HSS-Co Sheet Metal L $29.57 |
|
|
Ruko Terrax 126302 Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set CO-5 8-Piece Set $136.86 |
|
|
Wolfcraft 3764000 1 Hole Saw Set 5 Hole Saw Attachments Bi-Metal Plus Hex Adapte $107.57 |
|
|
Silverline 427542 5 Pack 150 mm Bi-Metal Saw Blades $13.71 |
|
|
Silverline 298536 127 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saws $26.09 |
|
|
Irwin 10504157 Sabre Saw Blades Metal and Wood Cutting (Pack of 5) $27.46 |
|
|
Irwin 10504156 Sabre Saw Blades Metal Cutting (Pack of 5) $26.89 |
|
|
Irwin 10504154 Sabre Saw Blades Metal Cutting 624R (Pack of 5) $21.86 |
|
|
Irwin 10504152 Sabre Saw Blades Metal Cutting 614R (Pack of 5) $22.89 |
|
|
Silverline 934114 102 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $22.23 |
|
|
Faithfull SBS1118BF Sabre Saw Blades Bi-Metal (Pack of 5) $31.94 |
|
|
Faithfull SBS922BF Sabre Saw Blades – Metal (Pack of 5) $25.03 |
|
|
Faithfull SBS918H Sabre Saw Blades – Metal (Pack of 5) $25.80 |
|
|
Faithfull SBS918E Sabre Saw Blades – Metal (Pack of 5) $27.57 |
|
|
Draper Expert 41069 19 mm HSS Bi-Metal Hole Saw Blade $11.23 |
|
|
Silverline 823540 38 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $10.86 |
|
|
Silverline 244966 5 Pack 150 mm Reciprocating Bi-Metal Saw Blade $16.29 |
|
|
Silverline 427630 114 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $25.83 |
|
|
Silverline 292711 76 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saws $17.40 |
|
|
Silverline 792094 44 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $12.09 |
|
|
Silverline 436754 86 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $19.89 |
|
|
Silverline 380657 51 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $12.86 |
|
|
Silverline 199882 40 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $10.97 |
|
|
Silverline 704409 70 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $17.29 |
|
|
Silverline 801291 152 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saws $29.43 |
|
|
Silverline 282507 108 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $21.66 |
|
|
Silverline 427588 350 mm All-Metal General Purpose Saw $16.23 |
|
|
Draper Expert 02306 200 mm 6-Teeth-Per-Inch Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades fo $52.60 |
|
|
Draper Expert 02305 150mm 6-Teeth-Per-Inch Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades for $43.43 |
|
|
Draper Expert 02307 250 mm 6-Teeth-Per-Inch Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades fo $63.00 |
|
|
Draper Expert 02308 300 mm 6-Teeth-Per-Inch Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades fo $66.40 |
|
|
Draper 02302 Expert 150mm 10 Teeth Per inch Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades fo $23.94 |
|
|
Draper 02301 Expert 250mm 6 Teeth Per inch Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades for $37.00 |
|
|
Irwin 10504159 Sabre Saw Blades Metal and Wood Cutting (Pack of 5) $38.71 |
|
|
Irwin 10504151 Sabre Saw Blades Metal and Wood Cutting (Pack of 5) $21.74 |
|
|
New Professional Dewalt Set D180004 Bi-Metal Finish Saw Door Lock Installation. $49.99 |
|
|
LENOX 1-1/8″/29mm BI-METAL HOLE SAW 30018-18L NEW! $15.00 |
|
|
Wolfcraft 5474000 Hole Saw Bi-Metal with Hex Shaft and Drill Bit Ø 68 $32.63 |
|
|
Draper 02303 Expert 200mm 10 Teeth Per inch Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades fo $32.86 |
|
|
Faithfull 24TPI Coping Saw Blades Metal (Pack of 10, 10 Sleeves each) $66.57 |
|
|
Dremel Saw-Max DSM20 Metal Cutting Wheel (3pk) $22.57 |
|
|
Silverline 349763 32 mm Bi-Metal Hole Saw $9.86 |
|
|
Silverline 273220 Electrician’s Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit $41.51 |
|
|
LENOX 7/8″/22mm BI-METAL HOLE SAW 30011-14L NEW! $15.00 |
|
|
METAL FAB 3″ 6″TEMP/GUARD INCREASER CORN/PELLET 3P6SAW $38.00 |
|
|
Starrett DH1036 21mm 13/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $17.09 |
|
|
Starrett DH0034 19mm 3/4-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $17.09 |
|
|
Starrett DH2532 20mm 25/32-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $17.09 |
|
|
Starrett DH0100 25mm 1-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $21.91 |
|
|
Starrett DH1016 17mm 11/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $17.09 |
|
|
Starrett DH0118 29mm 1.1/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $24.29 |
|
|
Starrett DH0096 14mm 9/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $21.51 |
|
|
Starrett DH0334 95mm 3.3/4-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $48.80 |
|
|
Starrett DH0278 73mm 2.7/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $37.80 |
|
|
Starrett DH0138 35mm 1.3/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $27.86 |
|
|
Starrett DH0318 79mm 3.1/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $39.34 |
|
|
Starrett DH0438 111mm 4.3/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $77.94 |
|
|
Starrett DH0312 89mm 3.1/2-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $43.57 |
|
|
Starrett DH0216 52mm 2.1/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $32.71 |
|
|
Starrett DH68mm 68mm 2.11/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $36.91 |
|
|
Starrett DH1136 46mm 1.13/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $31.46 |
|
|
Starrett DH0078 22mm 7/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $17.86 |
|
|
Starrett DH0512 140mm 5.1/2-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $119.00 |
|
|
Starrett DH0338 86mm 3.3/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $42.14 |
|
|
Starrett DH0158 41mm 1.5/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $30.29 |
|
|
Starrett DH210mm 210mm 8.9/32-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $281.17 |
|
|
Starrett DH0238 60mm 2.3/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $35.86 |
|
|
Starrett DH0200 51mm 2-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $31.46 |
|
|
Starrett DH0296 65mm 2.9/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $36.29 |
|
|
Starrett DH0134 44mm 1.3/4-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $31.46 |
|
|
Starrett DH0218 54mm 2.1/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $33.71 |
|
|
Starrett DH0600 152mm 6-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $135.54 |
|
|
Starrett DH0258 67mm 2.5/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $36.89 |
|
|
Starrett DH0196 40mm 1.9/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $30.03 |
|
|
Starrett DH0514 133mm 5.1/4-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $112.71 |
|
|
Starrett DH0178 48mm 1.7/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $31.46 |
|
|
Starrett DH0314 83mm 3.1/4-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $40.80 |
|
|
Starrett DH160mm 160mm 6.5/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $227.31 |
|
|
Starrett DH1116 43mm 1.11/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $31.46 |
|
|
Starrett DH0114 32mm 1.1/4-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $25.51 |
|
|
Starrett DH0412 114mm 4.1/2-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $80.14 |
|
|
Starrett DH0156 33mm 1.5/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $25.57 |
|
|
Starrett DH0418 105mm 4.1/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $57.34 |
|
|
Starrett DH1056 24mm 15/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $19.14 |
|
|
Starrett DH0176 37mm 1.7/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $27.86 |
|
|
Starrett DH0358 92mm 3.5/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $44.71 |
|
|
Starrett DH0434 121mm 4.3/4-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $92.94 |
|
|
Starrett DH0414 108mm 4.1/4-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $70.94 |
|
|
Starrett DH0378 98mm 3.7/8-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $51.97 |
|
|
Starrett DH56mm 56mm 2.3/16-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $34.71 |
|
|
Starrett DH0112 38mm 1.1/2-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $29.31 |
|
|
Starrett DH0500 127mm 5-inch HSS Bi-Metal Dual Pitch Professional Hole Saw $105.34 |
|
|
Ginsu 7108 Chikara 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Knife Set with Bamboo Block $119.99 8 Pc Bamboo Block Set… |
|
|
Amco Swing-A-Way 407RD Portable Can Opener, Red $5.29 Amco Houseworks 407RD Swing-A-Way Portable Can Opener Red… |
|
|
EdgeCraft 610 Chef’s Choice Premium Electric Food Slicer $119.95 610 Premium Electric Slicer… |
|
|
Jackyl $7.04 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Selected Ambient Works Volume 2 $18.96 British electronics wunderkind Richard James (alias Aphex Twin, AFX, Polygon Window, etc.) claims he heard the compositions on Selected Ambient Works, Volume II in lucid dreams. Like abstract paintings composed of shades of a single color, James’s resonant explorations of specific timbres linger close to a central idea on each cut, incorporating just enough variation to remain disturbing. While it… |
|
|
The Matrix Revolutions $4.38 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife $34.99 From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army Knife a century ago comes the Champion Plus, a complete set of tools for campers, hikers, hunters, fishers, picnic enthusiasts, and people all trades–all neatly contained in a single implement. Measuring just 3-1/2 inches long, the Champion Plus is stylishly cased in the famous red Swiss Army body that’s recognized around the world. More impor… |
|
|
Black & Decker LP1000 Alligator Lopper 4.5 amp Electric Chain Saw $64.88 The Alligator Lopper’s wide 4-inch jaw capacity easily chews through small trunks and logs. Because the Alligator Lopper cuts side-to-side instead of up and down, the chain won’t bury itself in the ground when the cut is completed — saving wear and tear on the cutting surface. The Alligator Lopper’s controlled, smooth cutting action makes clean-up from storms or simple pruning easy,… |
|
|
Dremel 220-01 Rotary Tool Work Station $36.72 Turn that Dremel rotary tool into a drill press with this rotary tool workstation from Dremel. The station accepts several Dremel models to drill perpendicular and angled holes in 15-degree increments from 90 degrees vertical to 90 degrees horizontal. Inch and metric markings on the base make for accurate drilling of workpieces. Depth markings with depth stop provide consistent depth adjustment, w… |
|
|
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (New Line Platinum Series) $3.15 The 2003 version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre adheres to the pure and simple slasher movie formula: Introduce a gaggle of sexy young people, make vague gestures to distinguish them–Jessica Biel (Summer Catch) wants to get married and doesn’t like pot, so she’s our moral compass–then start hacking them to pieces one by one. The visual palette includes grimy crucified dolls, fly-specked pig carc… |
This entry was posted on Monday, August 20th, 2007 at 12:26 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.