Six Different Types of Reciprocating Saws & Their Uses

You will need several power tools for different purposes if you are involved in demolition, renovation, or remodeling projects. Importantly, keeping those important tools near your workspace allows you to work more freely and efficiently all the time. Among those important power tools, the reciprocating saw stands out as one of the best cutting machines of all.

In fact, a reciprocating saw is loaded with a lot of exciting cutting features, and users can easily apply it to any demolition project. It has the special ability to make thinner cuts on different materials. But using it for different work purposes, users should gather proper knowledge of different types of reciprocating saws.

This particular study will not only introduce the user to this powerful cutting tool but also make them more efficient in their work sessions. Now, the question arises: Who will provide all the information on this powerful tool?

Don’t worry! We are always here at your service. In this article, we have covered all the latest information about six different types of reciprocating saws. Keep your eyes here, and let's dive into the main discussion.

What is a Reciprocating Saw?

In short, a reciprocating saw is a powerful cutting device that comes with different blades to make unique and rough cuts. Generally, a reciprocating saw is a lightweight gadget, and it fits perfectly in every user's hand. People commonly use this power cutting tool to chop wood, metal, bricks, and other relevant things.

To make unique and professional cuts on materials, it is designed with a sharp carbide or diamond coated teeth blade. A portable reciprocating saw blade is long, narrow, and straight. That is why it can quickly move back and forth.

Besides, it has a powerful motor functionality that spins the saw blade fast and creates precious cuts in the shortest possible time. It has some popular alternative names like saber/sabre saws or sawzall. A reciprocating saw runs by 8 to 15-amp motor power. So, you have to choose the ideal motor power to get better cutting performance.

Moreover, a reciprocating saw is excellent for household or DIY projects. So, you can use them freely to get professional cutting experience all the time.

What Are The Parts of a Reciprocating Saw?

In fact, a reciprocating saw comes with many components that make the tool stronger and more efficient for better cuts. As a handy and lightweight saw, you can apply it in many different cutting projects.   

Saw Blade: Saw blade is the main component of all saw models. Depending on the size of the tool, the size of the saw blade also varies greatly. Actually, the exact size of the saw blade depends on the thickness part, length part, and, importantly, the number of sharp teeth as well.

When you wish to cut trees, you will need a larger and wider saw blade for smooth and quick cuttings. On the other hand, when you have to cut heavy objects like metal, you will require a thin blade. Actually, a thin blade has more sharp teeth compared to a thick blade. It makes clean and thin cuts on metal.

Significantly, the ideal size of a thin saw varies between 14-18 Threads per inch (TPI) for bi-metal blades. If you look at the thick saw size, it actually varies from 18-24 Threads per inch (TPI) for bi-metal blades.

The Trigger Button: The trigger button is the main key to start and stop the reciprocating saw. When the user presses on it, it quickly starts spinning the saw blade, and when the user releases the button, it turns off gradually. This trigger button will define the speed of your reciprocating saw. Do you want to know why it will happen? Because the more pressure the button receives from the user, the more force and speed it will offer on cuts.

The Electrical Power Cord: The electrical power cord is only available for corded reciprocating saw models. It is the long cord that comes along with other saw components. When you need to supply electric power connectivity in your reciprocating saw, just plug in the cord in the direct power socket and enjoy massive force on cuttings.

The Saw Chuck: The saw chuck is the ideal place to fix the saw blade. It looks like an open space in the lid of the saw where you can insert and exit the saw blade in your needs.

The Lock Controlling Button: As we said earlier, the trigger button is the main power control unit of your reciprocating saw. Now, we would like to introduce the lock controlling button as its parental control system.

This locking system automatically allows you to control the steady power and speed rate. When you reach your desired speed and power with your reciprocating saw, you should release your finger from the trigger button and then press this lock controlling button. Then it will serve the accurate speed and power you like.

The Saw Vents: The saw vents work like a pure ventilation system. It is just located on the side of the reciprocating saw. This actually helps the saw to release hot temperatures from its main power system. If you don’t have this on your saw, you may face a quick overheating issue on the tool.

The Rear Handle: The rear handle is specially designed for a comfortable grip on the saw. It is just located at the rear panel of the reciprocating saw. Sometimes, the rear handle is formed with a rubber coated cover, and sometimes, it is included with plastic.

What is The Purpose of Using a Reciprocating Saw?

Hopefully, you already understand that using a reciprocating saw means you can enjoy a variety of cuts for any project. Especially if you are involved in household and DIY projects, you can take maximum advantage of your work. Now, we will talk about some purposes of using a reciprocating saw below::

Cutting Aluminum: When cutting aluminum, most craftsmen do not understand which tool will provide the best service in their cuttings. As a result, they fall into a dilemma, and the work goes in vain. To get rid of this problem, you should set a high-quality metal-cutting blade in your regular reciprocating saw. The ultra sharp and keen tooth of this blade is sufficient enough to cut aluminum with excellent results.

Cutting Brick: When you own a reciprocating saw with a perfect brick cutting saw blade, cutting bricks will not seem like a dream. The advanced and latest cutting technology of reciprocating saw made everything possible in this era of invention. To make this happen in reality, you must find out the basic information on how to properly cut bricks with a reciprocating saw. After that, you can slice bricks into thin pieces.

Cutting Cast Iron: Previously, cutting cast iron seemed very difficult with the ordinary saw. But now, you can cut them very quickly with a reciprocating saw. To do this task, you have to install a metal-cutting blade on your saw. Once you have done the installation process, you can start cutting thin to thick cast iron very ideally.

Cutting Curves: Who doesn’t like to make curve cuts on their expected materials? We think almost all of us wish to do so. It is true that the reciprocating saw always makes rough cuts on several materials, but if you mark preferred cutting lines on your expected materials, things will seem easy and comfortable too. In order to get the best result in curve cuttings, you should use a flexible, light saw blade in your reciprocating saw.

Cutting Metal: Hope you already understand that a reciprocating saw can cut thin and thick materials with perfect finishing. Now, you will be surprised to know that it can cut heavy constructional objects like metal very quickly.

Nothing will look impossible when you acquire knowledge on how to cut metal with a reciprocating saw properly. Indeed, a sharp and strong metal-cutting blade works really great in this perspective. The main advantage of using this special blade is it can work under extreme pressure and makes excellent cuts at every finish.

Cutting PVC: Sensitive objects like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) always seem hard to cut with any saws. But if you use the reciprocating saw with a suitable PVC-cutting blade, you can easily chop them into desired shapes. Honestly, the reciprocating saw cuts PVC materials smoothly and never leaves sharp edges on every delivery. So, you can rely on the reciprocating saw for perfect PVC cuttings all the time.

Fitting Window or Door Framework: Simple and less time-consuming work, like fitting windows or making door frameworks, is easy with a reciprocating saw. But you must know the proper way to apply the tool correctly. Being a handy and lightweight power tool, the reciprocating saw can ideally reach every narrow corner and fix or replace the window or door.

Cutting Trees: It is very common to say that most people use their reciprocating saw for cutting small trees, branches, and bushes. Indeed, it works great from this point of view. To get a better result here, you must use the pruning blades, and besides, you have to know all the steps to cut trees with a reciprocating saw. When you use the pruning blades for cutting trees, you will get a thinner slice on every particular cut.

Cutting Tiles: Tile cutting is risky and professional work. It requires higher skills and valuable power tools to achieve better cuts. If you manage both at the same time, then you can start your cuttings. Remember, a top-notch reciprocating saw with an abrasive grit blade always makes the best combination for cutting ceramic, vitrified, porcelain, mosaic, and concrete tiles.

Advantages of Using a Reciprocating Saw

When you have a reciprocating saw installed with a suitable saw blade in your hand, nothing can stop you from enjoying smooth and precious cuts on different materials. It is proved that the reciprocating saw makes rough and quicker cuts on every finish. So, you can finish any demolishing, renovation, or remodeling works in the shortest possible time.

In this part of the article, we will present some important advantages of using a reciprocating saw with proper details. If you don’t listen to them carefully, you can’t utilize the part of having different types of reciprocating saws in your workspace. Without talking further, let’s start knowing each:

Easy to Manage

As a user, you will surely fall in love with the easy management system of the reciprocating saw. It is a very user-friendly power tool, and all classes of people handle it with great ease. Moreover, the easy operating system allows the new user to handle the entire power tool with a comfortable gripping handle. Significantly, the trigger control setup of this powerful tool helps you to manage the power controlling setup in one single hand.

Next, the portability experience adds an extra advantage for its users. No matter where the user goes and works, this lightweight gadget will easily fit in any corner of the bag. In addition, the adjustable shoe keeps your hand protected from the running saw blade always. Full-time safety and promising cutting deliveries make the work more entertaining and hassle-free for all.

Functional Flexibility

The next facility of reciprocating is functional flexibility. When you choose a particular power tool, you obviously expect a lot of conveniences and easy operational flexibility. In this case, the reciprocating saw won't disappoint you at all. It will especially provide freedom of control and varieties of operational support in all types of cuttings.

Needless to say, the saw blade is the main component of all saw categories. Different types of work need different types of blades. At that time, we always looked for an easy blade-changing facility from our favorite saw.

At this point, the reciprocating saw makes comfortable access to its disposal blade. With this facility, you can quickly change your blades, and it brings more concentration to your work.

Moreover, it comes with some advanced features like the safety switch, the trigger switch, the adjustable shoe, and the extra dotted handle grip. This all makes the tool more flexible for all classes of users.

Versatility

The reciprocating saw is a favorite work tool of professional craftsmen. They love to use it in different cutting aspects and get satisfying cuts every time. Now the question comes: Is it only for experienced people? Can’t non-professional people handle it perfectly? Yes! People of all ages can use the reciprocating saw as it has versatile power, which makes every work easy and quicker.

But if you are a new user, you must ideally know how to use the reciprocating saw. It looks like a simple power tool but has all kinds of cutting solutions. When you understand the unique uses of reciprocating saw blades, you will be able to complete every home renovation and remodeling project like magic.

Fewer Upper Body Energy Required

People generally think working with modern and advanced tools like a reciprocating saw requires heavy physical pressure besides its skill requirements. But it's not true at all. Indeed, the reciprocating saw is a light gadget, which is why it is easily carryable. It has two types of handles. One is in the adjustable shoe corner, and the other one is on the rear panel.

As a user, you should never use the right hand on the front handle. Keep the right hand on the soft back handle and place the left hand on the top handle. Firmly, set the saw straight to the materials, and then you can press the trigger to work efficiently. Notably, the perfect grippings on each handle feel very comfortable to hold and allow the user to enjoy a stable working experience at all times.

Free of Kick-back

Another important benefit of using the reciprocating saw is it is completely free of kickback if you understand the proper way of controlling it. If you regularly work on demolition projects, you must notice that almost 70 to 80% of accidents take place because of the incompatibility of handling power tools in the work.

Most people are unaware of the precautions to work with a reciprocating saw and think they can handle every work like a pro. As a result, they can not finish the job properly and become injured in several accidents. When you take the reciprocating saw in your hands and follow every safety law, you won’t face any big injuries during your work. It is a secure device that makes every work easy and comfortable.

Affordable Saw Material

Generally, saw components of the reciprocating saw are very cheap, and they are widely available all over the world. Especially when It demands a different size of saw blade for particular work, you won’t need to worry about it. Just search for it online, and you will get it quickly in your hand.

The most exciting fact about the reciprocating saw is that it doesn’t require frequent maintenance either. A reciprocating saw blade lasts between 12 and 120 hours of continuous use. But if you check the device daily and repair or replace the saw blade and other components in need, it will offer a long lifespan with better service.

If you want to save valuable time and put less pressure on the work, you must adjust the tool with proper blades all the time.

Drawbacks of Using a Reciprocating Saw

Every power tool has some common weaknesses, and they will become noticeable only when you actually use it. If you take a reciprocating saw, no doubt, it has different cutting advantages for everyone. But still, some of its drawbacks can be noticed while using it for daily purposes. Here, we will reveal all the drawbacks of using a reciprocating saw one by one:

Can't Make Thicker Cuts

The first and foremost problem of a reciprocating saw is it can’t make thicker cuts on particular materials. No matter how much you try with different methods and ingredients, it will still make a rough cut in every finish. Making rough cuts is the common behavior of this tool. Mainly when you use the tool for cutting big trees or big branches, you will clearly notice the problem with your open eyes.

During that cutting time, the saw blade will misbehave for uncertain reasons, and sometimes it may break out soon. Indeed, accurate cuts only come when you use the tool on small or medium wood cuttings. We don't guarantee it, but if you still want to experiment with it, we suggest you use the powerful reciprocating saw to get better results in this case. 

Not Suitable For Beginners

Honestly, the reciprocating saw is available for everyone, but to make the best connection with it, you must acquire proper knowledge of usage. As you have already seen, it comes with varieties of functionalities that easily make different shapes and unique designs in any material.

But new users won't adjust to those functionalities quickly and won't feel comfortable using it. This is why we do not suggest this high-powered cutting tool for newcomers. Once they gather proper knowledge of this tool, they can conduct several trials with it.

Indeed, those tests will surely increase their skills and make them confident to work directly. Remember, while taking the tool and using it in several experiments, every person should wear proper safety equipment so that they can stay safe from unexpected events.

Limited Power on Corded Version

Needless to say, a reciprocating saw comes in different varieties for different job purposes. While choosing your favorite one, you should check your work requirements and environment, then match the better reciprocating saw with that condition to get better results. If you choose an electric corded reciprocating saw for your work, you must keep in mind that it works great only for limited workspaces.

Those who usually work in household or DIY work projects will find this saw a promising partner for their cutting work. Otherwise, it is not an ideal decision for remote workers. Think carefully before you buy so you don't regret it later.

6 Different Types of Reciprocating Saws

Searching for reciprocating saws online or offline will get lots of saw variations with different characteristics. Depending on the size, weight, motor power, power connectivity and value, they equally differ from each other. Surely, when you look deeply into them, you will easily get confused and fall into a big dilemma. So, what is the solution to this problem?

The answer is we have to evaluate every reciprocating saw class in our 6 different types of reciprocating saw:

Corded Reciprocating Saw

Actually, the corded reciprocating saw is the primary and traditional version of it. It usually comes with a long cable connected to the back of the reciprocating saw. People call it corded Sawzall sometimes. It gives constant power delivery as long as it connects with a wall outlet and extension card. Having direct power connectivity generates high energy and efficient speed for various work.

Usually, it is made for short-distance work purposes. That means if you work in household or DIY projects, you will enjoy the maximum support through this. When you get the power tool in hand, you will never think of running out of power. The power range of this reciprocating saw actually varies from 7 amperes to 15 amperes range. Indeed, it smoothly cuts metal, concrete, and other hard objects with great finishing.

• Advantages of Corded Reciprocating Saw: 
• Handy and Lightweight
• Portable
• Unlimited Power Connectivity
• User-friendly Power Tool
• Wide Range of Power Capacity
• Disadvantages of Corded Reciprocating Saw:
• Not Ideal For Remote Works
• Hazards Can Take Place Quickly

Cordless Reciprocating Saw

The cordless reciprocating saw is just the opposite version of the corded reciprocating saw. Here you don’t need to carry the extra cable with your favorite saw. It is widely popular as the battery-operated reciprocating saw or handheld saw. Indeed, it is very limited in power storage, but it can still offer massive power delivery in every cut. It is very user-friendly and easily portable to any workplace.

Especially when you work in remote areas, you will always need a handy and portable reciprocating saw to make the best adjustment in the work. Considering this issue, you should take the cordless reciprocating saw as your daily driver. The power range of this reciprocating saw actually varies from 12 volts to 36 volts. To get constant support from this saw category, you must carry extra batteries and other equipment as well.

• Advantages of Cordless Reciprocating Saw: 
• Attractive Lightweight Design
• Portable and Useable in Any Remote Distance
• Convenient to Use
• Brushless Motors Ensure High Performance
• User-friendly Control Panel
• Disadvantages of Cordless Reciprocating Saw:
• Limited Power Capability
• Keeping Extra Batteries Seems Costly
• Maintenance Cost is High

Compact/ One-Handed Reciprocating Saw

Just like the name, compact/ one-handed reciprocating saw is the convenient and most useful reciprocating saw. If you look at its small design and colorful body structure, you will surely fall in love with its beauty. Although it is a small reciprocating saw, it easily fits in everyone's hands. Being a compact power tool, it can reach narrow space, which makes the work more convenient and time-saver too.

Importantly, this special saw is available in both corded and cordless variations. For its unique overhead saw blade design, it cuts light materials very quickly. Mostly, plumbers and electrical workers use this compact-sized power tool for fixing and replacing medium-large beams, cords, wires, walls, and pipes. The power range of the compact reciprocating saw varies from 5 amperes to 10 amperes range.

• Advantages of Compact/ One-Handed Reciprocating Saw:
• Single Hand Control
• Smoothly Works in Congested Areas
• Easy to Control
• Portable
• Tight Grippings
• Disadvantages of Compact/ One-Handed Reciprocating Saw:
• Shortage of Power
• Small Blades Can’t Make Big Cuts
• Doesn’t Make 100% Accurate Cuts 

The Air Reciprocating Saw

The air reciprocating saw is popularly known as the pneumatic reciprocating saw. It comes with a large office pen structure. Actually, the air reciprocating saw runs through the air compressor that’s why it is named like this. Indeed, it is a high-efficient and powerful reciprocating saw, and it is very ideal to use in professional and industrial work areas.

Moreover, workers from gas companies, chemical factories, biological companies, and refineries workspace use this special saw to get better cuttings in their work. The main and only power source of this amazing reciprocating saw is its air compressor system. It counts in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The power range of the pneumatic reciprocating saw varies from 4 CFM to 30 CFM range.

• Advantages of The Air Reciprocating Saw:
• Unique and Robust Motorless Design
• Applicable to Industrial Work Areas
• Free from Overheating Issue
• Silent Performance
• Impressive Cooling System
• Disadvantages of The Air Reciprocating Saw:
• Heavyweight
• Maintenance Cost High
• Components Are Not Easily Available 

Mini Reciprocating Saw

A mini reciprocating saw is a tiny version among all reciprocating saw formats. Though it comes in many different sizes, it only carries a 12-inch saw blade in its body. When people can’t reach their hands in a very short or narrow place, they should use the mini reciprocating saw to complete their work successfully. Being a small size power tool, it can fit any corner of the tool bag, and saw components are easy to get all over the world.

• Advantages of The Mini Reciprocating Saw:
• Smooth Cuts in Narrow Areas
• Great for Sanitary and Electric Work Purpose
• Doesn’t Require Frequent Maintenance
• Suitable for Light Cuttings
• Easy to Carry
• Disadvantages of The Mini Reciprocating Saw:
• Not Ideal For Heavy-duty Work Areas
• Can’t Handle Big Cuts
• Cutting Results Are Not Always Accurate

What Should You Look While Choosing The Best Reciprocating Saw

Buying a reciprocating saw seems very easy to most consumers today. Just go to the purchase point, pay your money, and bring the gadget in your hand. But this is not the ideal way to get a reciprocating saw. Professionals never make their decision too early. Rather, they examine every favorite model and compare each other to understand them very closely.

While examining those reciprocating saws, they consider some important points in their mind. Now, we will share all of them one by one below:

• Before you choose your favorite reciprocating saw, you must determine what kind of work you will do with it. Depending on the work pressure and value, you should match your reciprocating saw and then start your cuttings.
• Budget is an important issue when we choose to buy an expensive power tool. Sometimes, we want to have a high-powered and expensive reciprocating saw for our daily work, but we don't look at the budget part at that moment. That is not acceptable for a wise buyer. When you dive into buying a saw, you must settle on a budget amount so that you can achieve the best product.
• Choosing between corded and cordless reciprocating saws is a confusing topic for everyone. When you work inside a full-time direct power connectivity support, You should choose the corded reciprocating saw. If you work in remote areas, the cordless reciprocating saw would be the ideal option.
• If you want to enjoy a smooth and effective experience with your favorite reciprocating saw, you must fix your workstation first. For example, when you work in gas companies, chemical factories, biological companies, and refineries, you will get the best result with the pneumatic reciprocating saw.
• Indeed, the reciprocating saw works like magic, and it can slice different types of materials into great shape. But to do this, you should combine your high-level skills and top-notch reciprocating saw together. If you are not professional, you should not use the high-end saw during your working period.
• The majority of users do not like to handle heavyweight in their regular reciprocating saw. If you are one of them, then you should take the heavyweight reciprocating saw in your hands too early. 

Final Overview

Hope you enjoyed the article and gathered information on different types of reciprocating saws deeply. Now, it is your turn to choose your favorite model and make your cutting works more memorable all the time. While taking the reciprocating saw in your hand, always focus on your work and maintain proper safety laws to avoid unexpected events during work.

We always wish you success. Follow every particular thing we mentioned here in our article so that you can increase your skills higher day by day.

That’s all for today. See you soon.