Reciprocating Saws: How To Choose Equipment

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Reciprocating Saws: How To Choose Equipment
Reciprocating Saws: How To Choose Equipment

Video: Reciprocating Saws: How To Choose Equipment

Video: Reciprocating Saws: How To Choose Equipment
Video: Best Corded Reciprocating Saw Head to Head | 44 Tools Tested 2024, March
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Reciprocating saws are divided into household and professional, electric and cordless. When choosing, power, material for making the working blade, and the presence of additional functions are taken into account.

Reciprocating saws: how to choose equipment
Reciprocating saws: how to choose equipment

Reciprocating saw is a versatile tool that can replace chain and circular saws, a conventional hacksaw and a jigsaw. Such equipment is easy to use, capable of working in a confined space, and is indispensable for dismantling work.

When choosing, attention is paid to:

  • power;
  • cutting depth;
  • the maximum frequency of movement of the file;
  • pendulum stroke and other options.

Before buying, decide where exactly the work will be done. Depending on this, reciprocating saws are divided into mains and cordless. The former are distinguished by increased power, lower cost and uninterrupted operation in the presence of an outlet. Rechargeable batteries can operate away from electricity sources.

How to choose equipment by capacity

This parameter is basic as functionality depends on it. In the case of reciprocating saws, the value can be from 500 to 1500 watts. Experts recommend not buying a tool with minimal values, since it may turn out to be useless when trying to solve many everyday tasks. For example, this 800 W rating is often referred to as a garden tool that is only suitable for pruning trees and working with soft materials.

Professional working systems have a power of 1000 watts. They are able to work 6-10 hours a day without interruption. For such an advantage, you have to pay more, as well as buy a bulkier and heavier product.

Choosing a Reciprocating Saw Blade

Versatility directly depends on the material of manufacture of the cutting blade. The main purpose of these saws is to make a straight cut. For curved threads, there are special narrow blades, but the cut quality is slightly lower than the usual one. Equipment produced:

  • for wood;
  • cutting fiberboard and chipboard;
  • wood with nails;
  • fiberglass;
  • non-ferrous and ferrous metal;
  • brick and concrete.

When choosing the best option, the marking is taken into account. HCS - high carbon steel blade. Ideal for sawing, plastic, chipboard, rubber. HSS - has a tool high speed steel blade. Used for metal processing. BIM - bimetallic blade. Such a tool is distinguished by increased strength, flexibility, and extended service life. НМ / ST - hard alloy cloth. Necessary for working with hard and abrasive materials.

The ability to adjust the speed and the presence of a pendulum stroke

Sawing of various materials is carried out at different speeds. Therefore, some manufacturers equip their tools with stroke rate limiters. This feature is found in all reciprocating saws. In one case, there is a sensitive electronic button that allows you to "gas". This option is considered to be stepless and requires a certain manual dexterity from the operator.

There is equipment with a more perfect system. In this case, control is carried out using a wheel or a slider. One or several modes of limiting the maximum speed are set, and a more precise adjustment is made using a special trigger. Therefore, even with a full press on the start button, the high-speed mode will not be violated.

Another important indicator is the presence of a pendulum stroke. It makes it possible to slightly deviate from the cutting line, making a reverse movement. Thanks to this maneuver, the heating of the reciprocating saw is reduced, and waste is easier to remove from the working area. This option is not available on all models. If you plan to make predominantly curved cuts, you can choose a tool without this option.

Availability of additional options

When buying, pay attention to the presence of a safety clutch. It makes it possible to avoid impact when the tool is jammed, protects it from breakage, and the worker from injury.

If you look at the rating of reciprocating saws, you will see that most of the popular models have overload protection. This function makes it possible to turn off the machine in case of overheating, to prevent failure. Thanks to this option, you can load the tool in full.

Some models are locked against accidental starting. Usually this is a small button that must be operated together with the main button to connect the saw. When choosing equipment, pay attention:

  • for a smooth start;
  • electrodynamic brake;
  • double insulation of current-carrying units;
  • vibration damping.

Which manufacturer should you choose?

Reciprocating saws produced in Japan under the Makita brand are reliable and practical. Such equipment can be found on construction sites, in workshops and in everyday life. The main feature is the reinforced canvas. It makes it possible to cope not only with wood, but also with plexiglass, PVC pipes, aluminum. The saws are equipped with anti-vibration technology.

Under the Bosch brand, two lines of saber plates are produced: household and professional. The first ones are assembled in China, which allows them to provide them with an affordable price. All factories for the production of professional products are located in Europe. All Bosch models are distinguished by their ergonomics, compactness, and convenient location of the adjusting buttons.

Studying the reviews of different models, you can find German-made Metabo reciprocating saws in many ratings. They have a unique vibration damping mass compensator. The body of the equipment consists of cast aluminum, which provides the systems with shock resistance and low maintenance.

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