
How fast does a reciprocating saw cut?
Other things equal, a reciprocating saw’s cutting speed is a function of the stroke length and the stroke speed. Stroke length averages about 1-1/8 inches, with a fairly narrow range of 1 to 1-1/4. Cutting speeds vary from around 2,600 to 3,300 strokes per minute.
What size reciprocating saw do I Need?
Budget reciprocating saws generally come with stroke lengths anywhere from ¾ inches to 1-1/4 inches. Pick the one with stroke length according to your work requirement. The more expensive ones come with adjustable stroke length which is a good choice if you are doing remodeling work.
How much work does a reciprocating saw Battery do?
In this way, you can fairly compare how much work a battery can do. Other things equal, a reciprocating saw’s cutting speed is a function of the stroke length and the stroke speed. Stroke length averages about 1-1/8 inches, with a fairly narrow range of 1 to 1-1/4. Cutting speeds vary from around 2,600 to 3,300 strokes per minute.
What does strokes per minute (SPM) mean on a reciprocating saw?
The stroke length of a reciprocating saw, combined with its speed in terms of Strokes per Minute (SPM), can give you a general idea of how fast the tool can cut. Having a long stroke length is not always an advantage, however.

What is stroke length on a saw?
The cutting capacity of a jigsaw is determined by two factors: stroke length and stroke rate (measured in strokes per minute, or spm). A jigsaw's stroke length is the distance the blade travels up and down while cutting. It can range from 18mm (¾”) to 26mm (1″).
Is a brushless reciprocating saw better?
Reciprocating saws with brushless motors are far more efficient than brushed motors and can generate more power using the same size battery. They also provide longer runtime, longer motor life and need less maintenance than their brushed counterparts.
What is orbital setting on reciprocating saw?
The orbital action setting on a reciprocating saw introduces an elliptical motion to the standard back and forth sawing. This more aggressive action removes more material when cutting through wood. With a more aggressive cut, however, comes additional vibration.
Can you set the depth of a reciprocating saw?
This helps extend blade life and make the most out of your blades by letting you distribute and spread out the wear on your current blade. An adjustable shoe will also let you adjust the depth of cut of your reciprocating saw.
Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut tree branches?
You can cut branches and limbs with a reciprocating saw. If your tree is small enough, you can cut a tree down. Bear in mind, these saws are ideal for cutting stationary material. If there's a lot of give to your branch or limb, the saw may just shake it rather than cutting through it.
What is the difference between Sawzall and reciprocating saw?
They are actually the same thing. The Milwaukee tool company introduced the first reciprocating saw in 1951, and called it the Sawzall. It has since been so widely copied that the terms reciprocating saw and sawzall are now used interchangeably.
How do I get a straight cut with a reciprocating saw?
2:043:37Genius Reciprocating Saw Pro Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe the switch. For straight cuts or orbital cuts for straight cuts it's good for cutting metal forMoreThe the switch. For straight cuts or orbital cuts for straight cuts it's good for cutting metal for orbital cuts really good for cutting.
What is the difference between orbital and reciprocating saw?
A typical reciprocating saw moves back and forth, while an orbital saw not only moves back and forth, but it also moves up and down. Orbital action will help cut through material, except for pipe, a lot faster and easier.
Why does my reciprocating saw vibrate so much?
Reciprocating saw vibration is inherent in the blade's motion. As it moves from its most retracted state to full extension and back again, that action reacts with the tool. Moreover, the rough demolition style cutting that recip saws are used for creates a lot of vibration.
Can you cut wet wood with a reciprocating saw?
You can cut small trees with a reciprocating saw, and by small trees, we mean those around 5 inches in diameter at the most. To cut into wet, green lumber, you will need a pruning blade that will not get caught in the fresh fibers of the tree.
What does a shoe on a reciprocating saw do?
0:122:45Reciprocating Saw 101: How to Use the Shoe | Tool School - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWorking most brutalized features on a reciprocating. Saw is the shoe and there are a couple ofMoreWorking most brutalized features on a reciprocating. Saw is the shoe and there are a couple of tricks here that will help you make the most out of your blades. And do the safest most productive work
Can you use a reciprocating saw to cut wood?
Reciprocating saws can churn through metal, masonry, wood, plaster, fiberglass, stucco, composite materials, drywall and more.
What's the difference between a brushless Sawzall?
If you're going cordless, we suggest you consider a cordless reciprocating saw with a brushless motor. Brushless motors are electronically commutated, which means that no brushes make contact with the motor's commutator as they do with a brushed motor.
What is a brushless saw?
Brushless tools use an electronic circuit board, magnets located along the motor shaft, and copper strands wound together that surround the shaft to create motion. The electronics communicate with the copper windings to determine the amount of power that should be delivered, all without any physical contact.
How long does a battery last on a reciprocating saw?
It's easy to change saw blades, because the control for this is clear and because you don't need any tools. The battery that's included is pretty much a minimum. You can saw for about 30 minutes before you have to recharge it.
Is a 10 amp reciprocating saw powerful enough?
Both have their place and can be the best corded reciprocating saw—it just depends on what you're cutting. Reciprocating saws with 10 to 12-amp motors are high on value and trade-off performance for a lighter design. They're a good choice for light-duty demolition and when you have to cut overhead.
What is the Stroke Length of a Reciprocating Saw?
The stroke length of a reciprocating saw refers to the distance of travel the blade makes with every cycle. The longer the stroke length, the faster and more aggressive the tool can cut through the material. The stroke length of a reciprocating saw, combined with its speed in terms of Strokes per Minute (SPM), can give you a general idea of how fast the tool can cut.
Why use a shorter stroke on a reciprocating saw?
If you often use your reciprocating saw in tight areas, having a tool with a shorter stroke length can actually give you better control. A tool with a shorter stroke length is also less likely to throw you off if it binds or kicks back, as well.
What Does An Orbital Reciprocating Saw Do?
A reciprocating saw that can cut with an orbital action can cut through softer materials faster while also keeping the blade cooler. Turning on the orbital setting on a reciprocating saw, however, may leave you with rougher cuts. You may also find your tool harder to control, as well.
What is an Adjustable Shoe on a Reciprocating Saw?
An adjustable shoe on a reciprocating saw does more than just help you keep the blade perpendicular to the cut. Depending on the setting of the shoe, you can have it set forward or backward to make better use of the different areas of your blade. This helps extend blade life and make the most out of your blades by letting you distribute and spread out the wear on your current blade.
What is the High Speed Setting on a Reciprocating Saw Used For?
A higher speed setting on a reciprocating saw can be useful for quickly cutting through softer materials like wood and plastic. Many reciprocating saw models come with a speed control dial, which helps you set the maximum speed of your tool.
What does it mean to turn on the orbital setting on a reciprocating saw?
You may also find your tool harder to control, as well. An orbital reciprocating saw means that it is capable of orbital action, which is a specific movement that the tool can impart on the blade. Normally, reciprocating saws move their blades in ...
What kind of motor does a reciprocating saw use?
A reciprocating saw will come with an electric motor. It can either be a DC (direct current motor), an AC, (alternating current motor), or a universal motor that can run off either DC or AC current, within the proper specifications, of course. A reciprocating saw may also come with a brushless electric motor.
What is the stroke length of a reciprocating saw?
Usually, the reciprocating saw comes with 1-1/8 inches stroke length for quick cutting. If you select a recip saw with good stroke length such as 3 inches, it delivers incredibly fast cutting. Furthermore, while cutting a thick metal frame or pipe, it doesn’t create heating issues. Here, I have compiled a list of 3-inch stroke reciprocating saws.
How many strokes per minute does a reciprocating saw blade have?
This compact reciprocating saw comes with a soft grip handle for a comfortable grip. The motor delivers up to 3000 strokes per minute speed and you can adjust it according to the material you are cutting.
What is a Chicago pneumatic saw?
Chicago Pneumatic CP7900 is a powerful reciprocating saw for metalwork. It’s highly recommended for efficient cutting of cast iron, aluminum, steel, and other aggressive metals. The powerful motor delivers up to 10,000 strokes per minute. You can adjust the speed according to the metal you are going to cut. It has a built-in lock-off throttle that protects the recip saw from accidental startup. The adjustable pivoting guard ensures more blade life. This recip saw comes with 3/8 inches stroke length for smooth and frictionless cutting.
What is a recip saw?
This compact recip saw is an excellent choice for cutting wood logs and tree trunks. You can adjust the speed according to the thickness of the wood. The powerful motor delivers excellent performance during cutting. You don’t face heating issues while cutting due to the sharp-edged blade. It doesn’t slip away during cutting due to the rubber-covered non-slippery handle.
What is a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw deliver s a more efficient cutting and saves lots of time. It’s far better than a traditional saw for a refined cutting. You don’t need to exert too much pressure while cutting with it. So, it doesn’t cause fatigue even after working for hours. The stroke length is very important in refined and quick cutting. Usually, the reciprocating saw comes with 1-1/8 inches stroke length for quick cutting. If you select a recip saw with good stroke length such as 3 inches, it delivers incredibly fast cutting. Furthermore, while cutting a thick metal frame or pipe, it doesn’t create heating issues.
What is the most important part of a reciprocating saw?
Saw blades are the most important part of your reciprocating saw, and the type of blade you choose to use is very important. In this post, we will discuss some of the most common types of blades.
How much does a reciprocating saw cost?
There are many different reciprocating saw types on the market, with prices ranging from $10 to over $500. But even if you have a limited budget, you can still find a good quality reciprocating saw for the right application. This is a quick guide that will help you find the right reciprocating saw for your needs.
What is the stroke length of a reciprocating saw?
Stroke lengths range from ¾” to 1- ⅛”, with some being higher. This refers to the length the reciprocating saw can reach in one singular stroke. To put this in perspective, a stroke length of 1-⅛” would allow the blade to travel this length in one stroke. With both the stroke length and rate, it’s important to note that a higher number doesn’t ...
What is reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is a staple in a contractor’s inventory, with its’ compact design and power to tackle projects, ranging from DIY house repairs – to major work such as construction and demolition work. So what exactly is a reciprocating saw?
What is variable speed on reciprocating saws?
Variable speed options on reciprocating saws give you complete control over the speed, allowing for a faster or slower stroke, depending on the application.
How many times does a reciprocating saw run backwards?
If you have a reciprocating saw that has an SPM of 2,800 – this means that the blade will run backwards and forwards 2,800 times within the minute.
Why use a cordless reciprocating saw?
A cordless reciprocating saw provides more portability, and is useful for contractors who work in very tight spaces and at heights, due to their transit-friendly and compact design.
Where is the blade clamp on a reciprocating saw?
Blade Clamp. The blade clamp is located on the front of your reciprocating saw, and is the clamp which locks the blade into place. Today, blade clamps are tool-less. This means that you won’t need any tools, hex or allen keys to unlock the clamp.
Which is more powerful, a cordless or a reciprocating saw?
Corded reciprocating saws are often more powerful than their cord less counterparts, yet it depends entirely for your use, and how often you would use the saw.
What is a reciprocating saw?
Reciprocating saw is a power tool used for heavy-duty cutting jobs such as demolition jobs, remodeling work, renovation, tree pruning, etc. Also known as Sawzall, reciprocating saws with the right a href=”https://www.finepowertools.com/saws/reciprocating-saw-blade/” class=”link”>type of blades are workhorses that can chop through materials like wood, plastic, metal, and even times and bricks.
Which is more accurate, a jigsaw or a reciprocating saw?
However, when it comes to cutting curves and shapes on a fixed workpiece, a jigsaw is more accurate than a reciprocating saw.
What is the Best Reciprocating Saw Brand?
Nearly all the popular power tools brands make reciprocating saws. Personally, I have used Makita and Rigid which are both very good. Other reciprocating saw brands include,
Why use an auto stop brush on a reciprocating saw?
Auto-stop brushes. This is an important feature to look for because auto-stop brushes both increase the life of your reciprocating saw and make it safer. Auto-stop brushes stop the saw blade immediately after you cut power to the saw, as opposed to letting the blade slowly stop.
What is a sawzall blade?
A Sawzall (Reciprocating Saw) blade cutting through the wood.
Why use a cordless saw?
There are two main advantages to using a cordless saw. Firstly, because they run off battery power, cordless saws can be used anywhere, even if an outlet is nowhere in sight. Secondly, because they lack a messy cord, cordless reciprocating saws are easier to maneuver around with.
What are the downsides of cordless saws?
The downsides to a cordless saw are that they lack the power of their corded counterparts, and they have to be recharged regularly. If you do get a cordless saw, get one with a lithium-ion battery, as these take longer to die and less time to recharge.
How fast does a reciprocating saw cut?
Stroke length averages about 1-1/8 inches, with a fairly narrow range of 1 to 1-1/4. Cutting speeds vary from around 2,600 to 3,300 strokes per minute. To compare cutting speeds between saws, take the linear inches per minute by ...
What voltage is a reciprocating saw battery?
Just as you can find corded tool motors with several different amperages, you can find reciprocating saw batteries with several different voltages: 12V, 18V/20V, 24V, 36V, and 60V. Some of these voltage differences are simply marketing (e.g., 20V Max equals 18V) but some represent a material difference in force.
What is vibration in a reciprocating saw?
Given the nature of a reciprocating saw’s movement, some vibration or “chatter” is just a fact of life. Solid control in the hand and the shoe pushed squarely against the material goes a long way to eliminating it. Even so, some manufacturers have built-in features to further soften the chatter.
What is the purpose of a reciprocating saw shoe?
If not overlooked, it certainly remains underused. Primarily, it stabilizes the saw against the workpiece and reduces vibration caused by the reciprocating action. The flat face of the shoe should pivot slightly back and forth to account for changes in the blade angle throughout the cut. It also acts as the fulcrum for plunge cuts.
Can you use battery powered reciprocating saws?
Now many battery-powered tools can work just as hard or harder. This allows tradesmen the freedom to move about the job without looking for a plug. You can still pick up corded reciprocating saws with 7.5, 10, 12, 13, and even 15 amp motors with 15 amps doing the toughest work.
Which saw is the best at controlling vibration?
In either case, for the most comfortable experience, consider a reciprocating saw with effective anti-vibe features. Skilsaw’s Buzzkill technology is one of the best at controlling vibration. Relatedly, you should feel comfortable with the tool in your hand.
Can you change a reciprocating saw blade?
We can’t think of a reciprocating saw made in the last few years that requires a tool to change the blade. If you find one, run away—don’t walk. These days, reciprocating saw manufacturers have reliable, tool-free blade change mechanisms. Now, we look for hands-free solutions that keep your hands off the hot blade.
Orbital Action
Orbital action is not available on all reciprocating saws. This feature is designed to cut through layers of wood. It adds an additional elliptical motion over the normal back-and-forth movement of the reciprocating blade. If you need to quickly cut through wood, consider a reciprocating circular saw that has orbital action.
Speed
Speed refers to the number of cuts a saw can do in one minute. High-speed saws will allow you to quickly cut your material. A casual user may not require a lot of speed, but professionals or frequent users will need a high-seed to aid in their work.
Blade Changing
It is so easy to replace the saw blades. These systems can be more efficient than ones that need tools. Saw blades can also blunt easily.
Size
There are many sizes of reciprocating saws, from small, compact ones to larger, more powerful models. The smaller versions of reciprocating saws are more user-friendly and can be used on soft materials. Although larger saws can be more difficult to use, they are essential for cutting through heavier-duty materials.
Comfortable Grips
If you use the reciprocating saw more than a few minutes, this is a small but important feature. Cushioned grips are often more comfortable than metal or hard grips.
Variable Speed Control
You can adjust the speed of your saw to improve precision and consistency. This feature allows the user to set the desired speed according to the material being cut.
Corded Vs. Cordless
Although corded reciprocating sees can be more expensive, they are easier to move around with. A cordless reciprocating saw offers convenience, but you will be tethered to the cord and dependent on extension leads.