Should I get a chainsaw or a reciprocating saw?
Reciprocating Saw: What’s the Difference?
- Power. In terms of power, electric chainsaws are the most powerful of the two. ...
- Maintenance. Maintaining the electric chainsaw is more complicated than the reciprocating saw. ...
- Price. When it comes to a pocket-friendly tool that is cheaper and affordable, the reciprocating saw beats the electric chainsaw hands down.
- The Noise. ...
What kind of Saw do I need to cut metal?
- The workpiece needs to be stiff to support the track.
- While a track saw provides you the ability to cut straight, the dimension from the edge can be controlled much more precisely on a table saw.
- You can’t use a track saw to do milling operations to produce dados and rabbets.
Will a Recip saw cut rebar?
You can cut rebar with a reciprocating saw, and much faster too compared to using a hacksaw. And just like a hacksaw, you will need a suitable blade for cutting rebar – one with fine, sharp teeth of the right size. Any reciprocating blade marked suitable for mild steel will also work just as well. Click to see full answer.
How to replace a reciprocating saw blade?
Step 1: Safety First
- Safety First Before you begin, unplug your reciprocating saw to prevent any nasty surprises if you accidentally power it up while trying to change the blade. ...
- Protect Yourself Put on the safety gloves and goggles to avoid cuts or any other type of injury.
- Change the Blade
What type of saw is best for cutting metal?
Hack Saw. The hack saw is the most common hand saw used to cut metal. The hack saw's most recognizable characteristic is a rigid, C-shaped frame attached to a pistol grip handle. A thin, slightly flexible blade runs across the open portion of the hack saw's frame.
Can I use any saw to cut metal?
Only blades and discs specified for cutting metal should be used. These professional circular saw blades are perfect for cutting through aluminium, copper, lead and other non-ferrous metals; while these diamond cutting discs will make light work of cutting through stainless steel.
What can I cut with a reciprocating saw?
A Reciprocating Saw is a handheld saw commonly used for demolition and remodeling. You can use it to cut through many types of materials such as wood, metal, PVC and nails.
How do you cut thick metal with a Sawzall?
1:464:51How to Use a Reciprocating Saw to Cut Metal, Wood, PVC ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow these first two blades here they're really for making cuts on metal this would be for thin metalMoreNow these first two blades here they're really for making cuts on metal this would be for thin metal this is for thick metal if you come in close you can see the difference with the teeth.
What is the easiest way to cut metal at home?
An angle grinder fitted with an abrasive metal-cutting disc works well to cut all kinds of metal, including bolts, angle iron, rebar and even sheet metal. But the discs wear down quickly, cut slowly and shrink in diameter as you use them. Instead, we recommend using a diamond blade that's rated to cut ferrous metal.
Can a wood saw blade cut metal?
While a metal-cutting saw has a collection bin to prevent metal chips from getting into the machine, a woodcutting saw isn't designed this way. If you do decide to use a wood saw on metal, only use a 7 1/4-inch blade and preferably a worm drive blade, which provides extra torque.
What's the difference between a reciprocating saw and a Sawzall?
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.
Can you cut a straight line with a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is a power tool used for precisely cutting straight on a workpiece. Whether the workpiece is vertical or horizontal, a reciprocating saw will do justice to the cutting.
Can a reciprocating saw cut rebar?
A reciprocating saw is another option. As with a hacksaw, you will need a suitable blade for cutting rebar – one with fine, sharp teeth. Being hand-held, recip saws can become tiring to use.
How thick of metal will a reciprocating saw cut?
Tips for cutting metal using a reciprocating saw. The recommended blades for thin metal are those with 20-24 teeth per inch, for a medium thickness of metal between 10-18 teeth per inch, and for very thick metal a blade with around 8 teeth per inch is recommended.
What Sawzall blade is for metal?
Use 18-24 TPI bi-metal blades. For thicker metals such as steel pipe, angle irons, or tubing, use 14-18 TPI bi-metal blades. For aluminum, an 8-10 TPI blade is best. As far as the best brand of metal cutting blade, we like MK Morse and Diablo.
How much is a metal Sawzall blade?
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What is a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is a versatile tool and is suitable for demolition works and cutting through metals. This cutting tool can cut through different metals as well as a variety of other materials such as wood. Thanks to its design, a reciprocating saw can cut metals in corners and very tight angles with minimal efforts.
What is the orbital action of a reciprocating saw?
Most reciprocating saws go in and out of their housing when in a normal stroke pattern, which enables them to cut through tough materials. The orbital action adds a bit of jiggle to things as it allows the blade to move circularly, which allows the chips to get out quickly as you cut. This enables you to cut faster with less effort.
Can you change blades on a reciprocating saw?
Once you know the type of metal to cut, it is time to pick out a suitable blade for that work. Thankfully, it is extremely simple to change blades in a reciprocating saw. Most modern saws do not have nuts, and thus no specialized tools are needed to change the blades.
Do reciprocating saws have a trigger lock?
Some reciprocating saws have a single speed setting. They may have a trigger lock that helps protect your fingers, but you may not have to adjust other settings since they come pre-set.
What is a reciprocating saw?
Reciprocating saws fitted with the correct metal cutting blade make easy work of sawing through bolts, rods, rebar, pipes, profiles, and nails in stud work.
How to straighten a reciprocating saw blade?
Prolonging the life of reciprocating saw blades. If a saw blade becomes buckled it can be easily straightened by placing on a flat surface, put a flat piece of wood over the damaged area and hit the wood a few times with a hammer- be careful to not damage the teeth. Blades that have become too worn to cut metal can often be repurposed ...
How to insert blade in saw?
Insert the blade into the saw in a way that best suits the application. For example; if cutting through a material that is flush to the floor, it can be useful to insert the blade with the teeth facing upwards and then switch the orientation of the tool (flip it upside-down) so the handle does not get in the way.
How many teeth per inch for a metal cutting blade?
Select the correct blade for the metal being cut. The recommended blades for thin metal are those with 20-24 teeth per inch, for a medium thickness of metal between 10-18 teeth per inch, and for very thick metal a blade with around 8 teeth per inch is recommended.
How to make a saw blade faster?
Setting the saw to a slower speed than for wood cutting will extend the blade life and provide more control and precision. Adjust the shoe to ensure it is set at the most appropriate point on the blade. Place the blade where the cut will be , using the shoe as a pivot or fulcrum will help guide the blade until it gains purchase in the metal.
Why use a longer blade for flush cutting?
Choosing a longer blade is useful when flush cutting as it will bend to enable a greater proportion of the cutting edge to ride flat. Cutting thinner materials with a smaller blade will help limit ‘waggle’ during use; usually the blade should only be a couple of inches longer than the depth of cut required. Insert the blade into the saw in ...
How to speed up cutting time?
Changing the cutting angle by lowering or raising the trigger hand (in relation to the workpiece) can speed up the cutting time.
What can a reciprocating saw cut?
Furthermore, what can a reciprocating saw cut? A reciprocating saw is an ideal demolition tool, able to cut down studs, the nails in the studs, and the drywall attached to it. It can also chow down on metal pipes and even solid rebar with the right blade, too. The cutting capabilities of a reciprocating saw are highly dependent on the blade.
What kind of saw cuts through metal?
Reciprocating saws cut through just about everything short of a rock. With a recip saw (also called a Sawzall, the brand name of Milwaukee's tool), you can cut through lumber even if it's embedded with nails. It can also cut all common forms of metal: steel, aluminum, copper, and cast iron.
What is the best blade for cutting aluminum?
For aluminum, an 8-10 TPI blade is best. As far as the best brand of metal cutting blade, we like MK Morse. If you are cutting cast iron, stainless steel, and high-strength alloys, or for jobs like auto dismantling and fire & rescue, look for a carbide-tipped blade that is at least 8 TPI.
What can you cut with a reciprocating saw?
Just what can you cut with a reciprocating saw? A lot, it turns out – this handy tool, combined with the right blade, can cut through just about anything just short of rocks or solid metal.
How big of a limb can a reciprocating saw prune?
That said, a reciprocating saw will be able to prune a limb that’s 5 inches in diameter at the most. Any more than that and you may be better off with a small chainsaw to do the job.
What blade do you use to cut cast iron?
To cut into a cast iron pipe or bar, you can use a metal cutting blade, or a carbide coated blade to do the job if you are willing to use up and change blades in the middle of a task. The best way to cut cast iron with a reciprocating saw, however, is with a diamond grit blade, especially the ones designed for cutting into the material. ...
What blades work with mild steel?
Any reciprocating blade marked suitable for mild steel will also work just as well.
What blade to use for demolition of tile?
A reciprocating saw with an abrasive grit blade will make short work of ceramic tile, stone, and the mortar behind them, which will significantly speed up your kitchen or bathroom demolition job.
How to keep a saw blade from heating up?
Alternatively, you can keep the saw speed on the lower side to help keep the blade from heating up too much. A bimetal or carbide coated metal-cutting blade will also last longer if you are working on ...
How big of a saw do you need to cut a tree?
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 is a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is one of the most versatile power tools available , and it can be used for many different jobs. The saw works by using a back-and-forth motion, which is why it’s also known as a “saber saw.” If you plan to use your saw to cut through metal, you will need to use a special type of blade, called a “cut-off blade.” This type of blade is different from the standard saw blade that you would use for wood because it’s made of a harder material that can withstand the heat generated through the friction caused by cutting through metal.
What blade do I need for a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw requires a different blade for cutting metals. It requires a blade with higher Teeth/inch (TPI). The TPI is according to the metal you are going to cut. If it’s a thin metal such as sheet metal, an 18 – 24 TPI bi-metal blade will be sufficient.
What is a TPI blade?
It’s a set of six saw blades that are compatible with all types of reciprocating saws. The TPI range is between 6 – 24 that’s perfect for cutting all thick and thin metals, wooden floor, drywall, and plastic. You can use it for cutting all types of material.
What can you use a carbide tip for?
You can use it to cut iron pipes, stainless steel sheets, hardwood, PVC, drywall and other material. The carbide-tip cuts the hard metals in refine form. This set of saw blades is compatible with all reciprocating saws. The raker tooth design of the blades makes the cuts faster.
What is the best sawzall blade for metal?
The Andis #10 Ultra-Coated Bi-Metal Sawzall Blades are the best Sawzall blades for metal because they can cut through anything you throw at them, and they are super sharp, but they also have durability to last for a long time.
How many blades are in a reciprocating saw?
The set consists of 28 blades that are compatible with all reciprocating saws. You can use these blades to cut iron, stainless steel, aluminum, hardwood, softwood, and PVC, etc. The thickness of the metal blade is 2 – 6 inches for refined cutting.
How many TPI blades do you need for aluminum?
In the same way, for cutting aluminum, you need 8 – 10 TPI blades. Remember, stainless steel, cast iron, and other high-density alloys require a good Teetch/inch and strength for refined cutting. So, you can choose an 8 – 10 TPI blade ...
What is a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw or a Sawzall is one of the most versatile power saws that you can use in a wide variety of applications such as cutting wood, plastic, metal, demolition work, home improvement, and even cutting masonry. However, you must use the right blade for the right job.
What blade should I use for a reciprocating saw?
You can use a reciprocating saw to cut small-sized trees and prune tree branches, limbs, and bushes. You should use a rough wood blade with 2-6 TPI or a variable TPI wood pruning blade. Depending on the toughness of the wood, you should opt for a high carbon steel blade or a Bi-metal blade for the best results.
Why is a reciprocating saw more likely to overheat than a chainsaw?
That is because the back and forth action is more prone to overheating compared to a chainsaw which spins the chain over a gear.
What blade do I need to cut wood?
Generally speaking, you need a blade with bigger teeth with lower TPI (Teeth per inch) to cut soft materials like wood.
How thick can a tree be cut with a reciprocating saw?
But in actual practice, you can cut trees up to 6 to 8-inches thick with a reciprocating saw. It is better to say that the object which needs to be cut should be smaller in diameter than the length of the blade itself.
How big can a reciprocating saw cut?
How Big a Tree Can You Cut with a Reciprocating Saw? Although designed for smaller branches and trees, technically the saw can cut up to one foot or twelve inches in diameter depending on the size of the blade and the power of the motor. However, twelve inches is an arbitrary limit.
What is the best tool to cut trees?
The chainsaw is, without doubt, the best saw for cutting trees. A pole saw, which is nothing but a chain saw at the end of a pole, is the best power tool for cutting tree branches.
