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Besides being an ideal tool for
demolition work, a reciprocating saw is also useful in the actual construction
of a home. They are the perfect tool for cutting away sole plates underneath
door frames and even removing excess sheathing over door and window frames
during the rough construction phase of a project.
Reciprocating saws work by the blade
being pushed forward and pulled back at an extremely high rate of speed. Some
models also support an orbital blade motion, where the blade moves in an
elliptical pattern. The orbital motion is ideal for quickly cutting wood.
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Reciprocating saws are frequently
referred to as a “Sawzall” after the reciprocating saw manufactured by the
Milwaukee Electric Tool Company.
There are a variety of reciprocating
saws on the market today. There are corded types, and there are also cordless
types. There are also models that are straight angled and others that are
variable angled.
What really makes a reciprocating saw
a cool device is the numerous types of blades that can be used with it.
Reciprocating saws support a wide variety of blades with the blades resembling a
jigsaw blade. |
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Some blades can be up to 10-12” long. There are reciprocating saw blades with
many small fine teeth for making clean cuts and there are other blades with
large coarse teeth for making rough cuts. In addition, there are blades made
for cutting sheet metal or metal pipes. There are also blades that are designed
to cut through both wood and nails. This type of blade is excellent for
demolition work. And there are even blades designed for trimming trees. |
Some of the key features to look for
when shopping for a reciprocating saw include:
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The Amp Rating – The higher
the amp rating the more powerful the saw. Most reciprocating saws have an amp
rating between 5 and 15 Amps.
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Variable Speed Options
(which is measured in strokes per minute) – Having a saw that has an
adjustable speed option, such as the DEWALT DW304PK Heavy-Duty 10 Amp Reciprocating Saw ,
can enable you to better control
the saw when making a cut.
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Orbital Blade Movement –
An orbital reciprocating saw,
such as the
Milwaukee 6520-21 12 Amp Sawzall Orbital Recip Saw with Case ,
makes quick work of cutting wood due to the elliptical blade motion.
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Hand grips – There are a
variety of styles with different hand grips. Look for ones that offer the best
safety protection while satisfying your cutting applications.
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Safety Precautions
Reciprocating saws can be very
dangerous since the blade is fully exposed. You can easily cut yourself with one
if not used properly. Fortunately the saw is designed to enable a firm grip both
at the trigger and blade end. When holding it properly injury can easily be
avoided.
When changing the blades, always
unplug the saw first.
Always wear hand, eye and ear
protection when using one.
Also, if you are cutting drywall you
may also want to use a dust mask.
A reciprocating saw is an excellent
tool to own. It can be used for a variety of cutting applications and it is a
safe tool when used properly. So good luck with finding the right reciprocating
saw for your application.
How to Finance your Home Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Framing and Carpentry Resources
Reciprocating Saws from Amazon.com
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