Reciprocating Saw Uses and Tips

Published On: December 30, 20201 Comment on Reciprocating Saw Uses and TipsCategories: WoodworkingTags: , Last Updated: February 9, 20245.2 min read

Primarily known for its demolition and wrecking nature, a reciprocating saw is a power tool that fine-tunes your projects. It cuts through the excess and unnecessary parts of the wooden/metal project you are working on and gives it a clean, tidy look. Similar to a power drill machine, a reciprocating saw makes your trimming job easier. All you have to do is simply pull the trigger, and the ‘reciprocating’ blade at the front will do the rest. It will slice through the wood forward and backward to get rid of it in seconds.

Reciprocating Saw Uses and Tips

If you’re relatively new to getting your hands on such a power tool, here are some tips for using this machine for a variety of works!

What is a Reciprocating Saw?

Simply put, a reciprocating saw is a handheld power tool used by wood and metal carpenters. The blade at the front moves in a back and forth manner to cut timber and metal construction. The name reciprocating saw comes from this nature of blade movement. It’s basically a miniature version of a general saw, but works automatically and unimaginably faster.

How Does Reciprocating Saw Work?

The whole idea of a power tool is to drive a blade with the help of a motor inside. Reciprocating saw is of no difference in this case. The motor powers the saw blade to move forward and backward. That’s how the blade pierces through the timber and metal item. Being a mechanical device, the strength and stroke intensity can be easily controlled in this device. Selecting the ideal strike per minute, you can optimize the device for the type of work you are doing.

Most Common and Innovative Reciprocating Saw Uses

As a handy and smart power tool, there’s a lot of room to use this device. You can actually innovate the way you want to use it, depending on your projects. We’ll be focusing on some of the most common and innovative uses of such a device. But remember, using a reciprocating saw is not limited to these uses only.

Reciprocating Saw Tips

Pruning tree

The most common use of a reciprocating saw is pruning. Those who have overgrown branches on their backyard woods know how difficult it is to trim off those extra branches from the trees. Reciprocating saw works pretty smart and well in this case. But you must use a corded one in this case, so that you can move around easily and reach the top of the branch, as well. However, your comfort depends on the type of blade you are using. Make sure you attach the best reciprocating saw blades for pruning.

Curved/Straight Cuts

Ever thought of using a normal saw for getting a straight or curved cut on a narrow place of a wooden structure? Trust us; it’s a nightmare. You will literally struggle to get to a proper position for the blade only. But if you’re using a reciprocating saw, things are a lot easier for you. Simply tilt the saw like a gun and get the curved cut in seconds. The same goes for the straight cut, as well. Even if you need to reach the top of the structure for a curved cut, it’s not at all an issue for a power tool like this one.

Demolition

Wrecking things up or destroying a wooden or metal structure is one of the prime jobs a reciprocating saw does. So if you’re up for such a duty, this type of power tool is a blessing. But choosing the appropriate blade is vital here. If you’re not using the best reciprocating saw blades for thick metal, chances are there that the regular blade may bend and get damaged. So, be careful in this case.

Salvaging Wooden Stuff

Letting your creative ‘you’ innovate gets quite convenient if you’re using a reciprocating saw. Turning a pale looking timber into an artwork requires accurate and sophisticated cutting and trimming. And very few saws can be of use in this case as a reciprocating saw. You can give the timber different shapes or even make a number of wooden parts and join them together to form a new artwork, as well.

Plumbing

Oh my! How many times have you wished that you could cut through the pipe in your water supply line to renovate or repair! Only if you had a reciprocating saw with you, things would have got surprisingly easier! If the pipes are made from PVC, the regular saw blade will work great. But if you’re dealing with metal pipes, you better use a sturdy one that was meant for thick metal.

Framework

One of the most useful things you can do with a reciprocating saw is making frames. With all those curves and straight cuts you get with this machine, you can easily join pieces together to form frames. Later on, you can use these frames for multiple uses like building furniture, photo-frame, dog-house, and so on.

Construction

In a broad term, a reciprocating saw can also be used in construction works. Although the machine doesn’t play a huge role in construction works, it sure lends a good helping hand in trimming down additional extensions on wooden and metal frames. You can think of trimming down drywalls and studs of the wall that may affect the other side of the wall. This is basically demolition and fine-tuning, to be honest. If you’re planning on interior decoration in a house-building project, a reciprocating saw is something that you can’t even imagine working without. It gets a lot easier for you to work on different shades and ceilings inside the house that can be trimmed and shaped by using this power tool.

Final Words

As a power tool that can be held in hand without a cord attached, a reciprocating saw can be used in so many different forms. It depends on your creativity and idea of how to appropriately use the device on different projects. From decoration to construction – using the power tool can make your works extremely easy and satisfying. Keep exploring newer dimensions! Happy crafting!


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Leave A Comment

  1. Anonymous February 11, 2021 at 4:08 pm

    Excellent article! A very handy tips, there is no doubt that this is very informative and helpful. can please tell me that which reciprocating saw is the best for the woodwork area?