Tony – Page 9 – DIY All Day

A saw is one of the most important tools in your arsenal, whether you’re a construction worker, lawn care specialist, or a craftsman. So, what happens when you search for a saw commonly called a “Sawzall” only to be faced with tons of listings for reciprocating saws? What is the difference between a Sawzall and a Reciprocating Saw? A “Sawzall” is a type reciprocating saw, but it is a registered trademark of the Milwaukee company. Other than a few special features or brand-specific accessories developed by Milwaukee, they are the same tool, operate more or less in the same way, and used for the same jobs. Reciprocating Saws Reciprocating saws have become a highly prized and frequently used tool by construction crews, plumbers, craftsmen, and even lawn care professionals. Their power, versatility, and blade options come together to make an amazing tool with a lot to offer. A reciprocating saw is a handheld motorized power saw that uses an exposed, reciprocating blade to cut through a myriad of materials. A reciprocating blade means that the blade moves in a back and forth motion to and from the tool. It is just like how a hand saw moves back and forth from your body but with much less effort and far superior results. The reciprocating saw is guided through the material by using your arms and body movements. Not much force is needed to get through whatever material you’re cutting. However, the power and motion of the saw take some effort to keep against the material and moving straight. The guard accessories can help make a firmer and more accurate cut. This force is measured in Strokes Per Minute, or SPM, which is one entire cycle of the blade going out and coming back in. Generally speaking, more strokes means more material that is removed by the blade. However, different materials can require different speeds, so it’s good to have a variable speed option and to know what the situation requires. The reciprocating saw can be battery operated, corded, or use compressed air to power it. The most common models are corded or battery-operated. Most brands have batteries that can be shared between their various power tools. The blades for a reciprocating saw can range from 3 to 12 inches long and are made to suit a variety of needs. Reciprocating saw blades are measured by length as well as by Teeth Per Inch, or TPI, and ranging anywhere from 6 to 12 teeth per inch. The variation in the number of teeth gives you options for the type and thickness of the material you are cutting. Reciprocating saws are not exactly known for their accuracy. It takes a bit of skill and effort to create perfect cuts, but rough cuts through lumber, logs, plastic, fiberglass, and even metal are a breeze. All you need is the right blade, and chances are you can get through it. Sawzall As we stated above, a Sawzall is a trademarked line of reciprocating saws made by Milwaukee, which introduced the tool in 1951. The purpose and general design of the tools are like most other brands. This can explain why most reciprocating saws of a similar design are generally referred to as a “Sawzall.” The basic corded Milwaukee Sawzall boasts about its design features, noting its patented QUIK-LOK Blade Clamp that provides fast blade replacement without the need for extra tools. This design feature sets it apart from other reciprocating saws in its early days. However, recent years have seen innovation across brands in an attempt to keep up with the technology. The current weight of measure for the reciprocating saw comes down to special features, durability, ease of use, and, of course, price. Sawzall Versus Other Reciprocating Saws So, what sets the Sawzall apart from other reciprocating saws? How do you know which one is best for you? Let’s look at some details from the manufacturers for the basic corded models of different brands that use an 11 to 13-amp motor. Milwaukee Sawzall Milwaukee 6519-31 12 Amp Corded 3000 Strokes Per Minute Reciprocating Sawzall w/ Variable Speed Trigger QUICK LOCK TECHNOLOGY: You can add and remove blades without tools thanks to the latch on the side of the unit VIBRATION REDUCTION: An internal counter weight mechanism makes using the tool more comfortable and provides you with greater accuracy in your cuts GEAR PROTECTING CLUTCH: The internal components will last longer with the help of a clutch. With it, the lifetime of your motor and surrounding gears will be extended compared to reciprocating saws that lack this feature HIGH POWERED MOTOR: You can rip through wood at speeds as high as 3,000 strokes per minute, depending on how hard your press down on the variable speed trigger CARRYING CASE: A high-impact rated polyurethane case is included for easy storage for your reciprocating saw Powerful 12 Amp Motor: Delivers 0-3,000 SPM for high performance cutting in a variety of materials 1-1/8-Inch Stroke Length: Provides maximum cutting speed Gear Protecting Clutch: Extends gear and motor life by absorbing high impact forces Counter Weighted Mechanism: Provides reduced vibration for smoother operation View on Amazon Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Pros: Up to 3000 strokes per minute (SPM) get through the work quickly and with less effort than less SPMQUIK-LOK Blade Clamp system allows quick and safe replacement of blades or attachmentsCorded and battery-operated models availableLighter weight than most of the popular modelsCounterweight system for more control and less vibrationComes with a carrying case Cons: The Sawzall comes with a bigger price tag than the other models Dewalt Reciprocating Saw DEWALT Reciprocating Saw, Corded, 12-Amp (DWE305) Powerful 12-amp motor; 0-2,900 strokes per minute with a 1-1/8 stroke length Variable speed trigger for speed control 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting Keyless lever-action blade clamp Includes : DWE305 Reciprocating Saw Tool Length 17.5 inches View on Amazon Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Pros: 4 Position blade clamp allows the blade to be turned in different directions for better & easier cuttingLever-action blade clamp for quick blade release and keeps your fingers further from the blade1-⅛ inch stroke distance for more efficient strokesVariable speed trigger for more precise cuttingCorded and battery-operated models availableHeavy-duty constructionComes with a carrying case Cons: Slightly less SPM than the Milwaukee, despite the longer stroke length Makita Recipro Saw Makita JR3050T Recipro Saw - 11 AMP 11-amp reciprocating saw with variable speeds and 1-1/8-inch-long stroke Blade and shoe changes are quick and painless with tool-less adjustment feature Ball and needle bearings extend tool life; externally accessible brushes allow easy maintenance Includes plastic case for convenient storage Measures 17-3/4-inches long, weighs 7.1-pounds; 1-year limited warranty View on Amazon Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Pros: The lightest model in our lineup1-⅛ inch stroke for more efficient strokesDust blower system to remove debris from the cutting lineTool-less blade removal for quick and safe blade removalLock button for the trigger so you don’t have to keep constant pressureIncludes blades to get you started cuttingComes with a carrying case Cons: Lock button for the trigger does mean an increased risk of accidental sawingLower SPM than other reciprocating sawsHigh VibrationInstalling a new blade can take a moment to get it in the right position within the saw’s chuck SKILSAW SPT44A-00 13 Amp SKILSAW SPT44A-00 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw with Buzzkill Tech, Red Patented buzzkill technology delivers best in Class in-line vibration suppression Variable speed trigger Controls tool speed for cutting specialized materials 1-1/8 in. Stroke length provides maximum cutting speed Tough 13 amp motor provides power for all applications View on Amazon Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Pros: The cheapest model on our listPatented Buzzkill Technology is said to reduce vibration when cutting up to 35% when compared to other reciprocating saws in the same classDesign blows dust and debris from cutting lineVariable speed trigger Keyless blade removal for quick and safe blade removalHeavy-duty 13-amp motor Cons: The heaviest of the models on our listDoes not come with tool case Bottom Line The first place will go to the Dewalt Reciprocating Saw. The weight is high enough to cut down on vibrations but low enough to not wear you out too quickly with extended use. The swiveling blade direction is a unique and incredibly attractive feature that takes this flexible tool to a whole new level. While the vibration-reducing technology of the SKILSAW SPT44A-00 is an incredibly attractive feature, the increased weight brought on by the 13-amp motor is a major factor. Increased weight means more wear on the person using the saw. So Many Saws As you can see, there are plenty of reciprocating saws on the market. In fact, there are other types of reciprocating saws we didn’t list, but you can watch the video below to see the types and their uses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=penb1_nuFKM&feature=youtu.be Accessorize Once you have your saw, you will want the accessories. If you’re cutting pipes or tubes, there are clamp accessories to help get a straight cut every time.Scraping tools for removing paint or other substances quicklyDrywall blades for the more delicate drywall cuttingAdaptors of all kinds to support brushes and other tools Conclusion A Sawzall is Milwaukee’s brand of reciprocating saw, and the features vary less today than when they were first introduced. If you are a person that sticks to one brand for all your power tools, it is likely that your brand has a reciprocating saw for you. Compare the features that suit you best, then get to cutting!