Reciprocating saws are mainly used for cutting objects that a traditional man-powered saw might be used to cut such as wood, metals and plastics.  A reciprocating saw uses a cutting action that both pushes and pulls the blade in much the same way you would when using an old-fashioned manual saw. The benefit of this type of saw is that it cuts quicker and easier than the manual use of a saw.

A reciprocating saw is similar to a jigsaw in that the saw has a foot or a base which can be pushed against the material you are cutting whilst the blade moves back and forth.  You can rest the foot or base against the object being cut to give you extra stability and accuracy as doing so stops the saw blade from moving wildly, wobbling and escaping from your grasp.  Thanks to the foot or base a reciprocating saw is much safer and easier to use than a regular manual saw.  The foot or base also makes cutting vertically and horizontally an easy task.

Handheld or Corded Reciprocating Saw?

There are many types of reciprocating saw available to buy online and each saw tends to fall into one of two categories; corded or cordless.  The portable cordless reciprocating saws tend to be less powerful but are much easier to control, cost less and are easy to carry around.  If you are intending to use your saw for small tasks around the house and garden then a cordless, handheld reciprocating saw is probably best for you.

The corded reciprocating saws tend to have a higher power output making them capable of producing a higher speed allowing them to cut through objects faster and with more ease than a cordless reciprocating saw.  This type of saw is good for small jobs around the house and garden but can also take on advanced DIY tasks as well as professional jobs such as window fitting, construction and demolition work.  Many home users prefer to get the more powerful corded drills as although they can be more expensive they give you more options for using the saw and make the smaller tasks much easier to complete.

Features to Look For

Variable Speed
Whether you opt for a corded or cordless reciprocating saw most of the same features can be found on either type of saw.  Look for a saw that features variable speed as this will allow you to set the speed of the saw which can be a useful option, especially when cutting small items or where precision and accuracy is important – the ability to go slow can make your tool much easier to control.  The speed is often be set by using a dial found on the saw itself.

Orbital Action
Nowadays most good reciprocating saws can operate in an orbital motion.  This feature allows the saw to move in an oval pattern going back and forth as well as up and down.  This can speed up the time it takes to make a cut and is a feature worth having if you plan to cut wood with your reciprocating saw.

Different Types of Blade

The ability to change the type of blade your saw can take opens up the uses of your reciprocating saw.  On some tools the standard saw blade can be exchanged for a variety of other blades.  These blades can be used for cutting different materials or the blades can be swapped for bigger or smaller blades making it easier to perform certain tasks.  A bigger blade will allow you to cut through objects faster where as a smaller blade will let your saw work like a jigsaw for more intricate cuts.  The more versatile your saw is the more use you will get from it and it can make it more cost effective as it can do the job of a number of different tools.

Cost of Replacement Blades

It is worth looking into how much reciprocating saw blades cost for your chosen tool.  Although you do not have to change the blades regularly it is worth finding out how much new ones will cost.  Visit our replacement reciprocating saw blades page to find out how much they will cost for your chosen saw.

Makes of Reciprocating Saws

There are many different reciprocating saw manufacturers to choose from and as with most things in life some are better than other.  Popular brands include: Bosch, Black & Decker, Ryobi, Silverline and Draper.  Each of these brands have high-quality electric saws as part of their ranges but please note there are other brands to choose from that although might not be as well known produce just as good reciprocating saws.

Similar Types of Saws

If you are not sure a reciprocating saw is for you other saws that work in the same way but are better suited to other tasks are the following:

• Jigsaws
• Electric Chainsaws

We hope you found this reciprocating saw buyers guide useful if you would like to buy a reciprocating saw click here now.

This is the Dewalt DW390 Alligator Saw, one of the most popular saws of its kind in the UK.

It is packed with great features and is so easy to use you will be up and running in no time at all.

The power output of this reciprocating saw is 1350 Watts which makes it able to saw through wood of up to 275 mm thick and steel of 150 mm thick. It also has a stroke length of 38 mm which saves wear and tear on the blades therefore saving you a few quid in replacement blades. When you do need to change the saw blades the job can be quickly and easily done thanks to the keyless blade change of the Dewalt DW390.

This alligator saw has been fitted with counter balance to reduce vibration and has a variable speed giving you more control over it which is very handy when it comes to precision cutting. As well as cutting wood this saw can cut through steel and pipes up to 150 mm thick.

This saw comes with a heavy duty carry case making it easy to store away or carry around with you. It weighs a mere 4kg thanks to it’s magnesium housing which along with it’s ergonomic design and rubber handles it is a breeze to control. With all the safety features packed into this saw it should definately be at the top of your list.

The Dewalt DW390 Alligator Saw is an ideal saw for jobs both around the home and on the building site so snap one up today!

There is currently £219.78 / 53% off of the RPP of the Dewalt DW390 so don’t hang about if you want to save!

The Ryobi ERS-80V 230V Reciprocating Saw with Variable Speed is an 800W motor-driven tool that is strong and durable. This saw can work on various blades and the blades can be changed without the use of tools. The base can be tilted and it has a metal gear box which makes it very tough and durable. The speeds of the blade can be adjusted as it operates with variable speed.

The Ryobi ERS-80V 230V Recicating Saw Variable Speed has a Power Grip which makes vibration much less and also gives you a much better grip. It comes with a 28mm length stroke so you can make a tool-less change of blades. This saw can be used with standard available blades too.

If you get a Ryobi ERS-80V 230V Recicating Saw Variable Speed, you can count on its durability and toughness, not to mention the power that it enables you to use. It comes with three blades and a case to carry it in. This is a great engineered tool and while it isn’t very small or light, it is just right to handle the big jobs that you have around the home because it makes the work finish so much quicker without too much effort.

The Bosch PMF 180 E Multifunctional Allrounder is an all in one tool that you can count on for excellent cutting, sawing and sanding. Included in it’s list of functions is it’s ability to perform as a great reciprocating saw. It has a 180W powerful motor in its small body and is a very durable, efficient tool. It’s very comfortable to hold while you work because it has a great ergonomic design that makes for great handling and control of the tool.

The Bosch PMF 180 E Multifunctional Allrounder cuts, saws and sands anything – from metal to wood to plastic and it can even do scraping and de-grouting. What’s more, you can operate it even at the edges and corners because it is so manoeuvrable. The design makes it perfect to use in what seems like very inaccessible places as well.

The Bosch PMF 180 E Multifunctional Allrounder is a great tool to make useful cuts in wood, plunge cuts into metal and saw through the toughest materials with ease. The sawing is done to perfection and you can do scraping too in the most hard to reach places. There are extra blades available that allow you to do a whole lot of cutting jobs and the handy angle function allows you to change all the accessories very quickly.

There is currently £20 off of the RRP on the Bosch PMF180E

The Black & Decker Cordless Reciprocating Saw comes with a wall mountable charger, wood cutting blades and a metal cutting blade. It really is great for any do-it-yourself job around the house and with a battery that lasts really long, it means it’s a very convenient tool to have around. All you need is a little bit of practice and you are all set to do a professional job. It cuts neat and clean through whichever material you choose – wood or metal.

The Black & Decker Cordless Cutting Tool is great to cut wood and metal and it comes with separate blades for both. You have a choice of blades actually – one to cut wood cleanly, one rough cut blade for wood and one to cut metal. All the blades are good and strong and do the job well.

The Black & Decker Cordless Cutting Tool has a very good sawing action when you use it on wood and it is a very useful cutting tool that you can use with ease when you are in a small space, especially because there is no long wire to haul around. This is one tool that is very efficient and a pleasure to use around the house.

There is currently over 40% off of this Black & Decker reciprocating saw at the moment.