Cordless Reciprocating

What volt/amp makes a good strength RECIPROCATING SAW ?

I'm buying one for a gift. Have NO clue if a 10 volt is ok, or if I should pay double for an 18 volt ? They also want a cordless one. Is it better to buy the 'pack' or buy tool & ...is it 'battery' or 'charger' seperately ?This is for 'around the house' projects.... it's not being used by a professional handyman or anything. Although I was told that they wanted a 'heavy duty' one.... but what's enuf rpms, or whatever they're called ? :)
I've read anywhere from 0-2000 but I've seen saws with 2500 and 3000 also. What's overkill on this ?
thanks in advance !

William has excellent suggestion, 18 volt cordless is perfect for home use, try to find a sale with two batteries. Porter Cable is the best sawzall I ever used, Milwaukee is sufficient.

DeWalt 18V Cordless SawsDC390 6 1 2 CircularDW938 ReciprocatingBattCharger
DeWalt 18V Cordless SawsDC390 6 1 2 CircularDW938 ReciprocatingBattCharger
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DEWALT DW938 18V CORDLESS COMPACT RECIPROCATING SAW SAWZALL BARE TOOL ONLY
DEWALT DW938 18V CORDLESS COMPACT RECIPROCATING SAW SAWZALL BARE TOOL ONLY
US $77.44
Makita BJR182 Reciprocating Sawzall Cordless 18V New uses BL1830 and DC18RA
Makita BJR182 Reciprocating Sawzall Cordless 18V New uses BL1830 and DC18RA
US $66.95
New Milwaukee 2620 20 M18 18 Volt Sawzall Cordless Reciprocating Saw 18V
New Milwaukee 2620 20 M18 18 Volt Sawzall Cordless Reciprocating Saw 18V
US $84.55
Milwaukee Cordless Sawzall Case Reciprocating Saw dewalt porter cable will fit
Milwaukee Cordless Sawzall Case Reciprocating Saw dewalt porter cable will fit
US $4.99
Makita BJR181Z BJR181 18V Cordless LXT Lithium Ion Reciprocating Saw Tool Only
Makita BJR181Z BJR181 18V Cordless LXT Lithium Ion Reciprocating Saw Tool Only
US $150.00
Hilti 18 v cordless reciprocating saw drill flashlight combo kit
Hilti 18 v cordless reciprocating saw drill flashlight combo kit
US $255.00
Ridgid R8641 X4 18v Lithium Ion Hyper Li Cordless Reciprocating Saw Sawzall
Ridgid R8641 X4 18v Lithium Ion Hyper Li Cordless Reciprocating Saw Sawzall
US $74.99
DEWALT DC385 18 VOLT CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW XRP NEW READ
DEWALT DC385 18 VOLT CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW XRP NEW READ
US $82.00
Milwaukee M28 Cordless Sawzall Reciprocating Saw 28 Volt
Milwaukee M28 Cordless Sawzall Reciprocating Saw 28 Volt
US $202.50
BATTERY REPAIR for Cordless Trim Circular Miter Saw jigsaw Reciprocating sawzall
BATTERY REPAIR for Cordless Trim Circular Miter Saw jigsaw Reciprocating sawzall
US $11.99
Milwaukee 2602 22 18V 1 2 Cordless Drill Driver 2625 20 HACKZALL Reciprocating
Milwaukee 2602 22 18V 1 2 Cordless Drill Driver 2625 20 HACKZALL Reciprocating
US $213.72
Dewalt cordless reciprocating with 2 xrp batteries
Dewalt cordless reciprocating with 2 xrp batteries
US $58.00
192 CRAFTSMAN CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW LOOK
192 CRAFTSMAN CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW LOOK
US $9.99
NEW CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW 18 VOLT CASE TOOL
NEW CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW 18 VOLT CASE TOOL
US $34.99
Dewalt 18v Cordless Sawzall Reciprocating Saw used no battery
Dewalt 18v Cordless Sawzall Reciprocating Saw used no battery
US $52.00
Ridgid R8442 18v cordless reciprocating saw
Ridgid R8442 18v cordless reciprocating saw
US $25.67
NEW Makita BJR182 18V CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW SAWZALL BJR 182 Li ion
NEW Makita BJR182 18V CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW SAWZALL BJR 182 Li ion
US $42.00
Hilti WSR 36 A 36 V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Hilti WSR 36 A 36 V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
US $122.50
Dewalt 2 Pc 18 Volt Cordless Tool Kit Bundle Reciprocating Circular Saw
Dewalt 2 Pc 18 Volt Cordless Tool Kit Bundle Reciprocating Circular Saw
US $124.99
Black Decker Cordless 6 volt Reciprocating Saw
Black Decker Cordless 6 volt Reciprocating Saw
US $24.99
DeWalt DCK241X 18V XRP Cordless Hammerdrill Reciprocating Saw Combo Kit
DeWalt DCK241X 18V XRP Cordless Hammerdrill Reciprocating Saw Combo Kit
US $232.50
DEWALT DC385K 18V XRP CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW KIT
DEWALT DC385K 18V XRP CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW KIT
US $43.00
BLACK DECKER 18V CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW BDRS 1800
BLACK DECKER 18V CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW BDRS 1800
US $29.99
DEWALT 3 TOOL 18V CORDLESS SET HAMMER DRILL IMPACT RECIPROCATING SAW
DEWALT 3 TOOL 18V CORDLESS SET HAMMER DRILL IMPACT RECIPROCATING SAW
US $142.50

Reciprocating Saws รข?? the Jig Saws Mean Big Brother

The reciprocating saw is an adaptation of the saber saw, or jig saw, for heavy duty work such as construction. In this article I'll cover the types available as well as blade types and their uses.

Reciprocating saws range widely in power, speed, and features, from less powerful portable, to high-power, high-speed, corded models. Modern reciprocating saws almost all have variable speed, using a trigger or preset using a dial. Another feature that has become important to the way these saws are used is the inclusion of an orbital action. The action consists of oscillating the traversed reciprocation in up and down fashion causing the tip of the blade to move in an oval pattern, up and down as well as back and forth. This feature is primarily for wood, allowing quick cuts.

The blades for these saws are range in length from 2 ½ to 12 inches, and are generally heavier than saber and jig saw blades. They range in purpose from cutting metal and wood as well as manner of materials in between.

Blade Types

Course Tooth – Typically used for cutting green wood.

Hack Saw – Used to cut metal, typically up to 1/8 inch in thickness.

Knife – This blade has the greatest range of uses. It cuts leather, rubber, cloth, linoleum, and many more similar materials.

Fine-tooth – When a smooth cut is need for wood, plastic, or hardboard this is the one for the job.

In many models, blades may be mounted to cut up, down, or horizontally, and flush with an adjoining surface. In structural work and remodeling, long blades are sometimes used to cut right through a wall, after of course making sure wire or plumbing won't be damaged. Blades for such use can cut right through any nails they encounter. Blades manufactured specifically for cutting heavier metal, such as pipe or bar stock, need to be lubricated regularly with light oil.

These saws today almost always come with variable speed control. Speeds range from around 2300 strokes per minute down to a few hundred (for cutting steel and some plastics).

Picking the right saw for your own use really depends on the type of job(s) you intend to accomplish. A larger, more robust model is probably overkill for most around the home projects and not to mention the price for these puts them out of reach of most budgets. The smaller, lightweight, more affordable versions on the market today offer the typical handyman more then enough versatility to handle any "honey-do" list.

There you have it. Reciprocating saws are not for everyday use in most cases, but having one in your tool box is a smart decision for the avid do-it-yourselfer. Just remember to choose the right for your needs, and above use it and any power tool in a safe and controlled manner.

About the Author

Chuck Lunsford is the Internet Manager for Mytoolplace.com. He offers advice on how to select and use the right reciprocating saws for the job. Visit our website and learn more about saving money on brand name power tools.

Cordless Reciprocating

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