Reciprocating saws. review, top models, comparison, reviews

Specifications

The battery-powered reciprocating saw is quite simple: it consists of a durable plastic case with a built-in electric motor powered by a battery. At the front of the instrument, there is a support platform, called a shoe, which is made in the form of a small metal structure. The shoe is responsible for the accuracy of sawing and has an adjustment of the angle of inclination and overhang, which allows you to set the cutting depth required for each specific material. In most models, adjustment is made in a keyless way using a latch.

Another important element of the reciprocating saw is the chuck, which is designed to hold and secure the saw blade. In budget samples, unscrewing the chuck to replace the file is performed using a hex key, in expensive models, using a lever or a side button.

The principle of operation of reciprocating saws is as follows: the torque of the motor is converted into a reciprocating movement of the rod, which, in turn, moves the working blade back and forth. Many reciprocating models are equipped with a pendulum stroke system, which means that during the return stroke of the rod, the working blade rises slightly above the material. Thanks to this feature, the files do not heat up during operation and serve for a very long time. The amount of sawdust during the pendulum stroke is significantly reduced, which allows you to keep the workplace relatively clean. Moreover, the pendulum system makes it possible to perform not only longitudinal cuts, but also curved cuts in the transverse plane with an angle of up to 45 degrees.

The main operating parameters of battery-powered reciprocating saws are the voltage and capacity of the battery, as well as the stroke frequency and length of the working blade.

So, especially powerful professional models with a battery capacity of 4 to 5 A. h are capable of working without recharging for up to five hours. Therefore, when choosing a tool, first of all, you need to focus on the type of battery. So, the best power sources include lithium-ion and lithium-polymer models that are not burdened with the "memory effect". This allows them to be charged at any stage of the battery discharge, without waiting for its complete discharge.

• The speed of the working blade affects the productivity of the device and varies from 0.3 to 3.5 thousand cycles per minute. Almost all models of reciprocating saws are equipped with a function of adjusting the frequency of the stroke, which allows you to set the value required for cutting a specific material. This approach avoids chipping and jagged edges when cutting.
• The length of the working blade is also an important technical parameter for reciprocating saws. The most convenient files for work are considered to be files ranging in size from 16 to 24 cm. Usually, this length is sufficient for most of the joinery and construction work.

Which is the best to buy an electric reciprocating saw

It is clear that all of the above selection criteria determine the need to purchase one or another type of electric hacker. But you need to understand that any reciprocating saw is determined by the blade installed on it. For example, inserted "HCS" - saw only wood or plastic.

Reciprocating saw with blade for wood

Electric woodcutter

So, we immediately make a reservation that there is no electric saw for metal separately, but for wood separately.Therefore, we will be based on the choice of the canvas. As for the canvases on wood, then it is necessary to designate three standard sizes of hacksaws, depending on the size and shape of the teeth:

• With coarse teeth, which are used for sawing logs, thick beams and trees. They have a pitch between the teeth - 4-8 mm. The number of teeth per inch is in the range of 3-6.
• With averages. They are used for cutting medium-sized parts. They have a distance between the teeth - 3-3.5 mm.
• With small ones, in which the pitch is only 2.5 mm. It is clear what these canvases can be used for.

HCS blade for cutting wood and other soft materials

There is one more point regarding the angle of inclination of the teeth. There is a blade with straight teeth, and there is an oblique one. The former are used for transverse sawing, the latter - only for longitudinal sawing. Prices of electric woodcutters vary depending on the power of the electric motor and the number of optional functions. The more the latter, the more expensive the device.

Electrohack for metal

We will not paint here what are the differences between the paintings, because that they have all those the same position as for wood saws. Just different spacing between the teeth. So there is a strict rule that says that the distance between the teeth of the saw blades for cutting should not be greater than the thickness of the metal. This should be taken as the basis of the choice. We add that manufacturers on the packaging must indicate how thick the metal can be cut with the file of your choice.

Saw blade for cutting metals

Power selection of electric saws for wood, metal, concrete and other materials

As mentioned above, all reciprocating saws can be divided into two main categories: household and professional. The former are used in summer cottages or suburban areas for pruning trees, dismantling wooden building structures, laying steel, cast iron and plastic pipes, if they need to be trimmed to the required dimensions. Rarely are they used to cut large concrete structures, although this is not a problem. It's just that such a process will be long. Therefore, the power of household sabers does not exceed 800 watts.

Reciprocating saw power 1.3 kW from Bosch

As for professional tools, here the power is also higher - up to 1.2 kW, and the operating resource is rather big. In any case, these tools can cut thick workpieces without stopping to rest in order to cool the electric motor.

Rating of powerful electric saws

Manual hacksaw Bison ZPS-1400 E

Bison ZPS-1400 E is one of the best powerful handheld electric hawkers with a longitudinal engine. The maximum travel speed is 2.8 thousand. With a weight of 4.4 kg, the power of the device is 2.8 kW. The cost is 5,140 rubles. Score - 9.5 points.

Electrohawk Bison ZPS-1400 E

Bosch GSA 1300 PCE

The professional power tool Bosch GSA 1300 PCE is one of the best in its class. The hacksaw is intended for carrying out dismantling and repair and construction works. With its help, any surfaces are easily processed. Cutting depth - 230 mm, maximum blade speed - 2.9 thousand, device weight - 4.1 kg. The cost is 12,200 rubles. Our assessment is 9.7 points.

Reciprocating hacksaw model Bosch GSA 1300 PCE high power

Saw Makita JR 3070 CT

The Makita JR3070 CT electric hack model is worthy of the attention of every professional. Its power is 1.51 kW, and the weight of the hand tool is 4.4 kg. Cutting depth - 255 mm, maximum stroke - 2.8 thousand. Designed for complex types of material processing and dismantling works. The cost is 12,300 rubles. Score - 9.9 points.

Makita JR3070 CT

Alligator saw Bosch GFZ 16-35 АС

The leading place among the "heavyweights" rightfully belongs to the "alligator" saw Bosch GFZ 16-35 AC. The hand tool weighs 5.2 kg, the power of the device is 1.6 kg. The cutting depth is 350 mm, the maximum travel speed is 2.6 thousand. The price of the Bosch GFZ 16-35 АС model is 30,000 rubles. Score - 10 points.

Alligator saw GFZ 16-35 AC Bosch

Related article:

Device and principle of operation

In terms of the mechanism of operation, the reciprocating saw is very much reminiscent of an ordinary electric jigsaw, which has long been widely popular in our country.The fundamental difference is perhaps that the reciprocating saw solves more serious problems, and therefore predictably has a reinforced structure, a more powerful engine, and, of course, a slightly different position of the blade in relation to the body.

The electric motor can be powered both from a stationary electrical network and from a storage battery. The blades, replaceable as needed, are mounted in a holding chuck, which in turn is connected to the stem. On the latter, through the gears of the reducer and the crank mechanism, reciprocating movements are transmitted, which provide the saber with forward and backward movement.

Most modern saber saws are also equipped with a pendulum mechanism, which at the time of the reverse stroke of the saber somewhat raises it above the surface of the workpiece. Thanks to such a knot, two positive moments are achieved at once in the process of work - on the return stroke the saber does not rub against the material, therefore it wears out less and moves in the opposite direction much faster, accelerating the task.

Although the reciprocating saw is a portable hand tool, a reliable stop is highly desirable for the convenience and straightness of the cut. To ensure this, the design assumes the presence of a thrust shoe, which is configurable for mounting on any type of surface, which is very convenient in conditions that are far from the ideal situation in the workshop.

All the design features of such a tool provide it with a number of undeniable advantages. So, a reciprocating saw in the process of work gives much less dust, and most importantly - it does not scatter it throughout the room. The saber may be devoid of individual teeth, its blade is flat and equally sharp over the entire surface, therefore, in the process of performing work, the appearance of sparks is unlikely, and the relatively low speed of movement prevents scale or smudges on the surface of metal products.

The same low web speed greatly reduces the degree of heating of the workpiece, and all of the above factors have a positive effect on the safety of work. Considering the versatility and ability to cut almost any material, even in hard-to-reach places, as well as the long service life of such a tool due to the possibility of timely blade replacement, it is not surprising that the reciprocating saw is becoming an increasingly popular tool and threatens to press out all major competitors.

Principle of operation and advantages

A reciprocating saw is a lot like an electric jigsaw.

It consists of several required elements:

• Frame
• Lever
• Replaceable file

• Start button
• Speed ​​shifter

Expert opinion
Vasily Kuznetsov

The working body is a saw - it is set in motion with the help of electrical energy stored in the battery. She performs both reciprocating and pendulum movements, which are characterized by the fact that they go simultaneously up and down and along a curved line. Moving through the thickness of wood or metal, the tool files them in front of it.

Reciprocating saw can replace 6 tools at once!

Thanks to these features, the electric saw to one degree or another replaces several tools at once:

1. Hacksaw (both for wood and metal).
2. Jigsaw.
3. Lopper.
4. Chain saw.
5. LBM ("Bulgarian").
6. A circular saw.

The model can be used (depending on the characteristics of a particular electric saw) for different jobs:

Due to the fact that the reciprocating saw combines many functions, the range of its application is very wide

By combining various functions, the tool provides several advantages at once:

1. The ability to carry out different cutting - classic, curly and flush.
2. Carrying out work on support and on weight.
3. Sawing in hard-to-reach places.
4. Cutting various materials.
5. Deep cutting (up to 255 mm for wood and up to 20 mm for metal).

The reciprocating power saw also has good consumer qualities. As a rule, this is an oversized and fairly lightweight tool that is easy to maintain. In addition, it can be purchased at a relatively inexpensive price - on average, about 8,000-10,000 rubles.

Criterias of choice

You need to buy with an eye to the compliance of the characteristics with the tasks being performed.

After the doubts about the need for the purchase have dissipated, you can start choosing a tool.

Power

One of the most important parameters. The larger it is, the longer and more efficiently you can work with the tool. However, the downside will be a considerable weight and a solid size of the device. The power indicator is usually in the range from 0.5 to 1.5 kW. Holders of extreme values ​​have a narrower specialization, it is better to choose a universal saw with a value of 0.9 - 1.2 kW. This power is enough for both everyday tasks and professional use.

The power characteristics of the saw depend on how often the blade will warp back and forth, as well as to what depth it will be possible to cut in various materials. The optimal indicators are 2.5 - 3 thousand movements per minute, 19 - 32 mm of the saw stroke length.

The presence of a pendulum stroke

The meaning of this option is to increase productivity and reduce the load on the canvas. When moving, the latter does not move strictly linearly, but with a small rotational moment, deviating from the trajectory. This movement is somewhat similar to the movement of a human hand when using a hand saw. In the case when you need to work with a large amount of woodwork, the presence of the pendulum movement allows you to do the planned much faster. The increase in cutting speed is up to three times, as people talk about on specialized forum threads. True, not all materials require a pendulum - for example, when cutting metal, it must be turned off. If such an opportunity is provided, you can safely take the tool.

Support shoe adjustments

This detail does not seem to be the main one, but it is of great importance when cutting. The support shoe can be resting on the workpiece - a bar, a pipe, on a table on which a flat part lies. This will give a more accurate cut and help you apply more force. It is best if the shoe frame has a movable structure. By pulling it out, you can adjust the length of the file. Pivoting horizontally and vertically makes it easy to cut at an angle.

Speed ​​regulation

An important characteristic when it comes to the universal use of a reciprocating saw. Fence sheeting is one thing, a 3/4 inch steel water pipe is quite another. The speed mode usually changes in two ways: either by the degree of pressing the button, or stepwise, using a wheel or slider. The first option requires a certain skill, the second is more versatile.

Locking against accidental activation and locking the trigger

Many manufacturers of professional tools build an additional lever into their devices, without bending or pressing which, it is impossible to start the electric motor. The latch also features a latch button that helps release the trigger and focus on holding the tool and cutting precision.

Have you worked with a reciprocating saw before?

There was a case I want to try

Blade replacement mechanism

Professional models often have a "hot-swap" hacksaw blade system. This means that no additional tools are needed to switch from sawing wood to metal. This requires a good quality connector block. In cheap models, the required strength is obtained only by using fasteners. Another important point is free access to the end of the stem, which is hidden in the casing.

Always unplug the tool when changing the blade.This will help prevent accidental injury.

Overload protection

Built into all professional products, since it is more expensive to repair such devices than to install an additional security unit. But home models, especially those of Chinese and Russian production, most often cannot boast of such an option.

Soft start and brake

Also the prerogative of more expensive and powerful models. Smooth start-up saves equipment, extends the service life of the electric motor and gearbox. The electromagnetic blade brake system is convenient when you have to put the saw down after work - this will not damage the saw or the coating.

Criterias of choice

Since the electric chewer is quite an expensive tool, choosing the right model is of great importance.

This section will outline the main criteria to look out for when choosing a reciprocating saw

First of all, you should clearly understand the scope and specifics of the work that will be performed most often.

The main criteria for which special attention should be paid are: 1

Estimated work intensity. Depending on the frequency of use and duration of work, you should choose one of three modifications:

1. Estimated intensity of work. Depending on the frequency of use and the duration of work, you should choose one of three modifications:

• Household;
• "Hobby";
• Professional.

Household models do not have high performance and are not designed for heavy loads. The power of such a tool ranges from 350 to 600 W, and the cost is quite affordable for a wide range of consumers.

Hobby class models are designed for more intensive work. They are often used for work in the garden or in the country. The power of models of this class is from 600 to 1000 W, and the price can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and the functionality of the instrument.

Professional saber hacksaws with a power of 1000 to 1500 W can work for a long time without interruption at maximum load. The cost of a professional "saber" is significantly higher than that of the two previous modifications, so the use of such a tool in everyday life and on a personal plot is most often not advisable.

2. Power. The performance of the tool depends on this parameter, however, with an increase in this parameter, the weight and overall dimensions, as well as its cost, inevitably increase. As statistics show, the most versatile are electric hacks, the power of which ranges from 0.8 to 1.1 kW.

3. The presence of a speed control mechanism allows you to select the optimal speed of movement of the blade, depending on the material being processed. There are two ways to adjust:

Directly using the start button, while the speed of the reciprocating motion of the file increases smoothly when pressed;

By means of a slider or a wheel set in a certain position. Further adjustment is carried out by pressing the start button, while the maximum speed of the web will not exceed the speed limit, even when the start button is fully pressed.

4. Possibility of pendulum movement allows you to significantly increase the cutting speed and reduce the heating of the web, which has a positive effect on its service life. This effect is achieved due to the fact that during the reverse movement, the saber slightly deviates from the direction of the cut, thereby simplifying the removal of chips.

5. Possibility of using a support shoe. When equipped with this feature, the electric shooter can significantly increase the accuracy and quality of the cut, and reduce operator fatigue. This is because the support shoe stabilizes the blade relative to the cutting plane.

6. Method of replacing the cutting blade. Suitable files are used for working with various materials. The simplicity and speed of blade replacement affects not only productivity, but also increases the comfort of work.

7. Presence of a safety clutch makes it possible, in the event of jamming or kickback, to avoid damage to the tool and injury to the worker.

8. Possibility of soft start allows to protect the power grid from possible overloads by starting currents and provides a gradual exit to the required speed mode.

9. Overload protection mechanism independently disconnects the unit from the power supply in case of overheating or other critical situation.

10

The type of power supply is important when choosing an electric hoe. Cordless saws are distinguished by greater maneuverability and mobility, and in terms of their operational parameters they are not much inferior to units operating from the mains

The disadvantages of this equipment include high cost and limited operating time on one battery.

Having carefully analyzed the above criteria, you can safely proceed to the choice of the required model.

How to choose

Choosing a pendulum machine for a home craftsman is not an easy task

To do this, you need to pay attention to the performance characteristics, which are not always the same for different models.

engine's type

Modern pendulum machines can be equipped with two types of electric motors:

• collector;
• asynchronous.

The first type is distinguished by its high power, but it has a serious drawback associated with the fact that it uses carbon brushes, which have an extremely short service life. Asynchronous models are more durable and do not make much noise during operation. However, this type of motors is limited by the type of pendulum machines on which they can be installed.

Cutting width

When studying various models of pendulum machines, you should pay attention to such characteristics as the width of the cut, which depends on the design of the machine and the performance of the saw blade. The larger the diameter of the cutting wheel, the wider the cut is.

A feature of some pendulum machines is that the cutting wheel in them can only rotate in a vertical plane. However, if necessary, you can purchase a more versatile device equipped with horizontal rails that allow the saw blade to move forward and backward.

When making a choice between models with and without guides, provided that they use a saw blade of the same diameter, it is best to give preference to the first one, since it will be able to provide a much wider maximum kerf width.

Electrodynamic brake

If this system is used in the equipment of the pendulum machine, the saw blade will stop almost immediately after pressing the corresponding button. Models equipped with an electrodynamic brake are safer to operate.

Maintaining the speed of the cutting blade

A saw that is able to maintain stable rotational performance of the cutting blade, regardless of the level of load, not only can provide higher efficiency, but also save time for its execution. This function will be especially relevant for novice masters. Experienced specialists are unlikely to be able to appreciate it, since in the process of work, they choose the optimal speed by changing the level of pressure on the saw.

Laser pointer

With this device, you can easily determine the cutting line. Some models of pendulum cut-off machines can produce a certain level of vibration during operation, which can knock the pointer down. This will eventually require the wizard to re-configure it from time to time.Due to this significant drawback, such mechanisms are very rarely used in powerful productive machines.

An amateur or professional instrument

Judging by the purpose, both types of equipment are designed to perform the same tasks. The difference between professional pendulum-type machines and amateur ones lies only in the quality of the assembly, the materials used and the possibility of continuous operation for a long period of time. Conventional models designed for domestic use have a lower margin of safety, not a very accurate fit of structural units, but they outperform professional counterparts due to their lower price.

Price

Choosing a pendulum machine, many consumers, among other important characteristics, pay attention to the brand. Depending on the manufacturer, pendulum machines can have similar performance characteristics, but at the same time differ significantly from each other.

The fact is that each company in the production of such equipment uses different materials, its own technology and assembly options. Ultimately, this can affect the price of the cutting machine.

Also, the cost of a saw for cutting metal depends on the fame and vocation of the manufacturer. Situations are possible that professional machines of an unknown brand will be offered at the same price as equipment of a well-known brand, which has a more budgetary version. Likewise, a saw blade from a well-known brand can cost as much as an inexpensive miter saw.

However, of course, when choosing a pendulum saw for metal, the price of this equipment from world-renowned brands, for example, Makita, will be higher than for machines of little-known firms.

Circular saws and their features

Circular or circular electric saws are designed for loosening wooden boards or sawing various wood-based boards, it can be OSB, chipboard, fiberboard, plywood sheets, laminate strips.

The main technical data of this tool include:

• electric motor power;
• cutting depth;
• disk rotation speed;
• security system.

The saw is a compact device containing an electric motor, gearbox, cutting and base plate. The tool can be used in manual mode, when the saw is held by hands and guided along the spreading boards and fixed on a special bed, in this case the material is fed to the cutting disc. The bed is usually purchased separately for a specific product.

Circular saw device diagram.

The motor power ranges from 800W to 2500W. For frequent work, it is recommended to choose a tool with a power reserve, this will make it possible to increase the resource of the device and avoid overheating.

The cutting depth depends on the level of the saw and the power. So, in cheap units it is 65mm, in professional ones - 130mm. Before buying, you need to know what exactly the tool is needed for, so that later there are no difficulties with a shallow cutting depth.

The rotation speed of the disk is 1700-5500 rpm, depending on the manufacturer. Here it is required to understand that the declared high angular velocity and low-power motor will lead to problematic operation.

The body of circular saws is made of durable plastic, equipped with a handle with a good grip. Some manufacturers supply the device with a handle that can be tilted. The sole is made of metal or aluminum alloy. The stamped sole is less rigid, for precise cuts it is better to purchase a saw with an aluminum base plate. The safety of the units contains protection against accidental starting - a system for stopping the engine in case of overheating. The motors are installed on a collector-type tool, in this regard, control over the brush mechanism is necessary.Serious manufacturers equip the design of the unit with a brush control indicator.

Varieties of canvases

The most important part of the reciprocating saw is the saw blade: the quality of the cut and the duration of the tool depend on it. These components are usually narrowly specialized, targeting a specific bill of materials. Various manufacturers can use the classification both by the material of manufacture of the canvas, and by the scope of its application.

For aerated concrete

The material of manufacture is carbide (HM / CT marking). The tools are capable of sawing porous and hard materials with significant abrasive characteristics - aerated concrete, concrete, tiles, etc. Metabo brand components are famous for their special quality. The condition for a high-quality cut is a sufficient power of the electric motor.

Woodworking (HCS)

The material of manufacture may differ:

1. Conventional high carbon steel. Most often, such blades are included with a reciprocating saw.
2. With a high carbon content. They are distinguished by increased reliability and durability, which is reflected in a higher cost. Sold separately or included in special kits.

HCS blades are an excellent option for sawing various soft materials - wood, wood-based panels, plastic products. The location of the teeth on the cutting edge can be different, but most often there are models with equally spaced teeth. As for the devices with variable pitch, they are convenient for performing specific tasks. For example, if nails are found in the workpiece. The most popular representatives of this line are wood canvases from Bosch and Zubr.

Metal (HSS)

Through the use of high speed tool steel, this blade is able to handle aluminum and steel products including sheets, pipes and profiles. To provide the ability to cut flush or curved, the tool is made curved or bent. The point is given a specific shape that allows for through cuts.

Important! As practice shows, it is almost impossible to saw through a metal blank with one saber hacksaw. In such a situation, the product is pre-equipped with a hole that will act as a guide for subsequent processing .. As for pipes, they are usually cut by grabbing the entire diameter with a saw blade

Most often, these components are manufactured by the DeWalt and Metabo brands.

As for pipes, they are usually cut by grabbing the entire diameter with a saw blade. Most often, these components are manufactured by the DeWalt and Metabo brands.

For brick (HM)

Especially for sawing bricks and similar elements, the blade is fitted with a special carbide insert (HM) along the edge. Popular manufacturers are DeWalt Alligator and Bosch.

Broad Profile (BIM)

A combined technology (HCS and HSS) is used for the production of these canvases. As a result, they are strong, flexible and durable. A reciprocating hacksaw equipped in this way will cut both soft and hard materials with equal success. This technology is used to produce most of the instruments on sale.