Any work process can be mechanized. Hand drills, planes, saws and other tools have long become electric. Progress has not bypassed the ordinary hacksaw. An alternative to it was a reciprocating saw.
The tool copes well with its intended purpose - cutting with a blade. Using special attachments, you can not only saw, but also clean and process various surfaces. A reciprocating hacksaw can handle almost any material. It cuts wood and metal with equal ease. Even brick or concrete are no exception to the list.
Rating of the 10 best reciprocating saw models
Each manufacturer has top models that sell well and work stably. They are the ones who annually make it into the TOP 10 rating. Let's consider the rating of reciprocating saws included in the top best saws for the garden and home for 2022.
Average price segment of reciprocating saws
Makita JR3050T
A well-known brand, synonymous with quality. The reciprocating saw of this model has a power of 1000 W.
Reciprocating saw Makita JR3050T
Capable of withstanding high loads. Reliable, has a long network cable; The function of quick replacement of the saw part is available, there is a smooth speed control.
Stomer SSS-1000
A classic, recognizable design familiar to several generations. Fast operating speed, power 1100 W. Smooth adjustment of operating speed, however, there is a significant drawback: the weight is more than 3 kg.
Reciprocating saw Stomer SSS-1000
The price is very good, but it is reduced due to some external details, for example, there are no rubber pads on the handle and body, the vibration is more noticeable than the first model in the rating.
AEG US 400 XE
Reciprocating saw with 400 W power. It is light in weight, very convenient to use, and suitable for indoor work where space is limited.
Reciprocating saw AEG US 400 XE
A tangible bonus: a 36-month warranty on the original product from the manufacturer. The saw is easy to use, has an average degree of vibration, and is considered the best in the category of low-power devices from AEG.
Ryobi CR1201
Reciprocating saw with battery capacity 1.2. Popular due to its compactness, reliability, convenient design and handle.
Reciprocating saw Ryobi CR1201
There is a pendulum function, therefore, the tool is protected from overheating. Works with materials such as drywall, wood, polypropylene, ceramics, metal.
Dewalt DCS380B
Sold without battery and charger; these components must be purchased separately.
Reciprocating saw Dewalt DCS380B
Operates with a voltage of 20 V, weighs less than 3 kg, and is equipped with an electric brake. The instrument is made in classic yellow-gray tones. The design resembles the Stomer SSS-1000.
Metabo PowerMaxx ASE
A unique model in its price category. Minimum weight (1.2 kg), maneuverability, excellent build quality.
Metabo PowerMaxx ASE reciprocating saw
Equipped with a 10.8 V Li-Ion battery. Warranty service: 60 months. from the manufacturer.
Budget reciprocating saws
Continuing the rating, we note budget models suitable for low-intensity work and periodic use.
Bosch PSA 700E
Among the expensive brothers of the model range, this reciprocating saw is the most budget-friendly.
Reciprocating saw Bosch PSA 700E
Stroke length 20 mm, can cut steel up to 1 cm thick. Tool power is 710 W.
Interskol NP-120/1010E
Reciprocating saw with a power of 1010 W, operates on a network with a standard voltage of 220 V. Weight more than 3 kg, suitable for professional use.
Reciprocating saw Interskol NP-120 1010E
It has an affordable price due to the fact that the country of origin is Russia. It has proven itself to be a reliable and powerful device.
Hammer LZK650B
The power of the saw is 720 W. Used for cutting wood and metal.
Reciprocating saw Hammer LZK650B
The tool comes with a long warranty and is similar in appearance and ergonomics to more expensive Bosch models.
Ryobi RRS-1801M
Budget model weighing up to 2 kg. The battery must be purchased separately.
Reciprocating saw Ryobi RRS-1801M
Recommended capacity is 18 volt maximum. The stroke is 22 mm.
Delivery set, appearance
The Skil 4600 Combisaw model can be found on sale in two configurations, the differences in which are the number of complete files and the presence/absence of a carrying case. I got the maximum one. The case is enclosed in a bright cardboard shell, which aims to attract the attention of the store’s customers and contains information about the internal contents. The front part shows the hero of the review and the main ways of using it.
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The back contains the same information, but in more detail. The pictograms display the main characteristics and advantages of the jigsaw. Unfortunately, there is not a single word in Russian.
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The side edges are nothing special.
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Removing the cardboard cover from the case, you can see a “Chinese” craft of rather average quality. The plastic is processed horribly. Our diplomat copes with his functions, but his appearance leaves much to be desired. In the photographs I tried to choose the best angle so as not to scare off a potential buyer.
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It’s very good that the case has full (albeit plastic) hinges. This indicates a potentially quite long service life. Many models have a simple plastic connection instead of hinges, which breaks after a couple of dozen opening/closing of the lid (people have to screw in normal metal hinges themselves).
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Inside, in addition to the tool itself, you can find instructions in a large number of languages, including Russian (in a separate brochure), tips on using the device, a set of saw blades, and a hex key.
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All promotional videos on the Internet indicate that the kit should include a flexible blade for metal, but for some reason it was replaced with a blade for wood. In total, we have three blades for a reciprocating saw (two for wood, one for metal) and three jigsaw files (one for hardwood, the second for curved cuts in wood, the third for precise cuts in metal).
Additional designations: HSC (high carbon steel) - high carbon steel, hardness 45-48 HRC, for working on soft materials such as wood, chipboard, fiberboard, plastics; BIM (bi-metal) - highly elastic, unbreakable connection made of HSS (high speed steel - high-speed steel, hardness 61-65 HRC) and HCS.
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The jigsaw itself does not stand out visually in anything remarkable.
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As we can see, it was produced in China, perhaps this can be attributed to flaws in the quality of workmanship (the edges of the plastic on both the device itself and the protective case are poorly processed, there is an indentation at the bottom of the mark on the support sole).
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On the handle you can find an icon indicating the universal functionality of the device, as well as two buttons - on the bottom there is a power trigger, and on the side it locks in the working position so that your fingers do not get tired during long-term work. There is no rubber pad on the handle, which is a pity.
Currently reading: Is it possible to cut metal with a jigsaw - novaso
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On the front of the jigsaw you can see a protective plexiglass screen and an indicator of the cut location printed on the sole.
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Following the path of universalization, the manufacturer equipped the device with a conventional screw clamp for blades. Next to it you can find a nozzle for blowing away chips and sawdust.
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The sole of the jigsaw is cast and made of aluminum. There is no tilt adjustment.
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In the tail part on the power cable there is a compartment (quite a useful thing) for a hex key. I advise you to install it this way - there is less chance of losing it.
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And just below you can find a red latch with a picture of a lock. It is responsible for raising/lowering the handle, which allows us to transform our device from a jigsaw to a saw and back.
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How to disassemble a reciprocating saw
In the case of DIY repairs and maintenance, the question often arises: how to properly disassemble the tool? Given the relative simplicity of the design, no difficulties should arise.
You can gain access to the motor and other elements of the electrical part by opening the plastic case. To do this, you need to unscrew the screws in the handle and around the perimeter of the case, if necessary, pry up the plastic parts with a screwdriver and remove one of the halves.
The gearbox is opened in the same way. The only caveat is that the screws can be hidden by a protective rubber-coated casing. It can be easily removed. To do this, you need to dismantle all the mounted elements (stop, guides, etc.). Then you need to unscrew the outer screws holding the casing and remove it by pulling it towards the saw blade mounting.
The gearbox housing usually consists of two longitudinal halves. By unscrewing the screws they can be easily separated.
All mechanical “filling” is removed without much effort. Anyone can find the cause of a malfunction or simply change the lubricant, even with minimal experience in repairing power tools. Assembly is carried out in reverse order.
A reciprocating saw is a simple and reliable tool. On average, the service life without the need for repairs is about 3–5 years. The only condition for trouble-free operation is the use of high-quality consumables and timely maintenance.
Application area
The electric hacksaw is great for home repairs due to its low noise level and minimal amount of dust and sawdust. Where sparks are undesirable, an electric hacksaw will again come to the rescue. This is not to say that they don’t happen at all, but you can’t expect spectacular fireworks in all directions. If you need to work on an industrial scale, a professional tool will allow you to do everything quickly and, at the same time, quite accurately.
An electric hacksaw will be useful in the arsenal of tools (and, perhaps, will completely replace many of them) for plumbers, finishers, carpenters, and roofers.
Different blades are designed for different materials. That is, the electric hacksaw is quite versatile: if necessary, you can even make an opening in a partition. An electric metal reciprocating saw is often used when dismantling various metal structures, for example, an old heating system. The tool becomes an excellent assistant when it is necessary to cut reinforcement, profiles, pipes of any diameter, and angles.
When using a universal composite steel sheet (BIM), you can, without hesitation, dismantle old fences, window frames and similar structures. An electric hacksaw with such a blade will cut through any nails, hinges and other metal elements without any problems.
Causes of possible breakdowns of electric chain saws
The most common cause of breakdown of electric chain saws is a short circuit, which occurs due to the accumulation of condensation inside the electric tool immediately after it is turned on. According to the findings of experts in this field, this occurs mostly in the spring, after winter storage of electric saws. A short circuit can be prevented if you bring the tool into the room for a day before use.
Considering the possibility of voltage surges in electrical networks, it is advisable to monitor the operation of the tool during voltage changes. If such fluctuations occur, repair work must be postponed. In addition, you should remember the need for breaks during work. An electric chain drill must be allowed to rest from time to time (the tool cannot function continuously). After each use, the tool chain must be sharpened and straightened.
It is several times easier to work with such a tool, since there is no need to exert more effort. If this is not done, then a dull chain will provoke the possibility of additional load on the engine, which ultimately leads to premature failure of the electric saw.
Now you know the answer to the question of how to choose the right electric chain saw yourself.
Expert advice
Experts recommend following these tips::
- Before disassembling, conduct a preventive inspection of the equipment for correct diagnosis. The complexity of subsequent work will depend entirely on the severity of the breakdown.
- After processing all the elements, the “polishing” of the fixing cut begins. There are times when the clamps stick out a lot. In this case, the chain does not reach the surface that needs to be cut. Another situation may occur when the clamps are too deep and the blade gets stuck in the wood.
- Disassembling electric saws is an important phase during repairs, which must be carried out strictly according to the rules and in compliance with safety precautions. It is necessary to de-energize all unreliable elements and avoid getting debris into the teeth during preventive switching on of the tool.
You can repair saws of any kind with your own hands. To do this, you need to know the disassembly scheme and the rules for installing new parts in the box, observe safety precautions during the reconstruction of the tool, and regulate the power supply.
What to pay attention to
Close attention should be paid to the following components and parameters:
Fastening the blade to the rod. The file should not dangle. Backlash indicates a poor-quality connection.
Noise during operation. Excessive noise in a medium-power model indicates poor-quality assembly and fitting of parts.
Vibrations. The larger they are, the more tired you will feel after a short period of work. An extremely useful thing is a special balancer that dampens vibrations. It greatly improves the ease of use.
Comfortable grip. For occasional home work, almost anything will do
In a more expensive tool, pay attention not only to the handle, but also to the forend of the body. There are models in which there is also a handle, and a rotary one.
Power cord length
To work in the garden and outside, a “carrying” will be required in any case. But it would be better not to create a tangle of wires indoors. In good units, the cord length is at least 3 m.
Making an attachment for sawing wood
Let’s make it clear right away that such a device cannot be assembled from improvised means. Most of it is quite accurately measured in size, machined on lathes and milling machines. However, if you doubt the capabilities of your workshop, they can always be made to order. Before starting work, it is worth making a drawing of this assembly, calculating the dimensions of each element and adjusting them proportionally. Our device is made entirely of metal, and therefore a vice is a must-have tool this time.
Making a shaft with a bearing
This element requires a metal rod. Its cross-section should be the same if possible, so it is best if it is turned on a lathe. We clamp it in a vice, and approximately in the middle we grind off an oblique groove with a file as in the photo. We turn the rod over to the opposite side and make a mirror groove, leaving a thickness of only 2-3mm to accommodate the bearing. We place the bearing on the shaft seat, bored out with a file. We will need the most ordinary bearing - ball, single-row, open type. The mounting hole, as well as the diameter of the outer ring, will have to be selected experimentally. Special clamps will help secure the bearing to the shaft. We make them from pieces of tube tightly fitted onto the shaft. These sections must be cut exactly to the angle of inclination of the bearing. To clamp onto the shaft, these tubes must be equipped with a hole with a screw for a small hexagon, similar to a stop for drills. We fix these clamps by pressing them tightly against the bearing housing so that their walls only touch the inner ring. We take four washers of a suitable diameter and place them in pairs on each side of the shaft. This will help reduce the friction of the shaft clamps on the side supports of our attachment during operation. The shaft and bearing are ready!
We equip the body of our device
Surely everyone understands that the shaft itself will not work separately. It requires supports on which it will rest and relative to which it will move. They should be like in the photo - two squares with holes for the free movement of the shaft on the side of the planes, and fastening holes with threads for bolts on the side of the ribs. This structure is assembled like this (photo). We cover the structure with a small plate with four through holes along the edges and secure it with bolts. This will be the first case cover. At this stage, our nozzle should look like this (photo) On the opposite side we place two squares with mounting holes for bolts. They must be of such a size that the third square, which will be placed between them, can move freely relative to them. The middle square needs to be prepared. We place two small bearings on it with screws. They will slide on the main large bearing mounted on the shaft. We cover the squares with a lid similar to the first one and tighten it with screws. The nozzle is almost ready. You can see how the shaft and bearing move by pulling the middle square back and forth.
Reciprocating saw malfunctions and repairs
Any tool experiences stress during operation. Over time, components and parts wear out, which leads to breakdown. Each device is characterized by typical malfunctions associated with the failure of certain parts.
Blade holder
During operation, the blade flies out of the fixing device. Malfunction is rare and typical for cheap devices. The cause may be wear on the retainer.
Sometimes there is no breakdown. A blade with the wrong shank will not hold securely. There are frequent cases of counterfeit consumables. In this case, the diameter of the hole and the dimensions of the back of the file may not coincide with the original. This leads to poor fixation.
Bushings
The rod that moves the blade has guide bushings. They are usually made of brass. Over time, they wear out, which leads to backlash. The first signs are increased vibration during operation and deterioration in the quality of the cut. The malfunction is eliminated by replacing worn parts.
Bearings
Extraneous noise and increased vibration may indicate bearing wear. The cause may be poor lubrication or lack thereof. In such cases, there is only one way out - replacing parts and lubricant.
Gears
The worm gear experiences the greatest load. It sets in motion the entire mechanism inside the gearbox. Depending on the design, a straight or bevel gear is used. Rotation is transmitted from a “worm” located at the end of the rotor shaft. It is he who wears out the most. The second place is occupied by the gear, which may have wear.
Electrical faults
Typical breakdowns include: malfunction of the speed controller or start button, wear of graphite brushes, poor contact in the terminals. The motor windings may fail. In all cases, you will have to purchase additional spare parts for the tool.
How to choose the right electric hacksaw
Handle comfort is an important factor
What is important when choosing a reciprocating saw? It is important that you felt comfortable working with her. Therefore, the first thing you should do is inspect its handle, hold the tool in your hands, evaluate the comfort of the grip, whether your hand gets tired, because when working, the speed of work will depend on this convenience. Traditionally, the saw handle is positioned at an angle of approximately 70 degrees to the saw blade. This angle significantly reduces tension in the arm muscles, since this is an anatomically more natural position for the arm. In addition, the handle should be rubberized, this prevents the hand from slipping while working. Since a power saw is a dangerous tool, this factor can be considered one of the most important. Many models of electric saws make it possible to use an additional handle, which is included with the tool. As a last resort, you can buy it.
Blade stroke limiter
The limiter makes it possible to control the clarity of the cut, therefore it is a very convenient device. Sometimes it is included in the kit, and if it is not included in the kit, it should be purchased separately. By setting the cutting length of the working material using a limiter, you make your work much easier!
Hacksaw saw blade
To assess the working quality of a hacksaw blade, the following are important: shape, step size, type of tooth sharpening, and tooth size. Large saw teeth will cut faster, so they are designed for rough work that does not require fine cut quality. To perform fine work, a blade with fine teeth is used. Smaller teeth make the cut much smoother and better. Hacksaw blades also differ in length, and different in length, the blades are also designed for cutting different materials: some are designed for wood, others for metal, there are ones suitable for plastics, foam blocks, concrete, porous bricks, and even for stainless steel and aluminum The saw blade is removable, replacing it is easy, almost the same as changing a drill in a hammer drill.
Possible malfunctions and ways to eliminate them
Symptoms | Possible reason | Elimination method |
The electric motor does not gain full power and does not develop maximum speed | Carbon brushes have become unusable Low voltage in the network | Replace brushes Find another power source or use a transformer |
Increased vibration is observed during operation. The saw blade is loose | Disc is unbalanced The saw blade is not securely fastened The saw is worn out | Replace the saw blade Tighten the flange bolt Replace the saw blade |
The saw blade is in contact with the miter saw rotary table. | Incorrect disk installation | Adjust the saw blade according to the recommendations in the operating instructions in the “Adjustment” section. |
The disc gets stuck in the cut and overheats greatly | The saw blade is dull The blade is not suitable for the work being performed | Replace the blade with a good one. Use a saw blade suitable for the material and work being performed. |
Converting an angle grinder into a chain saw with your own hands
To create a chain saw from an angle grinder with your own hands, you do not need special drawings and diagrams, since the process of installing a homemade saw attachment is extremely simple and accessible. And if you purchased a ready-made set of nozzles with fasteners, the installation process is greatly simplified.
So, the grinder chain saw is assembled from the following parts:
- grinder as the basis of a future instrument;
- drive sprocket (it is recommended to replace it with a new one);
- metal that will act as a bracket on which the guide will be installed in the future;
- saw set consisting of a bar and saw chain;
- fasteners;
- tools and drill.
Reciprocating Saw Blades
The functionality of a reciprocating saw depends on the blade used. The package includes a set of blades for different types of material. They differ in pitch size, shape and size of teeth, material, presence or absence of diamond coating, etc.
The cutting element for a reciprocating saw is selected taking into account the material with which you will have to work.
In this case, pay attention to the size and pitch of the teeth, as well as their shape and degree of sharpening. It should be understood that a large tooth helps speed up the work, and a small tooth improves the quality of cutting the material.
From this we can conclude that blades with large teeth should be used for rough but fast processing of products, when quality is put into the background, and speed remains a priority component of the process.
In specialized stores there are short and long canvases (within 100-400mm), with and without spraying. The removable elements are unified in shape and size, so they fit almost any model of electric hacksaws produced by different manufacturers. The optimal file length is 120-170mm. It is these canvases that give the most accurate cuts.
Blades are produced in which the pitch and size of the teeth are variable - increasing from the shank to the end of the blade. They are convenient because using different sections of the blade, one saw can provide different processing parameters.
Initially, all tools were designed for 1/2″ saw blades. Today, the range of saw blades is quite wide - they are designed for different materials and different cutting lengths. New tools, such as reciprocating saws from Bosch or Black & Decker, require the use of special saw blades. For both models, manufacturers offer a wide range of saw blades for working with various materials.
It is more rational to choose a saw model that will fit as many different saw blades as possible. Using flexible saw blades, you can, for example, saw off an old pipe flush with the wall surface. Special saw blades are also produced for sawing various building materials. The retractable saw base allows optimal use of the saw blade when sawing thin materials.
The hacksaw blade is the main working part of a reciprocating saw. Its length, width, thickness and shape vary for different applications. All of them are made of high-strength tool steel and are durable and elastic.
- There is a generally accepted marking of the fabric material:
- HCS - the blade is made of high carbon steel, the teeth are large, located at an equal distance from each other. Such blades are used for cutting relatively soft materials: wood, panel materials, rubber and plastics.
- HSS - high-speed tool steel. Used for aluminum, thin-walled rolled products.
- BIM - bimetallic blades made from HSS and HCS type plates. They are distinguished by high strength and high flexibility. Used for cutting mixed materials: wood or aerated concrete along with nails.
- HM/CT - carbide blades. It is used for hard materials or for highly abrasive porous materials, such as concrete structures, metal, fiberglass, tiles.
How is it different from a jigsaw?
The main and most important difference between an electric hacksaw and a jigsaw is the different purposes of these tools. We can say that the electric hacksaw is designed to destroy, and its younger relative is designed to create.
Most often, an electric hacksaw is used to quickly cut material, mainly in straight lines. It can easily cope with structures of any shape and any material. Cardboard, wood, gypsum fiber, metal, concrete, glass, ceramics - this is just a small list of materials that can be cut using an electric hacksaw. This type of work is typical for dismantling and other relatively rough repair work.
A jigsaw is more suitable for more precise work with flat surfaces and it is more advisable to use it in cases where shaped cutting is required.
Another major difference is the shape of the instruments, which determines their capabilities. The elongated body of the electric hacksaw and the rather long blade allow you to make cuts in the most inaccessible places, where it is simply impossible to get to with a wide electric jigsaw.
Thanks to its design and flexible blade, a reciprocating electric saw can cut down protruding elements flush with the wall, which a fairly wide jigsaw cannot boast of. An electric hacksaw can be used to cut “in weight” without any problems; for an electric jigsaw, a flat surface is required to ensure that the working area rests firmly on the material, in order to avoid breakage of the tool.
Thus, when you need to decide which tool you need: a reciprocating saw or a jigsaw, first of all you should clearly define the intended tasks.
An electric hacksaw is less demanding in terms of operating conditions and can work in the most extreme conditions. Even beginners can easily master it. The tool is capable of making fairly even cuts, but, nevertheless, is more suitable for rough work.
A jigsaw in the hands of a master becomes an unsurpassed tool for cutting out shaped elements, but it requires more skill and has limitations in its capabilities.
Which model of reciprocating electric saw to buy - recommendations from the editors of HouseChief.ru
Our editors recommend choosing models based on the tasks you plan to solve.
Manufacturers of reciprocating saws - a brief overview and comparison of the most popular brands
We will present to your attention a rating of reciprocating saws, but for now we will get acquainted with the best manufacturers of popular models.
Bosch reciprocating saws
In first place among the most popular brands are Bosch reciprocating saws. The Germans are famous for their love of home instruments, and in this niche they have also received well-deserved recognition from the Russian buyer.
Among the tangible disadvantages of Bosch equipment is their cost. But if you want high quality, you have to pay
Makita reciprocating saws
Makita is another brand that has long established itself in the market for special construction tools.
The Japanese instrument is distinguished by its versatility and high quality. Some models allow you to work even at an angle of 180°.
Reciprocating saws Zubr and Interskol
Zubr and Interskol represent domestically produced products. The tools of these brands are in no way inferior to their “star” neighbors in terms of their working qualities, while significantly gaining in the price segment.
Zubr brand reciprocating saws are cheaper to maintain and easier to repair. Components are always available, which makes this tool one of the most attractive, albeit domestic
Basic models of reciprocating saws for cordless apartments
For household purposes, a device with a 400-600 W motor is suitable. The traction should be enough to easily cut wooden branches and carry out simple carpentry and plumbing work in the garage.
Model | Characteristics | Average price (as of June 2022), rub. | Average score, according to the editors of HouseChief.ru |
Makita JR102DZ |
| 3 870 | 9/10 |
BOSCH Keo |
| 5 445 | 8/10 |
Ryobi RRS1801M |
| 3 135 | 7/10 |
Now let’s give some reviews about these models.
Electric hacksaw (electric saw) of medium power for wood for country work
If you have a wider range of tasks, then you can buy a more powerful saw - with a 700-1000 W motor. With such an electric hacksaw for wood, you can easily assemble a bathhouse from logs or destroy an old greenhouse. The cost of such a model will vary from 5,500 to 15,000 rubles.
Model | Characteristics | Average price (as of June 2022), rub. | Average score, according to the editors of HouseChief.ru |
Reciprocating saw Bosch PSA 700 E |
| 5 749 | 9/10 |
Reciprocating saw AEG US 900 XE |
| 7 999 | 8/10 |
Reciprocating saw BISON ZPS-750-115E |
| 3 690 | 7/10 |
Professional reciprocating plate (electric hacksaw) for metal and aerated concrete for dismantling
If you have serious work to do: cutting metal or brick, then a saw with a power of one kilowatt or more will suit you. Such reciprocating hacksaws for metal and aerated concrete most often have a double saw blade and wide gripping arcs.
Model | Characteristics | Average price (as of June 2022), rub. | Average score, according to the editors of HouseChief.ru |
Reciprocating saw Hilti WSR 900-PE |
| 28 000 | 9/10 |
Reciprocating saw Stomer SSS-1000 |
| 10 000 | 9/10 |
Reciprocating saw Makita JR3070CT |
| 13 200 | 8/10 |
As we can see, the cost of some models is far from affordable, so in some cases it is more profitable to contact a specialized institution and rent a reciprocating saw.
Owner reviews
In general, the owners are completely satisfied with the use of homemade chain saws assembled on the basis of an angle grinder. In reviews and on forums, men often talk about the low cost and versatility of the resulting tool, since it costs much less than a new chain saw.
Evgeniy, 45 years old, Kherson
“I decided to practice and assembled an electric saw myself in the garage from an old and unnecessary grinder. In fact, the process itself is very interesting and not difficult at all. I immediately bought a ready-made attachment on the market, slightly altered the body of the grinder itself and, after watching a video on the Internet, connected everything. The tool works very quickly, everyone is happy.”
Ivan, 67 years old, Kyiv
“I know firsthand about homemade chainsaws from an angle grinder, since I often did this. In principle, the assembly process is addictive and quick. Nozzles, spare parts, parts can be easily found in stores or ordered online. If they appear on assembly, watch the video and various instructions, tips and tricks. Homemade products are not durable, but they do their job well and quickly.
Advantages: low cost of equipment, short assembly time, versatility and power.
Disadvantages: the motor heats up quickly, the chain and spare parts wear out quickly, it’s difficult to call the tool safe.”
It is enough to go to any construction supermarket and look at the abundance of tools presented there to understand the correctness of the hackneyed truth: “live and learn.” The purpose of many tools is simply not clear to people who have no connection with construction, but what about choosing such a tool?
In this review, we will try to decide on such a type of tool as a reciprocating saw . This topic is controversial, some people like it, but others frankly don’t understand why they should spend money on it. Let's try to consider all the pros and cons of this tool , its purpose, as well as some recommendations for those who are planning to buy a reciprocating saw.
Basic rules for operating an electric chain saw
The electric saw is very convenient to use, but its disadvantage is that its power is low.
After purchasing the tool, making sure that it fits perfectly, in order to maintain the electric chain saw in functional condition, you should follow a number of basic simple rules. They must be followed based on the considerations that an electric chain saw is an expensive tool and must be treated accordingly.
The average electric chain saw can produce 30,000 revolutions per hour, which is significantly lower than when using chain saws.
For this reason, a tool powered by electricity is more suitable for performing not too large volumes of work. But as an auxiliary tool for a home craftsman, such a saw will come in handy.
In the event that the unit is usually used to perform such global work as collecting firewood, it must be done in the most economical mode with the obligatory presence of breaks. However, the ideal option in this case would be a gasoline chain saw.
Advantages and disadvantages
Why make this homemade product if you can simply insert a longer file into the jigsaw? How are the efforts justified?
Well, firstly, even the longest electric jigsaw file is inferior in size to a reciprocating saw file. This modification makes it possible to saw thicker objects. Secondly, sawing fairly thick bars is simplified by the fact that this product allows you to cut downward and away from you, while a jigsaw, for example, can only cut forward and away from you.
Of course, this homemade product also has some disadvantages. For example, a small amplitude value for a fairly long “Sabre” canvas. An electric jigsaw has a less comfortable handle when used as a converted piece of equipment.
In any case, if the use of this tool is required only occasionally, then it is quite suitable as a worthy replacement for the original, thanks to which you will not have to spend money in vain.
Read also: How to make a helicopter from a chainsaw
Features and malfunctions of reciprocating saws
At first glance, it seems that a reciprocating saw is a simple hacksaw or an electric jigsaw, however, this is not so, because they have significant differences from each other. To cut an object with a hacksaw, you need to exert your own physical effort, but in a saber, almost all the work is done for you by an electric or battery-powered motor. The main features of the saw, unlike a jigsaw, are:
- appearance similar to a drill;
- the ability to saw in a horizontal position, which allows you to reach hard-to-reach places;
- greater freedom in cutting direction;
- fast processing of materials;
- the need for a “steady hand” to perform the work accurately;
- the ability to replace the blade with other attachments, which increases the scope of the tool.
The main malfunctions of reciprocating saws include the following.
- Sudden stoppage of the blade. It is usually associated with exceeding the permissible loads, the need to sharpen the cutting blade, as well as failure of the brushes.
- Crooked cut. The reason here may be the installation of the wrong cutting element, wear of the key or screw, or the need to clean the holder prism.
- Inability to turn on the device. The fault lies with a faulty cable, overload and motor failure.
- The appearance of dark small shavings, which are a characteristic feature of a blunt saber blade.
Any malfunction or breakdown requires qualified repair. Therefore, eliminating them yourself is not recommended; it is better to take the tool to an official service center.
Why make a saw from a grinder with your own hands?
If you study the numerous reviews and comments of a homemade chain saw made from an angle grinder, you can say that this is quite convenient and versatile equipment. By changing the attachments on the grinder, you can make several from one tool: a chain saw and a circular saw. It’s also worth noting that refurbishment of old equipment has always been cheaper for operators than buying new. Therefore, we conclude that making a chain saw or electric saw from an angle grinder is convenient, fast, cheap and versatile.