The Reciprocating saw is a well-known tool that is well known for cutting several materials. They can cut through wood, pipes, stud, plywood, drywall, and other materials quite easily compare to other cutting equipment.
The blade ofthe reciprocating saw is quite flexible and smoothly cuts through wood. They come with other excellent features that work best to provide you with precise cutting. But not everyone knows how to use a reciprocating saw.
First, you need to learn how to use it. Using a reciprocating saw is not as hard as using other power tools. In this article, we will teach you how to use this powerful cutting equipment.
How to Use a Reciprocating Saw?
Using a reciprocating saw is quite easy if you use it in the proper way. So you should follow some basic steps to use this simple tool and to avoid any accident while using it. Without knowing the steps it will be quite difficult to use it. So, let’s get started.
Choose the Ideal Blade for Doing the Job
For using a reciprocating saw, you first need to choose a blade of a reciprocating saw, as without it you cannot cut any material. You might think that it will be ok to choose any blade for using the reciprocating saw.
But the truth is you need to choose the right blade for doing your job. So the first step is to choose the blade according to the cut you want. There are a variety of blades for doing different jobs.
Choosing the right blade will help you to achieve the cut you desire. So below we have discussed which blade type is made for which cut.
- For cutting through wood, you need to choose a coarse blade.
- Select a nail-cutting wood when you need to cut roof shingles or plywood.
- A metal-cutting blade is best for cutting through pipes.
- For plaster cutting, you should choose the coarsest-tooth blade.
- You can slice through metal pipes and nails by using a fine-tooth blade that resembles a hacksaw.
- A toothless blade that comes with a coating of tungsten carbide abrasive grit is best for slashing through cast iron, ceramic tile, and stones.
No matter what blade you choose, it should be sharp and not dull. You need to check the blade’s sharpness before every use to get the best results. Bi-metal blades that come with tool-steel teeth are strong, fast, durable, and highly flexible.
For rough and fast cuts, blades with fewer teeth per inch should be chosen. And for making deep cuts, you need to choose a longer blade.
Fix the Blade in the Saw
After selecting the correct blade for your job, you need to insert the blade in the saw. You need to attach it to the blade slot located at the top of the saw. Insert the back end of the blade into the slot carefully and lock it in to secure it.
The blade can be inserted with the teeth down or up, depending on the cut you need. Tug or pull the blade to ensure it is placed securely. Before changing the blade or blade insertion, you have to unplug the saw and make sure it is turned off.
Adjusting the Shoe of the Saw
To get a perfect and straight cut, you have to adjust the shoe of the reciprocating saw. By adjusting the shoe, you can also extend the life of the blade.
While making a straight cut, set the shoe against the surface of the material with the tip of the blade at the start of the cut.
Turn on the saw and cut through by tilting it down slowly to make a straight cut. Push the shoe against the material you are cutting to reduce vibration. The shoe of the saw should be adjusted according to the cut you want.
Make Cuts Carefully
If you completed selecting the correct blade and adjusting the shoe position, then it’s time to press the trigger for making cuts. Turn on the switch of the saw and start cutting.
When cutting through a material, make sure to put equal pressure on the saw to get an even cut. You have to be very careful when moving the saw backward and forward for making cuts at a high speed.
So you should begin with cutting the material at low speed and then increase the speed slowly. Hold the saw tightly with both of your hands when making a cut.
Make sure to keep the saw in control while using it to prevent any wrong cuts. At the end of cutting the material, carefully lower down the speed of the saw.
Why Do You Need a Reciprocating Saw?
In case you don’t have a reciprocating saw, then know why you need one. This versatile cutting tool can be used in all kinds of situations. It is best for
- Demolition – It can cut out railings and window jams as it can slice through nails.
- Quick cuts – This saw can cut thick materials quickly.
- Plunge cuts – It can be used to cut through a wall.
- Overhead cuts – You can control it easily from a ladder or while cutting above your head.
Safety Precautions
While using a reciprocating saw, you need to follow some safety rules to prevent any accident.
- Read the instructions given in the manual before every use.
- Always wear a safety glass before using the tool.
- Do not touch the blade of the saw with bare hands after finishing cutting material as the blade will be quite hot. Wear hand gloves.
- When cutting through walls, make sure you know where are the electrical wires and plumbing pipes are situated to avoid them.
- While cutting over ladders, beware of kickback.
- Remember to unplug the saw before inserting or changing the blades.
Final Words
Challenges become easy when you know how to use a tool properly. A reciprocating saw is a simple tool and can be maintained quite easily. This tool can be used for making different cuts. If you follow the above simple steps, then you can use it without any issue for cutting different kinds of materials. I hope this article on how to use a reciprocating saw will benefit you immensely and will make tasks easier for you.