A reciprocating saw is a crucial tool for those looking for a tool that cuts heavy and hard materials. You must have seen a saw before, and we can all agree that it requires manual strength to work properly. A reciprocating saw is a saw that uses a motor that moves the front end of the machine on its own.
However, not everyone can use the machine since even a small mistake can cause a disaster. With that in mind, when using the machine, you need to be very careful as much as it makes the work easy, it can also be catastrophic. That is why in this blog we give you tips on how to use a reciprocating saw safely.
Choose the right blade
A reciprocating saw is usually the right tool when it comes to cutting materials. However, if you choose the wrong blade, the tool might make bad cuts. With that in mind, you need to make sure you get the right blade for the saw since the blade is an essential part of the machine.
You should choose a blade depending on the type of material you want to cut. If cutting metal, choose the one that is ideal for cutting metal, and if cutting wood, choose a reciprocating saw blade for cutting wood.
Safety first
As you learn how to use Sawzall or how to use a reciprocating saw to cut wood, it is always good to take safety measures. We cannot deny the fact that reciprocating saws are dangerous if we fail to use them with care. Before doing anything, always make sure that the saw is unplugged, and if it is a cordless one, make sure that the battery is not intact. This is to avoid accidental powering on as that can end up chopping your hands or even fingers. Another thing, always have ear muffs, goggles, and gloves to keep your body safe from any accidents.
Place in the blade into the chuck
This is an important step that needs caution when performing the task. Always make sure the machine is not plugged on the wall socket. After that, remove the battery and put the battery into the chuck.
Always remember to allow the chuck to resume to its place to secure the blade. It is advisable to give the blade a slight push to make sure you insert it perfectly.
Know the cut you want to make
Your attention should be on the blade’s intersection with the material as you cut, but the blade goes from the furthest limit. This is most important when you are plunge cutting into drywall where it is impossible what is behind the wall. Always make sure you don’t cut unnecessary things.
Use the changeable speed
Always use the speed that you can change when you want. The reason is that the speed that you choose will quickly become instinctive and in most cases, you may need to make slow cuts before accelerating the speed of the saw to do bulk work. After that, slow down as the blade approaches the exit of the cut.
Make the shoe your best friend
The shoe is the nose of the saw! Its flat surface performs several functions as it is the basis for the craft and using a reciprocating saw. While some shoes are adjustable to prolong the blades life, it is also essential even when it is stationary.
Another good thing about the shoe is that it is used to stabilize the reciprocating saw as well as the material. To do this, you need to push the shoe against the material, and you will find that the saw or the material vibrates violently. That is the force of reciprocation that fails to be transferred to the material.
Finally, the shoe acts as a fulcrum to make plunge cuts. By lifting the back-end of the saw when using the shoe as a pivot, you can plunge into the material with maximum control.
Slowly see-saw the reciprocating saw blade in a thicker material
In case the blade is cutting slowly through the material because the material is so hard, this indicates two things: the blade might be dull and needs replacement, or it might mean that you do not allow the saw to do the heavy work.
When working on denser or thicker materials, you can gently saw the blade, and you will notice that the saw will start making faster progress. The reason behind that is that the blade is now not overloaded and so the teeth can focus on a smaller section of the material when cutting.
There you have it! Using a reciprocating saw is that easy. All you need is to follow the above guide, and you will surely get clean and precise cuts.
