A power tool such as a jigsaw or reciprocating saw is a great option for DIY jobs.
Choosing which saw is necessary for your next cutting task will depend on the results you require, as each power tool has its purpose.
Put simply, a jigsaw is a small hand-held power tool that typically rests on the material while in use. It utilises a small blade to cut very precisely and can be used to cut ornate curves with ease and accuracy.
Alternatively, a reciprocating saw is mainly used for straight cuts in larger materials which need to be cut down into smaller pieces. Reciprocating saws won't provide a fine or accurate cut due to them being demolition tools.
What is a reciprocating saw used for?
Reciprocating saws are classed as a demolition tools so you won't achieve fine accurate cuts as with other types of saws but reciprocating saws have some clear advantages:
- Reciprocating saws remove the need to use a manual hand saw on a vast array of materials.
- A reciprocating saw is primarily used for quickly and easily cutting up materials into smaller pieces for processing or disposal.
- Reciprocating saws are great to use when cutting metal objects because they don't produce sparks as you would get with an angle grinder.
- You can also use a reciprocating saw for pruning trees and bushes instead of using a chainsaw.
What is a reciprocating saw good for
A reciprocating saw is great for quickly cutting larger items down into smaller more manageable chunks.
While reciprocating saws are primarily demolition tools and are not used for fine accurate cutting, they are fantastic when renovating a room, workshop, or whole house.
Accessing how thick can a reciprocating saw cut
How thick of wood can a reciprocating saw cut, for example, will depend completely on the power output of the saw and the blade size fitted.
Ryobi offers various reciprocating saws for the job, including:
Which blade you use with the reciprocating saw will depend on what you want to cut as each blade will have a different specification and ability.
Getting to know you reciprocating saw blade
Can you use any blades for reciprocating saw and do all reciprocating saw blades fit?
Any blade with the industry standard reciprocating saw connection can be used. You can purchase blades with this attachment featuring different lengths, materials and teeth quantities suitable for cutting a vast array of materials.
But be aware, all reciprocating saw blades are not the same.
While reciprocating saw blades may look the same and have the same attachment but they can feature different body construction/material, higher or lower teeth count, can be rigid or flexible and will be suited to cutting specific materials.
However, all industry standard reciprocating saw blades will fit any Ryobi reciprocating saw. Similarly, all Ryobi reciprocating saw blades will fit most brands of reciprocating saws.
Browse all Ryobi reciprocating saws, blades and accessories.