What Is a Saber Saw?
A saber saw (reciprocating saw) is a power tool that is large enough to be held in one hand and is used primarily for cutting piping, wood, and thin steel plates.
A saber saw is used by attaching a replacement blade to the main body. The blade cuts the object by reciprocating motion. By replacing the blade with a specialized blade, it is possible to cut various materials, including stainless steel and ALC.
A saber saw has a rough cutting surface and is not suitable for precision cutting.
How to Use Saber Saws
The blades of saber saws (reciprocating saws) are replaced according to the object to be cut. Loosen the sleeve at the end of the body, insert the blade all the way to the back, and install the blade.
The saber saws are used by pressing the shoe at the end of the saw against the object to be cut. The blade is moved at a low speed by lightly touching the object. Once the blade position is determined, the speed is increased to high.
When using saber saws, the following precautions should be taken:
- Always switch off the power supply when installing or removing the blade.
- Moving the shoe away from the object may cause the blade to break due to recoil.
How to Select Saber Saws
The key to selecting saber saws (reciprocating saws) is to consider their cutting capacity and the environment in which they will be used.
The cutting capacity of saber saws is expressed in terms of the maximum size it can cut. The dimensions are also expressed in terms of materials, such as pipe, wood, and mild steel plate. Existing saber saws are available with pipe-cutting capacities from 25mm to 350mm. It is a good idea to choose one according to the size of the object you are planning to cut.
The operating environment is an important factor when considering the power source for saber saws. There are two types of saber saws: rechargeable and AC-powered.
Rechargeable saws can be used in unrestricted locations, and the cord does not get in the way of the work.
The AC-powered type can be used in limited locations but can be used without worrying about the power supply. If the cutting capacity is larger than 3″, the AC-powered type should be selected because there is no rechargeable type available.
Use a blade that is appropriate for the object to be cut. This improves cutting efficiency and prevents damage to the blade.