One features a horizontal blade while the other operates vertically. Both the jigsaw and the reciprocating saw are staple power tools to have for DIYers and professionals, so how do you know which one you need that won’t trigger an arduous return process? Let’s find out as our team breaks down the differences between the jigsaw vs reciprocating saw.
Reciprocating Saw vs Jigsaw
What is a Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw, or the one that has a horizontal blade, was originally designed based off of the basic hacksaw. A reciprocating saw can be used to cut a variety of materials, but our team would recommend doing so out in the open or in a spacious area as there tends to be lots of debris and dust.
They are called reciprocating saws for a reason, and the reason is their movement. These saws are able to cut in a push pull or back and forth motion, or in other words, reciprocation. You can use these saws for more intricate cuts compared to a circular saw, and their implementation is very diverse. You can even use a reciprocating saw to cut something overhead!
PROS
- Has both corded and cordless models
- Portable and lightweight
- Often has variable speed adjustments
- Reciprocating saws can cut vertically and horizontally
- Much easier to use on a variety of materials
- Many different adjustable stroke lengths
- The components can stabilize the blade to make it safer
- Versatile for demolition work, remodeling and most other jobs
- Easy to use
- Excellent for overhead cutting
CONS
- Not the type of saw used for cutting intricate work
- Cuts are rough
Purpose of a Reciprocating Saw
Our team has stressed the importance of the reciprocating saws range and versatility, but what exactly is it meant for? Any type of reciprocating saw is an excellent choice for not only demolition work, but also smaller remodeling jobs, DIY home projects and more. Reciprocating saws are more of an all-in-one tool.
Reciprocating saws like MAKITA JR3050T can cut through more materials such as ceramic, wood, and is better for touch and more complex work such as plumbing and electrical jobs. Even if you’re looking at outdoor projects that require immense cutting power that can go through tree branches; the reciprocating saw is the way to go.
How Does a Reciprocating Saw Work?
As we mentioned, a reliable reciprocating saw blade is placed in a horizontal position and utilizes reciprocating motion to operate. Modeled after the hacksaw and operates similarly to a chainsaw, the motor on the reciprocating saw moves the blade in a backwards and forwards motion.
The blade is a few inches long and usually has variable speeds. If you want to use a reciprocating saw for different materials, the blades can be exchanged for ones that are better suited to the material on hand.
What is a Jigsaw
To put it simply, a jigsaw looks like a reciprocating saw but it is angled vertically. The jigsaw blade is positioned vertically and the motor moves the blade in an up and down motion. It’s not as powerful as the reciprocating saw, so you should only think about using a jigsaw for thinner materials such as plywood, plastics and thin sheets of metal.
These saws are usually lighter weight than the reciprocating saws, are more suited for intricate cuts, and feature corded and cordless types of saws.
PROS
- Excellent for precise cuts such as bevel cuts, plunge cutting, cross cutting, ripping, and curved cuts.
- They can do more than just cutting wood, including ceramic tiles, thin metal, wood and plastic.
- Features both cordless and corded models
- Easy to use
- Versatile and lightweight tools
CONS
- Not the best for flush cuts
- Not the best for heavy duty jobs
Purpose of a Jigsaw
To sum up in one sentence, jigsaws including high-powered Skil 4495-02 are great for precision cutting. Unlike the reciprocating saw, jigsaws complete a job with more finesse, all thanks to the thinner and smaller blade and up and down movement. Any small job you have in mind, a jigsaw can most likely carry out. They are also the type of saw to go for with stencil cutting. In fact, many jigsaws will come stencil guides just like a circular saw will most likely come with a blade guide.
Like a circular saw they also have replaceable and switchable jigsaw blades, making them a great tool to keep on hand for a variety of tasks. It may not have as much power as some other types of saws out there, but jigsaws are used for just as many projects. These projects could include metalworks, wood, installing new countertops and remodeling smaller areas, and sometimes jigsaws can even cut through concrete, just like how circular saws can cut through concrete.
(If you are looking for related product, here is a list of top-performing budget jigsaws we found)
How Does a Jigsaw Work?
The mechanism of other saws versus the jigsaw are a little bit different, but how do jigsaws work? and what is it about this tool that gives it such a wide variety of cutting abilities? The blade is installed in a vertical position, which is fed into the shaft that is controlled by the motor in an up and down movement.
If compared to any other saw to the jigsaw, the jigsaw such as the cordless Dewalt DCS331B possess variable cutting speeds that can reach up to 3200 SPM. Of course, the lower the speed, the less power the tool has to cut through thicker materials. So for items made of metal, wood, and thick plastic make sure you crank up the power. There are also blade replacements suited for different cuts. When swapping out the jigsaw blades used for wood with one used for metal, you can get more strenuous jobs done quicker.
Main Differences Between a Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw
Our experts use a jigsaw for any project that takes more precision, they also use a jigsaw blade for more accurate cutting. A reciprocating saw is better for larger and more heavy duty projects as it possesses more power and durability.
They can both cut through a selection of materials and offer alternative blades for different projects, but the reciprocating saw can always cut through thicker and tougher materials. The reciprocating saw is used as a handheld tool, while the jigsaw requires a level surface to operate.
Our experts do not recommend the type of saw like a jigsaw to be used for flush cuts, just like we wouldn’t recommend reciprocating saws for precision cutting. Instead of angling the material to suit the position of a saw like the jigsaw, reciprocating saws allow you to angle the saw to suit the cuts because of the handheld design. This greatly increases the versatility and convenience of using reciprocating saw compared to a jigsaw.
Like the jigsaw, reciprocating saw is so lightweight compared to other full-sized saws or circular saws, but the reciprocating saws have a bit of an edge as it’s usually a few pounds lighter. Don’t underestimate the significance of a few pounds, because that’s all it takes to guarantee a longer operation.
The differences between jigsaws vs reciprocating saws go further than what’s on the surface and what’s underneath. The discrepancies also extend to the pricing of both products. Like most other saws, many factors contribute to the final pricing, as well the warranty [1]. Considerations such as quality of materials, versatility and extra features will affect the price, so you are looking at a wide range in this aspect.
You can choose to spend however much you wish depending on your budget, but on average, jigsaws will cost less than reciprocating saws. This is also a competitive advantage of jigsaws over scroll saws, as the former is a less expensive option. Both jigsaws and reciprocating saws can make quite a mess in terms of dust particles, so make sure you have a speedy dust collection system to help with the cleanup.
FAQ
Can you use a reciprocating saw as a jigsaw?
Yes, you can use a reciprocating saw as a jigsaw; Reciprocating saws encompass a wide variety of saws that operate with the up and down or back and forth movement. A jigsaw is just a more specific type of reciprocating saw moving in the up and down fashion. If needed, a reciprocating saw can also mimic the same movements, although they cannot perform with the same attention to detail as their counterparts.
Conclusion
Which one is better when it comes between reciprocating saws and jigsaws? They are both geared towards different projects and have a specialty performing different tasks. A jigsaw is best used for precise cutting jobs while the reciprocating saw is used to cut tougher and larger materials. To decide on which is the best choice for you, consider the project you have at hand. Do you need a saw used for intricate and detailed cuts or one with more power for larger cut jobs?
Leave a comment, and tell us what kind of saw you prefer.
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