Reciprocating saw
A reciprocating saw is a type of handheld, small, machine-powered saw, in which the cutting action is achieved through a push-and-pull or back-and-forth motion of the blade. The original trade name, Sawzall, is often used in the United States, where Milwaukee Electric Tool first produced a tool of this type in 1951.
The noun "Sawzall" is commonly applied to a smaller type of battery-powered or line powered handheld saw used in construction and demolition work, as well as in gardening and the pruning of larger trees or plants. This type of saw, also known as a hognose, recip saw, or sawsaw, has a large blade, resembling that of a jigsaw, and a handle oriented to allow the saw to be used comfortably on vertical surfaces. The typical design of this tool has a foot at the base of the blade, also similar to that of a jigsaw. The user holds or rests the foot on the surface being cut, thus countering the tendency of the blade to push-away from or pull towards the cut as it travels through its movement.
Design
Designs range widely in power, speed, and features, from less powerful portable, handheld models that are usually shaped like a cordless drill, to high-powered, high-speed, corded models designed for heavy construction and demolition work. Modern reciprocating saws almost all have adjustable speed setting, either via trigger sensitivity or with a dial. Another feature that has become important to the way these saws are used is the inclusion of an orbital action, consisting of oscillating the traversed reciprocation in an up-and-down fashion, causing the tip of the blade to move in an oval pattern, up-and-down as well as back-and-forth. This feature is primarily for wood or the pruning of tree branches, allowing quick cuts.A reciprocating saw is a popular tool used by many window fitters, gardeners, landscape architects and construction workers, as well as emergency rescue workers. Variants and accessories are available for specialized uses, such as clamps and long blades for cutting large pipes.
Blades are available for a variety of materials and uses; common blades include those designed for cutting metal, wood, composites or drywall, among other materials. Furthermore, most of these blade types come with a variety of tooth designs intended for special purposes, such as plant and shrub pruning, demolition work, clean cutting, or use on contaminated materials. Abrasive, coated blades are also available, for hard materials like tile, rock or stone.
The term reciprocating saw is also applied, generically, to any saw which cuts with a back-and-forth motion. These include:
Powered reciprocating tools are also found in surgery and dental surgery, where they are used in operations that require cutting or grinding of bone.