How to use a reciprocating saw for demolition work?

Also called saber saws, reciprocating saws can be used to cut in a fast manner for various purposes even if there is limited working room.

The saw’s push-and-pull motion allows you to be aggressive and to more easily cut into different materials like wood, metal, plastic, PVC, nails, fiber cement board, etc.

This bad boy is most commonly used for demolition, remodeling, and do-it-yourself projects.

You can use a reciprocating saw to get into tight spots, given the saw’s size and shape and the ability to insert the long semi-flexible blade right into where you want it.

What to use instead? And when.

Essentially, a reciprocating saw is for ripping into various materials.

The tool is made precisely for cutting and disassembly, for the sake of removal of building materials for construction demolishing work.

If you’re not tearing materials apart, you will find woodworking better with alternative tools like a circular saw instead of a reciprocating saw.

Here are some areas where you do not need to use a reciprocating saw: 

• For finishing craft projects.
• For making plunge cuts.
• For projects with explosive/flammable materials.
• For precise, smooth, and straight cuts.
• Tools to use instead for straight cuts.
• Don’t cut wood trim with a reciprocating saw.

Can a reciprocating saw cut wood? Yes but for mostly only demolition work, the machine does the job of fast cutting in difficult spots but the results are messy.

Here’s a list of other cutting tools to use.

1. Circular saw

A circular saw is a powerful tool that uses a toothed or abrasive disc to cut through any materials.

The swift rotary motion produced by the spinning blade on an arbor allows a circular saw to do much more precise straight cuts. When placed either in a stationary or mobile position. Either way, a power saw can make exact straight and miter cuts.

The question is should you go with a corded or cordless saw find out here.

2. Table saw

Another good tool for making straight cuts is a table saw. As the name implies, this beauty for the beast is a saw built into a table.

A table saw works similarly to a circular saw, except the blade is now fixed to a table.

As long as you are using flat materials, a table saw is an excellent tool for making straight cuts, and you can learn how to get the most from a table saw here.

3. Miter saw

Aside from a circular and table saw, a miter saw is also an excellent tool to use when making straight cuts. Although they have all their differences from a circular saw.

The most popular tool on a building site and an impressive tool to have when you are making square and angled miter cuts.

The downward drop motion assures you that your cuts are precisely on point.

In addition, the saw works by being mounted on a flat bench, which helps make precise cuts on even long lengths of timber.

Where to use a reciprocating saw?

A reciprocating saw works best when used in the following ways:

1. For demolition work

The push-and-pull cutting motion allows you to cut through household components and materials easily during a renovation project.

Most demolition workers use a reciprocating saw for cutting wood and metal for removal. A cordless model is great for removing things here and there, like taking out a pipe, or a door.

While a corded reciprocating saw works to take out entire walls in only a few hours.

2. For tree pruning

Another good time to use a reciprocating saw is for tree pruning.

A reciprocating saw can easily pierce through tree braches for trimming them since the tool cuts in a push-and-pull motion.

If you attach a large wood cutting toothed blade, to a cordless reciprocating saw it can be a great replacement for a hand pruner, and a safer tool choice than a chainsaw for the lady of the home.

3. For disassembly work

A reciprocating saw can easily scrape off and cut any materials.

A saw like this dominates building disassembly work while effortlessly cutting through all types of wood, metal, and plastic.

Choosing the right blade for wood

Like we said earlier, a reciprocating saw can cut any materials. Although this is dependent on the saw blade that you use in accordance with blade length, and the number of teeth per inch.

If you want to cut wood, a good saw blade is somewhere between 8 inches to 12 inches long.

Another way of determining the blade length that you need to use is to get the width of the material and add 3 inches to it. Woodcutting reciprocating saw blades have large and sharp teeth.

If you’re cutting plywood, drywall, timber, etc., a tooth per inch is somewhere between 8 – 14. On the finer side for plasterboard and the bigger side for tree trimming, and the removal of timber framing members.

Choosing the right blade for metal

If you plan on cutting metal like a galvanized pipe, you need to find out the width of the material you plan to cut. Then, you add 3 inches minimum to it.

Preferably, your blade length should be somewhere between 6 – and 9 inches. This way, you’ll be able to cut through any material regardless of how thick or thin. 

Next, the amount of teeth to cut general metals is somewhere around 18 teeth per inch.

The number of teeth on a blade all depends on the metal’s denseness and thickness.

Harder metal requires denser teeth per inch (an increased number of teeth).

To get the right blade, always check the TPI rating of a blade [1].

Wearing safety gear

A reciprocal saw can cause accidents even in professional hands. Because of this, we recommend that you use the following safety gear to help avoid accidents when using a reciprocal saw:

• Safety goggles or face shields.
• Gloves or your mitts!
• Hearing protection, like earplugs or earmuffs.
• If you are using a  corded saw make sure you use an RCD at the power source.
• Work from a portable scaffolding if you are up high instead of a ladder.

How to insert the blade?

While saw blades may seem intimidating, inserting a blade in a reciprocating saw is not that complicated. All you need to do is to accomplish a series of simple steps.

Here are is how to insert a blade into your reciprocating saw:

1. Unplug the machine or remove the battery
2. Place the machine on a flat surface
3. Unlock the securing quick release lock on the side of the blade holder 
4. Remove the pivoting shoe if it’s an older model
5. Remove the old blade 
6. Insert the replacement blade into the slot
7. Insert the pivoting shoe if it’s an old tool
8. Lock the saw’s securing lock-back

Shoe placement and adjustment

Most companies fit newly-released reciprocating saws with an adjustable pivoting shoe.

The shoe allows you to control how much of the blade you can access when cutting by adjusting the depth.

The adjustable base also acts as a fulcrum and measure of control and allows you to pin the material down that you are cutting.

You can adjust your pivoting shoe by simply pulling the pivoting shoe away from the reciprocating saw or by pushing it back in to lengthen the blade.

Setting up your reciprocating saw

Most reciprocating saws we have used offer different settings. Some saws have an orbital function.

What it does is add an elliptical motion to the saw’s push-and-pull cutting movement [2].

A corded electric version allows for deeper and more aggressive downwards cuts. However, expect much more vibration to your reciprocal saw during use.

That is why you need to know the type of reciprocating saw you buy. Here are some things that you need to know when setting up your reciprocating saw.

Variable speed

A reciprocating saw with variable speed means that you can adjust the cutting speed of your saw according to your preferences and what you are cutting.

Single-speed

A reciprocating saw with a single-speed option can only operate at a single speed.

Tips for making the cut

1. Always hold the reciprocating saw with two hands.

A reciprocating saw has a strong kickback and gives off strong vibrations.

You are likely to mishandle the saw if you’re only using one hand.

2. Always use clamps when possible.

Like we said earlier, a reciprocating saw causes strong vibrations.

Use a clamp whenever possible to secure your work or structures that you are working with so that you can control or stop framing from falling or moving unexpectedly as a safety measure.

Safety tips when cutting wood with reciprocating saws.

1. Always use a dust mask.

When cutting wood, a saw like a saber saw can produce significant amounts of wood dust or flying metal debris.

Small particles and dust can get to your lungs if you do not use a dust mask to protect yourself.

2. Use the appropriate blade length.

For better control and a faster work rate, use a blade length that is longer than the width of what you are cutting.

Length helps to ensure that you are going to achieve a faster cutting reciprocating saw.

3. Do not use a dull blade.

If you use a dull blade, you can be prone to losing control. And taking forever to finish your job.

A blunt blade can increase or lead to an accident or kickback to occur.

When to use a corded reciprocating saw?

A corded reciprocating saw is more potent than a battery-powered reciprocating saw.

I prefer to use a corded reciprocating saw when working with thicker and sturdier materials such as timber, steel, lumber, etc on large demolition jobs.

Remember that a corded reciprocating saw is much stronger than a battery-powered one, so handle the machine with extra precautionary measures to avoid accidents.

When to use a cordless reciprocating saw?

A cordless reciprocating saw is a battery-powered machine.

Cordless saws are less powerful than corded reciprocating saws because it does not have a direct power source and has less downwards force aiding in the cuts.

A cordless reciprocating saw is best used when working with thinner and less robust materials such as drywall, plywood, and removing doors or just some framing here and there.

I use my cordless reciprocating saw when working in tight spaces, or when you are working from multiple locations at the same time.

A cordless tool is easier to carry around with you, as a more portable option. 

However, a corded reciprocating saw can take out entire walls in only a short period of time.

Conclusion

During your building and conclusion time, a reciprocating saw is an excellent tool to have when your work or project needs part of your home to be removed or cut out of the way.

Your machine can cut through most materials as long as you use an appropriate blade for it. Always wear and use safety gear when using a reciprocating saw to avoid accidents.

And before you get too carried away with what you already have check out all the attachments that help with this saw.