Jigsaw vs reciprocating saw has been the talk of the town for quite a while now. As both these machines powered saws are used for cutting wood, PVC, and other such materials, they are often interlinked with each other.
No matter the scale of a cutting-related task, you can use any of these tools with confidence. However, before picking any of these, it’s essential to know the differences between these two. So, lets get to know how these two machines differ from each other.
What Is a Reciprocating Saw?
A reciprocating saw appears just like a jigsaw, but its functionality is what differentiates it. This saw follows a push and pull motion for making cuts. Further, its blade is connected to the electric motor in a horizontal direction.
These are the main differences between the two famous saws. Apart from these differences, the reciprocating saws and jigsaws are nearly the same.
How a Reciprocating Saw Works?
These saws are named as reciprocating saws because of the motion that helps them cut metal and wood. The horizontally aligned blade uses a push and pull motion for cutting various materials. Now, the blades for these saws are also replaceable.
For cutting a material other than wood, you can replace the blades for better performance. Moreover, you can adjust the speed of the motor according to the crafting task. So, the working of this saw isn’t complex.
Why Choose a Reciprocating Saw?
i): Used for Demolishing Projects
Because of this motion, the reciprocating saw is used for demolishing of different materials. It has one rough and tough construction. Moreover, the orientation of its blades makes it easy to cut through hard materials. It is one favorite cutting tool of contractors and plumbers.
This is because it helps them demolish different materials without worrying about anything. Also, the blade of these saws is quite sharp and doesn’t break easily. So, even with just a single blade on, it can be used for a long time. All these points attract contractors and plumbers. Hence, they opt for this saw.
ii): It Offers More Room for Creative Work
Yes, the reciprocating saw is the tool that will help you work on your crafting project with perfection. Simply because it has got the set of features that will help you work with focus. For instance, its variable speed control and replaceable blades are good add-ons.
Furthermore, these are available in both corded and cordless variations. So, depending on the type of project, you can go with any of its variations. Therefore, reciprocating offers more room for some creative cutting-related tasks. Read difference between sabre saw and jigsaw, here.
For cutting metal and wood, you don’t want a heavyweight saw. What if you get that freedom to cut any materials without the bulk of heavyweight saw? Well, reciprocating saws offer the same convenience. They are lightweight and easy to carry around.
Despite the lightweight, their cutting performance is exceptional. Moreover, if you get a chance to grab the cordless one, you will love its compact housing. The cordless models offer good cutting power and are lighter than their counterparts.
iii): Simple Design Language
Most of the reciprocating saw you’ll find on the web will have a simple design language. However, from their build to color schemes, you’ll find every aspect of these saws to be ideal for professional work. Basically, these saws are meant to serve the requirements of plumbers and contractors.
Such professionals only demand raw cutting power out of a cutting tool. Therefore, the reciprocating saws have a clean design. Further, replacing blades and cutting in multiple directions is also easier with these saws.
What Is a Jigsaw?
Here it would be easier to understand a jigsaw. Because the jigsaws have a vertically oriented blade that moves in an up and down motion. Further, the electric motor of the jigsaw isn’t super powerful. Therefore, it isn’t an ideal powered saw for every cutting task.
However, for cutting thin sheets of wood and metal, a jigsaw is perfect choice. Moreover, you can also get them in corded and cordless variations.
Why Go with A Jigsaw
When we compare jigsaw vs reciprocating saw, we’ll discover that both these are different in various aspects. But none of these is a bad machine. Here is why choosing a jigsaw could be a good deal for you.
i): Ideal for DIY Professionals
No doubt the professionals have a jigsaw in their tool line up along with circular saw and reciprocating saw. But it’s the home user and DIY gurus who want a compact tool for accomplishing their different crafting-related tasks. For such peeps, the jigsaws are an ideal pick.
It has a clean and straightforward design and features like variable speed control to help you get done with some precise cutting. Moreover, many affordable offerings are available when we talk about jigsaws. So, from every aspect, the jigsaws have got the needs covered of amateurs and DIY professionals.
ii): Precise Cutting Made Easy
If you want to make some nice and precise cuts, you should definitely go with the jigsaw because its precision is a lot better than some common saws available out there. In addition, the orientation of their blade requires a firm hand to make a cut. That’s why, when you use them with focus and attention, you can make precise cuts with ease.
On the other hand, reciprocating saws are designed for some rough and tough cutting. Therefore, for a more detailed crafting task, you need a jigsaw.
iii): Easy to Maintain
The jigsaws don’t require any fancy maintenance. You just have to change the blade (if required) as per your task requirement. Apart from the blade, there is nothing that you would have to change. Therefore, they are easier to maintain.
Jigsaw vs Reciprocating Saw – Common Difference
i): Intended Purpose
The intended purpose is the primary aspect that differs both these saws. The reciprocating saw is made for workers who want a powerful saw for remodeling and demolishing tasks. Whereas the jigsaw is a compact saw that is best suited to those professionals who want a lightweight saw.
ii): Power Output
The output power can’t be ignored when we talk about any type of electric saw. So, if we talk about these two saws, it’s the reciprocating saw that offer the better power output. But, on the other hand, the jigsaw comes with an electric motor that produces average torque.
iii): Ease of Use
Now, this can be a subjective matter to some. However, it’s an important aspect and can’t be overlooked. In this case, it’s the jigsaw that wins the race. It is more convenient to use and carry around.
Read Here: The Difference Between Reciprocating Saw and Sawzall
FAQ’s
Q1: Which is better jigsaw or reciprocating saw?
Ans: Well, both are good for their intended purpose. You should get the one that matches your requirements.
Q2: Can you use a reciprocating saw to cut wood?
Ans: Yes, you can use reciprocating saw to cut wood. However, the type of wood, and its thickness can be a deciding factor in this case.
Q3: What is the reciprocating saw best used for?
Ans: The reciprocating saw is best used for remodeling and demolishing purposes.
Q4: Can you cut straight with a jigsaw?
Ans: Yes, you can cut straight with a jigsaw. You can also make some curve cuts with it.
Conclusion
So, while comparing jigsaw vs Reciprocating Saw, there are various aspects to consider. No doubt, both these saws are perfect for cutting various materials. However, they do differ in some aspects. So, in the end, you have to decide on the perfect one based on your requirements.
