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Reciprocating Saw VS Jigsaw: Which is Best?
Are you doing some sort of renovation soon? Or a new DIY project? You’re probably looking for tools that will make those jobs smoother and the most common ones would be: reciprocating jaw and jigsaw. While they sound like they could be used for the same jobs or projects, they are actually two different saws….
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Cons:
Pros:
What is?
Pros:
Reciprocating saw
This circular saw has the capability to cut ⅝ inches of wood and if you’re cutting aluminum, you can cut up to ⅞ inches. The maximum bevel cut is at 45 degrees. It’s a great circular saw for those who work with tools a lot and it’s reliable as the pivoting foot is made out of heavy-duty steel so that it has stability that holds this jigsaw in place.
Jigsaw
Reciprocating saws usually have Strokes Per Minute (SPM) of 2700 to 3000. Of course, you’ll want to be in between that so you can get the perfect speed, such as 2900 SPM. Stroke lengths with this saw usually are 1 to 1 ¼ inches but you’ll typically see 1 ⅛ in most reciprocating saws.
While they sound like they could be used for the same jobs or projects, they are actually two different saws. You probably don’t know the difference between the two, which is why you are here. Today we are going to talk about the difference between the two saws, and some of the best ones that you can find on the market.
The stroke length is important too because for every reciprocating movement, it is a stroke. If there’s a higher stroke rate, it means the blade can cover a lot more than the ones with lower stroke rate.
How to choose a reciprocating saw
Cord vs Cordless
Cons:
Motor/Power
The Bosch JS470E Jigsaw is another one that you should consider. It boasts a 7-amp motor with SMP no load from 500 to 3100.Bosch has developed the constant response circuit so that you can get perfect cuts and never worry about inconsistencies. The Bosch has the following additional features:
Variable Speed
Cons:
Blade Change
If you want to cut through tougher materials, the reciprocating saw is for you. In order to decide, you’ll want to consider what project you will be taking on and decide from there. If you’ve found this guide about reciprocating saws and jigsaws useful or have additional questions, please let us know below!
Stroke Speed/Length
The reciprocating saw usually has these features. Orbital action, variable speeds, adjustable shoe, easy blade replacement, saw blades, vibration reduction, metal housing and more. They’re pretty similar to the jigsaw features.
Vibration control
The reciprocating saw can be used for:
How to choose a jigsaw
Pros:
Orbital Action
Cons:
Variable Speeds
The motor is important too because it gives energy to the saw and additional features such as LED lights. You’ll want to look for ones that have a decent size motor for your DIY needs.
Motor Power
Pros:
Cord vs Cordless
Pros:
Shoe Bevel
It can do 1-inch strokes. Speaking of speed, there is variable speed control. There is a contoured over-molded handle for your comfort if you are doing long jobs/projects. The pivoting shoe keeps in contact with the material for stability. There’s also a tool free blade change system that can let you change your blades quickly and easily. This does run on batteries, but they are sold separately.
Additional Features
Which one is better? Reciprocating saws or jigsaws? They’re both great tools that’re geared for different projects and they each have their own specialty performing different tasks. If you need to make precise cuts, you’ll want to use the jigsaw.
Jigsaw vs Reciprocating Comparison Chart
| Features | Black & Decker Jigsaw | Dewalt Reciprocating Saw |
| Stroke Per Minute | 3000 | 3000 |
| Accuracy | Extremely Accurate | Average |
| Ease of use | Takes time to get used to it | Fairly easy to use |
| Price | CHECK FOR LATEST PRICE | CHECK FOR LATEST PRICE |
The Best 3 Reciprocating Saws
Dewalt Reciprocating Saw
Most or all reciprocating saws come with some variable speed controls. Some have triggers or dials. It depends on what you are comfortable with so that you can decide from there.
Pros:
- Reliable
- Keyless lever
- Pivoting shoe
- Powerful
- Tool free blade change feature
- Adjustable pivoting shoe
- Aggressive speeds for cutting
- Variable speed control
- Comfortable handle
- Lightweight
- Curve control technology
- Adjustable shoe
- Good for professionals
- Durable
- Constant response circuitry
- Powerful motor
- LED light
- Updated blade clamp
- Portability
- Variable speeds
- Versatility
- Convenient
- Improved stroke lengths
- Easy to handle
- Powerful motor
- Keyless blade change
- 4 position orbital
- Optimal cutting
- Not very durable
- Very thin blades
- Cheaper models vibrate a lot
FAQ
Can you use a reciprocating saw as a jigsaw?
What can reciprocating saws be used for?
BLACK & DECKER makes really good power tools and this is no exception. This model, the BDCR02C, has a 3000 SPM motor which is very powerful. There’s also a variable speed trigger too and an electric brake so that you can stop the saw exactly when you need to. There’s also tool free blade change feature and of course an adjustable pivoting shoe that makes using this saw extremely easy to use.
- Cutting wood
- Cutting most metals
- Lumber
- Plywood
- Wood with nails in it
What is the difference between a jigsaw and a saw?
Cons:
Can I use a Jigsaw to cut tree branches?
A typical jigsaw movement moves the blade up and down only as the jigsaw moves forward and backwards in an orbiting action jigsaw, and the blade moves gently forward and onto the piece on the upswing.
Reciprocating Saw VS Jigsaw: Bottom Line
The blade is obviously one of the most important features of the jigsaw since it makes cuts upon the materials. Blades can be found in different forms, and some are made out of different materials, so it really depends on what you’re trying to cut.
Are you doing some sort of renovation soon? Or a new DIY project? You’re probably looking for tools that will make those jobs smoother and the most common ones would be: reciprocating jaw and jigsaw.
