We all need a saw that can help you get a straight line when your project requires it. The reciprocating saw has a thin blade and a short cutting surface suitable for decorative cutting with an ability to cut through an inch on any direction.
Table of Contents
Cutting Straight with a Reciprocating Saw
Cutting a Wood
Any job related to cutting is something that the reciprocating saw will do as long as you have the right blade with few teeth and large gullets for a faster and more powerful cut. For cutting, ensure that the blade is set in the chuck and that you have all protective gear.
When cutting, little precision is needed because the saw uses default settings. At all times when cutting ensure that you have accurate and straight cuts. The article shares a few tips and techniques you need to follow using different materials to get the best and straight curve.
Are you facing problem to square a board with a table saw? Check out this post.
Cutting a Wooden Board Horizontally
- You can be sure to get a clean and a straight cut when using a reciprocating saw on a wooden board. The board has to be locked through clamping along its edges. Make use of C-clamps to hold it firmly in position, get a running straight, and clamp it into the best position.
- Measure the fence distance; ensure that the area covered by the foot of the saw also counts. For example, if you have ½-inch on the reciprocating saw running between fence and blade, you need to cut the distance between rail and wood.
- Clamping the board should be firm to control the vibrations from the saw or avoid the pressure applied as during cutting. Any movement on the piece when cutting is going on would mean having an uneven cut in or outside of the cut line.
- The foot of the saw should be at the head where the blade rests on the cutting surface. The positioning of the reciprocating saw’s foot acts as a guide. For the best outcome, the foot should be resting on the edge along the side of the fence rails as you make your cut.
- Keep a flat edged foot should be flat as you maintain the straight side pressure on the fence when cutting without worrying whether the blade runs out of line or not.
Cutting a Straight on a Vertical Surface
The same way we cut through the board mounted on a fence rail, the same can be done on vertical walls and partitions using the same logic. However, for the vertical cut, take the required measurements and use wood screws to attach the rail on the wall. You can use the same rule when cutting straight with the reciprocating saw.
You can use this approach when using a reciprocating saw on various types of materials that need boxing of holes and straight-line applications. A fence rail can be a 2 by 4 stud or any appropriate flat scrap material with a straight edge and fits the required length. The stud should also be thick enough on its edges for the foot of the saw to stick to the straight cutting line.
Safety Tips
Make sure that at any given time when using the reciprocating saw, you don your goggles, hearing protection and other safety-related garments. Let the blade rest after cutting because you do not want to feel the heat from the resultant friction after cutting through the wood.
There is another thing common in reciprocal saws called the kickback and binding. If you do not watch out the blade may come out leaving additional damage and a possible threat to you.
Final Word
The best way to handle a particular type of saw is to keep the safety tips in mind because you do not want to cut what was not supposed to be cut. When it comes to you as a contractor, DIY enthusiast, or a repairperson cannot dare to live without the overall versatility of the reciprocating saw.
Whether it is drywall, tiles, concrete, pipe cutting, working on a demo, or cutting down boards, this saw proves to be handy and difficult to replace by any other saw. The several numbers of blades that can be used by the reciprocating saw mean you will be unstoppable when working with such a powerful tool.