Reciprocating Saw

[RandyO]

I've decided its time to add a reciprocating saw to my collection of tools, not sure whats best for my needs, I will be doing some scrolling in rough cut 2-by pine, but not professional every day by any means, just occasional weekend projects

here's what I'm looking at, http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cata...P_PRC_MODE%7C0

12 amp 1 1/8" stroke

12 amp 3/4" stroke

12 amp orbital stroke

correct me if I'm wrong, the 3/4 stroke one is prolly what I want cause I'll be scrolling, and can you even scroll with an orbital ? or is the orbital the one I want ?

[stoinkythepig]

Orbital will cut the fastest, but will make scrolling pretty difficult as it effectively increases the depth of the blade. Longer stroke is better for demolition work and will cut through ticker material with less effort. Shorter stroke is better for tight quarters where the tip of the blade can contact something and get bent over. I don't think the stroke length will matter for "scrolling" capability. You can indeed scroll with one, they don't like to cut straight, but not like a jig saw. One thing to note, the odds of the blade staying perpendicular to the face of the board are quite slim. When you scroll, the uneven forces will cause the blade to bend sideways as there's no support for it. A quality jig saw with a quality blade, operated at a high blade speed and a slow feed rate will probably work better for a perpendicular cut. Good jig saws have a blade support wheel on the back side of the blade that helps keep the blade straight.

[Falko]

^^^^+1

I have a hitachi with like a 1" stroke. It has an adjustable orbit which makes it quite versatile. But you will have a hard time doing anything besides rough cuts with these saws.

[RandyO]

^^^^+1

I have a hitachi with like a 1" stroke. It has an adjustable orbit which makes it quite versatile. But you will have a hard time doing anything besides rough cuts with these saws.

as I said, any scrolling will be with rough cut pine to begin with, my other consideration would be a chain saw to do the scroll cutting, I figger a reciprocating saw wouldn't be quite as rough

[NPDCPA]

I have one for sale cheap. A Milwaukee. PM me for details and provide an email/text addy for pics.

[jcbell1007]

Scrolling rough cut pine, if its over 1" thick, would best be done by a band saw.

Rough out the scroll with straight cuts from your reciprocating saw or circular saw, then use a coping saw to finish it off. It all depends on how finished you want it to be.

[RandyO]

like I said, I'm not trying to do anything fancy, jig saws don't work for what I want to do, I've tried it. when I say "scroll" I'm not trying to cut anything tighter than a 12" radius, and I've always wanted an excuse to buy a Sawzall

[JohnnyV]

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry Bold 9930)

I have a Dewalt 18v li-ion for general around the house/yard shit and it has been great. I have not had a single failure with any of my dewalt power tools and I have become a bit brand-loyal because of it. Great products for the prices and worth checking out

[stoinkythepig]

I have had to repair most of my Dewalt tools. I still like them, but they break or wear out like any other. My most reliable tool has been a Makita 120 volt, 3/8" VSR drill. I've been using it routinely since 1984 and it works perfectly without ever being repaired. Wish I could say the same about the Makita 12V cordless drill I had, that thing was a piece of crap.

[RandyO]

ya, not even considering cordless, I like cordless drill cause I use it for screw gun, other than that, I see no advantage for cordless tools that trumps the disadvantages

[jcbell1007]

like I said, I'm not trying to do anything fancy, jig saws don't work for what I want to do, I've tried it. when I say "scroll" I'm not trying to cut anything tighter than a 12" radius, and I've always wanted an excuse to buy a Sawzall

Gotcha. I glazed over that part before.

That being said, they are super versatile and great to have. I bought mine a year ago. I went with porter cables 18v li-ion kit that had a reciprocating saw in it. I bought a package of Lennox blades to go with it and haven't worn/broken them yet either.

[Rada]

Definitely a too to have. I have a 20 something year old Makita that I have abused the piss out of. Great tool. The newer ones have quick change blades and better feet. I would vote short stroke Orbit is nice but not the end of the world. One of my favorite tricks is to cut nails whe doing demo work. Sure makes stud removal easier!!!