You may clearly notice a head-to-head competition between Reciprocating saw vs Circular saw. A reciprocating saw has a knife-like blade attached to the system, while a circular saw has a disc blade with quite a large number of carbide or diamond coated teeth. In general, you can differentiate between a circular saw and a reciprocating saw based on their shape and sizes.
Their design might be different- but there are a lot of people who don’t know the difference between a circular saw vs reciprocating saw. The main difference between a circular saw and a reciprocating saw is the purpose. The reciprocating saw is mostly used to cut tree branches, while the circular saw is made to cut thick wood.
Most construction sites, for example, keep at least one reciprocating saw and one circular saw in their arsenal. One of the most noteworthy differences between a reciprocating saw and a circular saw is their blade type. Though it should be fully clear now, the reciprocating saw and the circular saw are very different types of power tools.
When it comes to the most versatile tool to have around the house, job site, or DIY project, you’ll have a tough time choosing between the reciprocating saw vs the circular saw. If the circular saw is the Swiss army knife of powered saws, then the reciprocating saw is more like the crowbar. In my opinion, both a reciprocating saw and a circular saw deserve a place in your workshop.
A reciprocating saw is generally used for rough-cutting jobs and demolition, and a circular saw is mostly used for household woodworking. For rough jobs where clean lines are not an issue, a reciprocating saw is best where you need clean, well-placed lines, you should use a circular saw. To summarize, a circular saw will give you smooth and clean lines and cuts, whereas a reciprocating saw will give you a rough cut, but will provide power and flexibility with cutting materials down.
circular saw vs reciprocating saw Related Question:
What is better a reciprocating saw or circular saw?
A circular saw is better able to make smooth dimension cuts needed for a successful carpentry project. A reciprocating saw, on the other hand, can only handle rough dimensioning jobs that do not require much finesse.
What is a reciprocating saw good for cutting?
A Reciprocating Saw is a handheld saw commonly used for demolition and remodeling. You can use it to cut through many types of materials such as wood, metal, PVC and nails. Get ready to tear the house down!
What is a circular saw best used for?
A circular saw is a utilitarian workhorse and a useful addition to the toolkit of DIYers. Its most common function is to make cuts in a straight line on pieces of lumber. Knowing its parts makes using a circular saw easier.
Why do I need a reciprocating saw?
Basically, these are hand-held saws that take over when hammers and crowbars fail; demolition work. Yes, that’s the primary use for a recip saw, to cut and rip out the materials around doors, windows and when cutting through joists and plasterboard etc.
Can I use a jigsaw instead of a circular saw?
Although a jigsaw can be used for most of the tasks that a circular saw can perform, including straight cuts and cuts on a tilt, the jigsaw uses that really take advantage of the tool’s qualities are jobs such as kitchen fitting and joinery, with their frequent need for complex cuts.
What is the difference between a table saw and a circular saw?
Circular saws are lightweight, hand-held, and can be moved from jobsite-to-jobsite with ease. A table saw is heavier and more complex in its set up. Because of its weight and footprint, this tool is more difficult to move these saws around as easily as you are able to do with a circular saw.
Can you cut a 4×4 with a reciprocating saw?
Most reciprocating saw blades range from 3 to 12 inches, meaning they have plenty of length to handle the 3.5-inch thickness of a 4×4 post. The design of a reciprocating saw also makes them ideal for cutting through fence posts that are already in the ground.
Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut tree branches?
Joe Truini: A reciprocating saw is one of the most versatile power tools you can own. It can cut virtually any building material. But it’s also great for trimming tree branches. Now you can use a standard reciprocating saw blade to cut tree branches, but you’ll get much better results if you use a pruning blade.
Can you cut wet wood with a reciprocating saw?
You can cut small trees with a reciprocating saw, and by small trees, we mean those around 5 inches in diameter at the most. To cut into wet, green lumber, you will need a pruning blade that will not get caught in the fresh fibers of the tree.
What is the minimum cut with a circular saw?
The circular saw can cut any depth from 0 to about 2 3/8″. This is awesome. But, to get the best quality cut and reduce the possibility of kickback, you’ll want to set the proper cut depth for your material. The blade should only project about 1/4 -1/2″ below the bottom of the material.
How do you use a circular saw without a table?
Fit your circular saw with an edge guide. Set the depth of the blade accurately enough for it to go through the wood and not cut under the surface. Place the guide on base of the circular saw lines and markings you made earlier on the wood. Ensure that the saw is free to move, and the power cord is not entangled.
Can a reciprocating saw cut metal?
Reciprocating saws fitted with the correct metal cutting blade make easy work of sawing through bolts, rods, rebar, pipes, profiles, and nails in stud work. Reciprocating saws cut by the blade travelling in a backwards and forwards, push- pull movement.
Which saw should I buy first?
A jigsaw is great for cutting curves and shapes, and it can also be used with a guide to make straight cuts, which is why this is the first power saw you should own. Unless you plan to rip long sheets of plywood, a jigsaw is preferable over a circular saw.
What can I use instead of a circular saw?
Jigsaw. A jigsaw is a great alternative to a circular saw as it can perform many of the same cuts. However, they can wonder and not give a perfectly straight cut unless they are supported by a guide along an edge. A sander or hand planer can also be used to finish off a jigsaw cut.
Is it better to buy a jigsaw or circular saw?
If you’re constantly needing to rip through boards, you know a jigsaw won’t cut it, so a circular saw is the more preferred option for you. If you’re doing intricate shapes and complex number cutting – a circular saw won’t help you there!
