There’s no doubt that both the reciprocating saw and the chainsaw are capable when it comes to cutting up wood with ease. A reciprocating saw will usually only cost you between $80 and $200. On the other hand, even a cheap chainsaw will often come with a $180 or higher price tag. At first glance, you might assume that a reciprocating saw and a chainsaw are suitable for completing similar cutting tasks.
Maintaining the electric chainsaw is more complicated than the reciprocating saw. The simplicity of the reciprocating saw allows for just sharpening but on the other hand, the electric chainsaw requires regular maintenance-the change of oil, sharpening of the blade, cleaning of the bar, etc. Below, we give you a full breakdown of the advantages the reciprocating saw has over the electric saw.
Reciprocating saws are good at cutting various materials with different blades such as wood, metal, and plastic with just a standard reciprocating saw and quick-change blades. Reciprocating saws are also easier to maintain than chainsaws. Reciprocating saws are much safer than chainsaws because they are usually lower powered, and use shorter blades.
I really like setting up my reciprocating saw and using that to buck branches and small stuff – 3 inches or less. I have a pruning blade and some wood blades as well. I get the feeling that a lot of people prefer small chainsaws for the same job.
Although these saws can be used in multiple roles, it’s critical to know when to pick a chainsaw vs a reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw is hands-down the easier saw to use, requiring the least training to operate safely and quickly, as well as being more portable, versatile, and requiring less expensive safety equipment than the chainsaw. If the only factor in making your selection of a chainsaw vs a reciprocating saw is electrical access, then chainsaws may have a clear advantage.
small chainsaw vs reciprocating saw Related Question:
Are reciprocating saws safer than chainsaws?
What is this? While the electric chainsaw is perfect for cutting bigger trees, the reciprocating saws are ideal for smaller trees. Reciprocating saws are, however, less risky to handle as the power goes off immediately you remove your hands from the power button.
Can you cut small trees with a reciprocating saw?
Use your reciprocating saw to prune small trees and branches. Reciprocating saws are great for trimming/pruning small trees and branches. Make sure you stick to the safety rules; wear eye protection, have solid footing, etc… Be reasonable about the size of the branch you decide to cut.
Can you use a reciprocating saw to cut logs?
A reciprocating saw is perfect to split your firewood. It is a kit that you need to cut the firewood. Moreover, these tools are immensely powerful for cutting through several materials. It makes your work done very effectively.
Can you use a Sawzall as a chainsaw?
If you already have a sawzall or equivalent, it’s worth buying some coarse-tooth blades. It is handy for a quick cut of a limb or two if they’re not too big, but it is far from being as good for the job as a chainsaw. A sawzall is handier than a chainsaw for some small jobs like pruning large bushes.
What’s better than a chainsaw?
A bow saw can handle many of the same cuts while saving wear and tear on a chain saw. Bow saws are capable of handling up to about a 10- to 12-inch tree, and replaceable blades mean that there’s nothing to sharpen. Look for a minimum 24-inch blade—smaller ones are suitable only for small branches—or even 30-inch.
How thick of wood can a reciprocating saw cut?
875-inches wide and 0.062-inches thick. Blades 0.035-inches thick provide adequate strength for standard cuts. Blades 0.05-inches thick provide enhanced stability. Short blades with tapered backs are best suited for plunge-cutting jobs.
Can you use a reciprocating saw to cut tree roots?
The saws use blades rated for cutting through wood and even nails, so they are sturdy enough to cut roots. You can use a reciprocating saw to slice through roots if you are trying to dig out an old tree or shrub. The saw will even be sharp enough to cut through the soil, if your soil is not rocky.
Will a reciprocating saw cut sleepers?
We would not recommend cutting sleepers with a reciprocating saw or chainsaw. A reciprocating saw will produce wavy cuts, while a chain saw is messy, inaccurate and dangerous to use for an inexperienced user.
Are reciprocating saws loud?
Reciprocating saws are loud, however not as loud as most other power tools. If you are looking to purchase a reciprocating saw make sure you look for one with some sort of noise reduction technology. The longer the blade is on your recipricating saw the louder it will be. Short blades tend to be quieter than long ones.
Are reciprocating saws any good?
Milwaukee takes the top overall spot for cordless reciprocating saws with cutting speed that leaves its cordless competitors in the dust. Along with its impressive cutting speed, it has an excellent feature set and does a good job of keeping vibration under control.
What is the difference between Sawzall and reciprocating saw?
sawzall, and what the difference is between the two. They are actually the same thing. The Milwaukee tool company introduced the first reciprocating saw in 1951, and called it the Sawzall. It has since been so widely copied that the terms reciprocating saw and sawzall are now used interchangeably.
What’s better reciprocating saw or jigsaw?
Which one is better when it comes between reciprocating saws and jigsaws? They are both geared towards different projects and have a specialty performing different tasks. A jigsaw is best used for precise cutting jobs while the reciprocating saw is used to cut tougher and larger materials.
What is a chainsaw used for?
A chainsaw (or chain saw) is a portable gasoline-, electric-, or battery-powered saw that cuts with a set of teeth attached to a rotating chain driven along a guide bar. It is used in activities such as tree felling, limbing, bucking, pruning, cutting firebreaks in wildland fire suppression, and harvesting of firewood.
Is a pole saw safer than a chainsaw?
Are Pole Saws Safer Than Chainsaws? Both chainsaws and pole saws are very dangerous. They can leave you with serious, life-changing injuries. Chainsaws are more powerful and heavy than engine-powered pole saws.
Does Stihl make a reciprocating saw?
And for now, it’s one of the only battery-powered models we’re aware of that you can get in the US. However, a one-hand reciprocating saw with a pruning blade, though it has more vibration, might be more productive in terms of its cutting speed, capacity, and runtime.