All three power saws are useful for different purposes. The reciprocating saw is great for demolition work because it can quickly and easily tear through wood, metal, and plastic. The circular saw is better for making precise cuts in lumber, while the jigsaw is ideal for cutting curves and intricate designs.
When it comes to choosing the right saw for your project, it can be tricky to know which one will work best. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide between a reciprocating saw, circular saw, or jigsaw: If you need to make long, straight cuts then a circular saw is the best option.
It’s also good for making rip cuts (cuts along the length of the board). A reciprocating saw is ideal for making shorter, more precise cuts. It’s also great for cutting through tougher materials like metal or concrete.
A jigsaw is perfect for making curved or intricate cuts. It can also be used to cut through thinner materials like plywood or plastic.
There is no saying of which one is best among reciprocating saw, circular, and Jigsaw until we know your preference. Each saw is best for separate jobs.
If you find it confusing to know the difference between them, don’t worry; you are not alone. Many people are unaware of the sole difference between them. That is why we have designed this article to make a comparative study on Reciprocating saw vs Circular saw vs Jigsaw. Stay with us!
[amazon box=”B00ODN1CP2,B085WRYML6,B00FQ8OGQA” price=”none” grid=”3″]
Reciprocating Saw vs Circular Saw vs Jigsaw-Which is Better & Why?
There are a lot of different saws on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for your project. Three of the most popular choices are reciprocating saws, circular saws and jigsaws, but how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between these ttree types of saws:
What is a Reciprocating saw?
The reciprocating saw is a kind of machine saw through which you can cut by pull and push, reciprocating manner.
It is often used for tree-limb cutting, clean cutting, and demolition work. As well, making cuts on hard materials takes the help of the abrasive coated blade.
What is a Circular saw?
The Circular saw there is a kind of power saw that cuts through materials in a rotary motion. People often use it over other saws for its blade to perform cross cuts, rip-cuts, or both simultaneously.
A circular saw can run by electricity as well as a gasoline engine or hydraulic motor. One can use it, discarding the need for a separate engine source.
What is Jigsaw?
With the combination of a powerful motor and reciprocating saw blade, a Jigsaw makes irregular curvy cuts.
Accordingly, it is used for making stencilled designs on metal, wood, or other types of materials.
Differences Between Jigsaws And Reciprocating Saws.
- The Jigsaw comes with a complex design, whereas the Reciprocating saws take the initial designs from hacksaws.
- Jigsaws appear with vertical layers of design, and as a result, it is more compact. The reciprocating saws include hognose, on the other hand.
- The average weight of jigsaws are six to twelve pounds, and the average weight of reciprocating saws are three to five pounds.
- Jigsaws are usable for compound and bevel cuts. The reciprocating saws, on the other hand, are preferable for vertical and horizontal strokes.
- You can use jigsaws for fewer precision works. On the contrary, Reciprocating saws are for mainly demolition projects.
- The price often varies. Generally speaking, the price of Jigsaw runs between $30-180, while the price for reciprocating saw differentiates between $20 to $1000. There is no saying that which saw is cheaper since we see the price to be widely varied.
Difference Between Reciprocating Saw And Circular Saw
- The Reciprocating saws are an engine with knife-like notched blades. On the contrary, the Circular saws feature disc-like varying blades.
- There is a noticeable difference between the cutting capacity of the two types of saws. For example- a reciprocating saw cut through a plank of wood faster than a circular saw. However, the reciprocating saw is more likely to leave a rough edge, and the circular saw will leave a comparatively clean plank edge.
- The way the two kinds of saw appear is also different. The reciprocating saw appears elongated and, as a result, is held like a rifle. The Circular saw has the blades like a disc and placed in a middle circular shape.
- As regards the price, the reciprocating saw is cheaper comparing to circular saws. The price range for the reciprocating saw is mostly between $50-150.
As the circular saw renders more precise cuts, it is expensive. It roughly runs between $100 – $250.
Common Usage Of Jigsaw
As you can use a jigsaw on parallel or curved lines, you make use of them on:
- Tight spaces.
- Wood or laminate to make straight edge cuts.
- On plasterboards to make holes for electrical outlets.
- Moulding for bevel cuts.
Therefore, jigsaws work better on wood and plastic rather than on bolts or nails. Yes, you can cut through metal, but their short strokes are not efficient enough for demolition jobs.
Common Usage of Reciprocating Saws
The reciprocating saws can deliver long, powerful strokes on projects like cutting lumber, taking down walls, etc. It delivers the kind of power on needs for heavy jobs. Also, reciprocating saws are well-known for making quick cuts.
Common Usage of Circular Saw
A circular saw has multiple usages. The circular saw provides a longer self-life. As a result, sawmills use circular saws for cutting through large-sized timbers to make logs and firewood. A circular saw is also known as a cold saw; it is mainly used on metals like bronze, steel, brass, etc. Hence, a circular saw suitable for both cross-cuts and straight cuts.
Should I Buy a Jigsaw Or Circular Saw & Reciprocating Saw First?
If you’re just starting out in woodworking, it’s important to choose the right type of saw for your project. In general, a jigsaw is better for intricate cuts and curves, while a circular saw is better for straight, precision cuts. reciprocating saw is another handheld power tool, but instead of using a spinning blade, it has a blade that moves back and forth very quickly. However, there are some projects where either type of saw can be used.
Here’s a closer look at the differences between these three types of saws:
Jigsaw:
A jigsaw is a handheld power tool that uses a reciprocating blade to make curved and irregular cuts in wood.
Jigsaws are ideal for making curved or detailed cuts in thinner pieces of wood (up to about 2 inches thick). They can also be used to cut through tougher materials like metal or tile, as long as you have the right blade installed. Jigsaws are relatively easy to use and maneuver, making them a good choice for beginners.
Circular Saw:
A circular saw is a handheld or table-mounted power tool that uses a spinning disc or blade to make precise, straight cuts in wood. Circular saws are great for making quick, accurate cuts in thicker pieces of wood (up to about 4 inches thick), and they can also be used to cut through tougher materials like metal or tile.
Circular saws typically require more setup time than jigsaws, but they’re well worth it if you need precise, clean cuts on a regular basis.
Reciprocating Saw:
A reciprocating saw is a powerful tool that’s great for making quick, rough cuts through wood or metal. It’s also useful for demolition work, as it can easily cut through nails and screws.
One of the biggest advantages of a reciprocating saw is its portability – it’s small and light enough to be used one-handed, making it perfect for working in tight spaces. Jigsaw: A jigsaw is another versatile power saw that’s often used for making curved or intricate cuts in wood or metal.
It’s also handy for cutting out holes or openings in material, such as when installing a new window or door. Like the reciprocating saw, the jigsaw is portable and can be used one-handed. However, its smaller size means that it isn’t suitable for larger projects.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Saw
You should always be careful than sorry. And that’s why a buying guide is a must. For beginners, it isn’t easy to come to terms with what they need from a variety of saws in the market. Sometimes, even a professional needs to make an intelligent inquiry to update his tools.
So, let’s traverse through the following points first.
What Kind Of Material Does Saw Work On?
While buying, this appears the most important question because you have to know appropriately which material the saw works on. Imagine you have bought a saw, and it is not cutting through materials as you wanted it to be. A total waste of money and time!
So, look for the right saw for the suitable material. Such as a tile saw will work best on cutting the tile; power saws, on the contrary, are applicable for multiple purposes. A circular saw suits well for cross-cuts. A jigsaw is better for tight spaces. Just like these, you need to know your material first.
What is Your Budget?
Not everyone can afford to burn a hole within their pocket for every single job. Thereupon, you have to buy a tactfully. If your tight budget and have several projects to finish, you should go for the kinds of saw applicable for multiple intensions.
What Type Of Cuts Does It Make?
While checking the saw in the shop, make sure you are looking for what kind of cuts it can make. Different saws can make different cuts, for instance- vertical cuts, straight cuts, cross-cuts, horizontal cuts, angled cuts, etc.
All of such cuts are for different types of projects. So, observe your material and the size, then choose the saw with cuts that is preferable for it.
Is It Acceptable For Precision Work or Large Projects?
As we already have mentioned that some saws are for demolition while some are for precision work. The demolition work, therefore, requires great force, and the precision work needs slight force. So your choice should solely be based on your project
How Many Times Will You Use The Saw?
If you plan to buy a saw for a long time, you should go for saws with a long self-life. For instance- hand chain saws provide more excellent value in terms of use for a long time. On the contrary, some come with short time usage and require frequent blade changes.
What Features Are Important To You?
When you search for the best saw, you won’t recognize the best pick for you until you know what is essential. Say, for example- you may prefer flexibility for multiple usages; you may want a power saw or a kind of saw that can reach tight spaces. Thus, versatility, control, power, flexibility, and comfort are the requirements, and it is hardly possible that you would find them all in one.
FAQs
-
What is Better a Reciprocating Saw Or a Circular Saw?
There are a few key differences between reciprocating saws and circular saws that might make one or the other a better choice for your needs. Reciprocating saws are more compact and lighter weight, making them easier to maneuver and less fatiguing to use. They also have a longer blade stroke, which can be an advantage when cutting through thicker materials.
Circular saws, on the other hand, tend to be more powerful, making them better suited for heavy-duty cutting tasks. They also have a shorter blade stroke, which can be an advantage when precision is more important than speed.
-
Is Jigsaw Or Reciprocating Saw Better?
When it comes to choosing between a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw, the answer really depends on the specific project you are working on. If you need to make curved or intricate cuts, then a jigsaw is probably your best bet. However, if you are working on a project that requires straight, precise cuts then a reciprocating saw would be the better tool for the job.
-
What is a Reciprocating Saw Used for
A reciprocating saw is a power tool that is most commonly used for making quick, aggressive cuts in materials like wood and metal. The blade of a reciprocating saw moves back and forth very rapidly, allowing the user to make precise, clean cuts with little effort. This type of saw is also known as a ” recip saw” or a “sabre saw”.
It gets its name from the fact that the blade moves in a reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion. Reciprocating saws are available in both corded and cordless versions.
-
Reciprocating Saw Vs Miter Saw
When it comes to choosing between a reciprocating saw and a miter saw, there are a few things you need to consider. Both types of saws have their own unique benefits that can make them ideal for different projects. Here’s a look at the key differences between reciprocating saws and miter saws so you can decide which one is right for your next project.
Reciprocating Saw Pros:
– More versatile than a miter saw
– can be used for cutting through wood, metal, and plastic
– Can make both straight cuts and angled cuts
– Compact size makes it easy to maneuver and store
– Less expensive than a miter sawMiter Saw Pros:
– Ideal for making clean, precise cuts on molding, trim, and other small pieces of wood
– Blade can be tilted to create angled cuts -
Can a Jigsaw Replace a Circular Saw?
Assuming you are asking if a jigsaw can do everything a circular saw can do, then the answer is no. They both have their own advantages and disadvantages. A jigsaw is great for making curved or irregular cuts, as well as getting into tight spaces that a circular saw couldn’t reach.
On the other hand, a circular saw can make straighter and faster cuts than a jigsaw – perfect for long boards or plywood sheets. So, depending on what kind of project you’re working on, you might need to use both types of saws.
Conclusion:
There are three main types of saws: reciprocating, circular, and jigsaw. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job at hand. Reciprocating saws are best for making quick, rough cuts in wood or metal.
Reciprocating saw vs Circular saw vs Jigsaw, After discussing in detail, we have concluded that not every saw sits well with every project. The reciprocating saw is a project which needs powerful saws and jigs saws for precise tasks. The circular saw is a versatile cutting one, and if you want to buy one with multiple benefits, you may give the Circular saw a try.
On the line of the best budget-friendly Jigsaw, we would recommend Porter-Cable-PCC650B. For the best reciprocating saw, you may want to find something like DEWALT DWE304. As for a circular saw with an affordable price tag, we would recommend Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT.
Happy renovating!
Your post is excellent quality. You have had the option to feature some significant focuses about Reciprocating Sao versus Round Sao. I trust the individuals who read your post will know a ton. Much thanks for a particularly significant post.
Thanks, Thomas for such a nice comment. we try to give our best.