RECIPROCATING SAW (aka: Sawzall)
What this tool is primarily used for:

The Reciprocating Saw is primarily a power hack saw. This saw can be used for cutting pipe, wood, or plastic pieces that are too large for other tools (the Metal Chop Saw, Miter Saw, or Jig Saw) This saw uses different blade types and lengths for various materials
 

ALWAYS USE APPROPRIATE PPE WHEN USING THIS MACHINE

SAFETY FOR THIS MACHINE:
  • DO NOT operate while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication
  • SECURE any loose fitting jewelry or clothing, tie back long hair - they can get caught in moving parts
  • DO NOT modify machine to cut without the safety devices. Do not operate with guide shoe removed
  • ALWAYS hold saw with two hands
  • ALWAYS USE the correct blade for the material being cut
  • UNPLUG tool when you need to change the cutting blade
  • REFER to instruction manual for further information (see Studio Technician)

Personal Protection Equipment while working with the Sawzall

Head/Face or Eye

Clothing
Hands
Feet
 Ears
Respirator

REQUIRED

long sleeves rolled up

RECOMMENDED

long pants

none needed

REQUIRED

shoes

or

boots

RECOMMENDED

ear plugs

or

ear muffs

RECOMMENDED

N95

do not wear clothing that may get caught in moving parts, such as neck ties or dangling jewelry
do not wear gloves as they can get caught in moving parts

NO open toed shoes

or

slip-on- types in the woodshop

can generate loud noise when cutting

recommended if generating large amounts of dust

 

Sawzall Blade
Material

Note the small teeth size

Metal

note the large teeth size

 Wood

 
 

OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING THIS MACHINE:

  • Lower speed are recommended for most metal cutting, while higher speeds are recommended for wood
  • The variable speed is controlled by and increase or decrease in pressure on the on/off switch
  • The sawzall blade can be set for dual motion:
    • Straight reciprocating motion recommended for cutting metal - orbital shift lever in the down position
    • Orbital motion recommended for wood - orbital shift lever in the horizontal position
  • Changing the blade requires the use of an Allen wrench (it is kept in the Sawzall box)
  • The shoe serves as a rest while making a cut and should be placed flat against the material being cut
 
Last modified May 23, 2007