Are you wondering if a Sawzall can cut through wood?
The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, a reciprocating saw like the Sawzall is one of the most versatile tools available, capable of cutting through a wide range of materials including wood, metal, PVC, and even nails.
But with so many blade options available, how do you choose the right one for the job? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of blades available and provide tips on how to select the best blade for cutting wood with your Sawzall.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, this guide will help you master the art of cutting wood with your reciprocating saw. So let’s dive in and discover how to make the most of this powerful tool!
Can You Use A Sawzall To Cut Wood
Yes, you can definitely use a Sawzall to cut wood. In fact, it’s one of the most common uses for this versatile tool. With the right blade, a Sawzall can cut through a variety of wood types, including dimensional lumber, plywood, and even firewood.
When it comes to cutting wood with a Sawzall, the key is selecting the right blade for the job. There are many blade characteristics to consider, such as blade material, length, width, thickness, and teeth-per-inch (TPI). For specific cut types, blade shape, tooth shape, kerf-width, gullet, and tooth pattern can also be selected.
For cutting through fresh lumber without nails, a general purpose wood blade will work just fine. However, if you’re demolishing a house or cutting through wood with nails, it’s important to use a demo blade that’s specifically designed for this purpose. Using a blade meant strictly for cutting through wood will quickly dull the blade when it hits a nail.
If you’re dealing with denser species of wood like Ipe or Oak, you’ll need a more aggressive blade like a demo blade for wood with nails or a metal blade. These blades have larger teeth and wider gullets that can handle tougher materials.
When cutting through wood with your Sawzall, it’s important to apply pressure on the saw blade against the wood and let the saw do the work. Don’t press too hard because you can bind the blade. If you’re having trouble cutting, try rocking the saw back and forth along the cut line to saw the wood from different angles.
Introduction To Sawzall And Its Capabilities
A Sawzall, also known as a reciprocating saw, is a handheld power tool commonly used for demolition and remodeling. Its cutting action is achieved through a push-and-pull motion of the blade. The original trade name Sawzall was first produced by Milwaukee Electric Tool in 1951.
One of the most versatile power tools, a Sawzall can cut through many types of materials such as wood, metal, PVC, and nails. With the right kind of blade, you can even use it as a sanding, grouting, and scraping tool. The blade length for reciprocating saws can vary from 4 to 24 inches, with universal blades that fit all types of saws.
Sawzalls are designed with a foot at the base of the blade that allows the user to hold or rest it on the surface being cut. This foot helps to counteract the tendency of the blade to push away from or pull towards the cut as it moves through its motion.
When it comes to cutting wood with a Sawzall, selecting the right blade is crucial. There are many factors to consider when choosing a blade such as blade material, length, width, thickness, and teeth-per-inch (TPI). Blade shape, tooth shape, kerf-width, gullet, and tooth pattern can also be selected for specific cut types.
Types Of Sawzall Blades For Cutting Wood
There are several types of Sawzall blades that are specifically designed for cutting wood. Each type of blade has its own unique characteristics that make it suitable for different types of wood and cutting applications.
1. General Purpose Wood Blades: These blades are designed for cutting through fresh lumber without nails. They have a tooth pitch of 6-10 TPI that can easily cut through dimensional lumber, plywood, and small tree limbs. Combination blades with 5/8 TPI or 10/14 also work on wood. The blade can vary from 6″ to 12″ in length.
2. Demo Blades for Wood with Nails: If you’re demolishing a house or cutting through wood with nails, it’s important to use a demo blade that’s specifically designed for this purpose. These blades have a more aggressive tooth pitch of 5 TPI and a nail guard design that keeps larger nails from getting in between the teeth and snapping off carbide bits.
3. Metal Blades: For denser species of wood like Ipe or Oak, a more aggressive blade like a metal blade may be necessary. These blades have larger teeth and wider gullets that can handle tougher materials. They are also suitable for cutting through wood with embedded nails or screws.
4. Clean Wood Cutting Blades: MILWAUKEE® SAWZALL® wood blades have deep gullets to give you 25% faster cutting than standard blades and a fleam ground process that creates super sharp teeth for clean cuts. These SAWZALL® blades feature matrix II bi-metal teeth for greater durability and endurance with 1/2 in. Universal Tangs that fit all SAWZALLS®.
5. Bosch RP125: This is the best Sawzall blade for cutting wood according to our team’s testing. The Turbo-teeth Tech and precision ground tips offer a longer lifespan and reduce blade maintenance. The blades are convenient and meant for a variety of applications including fiberglass, cement boards, wood with nails, and various metals.
When choosing a Sawzall blade for cutting wood, it’s important to consider the type of wood you’ll be cutting, whether there are any embedded nails or screws, and the desired cut quality. Using the right blade will ensure efficient and effective cuts without damaging your Sawzall or the material you’re working with.
Choosing The Right Blade For The Job
Choosing the right blade for the job is crucial when using a Sawzall to cut wood. The type of blade you choose will depend on the type of wood you’re cutting and whether or not there are nails involved.
High steel (HCS) carbon steel blades are the most common and inexpensive blade type. They’re suitable for cutting softer woods like pine, fiberboard, and plastics. However, they quickly become dull when used on hardwood or metal.
High-speed steel (HSS) blades are made with a tempering process that makes them more heat-resistant and durable than their steel counterparts. These blades can cut hardwoods, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals without dulling or breaking.
Bi-metal blades are a popular choice among professionals in various trades. They have a high-carbon steel body for flexibility and break-resistance, and hot-work steel teeth for heat-resistance, hardness, and durability. These blades can last up to ten times longer than steel blades.
Carbide tipped blades are bi-metal blades with a carbide tip at the end of each tooth. These blades are tough, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant, and can cut thicker pieces of metal including high-strength alloys. They’re ideal for cutting metals that would quickly destroy other blade types.
Carbide grit blades do not have teeth like traditional Sawzall blades. Instead, they have an abrasive strip that’s used for cutting dense materials like ceramic tile, cement, brick, marble, other stone, and masonry.
Diamond blades are the most expensive Sawzall blade type but are essential for cutting brittle materials like glass and hard and dense materials like concrete.
Tips For Cutting Wood With A Sawzall
Here are some tips for cutting wood with a Sawzall:
1. Choose the right blade: As mentioned earlier, selecting the right blade for the job is crucial. For cutting through fresh lumber without nails, use a general purpose wood blade. For cutting through wood with nails or denser species of wood, use a demo blade for wood with nails or a metal blade.
2. Apply pressure on the saw blade: When cutting through wood, it’s important to apply pressure on the saw blade against the wood and let the saw do the work. Avoid pressing too hard because it can bind the blade.
3. Rock the saw back and forth: If you’re having trouble cutting through the wood, try rocking the saw back and forth along the cut line to saw the wood from different angles. This can help you get through tougher spots.
4. Use an orbital cutting feature: Some reciprocating saws have an orbital cutting feature that causes the blade to cut in a slight orbital pattern instead of back and forth in a straight line. Set your saw to full orbital when cutting through wood.
5. Avoid using too much orbital action: If your saw has an adjustable orbital feature, set it halfway when cutting through nail-embedded wood. Turn off the feature completely when cutting through metal because it can cause the blade to bounce off the work surface.
By following these tips, you can easily and efficiently cut through wood with your Sawzall. Remember to always prioritize safety and wear appropriate protective gear while using power tools.
Safety Precautions When Using A Sawzall For Woodcutting
Using a Sawzall for woodcutting can be a safe and efficient way to get the job done, but it’s important to take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Wear protective gear: Always wear eye and ear protection when using a Sawzall. Additionally, sturdy gloves will protect your hands from cuts.
2. Choose the right blade: Select the appropriate blade for the type of wood you’re cutting, as well as the presence of nails or other materials. Using the wrong blade can cause the blade to dull quickly, or even break.
3. Secure the workpiece: Make sure the wood you’re cutting is securely clamped or held in place to prevent it from moving during cutting. This will help you maintain control of the saw and prevent accidents.
4. Keep your hands away from the blade: It’s important to keep your hands and fingers away from the blade while cutting. Make sure you have a firm grip on the saw and use both hands to maintain control.
5. Don’t force the saw: Let the saw do the work and avoid putting too much pressure on it. If you encounter resistance, stop cutting and reassess the situation before continuing.
6. Use caution when cutting overhead: When cutting wood overhead, be aware of your surroundings and make sure there are no obstructions or hazards in your way.
By following these safety precautions, you can use a Sawzall to cut wood with confidence and avoid accidents or injuries.