A reciprocating saw, or recip saw, is a cut-off tool most often used for demolition or other rough work. Equipped with the correct blade a recirocating saw can cut through wood, metal, and tile.
A large motor greatly speeds up the cutting speed of the saw. Demolition saws have some of the largests motors found on hand-held tools. That power is necessary to make the saw manageable during an all-day job. Small saws tend to produce excessive vibrations when they are used for rough work.
The tip of the blade of a saw equipped with this feature moves in an oval patter. This increases the cutting speed of the saw, but produces a rougher finish.
Due to the way they cut recip saws have the potential to create a lot of vibration. If you ever handled one you know that the saw can be painful to hold after a few minutes.
Some saws come equipped with an active vibration dampening mechanism. The effectiveness of this feature varies from saw to saw.
1) Choose a Motor Size
Recip saws are all about size. The small ones make fine, controlled cuts one at time. The large ones are demolition monsters that cut anything in front of them. It is important to choose a saw that fits your usage scenario.
If you do primarily demolition work, a large recip saw is the better choice. The mass of the tool dampens vibrations more efficiently. Smaller saws, on the other hand, are much easier to use.
The motor size indirectly selects the size of the saw.
2) Choose a Stroke Length
A saw with a longer stroke is going to cut faster. More teeth make contact with the workpiece with each stroke. This effect is very pronounced. The leaders in this category can cut up to twice as fast as the laggards.
A longer stroke usually leads to more vibration and less control. A medium stroke is the better choice for situations where a fine cut is required. Plumbers usually prefer a saw with a 3/4" stroke.
Oribital motion further increases the cutting speed of the saw.