Ever tried to saw through a stubborn piece of wood, only to have your saw bounce and jump all over the place? It’s frustrating, right? That’s where a saber saw, also known as a reciprocating saw, comes in handy. These tools are powerful and versatile, making them a must-have for any DIYer or professional.
Choosing the right saber saw can be tricky, though. With so many brands, features, and blade types, it’s easy to feel lost. Do you need a corded or cordless model? What about the power and the blade speed? Don’t worry! We’ll help you cut through the confusion and find the perfect saw for your needs.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about saber saws. We’ll explore the different types, features, and how to choose the best one. By the end, you’ll be sawing like a pro, tackling projects with confidence and ease. Get ready to learn how to pick the perfect saber saw for your next project. Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Sabre Saw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Sabre Saw Detailed Reviews
1. SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw – JS3131-00
Rating: 9.2/10
The SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw – JS3131-00 is a handy tool for cutting. It’s perfect for DIY projects and more. This saw offers speed control for different materials. It also has a clear view for precise cuts. You can even cut at angles with the shoe bevel adjustment. Blade changes are quick and easy with the tool-free clamp.
What We Like:
- High cutting efficiency makes cutting easy. The 4-stage orbital function helps.
- You control the speed. This is good for different jobs. A brake function helps too.
- You can cut at angles. The shoe bevel adjustment helps you do this.
- A dust blower keeps your view clear. You can see your cut line.
- Changing blades is simple. The tool-free blade clamp makes it fast.
What Could Be Improved:
- (No Cons Provided)
The SKIL JS3131-00 is a good jig saw. It has many useful features for different cutting tasks.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw
Rating: 8.7/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw (DCS334B) is a cordless jigsaw. It has a brushless motor for longer use. This tool is great for cutting wood and other materials. It’s a bare tool, which means you need to buy a battery and charger separately. It’s designed for both DIYers and professionals.
What We Like:
- The brushless motor helps the saw run longer.
- It is small, so it’s easy to hold and control.
- A bright LED light helps you see in the dark.
- You can change the speed with a trigger and dial.
- Changing blades is quick and easy with a keyless system.
- A blower keeps your cut line clear.
- You can change the cut quality with the orbital action.
- The shoe bevel adjusts easily for angled cuts.
- A no-mar cover protects surfaces.
- It uses t-shank blades.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy the battery and charger separately.
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw is a good tool. It’s perfect for many cutting jobs.
3. WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw with Laser and LED Light
Rating: 8.6/10
The WEN 33606 is a jig saw that helps you cut wood and metal. It has a powerful 6.6-amp motor. You can change the speed to fit your project. The saw also has a laser and LED light. These lights help you see your cut line. This jig saw comes with many useful features.
What We Like:
- The orbital selection knob changes how the blade moves.
- The laser and LED light show you where to cut.
- The motor has variable speed, so you can adjust it.
- A dust port and blower keep your cut line clean.
- It includes a lock-on trigger and a beveling footplate.
- The saw comes with a wood blade and a metal blade.
- It has a two-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the laser and LED light brightness could be better.
The WEN 33606 jig saw is a good tool for many cutting tasks. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced users.
4. Hammerhead 4.8-Amp 3/4 Inch Jig Saw with 2pcs Wood Cutting Blades
Rating: 8.9/10
The Hammerhead HAJS048 is a corded jigsaw designed for wood cutting and shaping. It has a powerful 4.8-Amp motor that can reach 3,000 SPM (strokes per minute). The saw features variable speed control, an orbital function, and a bevel cut capability. It also includes a dust port for a cleaner workspace and a tool-free blade change system. Two wood cutting blades are included.
What We Like:
- Powerful motor for various wood cutting tasks.
- Variable speed lets you control the cutting speed.
- The orbital function lets you choose different cut styles.
- The metal base plate can be adjusted for bevel cuts.
- The dust port helps keep your workspace clean.
- Tool-free blade changes make switching blades easy and fast.
- Comes with wood cutting blades.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention any possible downsides.
This Hammerhead jigsaw offers many features for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. It should be a great tool for a variety of projects.
5. SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901
Rating: 9.4/10
The SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901 is a handy tool for cutting wood and other materials. It is easy to control and gives you clean cuts. This jig saw is great for both beginners and experienced users. It is perfect for many different projects.
What We Like:
- High cutting efficiency. The 4-stage orbital function makes cutting smooth. You can cut many different materials.
- Speed control. The 2-finger trigger helps you control the saw better.
- Quick angled cutting. You can easily change the angle without tools.
- Clear view. The dust blower keeps the cutting line clear. You can see where you are cutting.
- Easy blade change. You can change blades quickly with the tool-free clamp.
- Bright halo LIGHT. The bright light gives you a clear view of your work. It has 10x more light than regular LEDs.
What Could Be Improved:
- (No cons provided in the prompt.)
The SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901 is a great tool for many projects. It is easy to use and gives good results. You should consider this jig saw for your next project.
The Saber Saw: Your Cutting Champion Buying Guide
Are you ready to tackle tough cutting jobs? A saber saw, also known as a reciprocating saw, is your tool! This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what makes a good saber saw. Here are some key things to consider:
- Power Source: Saber saws come in two main types:
- Corded: These saws plug into a wall outlet. They are usually more powerful. You don’t have to worry about batteries dying.
- Cordless: These saws use batteries. They are easy to move around. You can use them anywhere!
- Motor Power (Amps or Volts): More power means faster cutting. Look for a saw with at least 7 amps (corded) or a higher voltage battery (cordless).
- Strokes Per Minute (SPM): This tells you how fast the blade moves. A higher SPM means faster cutting. Aim for at least 2800 SPM.
- Blade Stroke Length: A longer stroke length cuts thicker materials faster.
- Variable Speed: This allows you to adjust the speed. You can match the speed to the material you are cutting.
- Tool-less Blade Change: This makes it easy to swap out blades. You don’t need any tools!
- Orbital Action: This feature helps cut faster, especially in wood. The blade moves in a slight oval shape.
- Grip: A comfortable grip is important. It helps you control the saw.
- Safety Features: Make sure the saw has a safety lock to prevent accidental starts.
Important Materials
The materials used in a saber saw affect its quality and how long it lasts.
- Housing: The saw’s body is often made of tough plastic or metal. Metal is stronger.
- Blades: Blades are made of steel. Different types of steel are used for different materials. Some blades cut wood, some cut metal, and some cut both!
- Motor: The motor should have copper windings. Copper helps with better performance and long-lasting use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a saber saw better. Others make it worse.
- Quality Improves With:
- A strong motor.
- Durable materials.
- A comfortable grip.
- Good safety features.
- Easy blade changes.
- Quality Reduces With:
- A weak motor.
- Cheap materials.
- Poor grip design.
- Lack of safety features.
- Difficult blade changes.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a saber saw is easy. Here’s how:
- Choose the right blade. Pick a blade made for the material you want to cut.
- Insert the blade. Use the tool-less blade change if your saw has it.
- Plug in the saw (if corded) or put in the battery (if cordless).
- Hold the saw firmly.
- Turn on the saw.
- Start cutting. Let the blade do the work. Don’t force it.
Use Cases:
- Demolition: Cutting through wood, metal, and other materials to take things apart.
- Woodworking: Cutting curves and making detailed cuts.
- Plumbing: Cutting pipes.
- Home Repairs: Cutting drywall, wood, and more.
- Pruning: Trimming tree branches (with the right blade!)
Saber Saw FAQ
Here are some common questions about saber saws.
Q: What is the difference between a reciprocating saw and a saber saw?
A: They are the same thing! “Saber saw” and “reciprocating saw” are just different names for the same tool.
Q: What blade should I use for cutting wood?
A: Use a blade with teeth designed for wood. Look for blades with larger teeth for faster cutting.
Q: What blade should I use for cutting metal?
A: Use a blade with teeth designed for metal. These blades often have smaller teeth.
Q: How do I change the blade on my saber saw?
A: Most saws have a tool-less blade change. You usually pull a lever or twist a part to release the old blade. Then, you insert the new blade and lock it in place.
Q: What safety gear should I wear when using a saber saw?
A: Always wear safety glasses. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Consider wearing a dust mask or respirator when cutting materials that create dust.
Q: Can I cut curves with a saber saw?
A: Yes, you can cut curves. It takes practice. Go slow and let the blade do the work.
Q: How do I maintain my saber saw?
A: Keep the saw clean. Wipe it down after each use. Store it in a dry place. Check the blades for wear and tear.
Q: What is orbital action?
A: Orbital action makes the blade move in a slight oval. This helps to cut faster in wood.
Q: Corded or cordless? Which is better?
A: It depends. Corded saws are usually more powerful. Cordless saws are more portable. Choose the one that fits your needs.
Q: Where can I buy a saber saw?
A: You can buy saber saws at most hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!