7

FORGE

PICKING YOUR SAW
There’s a wide range of reciprocating saws available
at a wide range of prices, from around £50 to several
hundreds of pounds. In general, you get what you pay
for, but it’s important to match your needs with the
tool you want to buy.

Weight Reciprocating saws can get up to about 5 kg

• which is a hefty tool to work with – down to around
  1.5 kg. A heavy tool might be fine for occasional use,
  but if you’re going to use it regularly, then a lighter
  tool might be worth the investment.

Cutting depth This varies between 15 cm and 30 cm
for wood, and 1 cm upwards for steel.

Orbital action Some saws move the blades in a
slightly elliptical motion, rather than linearly. These cut
faster, but messier.

Blades You’ll need different blades for different
materials. Check which blades are included and
available for your saw. Third party blades can be
cheaper than the manufacturer’s, but are often of a
lower quality and can dull quickly.

Stroke length This is the distance the blade travels
on each stroke. The longer the stroke length, the
faster the saw will cut at a given speed. This varies
from around 15 mm to 30+ mm.

Speed Typically measured in strokes per minute, this
is the speed the tool runs at when unloaded. The
faster the saw blade moves, the faster it will cut.

Power source Batteries are more portable than
mains, but also more expensive, and will drain in time.

SAFETY

Like all saws, reciprocating saws can’t tell the

difference between what they’re meant to cut

and what they’re not (such as your fingers) – if

it gets in the way of their blade, they’ll do their

best to get through it, and they may well succeed.

Keep fingers and limbs well out of the way

when cutting!

Wear eye and (if necessary) ear protection

when cutting, be aware that the saw can ‘kick

back’ if it encounters something solid, don’t

meddle with the blade while the power source is

connected, and, as with all power tools, follow the

manufacturer’s instructions.

Below

The Erbauer

ERB373RSP is a bit

more budget-friendly,

and sturdy enough

for hobbyists

You might also want to consider the other tools you

have (and if they can share batteries with a saw), and

whether you want a brushless motor (which are more

power-efficient, but more expensive).

We looked at two saws, to see what you can get at

the entry and mid-range levels of reciprocating saw:

the Erbauer ERB373RSP (£89.99), and the Bosch

GSA1100-E (£119.99). In many ways, these are similar

tools – they both run at 2700 strokes per minute, with

a stroke length of 28 mm, use 1100 watts of power,

and weigh 3.5 kg. The Erbauer tool is rated to cut

through thicker wood (300 mm as opposed to 230 mm).

Primarily, these are two tools that can do similar

jobs. The difference isn’t really in their capabilities,

but in their use. According to their manufacturers,

they both have ‘soft grip’ handles. However, this is a

flexible term, and the Bosch is easier on the arms. It’s

generally tougher as well – the plastic casing of the tool

feels like it will live up to more abuse, and comes with

a longer warranty, and a solid case as well.

Overall, if you need something to cut through

material now, then either tool will do the job. If you’re

after something that will put up with years of use,

either by yourself or in your space, then the extra

money on a tougher tool, such as the Bosch, will

pay off.

We looked at two saws to see what you can

get at the entry and mid-range levels of

reciprocating saw

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