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Alternatives to the saw handsaw, saber saws are powerful, fast, and able to cut in every corner all kinds of materials, whether hard or soft.

choose a saber saw: comparative

The electric saber saw reproduces the movement of the handsaw, in a much faster way.
This machine can cut many materials such as wood, metals (ferrous and non-ferrous), PVC, plaster tiles, even brick with a suitable blade.
It can also provide services for small pruning and cutting of small diameter firewood.

A go-anywhere saw

Equipped with a bimetallic flexible blade, the saber saw becomes very manoeuvrable and can cut elements in difficult to access or cramped places, such as a pipe along a wall or the frame of a door or a door. window.
The Dewalt, the most compact of our test, sneaks very well in the recesses. Scalloped cuts or full panel without pilot holes are also possible.
The six models of this test stand have power ratings between 900 and 1050 W, which offers good cutting capacity in the wood and opens a wide range of uses ranging from demolition to layout. There is little or no adjustment to be done before start-up.
The installation of the blade is done without tools on the sawing head. Once inserted, it performs a quick back-and-forth movement, called the blade stroke.

Electronic management

On all machines tested, the blade can be mounted with the toothing up or down depending on the work to be done. On the Dewalt, two perpendicular tool-holder slots can even be used to orient the blade in four positions while on the Einhell, the tool head rotates 360°. Speed ​​regulation is managed electronically.
It is enough to play on the pressure of the start trigger to vary it. Only the Skil is equipped with a variable speed drive.

Cutting capacity and performance of saber saws tested

For a good yield, the engine power, the number of strokes and the amplitude of the translational movement count. The amplitude here is between 27 and 29 mm (Dewalt) for 2,700 to 3,500 strokes per minute (Stanley).
Max cutting capacity in wood, ranges from 180 to 280 mm (Dewalt) thick. In the metal, all machines cut up to 20 mm thick. Be careful to hold the device with both hands. The blade cuts on the return and drives the machine towards the room.
The machines use blades with universal fitting 300 mm maximum length. Bosch, Dewalt and Makita offer a wide range of blades for every situation, easy to find on their site.
Adapt the speed to the material debiting avoids vibration and deterioration of parts. The cutting of the wood takes place at maximum speed while that of the metal requires a low enough speed to prevent overheating of the blade.

Blade assembly

saber saw blade change

On all machines tested, the blades are changed without tools

insert the blade of a saber saw

On the Bosch and Skil, the system is hard enough to handle and the blade is difficult to insert. At Dewalt and Einhell, the lever is placed on the side of the sawing headJust pull it to release the lock.

introduce the blade of a saber saw

The blade is easily introduced. Makita and Stanley have ring locking system equipped with a return spring.
By turning the ring a quarter of a turn, the attachment mechanism locks or unlocks.

saber saber saber

Each machine is equipped with a hoof also called support plate or stop, mounted on the sawing head.
It pivots slightly on its axis and serves to press the saw against the workpiece.

depth guide for saber saw

The hoof can also be used to depth guide and adapt to the length of the blade. It is regulated longitudinally (except on the Dewalt). Notches define the positions.
The adjustment of the hoof is usually done without tools.

release the saber saw guide

On Bosch and Skil, two screws must be loosened with an Allen key to release the guide. The key is provided at Skil.

Change blade

Since start-up triggers are very sensitive (except Skil), it is imperative to unplug the saw before removing or placing the blade. There is no protective cover on the sawhead. Finally, safety glasses and gloves are not too much to protect themselves.

Modular speed

saber saw trigger

It is important to be able to modulate the cutting speed according to the material.
The triggers are quite flexible and allow to vary the speed quite easily.

set a saber saw

Skil offers a control knob. Integrated to the rear handle, it is quite simple to handle even with gloves.

saber saw button

Makita and Einhell propose a side button which makes it possible to block the trigger fully in continuous operation for cuts that last a long time.

The care of

saber saw grip

The saws offer good grip thanks to the anti-slip coating on the front and the rear handle.
On the Makita and Stanley, the rubber covers the entire front cover.

cut in height with a saber saw

The machines are quite long (about 50 cm without the blade), but their low weight allows high cuts without much difficulty.

handy saber saw

The "V" shape of the Dewalt makes it particularly handy.

cut with saber saw

The saws can cut in several positions. On the Einhell, the cutting head pivots easily.

Pendulum movement

saber saws with detachable pendulum system

The Einhell and Stanley saws are equipped with a detachable pendulum system. It increases the efficiency of the cuts in the wood and facilitates the evacuation of sawdust.
On the Stanley, the selection button is located on the top and rotates without difficulty.

unlocking the pivoting sawing head

That of the Einhell also serves to unlock the pivoting sawing head.

Test procedure

ergonomics is one of the first criteria chosen to compare machines. This concerns the general shape of the saber saw, the design of the trigger, the effectiveness of the slip-resistant cladding (front and rear), as well as the grip.
The blade change highlights the speed of implementation and the simplicity of locking and unlocking. The assemblies were made with and without gloves. We also checked the ease of adjustment of the support shoes.
The comfort of use is an important point. We tested the handling, the flexibility of the start triggers, the vibrations, the ease of transport and storage.
Performances saws were evaluated on the basis of maximum cutting capacity and cutting speed given by the manufacturers, without exceeding them. The tests were carried out intensively.

Tests and performances

The cutting tests were first performed on bastaings of 220 x 90 mm. The machines were equipped with a new high-speed steel blade for fast cuts. Each machine has debited a dozen sections.
Bi-metal blades were then used to cut angles (45 x 45 mm, 5 mm thick) and U-shaped metal sections (100 x 50 mm, 6 mm thick). All these cuts were timed, which made it possible to obtain an average for each machine.
Efficiency and comfort of use have also been verified. Even if, on paper, the machines are close to the power level, the differences really widened after these tests.

What is the best saber saw?

What to remember from the test of 6 saber saws:

  1. Very effective, the Stanley comes first. His pendular system is really a plus.
  2. The Dewalt, in second place, looks like a toy, but we quickly realize that she works well. Too bad it is a bit expensive, even with a carrying case.
  3. In third place, the Makita do the job honestly. It is also delivered with a briefcase and three blades.
  4. Fourth, the Einhell is a good surprise. It is powerful, practical and easy to use.
  5. The Skil is fifth but remains a fairly efficient machine. Its price (the same as the Einhell) is interesting. Too bad his trigger is so soft.
  6. The Bosch close the march. Less powerful, it gives a little performance.

Tools: the choice of System D

Once is not customary, we chose the machine that arrives at the top of the tests. Its quality of manufacture and its good balance seduced us. But it's mostly his vigor at work and its speed that justify our choice.
It took nearly 10 to 20 seconds less than its competitors in the sawing of wood, with comfort worthy of a high-end machine.
In addition to being fast, this saw is homogeneous and versatile. Finally, its purchase price is interesting, knowing that it comes with a hard carrying case and a blade.

Comparative table: the strengths of each saber saw

Comparison of six electric saber saws in pdf

Tip: 6 electric saber saws

FAQ - 💬

❓ How many teeth per inch should a saber saw have?

👉 TPI is the number of teeth the blade has per inch. If you're looking to cut wood or other soft materials, you'll need a blade with a TPI of 6 up to 20. For harder materials like metal, a TPI between 14 up to 36 is more suitable.

❓ What are the 6 types of saws?

👉 Types of Power Saws:

  • Circular Saw. This saw is so named because of its blade, which is a circle shape. ...
  • Miter Saw. These saws operate similarly to circular saws in that they have a round blade which is pulled downwards to cut the material. ...
  • Compound Miter Saw. ...
  • Jigsaw. ...
  • Table Saw. ...
  • Chainsaw. ...
  • Chop Saw. ...
  • Flooring Saw.

❓ What is a saber saw good for?

👉 The saber saw can make smooth contour cuts with or across the grain. For quickly cutting and shaping wood, plastic, and even metal, the saber saw is a versatile and handy tool.

❓ Is a saber saw the same as a jigsaw?

👉 Two Terms for a Power Tool The terms jigsaw and sabre saw seem to be used interchangeably in the marketplace. And while different tool manufacturers have marketed their saws under both names, there's no recognized difference between a jigsaw and a sabre saw. They're the same tool.

❓ Which saw blades make the smoothest cut?

👉 crosscut bladesWith fewer spaces between the teeth, crosscut blades remove less material, resulting in a smoother cut. It also means it takes these blades longer to move through wood. Crosscut blades are the go-to choice for finish carpentry and other applications that require precision and a smooth finish.

❓ Is it better to have more or less teeth on a saw blade?

👉 Number of Teeth Generally, blades with more teeth will provide a smoother, finer cut whereas blades with fewer teeth will provide a rougher cut. The benefit of fewer teeth is faster cutting and a lower price. For most construction work, a 24-tooth general use blade is sufficient.

❓ What is the best electric saw for cutting wood?

👉 Thomas' Top Picks for the Best Saws for Cutting Wood in 2022

  • Best Cordless Circular Saw for Cutting Wood: POPOMAN 20V Cordless Circular Saw 4.0Ah Battery, 4,500RPM | Buy Now.
  • Best Circular Saws for Cutting Wood (Corded): Makita 5005BA 5.5-Inch Corded Circular Saws | Buy Now.

❓ What is the most versatile power saw?

👉 Circular saws are the most versatile electric cutting tools. Like all tools, there's a learned skill involved in operating circular saws. They let you perform these main cut types with one machine: Crosscuts: These are the mainstay woodworking cuts.

❓ How do you cut a wood with a saber saw?

👉 1:412:52How To Use A Reciprocating Saw - Ace Hardware

❓ Is a reciprocating saw the same as a sabre saw?

👉 The sabre saw (also saber saw) is a hand-held powered reciprocating saw. It is similar to, but larger than, a jigsaw.

❓ What is the three tooth rule?

👉 In order to obtain the best TPI (teeth per inch) for the smoothest cut, follow the three-tooth rule. A minimum of three and a maximum of 24 teeth engaged in a cut. If there are too few teeth in a cut, the blade's teeth can straddle the work piece and cause the teeth to strip.

❓ How to use an electric saber saw safely?

👉 It is especially important to wear eye protection when operating an electric saber saw. To safely use a saber saw, select the blade appropriate to the job, firmly attach it in the blade holder with the blade lock, then adjust the shoe for proper height and bevel for the job. If necessary, cut a starting hole in the material and insert the blade.

❓ What is the cutting depth of a saber saw?

👉 The cutting depth for these devices depends solely on the length of the saw blades and the power of the motor. Saber saw blades are available in lengths of just under 300 mm. Initially, this saw was called reciprocating, which is due to the principle of its action.

❓ What are the parts of a saber saw?

👉 Many saber saws come with an assortment of specialized blades, or they can be purchased individually for specific tasks. The handle includes a safety button and trigger switch. The blade holder has a blade lock. The shoe is a plate that keeps the blade at a specified distance from the work.

❓ What is the difference between an electric Saber and a jigsaw?

👉 The rod moves along the axis of the handle, which is the main difference between an electric saber plate and a jigsaw. This type of saw is universal for various materials and is used for cutting pipes, wood and plastic, as well as for cutting combined materials, such as nailed wood shields, since one blade can cut both metal and wood.


Video Instruction: How to Choose and Use a Jig Saw