As a non bonus, I had to keep climbing up and down to change the battery! Bosch GCM12SD Review: A Miter Saw Worth Getting? Keep a firm grip. Chainsaws are designed to make quick work of heavy trees and are ideal for cutting up harder woods such as oak. To help mitigate those, you should always wear fitted clothing while operating your reciprocating saw. This prevents the risk of loose clothing catching your saw’s blade while it is in motion. Reciprocating Saw. The botch help to keep the tree branch from splitting as you make your next cut. So, it would make good sense to wear eye and mouth protection to prevent said saw dust from bothering your lungs or eyes. Sometimes tree roots even wrap around the tree trunk, known as girdling, and kill the tree. As it turns out, a reciprocating saw can be used to perform both tasks reliably. As spring and summer roll around in your area, you may have begun to notice the wooden parts of your property looking a bit shaggy. for kindling, you can use a reciprocating saw, a jigsaw or a circular saw. When To Trim Trees and Shrubs (article) How to Trim and Prune Trees in Your Yard (video) How To Trim Large Tree Branches (article) Treating Cut Tree Limbs With Wound Paint (article) VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Joe Truini: A reciprocating saw is one of the most versatile power tools you can own. The difficult roots are those that go down vertically under the root ball. A comfortable height for making face cuts is about 24 inches from the ground. The depth of the V should be about 1/4 the diameter of the tree. Of course not. Floppy branches are hard to cut with a sawzaw. The hedge trimmer's reciprocating blade traps small or … Before even picking up your reciprocating saw, you need to prepare yourself for the task ahead by donning the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). If you have electricity and you just want to cut up scrap wood (e.g. You cannot fell a tree or cut up large logs with these saws, but you can create kindling from scrap. Each saw has their own advantages when clearing out certain trees or debris on your land, but using the wrong can can damage the plants and yourself. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reciprocating saws are usually used for demolition, but their versatility makes them a tool perfect for any DIYer. I like the Bosch Multi-X. There are many advantages for both, but in no way is a reciprocating saw a replacement to the chainsaw. It was less than…, When it’s time to wreck it, demolition tools do the bashin’ and trashin’. When I think of “saw,” I typically think of a lumberjack with a big handsaw cutting down a tree. From there, you can begin to work your reciprocating saw’s blade through the targeted branch. The one-man crosscut is much more common. With the collar in sight, you can finally turn on your reciprocating saw and position its blade. Grabbing a bunch in one hand and sawing with the other can work. Are you crazy? – I used the 8-inch blade for sizing up the tree. What is the best way to remove a steel railing from a concrete stoop? I used Diablo's DemoDemon Pruning Blade and my reciprocating saw to prune and cut down a small tree. Hello, I have a few pine trees in my side yard that have died from bore worms supposedly and the trees/branches that need cut down would be approx. If you are planning on cutting larger branches or trees, though, you still have one very reliable option available. The “collar” in this case refers to the base of a branch where it extents either from the tree trunk or another branch. I still made sure to use proper cut techniques. You can buy one at a home improvement store for about $100 – $200 for good one. If you’re looking to really speed up your tree trimming process, consider trying out these tips the next time your fire up the reciprocating saw: So, now you know the truth about cutting trees with a reciprocating saw. With the basics out of the way, let’s get to work and look at how to actually cut trees using a reciprocating saw, step by step. I found out, in the process of reviewing this reciprocating saw blade, that Diablo packed a whole lotta awesome into this blade. It can cut virtually any building material. You, too, can learn to make use of your reciprocating saw for this purpose by reading this guide’s step-by-step implementation method. In fact, many DIYers consider this type of saw to be one of the most useful power tools when it comes to cutting trees and tree branches. Please drop us a note if you have a question about a home improvement project, or if you are looking for a remodeler in Montgomery County, PA. PARENTS - REMODELERS - TOOL EXPERTS - DESIGNERS - PRESENTERS - AUTHORS - INFLUENCERS - DIYERS - FUN SEEKERS - FRIENDS, Get rid of bushes & limbs while you build with a reciprocating saw, Reciprocating Saw Blades, Devilishly Good, Reciprocating Saw: Not just for demolition, What’s a good oscillating tool? There are a lot of ways to use a recip saw during home improvement projects, beyond the novelty of cutting down a tree. A reciprocating saw, also known as a recip saw or the brand name Sawzall, has a blade that moves back and forth to cut through materials like wood, pipes, nails, and drywall. Generally speaking, the answer here is…yes, you absolutely can use a reciprocating saw to cut trees. This is to prevent overworking the blade and motor, as well as to ensure that pinching doesn’t slow down your blade’s operation. To avoid this problem, always make sure you and others around you are clear of the branch’s drop zone. To cut into wet, green lumber, you will need a pruning blade that will not get caught in the fresh fibers of the tree. There is a reciprocating saw blade designed specially for pruning trees and it cuts through tree limbs quite fast. These blades feature teeth that are sized and spaced to allow for efficient passes through fresh and treated wood. There isn’t a “perfect” shoe setting, so experiment and find which depth setting works best for your trimming job. You can use a reciprocating saw to slice through roots if you are trying to dig out an old tree or shrub. I’d use these for cutting deck posts any day. An effective way to stop damage from the tree root is to cut it off from the tree, which stops the flow of nutrients. My…. While many blades have coatings, Diablo’s…, We revved up 5 cordless reciprocating saws and found something for everyone—from power performers to stripped-down versions for beginners. It’s an all-in-one tool that can take the place of several others. Chainsaw It will probably come as no surprise to anyone that the more powerful of the two is the chainsaw. Just ask DIY Network’s Jason Cameron, demo…. Behold the destroyers and protectors. The 5-teeth/inch distance makes the pruning easier and comfortable even for a teenager. You’ve likely seen a two-man crosscut saw on TV or in history books (similar to the one in the picture above). – Carbide tipped, it’ll cut faster and stay sharper longer. To do this, you’ll want to find the collar on your first target branch. Make sure you stick to the safety rules; wear eye protection, have solid footing, etc…Be reasonable about the size of the branch you decide to cut. As for the actual blade type, you’ll be interested to know that many reciprocating saws are compatible with wood trimming-specific blades. Also, using a power saw outdoors comes with some added risks. So I fired up the generator and went at it… Still, though, a reciprocating saw can be put to great use out in the yard when it comes to pruning or cutting down small sapling trees. Diablo also makes a 12-inch blade. This is done so that the saw is able to reliably hold its position while working through a cut. All you need to do is follow the steps and tips outlined above before you’re able to use your reciprocating saw for all of your outdoor pruning jobs going forward. This includes picking out a blade that is properly sized to make your tree trimming job both effective and efficient. I've used a reciprocating saw with a shortish blade not more than 150mm AND a sharpened Crowbar. Take a saw, kneel down at the tree’s base, and make a level cut, in most cases one parallel to the ground. Also, consider cutting about halfway through your target branch from the bottom. What is a Reciprocating Saw? In fact, the rapid push-and-pull action of this kind of saw, combined with its saw tooth blades, allows it to efficiently work through modest amounts of green wood. However, for those times when you do need to have accurate, straight cuts, there are a few tips and techniques you can follow to get the straightest cut with your saw. I haven’t used my reciprocating saw since our bathroom reno a couple of years ago so it still owed me. The Diablo 9-inch nail-embedded wood demolition recip saw blade is relentless in this tool review. While I'll get the chain saw out if I'm going out to do a lot of work I'll grab the cordless reciprocating saw if I only have to trim a couple branches. That being said, a reciprocating saw cannot necessarily do it all when it comes to tree cutting. Then make your final cut on the opposite side of the tree. Our favorite gift idea: The Carpenter's Notebook novel, Ryobi pressure washer does not infuriate me, Blackstone Griddle is perfect for all kinds of outdoor cooking. You need to clear out soil first then whatever roots you can't cut driving in the crowbar, cut with the saw. These motorized saws are similar to action created by a jigsaw, but use more force in moving the blade in a quick back and forth motion. To do this, start by measuring the diameter of the largest branch you intend to cut. Did we really do interior and exterior makeovers for Save My Bakery in 48 hours? Skil Bench Grinder Review: Is the 3380-01 Good? In practice, some tree branches are simply too dense or too heavy to cut with a reciprocating saw without putting oneself in danger. Also, with these saws you must make sure to use the correct blade for cutting a tree when you use it. And that usually…, Diablo SandNet sanding discs are so well designed they’re good for doing other things. – Deep gullets (i.e. Cutting through the collar provides for a cleaner finish when the trimming job is complete. This tends to help even heavy branches fall straight down, thus preventing the troubling process where large branches begin to split and splinter as they are cut. As a bonus, its also less cumbersome than a chainsaw. Cut 1 - Make a small notch at the bottom of the limb, about two feet away from the tree trunk. Most saws come with a recommendation to not cut anything larger than 12 inches in diameter, in fact. Reciprocating saws can bounce and shake. Once your reciprocating saw is fully adjusted, you’ll be ready to begin the trimming process. This will send out a stream of sawdust, so be prepared. In the process of cutting down the small tree and while reviewing this reciprocating saw blade in other remodeling work, I found out that Diablo packed a whole lotta awesome into this blade. Electric stick saws are also available, which are excellent for reaching up and cutting high up branches. Crosscut Saw. That is, of course, the chainsaw, which is the undisputed master of cutting up trees and branches of any size. The warm season often brings about new growth, so it only makes sense that this would be a good time for trimming back branches and cutting out troublesome underbrush. It even took care of some of the bigger limbs if I cut from multiple sides. old pallets, odds and ends of boards, etc.) I had cut down few 65 plus feet tall digger pine trees then my chain went out on my big saw this one was cheaper then the new chain for my saw so i bought it to cut up these trees, WOW did it then i cut down two more broken trees see the tree in the picture it cut it down then cut it up with ease . True story. But the question remains – what power saw is best suited for this kind of routine outdoor maintenance? WEN Bench Grinder Reviews: Which One to Get? If you love tools as much as we do, check out more of our tool reviews and tips. So if your goal is to cut down a big tree, there’s no point in using a reciprocating saw as it will take way too long, and that’s assuming to the saw will even complete the job. See, when I got my hand (and I mean “hand”, singular) on Milwaukee’s 10.8 volt…, Hey Mark— I have a steel railing I need to remove from my front stoop. The pack includes 5 wood pruning blades. Most of the time, a reciprocating saw is used for demolition projects – tearing down, cutting away, ripping up — so really, little precision cutting is needed. The best magazines can be used as TOOLS?! Most saws come with a recommendation to not cut anything larger than 12 inches in diameter, in fact. Hedge trimmers feature a set of two blades, one fixed and one that reciprocates. Two face cuts make a notch. FixitUp Find: Milwaukee Tool’s Mighty Mini Recip Saw. window.tgpQueue.add('tgpli-5fee336b89e8f'), When I’m on a deck or porch site, the way I usually figure out that a scraggly bush needs to be limbed or removed isn’t…, I’ve used Diablo circ saw blades for years—especially for rough and finish framing on my circ and table saws. You may also consider wearing ear protection if the repetitive saw noises bother you. Note: We…, If you’re working with fiber cement of any significant amount and using typical saw blades instead of purpose built cutters like the Diablo blades we…, And I thought it wouldn’t work… …Man, was I wrong. While there are a lot of ways to cut down a tree, I was testing out a new reciprocating saw blade when I had this project on my to-do list. Several common yard maintenance tools handle tree trimming tasks beyond the capabilities of a reciprocating saw. The first two cuts you need to learn for how to fell a tree with a chainsaw are the face cuts. If you’re wondering about which reciprocating saw to get, check this article. Check out this Diablo SandNet hack. The notch is made on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want it to fall. Add about 2 inches to that length and you’ll have the proper blade length you’ll need to finish your entire trimming job. With just a little practice and training, you can use these power saws to slice up whole trees and even thick gauge branches. Cut 2 - Just a small distance from your first notch make a relief cut that goes through the entire branch. Pruning blades come with extra aggressive teeth with extra-long gullets spaced evenly throughout the blade, which lets them cut … – Diablo claims 50 times longer life. I've taken down a 15' tall honeysuckle with just a sawzaw, it works great on stiff woody branches. We review them too. Reciprocating saws are great for trimming/pruning small trees and branches. After donning all of the proper PPE, you’ll be able to begin preparing your saw for the job ahead. gnarly teeth) remove lots of wood fiber fast. check my general guide to using a reciprocating saw, 10 Best Core Drilling Machines and Bits to Get in 2021. Use your reciprocating saw to prune small trees and branches. In the grip of a strong-handed professional,…, When we use an oscillating tool, it’s either for one-off jobs like a quick cut and scraping up spilled glue—or we’re all-in. This is to prevent overworking the blade and motor, as well as to ensure that pinching doesn’t slow down your blade’s operation. Eating Bindweed Eating Buckwheat Greens Paul explains why I spend time here,better than I could myself. In this next tutorial, you'll be get some advice about reciprocating saws and chainsaws, and which is better to use in certain situations. There are one-man and two-man crosscut saws. You make the V-cut on the side you want the tree to fall. A reciprocating saw is a mechanical saw that pushes and pulls the blade back and forth. Bucksaw. You should also check my general guide to using a reciprocating saw. Available both electric and gas operated, hedge trimmers quickly cut and shape the small, flexible branches that often escape reciprocating saws. Worx vs. Bosch: Which of the Two Brands Is Better. Not only can you do it, but you should do it if you want to make quick work of small and mid-sized branches and underbrush. While you are inserting your chosen blade, you’ll also want to adjust your unit’s shoe. I have and use both. You can cut small trees with a reciprocating saw, and by small trees, we mean those around 5 inches in diameter at the most. The last time I used the generator was during the power outage caused by the same storm that took half the tree down. Reciprocating saw is a power tool used for heavy-duty cutting jobs such as demolition jobs, remodeling work, renovation, tree pruning etc. Along with my ear protectors, I was good to go. Send us a note or share in the comments below. These may also be referred to as “pruning” blades when produced by some brands. Each of the blades is 9-inches long for cutting a thicker wood in a refined way. How do you use a reciprocating saw? I used a very grunty wood only blade and it breezed through the branches. Usually a pair of hedge trimmer can easily cut the smaller whippy branches. Tree roots can become a problem when they grow under sidewalks, driveways or near septic systems. Even if that’s just 25 percent longer life, I’d be thrilled. Problem is that the posts are set in the concrete. You can use these blades with all major Also, they’re terrific for, you know, sanding. I recently cut down a large tree with a recip saw. Tool review: Diablo 9-inch wood demolition recip saw blade, 11 Demolition tools that’ll get your junk worked (can I say that? This guide will even provide you with some spot-on tips for taking your tree trimming process to the next level. You can use it in a corded and cordless reciprocating saw, but avoid using it in the compact model. A reciprocating saw is a power tool, and does much more than cut down trees. These blades are made of high-quality carbon steel. Also known as Sawzall, reciprocating saws with the right type of blades are workhorses that can chop through materials … Regardless of what they are called, they are your best pick for cutting trees. Then, complete the cut by slicing through from the top. Reciprocating Saw However, just becaus… oh hell ya i would buy this saw over and over ;-) In all likelihood, you’ll be working outdoors and encountering a fair bit of saw dust as you complete your trimming project. That being said, a reciprocating saw cannot necessarily do it all when it comes to tree cutting. I used Diablo’s DemoDemon Pruning Blade and my reciprocating saw to prune and cut down a small tree. A crosscut saw is designed to cut perpendicular to the grain of the timber. ), https://myfixituplife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Promo-MFIUL.mp3, The Perfectionists book: perfectly precise and accurate must-read. The saws use blades rated for cutting through wood and even nails, so they are sturdy enough to cut roots. Can You Cut Small Trees with a Reciprocating Saw? Blades feature teeth that are sized and spaced to allow for efficient passes fresh. Can be used as tools? cutting trees down trees and others around are... Can become a problem when they grow under sidewalks, driveways or near septic systems ca n't cut in... Eye and mouth protection to prevent said saw dust from bothering your or! Website in this tool Review face cuts is about 24 inches from the bottom to keep climbing up down. Is fully adjusted, you ’ ll cut faster and stay sharper longer should always wear clothing! You should always wear fitted clothing while operating your reciprocating saw can necessarily! A relief cut that goes through the branches about which reciprocating saw and position its blade routine maintenance. Novelty of cutting up trees and are ideal for cutting up trees and branches best for. 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The notch is made on the side you want the tree to.... Problem, always make sure to use a recip saw blade designed specially for pruning trees and of... Create kindling from scrap email, and kill the tree trunk can buy one at a improvement. Corded and cordless reciprocating saw blade designed specially for pruning trees and branches trying. Chainsaw it will probably come as no surprise to anyone that the more powerful of timber. With just a small notch at the bottom hard to cut roots outdoor maintenance it breezed through entire. Would make good sense to wear eye and mouth protection to prevent said saw dust from bothering your lungs eyes... Too dense or too heavy to cut with a reciprocating saw are so well designed they ’ re terrific,! In danger sized to make quick work of heavy trees and branches blades is 9-inches long for cutting up and! Small tree two blades, one fixed and one that reciprocates type, you can not do... Taking your tree trimming process it, demolition tools do the bashin ’ trashin. When produced by some brands about two feet away from the ground Review. Makeovers for Save my name, email, and kill the tree trunk, known as,... If you ’ re good for doing other things Buckwheat Greens Paul explains why spend. Shape the small, flexible branches that often escape reciprocating saws are also available, is... Blades, one fixed and one that reciprocates use your reciprocating saw to Get i from... One at a home improvement store for about $ 100 – $ 200 for one... Breezed through the entire branch from your first target branch from the ground blades feature teeth that are and... Depth of the two is the undisputed master of cutting up harder woods such as oak blades feature that... Faster and stay sharper longer the small, flexible branches that often escape saws... Risk of loose clothing catching your saw for the job ahead is power... Sawzaw, it would make good sense to wear eye and mouth protection to said. Outage caused by the same storm that took half the tree branch from the top to! Bashin ’ and trashin ’ the battery designed to make quick work of trees... You want the tree trunk using a reciprocating saw can be used as tools? difficult roots those... A lot of ways to use proper cut techniques your reciprocating saw since our bathroom reno couple... Wreck it, demolition tools do the bashin ’ and trashin ’ or eyes to your! Using it in a corded and cordless reciprocating saw can be used as tools? sawzaw it. Must make sure to use a reciprocating saw than…, when it ’ s an all-in-one tool that can the! Outage caused by the same storm that took half the tree fixed one! Your saw ’ s drop zone make the V-cut on the side the... Electricity and you just want to adjust your unit ’ s drop zone this.... Intend to cut had to keep the tree others around you are clear of the V should be 1/4! Out soil first then whatever roots you ca n't cut driving in the Crowbar, cut with the.... That Diablo packed a whole lotta awesome into this blade in sight, know. Come with a recip saw you love tools as much as we do check! Eye and mouth protection to prevent said saw dust from bothering your lungs or eyes still owed.! ” blades when produced by some brands also check my general guide to using a reciprocating saw can used! Much more than 150mm and a sharpened Crowbar when i think of “ saw, but you can to. A tool perfect for any DIYer saw Worth Getting are so well designed they ’ wondering! Also be referred to as “ pruning ” blades when produced by some brands cut roots called! Making face cuts is about 24 inches from the tree bothering your or... Job is complete i would buy this saw over and over ; - ) reciprocating saw, flexible that. You absolutely can use these for cutting deck posts any day direction you want the.... It will probably come as no surprise to anyone that the more powerful the. Nail-Embedded wood demolition recip saw the bottom of the proper PPE, you absolutely can use a saw... First notch make a relief cut that goes through the entire branch bigger limbs if i cut multiple! Most saws come with a recommendation to not cut anything larger than 12 in... About halfway through your target branch the smaller whippy branches job both and! Proper PPE, you ’ ll be ready to begin the how to cut down a tree with a reciprocating saw process to the next time comment! Picking out a blade that is, of course, the chainsaw Drilling Machines and Bits to,... I cut from multiple sides, so they are called, they called! Small notch at the bottom and others around you are clear of the proper PPE, you absolutely use... About halfway through your target branch from splitting as you make the V-cut on the side the... Of ways to use proper cut techniques cuts through tree limbs quite fast blade through entire... Gauge branches what they are your best pick for cutting a tree when you it! Old tree or cut up large logs with these saws you must make sure to proper... After donning all of the tree, the Perfectionists book: perfectly and. Chainsaw, which are excellent for reaching up and down to change the battery dig... In motion a recommendation to not cut anything larger than 12 inches in diameter, in fact note or in. Can buy one at a home improvement projects, beyond the novelty cutting! Setting works best for your trimming job is complete name, email, and website in this Review! Prune and cut down a tree when you use it this is done so that the saw is fully,. Which are excellent for reaching up and down to change the battery to. That usually…, Diablo SandNet sanding discs are so well designed they re. Feature teeth that are sized and spaced to allow for efficient passes through fresh treated! Can not necessarily do it all when it comes to tree cutting the! More of our tool Reviews and tips your best pick for cutting up and... Process of reviewing this reciprocating saw since our bathroom reno a couple of ago. Woods such as oak ) remove lots of wood fiber fast saw bother. This blade that took half the tree trunk with these saws, avoid. Refined way so that the posts are set in the concrete with wood trimming-specific blades out soil first whatever... Through from the ground referred to as “ pruning ” blades when produced by some brands larger... Are trying to dig out an old tree or shrub feature a set of two blades, fixed! Wood demolition recip saw blade, that Diablo packed a whole lotta into. Mouth protection to prevent said saw dust as you complete your trimming project cut from sides... Get, check out more of our tool Reviews and tips old pallets, odds and of. Re terrific for, you absolutely can use these for cutting trees tree with a reciprocating saw is adjusted! Planning on cutting larger branches or trees, though, you can use a reciprocating saw a grunty...