Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Stroke length of reciprocating saw

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antun
03-24-05, 09:25 AM
I have a choice between two reciprocating saws - one has a 3/4" stroke length, and the other has a 1 1/4" stroke length.

Is there any reason (except price) to go for a shorter stroke length? 1/2" difference does not seem that much.

-Antun

XSleeper
03-24-05, 11:12 AM
Saws with a longer stroke cut faster. Comparing 3/4 to 1 1/4, the 1 1/4" saw should cut 60% faster for every stroke. With each stroke the saw makes, that difference becomes exponential.

That being said, I only buy saws with 1 1/8 or 1 1/4" strokes. The other ones are toys by comparison.
slickshift
03-24-05, 02:27 PM
After 10 minutes of using the saw, you'd feel 1/2 inch is a big difference
If all you use it for is occasional 30-second bursts then...well...OK you'd still notice the difference but it won't bother you as much
If you have to use the saw a 1/2 hour at a time you wouldn't want to do it with the 3/4 inch

danski0224
03-25-05, 05:09 AM
Longer stroke length is always better. :D
antun
04-02-05, 05:16 PM
Thanks all! I got the longer stroke one.

Still getting to grips with it: just wrecked 6 blades trying to cut a piece of cast iron pipe.

-Antun