Jig Saw/Sabre Saw

[thiggy]

I have a deep philosophical question. I have always used the term 'sabre saw' to describe the hand-held power saw, and considered a 'jig saw' the same as a scroll saw, a workbench tool. Am I mistaken in my terminology? Are jig saw and sabre saw the same animal?

[LarryG]

Let me see if I can get through this without confusing myself ...

I have often heard a jig saw called a saber saw. (IMO the answer to your "same animal?" question is: Yes.)

I have occasionally heard a scroll saw called a jig saw.

I have on rare occasions heard a reciprocating saw (Milwaukee Sawzall type) called a jig saw.

I don't think I've heard a scroll saw called a saber saw.

I know I have never heard a handheld jig/saber saw called a scroll saw.

[Pappy]

I think that is one of those terms that has changed over the years. Saber saw was the name when I started learning.

[Ed62]

I have always used the term 'sabre saw' to describe the hand-held power saw, and considered a 'jig saw' the same as a scroll saw, a workbench tool.

I'm with you on that one. But I've heard the handheld saw also called a jigsaw. I guess it depends on who you're talking to. I frequently hear the recip. saw called a Sawzall. But it's just a brand name that seems to stick with certain things like all DVRs being referred to as Tivos.

Ed

[leehljp]

I am like Pappy, When I was young - jig saws were called sabre saws, way back when.

[jseklund]

What's a sabre saw? haha.

[LinuxRandal]

I have an old Craftsman "Scroller" saw, a Bosch 1587 Jig saw, and an older Skill (or B&D) jig saw.

Dad had two saws, a free (award) Craftsman Jig saw, and a purchased Sabre saw. I always thought Sabre saw, was someones trademarked term, that became as interchangable as Sawzall gets used with Recriprocating saw.
I was told once long LONG ago, that the sabre saws were more powerfull then jig saws, but for some reason, dad's cheaper jig saw, LONG outlasted that sabre saw.

Another old timer (long gone friend) once said, it's a jig saw if it's a bench mount, and a sabre saw, if it's handheld, like a sword. So I will never know how these really got named.

Whatever they should be called, they are handy!

[leehljp]

What's a sabre saw? haha.

Sabre / Saber: It's a fingre twister from deslexic spellin impared American fingrs. It is the primordial spelling from its British ancestry.

[MilDoc]

Cutting more intricate patterns: jig = sabre

Able to do a plunge cut: sabre (not all "jig" saws could in the old days)

At least that was my understanding in the 50s & 60s (OMG! I'm an old guy!)

[crokett]

I've heard of a jigsaw being called a sabre saw. I've never heard of a scroll saw being called a sabre or jigsaw or a sawzall being call a sabre or jigsaw.

[sohard2c]

Jig Saw/Sabre Saw defined

A "Saber" or "Sabre" is a blade held at one end and uses the other end and edges for cutting.

So a Saw that has the blade held at both ends wouldn't fit this criteria. So a power saw that has an arm positioned over the work surface holding one end of the blade and the other end of the blade held under the work surface & moved up and down would be a power JIG SAW. As a hand JIG SAW is a simple loop or bow that secures a thin blade at both ends and has a handle attached to grasp the blade and is generally used for intricate scroll cuts the term JIG SAW fits both the powered and manual versions.

What is often called a reciprocating saw (SAWZALL) uses a SABER type blade but since it's commonly referred to as a "Reciprocating Saw" and few would argue that term for those tools, you'd not need to use the term SABER SAW.

That leaves the power saw a blade grasped at one end by the tool and uses the up and down motion of the blade to make the cuts.

Now the term "Scroll Saw" confuses things further. I've always considered "Scrolling" to be a type of curved or shaped cut rather than a type of saw. So you can have a SCROLLING "Jig Saw", but since the saw is purposefully built to create scroll cuts it's kind of like saying you have WET "Water". A SCROLLING "Saber Saw" is one that has a blade that can be turn independent of the position of the motor housing in order to enable more intricate SCROLL (OR Curved) cuts In the material.

But That's pretty much my opinion, but 10 years in the hardware business for a major retailer and several conversations with Tool Manufacturers like B&D, WEN, & SKILL should add a bit of weight to the definition.

[tellittojake]

saber saw is a reciprocating saw

The saber saw is generally a bigger unit than a jig saw and cuts horizontally not vertically. It is referred to as such because the blade is bigger and somewhat appears like a sword. Often the terms are used the same way but there is a difference. Reciprocating became more common as it is an easier term to understand when looking at the saw and how it works-a more modern term.