Saw Terminology

[thiggy]

Some folks use the term "jig saw" and obviously mean sabre saw, while others use the term for a scroll saw. Is there a generally accepted consensus for the meaning of the words "jig saw"?

[woodmakeraz]

saw terminology

A jig (sabre) saw is different from a scroll saw. A jig saw is hand-held tool that pushes the blade through the wood/metal to cutout the pieces. A scrollsaw has a table mounted on the machine and the blade cuts through the wood/metal.
I use a jigsaw for pieces that will not be able to use a bandsaw or a scrollsaw.

[LarryG]

Jig saw = handheld, motorized saw, the blade of which reciprocates up and down. I think this may be what you are calling a sabre (or saber) saw, which in my experience is a lesser-known usage although this may be a result of regional differences. Like you I have heard the term "jig saw" applied to a scroll saw now and then.

[cabinetman]

Some folks use the term "jig saw" and obviously mean sabre saw, while others use the term for a scroll saw. Is there a generally accepted consensus for the meaning of the words "jig saw"?

Generally the term "jig saw" and "saber saw" are considered the same. Some jig saws had a "scrolling" feature, like this B&D, or this Craftsman. I've had a old Craftsman jig saw like this for many years, and it has a scrolling option with just turning the top knob.

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[LCHIEN]

here's my take on three saw types:
All of these saws cut using a blade that goes back and forth (reciprocating) as opposed to rotating or band saws, but that's where the similarity ends.

Scroll saw is a benchtop power tool with an overarm and a table - the blade is thin and flexible and held under tension between the overarm and the parallelogram-connected underarm. The length of the arm dictates the size of the objects than can be cut... typically starting at 16 inches and going upwards of 20-something inches. Because the blades can be very thin in both directions due to being under tension, it is possible to cut very fine scroll work. Here's an older Dremel model from Wiki:


Jigsaw - a handheld power tool with a motor driving an up and down blade; the base of the tool is held against a typically horizontal workpiece and the saw is pushed around by the handle to cut freehand patterns. The up and down stroke is around an inch or more. The blades are about 3 inches long and around 1/4" to 1/3" deep and about 0.050" kerf. and supported only from one end so must be stiff enough for pushing in and out of the wood under load. Some jigsaws have a rotatable blade using a steering knob at the top. Allows cutting in different directions without having to turn the saw itself (but you do have to supply the cutting force int he direction the blade is pointed.) Cutting large curves is limited in size only by the size of sheet material you can buy. The base usually tilts so you can make bevel cuts. Image from Wiki:



Sabre Saw or saber saw or Sawzall (TM of Milwaukee) - also sometimes called a reciprocating saw. this is a handheld power tool typically held horizontal with the blade going in and out. The blades are supported at one end and are stiff enough to cut without bending severely. The blades can be up to 6 or seven inches long and have a stroke of about 1.5". The longer blades get to about 1/2" deep and about .050 kerf. The front of the saw usually has a foot to ride against the work piece. Its not a saw for precision, e.g. no guide, little to hold it square to the work, Often used for demolition or rough sizing cutouts work. Here's a pic from Wiki:


it should be noted that many blade styles are available for all three types allowing fast or fine work in different thicknesses and materials.

[cabinetman]

Sabre Saw or saber saw or Sawzall (TM of Milwaukee). this is a handheld power tool typically held horizontal with the blade going in and out.

I think those saws are called "reciprocating saws", which are mainly used for straight line type cuts. It might be the commonality of terms the OP is talking about than the specific details of the different tools. It is interesting though, that the term "scroll" is used so loosely.

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[LCHIEN]

I think those saws are called "reciprocating saws", which are mainly used for straight line type cuts. It might be the commonality of terms the OP is talking about than the specific details of the different tools. It is interesting though, that the term "scroll" is used so loosely.

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all the saws I mentioned use a reciprocating blade or reciprocating motion. But yes, the third saw type is also commonly called a reciprocating saw, so I did add that, thank you.

I do note that the names of these saws are commonly mixed up, so your definition depends on who you learned from. My interpretation, and I checked, Wiki's articles agree with me (or vice versa) is what I explained.

[LarryG]

Sabre Saw or saber saw or Sawzall (TM of Milwaukee). this is a handheld power tool typically held horizontal with the blade going in and out. The blades are supported at one end and are stiff enough to cut without bending severely.

Loring, you're right ... now that you mention it, I too have heard Sawzalls referred to as saber saws -- possibly because they somewhat resemble a saber when wielded. I haven't heard this nearly as often as I've heard a jig saw called a saber saw, though. Again, I think regional differences come into play.

[BigguyZ]

The terminology I use is much the same as Loring has pointed out. Scroll saw is the benchtop tool. Jig saw is the handheld saw in the second pic, and I do call the third either a recip saw or sabre saw.

[leehljp]

A couple of years ago while still in Japan, I was trying to route a small piece. Got the end of my thumb real good!

I went to the out patient clinic at the Toyota City Hospital. The doctor looked at my thumb and in trying to document (in Japanese) what I did, he had to look up "router". He asked, "How did an "internet splitter" do this?"

[LarryG]

You know, last night I was thinking this thread seemed vaguely familiar ...

[greenacres2]

When i saw the title of this ad--i immediately thought of this thread!!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/tls/2858246333.html

earl