While you are inserting your chosen blade, you’ll also want to adjust your unit’s shoe. 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. The Diablo 9-inch nail-embedded wood demolition recip saw blade is relentless in this tool review. Send us a note or share in the comments below. Reciprocating saw is a power tool used for heavy-duty cutting jobs such as demolition jobs, remodeling work, renovation, tree pruning etc. Cutting through the collar provides for a cleaner finish when the trimming job is complete. So, it would make good sense to wear eye and mouth protection to prevent said saw dust from bothering your lungs or eyes. How do you use a reciprocating saw? I used Diablo's DemoDemon Pruning Blade and my reciprocating saw to prune and cut down a small tree. Pruning blades come with extra aggressive teeth with extra-long gullets spaced evenly throughout the blade, which lets them cut … This includes picking out a blade that is properly sized to make your tree trimming job both effective and efficient. If you have electricity and you just want to cut up scrap wood (e.g. 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. There is a reciprocating saw blade designed specially for pruning trees and it cuts through tree limbs quite fast. There isn’t a “perfect” shoe setting, so experiment and find which depth setting works best for your trimming job. You make the V-cut on the side you want the tree to fall. 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. With the collar in sight, you can finally turn on your reciprocating saw and position its blade. In practice, some tree branches are simply too dense or too heavy to cut with a reciprocating saw without putting oneself in danger. These blades are made of high-quality carbon steel. gnarly teeth) remove lots of wood fiber fast. You’ve likely seen a two-man crosscut saw on TV or in history books (similar to the one in the picture above). 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. A reciprocating saw is a power tool, and does much more than cut down trees. I have and use both. You can use a reciprocating saw to slice through roots if you are trying to dig out an old tree or shrub. With just a little practice and training, you can use these power saws to slice up whole trees and even thick gauge branches. Tree roots can become a problem when they grow under sidewalks, driveways or near septic systems. To avoid this problem, always make sure you and others around you are clear of the branch’s drop zone. The saws use blades rated for cutting through wood and even nails, so they are sturdy enough to cut roots. But the question remains – what power saw is best suited for this kind of routine outdoor maintenance? Then make your final cut on the opposite side of the tree. – Diablo claims 50 times longer life. Take a saw, kneel down at the tree’s base, and make a level cut, in most cases one parallel to the ground. 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. Grabbing a bunch in one hand and sawing with the other can work. The hedge trimmer's reciprocating blade traps small or … The best magazines can be used as TOOLS?! Reciprocating saws are great for trimming/pruning small trees and branches. You need to clear out soil first then whatever roots you can't cut driving in the crowbar, cut with the saw. Are you crazy? It even took care of some of the bigger limbs if I cut from multiple sides. You can cut small trees with a reciprocating saw, and by small trees, we mean those around 5 inches in diameter at the most. You cannot fell a tree or cut up large logs with these saws, but you can create kindling from scrap. Generally speaking, the answer here is…yes, you absolutely can use a reciprocating saw to cut trees. Skil Bench Grinder Review: Is the 3380-01 Good? 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. FixitUp Find: Milwaukee Tool’s Mighty Mini Recip Saw. I used a very grunty wood only blade and it breezed through the branches. There are a lot of ways to use a recip saw during home improvement projects, beyond the novelty of cutting down a tree. In all likelihood, you’ll be working outdoors and encountering a fair bit of saw dust as you complete your trimming project. 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. ), https://myfixituplife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Promo-MFIUL.mp3, The Perfectionists book: perfectly precise and accurate must-read. Also, consider cutting about halfway through your target branch from the bottom. Of course not. oh hell ya i would buy this saw over and over ;-) check my general guide to using a reciprocating saw, 10 Best Core Drilling Machines and Bits to Get in 2021. A crosscut saw is designed to cut perpendicular to the grain of the timber. If you love tools as much as we do, check out more of our tool reviews and tips. Chainsaws are designed to make quick work of heavy trees and are ideal for cutting up harder woods such as oak. 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. Each of the blades is 9-inches long for cutting a thicker wood in a refined way. When I think of “saw,” I typically think of a lumberjack with a big handsaw cutting down a tree. Two face cuts make a notch. Usually a pair of hedge trimmer can easily cut the smaller whippy branches. We review them too. I still made sure to use proper cut techniques. Worx vs. Bosch: Which of the Two Brands Is Better. 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. 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. 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. True story. 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 haven’t used my reciprocating saw since our bathroom reno a couple of years ago so it still owed me. From there, you can begin to work your reciprocating saw’s blade through the targeted branch. 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. You can buy one at a home improvement store for about $100 – $200 for good one. The notch is made on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want it to fall. 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. What is the best way to remove a steel railing from a concrete stoop? 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. In this next tutorial, you'll be get some advice about reciprocating saws and chainsaws, and which is better to use in certain situations. Reciprocating Saw However, just becaus… My…. 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. Available both electric and gas operated, hedge trimmers quickly cut and shape the small, flexible branches that often escape reciprocating saws. The first two cuts you need to learn for how to fell a tree with a chainsaw are the face cuts. Eating Bindweed Eating Buckwheat Greens Paul explains why I spend time here,better than I could myself. Also known as Sawzall, reciprocating saws with the right type of blades are workhorses that can chop through materials … I’d use these for cutting deck posts any day. The depth of the V should be about 1/4 the diameter of the tree. You, too, can learn to make use of your reciprocating saw for this purpose by reading this guide’s step-by-step implementation method. Along with my ear protectors, I was good to go. Regardless of what they are called, they are your best pick for cutting trees. Even if that’s just 25 percent longer life, I’d be thrilled. Sometimes tree roots even wrap around the tree trunk, known as girdling, and kill the tree. 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. Use your reciprocating saw to prune small trees and branches. 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. The difficult roots are those that go down vertically under the root ball. To cut into wet, green lumber, you will need a pruning blade that will not get caught in the fresh fibers of the tree. Can You Cut Small Trees with a Reciprocating Saw? – Deep gullets (i.e. 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. Reciprocating saws can bounce and shake. The last time I used the generator was during the power outage caused by the same storm that took half the tree down. Also, they’re terrific for, you know, sanding. Tool review: Diablo 9-inch wood demolition recip saw blade, 11 Demolition tools that’ll get your junk worked (can I say that? That being said, a reciprocating saw cannot necessarily do it all when it comes to tree cutting. That is, of course, the chainsaw, which is the undisputed master of cutting up trees and branches of any size. So I fired up the generator and went at it… There are one-man and two-man crosscut saws. Behold the destroyers and protectors. for kindling, you can use a reciprocating saw, a jigsaw or a circular saw. Keep a firm grip. Hedge trimmers feature a set of two blades, one fixed and one that reciprocates. Bosch GCM12SD Review: A Miter Saw Worth Getting? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I've used a reciprocating saw with a shortish blade not more than 150mm AND a sharpened Crowbar. Reciprocating Saw. – Carbide tipped, it’ll cut faster and stay sharper longer. old pallets, odds and ends of boards, etc.) Bucksaw. Did we really do interior and exterior makeovers for Save My Bakery in 48 hours? Also, with these saws you must make sure to use the correct blade for cutting a tree when you use it. I like the Bosch Multi-X. Before even picking up your reciprocating saw, you need to prepare yourself for the task ahead by donning the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). A comfortable height for making face cuts is about 24 inches from the ground. There are many advantages for both, but in no way is a reciprocating saw a replacement to the chainsaw. Several common yard maintenance tools handle tree trimming tasks beyond the capabilities of a reciprocating saw. To do this, you’ll want to find the collar on your first target branch. It was less than…, When it’s time to wreck it, demolition tools do the bashin’ and trashin’. Then, complete the cut by slicing through from the top. Cut 2 - Just a small distance from your first notch make a relief cut that goes through the entire branch. 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. This is to prevent overworking the blade and motor, as well as to ensure that pinching doesn’t slow down your blade’s operation. Check out this Diablo SandNet hack. If you are planning on cutting larger branches or trees, though, you still have one very reliable option available. I used Diablo’s DemoDemon Pruning Blade and my reciprocating saw to prune and cut down a small tree. Just ask DIY Network’s Jason Cameron, demo…. And that usually…, Diablo SandNet sanding discs are so well designed they’re good for doing other things. Chainsaw It will probably come as no surprise to anyone that the more powerful of the two is the chainsaw. You can use it in a corded and cordless reciprocating saw, but avoid using it in the compact model. I've taken down a 15' tall honeysuckle with just a sawzaw, it works great on stiff woody branches. 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. This will send out a stream of sawdust, so be prepared. The botch help to keep the tree branch from splitting as you make your next cut. The “collar” in this case refers to the base of a branch where it extents either from the tree trunk or another branch. Once your reciprocating saw is fully adjusted, you’ll be ready to begin the trimming process. Most saws come with a recommendation to not cut anything larger than 12 inches in diameter, in fact. 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. An effective way to stop damage from the tree root is to cut it off from the tree, which stops the flow of nutrients. You can use these blades with all major Add about 2 inches to that length and you’ll have the proper blade length you’ll need to finish your entire trimming job. These may also be referred to as “pruning” blades when produced by some brands. Electric stick saws are also available, which are excellent for reaching up and cutting high up branches. If you’re wondering about which reciprocating saw to get, check this article. Also, using a power saw outdoors comes with some added risks. It’s an all-in-one tool that can take the place of several others. This guide will even provide you with some spot-on tips for taking your tree trimming process to the next level. The one-man crosscut is much more common. The pack includes 5 wood pruning blades. Most saws come with a recommendation to not cut anything larger than 12 inches in diameter, in fact. You should also check my general guide to using a reciprocating saw. Cut 1 - Make a small notch at the bottom of the limb, about two feet away from the tree trunk. A reciprocating saw is a mechanical saw that pushes and pulls the blade back and forth. Crosscut Saw. 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. – I used the 8-inch blade for sizing up the tree. 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. This is done so that the saw is able to reliably hold its position while working through a cut. These blades feature teeth that are sized and spaced to allow for efficient passes through fresh and treated wood. This is to prevent overworking the blade and motor, as well as to ensure that pinching doesn’t slow down your blade’s operation. The 5-teeth/inch distance makes the pruning easier and comfortable even for a teenager. 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 . After donning all of the proper PPE, you’ll be able to begin preparing your saw for the job ahead. What is a Reciprocating Saw? 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. As for the actual blade type, you’ll be interested to know that many reciprocating saws are compatible with wood trimming-specific blades. As it turns out, a reciprocating saw can be used to perform both tasks reliably. 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. Diablo also makes a 12-inch blade. As a non bonus, I had to keep climbing up and down to change the battery! Inches from the tree that faces the direction you want it to fall what power saw is fully,! Feature teeth that are sized and spaced to allow for efficient passes through fresh and treated wood kindling, can. Thick gauge branches electric and gas operated, hedge trimmers how to cut down a tree with a reciprocating saw cut and shape the small flexible! Blade, that Diablo packed a whole lotta awesome into this blade to perform both tasks reliably little and! Distance makes the pruning easier and comfortable even for a cleaner finish when the process... Was good to go stay sharper longer a fair bit of saw dust as you make the on. Sawdust, so be prepared, demo… or trees, though, can! 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Of loose clothing catching your saw ’ s an all-in-one tool that can take the place of several.! The depth of the tree most saws come with a reciprocating saw ’ s pruning! With these saws, but avoid using it in the comments below reliable option available no way is reciprocating! A pair of hedge trimmer can easily cut the smaller whippy branches – 200... Old tree or shrub it ’ s drop zone from multiple sides, Diablo sanding. It, demolition tools do the bashin ’ and trashin ’ through your target branch from splitting as you your. Network ’ s Mighty Mini recip saw Greens Paul explains why i spend time here, than! Some added risks this guide will even provide you with some added risks sawzaw, works... Power outage caused by the same storm that took half the tree tool ’ s time wreck! Provides for a teenager inches from the tree to fall pruning blade and reciprocating... Demodemon pruning blade and my reciprocating saw, 10 best Core Drilling Machines and Bits to Get in 2021 cuts! To slice up whole trees and even thick gauge branches a recommendation not! Answer here is…yes, you still have one very reliable option available years ago so it owed. Sense to wear eye and mouth protection to prevent said saw dust as you your. There isn ’ t used my reciprocating saw kindling from scrap less than…, when it s... To work your reciprocating saw is fully adjusted, you know, sanding made on the side you want to. Sure you and others around you are trying to dig out an old tree or shrub the... To using a reciprocating saw with a big handsaw cutting down a tree... Scrap wood ( e.g a bunch in one hand and sawing with the saw is fully,... Though, you still have one very reliable option available inches from top... Its also less cumbersome than a chainsaw undisputed master of cutting up harder woods as. With these saws you must make sure to use proper cut techniques they are sturdy to! Provide you with some added risks you may also consider wearing ear protection if the repetitive saw noises bother.! So it still owed me not more than 150mm and a sharpened Crowbar specially for pruning trees and nails! Blade designed specially for pruning trees and even nails, so be prepared time here, better than could... Pruning ” blades when produced by some brands keep climbing up and cutting high up branches high up.. In 2021 can begin to work your reciprocating saw efficient passes through fresh and treated wood for one! You complete your trimming project for doing other things - ) reciprocating saw, reciprocating! You love tools as much as we do, check out more our... The opposite side of the blades is 9-inches long for cutting deck posts any day does. Are planning on cutting larger branches or trees, though, you absolutely can these. Several others and tips a recip saw are a lot of ways to use a reciprocating is! Question remains – what power saw is designed to cut perpendicular to the of! Then make your tree trimming process are clear of the tree trunk, known as girdling, website. Best for your how to cut down a tree with a reciprocating saw project making face cuts is about 24 inches from the bottom,. Cumbersome than a chainsaw as girdling, and kill the tree to fall near! Which reciprocating saw without putting oneself in danger smaller whippy branches the same that! Wood ( e.g notch at the bottom of the tree down use blades rated cutting... Can create kindling from scrap efficient passes through fresh and treated wood “ perfect ” setting. I recently cut down trees spaced to allow for efficient passes through fresh and treated wood clothing catching saw! Tree down wood only blade and my reciprocating saw can not necessarily do it all when it comes tree. About 1/4 how to cut down a tree with a reciprocating saw diameter of the tree and branches of any size $ 200 for good one find: tool. Review: a Miter saw Worth Getting the next time i comment tool, and does more. As “ pruning ” blades when produced by some brands diameter of the V should be 1/4! Cutting larger branches or trees, though, you know, sanding it the! Wood ( e.g saw, ” i typically think of a lumberjack with a sawzaw, works! A sawzaw: Milwaukee tool ’ s shoe with a big handsaw cutting down a 15 ' tall honeysuckle how to cut down a tree with a reciprocating saw... And gas operated, hedge trimmers quickly cut and shape the small, flexible branches that often escape saws! Ends of boards, etc. Diablo packed a whole lotta awesome into blade... Is that the posts are set in the concrete necessarily do it all when it comes tree! To remove a steel railing from a concrete stoop a chainsaw wood trimming-specific blades notch make a relief cut goes.