Created by Gary W. Adams, Canyon Lake High School

SABRE SAW  COMMONLY CALLED: Jigsaws or Bayonet saws.  REPLACES: Key hole saw and Copen saws  USES: cut wood, sheet metal, plastics, fiberglass, Rods,tubing, rubber, masonite™, leather, ripping, crosscutting, bevels*, miters.

SABRE SAW  It is found in carpentry and cabinet shops and in carpenters’, plumbers’, and electricians’ tool chests. In order to use the saw for cutting different types of materials, the proper type or kind of blade must be used.  ADVANTAGE: It can be carried to the job instead of the job being carried to it as in the case of a table saw. It saves time and energy as compared to using a handsaw. ○ Most are variable speed today.

 Operation Motion: They operate by making a reciprocating motion, an orbital, or oval motion. This type of motion allows the blade to make the cut on the upward stroke and releases the chips on the downward stroke.  Disadvantage: The stroke of the blade is about 1 inch. So the whole blade never get used.

Parts

Procedure for Safely Operating the Sabre Saw A.Mark the material and either clamp it to a workbench, put it in a vise, or lay it on sawhorses to make the cut. Curved or scroll cut material may be moved as the cut is being made. B.Place the front edge of the saw shoe on the material, turn on the switch, and slowly push the blade into the material to be cut. Leave a little of the line or mark on the usable portion of the material. C.For most cutting jobs, use both hands on the handles to move the saw forward in a steady pace without forcing it. Some saws have a trigger lock on the handle to operate the motor for long cuts.

Procedure for Safely Operating the Sabre Saw D. To make plunge cuts:  The plunge cut is used when no hole is bored to start the blade or when the blade is not started on the outside edge.  Tilt the front of the base forward to clear the blade from the material.  With the motor running at full speed, lower the back so that the blade will enter smoothly into the material at a place where it is marked.  When the entire base is fully seated, move the saw forward to make the cuts along the inside of the marked area. E. Square corners are to be cut,  make the first cut to the corner edge,  back the blade in the cut.

Procedure for Safely Operating the Sabre Saw E.Sawing metal is similar to sawing wood; mark the metal and place the stock in a vise or clamp on a workbench.  Observe the following steps when cutting metal:  Use a blade finer than 14-tooth to cut tubing, screen frame stock, and angle framing.

Procedure for Safely Operating the Sabre Saw  Cut large-diameter tubing by making a cut through the tubing to insert the sabre saw blade. Proceed to cut around the tubing, keeping the saw on top as the tubing is rotated.  Cut very thin sheet metal by clamping the stock between scrap pieces of material, such as thin plywood. The outside edges should be clamped to prevent vibration. Lay out the line of cut on the top of the scrap material. This method of cutting thin sheet metal aids in preventing tearing.  When cutting heavy metal (rods, bar stock, angle iron, or thick sheets) lubricate the blade before starting the cut with stick wax and wax the blade while cutting if necessary.

Procedure for Safely Operating the Sabre Saw  Change the saw blade if it bounces during its use.  Do not start the new blade directly in the old cut.  The new blade is thicker than the old blade; therefore, the teeth will be damaged. Start the new blade on the outside of the old cut and work it into the cut slowly.

Procedure for Safely Operating the Sabre Saw  It is important that a sabre saw and the metal cutting blade do the work, so do not force the saw into the metal. A metal cutting job must not be rushed. G.Such materials as Formica™, plywood, Masonite™, and synthetic resin board are easily cut using a 10-tooth short blade.

Procedure for Safely Operating the Sabre Saw F.The sabre saw can also be used to notch heavy lumber. Mark such materials as rafters, braces, and wall studs (2 X 4’s) and place them on a sawhorse for notching or making other forms of cuts. Notching for plumbing or electrical fittings can be accomplished with the sabre saw.

G.Two special attachments can be used on certain types of sabre saws.  For example, in order to make up to a 45- degree cut, remove the regular base and attach the angle adjustable base.  When cutting material to a certain length or width attach the saw guide to the regular base to make the cut.

H. For most cutting jobs, use both hands on the handles to move the saw forward in a steady pace without forcing it. Some saws have a trigger lock on the handle to operate the motor for long cuts.

I. When making a plunge cut,  tilt the front of the base forward to clear the blade from the material.  With the motor running at full speed, lower the back so that the blade will enter smoothly into the material at a place where it is marked.  When the entire base is fully seated, move the saw forward to make the cuts along the inside of the marked area.  If corners are to be cut, make the first cut to the corner edge, back the blade in the cut, and cut a curve around to the side; cut this and the other corners in the same manner.  Remove and reinsert the blade to cut the curved portions out of each corner. The plunge cut is used when no hole is bored to start the blade or when the blade is not started on the outside edge.

Plunge Cut

J. Sawing metal is similar to sawing wood; mark the metal and place the stock in a vise or clamp on a workbench. Observe the following steps when cutting metal:  Use a blade finer than 14-tooth to cut tubing, screen frame stock, and angle framing.  Cut large-diameter tubing by making a cut through the tubing to insert the sabre saw blade. Proceed to cut around the tubing, keeping the saw on top as the tubing is rotated.  Cut very thin sheet metal by clamping the stock between scrap pieces of material, such as thin plywood. The outside edges should be clamped to prevent vibration. Lay out the line of cut on the top of the scrap material. This method of cutting thin sheet metal aids in preventing tearing.

M. The sabre saw can also be used to notch heavy lumber. Mark such materials as rafters, braces, and wall studs (2 X 4’s) and place them on a sawhorse for notching or making other forms of cuts. Notching for plumbing or electrical fittings can be accomplished with the sabre saw.  N. Two special attachments can be used on certain types of sabre saws. For example, in order to make up to a 45-degree cut, remove the regular base and attach the angle adjustable base. When cutting material to a certain length or width attach the saw guide to the regular base to make the cut.

Practice Test 3 Sabre Saw Safety and Parts 1. Safety glasses are not needed while using the sabre saw  False 2. Loose clothing should not be worn when operating the sabre saw  True

3. A clean work area free from obstructions and debris should be maintained during operation of the sabre saw.  True 4. The stock should be secured with a bench vise or clamp to free both hands to operate the saw.  True 5. The stock should be clamped securely to prevent movement or excessive vibrations.  True

6. The line of cut must be free from obstructions above and below the work.  True 7. Be sure the sabre saw is operated only in a safety grounded circuit.  True 8. Start the cut by placing the blade against the edge of the work and starting the motor.  False

9. One tooth should be in contact with the cutting surface at a time.  True 10. Exert a constant, firm pressure on the saw to maintain a uniform forward movement.  True 11. The cut-off section of stock should be supported to prevent binding the blade.  True

12. The handle should be gripped firmly with the right hand and turning movements should be controlled with the left hand guide knob.  True 13. If the saw is to be removed from the cut prior to reaching the edge of the work, turn off the motor and wait until the blade stops before removing the saw from the cut.  True

14. The saw may be set down on the floor or work bench before the blade stops.  False 15. Overloading the saw by cutting too fast may overheat the motor or damage the blade.  True 16. Any adjustments to be made to the saw should be done with the motor running.  False