Reciprocating Saw for Firewood?

[NealHarman]

Hi, I'm considering an 18V cordless reciprocating saw for cutting firewood, up to about 150mm. I'd prefer to avoid a chainsaw (cost, faff, noise). 'Fuel wood' blades seem to be available so I guess this isn't a completely mad idea - but in practice is this likely to be workable? Am I likely to get a reasonable number of cuts per charge (and per blade come to that)?

Regards and thanks,
Neal

 

[ibruceuk]

Hi,

I use an 18v reciprocating saw for cutting just about everything! The blades last quite a while providing you use quality blades. The battery seems to last a while cutting a fair bit of stuff.

I'd say two batteries are a must as they don't gradually go, they suddenly lose power. The saw pulls a helluva lot of current from them.

Hope this helps.

 

[Thermo]

not a naff idea, safe and easy to use. i use them all the time for landscaping work eg fence posts etc. if you dont intend going far from the house with it then get a mains powered one rather than a battery. Much safer than a chainsaw and cheaper.

 

[Jasonb]

What about an electric chainsaw, you can get one for the same price as a recipricating saw. I've got a 16" Ryobi that is just as powerful as my petrol Tenaka with the same size bar. Bought it for cutting up timber for woodturning as I didn't think the neighbours would like me starting up the petrol one on a Sunday Morning.

Jason

 

[Thermo]

if you are not used to a chain saw, and have not had some form of instruction, or the safety gear to go with it, i would err away from a chainsaw, especially electric ones as they are underpowered and more dangerous. They are a nasty accident waiting to happen, even when youve done the courses and wear the gear. Ill use a chainsaw as a last resort, when im working

 

[NealHarman]

Thanks for the advice! I'll go for a cordless recip. I have had some basic chainsaw training as it happens, and can borrow one and the protective gear if really necessary (and if I don't ask too often


Regards,
Neal

 

[oilman]

What are the views about the cordless models? I haven't come across one, but they look useful but I would rather not have to learn by buying the wrong one first.

 

[Thermo]

oilman, ive got both. A makita 240 volt one that is good for long jobs, but a pain in the bum to change the blades on. The cordless one is a dewalt. its easy to change the blades on and light. Only problem if youre doing a lot of cutting is battery life, otherwise bloomin cracking bit of kit, well recomended, its permanently on my van