Are you a frequent user of a reciprocating saw? You can convert your reciprocating saw into a folding one! How to convert a reciprocating saw into a folding saw. This project is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes with a few basic tools. This tool can be used for many purposes. You can make an extremely useful tool with very little effort that will allow you to complete the task quickly and efficiently. This blog post will show you how to create a folding saw using a reciprocating saw.
What You Will Need For This Project
- A reciprocating saw equipped with a lock blade and an adjustable shoe
- It will work well with two nuts and two bolts ranging in size from 1/10 cm up to 3/20 cm.
- Cordless drill
- Pair of needle-nose scissors
- Measure tape
- A ruler
- Optional: Cutting oil for your saw
- Sandpaper or file
Acquiring the tools is the first step in this project. You can find everything you need in most hardware stores to make your folding saw. When buying bolts, it is important to find ones that fit exactly into the attachments for the blade to the main body of the saw.
These bolts should be about 1 inch from each side of the assembly. However, they shouldn’t stick out so far that it gets in the way of using the saw. You should also ensure that your bolts are long enough to be able to serve as handles for your new folding saw.
These bolts should not be more than an inch and half long, but at least 3/10cm if possible. When you first attempt this project, a common error is to buy two nuts instead of two bolts.
Bolts can be used because they have threads all the way down the length of the bolt, while screws only have threads at one end. It is difficult to tighten screws when you attach them together because the metal will stretch over time and expose the screw.
The opposite happens when attaching nuts and bolts. As you tighten the bolt, the thread at the end will push against the nut’s soft metal and pull the entire assembly tighter. This is why nuts and bolts are used for this project instead of screws and nuts.
To attach the saw handles to your new saws, you’ll need a battery-operated drilling machine. It is possible to attach the saw handles using either a flathead or Philips screwdriver. However, it is easier to use a drill.
Let’s now take a look how to assemble this saw. Let’s begin by attaching the blade assembly with one of your new bolts. Attach it securely while tightening it.
To attach the blade correctly, you will need to remove the locking mechanism. Attach the blade locking mechanism to secure it.
Next, take off your adjustable saw shoe by loosening the bolts on each side of the blade assembly with your drill. Next, you will need to decide the length of your new handle. If you used bolts as a substitute for screws, you can use a hacksaw to remove the bolt from the shoe’s bottom.
Once you have cut the bolts from your shortened handles, insert them in their respective holes in blade attachment assembly. Because these small parts can easily be lost if dropped on the ground, you will need two nuts for each handle.
Attach the new folding saw to any power tool you prefer, tighten it with a wrench, then you’re done. You can attach any shoe left over from cutting the bolts to the blade assembly with a bolt or washer, so you can still use the saw as normal.
Tips For Making A Folding Saw From A Reciprocating Saw
These are some tips to make folding from a reciprocating see easier
- Make sure to leave enough space between the bolts and the handles to allow them to fold easily without hitting the blade assembly.
- To avoid accidents when using a hacksaw for cutting bolts, be patient and slow.
- To smoothen the edges of the bolts that have been shortened, use a file or a grinder.
- To prevent the saw blade from coming off, apply thread locking compound to the screws.
Conclusion
A reciprocating saw can be transformed into a folding saw by using some basic tools and common sense. You want your handle to be strong enough to withstand repetitive stress and comfortable to grip when you are cutting. If the bolt feels awkward in your hands, you can swap them for something more suitable.
FAQs
Q: How long should my folding saw handles be?
A: The lengths of the handles can vary depending on the torque of your cordless tool and the size of your hands. If you have trouble reaching your six fingers around the handle, you can make it shorter or longer to make it more comfortable.
Q: What happens if my bolt keeps falling off?
A: Be sure to secure the blade assembly before tightening the bolts on handles. Otherwise, they could come loose during use and cause injury. To prevent them from loosening, you can use thread locking compound. However, it is important to not get any in your eyes.
Q: Can I still use a regular saw even if I don’t want one that folds?
A: This design doesn’t have any restrictions, so a regular saw is better than an improvised foldable saw. It will also give you more power and torque when cutting through thicker materials. It would be a great backup.
Q: What do I do with a reciprocating see?
A: Reciprocating saws are useful for many household projects such as cutting studs or joists to make a house more spacious, or for adding on to it. You can also use them to prune large trees in your yard.
Q: What’s a folding saw for?
A: A folding saw can be used to prune trees and bushes. However, it can also be used for cutting up firewood for storage. These saws are smaller than standard handsaws, and require less effort. This makes them great for those with arthritis or impaired motor skills.
Q: Is it necessary to maintain the blade locking mechanism of my regular reciprocating saw.
A: The blade locking mechanism does not need to be kept in place when you use the folding saw. It doesn’t need to be attached to anything while it is being stored away. If you have leaves less than one inch above the ground, you can attach them to your folding saw so they can work as normal.
Q: What happens if the cordless battery pack in my reciprocating saw is used instead of an electrical cord?
A: It should still have enough power to perform light-duty work around the house. Due to its small size, the motor won’t have as much torque than one with an attached electric cord. So only use it for small projects and not more complicated than what you would use your kitchen knife for.
