Sawing through a piece of wood is simple enough when you have the right tools. Whether you’re cutting a straight line or making more intricate cuts, a reciprocating saw can make the job much easier.
If you’re new to using this type of saw, or if you need to attach an offset branch to your saw, follow these steps for safe and accurate results. By taking your time and being careful with each cut, you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and easily.
How to Attach an Offset Branch to a Reciprocating Saw
Here are some steps to do this job safely and easily.
Step 1: Prepare the Saw
Assemble the saw according to the manufacturer’s instructions, taking care, not to over tighten any screws. Attaching an offset branch should only be done when you know the collar is secure.
If you feel resistance or can see that it’s loose while making a cut, stop immediately to check the collar and retighten the screws.
Step 2: Prepare the Offset Branch
Disassemble the offset branch by removing all of the parts of each section so that you’re left with only one length of pipe and two fitting ends, one for each side of the saw blade. Measure both ends carefully with a tape measure including fractions when determining how long your cut needs to be.
Mark an X on both sides using a marker or pencil, then use wire snips to cut through each end precisely down the centerline marked by your Xs.
You should now have four pieces of pipe remaining two short pieces and two long pieces but they shouldn’t have jagged edges. If they do, use a file or some sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots before proceeding.
Step 3: Attach the Offset Branch to the Saw
Use pliers to remove both sets of teeth from each end of your saw blade. For most models, this is done by attaching the pliers directly to the flat metal surface on top of one tooth and twisting counterclockwise until it falls off into your hand.
Once all 12 teeth are removed, insert one end of a short piece of pipe over each side of the blade so that it fits snugly inside without being able to turn freely. Use a marker or pencil to mark where you need to cut, then centerpunch below each mark and use a drill to make a hole where you marked.
The fit should be snug but not too tight, so if this doesn’t work the first time, adjust the length of your pipe slightly and try again. Once the holes are drilled, attach each length of pipe with a screwdriver by fitting one side into each side of the saw blade and tightening screws through each hole until they’re secure.
Repeat these steps for all four pieces of pipe to ensure that both sides have an offset branch securely attached before attempting any cuts. You may need to adjust several times as you find the right fit.
Step 4: Make Your First Cut
Turn on your reciprocating saw and slowly bring it down onto your piece of wood. Keep it perpendicular to the board and move it slowly from one end of your cut to the other, taking care not to shift either side of the blade.
If you’re cutting something thicker than wood, for example, a two-by-four or a piece of metal use an oil lubricant on the saw blade so that it doesn’t get stuck or slow down too much while attempting to make a cut.
Finding the right offset branch for your reciprocating saw?
Off-set branches are usually sold separately and come in a variety of lengths, so you’ll need to purchase the correct size. If you’re not sure which one to buy, check with your local hardware store or search online for products that will work on your specific model.
Make sure it’s the right type for both blades as well; some models can only accommodate universal offset branches made of galvanized steel while others require ones made out of high-strength alloy steel.
There should be no reason why an offset branch won’t fit on your saw, but if so, readjust and try again until you find the perfect length and fit.
Tips for safe use of a reciprocating saw
- Always wear safety goggles or a face mask to protect your eyes from debris or splashes.
- Make sure you are wearing the right protective gear, such as work gloves and steel-toe boots to avoid suffering any injuries.
- Be aware of where your other hand is at all times so that you don’t accidentally cut it off by accident!
- If you’re cutting something very tough then use an oil lubricant to prevent the blade from getting stuck halfway through the material.
Other uses for a reciprocating saw:
- You can easily cut any plumbing pipes using a reciprocating saw, such as copper or PVC.
- Cut through nails and screws in carpets or floors without needing to find a screwdriver around the house.
- Easily convert your saw into a jigsaw by attaching a blade meant for wood cutting.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Your guide to attaching an offset branch cutter to a reciprocating saw. We hope you found this post helpful and that you are now able to tackle that pesky branch removal project with ease. As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments below.
FAQs
How to measure and cut the branch to fit?
Use a tape measure and wire snips to cut the branch to your desired length and then smooth out any rough or jagged edges with a file or sandpaper.
Measure both ends of the offset branch carefully and mark each one using a marker or pencil. Drill two holes where you marked on either end of your saw blade, making sure that it fits securely without being able to turn inside the pipe.
You may need to use an oil lubricant for thicker materials such as metal so that the saw doesn’t get stuck while attempting to make a cut.
How to attach the branch to the saw?
Use pliers to remove both sets of teeth from each end of your saw blade.
Attach one side of the pipe over either side of the blade so that it fits snugly without being able to turn inside, then attach with a screwdriver by inserting one side into each side of the blade and tightening screws until secure.
Repeat this step for all four pieces of pipe to ensure that both sides have an offset branch securely attached before attempting any cuts.
How to find out if you need an offset branch?
It is essential for safety reasons when cutting something thicker than wood, such as metal or fiberglass, because if you cut using your normal reciprocating saw without the offset branch it will likely get stuck in whatever material you are cutting.
The offset branch allows you to keep the saw horizontal with your material while making a cut, ensuring that it goes through easily every time without binding or catching.
How to make sure everything is secure?
Use pliers to remove both sets of teeth from each end of your saw blade. Attach one side of the pipe over either side of the blade so that it fits snugly without being able to turn inside, then attach with a screwdriver by inserting one side into each side of the blade and tightening screws until secure.
Repeat this step for all four pieces of pipe to ensure that both sides have an offset branch securely attached before attempting any cuts. Your offsets should be perfectly safe as they’re securely attached using screws and there’s no way for them to come loose or fall off.
However, if you’re still anxious about your safety then you can buy extra pipe pieces that will fit over the end of your blade and go right next to the offset branch on either side, which should make it even more secure.