Orbital reciprocating saws are a great choice for DIYers and professionals because they offer a lot of versatility. With the right maintenance, your saw will last for years. Learn how to oil your rigid orbital reciprocating saw for optimal performance.
In short, to oil, your saw removes the blade guard. Then clean the entire saw. Next, apply a few drops of oil to all moving parts. Finally, reassemble the saw and plug it back in.
Follow these simple steps below to keep your saw running like new. Oil it every time you use it, and it will stay sharp and efficient. You’ll be able to cut through tougher materials with ease.
Safety Measures To Take
Remember to always work safely when using an orbital reciprocating saw. Wear goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes whenever you are doing any kind of cutting. This will protect your eyesight and hands from injury.
Always keep your fingers out of the path of the saw blade by holding onto the handle until it comes to a complete stop after making a cut.
When the saw is not in use, be sure to disconnect it from its power source and lockout the trigger safety button. This will prevent anyone from accidentally turning on the tool. If you have young children or pets at home, please remember that this tool is very dangerous if it falls into their hands.
How To Oil Rigid Orbital Reciprocating Saw
Before getting started, let’s first go through what makes an orbital reciprocating saw unique. These types of saws are designed to cut through tough materials like wood, metal, and plastic with ease. They’re also known for their versatility, allowing users to make straight or angled cuts. The blades move in a circular motion that helps them stay sharp longer than traditional blades. Now let’s check what you will need in order to oil a rigid orbital reciprocating saw.
What You Will Need
- A rigid orbital reciprocating saw
- An oil can (or the oil of your choice)
Steps To Oil A Rigid Orbital Reciprocating Saw
Here are the steps to follow while oiling a rigid orbital reciprocating saw:
Step 1:
Turn off the power and disconnect the battery. Make sure that the blade is in a fully lowered position before you remove it.
Step 2:
Apply oil or your preferred lubricant to the blade shaft. Make sure you apply enough for it to run easily through the whole body of the saw.
Step 3:
Put a liberal amount of fresh, clean oil onto the motor brushes. They are located inside the motor with metal springs around them. The motor is directly below where you oiled down the blade shaft in Step 2.
Step 4:
Work that oil into the motor with your fingers until it runs smoothly over and out of all parts touching each other (i.e., bearings).
For example, if you hold it up and look at where the armature meets the commutator, work some more until you see a shiny line between those two points afterward. This is somewhat difficult to describe, but the oil should feel like it’s evenly distributed (not too thick) once you’ve worked enough in.
Step 5:
Re-install your blade and check if the tension feels right for your saw. If it does not, you will need to adjust it. This can be done by either loosening or tightening the round knob that locks down on the outside of the spindle.
Adjust until you see that the blade has just a little bit of give when pressed on with your fingertips at its widest point near where hinges are joined up to it at its “back”.
Step 6:
Put a drop of oil on the tip of your blade to keep it from rusting after you have been using it.
Tips
If you want to get the most out of your rigid orbital reciprocating saw, follow these simple tips:
- Always oil the saw before and after use. This will help keep it running smoothly and prevent corrosion.
- Make sure to apply oil to the blade shaft, motor brushes, and all moving parts. This will help reduce friction and keep the saw running efficiently.
- Check the tension of the blade and adjust as necessary. You may need to loosen or tighten the round knob that locks down on the outside of the spindle.
- Apply a drop of oil to the tip of your blade to prevent it from rusting.
Conclusion
With the help of these tips, you should now know how to properly oil a rigid orbital reciprocating saw. These types of saws are designed to make difficult cuts with ease, while their versatility allows users to make both angled and straight cuts. The blades move in a circular motion that improves blade life while also reducing friction inside the tool itself.
FAQs
Q: How many quarts does an orbital saw hold?
A: The average model can hold up to 2 quarts, though some smaller models may only hold 1 quart.
Q: Does the speed of the reciprocating blades change when cutting into different materials?
A: It is common for cordless reciprocating saws that run on battery power to become slower when they are used with heavier materials like metal or brick. This applies even more when using multiple blades at once.
Q: What type of oil should I use in my saw?
A: It is recommended that you use a high-quality, light oil. If you are unsure of which type to get, mineral, sewing machine oil and 3 in 1 all-purpose oil work well with most saws.
Q: How often should I change my blade?
A: A new blade should be swapped out for your old one every time they become dull or if the material being cut becomes too difficult. Blades will need to be changed more frequently when working with harder materials like metal.
Q: How often should I have my saw serviced?
A: It is a good idea to have your tool serviced once a year.
Q: How can I prevent rusting on the blade of my saw?
A: A drop of oil on the tip of your blade will help reduce corrosion and keep it from rusting. In addition, make sure to clean all oil off after you are done using your saw as they can trap moisture inside which can lead to harmful bacteria growing inside.
Q: What is the purpose of oiling a rigid orbital reciprocating saw?
A: The purpose of oiling a rigid orbital reciprocating saw is to reduce friction inside it for smoother operation.