Jigsaw (or something) for occasional use

Heighway61

I need to break down 2 or 3 2m x 1m firewood crates for kindling once a year. 34 one- and two-metre slats per crate. Approx 15cm lengths I can hatchet. What tool should I get for the job?

Heighway61

I see jigsaws from €30 up.

Lumen

Cheap circular saw. Jigsaw is too fine a tool for this.

The Continental Op

I cut up pallets for firewood for years with a Lidl jigsaw. You need fast cutting coarse blades.

RainInSummer

Recip saw is my go to.

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119313584#Comment_119313584

Works OK I've tried it. But when it comes to a really economy job a cheap jigsaw is going to win as the blades are cheaper.

meercat

https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/4813011/Trail/searchtext%3ERECIPROCATING.htm

Heighway61

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119314751#Comment_119314751

Do you know that particular saw? Can the blade be used both ways?

RainInSummer

I'm nearly sure they all can. Just pop it out and turn the other way.

I only use two cuts with it reversed per firewood crate and none for a pallet.

The Continental Op

If you are using a sawzall on pallet type material you'll probably find you want shorter 6 inch (150mm) length blades because the 9 and 12 inch can be too long and end up getting bent as they foul in material behind or underneath what you are cutting.

babi-hrse

Cut pallets up with an Aldi reciprocating saw bought saw for like 34 quid and blades a pack of mixed blades for a fiver. It also cut 3mm iron flat bar. Seriously impressed it'll eat through anything with the right blade.

Second what yer man said about long blades you can just cut one in half

Heighway61

Are blades universal?

The Continental Op

Nope. Mainly the choice is wood or metal. Metal blades will slowly cut wood but its a bit pathetic. You can get universal blades but they are also slower to cut wood. With the proper wood blades you can really whip through the job.

I have bought these before and I found the shorter wood blades the most useful on pallets.

The fit is universal.

Car99

A small electric chainsaw is the best for pallets in my experience .