# Whats the difference between a Jig saw and Saber saw? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 26, 2018, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209 "2018-03-26T16:33:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/1 "2018-03-26T16:33:14Z")
I had always said Jig saw. A carpenter we hired corrected me and said he needs a Saber saw to finish this job. Motor burned out in the middle of this job. I get the impression (from him) a Saber saw is a different tool. What’s the difference? ---
**Author:** ![snowmaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@snowmaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowmaster)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/2 "2018-03-26T16:37:54Z")
A jig saw is small and boxy with the blade pointing down. The idea is you work on top of the piece, such as cutting a shape from plywood up on sawhorses. Your workpiece supports the weight of the saw, you just steer and push it along. A sabre saw, also called a sawzall or reciprocating saw, is elongated and has the blade coming out the front. The idea is that you stand in front of the piece being worked on, such as sheetrock on wall. You support the weight of the saw, though gravity is a big helper for downward cuts. I think a wider variety of blades are availavle for sabre saws for cutting a variety of materials. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/3 "2018-03-26T16:39:53Z")
Then: > [@](#): > > Years ago, the small stationary power saw that we now know as universally as a scroll saw (a tabletop model where the reciprocating blade is fastened at both ends and moves up and down) had a variation in which the blade was affixed on one side only. > > This variation was referred to as a jig saw. > > This latter type of tool that had a blade open on one end evolved into a portable, hand-held tool. It became very popular, and some manufacturers soon placed a knob on top of the unit that could be used to turn the reciprocating blade for use in intricate cutting tasks. As this type of continued to evolve, they were often referred to as jig saws, while similar models without the turning knob were called sabre saws. Initially, it was merely an industry convention for distinguishing between two different types of handheld versions of the table top jig saw. Now: > [@](#): > > Today, we have lost most of the early distinctions between hand-held sabre saws and hand-held jig saws. > > Any type of hand-held saw with a short reciprocating blade attached on one side only can be called either a sabre saw or jigsaw—the choice of names is really up to the manufacturer. A tool by either name may or may not include the rotating handle on top of the tool, used to make fine turns with the blade. > **[What Is the Difference Between a Jigsaw and a Sabre Saw?](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/jigsaws-and-sabre-saws-the-difference-3536880)** > > There is little difference between the terms jigsaw and sabre saw. Both describe a type of small handheld power tool with a reciprocating blade. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/4 "2018-03-26T16:45:42Z")
> [@snowmaster](#): > > A sabre saw, also called a sawzall… I’ve also heard them called demo saws - as in “demolition,” because their best use is for just crudely hacking through building materials. They’ve got a small foot with non-locking pivot for ease of access in tight spaces, and a stout blade (front-to-back dimension) so you can apply substantial cutting force. Sawzall is a [genericized trademark:](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generic_trademark) Milwaukee Tools makes a sabre saw marketed as “Sawzall”, but as you’ve noted, just about any sabre saw will be referred to as a Sawzall by someone in the construction business. [sabre saw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabre_saw) [jigsaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jigsaw_(power_tool)) Jigsaws usually have a less substantial blade than a demo saw. You can’t apply as much force, but the blade design allows you to make curved cuts, and it’s got a big, stable foot that you can adjust to various roll angles for making angled cuts. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/5 "2018-03-26T16:56:45Z")
I remember–falsely, I think–being told in JHS wood shop that a jig-saw was a table-like affair with a reciprocating band. Wrong, right? (:)) While we’re at it, the table saw in a butcher shop: “belt saw?” ETA: re-read post #3 in-line cite. ---
**Author:** ![SirRay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@SirRay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SirRay)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/6 "2018-03-26T17:08:07Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > While we’re at it, the table saw in a butcher shop: “belt saw?” I’d call it a type of band saw. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/7 "2018-03-26T17:13:35Z")
Which also covers a chain-saw? ---
**Author:** ![senoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dbc845/32.png) [@senoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/senoy)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/8 "2018-03-26T17:28:27Z")
It depends on where you’re from. Most commonly, a jigsaw and sabre saw are the same thing. They are a handheld device that has about a two inch blade that comes from the bottom of the unit and sits on top of the piece you’re cutting. Some parts of the country though call a reciprocating saw (a saw typically used in demolition that is much larger and usually has a longer blade) a ‘sabre saw.’ This is not a universal term though. Where I’m from we call all reciprocating saws ‘Sawzalls’ and all on-top saws ‘jigsaws’ No one actually uses the term sabre saw for anything, although some people will call a reciprocating saw by its more proper name. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/9 "2018-03-26T17:31:59Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > Which also covers a chain-saw? Only if the “belt” is a sprocket-driven chain. In which case “belt” is a misnomer. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/10 "2018-03-26T17:32:50Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > Which also covers a chain-saw? No, a bandsaw has a blade made from a band of metal with the teeth formed from the band itself, a chainsaw has a blade made of individual teeth connected together in a chain. ---
**Author:** ![PoppaSan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/poppasan/32/189_2.png) [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/11 "2018-03-26T17:53:02Z")
And a band saw with a short (not deep) blade would be a scroll saw? ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/12 "2018-03-26T17:57:56Z")
I think it is regional. A jigsaw is a table top type model with a reciprocating blade. You push the material through the blade. The saw remains stationary. Typically used for fine work. A sabre saw has a large foot and reciprocating blade. You move the saw through the material. A sawzall has a small foot and reciprocating blade that you move through material. As others have said, often used for demo work. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/13 "2018-03-26T18:00:04Z")
> [@PoppaSan](#): > > And a band saw with a short (not deep) blade would be a scroll saw? A scroll saw has a very fine blade held at both top and bottom. It reciprocates, just like a jigsaw. A bandsaw with a fine blade is just a precision bandsaw. ETA: Part of what makes a scroll saw useful is the two-ended blade attachment. You can drill a hole, and then quickly insert the blade into the work, and connect it back to the attachment, and cut an inside curve without creating a slot first. To do this with a bandsaw would require cutting and re-welding the blade, which is a hassle. ---
**Author:** ![Hi\_Medlo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hi\_Medlo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hi_Medlo)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/14 "2018-03-26T18:17:19Z")
When I was growing up (1950’s) a jigsaw was a sort of table saw with a fine, straight blade attached at both ends. A sabre saw was a hand-held tool with a stiff free-standing blade and a base plate that rode on the work. The Sawzall hadn’t yet been invented, or at least wasn’t available to the average home craftsman. Sometime in the 70’s the distinction seemed to disappear. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/15 "2018-03-26T19:44:54Z")
A scroll saw typically uses the same blade as a coping saw, which is a non-powered hand-held tool used for many of the same purposes. They’re good for much finer detail than a typical saber saw. ---
**Author:** ![awldune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@awldune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/awldune)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/16 "2018-03-26T20:10:12Z")
> [@senoy](#): > > Where I’m from we call all reciprocating saws ‘Sawzalls’ and all on-top saws ‘jigsaws’ No one actually uses the term sabre saw for anything, although some people will call a reciprocating saw by its more proper name. This is also my experience, having worked in construction in NC. Actually, never having seen “Sawzall” in writing I assumed it was “saw-zaw” for a long time because that is how people said it. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/17 "2018-03-26T21:09:57Z")
They’re all reciprocating saws, in the generic form. Sabre and Sawzall (made by Milwaukee) are manufacturers’ trade names that have become generic shorthand in the trades, much like circular saws are often called Skilsaws, even though Skil Tools also makes other power saws. I never heard a tradesman say “Hey, pass me that Black & Decker reciprocating saw, would ya?” ---
**Author:** ![mikecurtis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikecurtis/32/3284_2.png) [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2018, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/18 "2018-03-26T22:21:56Z")
[everything you need to know](https://woodworking.stackexchange.com/questions/1932/are-there-any-differences-between-jigsaws-sabre-saws-or-scroll-saws) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2018, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/19 "2018-03-27T01:01:31Z")
I think that “reciprocating saw” just means that the blade moves in both directions (as opposed to a circular saw or band saw). ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2018, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209/20 "2018-03-27T14:30:18Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I think that “reciprocating saw” just means that the blade moves in both directions (as opposed to a circular saw or band saw). Exactly. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209.md?page=2)