Lowe's has the Bosch 7-Pack Bi-Metal Wood/Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set (Item # 515811 | Model # RAP7PK) on sale for $9.98 (regular price $15.98).
I went through a set of these last year, didn't care for them. Each went dull within a few minutes on every project I tried to use them on. Per Project Farm's recommendation I'm using Milwaukee Sawzall blades and while I haven't had any major projects yet, the blades feel sturdier.
I had tons of problems with the Bosch blades bending while I was using them, so I'll pass on this one.
Somebody please tell me why the price of reciprocating blades is so tiny as compared to oscillating blades, where the cutting edge is much smaller.
this is only theory, but recip blades get used a lot more and it becomes an economy of scale. anecdotal, but i go through 5-10 recip blades before i go through one oscillating. i know a few people with oscillating, where as i dont know a single tool person that doesnt have a recip saw.
manufacturing wisse, there is a lot less waste in stamping out 10x 1"x8" recip blades out of a sheet of metal, but oscillating blades are a much more complicated shape with a lot more waste.
Somebody please tell me why the price of reciprocating blades is so tiny as compared to oscillating blades, where the cutting edge is much smaller.
Sort of a 2 part answer.
First, some oscillating blades have proprietary fittings (unlike blades like these where are universal). There ARE universal fittings, but tool manufacturers are reluctant on making their own blades readily accessible (ex: Bosch).
Second, the application. Blades for oscillating tools are thinner and have a MUCH higher motion than even a jigsaw. The material has to therefore withstand that friction/abuse. This requires additional tooling which contributes to the additional cost.
TLDR: Greedy manufacturers and increased difficulty to make
I got a bundle of oscillating blades off eBay for cheap. Like a buck a blade although some are useless (scraping blades). They seem to perform decently well, although I didn't get the style that fit my system, had to use an adapter, and it doesn't work very well (keeps loosening after a minute or two). Will be more careful to get the ones that fit my PC. I use my oscillating and recip Saw for different purposes
picked these up last time they went on sale. Used a couple of the blade already and they perform great. happy with the purchase, imagine for your general home projects you will be too.
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I had tons of problems with the Bosch blades bending while I was using them, so I'll pass on this one.
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manufacturing wisse, there is a lot less waste in stamping out 10x 1"x8" recip blades out of a sheet of metal, but oscillating blades are a much more complicated shape with a lot more waste.
First, some oscillating blades have proprietary fittings (unlike blades like these where are universal). There ARE universal fittings, but tool manufacturers are reluctant on making their own blades readily accessible (ex: Bosch).
Second, the application. Blades for oscillating tools are thinner and have a MUCH higher motion than even a jigsaw. The material has to therefore withstand that friction/abuse. This requires additional tooling which contributes to the additional cost.
TLDR: Greedy manufacturers and increased difficulty to make
As an alternative if you want Dewalt, this 6 pack is also on sale:
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW4...072&sr=8-1