#HTE

A Reciprocating Saw that Turns Into a Jigsaw

Worx, the manufacturer behind that two-headed drill/driver, has created another split-personality power tool: A jigsaw that turns into a reciprocating saw.

The Axis Cordless Reciprocating & Jig Saw weighs less than five pounds and runs on a 20V battery. To transform it from one mode to the other, you press the red button, pivot the head and switch the blade around to face the other way. Speaking of blades, it’s designed to accept standard reciprocating saw blades and t-shank jigsaw blades.

I don’t have any experience with Worx, and the brand seems aimed squarely at DIY'ers rather than the trades. (See the video below, and also note that an Amazon reseller of the Axis writes “Compact, lightweight, and with soft-grip handle, does not intimidate.”) The handful of reviews on Amazon are positive, and while one user claims he’s using it to cut 4x4s, others highlight the tool’s light-duty and landscaping applications.

Nevertheless, I like the brand’s willingness to experiment, and if the tool works well it can save a light-using homeowner from buying two separate tools. I’m also curious to hear if the jigsaw mode dust-blowing feature works; suspiciously, it’s not mentioned in the reviews at all.

In any case, here’s what the tool looks like in use:

http://www.core77.com/posts/62027/A-Reciprocating-Saw-that-Turns-Into-a-Jigsaw