The thin cross-section reciprocating cutting blade may help to reduce operator fatigue by reducing cutting tool vibration.
A reciprocating cutting tool comes to a stop when reversing direction. However, the cutting force generally remains. Consequently, the cutting tips are firnly forced against the material and must start-up in a binding condition. Material may be ripped from the cut and/or the tips may be damaged by this repeated cycle. Furthermore, the inherent tolerated backlash in the moving components may be magnified.
The proposed design incorporates a small section of the cutting blade that is without cutting tips. (see illustration) The smooth edge does enter the cut near the end of the downward stroke. This smooth section, without cutting tips, allows the cutting tool to reverse direction and begin the cutting up-stroke with a lower torque demand. Consequently, the cutting tips are in motion before entering the cut. Finally, the smooth edge may be impregnated with a cutting lubricant to further facilitate the cutting action.