This article is a preview (and not a review) of the Ryobi P514 18V One+ Reciprocating Saw as it has not been personally used, and is intended to be an info page with some description, photographs and technical specifications as provided by the manufacturer.

Seriously, a reciprocating saw is one of the last few power tools I should buy, for two reasons.

First, I don’t do much sawing work in the fashion a reciprocating saw is normally made use for, and second, any quick sawing work I needed to do could be achieved with the Milwaukee M12 Hackzall already in my position.

Still, in the end, I somehow found myself buying the Ryobi P514 18V One+ Reciprocating Saw.

“…I specifically run mine on a P103 lithium-ion battery for optimum weight-to-power performance.”

I bought the Ryobi P514 not out of need, at least not immediate but foreseeable, and in an endeavour to build an arsenal of cordless power tools.

I was already on Ryobi’s 18V One+ series, having invested in some 18V lithium-ion battery packs and a specially modified charger to work with my local 220V power supply.

These didn’t come cheap, and the value of these batteries could be enhanced by increasing the number of power tools that could be powered by them.

So with this in mind, I felt that the Ryobi P514 Reciprocating Saw was the next best thing I could buy.

ryobi reciprocating saw — The Ryobi P514 runs on one of many lithium-ion battery models by Ryobi, and I choose the P103 for optimum weight-to-power performance.

“…battery DC current also means safety against electrical hazards when working in wet areas outdoors…”

The Ryobi P514 runs on one of Ryobi‘s many lithium-ion battery packs, and I specifically run mine on a P103 lithium-ion battery for optimum weight-to-power performance.

Running a reciprocating saw on battery DC current also means safety against electrical hazards when working in wet areas outdoors (where I foresee this tool to be used most e.g. pruning tree branches), and without the need to search for a power outlet, which incidentally, doesn’t grow on trees. Safety and convenience are key issues here.

Variable Speed and Electronic Brake

“As far as efficiency is concerned, a higher stroke speed plays a more crucial role than stroke length.”

The Ryobi P514 Reciprocating Saw is equipped with a variable speed trigger that allows its user to control the speed of stroke depending on the nature of work and material to be cut.

The stroke of the saw can oscillate up to a speed of 3,100 strokes per minute without load, and slower strokes could be achieved for the careful and near-finishing cuts.

It is interesting to note that the saw blade stroke is only 7/8 of an inch, but that is all that is needed for an effective saw cut. As far as efficiency is concerned, a higher stroke speed plays a more crucial role than stroke length.

Another important feature is the built-in electronic brake, which stops the saw from operation upon release of the trigger switch. This prevents errant and unintended cuts into the work material at the end of a cut line, as well as accidental cuts into flesh once the trigger switch is released.

As always, caution should be exercised when dealing with power tools of this nature.

Get It on eBay

Anti-Vibe^TM Handle and GripZone^TM Overmold

Working with a reciprocating saw is bound to generate a lot of vibration, which could lead to fatigue and discomfort over prolonged use.

The P514 is fitted with isolating flexible joints and a unique Anti-Vibe^TM handle for a more comfortable experience, with a GripZone^TM rubber overmold on the handle to provide more than adequate traction and grip to prevent slippage.

Vibration on the handle is minimised by the flexible joints located at the top…	…and at the bottom, effectively isolating the handle from the motor end of the P514.
GripZone rubber overmold peppered with the + insignia on the handle…	…and on the front handle provide excellent traction and grip.
Rubber overmold regions on the handle and front are indications of how the P514 is to be held with both hands when in use.

The trigger switch rests nicely on the D-handle for comfortable usage, with a lock-off button located just above it on both the left and right side. This button prevents the accidental starting of the tool, and needs to be depressed on either side before the trigger switch can be depressed.

A comfortable D-like handle with variable speed control on the trigger switch…	…with the lock-off button situated just above the trigger switch on both sides of the P514.
A safety mechanism, depressing the lock-off button on the left side…	…or the right side, before the P514 can be activated by the trigger switch.

Toolless Blade Clamp

Like many of Ryobi power tools in the One+ series, the use of ancillaries is reduced as much as possible.

On the P514, a saw blade is attached simply by first lifting the blade clamp lock/release lever located at the side towards the nose of the power tool, and sliding a saw blade in between the blade clamp and the saw bar. Releasing the lock and removing the saw blade is done in the same way by first lifting the side lever.

It is recommended that the battery pack is first removed with every installation, removal or change of saw blade to prevent accidental starting of the saw.

The blade clamp is a just a little slot that will take a variety saw blades.	Attaching a saw blade does not require the use of any tools. A lever sits on the side of the P514 front.
To begin installing a saw blade, lift the blade clamp lever on the side…	…and while keeping the lever up, insert a saw blade into the blade clamp slot.
Release the blade clamp lever, and the blade remains rigidly in place…	…ready to take down the next wooden structure, standing in your way!
The saw blade in motion, moving up to 3,100 strokes per minute under no load.

Adjustable Pivoting Shoe

The front end of the Ryobi P514 is fitted with an adjustable shoe, which can be extended and tilted to suit job conditions and the work material.

An adjustable pivoting shoe that is pressed against the work surface allows for a controlled depth of cut, as well as more efficient use of the blade. A non-moving part of the tool in contact with the work surface prevents the movement of the saw during cuts, and ensures that every stroke of the saw blade removes the quantity of material it is designed for.

ryobi reciprocating saw p514 — …and can be tilted and extended to suit the job condition.

To extend the pivoting shoe, the use of a hex wrench is required, and Ryobi, as always, have managed to find a clever way of keeping this tool on the P514. The hex wrench is cleverly hidden and stored near the battery compartment, and is always within easy reach. One less worry about missing or misplaced tool.

ryobi p514 — The hex wrench used for extending the pivoting shoe is located just above the battery on the Ryobi P514.

The following information with regards to usage and safety is extracted from the operation manual. It also shows how the P514 could be used and applied.

General Cutting

Hold the saw firmly in front of and clearly away from you. Make sure saw blade is clear of any foreign material. Be sure material to be cut is held firmly.

Small workpieces should be securely clamped in a vice or with clamps to the workbench or table. Mark the line of cut clearly. Depress the lock-off button, then pull switch trigger to start the cutting action. Place the base assembly against the work, then move the blade into the work. Do not force. Use only enough pressure to keep the saw cutting.

Let the blade and saw do the work. Use of excessive pressure that causes bending or twisting of the blade may result in broken blades.

Plunge Cutting

Mark the line of cut clearly. Choose a convenient starting point inside the area to be cut out and place the tip of the blade over that point. Rest front edge of base (shoe) assembly on work and hold firmly in position. Depress the lock-off button, then pull switch trigger to start the cutting action. With saw blade at full cutting speed, slowly tilt saw downward until tip of blade starts cutting work. After blade penetrates work, tilt saw until blade is perpendicular to the work.

Metal Cutting

Metals such as sheet steel, pipe, steel rods, aluminium, brass, and copper may be cut with the saw. Be careful not to twist or bend the saw blade. Do not force.

I’d recommend cutting oil when cutting most soft metals and steel. Cutting oil will also keep blades cool, increase cutting action, and prolong blade life.

Never use gasoline since normal sparking of motor could ignite fumes. Clamp the work firmly and cut close to the clamping point to eliminate any vibration of the work being cut.

When cutting conduit pipe or angle iron, clamp work in a vice if possible and cut close to the vice. To cut thin sheet material, sandwich the material between hardboard or plywood and clamp the layers to eliminate vibration and material tearing.

Manufacturer Specification

Specifications	Technical Data
Battery voltage	18V lithium-ion
Blade stroke	7/8-inch
Stroke speed	up to 3,100 strokes/minute (no load)
Tool weight:	1.86 kg (4.1 lbs)

Conclusion

“…the design and ergonomics of one such as the Ryobi P514 make it more suitable for certain applications such as sawing and cutting into lumber, plywood, wood panelling and drywall…”

While a mechanical saw such as a jigsaw or hackzall can potentially achieve the same effect as a reciprocating saw, the design and ergonomics of one such as the Ryobi P514 make it more suitable for certain applications such as sawing and cutting into lumber, plywood, wood panelling and drywall, all for quick and efficient removal of material.

It could also be used for sawing metal sheets, pipes and steel rods. A reciprocating saw just allows for comfortable two-handed use for better control especially for structural work, and material removal and cutting at high places.