Reciprocating saw with rocker motion

ABSTRACT

A reciprocating saw. The saw including a housing, a spindle supported for reciprocation relative to the housing, the spindle having an end selectively supporting a saw blade, a motor for moving the end during a cutting stroke and a return stroke, and path defining structure interconnected with the spindle and defining a first path of travel of the end relative to the housing during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke and a second path of travel of the end relative to the housing during a second cutting stroke and during a second return stroke, the second path of travel being different than the first path of travel. The saw blade is selectively supported in a first orientation relative to the spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to the spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction. The first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during the first cutting stroke. The path defining structure defines a third path of travel of the end relative to the housing, the end moving along the third path of travel during a third cutting stroke, the third path of travel being characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during the third cutting stroke.

INFORMATION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a divisional of patent application Ser. No. 09/474,033, filed Dec. 28, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,151 which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/020,436, filed Feb. 9, 1998, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/699,448, filed Aug. 19, 1996, now abandoned.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a reciprocating saw embodying the present invention. The reciprocating saw generally includes a main housing , a spindle reciprocatably mounted within the housing , and a counterweight reciprocatably mounted with the housing . The spindle includes a front end that supports a saw blade , which is designed to cut in a cutting direction (i.e., in the direction of the saw teeth) opposite a non-cutting direction . The spindle reciprocates the saw blade through a cutting stroke (usually toward the housing ) and a return stroke (usually away from the housing ). The counterweight provides a vibration-reducing force that at least partially counteracts the forces created by movement of the spindle and the saw blade .

A drive means in the form of an electric motor (not shown) is mounted in the housing . The motor includes a drive pinion that engages a gear mounted on a jack shaft that is rotatably mounted within the housing . A wobble shaft is positioned over the jack shaft and is designed to drive primary and secondary wobble plates , in a conventional manner. The primary wobble plate includes a primary drive arm that extends through a slot (FIG. 6) in the counterweight to drivingly engage the reciprocating spindle . The secondary wobble plate includes a secondary drive arm that drivingly engages the counterweight .

In addition to being mounted for reciprocating motion, the reciprocating spindle is also mounted for rocking motion relative to the housing . Such rocking motion is facilitated by a spherical bearing sleeve pivotably mounted within the housing . The spherical bearing sleeve rocks relative to the housing , and the reciprocating spindle reciprocates through the bearing sleeve . In should be appreciated that, instead of a spherical bearing sleeve , the bearing sleeve could comprise a plane bearing sleeve mounted to the housing for pivoting motion about a horizontal axis.

The illustrated reciprocating spindle is designed to move in three distinct motions: a down-cutting rocking motion, a neutral or non-rocking motion, and an up-cutting rocking motion. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the down-cutting rocking motion. Such motion is generated due to the interconnection between the spindle and an inclined track member . Such interconnection is provided by the interconnection between a rear end of the spindle and the counterweight , and further by the interconnection between the counterweight and the inclined track member . More specifically, the rear end of the spindle is designed to be supported by and to slide within the counterweight . Accordingly, any oblique motion (i.e., angled relative to the longitudinal extent of the reciprocating spindle ) of the counterweight will result in oblique motion of the rear end of the spindle and rocking motion of the spindle about the spherical bearing sleeve .

Referring to FIG. 5, in addition to riding on the reciprocating spindle , the counterweight is slidably interconnected with the track member . In this regard, two follower members in the form of bearings are secured to opposing sides of the counterweight and slidably engage a slot in the track member . Because the track member is inclined relative to the longitudinal extent of the counterweight (as shown in FIG. ), the sliding interaction between the counterweight and the track member will result in oblique movement of the counterweight as the counterweight is reciprocated within the housing . More specifically, as the counterweight is moved from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2, the counterweight moves downwardly (as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2) within the housing , resulting in upward movement of both the front end of the spindle and the corresponding saw blade . During this upward movement of the saw blade , the spindle is being extended. As the spindle is being retracted, the counterweight is extended and moved upward slightly, following the track member . Such upward movement of the counterweight results in downward movement of the saw blade . Accordingly, it can be seen that the saw blade moves downward slightly (i.e., in the cutting direction ) during the cutting stroke, and upward slightly (i.e., in the non-cutting direction ) during the return stroke. However, the cutting stroke and return stroke occur along the same path, and therefore the path of the saw blade is not orbital.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slot in the track member is substantially linear. Alternatively, the slot could be curved.

Turning to FIG. 6, in order to accommodate oblique movement of the counterweight , the interconnection between the secondary drive arm and the counterweight is provided by a spherical slide bearing . More specifically, the spherical slide bearing provides for rocking motion between the secondary drive arm and the counterweight , and the secondary drive arm is also slidable within the spherical slide bearing to accommodate transverse movement of the counterweight relative to the secondary drive arm . Similarly, the primary drive arm is interconnected with the spindle by a spherical slide bearing (not shown).

In order to allow the path of the saw blade to be adjusted, the angle of the track member is adjustable. More specifically, referring to FIGS. 3-5 and -, the track member is pivotally mounted to a housing insert by a pivot member . Adjustment of the angle of the track member is accomplished by rotating an adjustment knob . The adjustment knob can be rotated to provide rotation to an eccentric cam member having an eccentric pin that slidably engages an adjustment slot in the track member . As the eccentric cam member is rotated, the eccentric pin provides transverse movement to the front end of the track member , thereby causing rotation of the track member about the pivot member .

Referring to FIG. 10, to secure the position of the track member , the adjustment knob is provided with two teeth designed to selectively engage three pairs; of corresponding recesses in the housing insert . The adjustment knob is biased toward the housing insert by a spring and a corresponding spring stop secured to the eccentric cam member . Rotation of the adjustment knob is accomplished by pulling the adjustment knob away from the housing insert until the teeth are disengaged from the recesses in the housing insert . Subsequently, the adjustment knob can be rotated until the teeth are aligned with a different pair of recesses . The adjustment knob can then be released whereby the spring will force the adjustment knob and corresponding teeth toward the housing insert and into the corresponding recesses . The positions of the three pairs of recesses in the housing insert correspond with the three desired motions of the saw blade : down-cutting rocking motion, neutral or non-rocking motion, and up-cutting rocking motion.

FIG. 11 illustrates the reciprocating saw with the track member in the neutral or non-rocking position, resulting in movement of the front end of the reciprocating spindle in a path different than described above with respect to FIG. . Such positioning of the track member is accomplished by rotating the adjustment knob , as described above in more detail. With the track member in this position, the counterweight and spindle will not significantly rock about the spherical bearing sleeve , thereby resulting in a neutral or non-rocking motion of the saw blade . The neutral motion of the saw blade is generally illustrated in FIG. 11 with the fully extended position of the saw blade shown in solid lines and the fully retracted position of the saw blade shown in broken lines. With the track member in this position, the reciprocating saw can be used for either up-cutting (as illustrated) or down-cutting.

FIG. 12 illustrates the reciprocating saw with the track member positioned in an up-cutting rocking position, resulting in movement of the front end of the reciprocating spindle in a path different than described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 11. As noted above, such positioning of the track member is accomplished by rotating the adjustment knob to the appropriate position. With the track member in this position, the saw blade will follow the illustrated path, with the fully extended position of the saw blade shown in solid lines and the fully retracted position of the saw blade shown in broken lines. With the track member in this position, the reciprocating saw can be used for up-cutting in a cutting direction opposite that shown in FIG. .

To summarize, the down-cutting rocking motion of the saw blade is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. During the cutting stroke (moving from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. ), the spindle is retracted, and the counterweight moves upwardly along the track member . As a result, a point on the saw blade (e.g., the tip of the saw blade ) follows a curvilinear path, moving both toward the housing (to the right in FIGS. 1 and 2) and downwardly (in the cutting direction ). During the return stroke (moving from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. ), the tip of the saw blade returns along this curvilinear path (moves away from the housing (to the left in FIGS. 1 and 2) and upwardly (in the non-cutting direction )) as the spindle is extended and as the counterweight moves downwardly along the track member . The tip of the saw blade thus follows the same curvilinear path in the return stroke and in the cutting stroke.

The neutral, non-rocking motion of the saw blade is illustrated in FIG. . During the cutting stroke (from the position shown in solid lines to the position shown in broken lines), the spindle is retracted, and the counterweight moves along the neutrally-positioned track member . As a result, the tip of the saw blade follows a linear path, moving only toward the housing (to the right in FIG. ). During the return stroke (moving from the position shown in broken lines to the position shown in solid lines), the tip of the saw blade returns along this linear path (moving only away from the housing (to the left in FIG. )) as the spindle is extended and as the counterweight moves along the neutrally-positioned track member . The tip of the saw blade thus follows the same linear path in the return stroke and in the cutting stroke.

Finally, the up-cutting rocking motion of the saw blade is illustrated in FIG. . During the cutting stroke (moving from the position shown in solid lines to the position shown in broken lines), the spindle is retracted, and the counterweight moves downwardly along the track member . As a result, the tip of the saw blade follows a curvilinear path (different from the curvilinear path illustrated in FIGS. and ), moving both toward the housing (to the right in FIG. 12) and upwardly. During the return stroke (in FIG. 12, moving from the position shown in broken lines to the position shown in solid lines), the tip of the saw blade returns along this curvilinear path (moves away from the housing (to the left in FIG. 12) and downwardly) as the spindle is extended and as the counterweight moves upwardly along the track member . The tip of the saw blade thus follows the same curvilinear path in the return stroke and in the cutting stroke.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain best modes known for practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other, embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial side section view of a reciprocating saw embodying the present invention with the guide member in a down-cutting position and the spindle in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 2 is the partial side section view of FIG. 1 with the spindle in a fully extended position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the reciprocating saw shown in FIG. .

FIG. 4 is a partial right side view of the reciprocating saw shown in FIG. .

FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line — in FIG. .

FIG. 6 is a section view taken along line — in FIG. .

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the reciprocating saw taken along line — in FIG. .

FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line — in FIG. .

FIG. 9 is a section view taken along line — in FIG. .

FIG. 10 is a perspective assembly view of the housing insert, follower member, eccentric cam member and adjustment knob.

FIG. 11 is a partial side view of the internal drive components of the reciprocating saw of FIG. 1 with the guide member in a neutral or non-rocking position.

FIG. 12 is a partial side view of the internal drive components of the reciprocating saw of FIG. 1 with the guide member in an up-cutting position.

CLAIMS

1. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle mounted for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end adapted to support a saw blade; a motor for moving said end during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke, said end being movable along a first path of travel relative to said housing during said first cutting stroke and during said first return stroke; and means for selectively changing said first path of travel of said end to a second path of travel relative to said housing, said end being movable along said second path of travel during a second cutting stroke and along said second path of travel during a second return stroke, said second path of travel being different than said first path of travel; wherein said changing means includes a track and a track follower, one of the track and the track follower being connected with said spindle, wherein, during said first cutting stroke, said track follower moves along said track, resulting in motion of said end along said first path of travel; wherein, during said second cutting stroke, said track follower moves along said track, resulting in motion of said end along said second path of travel; and wherein the saw blade is selectively supported by said end in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction, wherein said first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during said first cutting stroke, and wherein said second path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during said second cutting stroke.

2. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 1, wherein said track is provided by a track member, said track member being movable between a first position, in which movement of said track follower along said track results in motion of said end along said first path of travel, and a second position.

3. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in said second position, movement of said track follower along said track results in motion of said end along said second path of travel.

4. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 2, wherein said track member is pivotally connected to said housing.

5. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a counterweight mounted for reciprocation relative to said housing, wherein said spindle is slidably positioned within said counterweight, and wherein one of said track and said track follower is connected with said counterweight.

6. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 1, wherein said track includes a slot, and wherein said track follower is movably positioned in said slot.

7. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 6, wherein said track follower includes a bearing positioned in said slot.

8. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle mounted for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end adapted to support a saw blade; a motor for moving said end during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke, said end being movable along a first path of travel relative to said housing during said first cutting stroke and during said first return stroke; and means for selectively changing said first path of travel of said end to a second path of travel relative to said housing, said end being movable along said second path of travel during a second cutting stroke and along said second path of travel during a second return stroke, said second path of travel being different than said first path of travel; wherein said changing means includes a track and a track follower, one of the track and the track follower being connected with said spindle, wherein, during said first cutting stroke, said track follower moves along said track, resulting in motion of said end along said first path of travel; wherein, during said second cutting stroke, said track follower moves along said track, resulting in motion of said end along said second path of travel; and wherein the saw blade is selectively supported by said end in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction, wherein said first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during said first cutting stroke, and wherein said changing means selectively adjust one of said first path of travel and said second path of travel to a third path of travel relative to the housing, said end being movable along said third path of travel during a third cutting stroke, said third path of travel being characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during said third cutting stroke.

9. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 8, wherein said track is provided by a track member, said track member being movable between a first position, in which movement of said track follower along said track results in motion of said end along said first path of travel, a second position and a third position.

10. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 9, wherein, in said second position, movement of said track follower along said track results in motion of said end along said second path of travel.

11. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 9, wherein, in said third position, movement of said track follower along said track results in motion of said end along said third path of travel.

12. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 9, wherein said track member is pivotally connected to said housing.

13. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a counterweight mounted for reciprocation relative to said housing, wherein said spindle is slidably positioned within said counterweight, and wherein one of said track and said track follower is connected with said counterweight.

14. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 8, wherein said track includes a slot, and wherein said track follower is movably positioned in said slot.

15. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 14, wherein said track follower includes a bearing positioned in said slot.

16. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle mounted for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end adapted to receive a saw blade, the saw blade being selectively supported by said end in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction; means for moving said end along a first path of travel relative to said housing during a first cutting stroke, said first path of travel being characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction; and means for selectively adjusting said first path of travel of said end to a second path of travel relative to said housing, said end being movable along said second path of travel during a second cutting stroke, said second path of travel being characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction.

17. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 16, wherein said adjusting means selectively adjust one of said first path of travel and said second path of travel to a neutral path of travel relative to said housing, said end being movable along said neutral path of travel during a third cutting stroke, said neutral path of travel being characterized by movement substantially perpendicular to the first cutting direction and to the second cutting direction.

18. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle supported for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end adapted to support a saw blade; a motor for moving said end during a cutting stroke and a return stroke, said end being movable along a path of travel relative to said housing; and a track interconnected with said spindle and defining a first path of travel of said end relative to said housing during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke and a second path of travel of said end relative to said housing during a second cutting stroke and during a second return stroke, said second path of travel being different than said first path of travel; wherein said saw further comprises a track follower movable along said track, one of said track and said track follower being connected with said spindle, movement of said track follower along said track during said first cutting stroke resulting in motion of said end along said first path of travel, movement of said track follower along said track during said second cutting stroke resulting in motion of said end along said second path of travel; and wherein the saw blade is selectively supported by said end in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction, wherein said first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during said first cutting stroke, and wherein said second path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during said second cutting stroke.

19. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 18, wherein said track selectively and alternatively defines said first path of travel and said second path of travel.

20. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 18, wherein said track is provided by a track member interconnected with said spindle, said track member being movable between a first position, in which said first path of travel is defined, and a second position, in which said second path of travel is defined.

21. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 20, wherein said track member is pivotable relative to said housing between said first position and said second position.

22. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 20, wherein said track member defines a slot, and wherein said track follower is movable in said slot.

23. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 22, wherein said spindle reciprocates along an axis, and wherein said track follower is movable in said slot during reciprocation of said spindle to prevent rotation of said spindle about said axis relative to said housing.

24. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 23, wherein said track follower includes a pin having a pin end movable in said slot during reciprocation of said spindle to prevent rotation of said spindle about said axis relative to said housing.

25. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 24, wherein said pin extends through a portion of said spindle such that said pin end engages in said slot.

26. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 23, wherein said track member defines a first slot and a second slot, and wherein said pin has a first end engaging in said first slot and a second end engaging in said second slot.

27. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 26 wherein said pin extends through a portion of said spindle such that said first pin end and said second pin end engage in said first recess and said second recess, respectively.

28. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 18, wherein said track follower includes a bearing member movable along said track.

29. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 18, further comprising a counterweight mounted for reciprocation within said housing, wherein said spindle is slidably positioned within said counterweight, and wherein said track is interconnected with said counterweight.

30. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle supported for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end adapted to support a saw blade; a motor for moving said end during a cutting stroke and a return stroke, said end being movable along a path of travel relative to said housing; and a track interconnected with said spindle and defining a first path of travel of said end relative to said housing during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke and a second path of travel of said end relative to said housing during a second cutting stroke and during a second return stroke, said second path of travel being different than said first path of travel; wherein said saw further comprises a track follower movable along said track, one of said track and said track follower being connected with said spindle, movement of said track follower along said track during said first cutting stroke resulting in motion of said end along said first path of travel, movement of said track follower along said track during said second cutting stroke resulting in motion of said end along said second path of travel; and wherein the saw blade is selectively supported by said end in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction, wherein said first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during said first cutting stroke, and wherein said track defines a third path of travel of said end relative to said housing, said end moving along said third path of travel during a third cutting stroke, said third path of travel being characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during said third cutting stroke.

31. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 30, wherein said track selectively and alternatively defines said first path of travel, said second path of travel and said third path of travel.

32. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 30, wherein said track is provided by a track member interconnected with said spindle, said track member being movable between a first position, in which said first path of travel is defined, a second position, in which said second path of travel is defined, and a third position, in which said third path of travel is defined.

33. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 32, wherein said track member is pivotable relative to said housing between said first position, said second position and said third position.

34. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 30, wherein said track defines a slot, and wherein said track follower is movable in said slot.

35. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 34, wherein said spindle reciprocates along an axis, and wherein said track follower is movable in said slot during reciprocation of said spindle to prevent rotation of said spindle about said axis relative to said housing.

36. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 30, wherein said track follower includes a bearing member movable along said track.

37. A reciprocating saw as claimed in claim 30, further comprising a counterweight mounted for reciprocation within said housing, wherein said spindle is slidably positioned within said counterweight, and wherein said track is interconnected with said counterweight.

38. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle mounted for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end selectively supporting a saw blade; a motor for moving said end during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke, said end being movable along a first path of travel relative to said housing during said first cutting stroke and during said first return stroke; and means for selectively changing said first path of travel of said end to a second path of travel relative to said housing, said end being movable along said second path of travel during a second cutting stroke and along said second path of travel during a second return stroke, said second path of travel being different than said first path of travel; wherein the saw blade is selectively supported by said end in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction, wherein said first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during said first cutting stroke, and wherein said changing means selectively adjust one of said first path of travel and said second path of travel to a third path of travel relative to said housing, said end being movable along a third path of travel during a third cutting stroke, said third path of travel being characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during said third cutting stroke.

39. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle supported for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end selectively supporting a saw blade; a motor for moving said end during a cutting stroke and a return stroke; and a track interconnected with said spindle and defining a first path of travel of said end relative to said housing during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke and a second path of travel of said end relative to said housing during a second cutting stroke and during a second return stroke, said second path of travel being different than said first path of travel; wherein the saw blade is selectively supported by said end in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction, wherein said first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during said first cutting stroke, and wherein said second cutting path is characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during said second cutting stroke.

40. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle supported for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end selectively supporting a saw blade; a motor for moving said end during a cutting stroke and a return stroke; and path defining structure interconnected with said spindle and defining a first path of travel of said end relative to said housing during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke and a second path of travel of said end relative to said housing during a second cutting stroke and during a second return stroke, said second path of travel being different than said first path of travel; wherein the saw blade is selectively supported in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction, wherein said first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during said first cutting stroke, and wherein said path defining structure defines a third path of travel of said end relative to said housing, said end moving along said third path of travel during a third cutting stroke, said third path of travel being characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during said third cutting stroke.

41. A reciprocating saw comprising: a housing; a spindle supported for reciprocation relative to said housing, said spindle having an end selectively supporting a saw blade; a motor for moving said end during a cutting stroke and a return stroke, said end being movable along a first path of travel relative to said housing during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke, said end being movable along a second path of travel relative to said housing during a second cutting stroke and during a second return stroke, said second path of travel being different than said first path of travel; a track; and a track follower, one of said track and said track follower being connected with said spindle, said track follower being movable along said track during said first cutting stroke, resulting in motion of said end along said first path of travel relative to said housing during said first cutting stroke, said track follower being movable along said track during said second cutting stroke, resulting in motion of said end along said second path of travel relative to said housing during said second cutting stroke; wherein the saw blade is selectively supported by said end in a first orientation relative to said spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to said spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction, wherein said first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during said first cutting stroke, and wherein said end is movable along a third path of travel relative to said housing during a third cutting stroke, said third path of travel being characterized by movement at least partially in the second cutting direction during said third cutting stroke.

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