Skilsaw Buzzkill technology has taken the reciprocating saw market by storm since its 2017 introduction. It’s not the cutting speed or features that really set it apart, though. It’s the ridiculously low vibration compared to other saws in the same class. In fact, you may have seen the video showing how the liquid in a beaker reacts while the saw is running.
That test is fine, but is there a noticeable difference in vibration when you’re cutting?
Yes. We brought in both the 13-amp and 15-amp models for review. The question today isn’t so much whether or not the technology does what Skilsaw says it will. It’s about how Skilsaw makes the magic happen.
Skilsaw Buzzkill Technology Explained
For most manufacturers, reducing vibration in a reciprocating saw consists of three concepts. The first is to add rubber overmold to help absorb some of the vibration for both hands and secure the grip better. Most manufacturers do this well.
Next up, you can separate the main handle from the motor housing and place a rubber bumper between them to help absorb vibration. That can certainly help, but you still have a hand on the motor housing for control.
Advanced Counterbalancing System
For manufacturers on the higher end, a counterbalance system gives us a big move forward in vibration control. This forward and back system works opposite the cutting action and is the most effective at creating a noticeable difference. It also drives up the price, which is why you typically see it on higher-end models.
Any counterbalance weight will help to a point. The trick to getting the most from it is to match a weight that will counter the force of the blade movement in a reciprocating saw. Skilsaw designers saw an opportunity to increase the mass of the counterbalance and reduce more vibration.
On the marketing side, it’s called a “full-frame counterbalance”. It’s actually a counterbalance that uses the empty space around the housing to give it the extra mass it needs to counter the force better. It’s also one of the reasons it weighs more than its counterparts.
So there you have it. That’s how Skilsaw Buzzkill technology works. Be sure to check out our full Skilsaw SPT44A reciprocating saw review and our Skilsaw 15-amp reciprocating saw review!
Skilsaw Reciprocating Saws Using Buzzkill Technology
Skilsaw SPT44A 13-Amp Reciprocating Saw Specifications
- Model: Skilsaw SPT44A (SPT44A-00)
- Motor: 13 amps
- Power Source: 120V AC
- Stroke Length: 1-1/8 in.
- Stroke Speed: 0–2800 SPM
- Variable speed trigger
- Tool-free blade change
- Weight: 9 lbs, 8 oz with cord
- Dimensions (HxLxW): 8 x 19.7 x 3.6 in.
- Cord length: 8 ft
- Price: $99
- Warranty: 1 year
Skilsaw SPT44-10 15-Amp Reciprocating Saw Specifications
- Model: Skilsaw SPT44-10
- Motor: 15 amps
- Power Source: 120V AC
- Stroke Length: 1-1/4 in.
- Stroke Speed: 0–2900 SPM
- Variable speed trigger
- Tool-free blade change
- Weight: 11.3 lbs. with cord
- Dimensions (HxLxW): 3.84 x 27.7 x 6.47 in.
- Cord length: 8 ft
- Price: $169
- Warranty: 1 year
