Earlier this week I received a small package in the mail. It’s not unusual for me to get random tool or accessory samples, but small packages are less the norm these days.
I peeked inside, and then the real surprise hit – curved reciprocating saw blades. I have seen curved reciprocating saw blades before, but the ones I’ve seen are quite long and are designed for cutting tree limbs and branches.
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Lenox sent over two sample packs of their new Power Arc reciprocating saw blades. I haven’t seen news of this online yet, but luckily they included a media kit as well.
It will be a couple of days before I’ll have a chance to give these blades a try, but I’m optimistic.
So curved blades, what’s that all about? In one word – efficiency. Lenox says that the Power Arc blades’ curvature positions their teeth to cut more efficiently. More efficient cutting means longer lasting blades.
Lenox Gold Power Arc blades are titanium coated to help with heat dispersion, helping to further stave off wear and to prolong blade life.
Lenox says that these blades will last up to twice as long as a straight blade. Their tests showed performance gains when cutting things like nail-embedded wood, black pipe, uni-strut, and other types of common construction materials.
They say that these Power Arc blades are designed or the heavy reciprocating saw user who understands the value of investing in a premium product that will deliver superior cutting performance.
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Translation: These blades cost more than straight blades. Although, I figure that users will probably get more cuts per dollar with these blades over straight blades, otherwise they wouldn’t last long in the market.
Pricing will start at $17 for a 5-pack of blades.
Lenox Power Arc blades will be available in several styles.
Their wood-cutting blades are designed for cutting standard construction lumber materials and nail-embedded wood materials. They’re available with 6 TPI in 6″, 9″, and 12″ lengths.
Power Arc Lazer reciprocating saw blades, which are designed for extreme metal cutting, are available in 6″, 9″, and 12″ lengths, and with 8, 10, 14, and 18 TPI specs.
There will also be blades designed for cutting thin, medium, and thick construction materials. These blades will be available in 6″, 8″, 9″, and 12″ lengths, and with 10, 14, 18, and 24 TPI specs.
The press kit also had details about demolition blades, which are designed for demo work, cutting through nail-embedded wood, and fire and rescue applications. They’ll be available in 6″, 9″, and 12″ lengths with 6 and 10 TPI specs.
There’s also a wood & metal 10 TPI blade, and possibly others coming down the pipeline.
In addition to Lenox Gold sub-branding, there will be Lenox Armor Power Arc blades, which have aluminum titanium coatings for wear resistance. I could be misinterpreting what their catalog says, but it looks like Lenox Gold blades are designed for maximum longevity while Lenox Armor blades are designed for maximum cutting speed.
The sample pack I received is marked Made in USA with Global Materials.
First Thoughts
It will take some time before I can put these new blades to a piece of wood, but I am optimistic about Lenox’s claims. These blades are priced at a premium, but if they last longer than even high performing straight blades, the extra cost will probably be worth it in the long run.
What do you think, would you try these? Maybe we can convince Lenox to pony up some free samples as they often do with their T2 blades.
mike
Cool id be willing to give these a try when I can get some one day,Ive had pretty good luck with Lenox blades.
John Sullivan
The beaverboard-cutting photo above makes me wince. The operator just needs to hit a hard spot or other snag, then he’s going to have some mashed fingers when the saw pulls his hand against the 2×4. Happens every time the face plate isn’t braced against the workpiece.
I realize it’s the best way to get the product in the promo picture, but it bothers me the same way boating magazines have ad after ad where nobody is wearing a life jacket.
adam
never heard OSB called beaver board before.
jesse
Me neither.
Brian
I’d be willing to give them a shot.
Eric Hamilton
I would be willing to try them. Lenox is what we usually use for our blades and hole saws.
MJ
Why do they bother coating blades with these finishes? As can be seen from the top picture they come right off in use? Is this just aesthetic or are they functional?
Stuart
Branding, rust/corrosion resistance, to make ’em pretty.
jesse
Whenever a company says something like ‘lasts up to twice as long’, the only way that statement would be false is if the product lasted more than twice as long. Otherwise it’s just meaningless. If the product does not even last as long as the competitor’s, the claim is still true.
It reminds me of that famous pitch ‘at these prices, they won’t last.’ Yeah, in more ways than one…
athnasios
cool but when cutting copper tubing I would still go with a bandsaw. Nothing cuts as smooth, its simple the blade goes up and down and the bandsaw rotates in one motion making a smooth cut. Of course I’m sure the blade is awesome. I wish blades last longer.
Nathan
any update or test review for these.
I’m about to need some new recip blades and have always used lenox blades in my hack saws