The saw itself is quite aptly named. The word ??reciprocate?? basically means to return. Therefore, the principle of this saw is a basic forward and backward motion. The blade of a reciprocating saw looks very similar to the blades used in jigsaws, but it is slightly differently shaped. A reciprocating saw works on the same principle as an electric carving knife, which many people will be familiar with. It can, to the same degree, be used in replacement if a jigsaw if one is not present. Reciprocating saws also have a vertical motion allowing the user to cut through a flat surface area, for example cutting a round surface out of a flat area of wood. Because of the way the saw works it saws through thicker wood at a better rate and quality that a jigsaw would do.