For the past 5 years I've been using a butchers bone saw for removing skull caps and such things. This works fine, but sure wears on you if you're wading through a bunch of elk. The other day I was trying to saw on a bison skull, preparing it for a euro mount when I decided that it was time for a reciprocating saw. I purchased the saw and an assortment of blades thinking "hot knife through butter". Well, the results were not what I expected. Do any of you use a reciprocating saw for this purpose, and if so, what sort of blade do you find works best?
Thanks in advance!
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hey bill all i use is a sawzall or reciprocating saw i use a very aggressive 24 toothed blade once you get it started hold on because it chews.
8 - 10 tpi (teeth per inch) recip. blades work well.
If you have a compressor - you can also use a die grinder with a cutting disk attached. If you can locate a mdeical supply outlet - there are bone saw used for removing craniums when doing autopsies etc (think cut off disk but made of metal with teeth.. still fits into a die grinder).
For ease of locating items tho - an 8 - 10 tpi reciprocating saw blade should do everything you need it to do. Don't be afraid to change blades often as once they start to get dull they obviously are no where near as effective.
Another point to remember. When using a reciprocating saw. Be sure to hold the saw tightly to the skull. If you don't the skull will move back and forth with the blade. and you will get little cutting done.