WORX WX550L Axis 20V 2-in-1 reciprocating saw and jigsaw: features

The WORX Axis (WX550L) is a 20V cordless saw that works as both a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw. Instead of keeping two tools, you switch between the two by pivoting the head. It is aimed at home projects and yard work, from cutting boards and pipes to trimming branches.

Two saws, one pivoting head

A jigsaw holds a short blade pointing down through a flat base plate, and it is built for control: curves, cut-outs and detailed shapes in boards and sheet material. A reciprocating saw drives a blade straight out from the front of the tool, which suits fast, rough cuts in awkward places, such as through branches, pipes and old framing. On the Axis, the head pivots to change modes. Jigsaw mode is for curves and detailed woodworking; reciprocating mode is for straight cuts and tree limbs.

Stroke length and orbital action

Stroke length is how far the blade travels with each movement. The Axis has a 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) stroke. A longer stroke generally clears more material with each pass and uses more of the blade's teeth, while a shorter stroke tends to suit fine control.

The Axis also has orbital action. Orbital action adds a slight forward-and-back swing to the up-and-down stroke, so the blade bites into the material on the cutting stroke. It typically cuts faster in wood but leaves a rougher edge. Switching it off is the usual choice for metal and for a cleaner finish.

Materials and blades

Four blades are included for different materials. WORX lists wood, metal, ceramic, tile, plastic, PVC pipe, fibreglass, aluminium, copper, thin steel, tree limbs and roots among the materials it cuts. The saw accepts standard reciprocating saw blades and T-shank jigsaw blades, the most common jigsaw fitting, and blades change without tools.

Matching the blade to the material matters as much as the saw. Teeth per inch (TPI) is the usual guide: fewer, larger teeth cut wood and branches quickly, while more, finer teeth suit metal and give smoother edges.

Weight, controls and visibility

With the battery attached, the Axis weighs 4.2 lb (about 1.9 kg), light enough to hold and guide with one hand. A variable-speed trigger sets the pace; a slow start helps a blade bite accurately, especially in metal or tile. A built-in LED lights the cutting line in dim spaces, and a blower clears dust away so the line stays visible.

One battery platform

The saw runs on WORX PowerShare 20V batteries, the same packs used across more than 140 WORX tools. Combined, the same 20V batteries also run WORX's 40V and 80V tools. If you already own PowerShare tools, the Axis can share their batteries and charger.

Who it suits

It suits homeowners and DIYers who want one compact tool for both detailed cuts and rough cutting, from woodworking projects and PVC pipe to trimming branches in the garden.

What to check before you buy

• Battery and charger: the listing describes the saw as a bare tool, so confirm whether a battery and charger come with the version you choose.
• Workload: for frequent, heavy demolition, consider whether a compact 2-in-1 saw matches the amount of cutting you do.
• Blades: check which materials the four included blades cover, and plan for the blade types your projects need.
• Safety gear and setup: wear eye protection and clamp the workpiece as the manual describes.
• Weight: 4.2 lb with the battery attached.

The short version

• 20V cordless saw that pivots between jigsaw and reciprocating saw modes.
• 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) stroke with orbital action.
• Four blades included; takes standard reciprocating and T-shank blades, changed without tools.
• 4.2 lb with battery, with an LED light, a dust blower and a variable-speed trigger.
• Runs on WORX PowerShare 20V batteries.

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