Hi,

Thanks for the site. I am finding it very informative, very good resource.

I ran across something that you may consider changing in the section that introduces AC. Your comparison of DC to a band saw is perfect, but comparing AC to a jig saw is flawed. A jig saw only cuts when the blade is traveling in one direction. AC performs work in both directions so a buck saw would be a more accurate analogy because they have blades that cut in both directions. The problem is that few people know what they are.
Thanks, again.


Randy

 

Randy,

Actually there are jigsaw blades that cut on both the upward stroke and the downward stroke. Never used one, but seem them advertised. But...they're not the norm.

Ken

 

Hi,

A jig saw [...]a buck saw [...] The problem is that few people know what they are.

So, according to your own statements, it all comes down to this: For most people, it doesn't matter whether the saw jig's or buck's. (And I'll agree to that fact, it doesn't matter to me either - When I do cut the power, AC or DC, I don't use a saw ).
However, I'm a bit (jig saw?) puzzled, why you find it important if it "says tomato or tomato" when nobody else cares?

 

Jig-saw, buck-saw, hand-saw, hack-saw - I couldn't tell you anything about them or the differences between them. That said if what the OP is correct, then the text should be corrected to reflect this inaccuracy.

Dave

 

In context, the analogy makes a bit of sense. It should be understood as an analogy though, and not as a literal representation of the practical application of AC vs. DC power.

 

Perhaps the word "cuts" could be replaced with the word "moves." A bandsaw moves in only one direction. A reciprocating saw moves alternately in two directions.