Reciprocating saw and guard rail assembly therefor

A jigsaw comprises a body 1 housing a motor (not shown) and a drive mechanism (not shown) to convert the rotary output of the motor into reciprocal motion to drive the blade 2. The blade 2 is supported by a blade support roller 6 which provides a reaction force for the blade along the longitudinal axis of the jigsaw during cutting. The body 1 is mounted on a shoe 3 which is formed from a metal cast and has two forward projecting arms 4, 5. A guard rail shown generally by 7 is mounted on the shoe 3 at the front end of arms 4, 5, and comprises a horizontal bar 8 supported by upright portions 9, 10 which respectively engage arms 4, 5. The guard rail 7 is formed from a single metal bar.