Jigsaw how thick can you cut

Criteria for choosing a jigsaw

The main factor that you need to immediately focus on is the power of the device. Do not forget that for home modifications this coefficient ranges from 350 to 500 watts, and for high-end modifications. from 700 watts. The depth of the cut, the duration of the stage of uninterrupted operation, the period of operation of the device depend on the strength of the jigsaw.

For powerful modifications, a greater weight is also characteristic, which is important when working with hand tools.

The number of moves per minute is considered an equally important aspect. Indeed, the pace of work depends on the meaning of this attribute, and, in addition, the cleanliness of the cut. For many modifications, the number of strokes per minute ranges from 0 to 2700-3100. Despite the fact that jigsaws come across, in which this coefficient reaches 3500 strokes / min.

The comfort of using the tool depends on the file changing system, which can be held either by screws or by a clamping mechanism. In the final case, the change of the web is carried out in an accelerated version in the absence of the use of a special device.

Pay attention to the presence of the possibility of adjusting the stroke rate only if you intend to use the jigsaw for processing various building materials. Certain sheet materials used are cut at specific values ​​of this feature.

If the health condition is expensive, then buy modifications that can be connected to the vacuum cleaner. This function will protect the eyes and respiratory organs from small dust that occurs during the work with the device, and, in addition, will make it possible to keep the workplace clean.

jigsaw, thick

So, we can assume that the first acquaintance with the device took place. But, in order to give an answer to the question of which jigsaw to choose, this is not enough. It is still necessary to understand its technical properties, to understand what they affect and what they depend on.

Jigsaw design features

The material is cut using a special saw, driven by an electric motor. The oscillation of the reciprocating movements made by the saw vertically reaches 3500 rpm. For the construction of the mechanism, a support platform is used, which is otherwise called a plate or a sole. The main panel is used as a guide and guarantees a significant degree of reliability in cutting the material by saving a continuous distance to the cultivated plane.

The ability to rotate the support platform at an angle of 45 degrees makes it possible to change the inclination of the cut. The platform is usually made of steel, aluminum or plastic. The manufacturers cover the file with a colorless safety screen made of plexiglass (organic glass), which guarantees the safety of work.

Jigsaws also differ in the type of handle design, which can be:

  • staple shape, which allows you to inspect the cut line well;
  • mushroom-shaped, making it easier to work on inclined planes.

The type of handle does not have a big influence on the property of the work execution, and therefore they prefer the mechanism in this aspect, based only on individual preferences.

If you are going to use a jigsaw without connecting to a power supply, then buy battery modifications, they will be inexpensive. Just keep in mind that the use of this device is limited in time. The power of various battery modifications is usually low.

Additional tool functions

Here’s what can be included in the design of an electric jigsaw:

  • Stroke rate control is applicable to a wide variety of materials. The selection of the stroke frequency can be realized not only before the start of the action, but also during the period by means of a powerful press of the launch lock key. Thus it turns out to increase the efficiency of work. Of course, this procedure for operating the power tool turns into rapid wear of the working blade.
  • The presence of a pendulum device, characteristic of absolutely all modern modifications of jigsaws, makes it possible for the saw to carry out auxiliary horizontal movements (both in the direction of sawing and back) and to cut the material only when moving “up”. This function affects the increase in productivity without reducing the service life of the file, however, it contributes to a deterioration in the properties of the cut surface. For this reason, it is recommended to turn off this function when making a cut. This recommendation must be followed when working with steel and hardwood.
  • The function of illuminating the working area with a lamp integrated in the jigsaw design increases the level of convenience when working in conditions of low natural light.
  • The presence of a system of rapid replacement of saws facilitates the processes of removing the worn cutting blade by pressing the lever.
  • The role of mechanical blowing off of sawdust by a fan cooling the motor makes it possible to rid the cutting line of the resulting sawdust and settling dust.
  • The possibility of connecting the power tool to the vacuum cleaner through the nozzle guarantees quick cleaning of the working plane from residues, which helps to improve the visibility of the cutting strip.
  • The presence of a turning device, thanks to which the working base can rotate 360 ​​degrees, makes it possible to cut out circles of various diameters in the used material.
  • An angle fixer is needed in order to strengthen the position of the device at an angle from zero degrees to 45 degrees.

Which of the proposed models do you need. only you can choose.

Rod speed

By the value of such a parameter, like the oscillation of the revolutions of the rod, it is possible to estimate the speed of the electric jigsaw. The more there are reciprocating movements of the saw blade per unit of time, the faster the cut is executed. Numerous jigsaws have the ability to adjust the frequency. This necessary function enables the device to work with materials of different inherent properties. The harder the workpiece material is, the lower the speed of movement of the file should be. The setting of the frequency of strokes for different modifications of jigsaws can be done in different ways.

Depth of the resulting cut

The depth of the resulting cut is an important parameter that determines what maximum thickness this jigsaw can work with. Of course, the greatest depth of cut for various materials used for the same device will differ. As a rule, in documents for a jigsaw, several values ​​of this parameter are indicated. for wood, aluminum and steel. The depth of the cut usually depends on the power of the jigsaw.

Professional or household appliance

Electric jigsaws, like all tools, are published for both professional and home use. In everyday life, special equipment is not used so intensively, for this reason its power is inferior to high-class modifications designed for stable operation. A small number of additional functions are also typical for a home appliance, and, in addition, the minimum resource, which is enough for the purpose of a one-time use of the jigsaw for its intended purpose. The price for a home electric jigsaw is 3 times lower than for a professional one.

When choosing, take into account the fact that with home low-power jigsaws you can cut wood components that are no more than 70 millimeters thick, and from steel. no more than 2-4 millimeters. Professional modifications, possessing significant power and productivity, under the power of cutting wood with a thickness of up to 135 millimeters, aluminum sheets up to 20 millimeters, metal sheets up to 10 millimeters.

Understanding the thickness of the material used, which you will begin to cut, it is easy to determine which jigsaw is more correct to choose for this operation. The tool, designed for use in everyday life, is produced in China and Poland. High-quality mechanism for specialists is made in Germany, Japan, Sweden.

First of all, you need to decide for what purposes you need this mechanism, and how often you will use it. Usually a jigsaw is needed to cut, however, there are many ways to cut.

Someone can pick up a mechanism to cut plywood with a width of no more than 20 mm, and someone saws a board with a width of 50 mm, for these cases absolutely different modifications are needed.

In the first case, any home model will do, and in the second, a significant, highly professional mechanism is needed. Thus, you should specifically note the scope of work in order to choose the right jigsaw for your home.

There is no need to take a highly professional mechanism if you use it once a year. But you should not take an amateur model if a very large number of works will be made with a jigsaw. In principle, this rule applies to every device. It will be an unsuccessful investment that you just lose.

Home modifications are provided for rare use, have an insignificant reserve of power and cutting thickness of the material. They also do not contain auxiliary functions, such as quick change of the file, the electrolaser pointer and numerous other useful things. Have a fairly low cost.

High-quality modifications are provided for the purpose of significant and long-term loads have a large power and cutting width. They have a large number of additional functions. However, together with all the advantages, they have a high cost. Make a selection based on your own needs and the amount of work.

As I already wrote in the article about the selection of a screwdriver for the home, you do not need to focus on the country of the manufacturer, since at present, without exception, all well-known companies have already brought their own factories to China, however, they monitor the quality of the product. It is fundamentally not to acquire Chinese because of where it was performed incorrectly.

Choosing an electric jigsaw: professional or household

The jigsaw has versatile abilities for processing various materials in a domestic environment. Every specialist engaged in construction, repair, carpentry work has this type of device. In order to understand how to choose a jigsaw from the rich list offered in specialized shopping centers, you need to navigate the basic technical properties.

  • Jigsaw and its application
  • Jigsaw design features
  • Additional tool functions
  • Professional or household appliance
  • Criteria for choosing a jigsaw
  • Power consumption by the device
  • Rod speed
  • Depth of the resulting cut
  • Instrument power type

Manufacturers endow the published modifications with various additional functions, which is reflected in the cost of the device. However, these functions are not always in demand. Consequently, when selecting, you cannot focus only on cost, thinking that the more expensive the mechanism, the more correct. On what aspects to choose a jigsaw, we will consider further.

Jigsaw and its application

A jigsaw, or jigsaw for short, belongs to a hand-held device equipped with an electric drive. The small size of this device affects its weight, which is not felt. With the help of a jigsaw, the following types of work can be carried out quickly and with high quality:

  • direct cuts of materials such as wood, plastic, drywall, metal, laminate, tiles, etc.;
  • curvilinear cut of each of the above materials;
  • cutting round holes of the required diameter.

The purpose of the jigsaw is to perform a significant number of actions both for longitudinal and transverse cutting of sheet material, and for curly.

jigsaw, thick

Technical characteristics of jigsaws.

Engine power.

An important parameter that mainly determines the maximum thickness of the workpiece and the cutting speed. The quality of the cut also depends on the power of the engine. Electric jigsaws with a mains supply have 350-600 W motors and are capable of a speed of 3000 strokes per minute. powerful motors are designed to increase material thickness, not more strokes.

The average jigsaw cuts wood with a thickness of 70 mm. It can also cut non-ferrous metals up to 18mm. and steel up to 3 mm. thick. Professional jigsaws cut wood only slightly thicker, but can cut aluminum up to 20 mm. and steel up to 10 mm. thick.

The presence of the function of the pendulum movement. A conventional jigsaw moves the saw blade straight up and down. A jigsaw with a pendulum (sometimes called an orbital) action cuts faster. This is achieved by feeding the saw blade towards the saw at its upper stroke. This reduces saw blade wear and clears the cut due to the blade deflection downward during its course. The swing swing can be adjusted in order to select the optimal mode of operation with a given material. At maximum amplitude, soft woods and plastics are quickly and easily cut. The pendulum action is gradually reduced for thicker soft rocks and hard rocks, chipboard and soft metals and, finally, is completely turned off for steels and thin sheet materials.

When the blade is tilted forward, it experiences additional loads that provoke lateral bending and the departure of the cutting plane from the vertical. In addition, hard materials (ceramic tiles, thick metal) require a strictly vertical saw blade.

Blowing and dust extraction systems.

On most jigsaws, airflow from the back of the blade removes sawdust and dust from the saw line. The blowing device improves the quality of work, since the cutting line is better visible. For most operations, this is sufficient. The ability to connect a vacuum cleaner reduces dust and sawdust in the workplace and makes work more comfortable.

jigsaw, thick

Adjusting the number of strokes.

The wider the adjustment range, the more versatile the instrument will be. In some tools, the speed can be set in advance, and when you turn on the tool, you can immediately get the specified mode. Another option is to adjust the speed by the degree of pressing the start key.

jigsaw, thick

Single-speed jigsaws operate at a constantly high speed and primarily serve in woodworking, so you cannot expect them to cut metal for a long time without the threat of overloading the engine.

Some jigsaws are equipped with a switch for fixed values ​​for the number of oscillations of the saw in the range of 500 to 3000 strokes per minute in order to select the appropriate mode for a particular material. But with a jigsaw with true speed control, the number of strokes or cycles depends on the force of pressing the trigger, although this can also be limited by the fixed speed switch.

In general, high speeds are used for sawing wood, medium. for plastics and soft metals such as aluminum, and low. for steel and ceramics. But in practice, the sound of a working tool and the ease with which it cuts are your best advice on how to choose the number of moves. In the best jigsaws, the electronic control system provides feedback to control the number of cycles and to maintain a constant speed within a reasonable range during tool operation. Running at low speeds for extended periods can cause the engine to overheat. Therefore, from time to time, let it work for a couple of minutes without load at maximum speed so that it cools down.

If the jigsaw is to be used with the “saw up” attached to the workbench, then it is desirable to be able to fix the switch for continuous operation. This feature reduces stress and fatigue when held by hand when making long and difficult cuts.

Possibility of inclined cutting.

With this option, you can make a cut at a certain angle to the surface of the material, which greatly expands the scope of the tool. This adjustment can be carried out smoothly using a special key. There are jigsaws with the possibility of toolless installation of the sole only at a certain fixed angle. Electric jigsaw with stepless tilt angle adjustment is more preferable.

The workmanship of this part largely determines the convenience and precision of work. The sole can be either cast (the most preferred option) or stamped. An important feature is the ability to install an anti-splinter liner in the sole, which, with the correct choice of cutting parameters and blade shape, allows you to get a clean cut on the most fragile material.

In inexpensive models, the plate is usually stamped from a thin sheet, so it is not too stiff. During the sawing process, when the support area is large, this can be overlooked. But at the very beginning of cutting, when only the front legs are involved, you experience certain uncomfortable.

A really good feel for the tool comes from the molded sole jigsaw. The main material is aluminum, but this is a rather soft metal and, of course, is not used in its pure form. The added additives (Mr and Md) give the alloy hardness, but also brittleness, so care must be taken during operation.

It is not often necessary to adjust the inclination of the plate, as already mentioned. But this does not mean at all that the level of execution of the mechanism is secondary. If the fastening is done “anyhow”, the selected installation will get lost. In the vast majority of models, the plate is tightened with screws. Two or one. it is not important, it is important that in the zero position there are additional, precisely made locks. Often they are provided for other positions (15, 30 and 45 degrees). For professional jigsaws, the plate is screwed to the metal housing of the gearbox, less often to the plastic cover of the drive. The second option is worse (by the way, it is also typical for the vast majority of household models).

At any level of assembly, regardless of the presence of “hard” clamps, before important work, it is necessary to control the position of the plate with a square or protractor.

Since the blade cuts in the upward direction, it tends to chip wood on both sides of the cut from the top surface of the product. Therefore, cut with the face down (unless the jigsaw is turned upside down). Chipping prevention on some models is provided by sliding the ski back so that the canvas enters a narrow gap in the metal. Other models are equipped with a plastic liner (anti-splinter liner) that fills the space around the file.

The best splinter-resistant liner is the one that exactly matches the thickness and position (depending on the inclination of the plate) of the file. Such an insert can be made independently from plexiglass. The presence of such a part completely eliminates chips and for some time increases the resistance of the file to side pulls.

File attachment.

The key properties of the tool. accuracy and productivity. depend on the features listed above. Now let’s talk about others that affect usability. During operation, you will most likely have to change the canvases. This is due not at all to their fragility, but to the need to perform various types of operations.

The most convenient jigsaws are with a quick-clamping system. There is a huge variety of implementation schemes. They are distinguished from “key cartridges” by the lack of versatility (only one firm’s shank files are suitable) and the presence of some backlash. In most cases, this is insignificant, since there is no shortage of canvases. As for the backlash, it is usually longitudinal and does not affect the operation of the jigsaw in any way. Quick-release locks have only one drawback. the limitation on the thickness of the clamped blades.

Protective screens.

Plexiglass protective glass allows you to better see the cutting area and improve suction or airflow to the working surface.

File turning device.

Although with a sufficiently narrow blade, any jigsaw is able to cut complex bends, for this it is necessary to turn the entire tool or, accordingly, the workpiece in the direction of sawing. In a jigsaw with a scroller, that is, with a device for turning the saw, during sawing, the blade can be turned, regardless of the position of the tool itself, using the round handle on the upper part of the body. The blade can also be fixed in four positions: forward, sideways and backward with teeth. When turning the file during operation, be careful that the pressure on the file when turning it is constantly directed strictly to its rear edge. Otherwise, the blade may deform and break as a result.

Additional equipment.

Guides for sawing round shapes, parallel stops, containers or cases for storing and carrying tools and equipment will not be superfluous in the jigsaw set.

Other little things.

Lights for highlighting the cutting site, laser “sights” for high-quality performance of curvilinear cuts, a case for storing files, the ability to fix a key on the body for adjusting a jigsaw and replacing files, removable power cords.

There are cordless jigsaws for professional workshops, but very few manufacturers produce such models for the hobbyist market. The advantages of a cordless jigsaw are obvious, but this tool cannot be as powerful as when it is powered from the mains. The thickness of all types of material being cut is less than that of jigsaws powered by an external energy source, and when cutting viscous materials (for example, chipboard), such a jigsaw will work effectively for a relatively short time until recharging is required. When making a purchase, make sure that the cordless jigsaw cannot be turned on accidentally.

Makita cordless jigsaw. (photo from the site: fotomag.com.ua)

Choose a jigsaw. Jigsaw characteristics.

Jigsaw. is a saw with a reciprocating saw blade (working body). It has a ski to guide the working body when moving along the surface to be treated and reciprocates with a frequency of up to 3000 vibrations per minute.

The jigsaw is ideal for straight, curved and plunge cuts, for cutting circles of various diameters (with a radius of at least 15mm) as well as for rectangular cuts and cuts. It allows you to process any material. wood, stone, plastic, steel sheet, ceramic tiles.

(scheme from the site: toolbook.ru)

The principle of operation of the jigsaw.

The jigsaw mechanism is built so that the working tool (file) makes translational movements along special guides. over, the working stroke of the file (directly the sawing itself) occurs precisely when it moves up. An important feature of this work process is also the fact that when sawing workpieces with a sensitive surface, the cuts are of almost perfect quality (without chips and burrs). In most of the jigsaw models currently produced, a special support roller is used as a guide for the file.

The next important feature of this or that jigsaw model is the pendulum mode of the saw. This means that in the process of operation, the blade moves not only up and down, but also, thanks to the movement of the guide mechanism, moves along a curve, as if sawing the material in front of itself. It is recommended to use the pendulum motion only for straight cuts. Due to the use of a pendulum stroke, the quality of straight cut lines is significantly increased.

For all models of jigsaws, the amplitude of the pendulum stroke is regulated by a special switch. This is necessary in order to take into account the capabilities of the tool when working with various materials. Manufacturers also claim that the use of a pendulum motion during operation prolongs the service life of the saw blades.

In the past, jigsaws had a bad reputation with serious craftsmen, as their thin blades tended to go off the cutting line and bend under load, which ultimately made it impossible to cut straight cuts and maintain a given angle of the cutting plane. But modern designs include electronic speed control and highly balanced motors that have very little vibration. So with a sharp blade, this type of saw is comfortable to use, relatively quiet and easy to operate. Basic models are fine for most projects, but if you’re willing to splurge, you can purchase a more versatile jigsaw.

Jigsaw blades. Types of jigsaw files.

There are many different types of saws available for cutting a wide variety of materials, and files for woodworking in particular are made with a special tooth configuration for finer, faster or cleaner cuts. Although manufacturers describe and characterize their files differently, it is obvious that understanding the basic principles of their configuration and specifics will help in choosing the right file for a particular material.

The length of the saw blade represents the length of the cutting part of the blade or the part with teeth, which usually ranges from 50-100 mm. Since the upper part of the web is mainly used, its length is not critical in most cases. But if you plan to cut massive wood, you should select 15-20 mm files. greater than the maximum material thickness.

Some manufacturers determine the size of the teeth by their number, which fits on 1 inch of the blade; others describe it by the technical term “pitch”, which indicates the distance between the tips of adjacent teeth in millimeters. Thus, one and the same blade can be described as a file with 10 teeth of 25 mm. (in 1 inch) or a file with a step of 2.5 mm. As a first approximation. the smaller the tooth, the finer the sawing, and the larger the tooth, the faster the cutting speed.

Jigsaw blades.

Top down; for wood, pitch 3.0 mm; for drywall, pitch 4.3 mm; for metal, pitch 2.0 mm; for aluminum, pitch 3.0 mm.

If the file makes a cut equal to its thickness, it is likely to break due to the stress caused by too much friction. Therefore, the blade is designed so that the kerf is slightly larger for minimum clearance. To do this, they resort to various methods:

  • Side or saw spread. The teeth are folded back and forth alternately to the right and left in the traditional way, like with hand saws. However, this method can be used for saws with relatively coarse teeth and is used for fast cutting situations where a cut with rough edges is produced.
  • Canvases with undercut. In this type of blades, the teeth are not divorced in the literal sense of the word. For a thinner cut and provide a gap, the blade behind the teeth is grinded, made thinner in section, and undercut. Undercut blades cut very clean cuts. An undercut file that has a slight gap will run slightly faster.
  • Wave-like divorce. To allow very small toothed saw blades to make wider cuts, the cutting edge of the blade is wavy. Corrugated saw blades are designed for metal cutting, but are also useful when you need a clean, narrow cut in plywood and blockboard.

General in files

Regardless of the clamping system of the jigsaw itself, all files have the same standard slots for the holder. Therefore, there is no need to look for files for a specific jigsaw model. They all fit perfectly with any model. But how to insert a file into a jigsaw, this will already depend on how the mount itself on the power tool is designed.

How to choose the right file and how to insert it into a jigsaw

Electric jigsaw on the farm. an irreplaceable thing. Modern models of jigsaws can cut not only wood. They can also handle plastic and aluminum and even ceramics. But for each material, you should purchase your own files. How to choose the right file for the material, and how to insert the file into the jigsaw, will be discussed in this material.

Classification of files for jigsaws

Sometimes specialists make cuts in different materials with some files. We will be guided by the advice of experienced experts and explain why it is best to use this or that file, based on their recommendations.

What jigsaw blades to avoid drift when cutting thicker materials

  • T101D. large teeth, so the cut will be rough, but the fastest. Perfect for regular wood (beams, boards). Cope with both chipboard and plywood.
  • Т101В. the teeth are smaller, and therefore the edges of the puncture will be kept clean. Suitable for plywood and plexiglass.
  • Т101BR. the letter “R” at the end means reverse. So the teeth are located in the opposite direction, although the file itself is the same. It is best to use such saws to cut glued wood, laminate.
  • T119VO. due to the thin cross-section of the file, it can be used for very neat curly cutting on materials such as fiberboard or chipboard, keeping their edges as clean as possible.
  • T118A. small teeth and high-strength steel of such saws allows them to make cuts in metal blanks and plastic.
  • Т224D. excellent for cutting / sawing aluminum blanks.

Bolt Clamp (Shoe)

This is less and less common today. The saw shank is inserted into the slot of the clamp and the bolts are tightened. In the process, the saw is adjusted, otherwise some misalignment may occur, and the cut will be far from ideal. The advantage of such clamps is that any types of files with any shank configuration are suitable for such jigsaws.

Sometimes there are fasteners with only one bolt. For example, some models of the German company Protool are equipped with such mounts. How to insert a file into a German jigsaw, and then how to adjust it? Everything is done simply. The saw shank is inserted into the slot in the clamp and the bolt is screwed in. No special settings are needed here.

What Can You Do With a Jigsaw? A Lot! | WOODWORKING BASICS

The difference in files

Looking at the window, you can see that some files have large teeth, others have smaller ones. This is what suggests that each file has its own material. It can be understood that a file with large teeth is more suitable for soft wood, while cutting metal blanks will be able to be done only with a file with small teeth.

Saws differ in the materials from which they are made and in length. A more detailed classification of them will be given below.

Quick-release fastening

Most of the current models of jigsaws intended for home use are equipped with this. If the clamp is frontal, the key is in front, if it is lateral, respectively, on the side. To equip the tool with a file, you just need to release the key, insert the file into the slot of the clamp and release the key.

In the new models of jigsaws, changing the saw blade is even easier. For example, for those who are interested in the question of how to insert a file into a “Makita” jigsaw, let’s say that often in the latest models of the household class, pressing the quick-release key is carried out by pressing the protrusion (key) located on the front small casing of the upper protection that fits the front part. In this case, the rim of the casing moves forward from the edge from which the pressing is carried out, the saw shank is inserted into the slot of the holder, the key is released, the casing is in place, and at the same time the saw shank is fixed in the mount.

You can verify the strength and function of the fastener by pulling the file. If it didn’t jump out, then everything is in order. It will be useful to remind that it is strictly forbidden to grasp the saw blade when the tool is connected to the mains (with the battery, not set to the fuse).

Features of fasteners in jigsaws

Now that we have figured out a little with the choice and purpose of the files, we will figure out how to correctly insert the file into the jigsaw. To begin with, each company is constantly striving to improve fastenings on the tool, making them more comfortable and simpler, and not at the expense of reliability. Manufacturers correctly believe that the less hassle the tool will deliver during the maintenance process, the more opportunities that they will purchase exactly it. But, meanwhile, there are still early models, whose file attachments are far from perfect. We will analyze the varieties of travel mounts and how to insert the file into the jigsaw, based on each mount, in more detail.

Engine parameters

The power of a jigsaw electric motor is one of the most important characteristics that you need to immediately pay attention to. The stronger the engine, the thicker the material you can cut. A device with an electric motor power of 300-500 W does not cope well with boards more than 40 mm thick. When working with hard woods, the file may stop due to lack of power. In the event that the tool is planned to be used as a universal equipment for sawing wood, as well as metals, it is desirable that the actual power of the jigsaw be 600 W or more. Then cutting will be carried out faster and without interruptions due to strong overheating of the tool.

Since the jigsaw is equipped with a short file, huge engine power is not needed to ensure its movement. For this reason, it is rare to find a jigsaw with a motor of more than 850 W.

Jigsaw selection criteria

When choosing a jigsaw, you can pay attention to many characteristics of the tool, but most of them are not so critical. The most important thing is to navigate by the following parameters:

  • Engine capabilities.
  • Transfer capacity.
  • Range of adjustment of turns.
  • Stroke value.
  • Sole type.
  • The presence of a pendulum stroke.
  • File attachment type.

The type of power supply of the instrument is also an important criterion. It can be networked or rechargeable. Plug-in jigsaws are much cheaper and do not need to be recharged. They can be stored in a cold workshop in winter, which cannot be said about the batteries of autonomous jigsaws.

Nail file attachment methods

The mechanism responsible for securing the saw blade is one of the weakest aspects of the tool. Often, in the manufacture of a jigsaw, a marriage occurs precisely during the assembly of this unit. In this regard, before buying a tool, it is advisable to put a nail file on it and see its angle of intersection with the sole. It should be exactly 90 degrees. In the same case, if the canvas is slightly tilted to the side, then it will be very difficult to work with the tool. During the saw, it will be impossible to get a straight cut at right angles. In addition, the jigsaw will constantly try to leave in the direction of the bend of the file, from which the hands will get tired.

There are 2 of the most popular ways of attaching a nail file, which actually take place. The simplest one involves fixing it to the rod of the reciprocating mechanism using a pressure plate with two or one screws. In this case, the cutting tool can be fastened really reliably and evenly, of course, if no defects were allowed during the manufacture of the jigsaw. However, even such a successful technical solution requires the use of high-quality components. In the event that the pressure plate is made of aluminum, then there is no need to rely on the normal operation of the tool in the future. The soft plate will wear off very quickly, so when new saw blades are installed, they will deform. It is best if this part is made of thick steel.

The most successful option is a self-clamping mechanism for attaching files. It is enough to push the lever and the clamp will open, after which the rig can be easily removed or installed.

Torque transmission

The tool uses a revolving electric motor, but the reciprocating mechanism transfers to the file a much smaller number of movements. Usually, the tools are sawn with a frequency of up to 3 thousand file movements per minute. The higher this figure, the faster the cut will occur. On sale you can also find rather slow jigsaws, the speed of which is less than 1,000. Such a tool does not cut plastic well and generally has a lot of working restrictions.

How the jigsaw works

The device has a simple design, which makes it maintainable. Its main details are:

  • Housing.
  • Support sole.
  • Electric motor.
  • Reciprocating mechanism.
  • Thrust guide roller.
  • Power button.
  • Speed ​​regulator.
  • Clamping saw.

The listed parts are basic, but certain types of jigsaws may provide additional auxiliary mechanisms that expand the capabilities of the tool and the convenience of its use. The electric motor installed in the jigsaw provides for the possibility of replacing the graphite brushes, like any other working tool.

The principle of operation of an electric jigsaw is simple and straightforward. When the power button is pressed, electricity is supplied to the electric motor. It picks up speed by rotating a reciprocating mechanism consisting of gears. As a result, the rotating movement becomes reciprocating. Attached to the end of the transmission with a specialized attachment, the file moves up and down. Since it is fixed only at the top, a guide roller supports it to prevent deformation under load when it rests on the part.

Almost any jigsaw provides the ability to adjust the speed. The lack of this feature is very rare. Such simple tools are best avoided as they will not work effectively with different materials. Also an important element of the jigsaw is the sole, abutting against the workpiece.

Pendulum stroke

Not all jigsaws have this function, but its presence will significantly speed up the speed of cutting soft materials, as well as the quality of the cut. The pendulum stroke is not used on metal. This function makes the file not only move up and down, but also move forward and backward. The course of the web in different planes is interconnected. When the file moves up, the pendulum pushes it forward, which provides a large grip of the material. When the canvas is lowered, the pusher moves back.

The inclusion of the pendulum cutting mode minimizes the formation of chips. The amount of movement of the file back and forth is adjustable and matched to each material individually. This is usually done with a toggle switch located on the side of the jigsaw on the left.

The pendulum mechanism does not move the saw blade at the top, but the roller that supports the file. In this regard, when using the tool in this mode, it is necessary to lubricate the roller. This will reduce the intensity of its wear, as well as the likelihood of damage to the cutting equipment.

Jigsaw. Types and device. Work and features. How to choose

Jigsaw is an electric compact hand tool designed for cutting wood, metal, plastic and other materials. It is equipped with a file that reciprocates. Due to its low cost and the ability to perform a wide range of works, such a tool is widely used for domestic purposes, but it can also be found in the arsenal of professional builders engaged in repairs. Carpenters and joiners practically do not use it due to the low accuracy of the cut. Band saws, miter saws and circular saws significantly outperform jigsaw in performance and accuracy.