All about jigsaws

Modern tools are needed to speed up and perform various tasks with high quality. For large-scale work with materials of high strength, jigsaws are often used. This tool is a great helper for every owner.

An electric jigsaw is a cutting tool that is electrically driven. Its difference from saws, cutters, milling machines is considered to be significant accuracy when making cuts. The jigsaw is a versatile device that performs cutting of various kinds of material. Using the device, you can perform not only longitudinal cut, but also figured one, not excluding cutting materials at an angle.

If you need to make a straight cut or with a complex trajectory, a high-precision cut with clean edges, rough cutting of a workpiece, cutting a hole of different shape and area, then in such a situation you cannot do without a jigsaw.

This type of tool should be considered a small saw, which is equipped with an electric type drive. The jigsaw found use in household work. During the renovation of premises, it can be used to cut laminate, ceramic tiles, plywood, drywall.

Simplicity of design and ease of operation make it possible to use an electric jigsaw even by those people who do not have the skills to work with it. The working part of the tool is made up of the support sole. In the upper part there is a handle, and in the inner part there is an electric motor, as well as a mechanism that converts the gross rotations of the engine into rod rotations. A file is attached to the latter.

The stem is equipped with a clamp with a standardized character that is designed for the saw shank. Thanks to the standardization of the last element, the jigsaw has the ability to work with various files. Saws can have a wide variety of designs, depending on the materials on which typical work will be performed. The sawing procedure is carried out vertically, thanks to this feature, the jigsaw makes a cut along and inside the surfaces.

The principle of operation of a jigsaw can be described as follows: during the transfer of electricity from the network or the battery, the motor transmits rotary movements through the gearbox to the gear with the attached rod; then the process of converting rotational movements into reciprocating movements is carried out. The saw, which is attached to the rod, moves up and down, thus ensuring sawing.

The main characteristics of a jigsaw include power, frequency of the saw stroke, type of power supply, features of saw strokes, type of replacement of cutting saws, additional equipment. The saw marking is also a very important characteristic, it consists of letters and numbers and is applied to the tail of the product.

Jigsaws have a wide range of characteristics, as well as parameters, so they are divided into groups for home and professional use. In turn, each of these types has its own characteristics. Popular are manual options, for curly cutting, with adjustable speeds, tape.

A decent option for a quality tool is a mini jigsaw. It is able to simplify the accuracy of sawing and sanding the model due to the high rigidity of the working bodies. This product can be used not only by professionals, but also by beginners. The jigsaw is easy to use and is a great option for sawing a wide variety of materials. Purchasing a tool will make it easier to make a countertop or drawer.

Professional jigsaws meet high requirements, which are due to high functionality, performance, reliability, ergonomics. Such a tool is able to withstand heavy loads and function continuously for 7 hours. Functionality of professional jigsaws:

• cutting wood material that has a thickness of 8 to 13.5 cm;
• steel billets with a thickness of up to 1 cm;
• aluminum plates - up to 2 cm.

The performance of such a tool is directly affected by the power reserve. The more powerful the engine has the device, the easier and faster the work is done. Thanks to the reliability of professional jigsaws, their long service life is ensured, as well as infrequent cases of malfunctions.

An electric jigsaw for home use is considered inexpensive. It is quite simple to use, therefore it can be used in order to perform various functions at home and in the country. Experts note the good power of the device, so it is capable of performing all tasks. Features of household jigsaws:

• low power;
• availability of a choice of additional functions;
• comfortable work with wood material, which has a thickness of no more than 7 cm;
• high-quality cutting of steel with a thickness of up to 4 cm;
• the duration of operation should not be more than 20 hours per month;
• low cost of goods.

If you want to purchase an electric jigsaw, first you need to decide on the features of its use.

Jigsaws are assistants in performing all kinds of construction and repair work. Low weight and compactness of the unit allow it to make labor productivity higher. An overview of the models of such tools testifies to their diversity in the price category: there are inexpensive budget options, as well as professional ones with a high price. Popular manufacturing firms offer a wide range of products, different in reliability, characteristics, functionality.

Here are the top 10 best jigsaws.

• Bosch GST 65B characterized by a low vibration degree, reliability in the fastening of the soles, it is quite compact and weighs little. This device is a worthy option for performing work processes in everyday life, in the country. When using a jigsaw, hand fatigue is not observed, which is due to a successful design and an ergonomic base. Thanks to the blowing, the user can check the correct cutting line. Bosch GST 65B is advantageously used in work with wood, plywood and metal materials, which is why this jigsaw is versatile.
• Bosch PST 10.8 LI stands out from the rest of the battery-powered models. The tool is lightweight, is characterized by smooth acceleration of the engine, and an adjustable sole. Additional functions of this jigsaw include the presence of LED backlighting.This model is capable of functioning at night thanks to its battery power supply.

• Makita 4329 it stands out among other options with a slight vibration. It is characterized by three modes of pendulum movement, has a rubberized handle. Of the minuses, users single out only the duration in replacing the canvas.
• AEG BST 18X - a battery-type jigsaw, which is characterized by extensive functionality. And also the model is equipped with a face shield, an electronic brake, and a cast aluminum sole. With all its advantages, the tool has a low cost. The inconvenience can cause the severity of the jigsaw, so additional use of the table during work will be appropriate.

• DeWALT DW 349 Considered to be quite a powerful device, it has a handle that facilitates easy regulation of the platform. The speed of the jigsaw can be switched with ease. And also the features of the device include the presence of LED backlighting and the ability to blow off sawdust.

• DeWALT 331K. This tool is characterized by special reliability, the presence of closed-type motors. The jigsaw has a huge number of settings, and it is also possible to adjust the slope of the blades. The soles are equipped with soft overlays.

• Ryobi CJS 180L Is a jigsaw that has extensive capabilities and low power. The unit weighs a little, has a laser-type pointer and a guard for protection. Purchase of batteries and chargers is done separately. Ryobi CJS 180L is often used as a desktop device.
• Interskol MP-100E - one of the domestic models of jigsaws. Its main advantage is considered to be its low price. The tool can easily withstand significant loads thanks to the special housing on the gearbox. The lid of the device is hinged, so the jigsaw can be easily cleaned.

• Bosch GST 14.4 V-LI Professional - one of the best representatives of battery-powered jigsaws. The design of this model allows the replacement of the saw holder with a single movement. The tool is equipped with illumination, sawdust blowing function. This jigsaw is capable of working for a long time without being charged.
• Makita JV100DWE characterized by compactness and the ability to adjust the pendulum stroke. This jigsaw has a household purpose, so it is used for household needs. The tool is not very powerful, but at the same time it is quite effective.

In order to make the use of jigsaws as comfortable as possible, you can use various additional devices. Working with replaceable plates, extension bar, work table, guide rails becomes easier and faster.

Many models of jigsaws are supplied with replaceable plates, the main purpose of which is to improve the sliding of the saw parts over the workpiece bodies. The purchase of a quality extension cord is possible in many stores and at an affordable price. Difficulties can arise when choosing a desktop. This item is able to facilitate the processing of small workpieces, as well as increase the quality of sawing large parts.

The jigsaw table can be assembled with your own hands. First you need to prepare the countertop using a 0.8 cm thick MDF sheet.The optimal dimensions are 35 by 35 or 40 by 40 centimeters. After preparing the tabletop in its center, it is worth making a hole with such a diameter that would not interfere with the passage of a thick saw with long teeth. The optimum hole width is 20 by 25 centimeters.

The jigsaw is fixed to the table using rails. The latter, in turn, should cover part of the sole from three sides.The fastening of the slats should facilitate the longitudinal movement of the sole. Table legs are made of plywood. At the bottom of the table, it is worth equipping a joint, for which it is also worth using a plywood sheet.

The next step is to install and secure the tool. It is worth installing a small gasket under the jigsaw handle, the best material for which will be plastic. Thanks to this gasket, the fasteners will be improved, and the spacer function will also be performed. The spacer performs the function of reducing the load on the fasteners, reduces the vibration level.

The jigsaw guide rail is the ideal attachment, which is needed in order to carry out corner cuts on the edges. This addition promotes neat and even cuts. The part that is cut with a jigsaw with a guide rail is protected from damage by rubber pads. The device is easy to install and fix.

When choosing a jigsaw for a home, a summer residence or artistic cutting, it is worth evaluating all the capabilities of the tool and the functions that it is able to perform. When buying a good jigsaw model, you should pay attention to a number of characteristics.

• Saw stroke frequency. This indicator is one of the most important in this tool. The higher the value, the faster the sawing process takes place. To cut aluminum, plywood and wood products, the maximum speed will be sufficient. Low rpm is suitable for sensitive materials such as plastic and stainless steel. In many models of jigsaws, there is a stepped speed adjustment, which is not provided in budget options. For home and summer cottages, you should not buy fast models, in this case, the best option would be a performance of 2600 strokes per minute.
• Power. Jigsaws can have a power of 450 to 850 watts. Power does not always have to be high for a tool to perform well. Low power tools are also quite productive.

• Swap. Equipping the jigsaws with a pendulum motion makes the sawing speed faster. By installing one of the 3-4 steps of the pendulum, it is possible to ensure the movement of the saw not only up and down, but also along the entire path. A tool with a pendulum stroke should be used only for a straight cut, if you need artistic cuts, you should buy a jigsaw that has no pumping, or with a shutdown.
• Cutting depth. The maximum cutting depth refers to the possible thickness of the workpieces. Working with different materials has its own limitations. The maximum thickness of the cut in wood is 7-10 cm, aluminum - 0.15-0.2 cm, ceramics - up to 0.1 cm, and plastic - up to 0.8 cm.
• Saw attachment types. A certain type of file is intended for each material, which is indicated on the marking. Saw attachment types can be T-shaped and U-shaped. Most electric jigsaws use the first type.

• Types of handles. Modern jigsaw models have a bracket-shaped or mushroom-shaped handle. The latter option is suitable for professional work. Staple handles are more common, they can have both a semicircular and a square bracket.
• Sole. The support platform can be cast or stamped. Stamped soles are essential for the household and semi-professional jigsaw. This option is made of thin metals, therefore, with intensive and prolonged use, they deform. In high-quality and expensive models of jigsaws, cast strong platforms are provided.
• Type of food. For the operation of an electric jigsaw, an electrical network or a portable power plant is required.

Many models can perform a number of additional functions:

• forced blowing of working areas;
• smooth start;
• laser pointer;
• types of cartridges;
• highlighting of working areas;
• maintaining power under loads.

A jigsaw is a tool that is considered versatile, so it can be a great alternative to many tools. In order to properly and efficiently cut the material, the tool must be adjusted and prepared. Before starting work, it is worth inspecting the jigsaw for faults, correct connection to the network. After that, it is worth choosing the necessary cutting material.

The work must be carried out on a saw table. The next step is to select the saw and the operating mode. If this work is not carried out correctly, then the jigsaw may be broken. When cutting a round or oval element, the first thing to do is to drill a hole in the workpiece. To cut curved elements, you should use narrow saws that are specially designed for this kind of work. For cutting out non-standard shapes and patterns, the jigsaw should be installed using special fasteners, as well as a stationary table.

Even the most experienced craftsmen can be in danger when using jigsaws. Unpleasant moments are associated with cuts, cutting off limbs, loss of vision, hearing, a disorder of the nervous system.

Basic safety rules:

1. when using a jigsaw, you must use protective equipment, for example, glasses, gloves, respirators, hats;
2. it is forbidden to work in a state of alcoholic or drug intoxication, as well as under the influence of strong medications, during stress or severe fatigue;
3. before you start using an electric jigsaw, you need to check its condition, and also run it for a few minutes without a load;
4. while working with a jigsaw, the free hand should be located from the direction of the tool; it is strictly forbidden to put it in front of the jigsaw;
5. the movement of the jigsaw should be directed away from you, while the electric cable should not fall on the working blade;
6. when the work is over, the device should be disconnected from the mains, cleaned its case and checked for damage.

Like any other tool, a jigsaw may fail during operation. Users may notice that the tool is cutting crookedly or being pulled to the side. Many malfunctions can be eliminated with your own hands, but in case of serious breakdowns, it is better to contact the masters so as not to aggravate the situation.

The reasons for the breakdown of the support roller are the use of poor quality saws, blunted saws or those that do not correspond to the work being carried out.

To prevent damage to the blade fixing unit, it is necessary to periodically clean the mounts from dust and dirt, as well as lubricate the tool parts. When damage to gearbox parts has been noticed, dust can enter the inside of the gearbox. Use a vacuum cleaner to troubleshoot the problem.

One of the common jigsaw breakdowns is a broken or bent support rod. In order to prevent such a situation, it is necessary to carry out work with an electric tool very carefully. To prevent premature wear of the armature worm gear, setting the normal travel speed will help.

The jigsaw is a compact and inexpensive assistant not only for doing housework, but also for professional activities. When choosing a tool, you should be guided by the tasks that will be assigned to the jigsaw.It is worth using this device with care, observing all safety rules, only in this way you can avoid unpleasant situations and damage.

For information on how to choose a jigsaw, see the next video.