How to choose and use a Makita jigsaw?

A tool such as a jigsaw is rightfully considered one of the most essential items in the arsenal of a real builder. It may also be required for those who wish to make repairs on their own without resorting to the help of special teams. Thanks to the jigsaw, you can easily cut out the parts you need from certain materials, adjust individual parts of the same design to size, or fantasize about something unusual and original.

There is a wide range of all kinds of companies on the tool market that are engaged in the development and production of construction equipment. One of the most famous and demanded is the Japanese brand Makita. For almost a century of experience, the company has established itself from the best side and has managed to win the trust of millions of consumers around the world. People buy Makita products and never stop talking about the reliability and convenience of the Japanese brand tool.

Jigsaws have an elementary design, and Makita, creating tools, gives them a simple structure and reliability, which attracts true connoisseurs of quality. The main components of the jigsaw device are the body and the handle. Below there is a working blade, due to which the cut occurs, and the bases are supports for the device.

The body includes a slider, it helps to firmly fix the blade and the electric motor. With the help of this very engine, reciprocating movements are activated, due to which you get the cuts you need.

When buying a woodworking tool, it is important to pay attention to several characteristics.

• Machine power... It is she who determines the speed of cutting a particular material. This figure can start from 450 and go up to 720 watts.
• Belt movement frequency... The speed of cutting any material depends on this characteristic. And also an excellent function is the ability to adjust, which is convenient if you suddenly need to carry out painstaking work or, on the contrary, speed up the process.
• Pendulum function... A jigsaw equipped with a pendulum cuts faster. This is achieved due to the fact that the blade is fed in the direction of the sawing on its upper course.

• Blowing the device... The air flow from the back of the blade helps to get rid of the sawdust. As a result, sawdust and dust are removed. The quality of the work is undoubtedly improving.
• Bevel cut function... It greatly facilitates the task in the process of cutting hard-to-reach objects. Most often, this position is achieved by means of a smooth adjustment using a special key.
• Sole... The most important part of the jigsaw, which significantly affects the result of the work, because it is it that determines the convenience and accuracy of the cutting process. It is preferable to choose a cast sole - with it the device will “walk” on the material smoothly.
• Maximum cutting thickness... It is important to pay attention to this indicator if your plans include working with thin elements and cutting them.

Jigsaws are electric, as well as battery-powered.Of course, the latter are convenient in the sense that they do not limit the area in which they can be used, while tools with a stationary attachment can be in working mode only if there is a power source nearby. However, cordless jigsaws take time to recharge, which is not always convenient if the operating time is limited, and buying a new battery is quite expensive.

The working tool of the jigsaw, that is, the nail file, makes translational movements in certain directions, and its direct action occurs at the moment of upward movement. Manufacturers use a special support roller as a guide mechanism for the file.

The pendulum allows the file not only to move up and down, but also helps it to work in a curve. Thus, the file cuts through the material in front of it.

Just a few years ago, electric jigsaws were not very popular with true builders, since rather thin canvases did not allow observing the cut line, the file left the intended trajectory, and the process stopped developing.

However, today manufacturers, including the Japanese brand Makita, offer their customers really high-quality jigsaws with a speed adjustment function.

As mentioned above, jigsaws are divided into electric and battery. Which one to choose is up to you, because it depends on the personal preferences of the owner and the estimated amount of work done. The advantages of a jigsaw are obvious. But a significant drawback, of course, is the mandatory presence of a power source.

This section also includes jigsaws for laminate, which are designed for the work of floor installers and greatly facilitate the work of the master.

Especially popular are backlit jigsaws... They are extremely handy when working in poorly lit areas. With their help, you can continue the construction process at any time of the day.

Moreover, modern jigsaws are equipped with a laser pointer... It replaces the pencil, which is familiar to many builders, with which they make marks on the cutting area.

The Japanese brand Makita offers its customers a huge selection of all kinds of jigsaw models, each of which is of high quality and reliability.

Let's consider the most popular options.

The model is rightfully considered the first tool of a novice master. The jigsaw is incredibly easy to use, it has all the functions you need at first. Suitable for cutting plastic, wood and metal products. The model boasts the ability to perform straight and intricate cuts.

Moreover, the affordable price is good news - it starts from 3,000 rubles, which is quite good for such a successful purchase.

It is already equipped with a large number of functions and is intended for those who, so to speak, got a taste.Here is a speed control system that can be customized depending on the characteristics of the material - wood, metal or plastic. The pendulum stroke increases the speed at which the device operates. And also the function of an inclination of the sole is provided in order to make cuts at an angle.

The disadvantage is the lack of a sawdust blowing system, which is not always convenient when working.

The model is ideal for permanent work in any workshop, as it positions itself as a truly reliable unit with increased power of the electric motor, protection against overheating. An excellent addition is the speed control function.

For the disadvantages, you can take a rather large weight and the fact that the price starts from 6,000 rubles.

The most powerful jigsaw of the Japanese brand is this model. It is designed to work with a wide variety of woods, laminated, chipboard or MDF. Also suitable for cutting into pieces of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, stainless steel and plastics. Reliable control system and efficient ventilation of the engine ensure long and continuous operation of the device.

The downside is the lack of illumination in the cutting area. And also the sole is inaccurately installed in the horizontal, therefore, increased attention is required from the worker.

One of the most popular among cordless jigsaws is this particular model. First of all, it attracts with its cost - 4,000 rubles for a cordless jigsaw is quite inexpensive. Like the classic networking tool, it performs the most essential functions: it works great on wood, metal and plastic. The metal sole helps well during the cutting process.

The cordless jigsaw is ideal for the private practitioner. Excellent contact with wood, chipboard, MDF, laminate.

The model is designed for straight and curved cuts, it is possible to make inclined cuts. The speed control and the pendulum stroke are essential to the work.

The Japanese brand Makita, in parallel with high-quality tools, produces the necessary consumables, as well as all kinds of accessories that serve for the convenience of working with the device.

Unfortunately, not all jigsaw models come with a case for them. Many device owners complain about this problem, they still hope that manufacturers will produce special cases for each jigsaw version.

For example, it is possible to purchase a set of files, brushes, a saw holder, special anchors, compasses or rulers.

The guide roller can also be viewed online, but it is best to consult a professional at a specialist store. The same situation with lubrication. It is better to select it directly for your jigsaw model, so that the tool works reliably and without interruption.

Of course, the choice will always be yours, because many factors affect it: your personal preferences, the amount of work planned, the budget you are counting on.

For use no more than once every few months, a household jigsaw is quite suitable, which just will not heat up and will be able to satisfy you with its performance.

An excellent option would be to opt for those models where the speed of the file is regulated by pressing the start button.

Also, choose the method of changing the angle of the sole according to yourself. If this is not often required, then models with a special lever will do. If you plan to subject the angle to changes, then give preference to products where it changes using a special key. Staple grips are suitable for working on vertical surfaces, and mushroom grips are suitable for working horizontally.

First of all, it is important to remove dust and all kinds of debris from the outer surface and internal elements of the jigsaw in order to avoid breakage. To extend the life of your jigsaw, get in the habit of using a coolant when working with metal.... Alternatively, you can grease the product with oil from the underside.

It is not difficult to change the file. The jigsaw is equipped with a special lever that releases the file when lifted. After pulling out the used part, insert the tail of the new file into the same hole. Do not forget to secure it with the lever.

It often happens that the replacement of the support roller is required. In this case, it is important to seek the advice of a professional in a specialized store.

See the next video for tips on how to choose a Makita jigsaw.