Features and selection of jigsaws for metal

A jigsaw is a device designed for cutting various types of materials. Many have known about this device for a very long time. In school days, every boy was faced with cutting wood blanks.

In this article we will look at the features of jigsaws for metal, find out how they differ and how to choose the right option.

A jigsaw is a saw that can cut through material using the movement of the saw blade. There is a huge range of these devices on the market. Most of them are capable of producing from 3 to 50 reciprocating movements per second. Thanks to these movements, metal sheets are cut.

If we compare this tool with a hand or miter saw, then it should be noted that it is capable of creating a patterned cut.

There are jigsaws designed to work at a 90 degree angle. They are less common. Such a device is quite weighty, has a high price in comparison with analogues. It's all about the additional clamps.

Experienced specialists divide tools into groups according to several criteria:

• the possibility of using autonomous power supply;
• purpose;
• kind of holder.

The handle, in turn, is staple and mushroom. The brace options can be used in many applications, but the instrument can only be held with one hand, which often results in an uneven cut. The second version of the handle provides for holding with two hands.

All devices are usually divided into two types: mechanical and electrical. The first type of model has a very primitive structure. The mechanism consists of three parts: a body, a file and a handle. The tool is lightweight and belongs to the budget price category. The file is attached to the body with a pair of clips and screws that control the pressure.

Such a jigsaw does not require special skills when working, however, cutting will take a lot of time and effort.

The largest number of translational movements per second is 4. These devices have long lost their popularity. But to this day, they can be found in any home improvement store.

As an example, consider jigsaw Kraftool 15606... Its frame is U-shaped with a depth of 16.5 cm. With it you will be able to cut very large metal sheets.... A holder made of rough plastic is provided for comfortable use. Thanks to him, the jigsaw lies well in the hands.

The frame is covered with a special substance so that the device does not wear out quickly and does not get damaged in case of unsuccessful falls. A jigsaw in Russia costs about $ 12.

Jigsaw is the best alternative to mechanical... It can operate both from a power cable and from an autonomous power supply. It can make more than 35 movements per second, has small dimensions, wear-resistant, compatible with any cutting elements for metal.

Every professional layout designer should always have an electric jigsaw on hand. Buying mechanics is not advisable.

Jigsaws are divided into subgroups according to some parameters:

• device power;
• battery life;
• the size;
• additional features.

Therefore, such devices are divided into devices for home use, professional, jewelry and industrial use. Jewelry options are capable of making a microscopic cut.

Tools for home use are called household tools. They are not endowed with special characteristics. The power of jigsaws barely reaches 600 watts. The functionality of goods in the budget segment is always a little limited: a household jigsaw will not cope with a durable metal sheet and will not last more than 120 minutes on a single battery charge. But it is not very expensive. In Russia, prices fluctuate around $ 15-20.

Recently, among budget models the most popular is Bosch PST 700 E... It costs about $ 45-60. The power of the device is 0.5 kW. It will be enough to cut aluminum up to 1 cm and steel 0.4 cm thick.

Consider the features of the device:

• the speed of translational movements is controlled and ranges from 8 to 51 per second;
• the possibility of blowing off waste;
• you can make cuts at different slopes due to the tilt of the frame;
• built-in vibration absorption function;
• U-shaped holder;
• light weight - 1600 g.
• if necessary, you can quickly replace the blade.

Devices used in professional activities have the ability to work for a very long time. Thanks to their high power, they work continuously for seven hours. Every year the manufacturer adds more and more new features.

The device costs about $ 100-150. Products of the budget segment are not endowed with a quick clamping function, there is no possibility of choosing a mode of movement, and they also do not have a long enough wire.

"Makita 4350 ST" is a worthy representative in the market for jigsaws for metal. Its characteristics:

• the possibility of filing steel sheets up to 1 cm thick;
• the speed of movement of the cutting element - from 13 to 46 times per second;
• wear-resistant file;
• "Soft" thread;
• vibration absorption function;
• you can work with the device at different angles of inclination;
• weight - 2500 g.

The cost of the instrument in Russia starts at $ 110.

Industrial versions of the device are large in size and resemble a stationary machine in size. They are very powerful. Their power is four times the power of cordless jigsaws. You can work with the machine up to 18 hours per approach. Prices start at $ 200.

A striking representative of large-sized jigsaws for metal can be called "Zubr ZSL-250"... It weighs over 2kg and costs about $ 300.

First you need to decide on your needs. If you are going to work with the tool on an ongoing basis for several hours a day, then buying a household model will be an inappropriate decision. If the use of a jigsaw is planned only occasionally, then you should not overpay for a professional version.

Consider the main selection criteria

• Dimensions must match the power... A household jigsaw is able to cut metal sheets up to 0.4 cm (maximum thickness), and a professional one - up to 2 cm. The minimum power of a good device is 0.5 kW.
• Additional functions... If the tool will be used only occasionally at home, then it is not necessary to overpay for LED lighting and a cooler. These additions are needed only in professional activities, they will not be useful to an amateur.
• Adjustment of driving modes... If you cannot change the speed, then work with metals other than aluminum will be unavailable. Thicker material should only be handled at low speed. Otherwise, the cutting element will not withstand friction and will break.

You will learn how to cut a metal pipe with a jigsaw in the video below.