What type of jigsaw to choose

Hand jigsaws - make up the majority of tool models and are used for simple cuts. The principle of operation is that the workpiece is rigidly fixed, and the tool itself moves freely along it.

Desktop jigsaws - used for work of high complexity and precision. They are capable of making cuts of any shape and making patterns. In addition, benchtop tools are suitable for working not only with plywood and wood, but also with copper, iron, steel and brass. Installed in special rooms (for example, a carpentry workshop).

The principle of operation is the opposite of a manual one: the workpiece itself moves, which allows for greater cutting accuracy than with a hand tool. In addition, working with benchtop tools is more convenient and safer. The main disadvantage of such models is their large size, which makes them difficult to use in domestic conditions.

• Hand jigsaw

• 
  Bench jigsaw

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Purpose

Household jigsaws - used for simple and short-term cutting work, mainly wood, which is due to the low engine power (it is possible to cut wooden blanks with a thickness of no more than 70 mm, as well as steel up to 2-4 mm). Household jigsaws have low cutting accuracy, so they are not suitable for solving a wide range of tasks.

Professional jigsaws – used for precise and long-lasting work. The power of such tools is much greater than that of household ones, which allows you to work with materials that are thicker (wood - up to 80-135 mm, aluminum - up to 20 mm, steel - up to 10 mm).

They are equipped with a number of additional devices that facilitate use and increase productivity (for example, backlight, vacuum cleaner, etc.). As a rule, professional jigsaws have a long power cord, and some models can be battery-powered. Naturally, professional tools are much more expensive than household ones.

Types of jigsaws

Depending on their purpose, these tools can be used for domestic or professional use.
Household tools have little power and service life. Often household devices are equipped with a small set of functions. Their functionality is much less than professional devices. For example, if household jigsaws can cut wood up to 70 mm thick and metal up to 4 mm, then professional jigsaws can easily cut wood up to 135 m thick and metal up to 10 mm. When it comes to cutting softer metals, professional tools can handle thicker workpieces. These differences determine the price of the instrument - models for professional use are more expensive. The cost is also affected by the set of additional features and functions , as well as the manufacturer's brand.

Blade stroke frequency

This value expresses the number of translational movements of the saw per unit of time (usually 1 minute). The speed and quality of the cut directly depends on the frequency of the saw stroke.

Most tools are equipped with a special speed regulator, which greatly facilitates work and increases the productivity of the jigsaw. The choice of stroke frequency depends on the material being processed. So, for wood you should choose a higher stroke frequency, and for metal - a lower one.

In modern models, the stroke rate ranges from 2000 to 3000 strokes/min.

How to choose a jigsaw?

A variety of jigsaws

There are two design types of jigsaws:

• Stationary. These are large-sized devices that consist of a stationary plate with a hole, an electronics housing (under the plate), as well as a “bar” with a chuck for a saw blade. Unlike portable ones, here you need to move the workpiece, not the jigsaw. This allows you to make more precise small shaped cuts when making decorative crafts and furniture fittings. Also, the devices do not overheat and have a huge resource, so you can work with them even for a whole day. In addition, the operator does not get tired, since there is no need to hold the jigsaw in his hands. Their disadvantage is the difficulty of transportation, as well as the limited length of cutting (limited by the length of the slab). Stationary jigsaws are suitable for carpentry workshops, where operating time and low power consumption are important (input power of the devices is from 50 to 205 W).

Stationary jigsaws Ryobi RSW 1240 G from 13,700 rub. Kraton WMSS-11-01 from 6,444 rub. Jet JSS-16A from 14,000 rub. Zubr ZSL-250 from RUR 24,513 Zubr ZSL-90 from RUR 8,168 Kraton WMSS-11-04 from 7,062 rub. Einhell Classic TC-SS 405 E from RUR 11,499 Gigant SSJ-90 from RUR 10,612 Enkor Korvet-87 from RUR 8,588 MATEUS MS10104 from RUR 9,925 Jet JWSS-22B from RUR 71,362 PROXXON DS 230/E from RUR 14,900

• Portable. The most common models of jigsaws for household and professional use. They can be used for longitudinal, transverse and figured cuts; for cutting wood, metal and plastic. The difference between household and professional ones is that the former are suitable for one-time, non-permanent work, for example, assembling furniture for an apartment, while professional ones are designed for daily constant use for 7 - 10 hours (i.e. they have an increased resource). Portable jigsaws are convenient to transport from object to object. However, unlike stationary ones, your hands will get tired faster here, since you need to hold the device, not the workpiece. The models are equipped with a lot of additional functions that will be useful in different types of work.

Portable jigsaws

Makita 4329 from RUR 3,862 Makita 4329K from RUR 4,346 DeWALT DWE349 from RUR 4,990 Makita JV0600K from RUR 7,220 Bosch PST 900 PEL 06033A0220 from RUR 6,136 Phiolent Master PM 5-750E M from RUR 3,805 DeWALT DCS334N from RUR 16,400 Metabo STE 100 Quick 601100000 from RUR 7,223 Makita 4350FCT from RUR 10,868 Makita 4326 from 3,200 rub. Phiolent Professional PM 5-720E from RUR 2,874 Hitachi CJ90VST from RUR 3,990 Metabo STE 100 Quick 601100500 from RUR 7,645 Metabo STEB 65 Quick 601030000 from RUR 3,963 Resanta L-100/850 75/9/4 from 3,063 rub.

General tips for choosing jigsaws

When choosing an electric jigsaw, pay attention to the following indicators:

• Power. The power of the device directly affects the size of the cut in the material. Portable models with power from 400 to 600 W are capable of cutting wood up to 80 mm thick, steel up to 6 mm and non-ferrous metal up to 10 mm. At the same time, the travel of the blade (the vertical distance that the blade travels in one cut) for such models can be from 18 to 24 mm. For domestic purposes, such devices are quite sufficient. If you are going to install a roof (and similar work that requires cutting timber with a cross-section of over 100 mm), you will need models from 600 to 800 W. By the way, they are capable of cutting non-ferrous metal up to 25 mm thick.

• Stroke frequency. This indicator is responsible for the speed and quality of cutting relative to the working material. For example, for cutting steel or non-ferrous metal, 800 to 1000 strokes/min will be sufficient, but soft wood and plastic are best cut at speeds of 1200 strokes/min and higher. It is worth noting that devices with a blade speed below 1000 strokes/min simply will not “take” plastic, so to work with polymers it is vital to have a jigsaw with a high stroke frequency.
• Handle shape (exclusively for portable ones). There are two types of handles: D-shaped and mushroom-shaped. The mushroom-shaped handle is more convenient to guide the jigsaw when making curved cuts. If the predominant thing in your work is a straight cut, then it will be easier to work with a device with a D-shaped handle.

• Nutrition. The vast majority of portable ones and exclusively all stationary ones are equipped with mains power. Their advantage is work without interruptions due to constant power supply. Cordless ones will be useful for performing one-time work at sites without sockets or in places where the wire simply does not reach. However, at the same price, rechargeable ones will be lower in power than mains ones. The battery also increases the overall weight of the model (on average, units weigh from 2 to 2.5 kg), and this affects hand fatigue. Network ones of this size weigh on average up to 2 kg.
• Cartridge. The two most common types of chucks are key chucks and quick-release chucks. In the first case, the canvas is pressed using a hexagon, which is unscrewed and tightened with a key. In the quick-release design, it is enough to bend the bracket, insert the blade and return the bracket to its place (takes 5 seconds). Keyless chucks are much more convenient in terms of speed of blade installation.

Cordless jigsaws

DeWALT DCS334N from RUR 16,400 Bosch GST 12V-70 Professional 06015A1001 from 7,094 rub. Metabo STAB 18 LTX 100 T03350 from RUR 12,289 Bosch GST 18 V-LI B Professional 06015A6100 from RUR 11,658 DeWALT DCS335N from RUB 19,150. Makita DJV182Z from RUR 21,990 Black&Decker BDCJS12N from RUR 2,879 Makita DJV181Z from RUR 17,700 Hiper HJS18C from RUR 3,698 Bosch PST 18 LI 0603011020 from 6,500 rub. Bosch GST 18 V-LI S Professional 06015A5100 from RUR 11,658 Makita JV103DZ from RUR 8,730 Makita DJV180Z from RUR 18,990 Makita JV102DZ from 9,990 rub. Worx WX543 from RUR 8,973

Additional features worth noting

When choosing jigsaws, consider the following:

• Anti-vibration system. The AVR significantly reduces vibration from the operation of the engine and the cartridge, which contributes to less fatigue of the user (no tingling sensation in the palms), as well as increased durability of the unit itself. It is worth purchasing a tool with this function only if you plan to constantly work for several hours a day.
• Adjusting the speed of the blade. Adjustment can be made by a switch on the body or a wheel on the start button. This function is useful when working with materials of different densities. For example, at low speeds from a soft pine blank, the saw will “rip out” the fibers, and the cut itself may go crooked. In this case, the speed is increased using the regulator. The same applies to other materials.
• Pendulum stroke. If there is a pendulum, the saw blade moves not only up/down, but also forward/backward relative to the cut (the axis deviation is about a centimeter in each direction). This allows you to cut the workpiece faster. However, when the pendulum stroke is turned on, the quality of the cut decreases (burrs may appear), and it is problematic to guide the blade evenly. This function is very useful when it is necessary to cut a large amount of wood material. However, if you need to cut several cubic meters a day, then it is better to take a closer look at circular saws and chainsaws, since this is their intended purpose.

• Sawing at an angle. The function is possible for those models in which the sole is capable of changing position. Most of the soles are adjustable in inclination from 0 to 45 degrees, but you need to set the desired indicators on the scale yourself (smooth adjustment). But there are those in which the sole is clearly set at positions of 15, 30 and 45 degrees and is blocked by a limiter (stepped). This is useful when you often need to switch from an oblique to a straight cut. Sawing at an angle is convenient for the manufacture of furniture parts, for example, glazing beads, etc.

• Smooth launch. This mechanism limits a sharp increase in engine speed when starting, and smoothly begins the sawing process. This prevents tool jerking and damage to the workpiece. Also, large starting currents will not damage the engine. Smooth startup is especially useful when working with powerful models (from 800 W).
• Engine's type. There are brushed and brushless models. The former are characterized by the presence of carbon brushes that transmit electricity to the rotor winding. In this case, there is constant friction of these parts, which is why they can fail from time to time. Brush motors have lower efficiency than brushless motors, however, units equipped with them are much cheaper. If you are planning to purchase such a jigsaw, then take a model with quick access to carbon brushes so that they can be replaced without contacting a service center. Brushless devices are more durable and have high efficiency. Mostly powerful models with a high cutting depth of the working material are equipped with this type of engine.

• Connecting a vacuum cleaner. The model is equipped with a pipe for removing sawdust, which is connected to the sole of the jigsaw. This design feature allows you to do the job as cleanly as possible without contaminating the room with sawdust (especially when there are carpet runners).
• Backlight. Illuminates the workplace during the sawing process. It helps to better see the outlined line along which we draw the canvas.
• Laser marker. This is the red dot (or line) that shows where the cut will be directed. It is worth noting that a laser marker only improves the visualization of the cut line, but does not in any way improve the cutting accuracy (it all depends on the professionalism of the operator).

Jigsaws with laser marker

Resanta L-100/850 75/9/4 from 3,063 rub. PIT PST90-C from RUR 2,204 Pulsar LE 900S from RUR 3,689 Vihr LE-100 72/9/2 from 2,620 rub. Elitech PL0810MLE Promo from RUR 2,779 Hammer Flex LZK930L from RUR 3,790 Sturm JS4086Q from RUR 2,530 Hiper HJS800A from RUR 2,464 Patriot LS 750 Professional 190301715 from RUR 2,680 STATUS JS 800 from RUR 3,399 Kraton JSE-900/110 from RUR 3,487 Kolner KJS 850 VL from RUR 2,758 RedVerg RD-JS18V from RUR 2,805 Patriot LS 900 190301790 from 4,005 rub. Patriot LS 902 190301792 from RUR 4,439

conclusions

Stationary units will be of interest to carpentry workshops, where the duration of work, minimal energy consumption and the ability to perform jewelry work are important. For household work, models with a power of up to 600 W with a brush-type motor are suitable. Crews for professional use will need brushless models with a power of over 800 watts. If you need autonomous operation in places where there is no electricity, then it is useful to take a closer look at battery models. Also, depending on your needs, you can choose a set of additional functions.

Modes

Pendulum stroke mode with additional saw movements: horizontal. Increases the service life of the files and the productivity of the jigsaw. When working with different materials, it is necessary to select the optimal amplitude of movement of the pendulum. The more steps by which this amplitude is adjusted, the higher the quality of work.

Sometimes it is recommended to turn it off, since when working in simple cutting mode, it degrades the quality of work.

Soft start - allows you to reduce the current when turning on the jigsaw, that is, reduce the load on the electrical network, protect the engine from burnout and increase the service life of parts. In addition, a smooth descent allows for more precise cutting.

The main advantages of a jigsaw

What operational capabilities of a jigsaw distinguish it from tools with similar functions? The answer to this question, in most cases, tips the scales in favor of a jigsaw in the selection process. So, let us specify the postulate stated above:

1. High level of quality of figured cutting of various materials.
2. Comfort of use.
3. Possibility of wood carving.
4. A combination of compactness and versatility, allowing you to abandon the use of powerful saws when performing household work.

An electric jigsaw allows you to make straight and fast cuts in even the densest types of wood.

Sole

Cast sole - is characterized by increased rigidity, does not deform during operation, but is quite expensive and can be damaged if the tool falls. A cast sole is more reliable and easier to use than a stamped one.

A stamped sole is lighter than a cast sole, as it is made of thin metal. As a rule, it is installed on inexpensive models.

Adjusting the inclination of the sole is necessary for oblique cuts. In this case, the sole must be properly secured so that the angle of inclination does not change. Modern models have angle locks: usually at 15o, 30o and 45o.

What is a jigsaw and its features

An electric jigsaw is a hand-held power tool. Designed for sawing wood, plastic, metal materials, drywall, ceramic tiles, glass, and some types of stone. Sawing occurs through the reciprocating movement of the equipment. The cuts can be made straight, curved and at an angle to the surface.

Advantages:

• the same jigsaw can be used to work with different materials thanks to a wide range of files;
• The equipment is durable and rarely breaks. The hardness of the saw blade makes it possible to work with soft materials without pre-drilling holes;
• the canvas is fixed on only one side. This allows you to cut at the very edge of the workpiece;
• in some models, a large cutting thickness is achieved: 160 mm for wood and 35 for metal;
• You can make not only straight cuts, but also curly cuts with a radius of 15 mm and above.

Flaws:

• fastening the saw blade at one end does not make it possible to make it thin;
• slow work with workpieces about 40 mm thick due to deterioration of the chip evacuation process. This is due to the small stroke of the saw from 15 to 26 mm;
• working with this tool is dangerous;
• Since the operation of a jigsaw is based on a reciprocating motion, idling occurs. Therefore, the productivity of this device is less than continuous tools, such as an angle grinder or a circular saw.

Equipment

Battery operation provides additional freedom of movement, which is especially important for work in areas where there is no possibility of supplying electric current. However, cordless jigsaws have little power and are not designed for long-term operation.

Quick-release fastening of the file allows you to quickly change the file and thereby saves time and effort for the operator. During operation, saw blades often wear out and break, and they also need to be changed depending on the material being processed.

Laser pointer – allows you to accurately make a cut along the intended line. To do this, you need to align the laser beam with the cutting line.

Backlight is a special flashlight that illuminates the cutting area, which is mounted on the body of the jigsaw. It improves the visibility of the cut and is especially useful in low light conditions. The backlight can be turned on either automatically or using a special button.

Sawdust blowing is created using an engine cooling fan and provides good visibility of the cutting line and makes working with a jigsaw more comfortable.

Vacuum cleaner - some jigsaws provide the ability to connect an external vacuum cleaner, the function of which is the same as blowing away sawdust. This is especially important for working in enclosed spaces.

Rubberized handle makes work more comfortable, as it prevents the jigsaw from slipping in your hand.

Anti-vibration system – reduces tool vibration during operation. This includes a system of counterweights, special damping elements and more.

A table for attaching a jigsaw to the workplace - allows you to move workpieces, not the jigsaw. Very convenient when working with small parts.

Case – designed for easy storage and transportation of the jigsaw.

Design features

The purpose of a jigsaw, officially called a jigsaw, is widely known. It is used for:

• cutting wood, plastics, ceramic tiles, laminate, metal, drywall and similar materials;
• cutting holes of any shape in these materials.

Cutting in the unit is carried out by special saws, the configuration and cutting of the teeth of which is selected depending on the material being processed. The speed of the saw is very high and can be up to 3500 strokes/min.

The mechanism is mounted on a base plate, often called a sole or platform, which acts as a guide. This is what guarantees cutting accuracy. The cutting angle can be changed due to the ability of the platform to rotate at a certain angle. Operational safety is ensured by the fact that the file is covered with a durable transparent screen.

The handle of a jigsaw can be staple-shaped or rib-shaped. The first of them provides good visibility of the cutting line, and the second facilitates the work if the working plane is located with some inclination.

Manufacturer

The group of budget instruments consists of products from Einhell, Zenit, Interskol, RYOBI, MONOLITH-Kharkov, Proton, Elprom. The brands are not the most famous or popular. Jigsaws of these brands are often very poorly assembled and quickly fail. Some models are not even worth their low price. It should be noted that it is most often comparable to the cost of junior household models from the best manufacturers.

High-quality tools today are represented by the brands AEG, Black&Decker, Bosch, DeWALT, DWT, Hitachi, Makita, Metabo, Milwaukee, Sparky, Kress, STERN. Oddly enough, jigsaws from the Crimean manufacturer Fiolent can also be classified as quality products. The range is small, but the tool is durable and durable, and is in demand among builders. Almost all of the above brands specialize in the production of construction equipment. They produce both household and professional equipment. It should be noted that even the cheapest models have power reserves. At the same time, they are light, compact and very convenient to use. Therefore, they can easily be used even on construction sites by professional builders. Well-known brands usually provide excellent service support, and authorized points of sale also allow testing of the tool before choosing.

How to choose an electric jigsaw for your home

To optimally select a jigsaw, you need to take into account the characteristics and availability of additional functions.

Criteria for choosing a jigsaw:

• power. Shows energy consumption and operating efficiency. The ability to cut thick parts, cutting speed and continuous operation time depend on the power;
• sole. Each jigsaw has a support plate that improves precision. For sawing at an angle, the sole rotates in both directions. For some models, you can choose any angle up to 45 degrees, for others, rotation occurs only at certain angles, which is not very convenient. There are jigsaws with the ability to adjust rotation without additional tools;
• speed adjustment. The presence of this option expands the capabilities of the tool, because different materials cannot be cut at the same speed. If the number of revolutions of your jigsaw is less than 1000, then it will not take plastic. But do not forget that at very high speeds, such as for wood processing, the plastic will melt;
• canvas pumping. It is also called a pendulum stroke. This is the movement of the saw forward and backward. Increases cutting speed, but quality deteriorates. If speed is important for a large volume of work and without high requirements for cut quality, this is a very useful function;
• laser pointer. Makes it possible to make very precise cuts according to the markings. Even sawdust getting into the cutting area does not spoil its trajectory;
• fastening the file. The type of attachment can support different types of shanks or one used in a given tool. Also, in specific models there is the ability to quickly replace equipment with one hand;
• illumination of the working area. The entire working surface with its irregularities is visible. Convenient when working in low-light areas;
• ergonomics. Due to balancing and rubber inserts. If the instrument is comfortable to hold in your hand, then the ergonomics are good;
• equipment. Jigsaws are supplied with a box, canvas bag or case. The bag does not get wet, but it does not have additional compartments for accessories. The case is shock-resistant and does not get wet. It has special departments for consumables and accessories;
• connection to a vacuum cleaner. If there is a pipe for blowing sawdust, you can connect a vacuum cleaner to it;
• the presence of additional functions: increasing the stroke rate improves performance, but the equipment wears out quickly;
• automatic blowing of sawdust from the cutting line;
• Rotating the blade 360 ​​degrees is useful when cutting circles.

Choosing a jigsaw

Additional jigsaw accessories:

• table for attaching tools at the workplace;
• connector for guides;
  Connector for guides
• guide with millimeter scale kwb line master 7844 00;

  
  Guide with millimeter scale

• guide square;

  
  Square for guide

• anti-splinter liner.
  Anti-splinter liner