With the help of modern tools – – you can easily make straight and curved cuts in a variety of sheet materials. Wood, plastic, metal - everything is possible. Naturally, within the technical characteristics of the instrument.
Using a jigsaw, you can carefully cut the corners of a table or perform shaped cutting on a steel sheet.
Based on the density of the materials being cut and the technical capabilities of jigsaws, we can highlight some features of their use.
At the same time, using high speeds when cutting steel sheets is the most acceptable option. In this case, as the steel heats up, it becomes softer and more pliable.
Shaped cutting of hard wood and other dense materials is also best done at high speed.
In any case, when choosing the speed of the cutting blade, you need to take into account the need to obtain a finishing cut. If special precision and cleanliness are needed, then the speed of the saw is reduced.
In order to work effectively with a jigsaw, it is important not to forget that each tool exists to perform a job specific to it. In other words, hammering nails with pliers is also possible. But will it be effective? When it comes to power tools, using them for other purposes almost always leads to disastrous consequences. Therefore, if you need to make a long straight cut, a good hacksaw, in the absence of a manual circular saw, will be a better option than a jigsaw.
Knowing the features and small tricks of using jigsaws will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently!
Connoisseurs of unusual design solutions often look with delight at photographs with beautiful rounded elements of furniture, stairs and structures decorating the interior of houses. At first glance, such details are inaccessible to ordinary users. But, having special ones and learning how to work with them, you can create interesting interior items that emphasize the uniqueness and individuality of the style of the room.
One such hand tool is the . This article describes how to work with a jigsaw for novice craftsmen, how to set it up, choose files and get the desired result.
Choosing a file. One of the main parameters of high-quality sawing is a correctly selected file. For each material, a corresponding type of cutting tool is provided:
How to insert a file into a jigsaw. Properly securing the file is necessary not only for accurate cutting, but also to prevent injuries during work. Jigsaws are available with different types of saw blade mounts:
When making straight cuts or sawing circular holes, it is important to choose the right mode. Both the quality of cutting and the safety of the tool itself depend on this. Experienced craftsmen intuitively feel the operation of the tool, but there are basic recommendations for working with various materials.
Working with wood. It seems obvious to many craftsmen how to work with a jigsaw on wood. But there are nuances. For example, for soft wood, it is more advisable to cut at high speed. The denser and harder the wood, the lower the speed of movement of the saw should be. The pendulum stroke of the 1st stage should be connected when working with workpieces more than 3 cm, and if the thickness of the board is more than 5 cm, then it is better to switch to the 2nd stage and higher. For example, a model in pendulum mode can handle boards up to 65 mm.
Interesting fact: Many models of jigsaws, for example, are equipped with a pendulum function. This function allows the file to move not only up and down, but also slightly to the sides. Multi-stage pendulum movement is used only for straight cutting, for large workpieces or large volumes of cutting, when productivity is needed, but the cleanliness of the cut can be neglected. The speed of sawing operations in pendulum mode increases significantly with a slight loss of quality.
Metal cutting is carried out at low speed without the use of a pendulum mechanism. To improve the quality of the cut and reduce the load on the tool, it is recommended to supply a special composition to the cutting line - water mixed with machine oil. In addition, it is imperative to pause while working to cool the tool. It has proven itself to be excellent for such operations - you can connect a vacuum cleaner to it to collect sawdust.
The difficulty of sawing plastic and similar materials, such as plexiglass or textolite, lies in the fragility of the materials being processed. Despite their low hardness, they can become deformed, crack or chip. Therefore, it is better to saw them slowly, using a fine-toothed file.
Working with other materials. often used for cutting or rounding tiles and ceramic tiles. Its strength is low, so the processing speed must be set low, avoiding shock loads.
In any case, when trying to cut a material whose “behavior” is unknown, you need to take into account its strength, thickness and hardness. To understand how best to set up a jigsaw for this material, you need to try different modes on non-critical areas of the workpiece, and the operation of different files.
Here you can see the key parameters of jigsaws from leading companies:
|
Characteristics |
Bosch PST 750 E | Makita 4327 | Hitachi CJ65V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolutions (per minute) | 500-3100 | 500-3100 | 3000 |
| Pendulum mechanism | available | absent | absent |
| Depth of cut wood/steel, mm | 75/5 | 65/6 | 65/6 |
| Power, W | 530 | 450 | 400 |
| Weight, kg | 2 | 1,8 | 1,5 |
You should not neglect the rules for working with such a tool - this can lead to injury. Therefore, it is important to know how to use a jigsaw correctly and safely. Some tips for use:
If you are going to make repairs:
To get used to working with a jigsaw and getting straight cuts, you will need a lot of practice. The main thing is not to forget about the main features of working with this power tool. So, tips for beginners on how to work with a jigsaw correctly:
To better understand how to work with a jigsaw on wood, you should watch videos from experienced craftsmen.
IN Almost every home craftsman has such an indispensable tool in his arsenal as a jigsaw. I am sure that every man encountered this tool during labor lessons during his school years. True, in my youth, a jigsaw was a hand tool and consisted of only three parts: a bracket on which the file was attached, the file itself and the handle. Only wood could cut such a tool. Currently, the manual jigsaw has become a thing of history and has been replaced by a powerful electric tool capable of performing a greater number of different operations. We’ll talk about how to choose a jigsaw in this article.
A modern jigsaw is equipped with built-in safety features, an electronic speed controller, and vibration and noise dampers. A special protection is installed above the base plate, which protects against accidental contact with the saw blade.
Using a screw or a special clamping device, the jigsaw file is rigidly attached to the spindle and makes translational movements up and down with high frequency. 
If the jigsaw is equipped with a multi-stage pendulum mechanism, then the saw blade can be tilted back. The pendulum mechanism increases the speed of straight cuts and extends the service life of the saw blade. Also, the jigsaw has a horizontal support platform, with which it rests on the part being cut. This significantly improves cutting accuracy. Usually the guide is made to rotate at an angle of up to 45 degrees.
Depending on the method of fastening the file, a jigsaw can be: with a cross-shaped shank, with a smooth shank and a shank with a hole.
A jigsaw consists of a body with an electric motor, to which a saw blade is attached in a mounting hole at a right angle. There is a D-shaped or mushroom-shaped handle on top. A support sole is installed below, which slides over the workpiece, positioning the equipment. This design was invented in 1946 by Scintilla, a subsidiary of Bosch, and has remained in this form to this day. The controls include a power button and a blade speed control. In order not to constantly hold the start button, many models are designed to lock it. Markings are made on the workpiece along which the tool is guided. During operation, the saw blade moves up and down, which ensures sawing of the material. The cutting principle is similar to sawing with a hand jigsaw - the blade moves in the same way. Only when working with an electric tool, the user does not need to make reciprocating movements with his hand - he just holds the handle and guides the device along the cutting line. Models equipped with a pendulum mechanism allow, in addition to the speed, to select the positioning angle of the cutting tool. This allows you to select the optimal cutting mode for each material.
Despite the fact that the principle of operation of a jigsaw is quite simple, there are nuances that you need to know. They relate to cutting modes and materials. I will try to focus on the most common questions that arise for those who pick up a jigsaw for the first time.
A jigsaw is capable of working with materials of varying hardness, while effectively coping with their sawing. It is important to choose the right equipment and cutting modes. Saw blades vary in purpose :
for cutting steel, aluminum and non-ferrous metals they are made of tool steel, for sawing wood - from chrome-vanadium or high-carbon steel, for plexiglass and ceramics - from harder materials, for example, an alloy of carbide and tungsten. There are universal files that are used for wood materials and plastic.
If there is a large amount of work to be done with a specific type of workpiece, for example, laminate, it is better to choose specialized equipment specifically for this task. The right choice is the key to quality work. It is worth noting that files are only suitable for working with homogeneous material. You cannot make a cut in a wooden workpiece with metal inclusions - nails or screws, as you can damage not only the equipment, but also the jigsaw itself.
For each tool, the maximum permissible values for the thickness of the workpieces to be cut are determined, and the rules for operating a jigsaw do not allow exceeding the recommendations specified by the manufacturer. For example, the parameters may be 75 mm for wood, 15 mm for metal.
There is a special seat for installing the blade in the spindle. If the file is secured with screws, then you must first loosen the fastening either with a key or a special lock, insert the file, and then securely fasten it. Most modern models use a self-clamping device for fixing the equipment. To do this, you need to lift the latch up, carefully insert the cutting blade into the vacated hole, and then return the latch to its original position. Only clean saw blades should be installed, with no chips or other foreign particles on the surface, otherwise the shank will not fit well. As the saw blade wears out, it must be replaced, otherwise the quality of the cut will deteriorate and the load on the tool’s motor will increase.
The basic function when using an electric jigsaw is straight cutting. Short workpieces are quite easy to handle. It is much more difficult to guide the tool smoothly along a long straight line. In this case, the best option would be a wide saw blade, which helps to adhere to the intended trajectory.
For figured cutting, special equipment is used, which is marked with the letter “O”. These are files with a narrow blade and fine teeth, which provide a neat cut and do not pinch when turning. When cutting shapes, set the minimum speed of the nozzle. If it is necessary to cut at an angle, the position of the body is adjusted relative to the sole using a special fastener. In some models this is done with a key, in others with a lock.
Most modern models provide adjustment of the stroke frequency of the equipment. For different models, the adjustment range can range from 500 – 800 to 2800 – 3000 strokes/min. They cut wood, plywood, steel, and aluminum at high speeds. Low speed is needed for plastic and stainless steel. Adjustment is also necessary when choosing the type of cut: fast straight cuts are carried out at high speed, figured cuts and finishing of edges require accuracy, which means the speed of movement of the equipment should be low.
When guiding the tool along the cut, you do not need to put much pressure on it. Excessive force can lead to deterioration in the quality of the cut and breakage of the file.
When processing decorative materials, the workpiece is placed face down. This way, scratches will not appear on its surface.
To reduce the amount of sawdust in the processing area, use the blowing function or connect a vacuum cleaner to a special pipe. The less cutting waste on the workpiece, the better the markings are visible, and the easier it is for the file to make cuts.
Do not overload the tool. If there is a lot of work, let the engine cool down periodically so that it does not overheat. This is especially important when working at low speeds, when the fan does not have time to cool the jigsaw mechanisms.
A jigsaw is a dangerous tool, so when working with it you must follow the safety rules:
Manufacturers of power tools offer consumers a huge range of different functions. Since both home craftsmen and professionals need jigsaws, they are divided into professional and household. There are also industrial models among them.
Household jigsaws are the cheapest. A household jigsaw has a limited resource and is only suitable if you do not plan to use it every day for a long time. Household jigsaws include the “Skil 4300 AG” model, which comes with a set of 6 files. This German company has proven itself well all over the world. In addition, Skil jigsaws have inexpensive prices among imported tools.
Makita jigsaws, for example, Makita 4324, deserve due attention. It is more expensive than the previous model, but has a 4-stage pendulum movement of the saw. This feature of the tool provides a significant advantage when working with wood materials. The body of household jigsaws is usually made of plastic.
A professional jigsaw will work uninterruptedly every day for 8 hours. When purchasing it, you need to think about savings secondarily, the main thing is performance and reliability. Such tools include “Metabo STEB 135 plus”. But for large-scale work, it is better to purchase a more powerful model. In addition to power, a professional will pay attention to the thickness of the material that an electric jigsaw can cut through. Metabo STEB 135 plus is guaranteed to cut wood material up to 135 mm thick. Pay attention to the comfortable handle for gripping the entire brush and the system for removing chips from the cutting zone, which has good performance. In professional jigsaws, the gearbox is placed in a metal case, which allows it to be well cooled.
Industrial jigsaws are designed to work around the clock. In practice, this is already a machine for straight and curved cutting of blanks from boards and sheet materials. This tool is suitable for use in small woodworking enterprises.
First of all, you need to decide for what purpose you are purchasing a jigsaw. You will be sawing laminate or chipboard when replacing floor coverings in the apartment, or you will have more large-scale work on making furniture yourself. Will it be periodic use or daily use with heavy loads? If you already have a clear idea, you can start choosing a jigsaw.
If cutting workpieces will be an auxiliary process, you will have to work in places where there is no electricity, you need a mobile tool and nothing should limit your movement with it, then a battery model is suitable for you - an excellent option for your home, cottage, or garage. But for long-term work, when working with a jigsaw will take up most of the process, it is better to use an electric jigsaw. Its operating time is not limited by the battery charge, like a cordless jigsaw, and you can work all day long. That is why the electric jigsaw is used in workshops and production. It is worth noting that batteries sooner or later fail. I wrote about this in a previous article.
If we talk about the ease of use of a jigsaw, it largely depends on the design of the tool. First of all, pay attention to the handle. It comes in two types:
Like other power tools, jigsaws vary in a number of ways. Performance characteristics determine what loads the model is designed for, what workpieces can be processed, and how productive it is.
The power of a jigsaw is the main parameter that determines the class of the tool. Household jigsaws, as a rule, include models with a power from 300 to 500 W, and professional ones - up to 900 W or more. The more powerful the electric motor, the more productive the tool. Productivity means maximum cutting depth, cutting speed, and continuous operation time. It is worth remembering that the more powerful the power tool, the more it weighs, the greater the load on the operator’s hand. Therefore, when choosing the power of a power tool, a reasonable balance is needed.
The cutting speed depends on this characteristic - the larger its range, the more materials you can cut. High speed is suitable for soft wood, medium for dense wood materials, plastic and soft metals such as aluminum, low speed for steel. If you are choosing a jigsaw to work only with wood, a model with a maximum strokes per minute of up to 2500 is sufficient. For working with plastic and steel, it is better to choose a model with a number of strokes over 3000 per minute. The most versatile jigsaws are those that operate in a wide speed range from 0 to 3100 strokes/min.
This indicator determines what thickness of workpieces can be worked with with a jigsaw. Low-power household models are capable of processing wooden parts up to 70 mm thick, and steel parts up to 4 mm. Professional jigsaws have a longer saw stroke, so they are capable of cutting wood with a thickness of over 100 mm, aluminum sheets up to 20 mm thick, and steel up to 10 mm.
Of course, manufacturers indicate more characteristics, since their task is to provide the buyer with comprehensive information about the weight, dimensions and other consumer properties of the tool. But these three parameters are the main ones when choosing. Using them, you can determine the purpose of a particular jigsaw model and decide whether it is suitable for the specifics of your work.
If you have compared prices for different models of jigsaws, you have probably noticed that the cost of more functional devices is much higher than the cost of simple models. The fact is that each technical addition requires a certain amount of labor and time in production. All this leads to a high price. If you don’t want to overpay, you should think in advance what you will really need in your work, and what you can refuse.
And so you learned how to choose a jigsaw, most importantly about the design features and characteristics of jigsaws and decided which one to choose - battery-powered or electric, and also decided on the necessary functions. However, the choice of jigsaw is not limited to this. It's time to pay attention to the manufacturer. When choosing a brand, be guided, first of all, by your own experience with tools from any manufacturer. For example, you had a drill or an Interskol grinding machine, which showed itself to work quite well.
The article describes in detail the basic safety rules when working with an electric jigsaw. There is detailed information on how figured and straight cuts of various types of material are made.
An electric jigsaw is widely used for straight and curved cuts. Used for cutting laminate, parquet boards, chipboard, plastic, plexiglass, metal, tiles and ceramic tiles. The quality of the cut depends not only on the experience of the master, but also on the technique.
Sawing activities should be carried out on a special sawing and cutting table, which can be built independently or purchased ready-made in specialized stores. The workplace should have fairly good lighting.
Important, so that the markings on the surface of the material being processed are clear. Craftsmen make cuts using a laser guide, as well as with the help of such additional devices as a stop compass, a stop ruler, a guide rail and an anti-chip spacer.
To cut freely with a jigsaw, you need to install the tool so that its cutting part is in contact with the surface of the material. After turning on the jigsaw, the file must be moved smoothly, without force or pressure along the marking.
To cut parallel to the edge, use a guide bar, which is installed against the edge. When cutting, the tool skid must always be parallel to the tire.
Bevel cutting is done using a tool skid, which is set at the desired angle. To make a bevel cut, the ski screws must be slightly loosened and set at an angle, after which they should be tightened well and the cut begins. For beginners, it is recommended to cut at an angle using a guide rail or ruler.
To cut out an oval and a circle, a persistent compass is used, which is installed in the center on the working surface. The cutting procedure begins from the edge, then you should smoothly move the jigsaw along the markings. 
You can cut oval or round holes using a circle cutter. First you need to drill a hole, the diameter of which should be 2 cm larger than the width of the working file. Then you need to install the circle cutter, then install the file in the hole and start sawing. The circle cutter in this case will serve as a compass.
It is recommended to make longitudinal cuts using a metal support bar, which serves as a limiter. One side of the support bar will always move along the face of the work material. Cutting at an angle should be done extremely carefully. It is recommended to set the support sole to a certain degree.
To improve the movement of the tool along the working surface, it is better to use a special metal pad for the support leg.
Safety rules must be followed not only by beginners, but also by experienced professionals. Compliance with safety precautions will not only prevent injuries, but also facilitate the work process, as well as increase productivity and quality of work.
Compliance with the above rules will help to avoid injuries when working with an electric jigsaw and will increase the service life of the tool.
The quality of work depends on the correctly selected cutting part for cutting various types of material. Files differ in shape and layout, have different heights and tooth directions. When choosing a jigsaw file, you must be guided by the following rules:
Despite the versatility of an electric jigsaw, experienced craftsmen recommend using other tools for cutting tiles and metal.
Having studied the basic cutting techniques using an electric jigsaw, it will not be difficult for a beginner to correctly cut not only various materials, but also cut straight, curved and shaped elements. By applying safety rules and cutting techniques, you can solve almost any cutting problem, regardless of the type of material and experience.
If an electric jigsaw is used for cutting plastic, plexiglass and wood materials, then the tool, with proper use and proper care, will last more than 5 years.
Any creative work, in any industry, requires certain knowledge and skills. If an author wants to create something truly valuable, his technique must be honed to the appropriate level. Working with a hand jigsaw can easily be classified as such an activity. In skillful hands, this seemingly simple device can create real works of art. Fortunately, it takes quite a bit of time to master figure sawing. All you need is a desire, and we will be happy to provide detailed instructions for action.
Another interesting material suitable for sawing with a hand jigsaw is sheet polystyrene (not to be confused with expanded polystyrene). It is essentially a durable plastic that comes in all colors and sizes. In order not to complicate manual sawing, it is better to work with sheets up to 5 mm thick. The beauty of polystyrene crafts is accompanied by the high price of the material (from 700 rubles per sq.m.) and limited availability. If you are confident in your cutting skills and are ready to create an original glossy craft, you can start your search at local construction markets.
If the saw blade is installed correctly, it does not dangle, and during operation there is a high-pitched sound of teeth biting into the material. It is better to understand how to properly assemble a jigsaw from the very beginning, since thin files tend to burst. The easier the process of assembling the device is for you, the more enjoyable it will be to work.
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