Without a jigsaw, many woodworking operations are impossible. Compact and lightweight, it allows you to manufacture products of even the most complex geometries. Sometimes, for example, with large volumes of work, it is more convenient to work with this tool not as a manual jigsaw, but in a machine format. Such equipment is presented in the catalogs of many manufacturers of household power tools, but if necessary, you can make it yourself.
First, it’s worth answering the question: what material will the master most often work with? An electric motor power of 50-90 W is sufficient for most types of wood, but if you plan to process hard wood and significant volumes, pay attention to the 120 W options. Stepwise adjustment of engine speed (blade speed) is desirable; choose models with a smooth change in this parameter.
The ability to adjust the speed is needed to adapt the machine to work with different types of wood - heating of the material, which will ruin the cut, is eliminated. In addition, by gradually increasing the speed, the master concentrates on a complex procedure, and the engine operates in a gentle mode, which increases its service life.
Some models provide the ability to cut not only in a horizontal surface, but also at an angle, and a special scale will allow you to select the most accurate position of the workpiece. Semi-professional and household machines allow you to change the tilt of the desktop up to 45° in one direction, professional ones - up to 45° in both directions.
Pay attention to the work surface. It should be massive enough so as not to sag under heavy workpieces, very smooth (so the part slides over the base without problems) and polished so as not to stain the workpiece.
When choosing equipment, it is important to remember the nominal number of revolutions. Many craftsmen mistakenly believe that it must correspond to at least 1650 reciprocating movements of the saw in 60 seconds - only with this indicator the cut will be perfectly smooth, without chips or nicks. However, modern benchtop machines from famous manufacturers guarantee an ideal cutting line even at speeds of 700-1400 strokes per minute.
Do not forget about the maximum stroke of the saw blade - the thickness of the workpiece depends on this value. Additional options are also important:
On modern market There are many models of jigsaw machines, but there are several main “players”, and each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
The Corvette models from the Encor company are household-grade machines and are not suitable for use in industrial environments, but they are quite functional equipment equipped with a rotary worktop to perform an inclined cut at the desired angle, fixed by a stop with a degree scale.
Although the machines of this model are not designed for processing massive workpieces, the manufacturer offers a 150 W drive. The motor is a commutator type, quite noisy and prone to overheating, unable to work without interruption and requiring regular brush replacement.
The amplitude of the saw stroke is 40 mm, the oscillation frequency is 700 per 60 seconds (in some modifications a second speed is added - 1400 per minute for selection optimal mode when processing wood of different hardnesses). The files supplied with the equipment are not of impeccable quality, so it makes sense to immediately replace them with analogues from a third-party manufacturer.
Household machines also include Zubr models, which are compact enough even for use in a city apartment. The main feature of this equipment, which can be called its disadvantage, is noticeable vibration, which interferes with high-precision cutting.
Zubr machines are capable of processing plywood, solid wood, plastic, and thin aluminum in a horizontal plane and at an angle. They also perform drilling, grinding and polishing; for this purpose, the delivery set includes an additional work table and a flexible shaft with a chuck.
Overheating of the cutting tool is prevented by the built-in cooling system; there is an electromagnetic switch to prevent accidental activation. The files used in Zubr machines are special, reinforced, and have pins at their ends.
The working surface is separated from the operator by a transparent casing to protect it from dust and chips, and the cutting area is cleared of sawing products by blowing to improve visibility. Efficient waste disposal is provided. The motor used is a commutator type, quite resistant to overloads. Its brushes are designed for long-term use, but their quick replacement is still provided in the equipment.
RSW jigsaws are designed for creative carpentry workshops. Among their features are minimal backlash and the most accurate trajectory of the cutting tool. The equipment provides everything for efficient work operator: fencing and lighting working area, the ability to remove sawing products using a conventional vacuum cleaner.
In RSW machines the file has unusual location– teeth down, pin files are used, they can be replaced without a key. Also among the features of the equipment is the presence of the most powerful engine in the category of similar professional machines.
JSS jigsaw machines from the JET brand are intended for craft workshops, art studios and serious hobbies. They provide a stable cutting angle, the speed of movement of the cutting tool is infinitely variable by the built-in electronic system.
The manufacturer offers its branded files with pin fastening, but JSS JET equipment can also work with “regular” ones. These machines are suitable for cutting complex shapes, but the workpieces processed should not be excessively large. Their materials are wood, chipboard, plywood, fiberboard, hard and soft plastics.
The blade tension lever is located in the upper part of the machine, which increases the convenience of working with it, and the cutting blade is installed in two versions - across and along the longitudinal axis of the equipment. Dust and sawdust are easily removed with an adjustable nozzle connected to the dust extraction system. The work table can be installed at an angle; to control the accuracy of its position, there is a transport scale and a stopper.
Such equipment can be made at home with your own hands, craftsmen They even create such machines from old sewing machines. If you have certain skills, the drawing and design diagram are developed independently.
As a table you can use a tabletop, a workbench, and if they are not there - homemade design made of laminated plywood with a minimum thickness of 10 mm. From it you should build a kind of table with a working surface size of about 500x500 mm and a height of legs of about 400-500 mm. They can be two or three solid or four separate. In the first case, the design resembles a box, in the second - a traditional table on a reduced scale).
The necessary parts are cut out with a wood hacksaw or circular saw into a single system individual elements fastened with self-tapping screws. In the table cover, you should use a drill to drill holes for fastening the tool and for the file. You will also have to make mounting holes in the sole of the jigsaw. After this, you can bolt it to the tabletop so that the cutting part points vertically upward.
The advantage of such a homemade jigsaw machine is the clear fixation of the tool and the guarantee that the master’s hand will lead the cut along the desired path.
This version of the machine does not always form the correct curved cut - the file can deviate, especially if a massive workpiece is being processed. The problem is solved by rigidly fixing the cutting tool with a pair of rollers that need to be placed on an additional part.
It is made from bars with a cross-section of about 50x50 mm. which are connected into an L-shaped element using furniture corner and self-tapping screws, are attached to the work table, and at the free end a curved metal plate with rollers made of bolts and bearing parts is placed with rigid fixation.
To perform extremely precise, very fine figured cuts a homemade jigsaw machine must be equipped with a cutting blade tension system. Among the features of this device:
In terms of design, the machine differs little from that described above. It is necessary to build a work table with a hole for cutting tool and attach a clamp to the tabletop, and place an electric drive underneath.
If cuts are needed particularly precise and subtle, which means extremely delicate and slow work, it is necessary to reduce the force on the files while ensuring strong tension and precise movement. For this purpose, a homemade machine should be equipped with spacer devices on long arms instead of the traditional clamp of a manual jigsaw.
The spacer structure and the arms holding the file are made of wood or steel. Otherwise, the design of the machine resembles a model with a manual clamp.
Since childhood, we have been familiar with the technology of sawing with a jigsaw. The principle is simple - a stationary part is placed on a stand with a technological cutout, the cut is made by moving the saw. The quality of work depends on the steadfastness of the hands and the skill of the worker.
In this way, you can literally cut lace from thin wooden or plastic blanks. However, the process is labor-intensive and slow. Therefore, many craftsmen thought about small-scale mechanization.
More in the magazine Young technician“Drawings were offered on how to make a jigsaw machine with your own hands. Moreover, the design does not involve an electric drive; the drive operates from muscular force, like a knife sharpener.
The machine consists of main parts:
The master uses his foot to move the flywheel (D). Using a belt drive, the crank mechanism (D) connected to the lower arm (B) rotates. A file is stretched between the levers; the degree of tension is regulated by a lanyard (G).
With a well-balanced flywheel, sufficient smooth running of the saw blade is ensured, and such a homemade jigsaw machine allows you to massively cut out the same type of workpiece, saving time and effort. In those days, jigsaw files were produced in the form of a flat, unidirectional strip.
Therefore, to obtain patterns of complex shapes, it was necessary to rotate the workpiece around the canvas. The dimensions of the workpiece are limited by the length of the arms (B).
The foot drive cannot provide real freedom of action and uniformity of the saw stroke. It makes more sense to use an electric motor for the crank mechanism. However, if you use a tabletop jigsaw occasionally, there is no point in making a stationary structure with its own motor.
You can use home power tools. For example, a screwdriver with a rotation speed controller.
The materials used are literally from wood scraps and old trash. The only critical part is the bed. It is better to make it from durable plywood with a thickness of at least 18 mm.
We make all connections using wood screws; the joints can be coated with PVA glue. From the same material we assemble a support pedestal for the lever rod. The design of the support should not have any play; the subsequent accuracy of the entire machine depends on its strength.
This article will discuss the design homemade machine from household jigsaw. Below will be given step-by-step instruction, photos, videos, as well as drawings and diagrams.
There are a lot of design options - from the simplest, where it just sticks out from the tabletop, to quite complex structures with guides, the ability to cut at an angle, when it is possible to set not only 90 degrees to the base, but also change the angle (well, within reason, of course). There are devices (machines) for, that is, making straight and even cuts.
Such devices are increasingly used due to their versatility and functionality. In fact, their parameters and purpose are similar to stationary machines and have a strictly defined practical use in every workshop.
| Plywood thickness, mm | Layers of plywood, no less | Sanded plywood | Unsanded plywood | ||
| Maximum deviation, mm | Different thickness | Deviation, mm | Different thickness | ||
| 3 mm | 3 | +0,3/-0,4 | 0,6 | +0,4/-0,3 | 0,6 |
| 4 mm | 3 | +0,3/-0,5 | +0,8/-0,4 | 1,0 | |
| 6 mm | 5 | +0,4/-0,5 | +0,9/-0,4 | ||
| 9 mm | 7 | +0,4/-0,6 | +1,0/-0,5 | ||
| 12 mm | 9 | +0,5/-0,7 | +1,1/-0,6 | ||
| 15 mm | 11 | +0,6/-0,8 | +1,2/-0,7 | 1,5 | |
| 18 mm | 13 | +0,7/-0,9 | +1,3/-0,8 | ||
| 21 mm | 15 | +0,8/-1,0 | +1,4/-0,9 | ||
| 24 mm | 17 | +0,9/-1,1 | +1,5/-1,0 | ||
| 27 mm | 19 | +1,0/-1,2 | 1,0 | +1,6/-1,1 | 2,0 |
| 30 mm | 21 | +1,1/-1,3 | +1,7/-1,2 | ||
There are two ways to make templates - take tracing paper and draw the kennels of the future workpiece on it. This has been done since ancient times, since nothing is needed for this except a ruler and a pencil. However, if you have a computer and a printer, of course A3 would be nice, but A4 is also suitable (you just have to print several sheets and then glue them together), then the process of drawing with a pencil and ruler can be replaced by drawing the contours of the blanks on the computer.
Then we cut it out with a stationery blade or just a sharp knife.
After that Once the template is ready, it needs to be glued to the workpiece.
Tip: There is no need to glue it tightly, since in the future you will have to remove the template, and this will be difficult if you glue it tightly. Accordingly, you can glue it, for example, with stationery glue, use a glue stick or, as in our example, spray glue.
On at this stage need to do:
We install the bracket. It should be noted that the bracket must be fastened without over-tightening the nut - there must be free movement. To do this, use a self-locking nut and only tighten it slightly.
Installing the spring should not be difficult. You need to do it as shown in the photo below.
For future fastening of the file, you need to make a simple clamp in the form of a plate with two holes. It must also be installed on the bracket using a self-locking nut. Moreover, the backlash of the plate in seat The reason is that the bracket moves, and the clamped plate will hinder its movement.
Below is a sketch of the design of the upper attachment point for the file.
Then it is necessary to make technological holes for the jigsaw controls so that it is convenient to change the engine speed, you can gain access to the start button and its lock. There is another solution that makes it more convenient to turn on the tool - this is to place in an easily accessible place on the machine body an socket and a switch that would turn the voltage on and off in the socket. We plug the jigsaw cord into a socket, and it turns out that we will turn it on and off using a switch installed in a place convenient for us. However, this is a matter of taste.
So, below is the manufacture of technological holes on the body.
This is what the controls look like when they are now available.
Now you need to make clamps for the file itself. The principle is simple - take a bolt and make a cut at the base of the head, but not all the way. In the future, the file itself will be inserted into this cut. The principle is shown in the photo below.
This is how the upper saw attachment unit is installed and assembled.
The lower assembly is almost similar to the upper one, except that it is not a plate that is used, but a standard file (you can use a “BU” one), almost the entire cutting part is sawed off with an angle grinder and the shank is left. A hole is made in the remaining cutting part with a similar bolt with a slot at the base of the head, into which the file will also fit. The principle is shown below.
After the file is secured, we install the jigsaw itself. We fasten it with bolts with countersunk heads so that they do not stick out on the table top of the machine.
Now we need to adjust the perpendicularity of the file relative to the table of our machine. To do this, you can use a square, or, as in our case, just a block that is precisely trimmed. We make the adjustment as follows. To adjust the file left/right, the top plate is adjusted - its displacement on the axis - respectively, in the desired direction.
And to adjust the saw blade position forward/backwards, the saw blade mounting unit itself is shifted forward or backward.
The machine is almost ready, all that remains is to make and install the plate that surrounds the jigsaw file. It can be made from PCB or any piece of sheet plastic.
This completes the manufacturing of the jigsaw machine.
We hope that the material presented was useful to you.
Here is a table with overall dimensions:
Let's attach a complete assembly diagram, which in a sense can be a 3B drawing for making a machine from a jigsaw with your own hands.
Videos on which this material was made.
After several unsuccessful attempts to cut out complex shapes electric jigsaw, I decided to make a homemade tabletop jigsaw using drawings from the network. It will be very easy to cut complex shapes of small sizes from lightweight materials.
To assemble a jigsaw machine with your own hands from a jigsaw you will need:
Tools: drill, sandpaper, clamp, tape measure.
Draw two 250x300 mm rectangles on a sheet of plywood and cut them out with a jigsaw. These rectangles will be the base and cover of your machine. Carefully process the surfaces of the rectangles sandpaper, especially the one that will be the lid.
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Measure the height of the jigsaw from the sole to the handle so that the jigsaw fits in the machine box; the stands must be greater than this distance. My jigsaw is 18 cm high, so I made 20 cm long posts from the board. Then I pressed the two pieces together with a clamp and sawed off 5 mm from them on both sides so that both posts were the same height.
Now the racks can be screwed to the base. To prevent the wood from cracking, you need to pre-drill holes for the screws and countersink them.
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Lower the cover with the jigsaw onto the base with the stands and secure it on top with screws, having previously drilled holes for them. Be sure to countersink these holes to prevent the wood from cracking when screwed. The jigsaw should not touch the base and should have a good grip on the lid. Therefore, the screw heads must be flush with the surface of the cover, otherwise they will unscrew while the jigsaw is running.
From the remains of the board, I made two additional rear posts, so the machine became much more stable.
At this stage, the machine is quite functional; it is enough to simply secure it with a clamp on the tabletop and you can work.
I identified two features of my jigsaw:
A narrower blade will give you the ability to cut fine curves and make it easier to cut rounded corners.
The guide will prevent the blade from moving to the sides during cutting, especially at high speeds.
I made the guide from a small strip of PVC plastic. At one end of the strip, use a jigsaw to make a small slot at an angle to the middle of the strip. We secure the strip behind the file by screwing it to a wooden L-shaped piece mounted on the lid of your machine. The guide can be lubricated with oil for better movement.
Remember:
With a little effort, you will have an almost real tabletop jigsaw. Of course, it will not replace a real machine, but given its zero cost, it is an excellent option.
Jigsaw machine allows you to quickly and efficiently cut wood. consists of a working surface, stands, motor and spindle assembly. Some devices are made on stands. Clamps are quite often installed on the side of the work surface. It is also worth noting that the models differ in power. The manufacture of a jigsaw machine can only be carried out if the instructions are followed.
If you believe the reviews, then making a desktop modification is very simple. First of all, a stand is prepared for the working surface. Its width should not exceed 30 cm. It is more advisable to select a single-phase motor with a maximum voltage of 220 V. A homemade jigsaw machine (desktop) produces an average operating frequency of 55 Hz.
Reviews from experts say that it is better to use yews made of steel; if desired, you can cut them yourself. The file is installed on a spindle assembly, which is attached to the stand. Many models use a latch that acts as a stop. To secure the file, a small screw is used.
If necessary, you can do this yourself. Modification drawings include frames different sizes, and spindle units are usually used with guides. Many models are made on a wide bed. Legs can be installed from tubes. There are also machines with plates. After cutting out the working platform, you should work on the spindle assembly.
If we consider devices with control units, then the model will require a controller. It is more expedient to use a 220 V commutator type motor. Yews on jigsaw machines are installed as a rotary type. The direction must be welded to the edge of the plate. File in in this case must be securely fixed. Optimal height spindle assembly is 2.2 cm. At the end of the work, it is important to install the power cable and connect the equipment.
Professionals are able to assemble a jigsaw machine with their own hands. Device drawings indicate the presence of wide stops. However, first of all you need to install the bed. If we consider a simple machine, then the lock for modification can be selected of a small length. Reviews from experts indicate that two racks are enough for the model. To assemble the machine it is used welding inverter. The spindle assembly itself is installed in the central part of the working platform. The hole for the file can be made with a milling cutter. It is also worth noting that experts do not recommend using two-phase motors.
By following the instructions, you can assemble a compact jigsaw machine with your own hands. Device drawings include double racks and narrow frames. Beds are used with a low profile. Many models have a spindle assembly without a holder. In this case, the guides are installed to a short length. For self-assembly For models, it is recommended to first select a high-quality frame.
Additionally, a clamp is soldered under the working plate. To reduce vibration levels, you can use a pad. Regular glue is used to fix it. The file for modification should be selected with a small thickness. Optimal distance installation of the central unit is 14 cm. At the same time, the width of the platform is on average 17 cm.
If you wish, you can make this jigsaw machine with your own hands. Drawings for assembling the modification are very easy to find. As a rule, frames are used with a width of 35 cm. The thickness of the plate should be about 1.5 mm. The hole for the file must be made before installing the central unit. If we consider models without stops, then the frame is used with a low profile. It is also worth noting that it is more advisable to install the spindle assembly on a lining.
A casing is used to reduce noise levels. Many models use multiple stops. In this case, the unit is installed at a height of 10 cm. It is better to fix the file on the plate. The clamp can be used screw type. After fixing the central unit, the motor is installed. For modification of this type, a device with a single-phase unit is suitable.
At 3 kW table jigsaw It's quite easy to do it yourself. Experts recommend using racks with wide stops. The clamps need to be installed only after the central unit. The modification file can be adjusted to 1.2 mm. Some experts make the hole after installing the frame. In this case, the supports are soldered to the sides of the table.
Next, it is important to evaluate the spindle size. It is more advisable to use the motor with a protection system and casing. It is also worth noting that collector devices that operate at a frequency of 45 Hz are very popular. They have low energy consumption and do not overheat. Holders are used to secure workpieces. The optimal spindle height is 15 cm. It is also worth noting that there are models with tuning plates. A flywheel is used to control the stand. A conventional controller is available to install the control unit.
Having prepared several stops, you can make a jigsaw machine with your own hands. Reviews from experts indicate that 5 kW models are well suited for longitudinal cut. Before starting work, all necessary tool. You will need a saw and welding machine and cutter. It is more expedient to assemble the frame for a jigsaw from steel plates with a thickness of 1.3 mm or more. You need to immediately provide a place for the motor. The frames in the devices are installed with a high profile.
At this stage, you can immediately cut a hole for the file. The plug assembly must be mounted on the top of the plate. Additionally, it is worth noting that the file will require a large holder. If we consider simple model, then the racks can be installed on the sides of the frame. Yews are of the rotary type. There must be a stand at the top of the frame. A small casing is fitted under the motor. On average, the width of the frame should be 35 cm. If we consider professional models, then they use adjustable clamps.
How to make a jigsaw machine with your own hands? The model with two quills is assembled only on a wide frame. First of all, the plates for the bed are cut out. If we consider a desktop modification, then it is more appropriate to install the control unit at the top of the device. Optimal width frame is 45 cm. In this case, the spindle assembly is installed behind the stops.
There must be provision for racks. Many models use transmission units. In this case, motors are only suitable for commutator type with a frequency of 30 Hz or more. The file is installed as standard in the holder. The optimal height of the spindle assembly for models is 35 cm. Quills for adjusting the bed are used with flywheels.
It’s easy to make this one with your own hands based on a single-phase motor. Tools should be prepared in advance. Many models are equipped with frames with four stops. They have a long length and a high profile. It is also worth noting that spindle units are selected from. At the beginning of work, it is very important to calculate the length of the frame. If we consider ordinary spindle units, then the stand for them is prepared in a short length.
The central support must withstand heavy loads. A welding inverter is used to install the plates. The motor will require a casing that will significantly reduce the noise level of the device. The saw for modifications of this type is suitable for 1.2 mm. With a power of 3 kW, a device with three quills will produce a frequency of 55 Hz. To fix the flywheels, brackets are needed.
