Which jigsaw to choose. Choosing a jigsaw

An electric jigsaw will show itself perfectly during repairs. It gets useful surprisingly often. The use of different types of saws allows you to cut metal, wood, plywood, chipboards, materials made of plastic or epoxy resin. According to statistics, this is the second most commonly used tool after a screwdriver.

How to choose a jigsaw for the house, which company, what to look for, which optional equipment may be required? Do I need to purchase equipment of a high price category for household needs or a simple enough model?

The principle of the jigsaw

A jigsaw is necessary in every workshop, useful for some household work, repairs.

The tool can cut:

  • wood,
  • soft metal,
  • plastic.

It can make different cutting lines:

  • straight line,
  • curves,
  • zigzags,
  • holes are round, rectangular, irregular.

During operation, the sole of the jigsaw should be evenly pressed against the material. Do not allow the tool to uncontrollably change position during operation - this can lead to saw damage. It is better to cut harder materials in the lowest gear, that is, at a low sawing speed.

Wood cutting

Using an electric jigsaw, you can cut irregularly shaped wood. It is advisable to buy a special compass that allows you to cut in a circle. Sometimes manufacturers sell a pair of compasses complete with an instrument. At one end of the device there is a spike that can be moved along the rod, allowing you to increase, decrease the radius of the circle. The jigsaw cannot perform a 90 degree turn. To cut a rectangular bar in a tree, you need to make 4 cuts, shown in the figure:


To start cutting not from the edge, but from the center of the board, you need to use a drill with large diameter or a cutter. The outline of the hole to be cut is drawn on the board. A drill is used to drill holes in the corners of the contour. Then you can place the file in the hole and start cutting along the line you have drawn. This will create a hole with rounded corners. To get right angles, you need to then cut off the roundings with a saw.


Bevel cutting

The tool can cut wood not only at a 90 degree angle. The minimum cutting angle in relation to the material surface is 45 degrees.



Jigsaws usually have 2 cutting angles - 0 ° and 45 °, but professional models, much more possibilities with different angle adjustment steps, for example: 0 °, 9 °, 15 °, 22 °, 5 °, 25 °, 30 °, 45 °.



The angle is set by adjusting the inclination of the sole. To make corner cuts, you need to attach the clamps to the table. Metal strips - tires can be attached along the cut line. During operation, the sole will slide on the guide rail.

Working with metal and plastic

Working with these materials is similar to cutting wood, with the exception of some nuances:

  • before cutting mild steel, lubricate the blade with technical oil;
  • cutting aluminum will be easier if you lubricate the blade with industrial oil mixed with denatured alcohol;
  • cutting PVC, acrylic, and other similar materials will be easier when the blade is wetted with water.

How to choose the right electric jigsaw?

Which jigsaw is better suited for specific tasks, and which will be more versatile - it is advisable to consider these questions before buying. This section provides information that allows you to understand the features of the device, helping to make right choice electric jigsaw.

Types of jigsaws

According to the type of power supply, jigsaws are divided into 2 types:

  1. Electric jigsaws, powered by the network- devices of higher power. The disadvantage of the model is the cable, which makes the work less convenient and safe.
  2. Cordless jigsaws- by far the biggest advantage is the portability of such a solution. They do not have a cable, which must be handled with care during operation. However, the batteries have to be recharged, and in case of prolonged operation, additional batteries have to be used. Over time, the capacity of power supplies decreases, which leads to the need to replace them and additional costs.

Tool parameters

When choosing a jigsaw, it is advisable to carefully study its parameters that affect the operation of the device. Let's consider them in more detail.

  • Power. The higher the power of the jigsaw, the better the machine is at tough jobs. Power can indirectly affect the maximum cutting depth. This parameter provides longer running time without interrupting the motor. Have different models power varies from 400 to 1000 W.
  • Cutting depth- indicated in relation to a specific material, differs for wood, metal.
  • Stroke frequency per minute affects the speed of work. The higher the frequency, the better the cut. The optimum stroke rate depends on the type of material. It is convenient when the instrument has the ability to adjust the frequency, which allows you to work effectively with different materials - for soft materials, a higher frequency is applicable, for hard materials, for example, metal, the frequency should be reduced.
  • Weight, dimensions... A lightweight device is more convenient to work with. Ideally, the design should be compact. Small dimensions, weight will provide comfortable work, convenient storage of the tool.

Optional equipment

It is necessary to purchase additional equipment for the jigsaw: files, guides, and other elements.

Jigsaw blades

Saw blades are made from carbon tool steel (HCS) or (HSS), respectively machined, formed. The files consist of:

  • shank for fastening,
  • housing,
  • cloves.

The teeth are made of a material that is more durable than the body itself. Saw blades differ in design depending on the type of material they are intended to cut.

Electric jigsaw blades are designed for the following materials:


System for changing and fastening files

It is worth paying attention to:

  • installation of files,
  • fastening system,
  • ease of replacement.

For different types of work, it will be necessary to frequently change the files, this operation should be carried out easily. An important question is whether it is possible to install the blade without tools. This possibility significantly affects the usability of the jigsaw. There are several mechanisms for attaching the saw blade:

  • Shoe mechanism - the blade is attached with a shoe, allows you to use different kinds files. The mechanism is used in inexpensive instruments.
  • Screw mechanism - fastening takes place with a screw.
  • Fast clamp is the most convenient mechanism, its disadvantage is not suitable for all types of blades.


Considering the shape of the shanks, the following common saw types can be distinguished:

  1. with T-shank (European);
  2. with 2T shank;
  3. universal, 1/4 ″ U-ponytail (American);
  4. Makita.

T-Shank Blades (European)

The most popular, common in the market are T-shank files. With a jigsaw designed for type T, there will be no problem buying consumables. Most of the commercial power tool manufacturers use European type mountings. The reason for the widespread use of the T-shank standard is the high reliability of the fastening, which is important condition efficient, safe operation. Important design features:

  • easy mount,
  • easy web removal,
  • the possibility of using keyless clamps, which greatly facilitate and speed up tool maintenance.

Fast assembly and disassembly is a basic requirement among professional users. During intensive work, especially when cutting difficult-to-machine materials, the cutting part quickly wears out, as a result of this, their frequent replacement. Therefore, the speed at which the saw blade is changed is important for productivity.


File material

  • HCS saws are designed for cutting soft materials - wood, fibreboard, plastics;
  • HSS files - for steel, aluminum, ferrous metal;
  • BiM files are produced by electronically bonding an HSS toothed strip with a HCS steel body. This results in a flexible, durable combination of the highest strength. Depending on the design, the teeth can be rectangular or curved.

Bimetallic saws are especially recommended for applications requiring high flexibility. It should be noted that the service life of bimetallic saws is 2-10 times higher compared to HCS and HSS files (the period depends on the hardness of the materials being processed).


HM / TC blades are bi-metallic, as their body is made of HCS steel, and the working part, which directly cuts the material, is made of tungsten carbide. These blades are designed primarily for very hard, difficult-to-cut abrasive materials such as tiles, ceramic tiles, brick, cast iron, glass, etc. It should be noted that HM / TC saws are not suitable for wood.

Like the HM / TC tool, the carbide tooth files have a body made of HCS steel. These tools are used to cut reinforced plastic.


Jigsaw guide bars

The guides allow you to cut at an angle, bevel. The use of additional modules will help when cutting ceramic tiles. Using the guide even under normal conditions allows for more precise and convenient cutting.

Guide tire, photo


Blowing off dust, shavings

Such a device allows you to work more conveniently. For those who often use a jigsaw, it is advisable to consider buying a jigsaw with dust blowing, working with it is more comfortable and effective.


Backlight, laser beam

The backlight allows you to make the cut line more visible. The laser beam speeds up work, eliminates the need to mark the material.


Files store, suitcase

Some jigsaws have space in the housing for storing several extra saws. it convenient solution We don’t need to carry extra bags for accessories. A handy case for storing a jigsaw and necessary accessories is useful.



Models, prices and manufacturers

  • Cheap models can be bought for 750-1000 rubles, they have a power of 350-500 watts.
  • For 1800 rubles, you can buy a Skil hand jigsaw with a power of 500 W, a speed of 800-3000 strokes / min.
  • The BLACK DECKER KS501 tool with a power of 400 W, with a speed of 3000 strokes / min will cost 2000 rubles.
  • A Bosch PST 650 jigsaw with a power of 500 W, having a speed of 3100 strokes / min, a quick-clamping saw attachment costs 4200-4400 rubles.
  • Black & Decker and Bosch jigsaws at this price are certainly the base models.

Expensive tools will cost 30,000 rubles, for example:

  • Metabo STA 18 LTX 140 5.2Ah x2,
  • Bosch GSG 300,
  • Bosch GST 18 V-LI 4.0Ah x2 L-BOXX.

For this amount we will receive a professional device made of materials designed for long-term operation, durable, with large quantity additions.

The most popular jigsaw manufacturers:

  • Bosch;
  • Black & Decker;
  • Makita;
  • Metabo;
  • DeWalt;
  • Festool;
  • Skil.

Rating of jigsaws for home

How to choose an electric jigsaw for home - video

Summing up

Which jigsaw is better to buy for home and summer cottages? We need to answer the question of how often we will use the tool. It depends on whether we choose a jigsaw for home use or equipment for professional work. You should also think about what accessories are needed for us. Guides, removable sole, dust blowing, other accessories - interesting solutions but they raise the purchase price. Having adequately analyzed your own needs, you can choose the best jigsaw in terms of price-quality ratio.

If you have decided to supplement your DIY kit with such a useful tool as a jigsaw, this article is for you.

The jigsaw is indispensable for repair work, it is used for sawing many materials: soft and rough wood, plywood, laminate, plastic, drywall, sandwich panels, sheet metal profiles, aluminum and others.

Essentially, a jigsaw is a versatile sheet metal saw, the key is to choose the right saw blade. The principle of operation of the unit is simple: the cutting blade is set in motion by a pendulum mechanism and an electric motor, a reciprocating movement occurs along special jaws or support rollers. To prevent the blade from shifting, the jigsaw is equipped with a support sole or a plate - then the cut edge is neat and even.

The advantages of a jigsaw:

  • Save time: sawing a building material with a jigsaw requires much less effort than a manual counterpart;
  • Versatility: the manufacturer often indicates a list of materials with which you can work with this or that unit;
  • Reliability: it is quite easy to break the blade of a manual jigsaw, jigsaw files are more durable;
  • Convenience: Stores have a wide selection of this tool, so you can find a model that fits perfectly in your hand.

Criteria for choosing a jigsaw

1. Type of jigsaw

There are two types of jigsaws: hand-held and table-top.

The first type is more common, the tool is used mainly for simple cuts. The workpiece is well fixed, and the jigsaw must be freely moved along its surface.

For "jewelry" work, table jigsaws are used - with their help, you can make various patterns, make cuts of any shape. They are installed in workshops, since the tool has impressive dimensions, however, the cutting accuracy also varies significantly. In this case, the workpiece itself moves, and the tool is rigidly fixed.

Manual jigsaw

Table jigsaw

2. Household or professional?

If the tool is needed exclusively for rare household chores, it is better to give preference to ordinary household appliances. Pay attention to the power of the device: the ability to cut thick sheets without overloading depends on it. Household jigsaws are distinguished by a power of 250-500 W, for professional models this figure is more than 700 W. Of course, the weight of a professional tool will also be greater. On average, household jigsaws can cut wood up to 7 mm, steel up to 5 mm. Professional - steel up to 10 mm, aluminum - up to 20 mm, wood - up to 15 mm.

In the photo on the left is a professional jigsaw, on the right is a household

3. Frequency of the saw stroke and cutting depth

A parameter such as stroke rate indicates the speed of the saw blade per minute. It can be changed using the locking button: the higher the stroke rate, the greater the productivity. The maximum rate is up to 3400 movements per minute. The maximum possible cutting depth also indicates the power of the tool, for each material its own value, it is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging or on the device itself.

4. Unit weight

Basically, the weight of a jigsaw varies from 2 to 3.5 kilograms. Professional models will weigh more due to the extra battery. Lightweight models (up to 2.2 kg) have lower productivity, but they are much easier to work on weight. Heavy devices (over 2.2 kg) run on battery power and are more difficult to hold in your hand.

5. Electric jigsaw handle

There are three main forms of the handle: staple - it allows you to hold the unit with one hand. Mushroom - used for curly cutting, hold the jigsaw with both hands. Hybrid - the rarest form, suitable for both regular cutting and curly cutting.

The choice of the type of pen depends solely on the personal preferences of the master.

6. The sole of the jigsaw

Can be stamped and cast. Stamped lighter and thinner, mostly inexpensive models are equipped with it. The molded sole is stiffer and less prone to deformation; the tool with such a sole is more expensive. A sole tilt regulator is also desirable - with its help it is more convenient to perform oblique cuts. The angle stops are adjustable at 15, 30, 45 degrees.

The photo shows the possibility of fixing the file at different angles

7. Jigsaw blades

Jigsaw blades are selected depending on the type and strength of the material to be cut. As a rule, their purpose is indicated on the packaging.

First of all, pay attention to the marking of the files, it is universal:

  • HM - from hard alloys,
  • BIM - bimetal,
  • HSS - hardened steel,
  • HCS - Carbon Steel.

The shape of the saw blade can also be different, if you buy a unit with a rare attachment, then you are tortured to look for spare parts for it. The dimensions of the saw blade also differ: length from 50 to 155 mm, with different widths and shapes of teeth. Diamond or hard metal blades are used to cut ceramic tiles or glass. FROM color-coded not everything is so rosy: it is individual for each manufacturer, there is no general standard.

8. Removal of sawdust

The function is convenient and useful: the fan produces a jet of air that simultaneously cools the engine and removes sawdust from the cutting line. Such units are convenient when working in closed rooms. However, in order not to carry around an uncomfortable hose, many manufacturers equip electric jigsaws with a special bag for collecting sawdust.

9. Additional functions of the jigsaw

These include:

  • Battery operation is convenient, but the power of such jigsaws is usually small, and they are not designed for long-term operation;
  • Quick clip of the file - with its help it is more convenient to change consumables;
  • Laser pointer - increases the accuracy of the cut, the laser beam must be aligned with the line on the material;
  • Backlight - improves visibility, especially useful in low light conditions. It can be switched on automatically or by a button;
  • Anti-vibration system - reduces vibration of the jigsaw during operation (damping elements, counterweights, and so on);
  • A table for a jigsaw - using a stationary tool to work with small parts is much more convenient;
  • Case - convenient for carrying and storing the unit.

10. Jigsaw manufacturer

The most famous and high-quality products are presented under the brands: Makita, AEG, Bosch, Black & Decker, Hitachi, Kress, Metabo, Stern, DeWalt, Watt. Budgetary and less wear-resistant tools - Ryobi, Interskol, Einhell, Monolith, Proton, Zenith and others. When buying, specify where you can buy spare parts, whether the company has a service center in your city, what kind of guarantee does the manufacturer give.

So, to choose a jigsaw, you need to hold it in your hands. You should be comfortable! Check the cost of the files for your model. A good help will be the availability of additional functions such as a laser pointer and an anti-vibration system, as well as a storage case. You can opt for already proven brands or buy a cheaper model from a lesser known manufacturer.

An electric jigsaw is an indispensable tool that every home craftsman needs on a par with a drill. The versatility of this device allows you to use it for or as a hacksaw for wood and even metal. Considering the versatility, it becomes clear that when choosing such equipment, carefulness does not hurt. Today we will consider the characteristics that a high-quality one should have and present the TOP-10 of the best jigsaws according to consumer reviews.

An electric jigsaw is a device with the help of which shaped blanks are cut out of wood, chipboard, and even metal for various purposes. Similar equipment is used in furniture production, the manufacture of figured decorations, for household purposes (as an auxiliary tool). Indeed, in the presence of a flat bar, you can ideally saw boards, PFC or NDF panels. The angle of inclination is also adjustable, which allows you to chamfer or dissolve the fiberboard along at the desired angle. Even work in the garden to remove dead tree branches is within his power.

Design features of an electric jigsaw

What a jigsaw looks like, every home craftsman knows. But how it works, it makes sense to disassemble. The basis of this equipment is an electric motor, which rotates an eccentric wheel (a roller with an offset center) through a gearbox. It is the eccentric that transmits the reciprocating movements to the canvas.


The electric jigsaw for wood or metal is equipped with an electronic rheostat to adjust the speed. This is necessary - for different materials the same speed will not work. On some models of household jigsaws, they are installed to illuminate the cutting area, as well as a bag for collecting sawdust that appears during operation.

Classification of electric jigsaws by power and application

Despite the fact that today the line between professional and household tools was noticeably rubbed, this did not affect the classification of jigsaws. Let's consider what groups such equipment is divided into. The main ones are:

  • Professional network jigsaws;
  • Professional rechargeable batteries;
  • Household network;
  • Household battery equipment;
  • Industrial apparatus.

You need to understand what is the difference between these groups.

Mains and battery professional jigsaws and their features

Network equipment is more powerful than battery equipment. After all, if you imagine the power of a storage battery, comparable to the power grid, then it will be heavy and cumbersome. A logical question arises: "Why then such a battery?" The only drawback of network equipment is considered to be its "attachment" to. If you need to do work on the street, you will have to pull the extension cord, and this is not always convenient.

Professional equipment is distinguished by advanced functionality, settings for the position of the blades (files), power and endurance (the ability to work in aggressive environments and a rigid rhythm).

Good to know! If you need a jigsaw for your home, and it will be used infrequently, you should not purchase professional equipment, the cost of which is several times higher.


Household electric jigsaws of network and battery type

Household equipment is less powerful. But it is enough for housework. Studies have confirmed that such equipment, with a power of 350 W, is capable of sawing boards with a thickness of 70 mm. And household jigsaws offered by the manufacturer today consume 600 ÷ 700 watts. Draw conclusions.

A household jigsaw, despite its sufficient power, is only suitable for short-term work. Home workshop, where the owner is engaged in wood processing "for the soul" - this is their element. But if planned, a household jigsaw will not work. Here you need a professional device capable of working 7-8 hours a day.

Industrial jigsaws: differences from professional

Industrial devices are stationary. They represent. The wood is cut on them differently than with an industrial jigsaw - not the device moves, but the material.

Such machines are installed in workshops and rarely move from place. They are used in the furniture industry and can work up to 24 hours a day. Home master, regardless of employment in woodworking, such units are useless - their cost is significant.


Having summarized the information provided, we will answer the question of which is better to buy a jigsaw for the house as follows: if no construction is planned, and the jigsaw is needed only periodically, the option with a household tool will do. For a construction site or small furniture production - professional.

The best jigsaw blades: selection criteria

Before buying a blade, you need to clarify which shank is suitable for your electric jigsaw model. There are only 4 options, and now we will consider them:

Photo Shank designation Explanations

T-shapedThe first manufacturer to introduce such a shank was BOSH. Today such giants as "Makita", "Metabo", "Hitachi", "Skil", "AEG", "DeWalt", "Sparky", "Interskol" have switched to such liners.

U-shapedShank for shoe and screw clamps. Installed on old Skil, DeWalt, Wolf, Ryobi, Stayer, Black & Decker models.

Makita shankOld Makita models only

Which one is better to say is impossible. If it is not a Chinese counterfeit, then the quality is not disputed. The main thing is that the shank fits to the tool seat. The length of the canvases varies in the range of 40 ÷ 250 mm. But when purchasing files, it is worth taking into account the capabilities of the tool, its power.

Which jigsaw to choose and what to look for when buying

Before choosing an electric jigsaw for your home, in addition to power, you should pay attention to:

  • the maximum stroke rate of the rod - a frequency of 3,000 ÷ 3,200 strokes per minute will be sufficient for operation;
  • cutting depth - this parameter determines the thickness of the material that the tool can cut;
  • additional functions - this can be an adjustment of the angle of inclination of the sole, a smooth start, maintaining the speed under load, blowing off chips, a backlight or a laser cut-off pointer.

When purchasing electrical equipment, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with the certificate of conformity for the product and clarify the terms and rules of warranty service from the seller-consultant. The device must be in perfect condition, without chips, cracks or scratches. Quality equipment is supplied by the manufacturer in plastic cases.

After checking the functionality of the tool in the store, the seller is obliged to fill out the warranty card with the buyer, affixing the date of sale and a seal. If even one of these conditions is not met, it is better to refuse the purchase. After all, even an inexpensive model can ruin the mood if it stops working on the second day.

TOP 10 best jigsaws of 2017-2018

In the rating of electric jigsaws, we will consider the brands and models of household appliances that became the most purchased at the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018. We will not give the cost, we will talk about it later. Our task now will be to understand which of the models are the most popular and for what reasons.

10th place - jigsaw AEG PST 500 X 428260

Despite the fact that this tool is in tenth place, you cannot call it bad - others did not make it into the TOP-10 at all. It was not only the power (only 440 W) that failed this jigsaw. The power button, located inconveniently (at the top of the handle), often fails (according to customer reviews). There is no speed regulator, as well as control of the cutting line.


Jigsaw "AEG PST 500 X 428260" - tenth place, but it is in the TOP

9th place - network Bort BPS-800-Q

The Bort BPS-800-Q jigsaw could compete for a higher place, but with a power of 800 W and a cutting depth of only 80 mm in wood, this is impossible. Although he takes 10 mm steel. The tool weighs 2.6 kg. Buyers note the oddities in the work. When sawing wood thicker than 50 mm, the blade pulls to the side. Plus - blowing off sawdust from the cut.


Jigsaw "Bort BPS-800-Q" - problems with cutting wood, thicker than 50 mm

8th place - electric jigsaw Interskol MP-100E

Powerful 705 W unit. The cutting depth for wood is 100 mm, for steel - 10 mm. Weight approx. 3 kg. Of the shortcomings, the owners note strong vibration (which will subsequently lead to loosening of parts) and the fact that on long cuts the tool does not hold a given strip well.


7th place - stylish and ergonomic Ruobi CJS 180L

The 18 V battery only allows you to work with 40 mm thick wood, which is a rather mediocre figure. Blade speed - up to 2 100 units / min. The reducer is rather weak and consists of plastic gears. This means that if the permissible material thickness is exceeded, the teeth can "lick". The advantage is the laser pointer of the cut and smoothness, softness of work. Seventh place in today's rating.


6th place - features of Metabo STEB 65 Quick

With a power of 450 W, the cutting depth for wood is only 65 mm, for soft metals - 6 mm. Quite modest characteristics for network equipment. True, and the weight is small - less than 2 kg. Supports the system of instant change of canvases, there is no backlight. Those who have purchased this tool complain about insufficient blade holder adjustment.


5th place - Dewalt DCS331 cordless jigsaw

The running frequency of this electric jigsaw is higher - 3000 units / min. The cutting depth for wood is 135 mm, for soft metals - 10 mm. Backlight working area missing, which is upsetting. There is no connection to a vacuum cleaner or a dust collector either, instead of blowing off the sawdust. Weight over three kg. Fifth place.


4th place - jigsaw with a powerful battery AEG BST 18X

The battery of this model is 18 V, but the cut thickness is small. It is 40 mm for wood and 10 mm for soft metals. The belt speed is 2050 movements per minute, weight - 3.5 kg. With such a powerful battery and the significant weight of the characteristics could be better, and therefore the fourth place.


3rd place - famous Makita JV0600K

Powerful 650 W device. The possible cutting thickness for wood is 90 mm, for soft metals - 20 mm, for steel - 10 mm. Installed rheostat for limiting the maximum speed (wheel behind the handle). Weight - 2.4 kg. Instant change of canvases, the ability to connect to. The disadvantage is the lack of illumination of the cutting place and the third place in the rating.


2nd place - electric jigsaw Hitachi CJ 14 DSL

Cordless device with a power supply of 14.4 V. Cutting depth - 135 mm for wood and 10 mm for soft metal. It is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner to collect sawdust. Replacing the canvases is simple - you just need to press two buttons on the sides and the latch is removed. Equipped with kerf strips. Weight 2.6 kg (with battery). Deserved second place in today's rating of jigsaws 2017-2018.


1st place - as always ahead of German quality - Bosch GST 65B

Wood, plastic and aluminum are no problem for this tool. The right blade can handle these materials with ease. During the tests, this jigsaw, although with difficulty, coped with the profiled sheet and metal of 3 mm, which already says a lot. Possible thickness of non-ferrous (soft) metals - up to 12 mm, and wood - up to 65 mm.


The power of the Bosch GST 65B electric jigsaw is only 400 W at a rotor speed of 3,100 rpm. A convenient tool, durable in work, deserved first place in the rating.

The jigsaw has universal capabilities for processing any materials at home. Any master engaged in construction, repair, wood carving, carpentry, has this type of tool. To know how to choose an electric jigsaw from the wide range offered in specialized stores, you need to understand the basic technical characteristics. Manufacturers endow the manufactured models with various additional functions, which is reflected in the price of the tool. However, these functions are not always in demand in practice. This means that when choosing one cannot be guided only by the cost of the model, thinking that the more expensive the tool, the better. Then what are the criteria for choosing a jigsaw?

A jigsaw, or jigsaw for short, refers to hand tool equipped with an electric drive. The small size of this instrument affects its weight, which is practically not felt. With the help of a jigsaw, you can quickly and efficiently perform the following types of work:

  • straight cuts in materials such as wood, plastic, drywall. metal sheet, laminate, ceramic tiles, etc.;
  • curvilinear cut of any of the above materials;
  • cutting round holes of the required diameter;
  • cutting of rectangular holes.

The purpose of the jigsaw is to perform a large number of operations both for longitudinal and transverse cutting of sheet material, and for curly cutting.

Example: An electric jigsaw, produced in the Netherlands by Skil, is used in the home to make straight cuts in parts made of wood and other materials.

Design features of a jigsaw electric saw

The material is cut using a special saw, driven by an electric motor. The frequency of reciprocating movements made by the file vertically reaches 3500 strokes per minute. To install the mechanism, a support platform is used, which is otherwise called a plate or sole. The base plate is used as a guide and ensures high accuracy of cutting the material by maintaining a constant distance to the work surface.

The ability to rotate the support platform at an angle of up to 45 degrees allows you to change the incline of the cut. The platform is usually made of steel, aluminum or high-strength plastic. Manufacturers cover the file with a transparent protective screen made of plexiglass (organic glass), which ensures the safety of work.

Jigsaws also differ in the type of handle design, which can be:

  • staple shape that allows you to see the cutting line well;
  • mushroom-shaped, facilitating work on inclined planes.

The type of handle does not affect the quality of work, and therefore the tool is chosen according to this criterion, based only on personal preferences.

The design of an electric jigsaw designed for professional use, equipped with many additional functions that facilitate the operation of this type of hand tool

The Hitachi cordless jigsaw, produced by a well-known Japanese company, is designed to work in places inaccessible for connecting the tool to the mains

If you plan to use the jigsaw without connecting to the power supply, then purchase battery models. Just keep in mind that the use of this tool is limited in time. The power of battery models is usually low.

Additional power tool functions

Here's what can be included in the jigsaw design:

  • Stroke frequency adjustment function used when working with different kinds materials. The choice of the stroke frequency can be carried out not only before the start of the operation, but also during it by firmly pressing the start release button. Thus it is possible to increase the productivity of work. True, such a mode of operation of the power tool turns into a rapid wear of the working blade.
  • Multi-stage pendulum mechanism common to all modern models jigsaws, allows the saw to perform additional horizontal movements (both in the direction of sawing and vice versa) and to cut the material only when moving "up". This function increases productivity without reducing the service life of the saw, but contributes to a deterioration in the quality of the cut surface. Therefore, it is recommended to disable this function when making a finishing cut. This recommendation should be followed when working with sheet steel and hardwood.
  • Function of illumination of the working area with a lamp, built into the jigsaw design, increases the degree of convenience when working in low natural light conditions.
  • Availability of a system for quick replacement of files facilitates the process of removing the worn-out cutting blade by pressing a special lever.
  • Automatic sawdust blowing function a fan that cools the engine, allows you to free the cutting line from the formed sawdust and settling dust.
  • The ability to connect the power tool to the vacuum cleaner through a special branch pipe provides quick cleaning of the working surface from waste, which improves the visibility of the cutting line.
  • The presence of a device for turning the file, thanks to which the working blade can be rotated 360 degrees, allows cutting circles of different diameters in the material.
  • Angle lock is necessary to secure the position of the tool at an angle from zero degrees to 45 degrees.

Which of these you need - it's up to you to choose.

Professional or household appliance?

Electric jigsaws, like all power tools, are available for both professional and domestic use. In everyday life, the equipment is not used so intensively, therefore its power is inferior to professional models designed for continuous operation. Typical for household tools and a small number of additional functions, as well as a minimum working resource, which is quite enough for a single use of the electric jigsaw for its intended purpose. Prices for household models of electric jigsaws are 2-3 times lower than for professional models.

When choosing, take into account the fact that with household low-power jigsaws you can cut parts made of wood that have a thickness of no more than 70 mm, and from steel - no more than 2-4 mm. Professional models with high power and productivity can cut wood up to 135 mm thick, aluminum sheets - up to 20 mm, steel sheets - up to 10 mm. Knowing the thickness of the material that you will be cutting, it is easy to determine which jigsaw is best for this operation. Household power tools are produced in China and Poland. A quality tool for professionals is produced in Germany, Japan, Sweden.

Cutting round holes of various diameters with an electric jigsaw in wood, steel and other sheet materials is done quickly and smoothly

Model of a jigsaw (electric jigsaw) designed for professional use, produced by a well-known power tool on the market a German company Bosch

The main criteria for choosing a specific model

The main indicator that you should immediately pay attention to is the power of the tool. Remember that for household models, this figure is from 350 to 500 watts, and for professional models - from 700 watts. The depth of cut, the duration of the period of uninterrupted operation, and the service life of the tool depend on the power of the jigsaw.

Important! For powerful models, more weight is also characteristic, which is important when working with a hand-held power tool.

An equally important criterion is the number of moves per minute. Indeed, the speed of work, as well as the cleanliness of the cut, depends on the value of this indicator. For most models, the number of strokes per minute ranges from 0 to 2700-3100. Although there are jigsaws, in which this figure reaches 3500 strokes / min.

The comfort of using the power tool depends on the saw blade changing system, which can be fixed either with screws or with a clamping device. In the latter case, the replacement of the blade is carried out in an accelerated version without the use of a special tool.

Please note that it is only possible to adjust the stroke rate if you are going to use the jigsaw for processing different building materials... Some sheet materials are cut at certain values ​​of this indicator.

If health is expensive, then purchase models that can be connected to a vacuum cleaner. This function protects the eyes and respiratory system from fine dust generated while working with the tool, and also allows you to hold workplace clean.

The presence in the set of replaceable files, special oils for lubricating work surfaces, screwdrivers and other little things is a nice addition to the product. However, all this can be bought, if necessary, in the same specialized stores and service centers opened by manufacturers.

Lightweight and silent Makita jigsaws are of high quality workmanship and a large number of additional functions. The tool is produced at the company's own factories located in Japan, USA, Great Britain, China, Romania

Jigsaws are produced by such well-known companies as Bosch, Makita, Meister, Hitachi, Metabo, Skil. Before choosing a jigsaw of a specific manufacturer, pay attention to specifications similar models sold under other brands. With this approach, you can purchase the right tool for less money.

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