Sawing. How to use a jigsaw: setting up, sawing, maintenance and safety Methods for attaching a saw blade to a manual jigsaw

The efficiency of the sawing tool largely depends on the quality of its cutting part. In the case of a jigsaw, the work is also affected by the correct installation of the saw blade, which, in this device, is a consumable item that requires periodic replacement. Most frequent problems with the installation of the cutting element, arise due to inexperience among the newly minted tool owners. To clarify this issue once and for all, this short but informative guide with visual videos was created.

Varieties of jigsaws

Before moving on to the immediate specifics that describe the installation process of the file, it is worth clarifying the types of tools involved. Since the “jigsaw” device has quite a few incarnations, we inform you in advance that in this guide we will touch on 3 of its varieties: manual, electric and stationary. Band-saw, which is also sometimes called a jigsaw, will not appear in this article. Now a few words about each type of devices under consideration.

Manual jigsaw

Most cheap option a tool for making a figured cut of wood and its derivatives. When using special blades, it can be used for cutting thin metal. The speed of work and the quality of the cut, entirely depends on the experience and physical data of the worker. It is quite easy to use and does not require many hours of study.

Electric jigsaw

A more advanced and expensive type of tool for straight, transverse, bevel and figured cuts. Depending on the installed saw blades, it can work with wood, plastic, metal and even ceramics. It has a high frequency of the saw stroke, due to which the quality and accuracy of the cut are usually reduced. Sometimes electric jigsaw rightly called manual, since, during use, it must be held. This tool is considered one of the most popular in everyday life, yielding in popularity only to a screwdriver and a drill.

Stationary jigsaw

Very convenient and functional machine for amateur and professional work. Widely used in industry and at home. Works with thin files, like a manual jigsaw, but in cutting speed it is not inferior to an electric one. The main advantage of using a stationary jigsaw is absolute freedom both hands, which allows you to more accurately control the position of the workpiece during processing. The device copes well with straight cuts, but primarily intended for curly cuts.

Having finished with a brief description of the devices, you can proceed to the main issue of the article. Let's look at how to insert a canvas into a jigsaw and what nuances should be taken into account. Let's start with electric models.

How to insert a saw blade into a jigsaw

In more than 30 years of active existence on the tool market, the electric jigsaw has undergone many changes that have not bypassed the clamping design. Modern and outdated device models have an identical structure and huge differences in details. To date, the fastening of a file in an electric jigsaw can be presented in 3 variations: shoe, screw and quick-clamp. The first 2 types can be attributed to one group, and the last one can be divided into 3 common mechanisms. Let's see what each type of mount is, how to use it.

Shoe fastening

One of the most common types of saw blade clamps. It consists of a block and two screws that tighten it to the movable stem. Of the advantages of this element, one can single out its versatility. The screws for fastening the nail file of the jigsaw have a decent margin of tightening, which allows you to install blades with different types liners. A negative point when using such a clamp can be a distortion of the file during installation, which can complicate the work and cause damage to the tool.

Replacing the saw blade in the shoe mount is quite simple. The screw heads are usually sharpened for a small hexagon that comes with the device and is located on the case or cable. First of all, it is necessary to loosen the screws one by one (without unscrewing completely) and remove the old file. When the fastener is free, we insert a new saw blade into it (teeth forward) and alternately, evenly tighten the bolts. It is better to twist smoothly, one half turn, and the second one in the same way. When doing this, make sure that the file is at an angle of exactly 90 ° with respect to the sole of the jigsaw. Having tightened the canvas with sufficient force, you can get to work.

screw fastening

A more convenient and reliable type of fastening, like the previous one, can fix files with different types of shanks. It has only one clamping screw located on the side. The undoubted advantage is the relatively simple and quick replacement of the file, compared with the shoe mount. The fixation of the canvas is quite even, but it will not be superfluous to check the angle during installation.

Installing the blade in such a clip is extremely simple. First of all, we loosen the fixing screw and take out the unnecessary canvas. Next, we insert a new file into an empty groove and gradually tighten it, periodically evaluating the evenness of its location. You should not make too strong a stretch, since a file tightened to the limit will vibrate quite strongly during operation, lowering the quality of the cut.

Quick clamp
As can be understood from the name, this species fastening is the most convenient. It does not require a special key and allows you to change the file in a few seconds. Unfortunately, the small pluses of saving time overlap with quite significant minuses. First, it is not universal. Only blades with a certain type of shanks can be installed in it. Secondly, the reliability of fixation in most models leaves much to be desired. Of course, the original jigsaws of trusted brands have a high-quality quick-clamping system, but sooner or later it becomes unusable. The unique components of the mechanism cause serious difficulties in repair, making it almost impossible.

Yet, despite negative sides quick-clamping fastening, it significantly speeds up the process of working with different types of materials and has a significant right to exist. There are 3 subspecies in total. this device, distinguished by the location of the levers: front, side and radial.

To understand how to change a jigsaw file in a quick-release mount, just repeat a couple of elementary steps. We bend the movable lever, and holding it with your finger, insert the blade shank into the groove. When the shank is immersed, release the lever and slightly bring the file. The mechanism should click into place, making a characteristic click, which will indicate that the tool is ready for work. To get a clearer idea, we recommend watching the video below on how to insert a file into a jigsaw.

File clamp repair

Unfortunately, many manufacturers of power tools often save on materials, which reduces the life of manufactured devices. The clamp for the saw blade of the jigsaw is also subject to periodic breakdowns, which has serious pressure during operation. Below, we will tell you what can happen to the shoe mount and how to fix the breakdown.

With prolonged use of the jigsaw, due to the loads on the blade attachment point, the block clamp can be seriously deformed. Damage can be minor, expressed by slight deformation of the pad, and very serious, turning the part into a useless piece of metal.

by the most simple option restoring the performance of your jigsaw, there will be a purchase and installation of a new, identical block. A similar element can be found at construction markets, in tool stores. Fortunately, there are such details, quite often. At the same time, it is not a fact that the quality of the new mount will be better or at least not worse than the old one. The main thing is that the tool can work. Video, on installing a new pad, see below.

longer and reliable option suitable for advanced craftsmen with experience and set necessary equipment. The next way is to make a saw blade holder for a jigsaw with your own hands. To make your own pad, you will need:

Piece of steel: 18x15x15 (length, width, height)
Hacksaw for metal
Bulgarian with a disc for metal (preferably diamond)
Drill with a 4 mm metal drill
Vise
Ruler or caliper

The manufacturing process is extremely clear for an experienced tinsmith, but for greater clarity it is shown in the following photos.

If you do not have enough skills in working with metal, we recommend that you give the following drawing to the nearest turning shop, where the part will be made to order.

How to insert a file into a manual jigsaw

As a rule, using a conventional manual jigsaw, there are far fewer problems associated with it than with its more advanced, electric counterparts. Be that as it may, there are several useful recommendations for this tool, some of which relate to the installation of the saw blade. Let's make it clear how to correctly insert a file into a manual jigsaw without complicating it. further process sawing.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the very location of the file in the attachment points. For the best grip, the tails of the file should not be clamped at the edge or behind the screw, but 1-2 mm in front of it, as indicated in the image above. Before installation, remember that the teeth of the blade are always directed towards the handle, as sawing occurs when the tool is moving down.

First, the edge of the file should be fixed at the handle. Next, you need to slightly squeeze the edges of the arc and tighten the other end of the web in the opposite mount. To do this, you can rest the tool against the edge of the workbench and press on it with your chest. At the same time, insert the file into the grooves with one hand, and tighten the wing mount with the other. If the size of the fasteners does not allow them to be securely fixed by hand, you can slightly tighten them with pliers. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to break the thread.

For jigsaws with a tubular arc, there is special device, which, in most cases, is part of the saw table. This product consists of 2 round grooves located on the edge of the board. The tool is inserted into the recesses, after which the file is calmly tightened in the clamps. You can learn how to insert a file into a manual jigsaw in more detail in the video below.

How to install a saw blade in a jigsaw

Considering how to install a saw blade in a jigsaw, we could not ignore the most advanced type of this device. When working on a stationary jigsaw, thin blades with pins at the ends are used, similar to those used in hand tools. Some models have adapters for working with files without pins, but this feature is considered quite rare. If you have become the owner of such a machine recently and do not yet know how to insert a blade into a jigsaw of this type, just read the following text.

The indisputable advantage of pin files is their ease of installation, which does not require unscrewing and tightening the clamps. In any jigsaw machine, special grooves are provided where the ends of the blade are placed and fixed. First of all, the file is installed in the lower fastening element, and then in the upper one. teeth installed canvas must look down and point towards the operator. After making sure that the location of the cutting side is correct, it remains to tighten using a special lever located in the opposite part of the device, from above. To check the tension, tap lightly on the file with your fingernail, as you would on a guitar string. A high sound will mean that the canvas is ready to work.

The installation of files without pins is implemented differently in each device, but absolutely everywhere it happens through adapters. First of all, it is necessary to tighten the tails of the web into the adapter, and then fix assembled structure in the fixtures of the machine. To more clearly see how to properly insert a file into a jigsaw, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following video.

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A jigsaw in the household is an indispensable thing. Modern models of electric jigsaws can cut not only wood. They can also handle plastic and aluminum and even ceramics. But for each material, you should purchase your files. How to choose the right file for the material, and how to insert the file into the jigsaw, will be discussed in this material.

Common in files

Regardless of the clamping system of the jigsaw itself, all files have the same, standard slots for the holder. Therefore, look for files for some specific model jigsaw is not needed. They are perfect for any model. But how to insert a file into a jigsaw, it will already depend on how the mount itself on the power tool is designed.

The difference in files

Looking at the shop window, you can see that some saw blades have large teeth, while others have smaller ones. This is what says that each file has its own material. It can be understood that a file with large teeth is more suitable for soft wood, while cutting metal blanks can only be done with a file with fine teeth.

Files differ both in the materials from which they are made and in length. A more detailed classification will be given below.

Classification of saw blades for electric jigsaws

Sometimes, with some saws, specialists make cuts in different materials. We will be guided by the advice of experienced experts and explain why it is best to use this or that file, based on their recommendations.

T101D - large teeth, so the cut will be rough, but the fastest. Great for ordinary wood (timber, board). Handles chipboard and plywood.
T101B - the teeth are smaller, and therefore the edges of the punch will be kept clean. Suitable for plywood and plexiglass.
T101BR - the letter "R" at the end means reverse. So the teeth are located in the opposite direction, even though the file itself is the same. It is best to cut glued wood, laminate with such files.
T119VO - due to the thin cross section saw blades, you can perform very accurate figured cutting on materials such as fiberboard or chipboard, keeping their edges as clean as possible.
T118A - fine teeth and high-strength steel of such saw blades allow them to make cuts in metal blanks and plastic.
T224D - great for sawing/cutting aluminum blanks.

Features of fasteners in electric jigsaws

Now that we have figured out a little with the choice and purpose of the files, we will figure out how to correctly insert the file into the jigsaw. Let's start with the fact that each company is constantly striving to improve tool mounts, making them more comfortable and simple, and not at the expense of reliability. Manufacturers correctly believe that the less hassle the tool will deliver during the maintenance process, the more likely it is that they will purchase it. But, meanwhile, there are still early models, the fastening of the files in which are far from perfect. We will analyze the types of running fasteners and how to insert a file into a jigsaw, based on each fastener, in more detail.

Clip-on fastening (shoe type)

This is becoming less and less common today. The shank of the file is inserted into the slot of the clamp and the bolts are wrapped. In the process, the saw blade is adjusted, otherwise some distortion may occur, and the cut will be far from ideal. The advantage of such clamps is that any kind of saw blades with any shank configuration are suitable for such jigsaws.

Sometimes there are fasteners with just one bolt. For example, some models of the German company Protool are equipped with such mounts. How to insert a file into a German electric jigsaw, and how to adjust it then? Everything is done simply. The shank of the file is inserted into the slot of the clamp, and the bolt is wrapped. No special settings are needed here anymore.

Most of the current models of jigsaws designed for domestic use. If the clamp is frontal, the key is in front, if it is side, respectively, on the side. To equip the tool with a file, you just need to press the key, insert the file into the slot of the clamp and release the key.

In new models of jigsaws, changing the file is even easier. For example, for those who are interested in the question of how to insert a file into a Makita electric jigsaw, let's say that often in the latest household class models, the quick-release key is pressed by pressing a protrusion (key) located on the front small casing of the upper protection that fits the front part . The rim of the casing in this case moves forward from the edge from which the pressing is carried out, the saw shank is inserted into the slot of the holder, the key is released, the casing is in place, and along the way, the saw shank is fixed in the mount.

You can verify the strength and operation of the fastener by pulling on the file. If it doesn't come out, then everything is fine. It would be useful to recall that it is strictly forbidden to take on the saw blade when the tool is connected to the mains (with a battery - not on the fuse).

This is one of the varieties of quick-release fasteners. The jigsaws of the German company Stayer are often equipped with this. How to insert a file into a jigsaw with a clamping mechanism of this configuration? Everything is simple. We scroll the head of the clamp to the side, insert the file with the shank into the slot of the clamp to failure, release the head. For those who do not understand anything or are too lazy to read, you can watch the following video.

So, as can be seen from the above, there is nothing difficult either in choosing consumables or in replacing files. By by and large- press the key, the old file pops out, insert a new one into the slot in its place, release the key. Everything is ready. You can work.

How to work with a manual jigsaw

In this lesson, we will show you the basics of working with a conventional manual jigsaw. Of course, a jigsaw can also be electric, but it costs a lot of money, and working on it is already a pursuit of speed, and not a calm, moderate creation of beauty.

For work, we need: a manual jigsaw, a file, a stand on the table, a clamp for attaching the stand to the table, an awl, a pencil, two paper clips, a sheet of tracing paper, a sheet of carbon paper, sandpaper and, of course, a piece of plywood the right sizes. We will cut out a Christmas tree, in this work, in addition to the sawing technique, we will also master the technique of assembling plywood parts into a three-dimensional Christmas tree figure and the easiest way to finish the finished product using ordinary watercolor paint.

The size of the plywood should correspond to the pattern you have chosen, try to place the sawn parts more compactly, denser to each other, since everything that remains after sawing out, as a rule, can no longer be used in further work because of its fragility. And so we clean the selected piece of plywood sandpaper, trying to drive it along the fibers, since transverse scratches will be very visible on finished product and they are very difficult to remove later, and the plywood treated with free fibers looks velvety and soft.

The sandpaper should be medium grit to scratch the plywood less.

Fasten the tracing paper sheet and the drawing with the help of clips, then copy the drawing onto the tracing paper with a pencil. This operation is necessary in order not to damage the original drawing when transferring it to plywood.

It should be immediately noted that when modern level distribution and accessibility of a copier, with large-scale and complex patterns for cutting out, it is good to use a copier and the necessary pattern just needs to be copied onto a blank sheet of paper and then transferred from it to plywood. The advantage of this method is also that it is quite easy to enlarge or reduce the drawing chosen for work. We impose a tracing paper with a pattern on plywood and a pencil, through a carbon paper we transfer it to its front side.

Having transferred the entire drawing to plywood, we carefully check whether all the lines of the drawing are clearly visible on plywood.

At the next stage, it is very important to check the future knots of the interconnection of the Christmas tree parts. To do this, a piece of plywood of the same thickness that we are using needs to be attached to the drawn groove of the Christmas tree part and make sure that it fits exactly within the drawn borders. If the dimensions of the groove and the thickness of the plywood do not match, the width of the groove is corrected - it is drawn equal to the thickness of the plywood used. Otherwise, when assembling the finished parts, they will hang out or simply will not fit into each other. So all the grooves in all the drawings of the parts are checked.

We take the stand and insert its clamp into the central hole.

We fix the stand with a clamp on the edge of the table, window sill or workbench.

If your file is not inserted into the jigsaw, then we do it in the following sequence. We loosen the lamb of the lower clamp of the jigsaw (after turning the handle to the bottom - to the working position). We insert the file into the lower clamp.

The direction of the teeth of the file should be as in figure "b" - this is very important.

Then, loosening the lamb of the upper clamp, insert the upper end of the file into it and placing the jigsaw on the stand, press it with force and screw the lamb tightly. The file must be pulled tight. But excessively strong tension can lead to breakage of the file during figured cutting, and a weak file tension will also lead to the same. So everything should be in moderation.

The position of the body when sawing out should be as in the figure.

When sawing with a jigsaw, you need to smoothly move your hand up and down, up and down, watching the position of the file so that it does not tilt from a vertical position. When sawing along a curly line, turn the plywood, not the jigsaw, during the sawing process - this will reduce the likelihood of breaking the file.

When sawing sharp corners, make the movements of the file in place, gradually turning the plywood.

You should have a free space - a hole in which the file will turn, now continue to cut in the right direction.

Make free space for turning the file on that part of the plywood that will be thrown out and you will easily get sharp corners.

After the entire contour of the drawing has been cut out, the sawn part will freely be taken out of their plywood.

Now, in order not to break the file, insert it into the cut from which the part was started and smoothly moving the jigsaw up and down, but only pull it out of the plywood with the back of the file.

Cut out the second part of the Christmas tree in the same way.

Treat the resulting parts with sandpaper.

Now we have two Christmas tree parts ready for assembly.

We collect them in one design.

Now paint the Christmas tree with watercolors or gouache.

All our Christmas tree is ready.

And at the end of the lesson, we will show you the sequence of cutting out internal holes in parts. Let's say we need to cut out part of the circle.

In the middle of the removed part of the part, we pierce a hole with an awl. Don't try to make the hole close to the drawn line, this can cause the plywood to chip, which will be pretty ugly.

Having loosened the upper clamp of the jigsaw, and having released the file, we introduce its upper end from below into the punctured hole.

We clamp the file into the upper clamp of the jigsaw and cut out the part of the picture to be removed.

Then again we release the file from the upper clamp. And we repeat this operation with each inner hole of the pattern.

The Christmas tree turned out to be stable and quite strong, for greater stability, the joined parts of the parts can be smeared with some kind of glue that does not leave marks on the tree - this is PVA glue, carpentry or casein glue.

A jigsaw is a tool familiar to many men since childhood, from school labor lessons. Its electric version is currently one of the most popular hand tools which greatly facilitated the work of home craftsmen. Unlike hand saw, this electrical appliance needs more attention, especially its most important element - a movable assembly with a removable file.

What can be a saw holder?

The saw blade is attached to the moving rod of the jigsaw by means of a saw holder - one of the most vulnerable parts of the unit. It is the blade holder that experiences the greatest loads during the operation of the device, this device especially suffers when using a blade with dull teeth, which is sometimes allowed by inexperienced craftsmen.

The material for this part is supposed to be of the highest quality, but not all manufacturers think the same way. Often it is the saw blade that needs to be repaired or replaced first. Modern power tool manufacturers are constantly working to improve this assembly.

This has led to a wide variety of saw blade holders used for electric jigsaws.

The earliest design is a bolted clamp-block. Although many firms have long since moved away from this option, models where this archaic mount is used are still found. There are two bolts on this block. One clamps the canvas, and the second allows you to adjust its position.

Both bolts must be unscrewed or tightened when mounting or dismounting the saw blade. Their heads are made for a flat screwdriver or a hex key. For such blocks, the shape and thickness of the saw shank often does not matter. There are models with one bolt. It is not necessary to adjust such a latch, the file is simply clamped by turning the bolt.

Quick release mount installed on most modern models jigsaws. pressing special key releases the clamp, and the blade comes out easily from the mount. The same manipulation will make it easy to insert the file into the slot. Such a device does not need to be adjusted, it is devoid of bolts. This type of mount is divided into two subtypes, according to the position of the movable key mechanism: side and front.

Radial clamp - a type of quick-clamp fastening. In units equipped with such a node, inserting a file is even easier. The device must be rotated 90 degrees, insert the file into the slot and release, under the action of the spring, the clamp will return to its original position and automatically fix the blade shank. All quick-clamping fasteners have a strict limitation on the thickness of the blade and the shape of its shank.

Some craftsmen prefer to make this knot with their own hands, thus trying to increase its working time. Indeed, it is not always possible to buy a part of the same quality. You can make a saw holder-block from a steel bar with a side length of no more than 2 cm. The following tools are needed for work: a drill, a hacksaw, a grinder, a vise, an accurate tape measure, a caliper.

Using an old part, you need to try to copy it by making a homemade one from a bar. If there is no skill in such work, it is better not to waste time, but to show the old saw holder and workpiece experienced master. If you still decide to do it yourself, be patient and, just in case, prepare a couple more blanks.

When replacing a saw blade in a jigsaw, you should pay attention to the condition of the attachment point - the most vulnerable part of the entire tool. Over time, backlash, beating of the blade, displacement of the cut from the markup may appear.

All these signs indicate an imminent problem with the fastening and it is better to find out their cause at an early stage.

How to insert a file into a jigsaw?

An electric jigsaw is not that old a tool, it is about 30 years old. Having changed little constructively, it has gone quite far from the prototype in terms of ease of operation and power. The mount holding the canvas has undergone the greatest upgrades. Shoe markings - the knot is quite simple and inserting a file into it is usually not difficult, especially since the shape of its shank and the thickness for such an attachment do not matter at all.

To put the file in the block, you need to slightly loosen both mounting bolts counterclockwise. The canvas is inserted with teeth forward, then the bolts are tightened alternately, evenly. You need to make sure that there is no skew of the canvas. You need to pull hard enough.
If there is one screw on the saw holder, then it will also be easy to change the files, you only need to tighten one bolt. To properly install the canvas, you need to check its position from time to time, slightly adjusting it with your hand. Tightening to failure is not recommended, this creates excessive vibration and may affect the quality of the cut.

In quick-clamping devices, replacing the file is even easier: pressing and holding the key, insert the shank of the corresponding file, release the key. If a click is heard, then the shank is fixed with a saw holder.
The radial mount is just as easy to handle. If the jigsaw has this fixation option, then when installing the saw blade it is very important not to confuse the shape of the shank. Currently, the industry produces files with two types of shanks: T-shaped and U-shaped. The first version of the files is currently the most common. The U-shaped shank has an additional hole for fixing the blade.

Jigsaw blades are divided into several main types, which can be determined by the shape and size of the teeth, as well as by marking. Various files allow you to successfully cope with cutting wood (boards), plywood, chipboard, plastic, metal, tiles, drywall, glass.

Wooden blanks are sawn using a long file with a tooth size of 3 to 5 mm, with a noticeable divorce. On such files there is an HCS marking, as well as an additional one - T101D, indicating big size teeth.
Metal can be sawn with a shorter file with 1-1.5 mm teeth and a wave-like setting; the HSS marking and the T118A index will also help in choosing a file.
For laminate, webs with a reverse slope have been developed.

In the marking of such a file there will be an index T101BR, the last letter indicates the reverse position of the teeth.

Plastic is sawn with blades average teeth (up to 3 mm) with a small wiring.
Special blades for ceramics do not have teeth at all, they are coated with carbide.
There are universal files that cut basic materials, but, of course, such products are not suitable for every job.
Models for curly cuts have a small width and index T119BO.

When operating a saw blade, one must not forget that this is a consumable material and it makes no sense to spend time sharpening dull teeth. A saw blade that has become unusable must be replaced.

How to insert into a manual jigsaw?

A manual jigsaw is a tool that has long been mastered by carpenters, its design has been honed over years of operation and has become as simple as possible. There are much fewer problems with its use and, accordingly, with the replacement of saw blades than with the electric namesake. The saw blade for this tool, as well as for the jigsaw, is a consumable. It is not repaired or sharpened.

The most problematic place is, of course, the attachment of the file. It must be installed without distortion. When fixing the web, a tight grip with the clamping bar must be ensured. The saw blade teeth must point towards the tool handle when installed. Replacing or installing a canvas in manual jigsaw required quite often.

In order to install the file in the jigsaw holders, it is necessary to fix the edge of the file on one of the ends of the handle. Then, slightly squeezing the edges of the handle (sometimes you have to lean on them with the weight of your body), insert the second edge of the file.
The file is inserted with one hand, while the lamb must be screwed with the other. For a stronger connection, if there is not enough muscle strength, you have to use pliers, in this case the main thing is not to strip the thread.
The saw needs to be changed in reverse order. If the canvas is broken, of course, it is not necessary to clamp the edges of the handle. Having loosened the wing fasteners, it is necessary to pull out the fragments of the canvas one by one.

Sometimes after a long operation it is necessary to replace the mount. It is not difficult to remove this knot from the jigsaw - the same lamb turns away.

There are manual jigsaws not with a flat, but with a tubular handle. Getting a file out of such a tool is not much more difficult. For such jigsaws, a simple device was invented. Two holes are drilled in the surface of the workbench or saw table.

The edges of the handle are inserted into them, and the file is tightened with clamping bars.

Installation in a jigsaw

Stationary jigsaws (jigsaws) are the result of the natural development of electric hand tools. When working with such a unit, both hands of the master can manipulate the material, which significantly increases productivity and facilitates work with overall workpieces.

For such electrical appliances, special blades are used, although craftsmen sometimes adapt the blades of a manual jigsaw. Pin files have a special pin at the end, which makes the fastening more secure. Pinless, respectively, do not have a special device and remain flat. Cloths can be with a divorce of teeth and without it.

Installing the file in the machine is actually quite easy.

The saw blade is fixed in special grooves, first in the bottom, and then in the top. The teeth of the blade are directed down and towards the sawyer. You need to tighten the canvas with a lever, the stretched file should ring from the impact.
Pinless files need to be tightened especially carefully, they tend to pop out of the clamping device, however, remain popular due to wide opportunities use for cutting complex-shaped products.

Possible problems

A jigsaw is a fairly reliable electrical device; during normal operation, all its components can work for quite a long time without any interruptions or interference. But the file holder, even with the most careful handling, is doomed to breakage and eventually replacement, not to mention files, replacement of which is a natural and necessary event.

A jigsaw is not a guest, but a necessary tool in the house. Working with wooden blanks and parts, metal, plastic is not the whole list of operations performed by the tool. The jigsaw itself is long-lived, which cannot be said about the cutting equipment. The saw blade wears down over time and needs to be replaced. Another option is to update the cutting tool when processing different materials.

The tool is a smaller copy of a saw with a mechanical drive. The principle of operation, like that of a manual jigsaw, familiar from childhood, is to move the file in a vertical plane. Difference from analog cutting tool.

One of the critical nodes is the saw blade attachment mechanism. There are a number of tools on the market equipped with different clamps:

Side threaded clamp. Fastening is carried out by means of a screw clamping the file shank in the slot of the mechanism. Differs in simplicity of installation of a saw cloth and reliability of fixing.
Shoe fastening. Applied in inexpensive tools household class. The threaded tool is placed in the slot. Fixation is carried out with two screws with an internal hole in the cap for a hex key. The main advantage is the ability to work with all types of shanks, of different sizes and regardless of the purpose of the saw.
Quick release mechanism. The most convenient of the presented methods. No additional wrench or tool required.

The saw blade belongs to consumables, - in the process of work it becomes dull, grinds off. Deformations due to off-design loads are possible. The main division of the cutting tool, according to the type of material being processed:

Wood and products based on it. The cutter is thicker. Tooth size up to 6mm. Wiring within 1mm. Blade length 60~150mm. Marked with the abbreviation HCS. On the side surface, the inscription “for Wood” or “for Wood” is made.

Increased accuracy is facilitated by a decrease in the size of the tooth to 3 mm, a small divorce to the sides. The inscription "clean for Wood".

Metal. They differ from “wooden” files in length (~50mm), small teeth (up to 1~1.5mm), undulating wiring. The inscription "metal" or "metal". HSS mark.
Plastic. Medium tooth (~3mm), slight set. The inscription "special for Acrylic".

Files are produced for ceramics, glass, drywall and other materials. They differ in geometric parameters and cutting part - instead of teeth, an abrasive coating is applied. Universal models are presented that work with wood, metal and plastic. Shaped cut carried out with narrow saw blades.

The only structural part that unites the files is the shank, designed to be fixed in a power tool.

Shank types

Initially, there were 5~6 kinds of saw blade ends on the market. Over time, the most popular remained:

U-shaped shank. Or, in other words, american type mounts. Used for jigsaws designed by North American manufacturers. According to geometry, it owes its name to an arcuate notch at the end of the file. Additional element fixings - a hole on the shank.
T-shaped (cruciform). European type fixation. The pioneers are the designers of the German company Bosch. In shape, the end of the file resembles a cross.

Files with similar shanks are widely represented on the market, so there should be no problems with choosing a cutting tool.

Fixing the saw blade, as mentioned above, is carried out by three types of locking mechanisms:

Quick release. From the name you can see the main advantage - a quick change of the cutting tool. But there are disadvantages:

The mechanism works only with "native", specially designed for it, types of shank. Other types will not fit.
There are restrictions on the geometric parameters of the files - in width and thickness.

Mounting order:

mechanism, - a plastic handle-block (lever), is pulled inside the jigsaw, the stem is released;
the file is inserted all the way, with the shank into the slot;
block is released - the saw blade is fixed.

ADVICE. From practical experience: there are file clips that occur due to abnormal cutting conditions (applying excessive force, a curved cut with a wide blade). Pounding, using pliers and other "brutal" tricks is extra work and the risk of damaging the tool. It’s easier, carefully disassemble the jigsaw itself and unlock the exposed locking mechanism.

2. Shoe screw fastening. By the way, it should be noted that all types of shank are suitable for this system. The order of installation of the file:

fixing screws must be loosened, – protective cover the threaded elements are shifted and the key is unscrewed (two or three turns);
in the groove (slot), with the cutting part from the jigsaw, in the direction of cutting, a file is installed;
screws (located frontally, from the bottom of the tool) are tightened with a hex wrench (should be included in the kit);
cover is returned to its place.

The main disadvantage, which manifests itself immediately or over time, is inaccurate fixation in the direction of cutting. The canvas pulls to the side. Another disadvantage is the thread breakage with excessive tightening forces. The third negative factor is the failure of the support block. It is almost always impossible to find a replacement for it, you have to grind it yourself.

3. Lateral screw fastening (on locks). It occupies an intermediate position in terms of the convenience of changing the file between the shoe fixation and the quick-clamping mechanism. Stages of work:

the side screw is untwisted;
the shank is installed in the opened groove;
the canvas is exposed visually and to the touch;
the screw is turned back.

Installation accuracy depends on the initial factory assembly. Over time individual elements wear out, play appears, the file starts to walk.

In addition to the main performance characteristics, the attachment point in the jigsaw is a mechanism that affects the accuracy of cutting the workpiece. Hence, when visually inspecting the selected tool, you need to take a closer look at the work of the fastening elements:

Check for backlash - insert the file and move, there should not be a free yaw.
Turn on the tool and try to determine the presence of blade runout. Minimal displacements are difficult to notice, but visible to the eye, indicate a poor-quality assembly.
Perform a control cut (if the seller allows). The cut must match the markup - the saw follows exactly along the path of the cut.
Evidence of reliable fastening - during the test test, the cutting tool remained in place and did not fall out of the locking mechanism.

It will not be difficult to master the method of installing a saw blade in a power tool; it is enough to carefully study the instructions that came with the product. In the further operation of the jigsaw, carefully monitor the condition of the attachment of the saw blade.