Which electric jigsaw to choose for home use. Choosing a jigsaw Optimal jigsaw for home

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An indispensable tool for many household materials processing jobs is a jigsaw. It is easy to use, powerful and compact. Many manufacturers offer this product. To choose suitable option, you need to study the characteristics of the device and our top 10 best jigsaws.

This tool is used for a wide variety of jobs.

Multifunctional tools can be divided into separate groups according to their distinctive features.

Product classification

Types of the device are classified according to the type of power supply. There are network and battery varieties.

Networked tools are powered by the mains. They have more power than their battery counterparts. Battery options are mobile. If you often have to cut building materials indoors and outdoors, then best solution will be the purchase of a network and battery electric jigsaw.

The device is known for the following advantages:

• the ability to adjust the sole;
• excellent turnover;
• versatility and smooth start;
• fastening of the file with a quick-clamping method;

Makita 4329

This device is characterized by minimal vibration, and also has a die-cast aluminum base.The model has the following advantages:

• the presence of three modes of the pendulum stroke;
• base panel adjustment;
• rubberized handle;
• kink-resistant power cord;
• connection of a vacuum cleaner;
• light weight.

AEG BST 18X

This battery model has a wide range of functions. The addition is a screen to protect the eyes and face. Its disadvantages include significant weight and high cost. The mechanism has the following advantages:

• switch for regulating the motor mechanism;
• cooling of the motor mechanism;
• cast aluminum sole;
• safety at work;
• ventilation system.

Dewalt DW 349

Quality tool with manual platform adjustment. The speed of work is regulated by a switch. For better job There are three pendulum modes. The inclination of the sole is easily adjustable. The device has the following advantages:

• little noise;
• metal gearbox housing;
• low vibration;
• light weight.

Helpful information! The overlay protects the mechanism from scratches during cutting.

Ryobi CJS 180L

This jigsaw is characterized by low weight, as well as the presence laser pointer and protective fencing. For this model, the charger and battery will need to be purchased separately. The design has the following advantages:

• excellent balance;
• there is a storage compartment for saws;
• pendulum switch;
• backlight and speed control;
• cutting guide laser.

Interskol MP-100E

This domestic model belongs to the top 10 best electric jigsaws. Low cost is an important advantage of the device. During continuous operation, cooling is provided by the aluminum gearbox housing. The device has the following advantages:

• excellent balancing of the reciprocating mechanism;
• hinged cover for cleaning the structure;
• safety at work;
• quality cooling.

Makita JV100DWE

The design is distinguished by the adjustment of the pendulum stroke, as well as low power and high efficiency. The slope of the sole is set in two directions. The model is characterized by certain advantages:

• protective screen;
• minimal vibration and noise;
• control over the number of revolutions;
• light weight.

Fiolent PM 3-600E

This jigsaw is suitable for small jobs. It is characterized by ergonomics and low weight, which allows you to do the work with one hand. The device has an anti-friction pad that allows you to process smooth materials without damage. The device has the following advantages:

• sole regulation;
• cutting speed control;
• convenience and compactness;
• low cost.

Skil 4370AA

The model has a rubberized and staple-shaped handle, which provides a comfortable grip. A slight vibration reduces fatigue. The device has advantages:

• slight vibration;
• built-in fan and backlight;
• safety is ensured by a protective shield;
• sole control;
• ergonomics.

How to choose a jigsaw for home: price overview

The table shows prices for popular models.

So that the unit does not fail in difficult situation, you need to choose a jigsaw for the house, carefully looking through its parameters. What does each number mean in the characteristics of the device and which is better to choose a jigsaw for domestic needs, is described later in the article.

General information about jigsaws

To use a jigsaw (for example, such as), you do not need special knowledge or skills. This device stands out for its simple design, and works with one push of a button. You can get to know the tool better by understanding its device and principle of operation.

Regardless of the model electric jigsaw It has:

• Handle. It is located horizontally, helps to hold the tool in operating time.
• Motor. Provides direct movement of the file. Has different power. The list of materials that will turn out to be a jigsaw "on the shoulder" depends on this value.
• file. For each material, it is different, with a unique tooth design. It can be made of various types of steel, have an additional coating for rigidity. Responsible for the accuracy and accuracy of the cut, as well as the correct angles when sawing.
• base plate. Holds the saw in a given position. You can change the angle of inclination. Some models have a scale of gradation of angles.

In addition to these basic elements, the device is also equipped with additional functionality designed to facilitate the work of the master. But more on that later.

Principle of operation

As soon as the master presses the start button, the teeth on the blade begin to cut the prepared raw material. The saw in the tool is installed in such a way that the cut of the material occurs when it moves up. It is held by strong clips and does not slip off the cut. The support roller acts as a guide in the process, and it also takes on most of the load. Such a platform is “pressed” into the material, guaranteeing 100% sawing accuracy.

In models where a pendulum stroke is provided (for example,), the blade moves not only up / down, but also (slightly) right and left. The swing range of the pendulum is adjustable by a switch.

Important! Without activating the pendulum stroke, the jigsaw runs slower, but the cut is perfect. When the pendulum is turned on, the operating time is reduced, but its quality drops.

Types of electric jigsaws

Compact home electric jigsaws are divided into the following categories:

1. By type of food:

• rechargeable– convenient due to their mobility, but require regular recharging.
• from the network- there is "attachment" to the outlet, but the power is supplied uninterruptedly.

2. According to the shape of the handle:

• staple-like- the most common type, during operation, the tool is held with one hand;
• mushroom-shaped– the handle provides for holding the unit with two hands, thereby guaranteeing the smoothest possible even cut, without burrs.

Using mushroom-shaped electric jigsaws (example -), it is important to ensure preliminary and high-quality fixation of the material being processed, just like when working with a drill.

Jigsaw selection options

When buying such a tool for the home, you can completely trust the opinion of consultants, explaining your requests to them, or you can make your own choice by comparing several models with suitable characteristics. In order to consider yourself a guru in matters of choosing a jigsaw, you must first study in detail and understand the main criteria for the unit.

Power consumption

This is the most important indicator that affects the quality of work, the range of materials for sawing and the price of the tool. For the infrequent home use power from 350 to 700 watts will be enough. It is worth considering that the more powerful the device, the larger and heavier it is.

Tools with the declared power easily saw wood, hardware, steel, as well as ceramics, plexiglass, hardboard, drywall and other building materials. The entire list of possible raw materials for work (with their main parameters) is indicated in the instructions.

Maximum stroke frequency

The value determines the speed at which the saw blade will cut through the material: the more the saw moves, the faster the job will be done. This indicator is in the range from 2500 to 3200 moves in 60 seconds. you can choose with minimum indicators.

Many manufacturers equip their tools with the ability to adjust the stroke rate. This is convenient, because each material needs its own speed of work. So, when making a cut on thick metal, you need to select the minimum speed; when sawing wood, on the contrary, the fastest revolutions are switched on to avoid cut irregularities.
You can adjust the speed using the shift lever or by pressing. The second option is ideal for those who like to cut extraordinary shapes or ornaments with a jigsaw.

Cutting depth

The characteristic is interconnected with the power indicator of the tool and will differ depending on the material. Jigsaws for domestic use can cut wood up to a maximum thickness of 50 mm and aluminum up to 10 mm. The thickness of other products is indicated in the technical parameters of the unit.

Power type

As mentioned above, the jigsaw can be powered by a battery or an outlet with a standard voltage of 220 V. When choosing for yourself, it will not be out of place to immediately think about purchasing an additional battery. The most popular are 18 V and 10.8 V.

Additional functions

A “pumped” electric jigsaw costs several times more than a regular model, but are all these bells and whistles needed for home use? Before laying out an extra hundred hryvnias, you should think more than once where this additional functionality will be applied.
Each brand tries to equip its products with special features, here are just a few examples:

• Sloped outsole. This modernization of the sole expands the range of tasks of the jigsaw. For units from the middle price range, only two positions are selected - 0 ° and 45 °, for professional options wider assortment. The angle is adjusted with a simple twist or with a special key.
• Branch pipe for automatic removal or blowing off of the received shaving. Can be connected to a vacuum cleaner. Without such an element, work will have to be stopped every time a large amount of sawdust accumulates. Such stops drag out time and can distort the cut.
• Backlight. It also affects the quality of work. Provides ideally equal lines on a cut as acts directly on a working zone.
• Laser. It serves as a guide when sawing, acting as a good alternative to the usual marking line.

Review of the best manufacturers: which company to choose

If you focus on brands, then you should choose only those that everyone has heard of. This rule also applies to electric jigsaws. On the market best models represented by 5 manufacturers. Who are they and what are their chips, the table will tell:

Manufacturer	Features of his electric jigsaws
	Household jigsaws of the brand are decorated in a green case. They have many positive reviews from consumers for build quality and long service life. All models have the SDS system, designed to quickly change the file without using additional tools. Four-stage regulation of the pendulum stroke allows you to adjust the sawing parameters. There are also built-in vibration suppression technologies and stabilizing electronics.
	The company's product range includes budget models and premium options for professionals. All jigsaws of the brand have speed regulators, the function of removing debris from the place of cut, comfortable handles with rubber pads.
	The tool is produced exclusively in Germany. The brand's jigsaws have a unique handle shape, are equipped with a saw blade stroke frequency control, a large selection of pendulum stroke modes and the ability to quickly replace components (with and without a key).
	Brand models are light, compact, consume a minimum of electricity, equipped with a steel sole. It is possible to adjust the angle in steps of 15°C. There is a function of blowing the cut zone and the ability to connect to a vacuum cleaner.
	Increased wear resistance of the tool is provided by gears made of alloy steel. The engine has a three-layer coating with heat-resistant varnish, which protects it from damage and also extends the service life by more than 50%. The rubber bushing of the bearing continues the list of advantages of the brand's electric jigsaws, which helps to reduce vibration, and when jammed, protects the body from damage. The power button has surge protection.

Universal Buyer Tips

If the master is not one of the fans of a particular brand, it makes sense to consider a few other tips on how to choose a jigsaw for home use. There are only 3 of them:

1. Check stock. Due to heavy loads on this part of the tool, it breaks most often. Majority inexpensive models equipped with a thin rod-plate, 3-4 mm thick and up to 12 mm wide. Such a plate is very fragile, and therefore for frequent use (albeit at home) is not an option. It is better to choose a tool with a round or square stem. If possible, you should definitely check the stem for backlash. Minimal fluctuations should be necessary, but strong play is a problem: it will lead to a deviation from the cut line.
2. How the saw is attached. Replacing the blade with a key increases the operating time, and therefore it is better to choose models where the file is fastened with clips or bolts.
3. Is it possible to adjust the speed. A useful option that allows you to work with any material. It is convenient when the adjustment lever “lies under your finger” and you can change the pace of work right in the process.

Be sure to remember about power. What this indicator affects is already described above.

You might also be interested in articles about other tools, such as:

Eventually

Choosing the right jigsaw will save you time and effort. With such a tool, any “mountains can be handled” by the master. In order not to get into a mess, when determining which electric jigsaw is better to buy for your home, you should first at least approximately determine the list of works for the unit. Well, then, starting from this information, view models with suitable characteristics.

We continue to discuss the choice the right tool for building and home. Let's look at several models of jigsaws, find their strengths and weaknesses, and look at the design features. Next, we will draw the necessary conclusions, and only then it will be possible to go to the store.

Ask any master finisher to voice his personal TOP-5 of the most popular, frequently used tool, and you will hear a list that will definitely include a jigsaw. For example, for me it firmly takes fourth place, after a puncher, a screwdriver and a grinder. The thing is that it is an incredibly functional, mobile, truly universal assistant. He, if necessary, albeit with some restrictions, can replace whole line other tools, which is especially important for the home craftsman. Working with an electric jigsaw is simple and interesting, everyone can do it. Even my wife, who is far from repair and construction equipment, can sometimes cut something with pleasure.

When our brigade makes the first landing on the object, the jigsaw is always with us, there has not yet been a case when it was not useful. But his absence is sometimes acutely felt. Usually, at the very beginning, it is necessary to make scaffolds, racks, and a primitive table from wood.

Most often, we use a jigsaw for curly and straight sawing of various sheet materials, such as plywood, plexiglass, OSB, chipboard, MDF, GVL, GKL, thin cement boards etc.

In the production of roofing and wooden frames we saw (often in place) a board, a rail, a not very massive beam. In the absence of another tool, a thick beam can also be cut with a jigsaw - in two passes, because it is not necessary that the saw cut through the wood.

When it comes to materials such as parquet, laminate, lining, there is nothing to talk about - the jigsaw is out of competition.

Often, during tile work, it is necessary to make a curvilinear trimming, bypass a rounded column, near which there will be no plinth, clad a box with a honeycomb outlet sewer pipe. From time to time, designers throw us a fun job. Horrible dream tiler: a radial or undulating junction of a tile, for example, to a parquet. Then it can be extremely difficult to solve the problem with grinders and tile cutters, a jigsaw comes to the rescue again - we put a saw blade with a diamond coating and millimeter by millimeter we move towards the intended goal, or rather, along the intended line.

It's no secret that you can cut profiled metal blanks with an electric jigsaw, as well as sheet metal. The need for this in my practice somehow did not arise, but for the sake of interest, of course, I tried to do it. We install a file for metal, slow down the speed to a minimum, remove the pendulum stroke and start. Well, yes, it is indeed possible.

Unlike saber, disk, chain saw, the same router, the jigsaw is held and guided with one hand, which allows the second to fix the workpiece. Thanks to this, a fairly accurate cut is obtained at a significant speed of work, since there is no need to fix the workpiece each time, you just need marking and the firm hand of the operator. By using a saw table to mount a jigsaw, you can achieve even more impressive results in terms of precision and cleanliness of the cut. Then the file goes down with the teeth, and there are no chips on the front surface, and the workpiece is moved with two hands. In general, there are two problems when working with an electric jigsaw - this is the appearance of chips and the departure of the saw blade from the vertical. In most cases, they are solved by choosing the right file and choosing the operating mode (blade speed and pendulum stroke amplitude). An important role is also played by the skill of the user and the design feature of the jigsaw.

Jigsaw device: 1 - power cord; 2 - power button; 3 - speed controller; 4 - brush assembly; 5 - electric motor; 6 - cooling fan; 7 - reducer; 8 - eccentric hinge (reciprocating mechanism); 9 - pendulum mechanism; 10 - protective limiter; 11 - support roller for sawing; 12 - air duct for removing sawdust

Fiolent PMZ-600 E

I have several jigsaws in my arsenal, each of which is focused on its own tasks. The main hard worker, whom we have been mercilessly exploiting for many years on the most complex work- this is the Fiolent PMZ-600 E. The engineers were able to create a very, very tenacious car. It can be noted that the manufacturer from Simferopol is simply famous for its successful jigsaws, as well as grinders. PMZ-600 E is a powerful and productive device that quickly copes with any task.

Wood up to 85 mm thick, steel up to 10 mm, aluminum up to 20 mm - these are not just numbers from the passport, this is a very real cutting thickness. High-torque 600-watt motor moves the rod up to 2600 times per minute for Idling, in general, the calculation of power. Many of my colleagues have such a model, no one had problems with the anchor, brushes, gearbox - all the filling was made with a margin of safety. True, a solid motor, a steel counterweight, durable metal parts could not but affect the weight of the product, which is 2.4 kg, and this is quite a lot.

The jigsaw has a switchable pendulum stroke, which helps to speed up work along a straight path, and if the difference is not particularly noticeable for thin materials, then with a large thickness, performance improves significantly. This option can be completely disabled for curved cuts or for sawing metal, ceramics.

The button, the switch-on latch, the speed controller are functioning properly. The manufacturer claims that this rather vulnerable node is of Western European production.

I heard about complaints about the quality of the stock - someone broke it, and that it needs adjustment, refinement, as it can be deployed, which is why the file strives to deviate from the working line. Everything is fine with me, the stem did not break, it cuts smoothly. It has no serious backlashes, the file is well stabilized in the transverse direction.

The stamped sole is made soundly, it is securely fixed exactly perpendicular to the canvas. It is possible to translate it into a position at 45 °, but, to be honest, I do not use this function at all. By the way, the kit included a factory plastic overlay on the sole, which prevents the appearance of black stripes from metal and scratches on the front surfaces. Unfortunately, after laying the second hectare of the parquet board, it was safely erased.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the attachment of the file. Here, perhaps, the best way- the lock that clamps the canvas is fixed with one screw. Everything happens quickly, the file is fixed tightly, without distortions. The worst thing that can happen is that there will be no flat screwdriver on the farm. In addition, blades of various thicknesses can be used, which cannot be said about quick-clamping mechanisms.

So let's recap. "Fiolent" PMZ-600 E is an excellent jigsaw for any work on the construction site, this has been tested by time. In which case it is very easy to find spare parts for it, and they are inexpensive.

About a year ago, my partner had a burning desire to get a jigsaw high class, he really liked the Makita 4351 FCT. Well, a man loves a chic instrument. Of course, I did not deny myself the pleasure of giving this unit a good test drive.

The performance of this unit is simply amazing. I tried to cut the hundredth beam - no problem, the 75th metal corner 6 mm thick - normal, without tension. Everything works very quietly, there are no vibrations, the power reserve is clearly felt (according to the passport, the maximum saw depth for wood is 135 mm, for steel - 10 mm). A 720 W engine seems to suggest such an order of things, but in practice, not all manufacturers are able to successfully transfer the large energy of the power plant to the saw set. The web stroke is 26 mm, the speed of its movement can be set within 800-2800 translational movements per minute. These indicators are similar to those of Fiolent PMZ-600 E, but there is already an electronic sawing speed control system that supports set parameters regardless of the structure of materials, including dissimilar ones. Naturally, a pendulum move is offered at our service. The developers have made it three-mode, although practice shows that it is enough to have two extreme positions: “on” and “off”. The jigsaw starts without a jerk, this triggers the inrush current limiter - “soft start” (the function helps with ultra-precise operations).

The jigsaw was equipped with a very solid die-cast aluminum soleplate, it is clearly fixed in the zero position and at an inclination of 45 °. There is an anti-slip, protective plastic pad on it, an anti-splinter insert. By the way, in pinched places, the support platform can be shifted back.

Replacement of a file is made without keys and screw-drivers. It is a little alarming that the holding mechanism is actuated by a plastic lever, but so far everything is in order with it. It is interesting that the cartridge seems to be “omnivorous” - he tried to insert canvases of different thicknesses, he fixed everything securely.

The working area is illuminated by a built-in lamp, which turns on when the start button is pressed - very convenient. The sawdust removal system works quite efficiently.

Now about the unpleasant. The jigsaw is heavy (2.4 kg) and quite dimensional, they simply cannot crawl into some places. Its length is 30 cm, plus 10 cm of the input casing of the cord protruding back. The case is rather thick, it resembles a small angle grinder, I couldn't grasp it normally, the device strives to fall out of my hands. The presence of a mushroom-shaped handle requires two-handed operation, which I really do not like. To turn off the start button, which is necessarily locked, it is necessary to intercept it, you cannot get it from the working position of the hands.

The Makita 4351 FCT is, of course, a powerful, reliable, functional tool. However, it is not suitable for construction and decoration, since you have to work a lot “in place”, sawing workpieces “on the knee” is not his element. The jigsaw will show itself perfectly in the workshop, where the part can be securely fastened. With its help, a figured cut is perfectly performed, you can easily lead the tool towards yourself, to the side, from the bottom of the workpiece.

The little green BOSCH PST 650 was designed by German engineers for the average home craftsman. I bought it in a large building supermarket, as an addition to the monumental "Fiolent" PMZ-600 E. I will say again, there was no goal to save money, I just assemble a set of light compact tools for special use in special conditions. Practice has shown that the household series of this manufacturer can also be used in the repair and construction business.

The jigsaw immediately fell into the hand, it is really comfortable - the thin D-shaped handle has soft rubber lining, the switches are located in accessible, expected places, everything is perfectly balanced. A sensitive large button allows you to “go off the gas” a little. The weight of the device is only 1.6 kg, which is as much as 800 grams less than that of the PMZ-600 E or Makita 4351 FCT. The developers used a 500 W motor for it, but the working rod was accelerated to 3100 strokes per minute (Fiolent PMZ-600 E, for example, has 2600 strokes per minute). In a word, as in the case of other household tools of the series, the Germans relied on speed. I easily cut bars 50 mm thick, and this is clearly not the limit (the passport indicates 65 mm - wood, 4 mm - steel).

The asset of this jigsaw can be credited with a well-fixed steel platform, including at 45 °, adjustable sawdust blowing, anti-vibration system, good transverse stabilization of the blade.

A keyless chuck is installed on the BOSCH PST 650, which has one drawback - not all files can be inserted there, due to the different thicknesses of the shanks. At the same time, canvases that fit are fixed very securely.

One and a half years PST 650 has been working without failures on finishing work, sawing bars, board, laminate, lining. An excellent ultra-light class tool, it has rightfully earned its place on the construction site. As for home use, given the price / quality / performance ratio, this jigsaw will be out of competition.

The Einhell BPS 600E jigsaw came to us by accident and left us very quickly. It seems that he had everything for success: a pendulum motion with three modes, a 600-watt motor, a speed controller, a good frequency, a traditional design, a German name ... But the quality of workmanship fails the manufacturer irrevocably. The button broke, the rubber peeled off the handle, the stem began to play, the sole bent, the block that fixed the file broke, a very hard cord began to crack ... Only the motor continues to function. This is an example of how not to make electric jigsaws, this is a complete failure. It makes no sense to buy such a tool, no matter how cheap it would cost.

Let's summarize. To choose the right jigsaw, you need to take into account a number of nuances. Based on the practical experience of professional builders, some general recommendations can be formulated:

1. Determine in advance what type of work the jigsaw will be used for. In most cases, including for construction, a household or semi-professional tool of the middle price range is suitable.
2. High power necessarily affects the mass of the product. Consider if you need it.
3. A jigsaw with a mushroom handle is better suited for work in a workshop environment. Two-handed grip involves fixing the workpiece. It is very convenient to make complex curvilinear cuts with such a tool.
4. D-shaped machines are operated with one hand, they are good when used in the "field", "on site". This option for the construction site and for the home is preferable.
5. The presence of a pendulum stroke significantly increases productivity.
6. To work with a variety of materials, you will need to change the stroke rate - it's good when there is a step speed controller.
7. For delicate sawing, the function of electronic stabilization of the set speed and soft start will not be superfluous.
8. The sole must be securely fixed perpendicular to the cutting blade. A big plus would be the presence of a plastic lining.
9. The less backlash at the working rod and the support roller, the cleaner and more accurate the cut will be.
10. The quick-clamp blade fastening may have a limit on the thickness of the shanks (not all files are suitable). The most unreliable option is a block with a slot and two screws. The key/screwdriver lock is the most versatile.
11. Directional airflow and illumination working area are very useful options.
12. Each model has its own unique ergonomics, be sure to “shake” the jigsaw in your hands before buying, choose what suits you personally.
13. In many authorized sales centers, the buyer is allowed to test the tool in operation, use this right.

A jigsaw is a great helper for any repair, necessary to speed up, as well as improve the quality of work. A jigsaw with an electric drive is a universal device with low weight and dimensions. With such a device it is very convenient to do not only direct cutting of a sheet, profile, but also to make any curly cutting. For purchase quality tool you need to know exactly how and which one to choose a jigsaw for certain jobs.

The jigsaw can perform the following tasks:

• make any cut other than a straight cut;
• to cut holes of various shapes (rectangular, circular, etc.);
• make straight cuts on various materials.

How to choose a good jigsaw from the variety of models offered by manufacturers? This question is asked by every average master, in preparation for the repair. To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the determining factors.

Benefits of an electric jigsaw

1. The tool is convenient at home, since there is no need for a saw, hacksaw and similar devices. With a jigsaw, you can make any cutting much faster, and most importantly, with little effort.
2. Thanks to this device, you can easily perform curly cutting.
3. Every professional appreciates the convenience, speed and quality of this device.
4. Very handy for woodcarving.

Differences of a number of models differing in their technical specifications, as well as a set of various additional functions affect the choice of a good electric jigsaw.

household jigsaw

Household devices, or jigsaws for the home, are applicable for cutting wood with a thickness of about 70-80 mm, and metal - about 2-5 mm. They have less power and less working life.

Professional jigsaw

Professional jigsaws, unlike household ones, are necessary to perform various works under heavy loads. They have a longer service life and higher performance parameters. With such a jigsaw, cutting is carried out within the thickness limits: for wood - 80-120 mm, for metal 5-20 mm.

Jigsaw design

The choice of a good electric jigsaw is also influenced by its design features.

The case has a built-in file, which is started by an electric motor. Such a nail file produces reciprocating movements in the range of 3.5 - 4 thousand moves per minute. Support platform mounted on work surface, allows you to accurately cut the product in the right place. The platform has the ability to rotate to the desired angle, allowing you to create the desired cutting angle. To maintain the safety of the process, the file is hidden under a protective plexiglass.

Additional functions of electric jigsaws

Each model is equipped with a multi-level mechanism with a pendulum that informs the file of displacements away from the cutting direction. Thus, the safety of the nail file itself is ensured and its service life is extended, as well as a more even and high-quality cutting is made.

Stroke frequency adjustment

This parameter is simply necessary to perform work with various materials. There are two frequency selection modes:

1. Mode selection just before switching on.
2. Adjustment of frequency at force of pressing on basic part.

Therefore, the more the speed of the saw blade is set, the higher the productivity of the device, but the greater the wear of the saw itself. For added convenience, many manufacturers have filled the power tool market with the necessary modifications:

• illumination on the handle, which allows you to illuminate the work surface in low ambient light;
• function of automatic blowing off of sawdust;
• connection to a vacuum cleaner, which will allow you to immediately collect waste sawdust;
• the ability to rotate the file 360⁰ (very convenient when cutting circles).

The most common fixtures

1. Mounting device that secures the device to the work surface. Thus, when cutting, it is not the jigsaw itself that moves, but the cutting material. Such a device is effective for working with small parts.
2. The replaceable plate allowing to provide the best sliding of a fret saw on a working surface.
3. Convenient storage case. Such a suitcase allows you to put your device with all the accessories, without fear of damage during transportation.

Electric jigsaw files

Files are the most basic element of a jigsaw. They differ in configuration, material of manufacture, color options, as well as the shape of the shank. The most common saw blade materials are bimetal and steel. Files for these devices according to the material of manufacture are used for such work:

1. Carbon steel is used for cutting soft varieties of wood, in addition, it is also used for processing artificial materials.
2. High-speed steel is used for cutting metal, as well as for processing hard materials, such as: plastic, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, etc.
3. Bimetal blade - has high ductility and longer service life.

Blade tail

The tail is the end part that directly cuts the material. The tails differ in the shape of the end on the canvas itself. This parameter important when buying a new blade, which must be compatible with your electric jigsaw model.

The shape of the tail of the jigsaw file

On the market building materials, the following types of ponytails are found:

• Cross, is the most common. It is produced by many construction companies, among which is Makita, which has established itself as a reliable and high-quality brand.
• Having two stops, it is often found in models - Bosch.
• Universal, having a recess in the form of a semicircle, produced by Dewalt and Skil.
• Smooth, typical for firms - Defort and Hander.
• The shape with circular holes is a product of Makita.

Saw blade size

One of the most common varieties are files having a length of 50-105 mm, as well as 155-160 mm.

Blades are used for:

• straight cut;
• curve cut.

A curved cut is made with a narrower blade, providing a more jewelry cut. For many manufacturers, the colors of the blades indicate the scope of the cutting elements.

Saw blade teeth on a jigsaw

Varieties of teeth in blades differ depending on their field of application. The teeth have a variety of shapes, sizes and pitches. When using teeth with a larger set, the productivity increases, but the quality of the cut decreases.

Coated saw blades

When working with fragile materials such as glass or ceramic tiles, blades that do not have teeth are used. These files are equipped with diamond or hard alloy coating, which allows for extremely accurate cutting.

Device power

Along with the choice of blade, power is of decisive importance when choosing the right jigsaw. The amount of power directly affects the performance of the device, but it consumes more electricity and has more weight. Among other things, power affects the speed of the cutting blades.

Blade change system

Replacement of files is very necessary when working with various materials. All blades in the jigsaw are clamped with special clamps, or with working screws through the holes. When changing blades, it is important to have a mechanism that allows you to easily, quickly and safely make such a change. All of the above characteristics will help everyone make the right choice of a good jigsaw.

The duration of work with certain materials with increased strength and hardness. With prolonged use, the tails of the files heat up, become soft and can be deformed or simply break. It is necessary to provide additional cooling of the working elements. This can be done with water, machine oil, or all kinds of soapy solutions.

Cutting steel is recommended to be carried out with a higher speed of the cutting elements. For plastic, it is recommended to use a speed of no more than 1000 strokes per minute. When working with a low stroke rate, it is necessary to take frequent breaks and cool the cutting blades. When working with thin material, experts recommend placing a sheet of plywood under the work surface.

The mechanisms and parts of the jigsaw should be kept in good condition, and lubricated in a timely manner. If they fail, replace them in a timely manner.

An electric jigsaw will show itself perfectly during repairs. It becomes useful surprisingly often. Using different types of saw blades, you can cut metal, wood, plywood, chipboard, 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 home, which company, what to look for, which optional equipment may be required? Do I need to purchase high-end equipment for home use or is a simple model enough?

The principle of operation 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 perform different cutting lines:

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

During operation, the sole of the jigsaw should be evenly pressed against the material. The tool should not be allowed to change position uncontrollably during operation - this can lead to breakage of the saw. It is better to cut hard materials in the lowest gear, that is, with 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 compass complete with a tool. At one end of the device is a spike that can be moved along the rod, allowing you to increase or decrease the radius of the circle. The jigsaw cannot rotate 90 degrees. 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 a large diameter or a milling cutter. On the board, draw the outline of the hole to be cut. Drill holes are drilled at the corners of the contour. Then you can place the file in the hole and start cutting along the drawn line. Get a hole with rounded corners. To get right angles, you then need to cut the rounding with a saw.

Miter cutting

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

Electric jigsaws usually have 2 cutting angles - 0° and 45°, but professional models have much more options 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 angled cuts, you need to attach the clamps to the table. Along the cut line, you can attach metal strips - tires. 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, the blade should be lubricated with technical oil;
• cutting aluminum will be easier if you lubricate the blade with technical 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?

What electric jigsaw better fit to perform specific tasks, and which one will be more universal - it is advisable to consider these issues before buying. This section provides information that allows you to understand the features of the device, helping you make the right choice of an electric jigsaw.

Types of jigsaws

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

1. Powered jigsaws- devices with higher power. The disadvantage of the model is the cable, which makes the work less convenient and safe.
2. Cordless jigsaws– of course, the biggest advantage is the mobility of such a solution. They do not have a cable, which must be handled with care during operation. However, it is necessary to charge the batteries, and in case long work use additional batteries. Over time, the capacity of power supplies decreases, which leads to the need to replace them and additional costs.

Tool Options

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 device performs heavy work. Power can indirectly affect the maximum depth of cut. This setting provides longer operation without engine interruption. At different models power varies from 400 to 1000 watts.
• Cutting depth- indicated in relation to a specific material, differs for wood, metal.
• Strokes per minute affects the speed. The higher the frequency, the better the cutoff. The optimum stroke rate depends on the type of material. It is convenient when the tool has the ability to adjust the frequency, which allows you to work effectively with different materials - a higher frequency is applicable for soft materials, for hard materials, such as 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

Additional equipment must be purchased for the jigsaw: files, guides, and other elements.

Jigsaw blades

Saw blades are made of carbon tool steel (HCS) or (HSS), respectively machined, shaped. Files consist of:

• shank for fastening,
• corps,
• teeth.

The teeth are made of a stronger material than the body itself. Saw blades differ in design depending on the type of material they are designed to cut.

Jigsaw blades are designed for the following materials:

• softwood;
• hardwood;
• plywood;
• Chipboard, carpentry, fibreboard, laminated boards;
• building timber;
• plastic resins, epoxy resins;
• plastics, fiberglass reinforced;
• kitchen countertops;
• wood with nails;
• a metal sheet;
• pipes, profiles;
• aluminum;
• non-ferrous metals;
• soft ceramic tiles;
• cast iron.

System for changing and fixing saw blades

It is worth paying attention to:

• saw blade installation,
• attachment system,
• ease of replacement.

At different types work will require frequent change of files, this operation should be performed easily. Important question– Can the blade be installed without tools? This possibility significantly affects the usability of the jigsaw. There are several mechanisms for attaching a saw blade:

• Shoe mechanism - the blade is attached with a shoe, allows you to use various types of files. The mechanism is used in inexpensive tools.
• Screw mechanism - fastening occurs with a screw.
• Quick clamp is the most convenient mechanism, its disadvantage is that it is not suitable for all types of blades.

Taking into account the shapes of the shank, the following common types of saws can be distinguished:

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

T-shank files (European)

The most popular, common on the market are files with a T-shank. With a jigsaw designed for type T files, there will be no problems with the purchase Supplies. Most manufacturers of commercially available power tools use mounts European type. The reason for the widespread use of the T-shank standard is the high security of fastening, which is important condition efficient, safe operation. Important Features designs:

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

Fast assembly and disassembly is a basic requirement among professional users. With intensive work, especially when cutting difficult-to-cut materials, the cutting part wears out quickly, and the consequence of this is their frequent replacement. Therefore, the speed of changing the saw blade is important for productivity.

File material

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

Bi-metal saws are especially recommended for use in jobs that require high flexibility. It should be noted that the service life of bimetallic files is 2-10 times higher compared to HCS and HSS files (the service life depends on the hardness of the materials being processed).

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

Like HM / TC tools, carbide toothed saw blades have a body made from HCS steel. These tools are used to cut reinforced plastic.

Guide rails for jigsaws

Guides allow cutting 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 accurate and comfortable cutting.

Guide bar, 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 dust blowing jigsaw, working with it is more comfortable, efficient.

Illumination, laser beam

Illumination allows you to make the cut line more visible. The laser beam speeds up the work, allows you to abandon the marking of the material.

File shop, suitcase

Some jigsaws have space in the case to store a few extra saws. This is convenient solution, we don't need to carry extra accessory bags. Useful handy case for storing a jigsaw and necessary accessories.

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 manual jigsaw Skil power 500 W, speed 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-clamp saw blade mount costs 4200-4400 rubles.
• Black & Decker and Bosch jigsaws at this price point are certainly entry-level 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 get a professional device made of materials designed for long-term work, durable, with large quantity additions.

The most popular manufacturers of jigsaws:

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

Rating of electric jigsaws for the home

How to choose an electric jigsaw for home - video

Summing up

Which jigsaw is better to buy for home and garden? 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 consider what accessories are needed for us. Guides, removable sole, dust blower, other devices - interesting solutions but they raise the purchase price. Having adequately analyzed your own needs, you can choose best jigsaw in terms of price quality.