Wood saw for jigsaw, metal, tile, chipboard - an overview of canvases for solving various problems. How to choose a jigsaw file? Jigsaw file: types and markings Marking jigsaw files Makita

Standard blades for manual jigsaws have a length of 130 mm, while in the assortment of modern manufacturers you can find options with a length of 150 and 160 mm. Types of files are classified according to two main parameters: their dimensions and tooth configuration.

IN in general terms blades for manual jigsaws are similar to, but have one important difference: they always choose pinless files with flat ends, which can be fixed in tool clamps and threaded into thin holes without problems when creating small patterns.

The dimension of saw blades for a manual jigsaw is similar to that of a machine tool: #2/0 to #12. But practice shows that the most optimal options for manual sawing are numbers #3 to #9.

What files are better?

The quality of sawing directly depends on the characteristics of the blade. Therefore, it is better to always choose products from trusted brands. Their products are made from high-quality carbon steel, blades have clearly formed teeth with a positive sharpening angle; Blades are hardened for maximum hardness and longer life. Overpayment in this case turns out to be a justified investment in the convenience of work, high quality project performance and long blade life.

Let's understand the basic concepts

The marking of saw blades for a manual jigsaw contains basic information that allows you to choose the blade that is best suited for a particular type of wood and the project as a whole. To decipher this marking, it is important to get acquainted with the key concepts.

TPI is a value indicating the number of teeth per inch of blade. For a manual jigsaw, it is appropriate to choose blades with a high TPI coefficient. They cut wood more slowly, but allow better control of the cut line.

reverse tooth - a blade with a reverse tooth that cuts the material during the return movement of the file, thereby preventing the formation of chips on the wrong side of the sawn product. They are especially relevant when using plywood blanks.

Tooth setting - designed to prevent jamming of the file in the workpiece, which in turn ensures trouble-free sawing (especially steep turning and curved lines) and minimizes the formation of chips. The width of the cut when using such files increases slightly, which should be taken into account when preparing the project.

File classification

Based on the characteristics of the configuration of the teeth, blades for a manual jigsaw are classified into the following types:

1. Standard (Standard Tooth) - classic files, the teeth of which have the same size, direction and distance from each other.
2. Files with a missing tooth (Skip-tooth Blades) - the absence of teeth provides effective chip removal from the surface of the workpiece and increases sawing speed. Unlike classic options they heat up less and wedge less often.
3. Blades with double teeth (Double-tooth Blades) - these blades cut a little slower, but leave a perfectly smooth cut line. They also effectively remove chips and overheat less.
4. Reverse files (Reverse Skip-tooth) - blades, part of the teeth of which is directed upwards. They cut the wood when the jigsaw moves back, which reduces the number of chips on the back of the workpiece.

Dimension table

The table below contains basic information regarding the dimensions and markings of modern saw blades for manual jigsaws. Referring to it, you will know how to choose the right blade number for cutting wood of a specific thickness.

Despite the motley palette of options, the gold standard for sawing manual jigsaw are the blades number #3 , #5 And #7 .

At first, it can be difficult for beginners to control the file, which constantly leads to the side. Without gaining proper experience, it is advisable to use canvases from great value TPI: they cut more slowly, but allow better control of the cut line.

Working with files with a reverse tooth is not the most the best solution for a beginner. It takes some experience to master this blade. Otherwise, the workpiece will bounce up and sawing will be very slow.

What to choose for thin plywood?

When working with thin material, use canvases with the maximum number teeth per inch. Thin blades with a high TPI value cut less aggressively, exert little stress on the fragile edges of the workpiece, and do not lead the jigsaw to the side. These characteristics make them optimal for sawing. small parts and patterns from thin plywood.

Today, every craftsman has a jigsaw in his home assortment. This device is quite useful, because it will easily allow you to accurately and accurately perform any manipulations with the material. When buying a jigsaw, as a rule, the majority also purchase saw blades "in reserve", the purpose of which they have no idea.

But when it's time to test the jigsaw in practice, then the choice of the required canvas occurs by the “poke” method, since it is quite difficult to immediately figure out which file is needed. For right choice such a tool as a jigsaw, you should know the variety of canvases, their marking and other nuances.

Markings

Knowledge of labeling will give you the opportunity to choose the right blade for a jigsaw, since it can tell quite a lot, including about its purpose. To do this, you only need to carefully look at the canvas and decipher the symbols that are indicated.

Marking, as a rule, from a set of Latin letters and numbers. In the marking, in the first place is the Latin letter, which indicates the type of shank.

The most common letters that you can see on the canvas are "T", "X". The most used is the marking with the Latin letter "T", and indicates that the tool shank has a T-about different shape. Quite rare is the canvas with the letter U.

Immediately after the letter comes a series of numbers, you should pay attention to the first one. The numbers indicate the length of the canvas:

• standard canvas 75 mm long;
• medium file 90 mm;
• elongated file 150 mm;
• long file, the size of which is more than 150 mm.

Immediately after the numbers, there are again letters that will help you find out the size of the teeth. The size of the teeth is indicated by the following letters:

• "A" - small teeth;
• "D" - large;
• "B", "C" - medium teeth, so to speak, an intermediate option.

Sometimes there is more than one last letter, but a few. In this case, the last letter indicates the quality consumable. The quality of the consumable is indicated by the following letters:

If you are interested in the fabric material, in this case, the following markings, which can be seen under the T-shaped protrusions of the tail and the canvas, will help. Three Latin letters will tell about the material from which the tool is made. This marking is divided into four options:

What to look for when choosing a jigsaw blade?

Tooth shape

Such a nuance as the "shape of the teeth", should not be ignored, since from their configuration it is possible to determine the capabilities of the purchased jigsaw. Before making a purchase, it is worthwhile to realize for what needs this or that canvas is purchased. A huge number of small teeth will significantly improve the quality of the cut, but at the same time the speed will be reduced. A blade with large teeth will greatly speed up the process, but the cut will be rather sloppy. According to the shape of the teeth, the canvas can be divided into the following groups:

Blade width and thickness

Such a nuance as the width and thickness of the jigsaw blade, should not be ignored when choosing a jigsaw, since criteria such as the quality and speed of producing various kinds of work depend on these two nuances. Both wide and narrow products have their positive aspects. The wide file is quite strong and stable. When using it, you can not worry that it will deviate from the intended course. Narrow canvases make it easier to perform various maneuvers compared to wide ones. Thickness is also important, because the thicker the web, the greater its stability.

Canvases for wood

The purpose of the jigsaw- direct work with wood, well, with those materials that are made on its basis. Jigsaws for wood have many varieties. Jigsaws are distinguished, both in terms of the size of the teeth, and in their sharpening, as well as in the shape of the file. There are two main varieties:

They are distinguished by the following parameters:

1. Blade length. This parameter determines the actual thickness of the cut.
2. Blade width.
3. The size of the teeth directly affects the cleanliness of the cut.
4. Orientation of the teeth.

Cloths for metal

Blades for electric jigsaw usually made from high speed steel. Such a product is quite solid and has a bluish tint. The file has a different tooth shape and the geometry of the blade itself. Depending on what kind of cut is needed, products with rather small teeth are used, which are exactly the same size. As a rule, a blade with such teeth is used for soft metals.

If the choice fell on a product that has teeth with varying geometry, the file is used for cutting harder metals. Such a product has teeth, where the pitch and size increases towards the edge. The advantage of this option is the direct simplification of the cut, since such a structure of the teeth, as it were, cuts the metal, while each of the teeth performs its own function. This file structure reduces the load on the tool as much as possible, therefore, increasing its resource. The same function is performed with a slightly curved canvas at the bottom.

All, without exception, jigsaw blades for metal have small teeth. These products have a certain marking, where you can always see the Latin letter “A” in the last or penultimate place. This letter indicates the strength of the metal. Before choosing a file for cutting metal, you need to understand what material it will be intended for. Because the harder the metal, the smaller the tooth should be.

When choosing a jigsaw file, it is worth considering the peculiarity of the material, because the wrong tool will not bring the desired result. To choose the right file, it is important to study the following marking list:

• T111CHCS - a carbon steel product that is used for cutting wood and plastic (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 3 mm);
• T119B0HCS - carbon steel, designed to work with soft woods (length 56 mm, tooth pitch 2 mm). As a rule, it is used when performing fine work, curly cutting;
• T101BHCS is a carbon steel blade used for cutting soft woods. The advantage of such a blade is an even cut (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 2.5 mm);
• T101BRHCS - also used for making carbon steel, the main nuance of the blade is reverse teeth. Designed to work with soft woods (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 2.5 mm);
• T118AHSS - used for the manufacture of hardened steel and is designed for hard metals (length 50 mm, tooth pitch 1.2 mm);
• T144D HCS - carbon steel is used, the blade has set teeth. The direct purpose of the blade is cutting hard and soft woods. (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 4 mm);
• T127DHSS - uses hardened steel, designed to work with non-ferrous metals. The blade has milled set teeth (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 3 mm);
• T118GHSS - Made from hardened high speed steel. The main difference lies in the wavy teeth and is used for hard metals. (length 50 mm, tooth pitch 0.8 mm);
• T118BHSS - made of hardened high speed steel, the shape of the teeth is phrased wavy. Main use for cutting hard metals (length 50 mm, pitch 2 mm).

Such a marking can be found directly at the foot of the jigsaw file.

Naturally, when files for a jigsaw are selected, you can’t remember all the nuances and criteria. When buying jigsaw blades, pay attention to the following points:

Speaking of the manufacturer you can safely say "Bosch", "Makita", "Practice". Electric jigsaws from these manufacturers have proven themselves well for their quality and durability. When choosing a file, remember about its direct purpose Otherwise, the goals set will not be realized. Knowing the types of files used, and paying attention to the markings, the method of attachment, as well as the manufacturer, the correct choice is guaranteed.

The electric jigsaw is a high-speed device, which is why do not neglect the safety rules!

It largely determines the accuracy and productivity of cutting material. Considered in the article specifications files and the key differences between them will help you choose the right blade for various types works.

A file for a specific job is chosen in two ways: firstly, they are guided by the inscriptions, and secondly, they look at the size, teeth and wiring.

We read the marking

There is no single standard for alphanumeric marking of jigsaw blades, but most manufacturers adhere to the European classification from Bosch or indicate it in addition to their own designations.

Deciphering the marking

Files are made from various grades of steel that affect the purpose of the blades and are designated by logos:

1. CV (HCS) is an elastic alloyed alloy for cutting wood, synthetic and wood-composite products.
2. HSS is a tough high speed steel for hard materials.
3. BM (Bi-Metal) is a connection of the first two steel grades that can withstand significant loads and is suitable for many operations.
4. HM is a carbide grade for cutting tiles and building blocks.

Marks also speak about the purpose of the canvas:

1. Wood - soft lumber, fiber boards.
2. Hardwood - solid wood, laminated panels.
3. Inox is stainless steel.
4. Alu is aluminium.
5. Metal - tin, profile and pipes.
6. Plaster, fiber - fiberglass.
7. Soft-material - rubber, polystyrene, carpets.
8. Acrylic - plexiglass, polycarbonate.

Sometimes there is an inscription on the file that specifies the type of work:

• basic - standard blade for a quality cut;
• speed - file with set teeth for fast cutting;
• clean - blade without wiring for a clean cut;
• progressor - a file with different teeth for cutting various materials;
• flexible - flexible blade for metal cutting;
• special - for cutting ceramics, plastic and other special work.

We cut wood materials

Cutting wood and everything that is made from it is the main purpose of the jigsaw. Therefore, a larger range of saw blades is produced specifically for wood and is subdivided according to the type of work.

Fast cut

Certain construction works with wood do not require special care, for example, sawing the bars for the crate or dismantling the old window frame. Here, the speed provided by blades for fast cutting with characteristic features is more important:

1. Large teeth - up to 6 mm.
2. A fair divorce - about 1 mm.
3. Long canvas - from 60 mm.
4. Width - up to 10 mm.

For thick workpieces, similar canvases with large cutters are used, but without wiring - they move less from the vertical. In principle, the thicker the file, the better it holds perpendicularity.

Advice. For cutting along the fibers, a blade with an oblique tooth is better, and with a straight one - for a transverse cut.

Clean cut

Operation such as cutting furniture board or parquet board, requires a smooth and precise cut. Similar tasks are performed with less productivity, but better, using blades for clean cuts that have:

1. Teeth less than 3 mm.
2. Minor divorce.

Most of the files cut in retraction, so the material is placed on the reverse side. To mark and cut from the face, you need a blade with a reverse tooth. It is not very convenient to work with them - in addition to maintaining the direction of the cut, you have to overcome the ejection force of the tool.

Advice. Cutting panels laminated on both sides almost without chips allows a specialized file with two rows of teeth.

Shaped cut

It is problematic to cut small radii with a wide canvas. Files for curly cut have a beveled back side, which facilitates turning, roundings pass without chipping and differ in appearance:

1. Small (up to 2 mm) tooth.
2. Narrow working part - up to 4 mm.
3. Short length - up to 40 mm.

We cut polymeric materials

PVC pipes and window sills are sawn in blades on wood or metal with a large tooth. Fine-toothed saws are also suitable, but you will have to cut at minimum speed, otherwise the sawdust will soften and clog the blade - you will no longer be sawing, but cutting with heated metal.

For thin plastics and plexiglass, a metal file with small teeth is suitable. For a thick one, you can take a canvas on wood, turn off pendulum mechanism and cut at low speed. Shape sawing polymer sheets carried out with a narrow saw on wood.

We work with metal

For cutting galvanized profiles and tin products, saws with wave wiring are used, similar in profile to hand saw blades. They differ in small (up to 1 mm) teeth, rejected not through one, but in groups of 3-5 pieces.

With constant work, three canvases are taken: for steel, aluminum and for non-ferrous alloys. If you have to cut metal infrequently, then one file for steel is enough, which is also suitable for ebonite and textolite.

In general, a jigsaw is not very suitable for sawing metal: the tool is heavily loaded, and the process is slow. Rather, this is an extreme method, justified only occasionally, for example, when cutting sandwich panels with bimetallic files with small cutters along the edges and large ones in the middle.

Blades for specific tasks

Drywall and materials containing cement will quickly seat any file, with the exception of specially designed carbide-tipped blades, which also cut thermal insulation well.

A hole in the tile is cut out with a carbide-coated ceramic file without teeth. It is also suitable for working with fiberglass reinforced polymers.

The cutting part of the canvases for cardboard, rubber and other soft materials is not made with teeth, but with polished waves or simply looks like a knife.

For sawing combined materials special files are designed, one half of the blade of which is equipped with small teeth, and the other with large ones.

Advice. The length of the file is chosen, focusing on the thickness of the material. So that the blade does not break out and does not break, its end must come out of the cut line in any position of the jigsaw pendulum.

For household needs, a set of 5-10 files for various purposes is enough. Just starting to use a jigsaw, they acquire an inexpensive kit, master the intricacies of working with different types of canvases and, based on their own experience, select the necessary files. Still, there are no strict recommendations, often one canvas copes well with tasks that are atypical for it. Here you can experiment, but first think.

Most consumers purchase canvases at appearance, considering that the size of the teeth and the high cost of the goods are the main criteria for choosing. In fact, this is not at all the case, since there are more than 45 types of nail files, each of which is intended to solve a specific task, and the cost will not always mean that the material is made of high strength steel. In order to correctly determine the material of the product and its compatibility with a certain type of work, attention must be paid to the shank. There are abbreviations there.
Meaning "HCS" . It means carbon steel, which is used only for woodworking, chipboard and fiberboard. It is not used for metal, even if the teeth are too small - these are all devices for cutting wood. The tooth travel is large enough to work with soft materials, in many canvases there is flaring for a quick cut. But remember that the quality of the cut will deteriorate significantly in this case.

HSS value. If you saw such a marking, then the nail file can be used for cutting metals - it is made of hardened high-speed steel. It can equally successfully cut soft and hard metals, suitable for sawing aluminum, cast iron, steel. The only drawback of such a product is fragility. Buy 2-3 pieces at once so as not to run to the store every 10-20 minutes.

The inscription "BIM". It means that the metal is suitable for cutting, both wood and various alloys, combines the qualities of the two groups described above. In this group there is also a jigsaw file for tiles (marked "HM"). It is made from hard metals. Its cost is much higher than usual, so you don’t need to take it for woodwork - just throw away the money.

Marking T101AO. Reinforced fine-toothed files, which are intended for high-precision cutting of metal. As a rule, they are specific and are available only for certain brands of devices. These, for example, are compatible with Bosch.

Other markings are rare and are only derivatives of these groups, so first we look at the letter marking, and then we select the value of the numbers (small, medium, large tooth, etc.). How to choose the right teeth, we will consider later in the article.

Canvas size

This is an equally important indicator that plays a big role when choosing a product. Files for metal are made very short, since it makes no sense to process material thicker than 0.5 cm. Yes, and such dimensions are not easy. In turn, the jigsaw blade for wood is much longer, since sawing beams up to 15 centimeters thick is a common thing at any construction site.

The width of the canvas also plays a big role. If you are working with chipboard or fiberboard, then it will be more convenient to take a thick metal that can be easily removed from the groove. For a figured cut on wood, only narrow jigsaw files should be used, since they are much more convenient to turn. Naturally, tools of this type are also suitable for metal work.

Tooth sizes and shapes

It will be difficult to choose here, since there are many variations and each manufacturer is trying to introduce something new. And this “something” is not always better than previous models. But there is a pattern, and choosing is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Consider in general terms what options for files you can find, and then we will look at the details.

You need to choose a tool carefully, weighing not only these categories, but many other nuances that we described above. Even the smallest saw blade may not be suitable for metal work, as its teeth will be soft and set for a wide cut of wood. Consider this.