How to choose a jigsaw - a description of the parameters of the tool

Jigsaw is a saw with a forward movement of the saw blade, which returns to its original position. The device has a license to guide this blade in the process of moving along the sawn base and produces similar movements with a frequency of up to 3000 vibrations per minute.

The design is great for straight and curved cuts, for cutting shapes of various shapes (the radius should be more than 15 mm), as well as for cuts and square cuts. With its help it is possible to make processing of almost any materials, because many are interested in how to choose a jigsaw correctly.

What should I look for when choosing a jigsaw for home?

Parameters to consider when buying a jigsaw:

• engine power;
• the pendulum motion function;
• the ability to adjust the number of strokes;
• the material for the manufacture of the sole;
• the way of fixing the file;
• the ability to rotate the file.

Engine power

An important criterion that will determine the maximum thickness of the workpiece to be cut and the cutting speed. From the power of the motor design will depend on the quality of the cut. Power jigsaws are powered by 400-600 W engines and can reach a speed of 3000 strokes / min. Engines with greater power are intended to increase the thickness of the sawn billet, and not to increase the number of strokes.

The medium power fret saw can cut wood with a thickness of 7 cm. With it, it is also possible to cut metal blanks up to 18 mm thick and steel blanks up to 3 mm thick. Expensive structures are able to cut a tree of greater thickness, aluminum up to 20 mm thick and steel billets up to 10 mm thick.

Functions for blowing and dust extraction, pendulum motion design

An ordinary jigsaw for the house will move the saw blade exclusively up and down. The design with the function of the movement of the pendulum is capable of cutting faster. This is achieved by feeding the blade to the side of the cut on the upper course. In this case, the wear of the saw will be reduced. The cut will be cleaned due to the deviation of the blade on its course down. Swing swing can be adjusted in order to be able to choose the appropriate mode of operation with the workpiece being processed. At maximum amplitude, you can quickly and easily cut soft woods and plastic products. The action of the pendulum is gradually reduced for soft rocks of large thickness, hard rocks, chipboard sheets and soft metals. Pendulum function is not needed for cutting steel blanks of small thickness.

If the web is tilted forward, then it will experience some loads that will cause the side bend and the cutting plane will leave the vertical. Ceramic tile and metal of a large thickness can be cut only with the vertical course of the saw, which should be considered when choosing a jigsaw for the house.

For most of these structures, the air flow from the back of the blade excludes wood sawdust and dust from the cutting line. The blower device can improve the quality of the work, as in this case the cutting line will be more noticeable. By connecting the vacuum cleaner, it is possible to reduce the amount of dust and sawdust on the work surface and make the work more comfortable.

Adjusting the number of strokes

The wider the adjustment range, the more versatile the design. In some jigsaws, it is possible to set the speed in advance, and in the process of turning on the structure, instantly get the necessary mode. Another option involves adjusting the speed by pressing the start key.

Jigsaws without the ability to adjust the speed continuously work at high speed and are first used for processing wood, so there’s no need to wait for them to cut metal products for a long time without the possibility of engine overload.

Some tools are equipped with a switch for the number of oscillations of the saw in the range from 500 to 3000 strokes / min, in order to be able to select the desired mode for the existing workpiece.

High speeds are used for cutting wood, medium ones for plastic blanks and soft materials, and low speeds for steel and ceramic products. This also needs to be considered in the process of choosing a tool for the home. In the expensive models in the control system provides feedback in order to control the number of cycles and ensure the same speed in the jigsaw process.If running at low speed for a long time, the engine will overheat.

If the jigsaw is operated upward with a saw fixed on the workbench, then it is worthwhile to take care of the possibility of securing the switch for uninterrupted operation. This function can reduce stress and fatigue if the structure is in the hands.

With the inclined cut function, it is possible to cut at a certain angle to the base of the material, which can greatly expand the use of the tool. Such adjustment can be made smoothly with a special key. There are devices with the possibility of mounting the sole solely at a fixed angle, which cannot be adjusted. It is best to purchase a design with adjustable angle.

Cast or stamped sole

The quality of manufacturing of this element determines the convenience and accuracy of the tool. The sole can be cast or stamped. It is preferable to purchase a cast-sole construction. An additional advantage is the ability to mount in the sole a device for protection against chipping, which in the case of the correct choice of the parameters of the cut and the shape of the web allows for a clean cut on brittle materials.

In low-cost models, most often the plate is made from a loose sheet, so it is not rigid. You can not pay attention to this when sawing in the case when there is a large area of ​​support. However, at the beginning of the cutting, when only the front feet are used, some inconvenience may occur.

The cast sole is made from aluminum with some additives. The tilt of the structure will be adjusted rather infrequently, however, if the fastening is performed poorly, the selected settings may be lost. For most devices, the plates are attracted by screws. It is necessary to choose structures that have additional locks in the zero position.

With a professional tool, the plate is fastened with screws to a metal gearbox housing or to a plastic drive housing. It is preferable to purchase a design with the first mounting option.

The best chipping liner is the one that matches the thickness and position of the saw. It can be made of organic glass. The presence of such an element will eliminate the chipping and for some time will increase the resistance of the saw to the side leads.

The method of fastening the saw

The most common type of shank is European, which has a cross configuration. It is recommended to purchase tools for files of this type, as they can be purchased at almost any specialized store.

For most of the budget models, the saw will be pressed by a block with a slot, which is tightened with two front-mounted screws. Compatibility of such a system at the highest level, but there are nuances: an unevenly fixed fastener may entail a bias. Such locks can jam.

It is most convenient to work with jigsaws that have a keyless fastening system.

However, they are distinguished by a lack of versatility (only files with the shank of a particular manufacturer are suitable) and the presence of a small gap. Most often this is irrelevant, as there are a large number of paintings. Locks with a quick clamp have limitations on the thickness of the fixed canvases, which should be considered when buying a tool.

Possibility of turning the saw

With a small width of the canvas, any design is able to saw out the bends of complex shapes, but for this you will need to turn the fixture or workpiece in the direction of cutting. In the construction with the saw turning device during sawing, the blade can be rotated, and it does not matter what position the jigsaw will be in. Adjustment can be done using a special handle, which is located on the top of the case.

Complete with the device, guides for receiving figures of different shapes, various stops, tools for storing and transporting tools can be supplied.

Some models of home jigsaws have protective shields, which is an added advantage. Special glass for protection will allow to see well the place of cutting and will improve the blowout of the working base.

Some jigsaws can be completed with flashlights to illuminate the cutting place, sights for making uneven cuts, etc.

Choosing a jigsaw for home is primarily necessary for your personal needs .