How to choose an electric jigsaw?
We suggest reading the important criteria for selecting an electric jigsaw and saw blade, and finding the right tool in the general catalog.
Electric jigsaw structure and principle of operation
The structure of a jigsaw may differ slightly depending on the brand and functionality, but we can identify the main components that are present in almost all models:
- Handle
- Start button
- Speed control
- Engine with gearbox
- Vacuum cleaner connection
- Blade roller guide
- Shoe
- Blade clamp
Before starting work, the saw blade is fixed in the blade clamp. When the start button is pressed, the engine starts to rotate at the speed that has been set by the corresponding controller. The gearbox converts the rotary motion into reciprocating motion, allowing the blade clamp with the saw blade to move up and down. A guide roller distributes the load and prevents the blade from breaking. The shoe (base) provides the required cutting angle and stable position of the jigsaw on the surface of the material to be processed.
This structure and principle of operation is relevant for classic portable (hand-held) jigsaws, which are the most popular and widespread among home craftsmen and professionals. There are also stationary models on the market, which are more used in business (cutting materials, furniture production), as well as for carrying out long-term projects. Their main disadvantages are their large dimensions, low mobility, and operation only from the mains.
Features of corded and cordless models
Corded and cordless jigsaws have a number of features that make them convenient and effective when performing tasks in certain conditions.
The undeniable advantage of battery-powered models is mobility. They can be used anywhere, far from the city and outlets. Maneuverability and cutting area are not limited by the length of the cord. However, such devices have many more disadvantages — high cost, limited operating time, increased weight. A significant argument is the lack of performance, since the engines have modest power and are not designed to process the hardest types of wood and metal. In addition, it will take a lot of time to charge a dead battery.
Corded jigsaws are quite versatile in use. Manufacturers offer models for home, semi-professional and professional. The more powerful engines of these models are capable of sawing not only wood and plastic, but also ceramic tiles or metal. The performance of mains-powered equipment is also higher and more stable, which ensures constant speed even under load.
Let's summarize. Choosing the type of power supply is an important step on which efficiency and ease of use will depend. If you are planning to do amateur renovations in your own apartment or are going to provide the corresponding professional services at home, then a corded jigsaw is perfect. The battery option should be chosen only if the work will be carried out at sites where there is no access to a 220V outlet.
Engine power and cutting depth
Engine power is a key criterion, since the speed, quality and depth of the cut will depend on it.
- Home models for undemanding work are equipped with engines of 500 – 600 W. This is quite enough to cut plywood, chipboard, OSB, and soft woods up to 85 mm thick.
- A tool with a power of 600 – 800 W is optimal for regular home and professional renovations. Such devices involve working not only with wood, but also with metal. The depth can reach 100 – 120 mm when processing lumber and 2 – 4 mm for sheet steel. Even the hardest woods such as oak, beech, maple, walnut, ash, amaranth and macassar can be cut with this tool at medium speed.
- Professional jigsaws with a motor power of more than 800 W can handle thick wood (about 150 mm), steel (about 12 mm) and aluminium (about 35 mm). The equipment is capable of working without interruptions for a long time and quickly sawing any workpiece.
Let's summarize. The choice of electric jigsaw depends on the purpose. A powerful professional tool is suitable for renovations, where you have to deal with completely different materials, as well as for the master of kitchen improvement, as it requires high accuracy and clean cut, the ability to cut thick, durable and laminated surfaces (for example, countertops). For home work with the processing of standard wood materials (fiberboard, plywood, board thickness up to 85 mm), plastic is enough simple electric jigsaw with a power of about 500 W without additional expensive functions. Such a tool will cope with sawing a large volume of thin wood. However, models with a power of 600 – 800 W are more universal, and in the presence of the necessary functionality can turn into professional assistants.
Blade stroke frequency
Stroke frequency is an important parameter on which the quality and speed of cutting depends, but you should not focus on it. Most modern jigsaws allow you to change it using a controller, so it’s enough to make sure that this function is available. The optimal stroke rate is between 2000 and 3000 strokes/min, but much depends directly on the material. For different types of wood, it is better to use 2500 strokes/min or more, but for metal or plastic, on the contrary, it is necessary to reduce the rate as much as possible, otherwise the saw teeth will literally slip and become very hot from friction, melting the workpiece.
Additional features
Manufacturers of jigsaws try to take into account all the nuances of operation in order to increase its efficiency and convenience. To achieve this, the tool is equipped with additional functions.
Smooth start
Smooth start ensures long-lasting operation of the engine and gearbox. Reaching maximum speed occurs gradually and eliminates sudden jerks.
Consistent speed
Consistent speed at the same level is especially important when working with thick workpieces, when the load reaches its maximum, and slowing down the stroke rate negatively affects the speed and quality of the cut. Jigsaws with this feature are equipped with additional electronics that regulate the operation of the engine, automatically adjusting its power.
Brushless engine
Inverter engines are the best in recent years. They are still actively used in vacuum cleaners, washing machines, refrigerators and other appliances. The cost of jigsaws with an inverter will be higher, but it is justified by a longer service life, quiet and energy-efficient operation, and no sparks. The brushless engine is more often used in battery models to achieve high speeds and good autonomy.
Pendulum action
The ability to activate the pendulum action allows you to significantly speed up the cutting of material. Today, this feature is almost standard and is present in most jigsaws without much impact on the final cost. The pendulum action ensures that the saw blade moves not only up and down, but also back and forth, ensuring maximum contact of the teeth with the surface. Relevant when working with hard and thick workpieces, as well as when performing large volumes.
Anti-vibration system
The anti-vibration system is used in professional tools that is designed for long-term operation. Its goal is to improve the quality of the cut and reduce the load on the user’s hands. Typically, this possibility is realized with the help of dynamic counterweights, which are able to absorb most of the vibrations.
Keyless blade change
The ability to change the saw blade without keys significantly saves the time of craftsmen who work with different materials throughout the day. But even at home, the functionality will be useful and convenient, eliminating the need to tighten the fixing bolts with a hex key or screwdriver.
Cleaning system
A clean working surface is important for cutting accuracy and user safety. A large amount of sawdust and dust not only impedes visual visibility, but can also cause irritation to the user’s mucous membranes. Therefore, manufacturers offer a dust blowing system through the use of a built-in fan that blows air, as well as a pipe for connecting an external vacuum cleaner, through which the dust enters the waste bin.
Backlight
Jigsaws with backlight are useful for working in low light conditions, which is very common on construction sites, as well as in ordinary garages. An LED is used as a light source, which does not heat up, consumes minimal energy, and is not afraid of vibrations and shocks.
Laser marker
A laser marker is a rather specific piece of equipment in the design of a jigsaw, which shows the direction of cutting and increases its accuracy. In practice, it is much more convenient to draw a marking line with a pencil, and professional users are completely capable of performing precise cuts by eye. Moreover, the marker is absolutely useless for radial cutting.
Choosing jigsaw files
When choosing a saw, it is necessary to take into account the technical component of the tool itself and the characteristics of the materials being processed. First of all, pay attention to the shank. Almost all modern jigsaws are adapted to the T-type. The exception is Makita products, which have a unique tail mount and are not compatible with other brands of tools. The U-type remains relevant only for outdated models, so finding such consumables is much more difficult.
It is also important to choose the right blade for working with certain raw materials. For this purpose, special markings Wood, Metal, Ceramics are applied to the files. But it is convenient to cut plastic parts with wood saws with wide, wave-shaped teeth, although there are also special blades labeled Fiber and Plaster, which are also suitable for drywall.
The purpose and quality of the cutting element also depends on the steel used in production:
- HCS (high carbon steel) can handle soft wood, thin fiberboard, and polymers.
- CV (chrome vanadium steel) has a higher hardness and is designed to work on any wood.
- HSS (High Speed Steel) is aimed at non-ferrous metals and steel.
- BIM (bimetal) is a successful combination of HCS and HSS, which is both durable and elastic and can withstand increased loads.
Let's summarize. The length of the file should cover the thickness of the workpiece with a margin of 10 mm. Wide blades (more than 5 mm) are oriented towards a straight cut, while narrow blades (up to 5 mm) are oriented towards a radial cut (circumferentially). The wider the file, the faster and smoother you can cut the material. The thick profile is well suited for rough cutting of boards and chipboards, and thin files allow you to make the cut as clean as possible (without chips, burrs, or cracks).
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