Jigsaw or circular saw. what to choose?

Specifications

During the discussion of the technical characteristics of the tool on the market, the unbiased opinion of a specialist in the field of its repair gradually led us both to the Makita 4329 jigsaw model.

According to my acquaintance, this is a representative of a whole product line - 4326 - 4329. In practice, all of them very rarely fell into his hands with some kind of breakdown. In addition, they are endowed with all the functions necessary to perform common processing operations:

• pendulum motion with a change in amplitude
• slight vibration
• the ability to adjust the cutting speed - from 500 to 3100 rpm
• by changing the angle of inclination of the platform - from 0 to 45 degrees.

Jigsaws have an elementary design, and Makita, creating tools, gives them a simple structure and reliability, which attracts true connoisseurs of quality. The main components of the jigsaw device are the body and the handle. Below there is a working blade, due to which the cut occurs, and the bases are supports for the device.

The body includes a slider, it helps to firmly fix the blade and the electric motor. With the help of this very engine, reciprocating movements are activated, due to which you get the cuts you need.

When buying a woodworking tool, it is important to pay attention to several characteristics.

• The power of the device. It is she who determines the speed of cutting a particular material. This figure can start at 450 and go up to 720 watts.
• The frequency of movement of the web. The speed of cutting any material depends on this characteristic. And also an excellent function is the ability to adjust, which is convenient if you suddenly need to carry out painstaking work or, on the contrary, speed up the process.
• Pendulum function. A jigsaw equipped with a pendulum cuts faster. This is achieved due to the fact that the blade is fed in the direction of the sawing on its upper course.

Blowing off the device. The air flow from the back of the blade helps to get rid of the sawdust. As a result, sawdust and dust are removed. The quality of the work is undoubtedly improving.
Bevel cut function. It greatly facilitates the task in the process of cutting hard-to-reach objects. Most often, this position is achieved by smooth adjustment using a special key.
Sole. The most important part of the jigsaw, which significantly affects the result of the work, because it is she who determines the convenience and accuracy of the cutting process

It is preferable to choose a cast sole - with it the device will “walk” on the material smoothly.
Maximum cutting thickness
It is important to pay attention to this indicator if your plans include working with thin elements and cutting them.

Jigsaws are electric, as well as battery-powered. Of course, the latter are convenient in the sense that they do not limit the area in which they can be used, while tools with a stationary attachment can be in working mode only if there is a power source nearby.

The best manufacturers of jigsaws

Many companies are engaged in the production of jigsaws, but the most popular and demanded is the tool of the following companies.

Bosch

It is a German company that produces various types of electrical appliances and power tools. Many consumers are familiar with vacuum cleaners, washing machines, irons and other equipment from this company. Craftsmen engaged in construction work often use the tools of this company. Bosch jigsaws are available in two colors - green for home use and blue for professional use. The products are of excellent quality and long service life.

Makita

One of the most famous and popular brands in the construction tool market.It is a Japanese company that specializes in the production of electric and gasoline tools. Consumers note the reliability of the Makita jigsaws for a long time. The company offers both budget models and tools for professional use.

Metabo

A fairly young German company that has recently started the production of power tools for various purposes. The products of this company are manufactured exclusively in Germany, which indicates the high quality of the finished product. Metabo electric jigsaws are equipped with modern electronic devices and mechanisms that ensure stable operation in all modes.

Skil

The electrical goods of the Dutch company Skil have a wide range of applications and are designed to perform various types of construction and repair work. The product has an excellent price / quality ratio. Skil jigsaws have proven themselves in cutting a variety of materials, including those with increased hardness. Equipped with devices that increase the comfort and quality of operations.

DeWalt

The products of this company are widely known in many countries of the world due to their quality and reliability. The company's power tools occupy a leading position in sales, which allows the company to increase production and expand the range of products offered. Continuous improvement and product development ensures high quality and competition in the power tool market. Any rating of jigsaws shows that DeWalt tools always occupy a leading position.

Hammer

The company produces a very large range of power tools and gardening equipment. The products are distinguished by well-thought-out solutions and high reliability. In its work, Hammer always focuses on the customer and his needs. Thanks to this policy of doing business, the line of products of this company is constantly updated with new models.

Gadgets

In order to make the use of jigsaws as comfortable as possible, you can use various additional devices. Working with replaceable plates, extension bar, work table, guide rails becomes easier and faster.

Many models of jigsaws have interchangeable plates in the kit, the main purpose of which is to improve the sliding of the saw parts over the workpiece bodies. The purchase of a quality extension cord is possible in many stores and at an affordable price. Difficulties can arise when choosing a desktop. This item is able to facilitate the processing of small workpieces, as well as increase the quality of sawing large parts.

The jigsaw table can be assembled with your own hands. First you need to prepare the countertop using a sheet of MDF 0.8 cm thick.The optimal dimensions are 35 by 35 or 40 by 40 centimeters. After preparing the tabletop in its center, it is worth making a hole with such a diameter that would not interfere with the passage of a thick saw with long teeth. The optimum hole width is 20 by 25 centimeters.

The jigsaw is fixed to the table using rails. The latter, in turn, should cover part of the sole from three sides. The fastening of the slats should facilitate the longitudinal movement of the sole. Table legs are made of plywood. At the bottom of the table, it is worth equipping a joint, for which it is also worth using a plywood sheet.

The next step is to install and secure the tool. It is worth installing a small gasket under the jigsaw handle, the best material for which will be plastic. Thanks to this gasket, the fasteners will be improved, and the spacer function will also be performed. The spacer performs the function of reducing the load on the fasteners, reduces the vibration level.

The jigsaw guide rail is the ideal attachment for making corner cuts on edges. This addition promotes neat and even cuts. The part that is cut with a jigsaw with a guide rail is protected from damage thanks to rubber pads. The device is easy to install and fix.

Design features

The purpose of a jigsaw, officially called a jigsaw, is widely known. It is used for:

• cutting wood, plastics, ceramic tiles, laminate, metal, drywall and similar materials;
• cutting holes of any shape in these materials.

Cutting in the unit is performed by special saws, the configuration and cutting of teeth of which is selected depending on the material being processed. The saw speed is very high and can be up to 3500 strokes / min.

The mechanism is mounted on a base plate, often called a sole or platform, and acts as a guide. It is she who guarantees the accuracy of sawing. The cutting angle can be changed due to the ability of the platform to rotate through a certain angle. Safety of work is ensured due to the fact that the file is covered with a durable transparent screen.

The handle of the jigsaw is of a staple or ribbed shape. The first of them provides good visibility of the cutting line, and the second facilitates the work if the working plane is located with some inclination.

Jigsaw blades specifications

When visiting a specialized store, you probably wondered how different types of files differ and which ones you need to purchase. Now there are three types of files:

• T-shaped;
• U-shaped;
• makitovsky.

T- and U-shaped files for electric jigsaws

The first, T-shaped, files are especially common. Most modern models are equipped with them. Therefore, it is best to choose jigsaws with this file, since it will be much easier to find them than others. In addition, now all manufacturers are trying to switch to this type of files, as it is gradually becoming universal.

The second type of file is used less often. It fits past models from manufacturers such as Skil, DeWalt, Wolf, Ryobi, Stayer, Black & Decker.

The third files are almost nowhere to be found and it is difficult to buy them. They only fit older Makita models.

Makitovsky tail at the file

File teeth shape

This section is an important part of the characteristics of the canvases. The teeth on the files can be of several types:

• hacksaw wiring. The teeth are set in the same way as a conventional hacksaw, in a zigzag pattern. This type of blade is suitable for working with rough materials that need to be cut quickly. Too neat sawing will not work as a result, but the blade does not overheat;
• wiring with a cone. The teeth are set almost imperceptibly. This shape helps to make an accurate, clean cut, grinding it in the process;
• undulating wiring. This form strongly resembles the first, however, there are also minor differences. The teeth are set in small groups, in the form of a wave. As a result of the work, it gives a clean, neat saw cut;
• without wiring. The teeth are set in one direction.

Sizes of files

Dimensions are determined by three indicators: length, width and thickness of the file. Let's consider each of them.

• length. This indicator is important. The shorter the length of the file, the thicker the material you can process. But in addition to the thickness of the file, it will also be necessary to take into account the power of the jigsaw engine;
• width more determines the ease of use of the jigsaw. For example, in order to cut out figures, you need to give preference to narrow files. If you are going to work only with straight cuts, it is better to take wide ones;
• thickness affects the size of the slice itself.However, do not be intimidated and take the thinnest file - these often deviate from the intended line. With them, you can easily make a mistake, deviating to the side and making a non-straight cut.

Sawing laminate with a jigsaw

An electric jigsaw is a versatile thing that comes in handy in the house. For example, when laying laminate flooring. If you need to saw it, a jigsaw is the best tool for that. How to cut a laminate with a jigsaw, you can find out by reading the instructions.

How to saw a laminate with a jigsaw - step by step instructions

Step 1. Take laminate boards. Using a pencil, mark the line along which you will cut.

Mark lines with a ruler for greater precision

Step 2. Use a sharp object to cut through the film of the board cover. Lay the laminate with the wrong side up and clamp the board.

Saw laminate flooring face down

Step 3. Turn on the jigsaw and cut the laminate. To do this, carefully, without jerking the jigsaw, move the tool along the marked line. Try to be accurate. Once you get used to the cut, things will go much better.

Jigsaw on laminate flooring

How to choose a jigsaw?

Before choosing, you need to decide what type of power the instrument will have. There are only two options:

• network;
• rechargeable.

In the first case, the device is powered from a household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V. This allows you to install an electric motor of almost any power on it, however, it reduces autonomy. After all, the movement of the worker is limited by the length of the power cord. And in places where there is no outlet, work is completely impossible.

The second type of tool is powered by a rechargeable battery. This allows you to work anywhere without being tied to an outlet or restricting movement. However, there are downsides to this. First, the battery lasts for a relatively short time (usually 2-3 hours). After that, it requires recharging or replacement. Secondly, powerful motors are not put on cordless jigsaws, since they quickly consume battery power. When purchasing a device, these points must be taken into account.

So, we decided on the type of equipment

What should you pay attention to when choosing a technique? Here are the highlights

• Power. The more powerful the tool, the more efficiently it cuts wood. The optimal indicator is from 500 to 700 watts. Anything that is weaker does not cope with its tasks. Anything more powerful is usually not needed in a boot - weaker devices are enough to work at home.
• Stroke frequency. This parameter represents the number of reciprocating movements that the jigsaw file makes during a certain period of time. The larger it is, the faster the tool works. It should be noted that the parameter is not directly related to power. For relatively weak devices, it can be quite large. For most household tasks, a power tool with a frequency of 2,500 - 3,000 strokes per minute will suffice.
• Cutting depth. This parameter reflects how deeply the file extends during forward motion. It directly depends on how thick the parts can be processed. Jigsaws with a small value of this indicator can be slightly improved by installing a longer saw on them.
• Smooth start. This function allows the motor to start gradually. It is very useful as it protects the motor from overloading and thus significantly extends its service life.
• Stroke frequency regulation. The frequency of movement of the file on most models can be adjusted. This allows you to select a different operating mode for different conditions. For example, for cutting soft woods, the frequency can be reduced, for sawing harder woods, it can be increased.
• Maintainability. Some models of electric jigsaws are in fact disposable. In the event of a breakdown, neither spare parts nor accessories can be found for them. Sometimes, due to the peculiarities of the fastening, even files are not on sale.Such devices should be avoided.
• Equipment. Jigsaws have different configurations. The simplest one includes only the tool itself. The most difficult part is a set of keys and files, replaceable batteries. The latter option is more attractive, but also more expensive.
• Manufacturer and price. Branded tools are expensive but high quality. Cheap Chinese options do not differ in quality and reliability, although you can also find decent copies among them (but very difficult). Therefore, it is better to give preference to the middle price category. It contains budget branded devices, as well as Russian-made equipment. Such products are of sufficient quality and reliable, while you will not have to pay exorbitant sums for them.
• Reviews and reviews. Manufacturers often do not talk a lot about their products. This is understandable: they need to sell as many items as possible. Therefore, it is very difficult to obtain information from official sources about the intricacies of using the tool, problems during operation. To find out about this, you should read the reviews of real buyers and reviews of independent experts. Only they will make it possible to form a truly objective picture.

Additional functions of jigsaws and their significance

The cost of a jigsaw depends not only on its technical characteristics, but also on the availability of certain additional functions designed to make it easier to work with the tool. If you do not strive, in spite of the price, to buy the most "sophisticated" device, stuffed with a wide variety of functions, you should figure out which ones you really need.

Pendulum stroke

Today, the pendulum motion (sometimes called pumping) can hardly be considered an additional function, since most modern jigsaw models have it. When this function is activated, the saw blade, in addition to the vertical reciprocating movements, also begins to vibrate back and forth. This allows you to significantly increase the cutting speed, albeit at the cost of reducing the quality.

Pumping adjustment is carried out using a three- or four-position switch. The amplitude of the pendulum stroke is selected depending on the task. The smaller it is, the slower the process, and the neater the resulting saw cut, and vice versa.

This function is necessary for large volumes of work associated with direct sawing of wooden blanks, i.e. when it is not cleanliness and precision that is important, but high productivity. If you want to make a curved cut, the pumping will have to be turned off, otherwise it is very likely that the file will bend, which threatens to jam or break.

Sole angle

Changing the angle of the sole is a very useful feature. With its help, you can make a cut at a certain angle to the surface of the material, which significantly expands the range of tasks that can be solved using a jigsaw. In relatively inexpensive models, as a rule, there are only two sole positions - 0 ° and 45 °. Professional instruments have more of them - 0 °, 15 °, 30 ° and 45 °.

In addition, please note that on some models this adjustment is realized without a key, while on others an additional tool is required to change the position of the sole. If you need to change the angle of inclination of the sole often, then it is best to pay attention to those models in which this adjustment is carried out without a key, using a special lever

Smooth start

The soft start function provides a gradual increase in the speed of the electric motor. As a result, there is no sharp jerk of the tool when it is turned on. This makes it easier to "run" the saw blade into the workpiece without damaging the material. The soft start function is essential when high precision of the saw is very important.

Maintaining rpm under load

With an increase in the load on the jigsaw, the engine "slows down" inevitably occurs. The function of maintaining the speed under load will allow you to maintain the cutting speed (and therefore the quality of sawing) and protect the engine from overloading. The need for it arises when you have to work with difficult materials, in particular with metal.

Blowing off shavings

When making complex shaped cuts, good visibility of the outlined line is very important, and it directly depends on the cleanliness of the working area. A directed air flow will help remove dust from the work surface during work.

Backlight

To improve the visibility of the cutting line, and, consequently, to increase the accuracy and accuracy of sawing, a function such as a backlight was also created. This function is also in demand in battery models, since the latter are often used in rooms with poor lighting.

Laser pointer

When you have to make a large number of straight cuts and you want to save time on preliminary marking of the material, a laser pointer built into the jigsaw will come in handy, the beam of which will act as a guide line.

Care and maintenance

Handling the tool requires care. If heating of the eccentric unit is noticeable, stop work and allow the jigsaw to cool.

It is recommended to disassemble it and lubricate all moving parts with grease. The appropriate brand is indicated in the user manual, which should be carefully read. After work, it is necessary to remove the file and thoroughly clean the tool from dust and small sawdust.

The midsole and shell can become electrified and begin to attract small particles, so you should wipe the shell and sole with a rag to remove any adhering dust. The grease is changed as needed. If the tool is actively used, the need for service will become noticeable by changing the operating mode. For jigsaws that work relatively rarely, it is recommended to change the lubricant once a year.

What kind of jigsaw do you use?

Rechargeable Wired

In conclusion, one should once again outline the main criteria for choosing a jigsaw:

The more harmoniously all these requirements are combined, the more successful and effective the choice will be. It should be borne in mind that the real capabilities of the tools often do not correspond to the declared ones. In addition, other negative points are possible - for example, a too hard power cable will quickly break or crumble, and weak plastic of the case will cause the tool to quickly collapse.

We must try to foresee these subtleties and exclude them as much as possible. There is no point in chasing the products of world famous brands. As practice shows, the products of domestic manufacturers are practically not inferior, and sometimes even surpass, some European models.

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What is it and what is it for?

An electric jigsaw is a cutting tool that is electrically driven. Its difference from saws, cutters, milling machines is considered to be significant accuracy when making cuts. The jigsaw is a versatile device that performs cutting of various kinds of material. Using the device, you can perform not only longitudinal cut, but also figured one, not excluding cutting materials at an angle.

If you need to make a straight cut or with a complex trajectory, a high-precision cut with clean edges, rough cutting of a workpiece, cutting a hole of different shape and area, then in such a situation you cannot do without a jigsaw.

This type of tool should be considered a small saw, which is equipped with an electric type drive.The jigsaw found use in household work. During the renovation of premises, it can be used for cutting laminate, ceramic tiles, plywood, drywall.