How to choose a jigsaw for home

Design features of a jigsaw electric saw

The material is cut using a special saw, driven by an electric motor. The frequency of reciprocating movements made by the file vertically reaches 3500 strokes per minute. To install the mechanism, a support platform is used, which is otherwise called a plate or sole. The base plate is used as a guide and ensures high accuracy of cutting the material by maintaining a constant distance to the work surface.

The ability to rotate the support platform at an angle of up to 45 degrees allows you to change the incline of the cut. The platform is usually made of steel, aluminum or high-strength plastic. Manufacturers cover the file with a transparent protective screen made of plexiglass (organic glass), which ensures the safety of work.

Jigsaws also differ in the type of handle design, which can be:

• staple shape that allows you to see the cutting line well;
• mushroom-shaped, making it easier to work on inclined planes.

The type of handle does not affect the quality of work, and therefore the tool is chosen according to this criterion, based only on personal preferences.

The design of an electric jigsaw designed for professional use, equipped with many additional functions that facilitate the operation of this type of hand tool

The Hitachi cordless jigsaw, produced by a well-known Japanese company, is designed to work in places inaccessible for connecting the tool to the mains

If you plan to use the jigsaw without connecting to the power supply, then purchase battery models. Just keep in mind that the use of this tool is limited in time. The power of battery models is usually low.

TOP

A wide range of jigsaws of different price segments is presented in hardware stores. We have selected the 5 best models of professional and household class:

Bosch PST 700 E

The universal jigsaw of the German assembly for solving any task. Able to make cuts up to 70 mm deep. Suitable for adjusting panels, wood blanks. Working with metal is not recommended. There is a rubberized handle, high quality assembly of all elements. Power is 300 W, there is a speed control.

Bort BPS-500-P

Household class model. Suitable for cutting metal, wood and plastic. The tool is equipped with a reliable 400 W motor. The handle is staple, with a rubberized winding. Advantages - protective screen, start button lock for continuous sawing. The cutting angle can be adjusted from 0 to 45.

Makita 4351FCT

Professional jigsaw for processing wood, plastic and ceramics. The disadvantage is that it does not work well with metal workpieces, the cutting depth is 10 mm. The model is equipped with a 720 W two-stroke engine. Tool weight 2.4 kg, which is convenient for long cutting. The package includes a molded sole and a rubberized mushroom handle.

DeWALT DW331K

According to users, this is the most comfortable jigsaw of 2018 in the professional segment. There is a system for quick replacement of the cutting blade, a system of counterweights. The power regulator is located on the rubber handle, there is a movement lock. The output power is 445 W, the frequency is 3100 x / minute. There is a pendulum mechanism, an anti-vibration system and a vacuum cleaner connection. The disadvantage is the high price compared to competitors' analogues.

Metabo STE 100 QUICK

Professional jigsaw, suitable for all types of materials.Equipped with a 470 W two-stroke electric motor. Built-in protective shield, cast steel sole. The pendulum stroke can be switched in 4 modes. Changing the file without a key, connecting the vacuum cleaner. Works from the network. Supplied in a plastic case with metal snaps.

Jigsaw is an electric tool for sawing materials of different density. Carries out straight, curly and longitudinal cuts, sawing out circles. Depending on the power and additional functions, it can be professional or household

When choosing a specific model, it is important to take into account the manufacturer's level, engine power, the presence of a pendulum stroke and the frequency of movement of the file. Modern products are equipped with additional functions - a power lock, illumination and adjustment of the cutting angle

Makita file markings

Makita also labels its files with an alphanumeric code. This code looks like this: B10S, B13, B16, L10, etc.

The letters mean:

• B - the length of the working part (with teeth) of the saw blade is less than 100 mm.
• L - the length of the working part (with teeth) of the file is 100 mm or more.

What the numbers mean is unclear, Makita's own codes are not informative. But for most of its files, Makita specifies the packaging conformity with the Bosch code.

However, this does not mean that such files accurately copy Bosch files, it is just the closest match in terms of characteristics. This is due to the fact that Makita files are made in Japan, according to their technologies, and therefore they are not copies of Boshevsky files.

On the packaging of Makita files, technical characteristics are indicated - dimensions, tooth pitch. Thus, you can navigate by this information. There is no information on files on the Makita website, in a convenient form. You need to download a huge PDF file (almost 300 MB) - a catalog of accessories and look for information on files there. This catalog is not on the Russian site of Makita, it must be downloaded from a Japanese or American site. Catalog in English.

Professional or household appliance?

Electric jigsaws, like all power tools, are available for both professional and domestic use. In everyday life, the equipment is not used so intensively, therefore its power is inferior to professional models designed for continuous operation. Typical for household tools and a small number of additional functions, as well as a minimum working resource, which is quite enough for a single use of the electric jigsaw for its intended purpose. Prices for household models of electric jigsaws are 2-3 times lower than for professional models.

When choosing, take into account the fact that with household low-power jigsaws you can cut parts made of wood with a thickness of no more than 70 mm, and from steel - no more than 2-4 mm. Professional models with high power and productivity can cut wood up to 135 mm thick, aluminum sheets - up to 20 mm, steel sheets - up to 10 mm. Knowing the thickness of the material that you will be cutting, it is easy to determine which jigsaw is best for this operation. Household power tools are manufactured in China and Poland. A quality tool for professionals is produced in Germany, Japan, Sweden.

Cutting round holes of various diameters with an electric jigsaw in wood, steel and other sheet materials is done quickly and smoothly

Model of an electric jigsaw (electric jigsaw) intended for professional use, produced by the German company Bosch, well-known on the power tool market

The lineup

The range of Dexter electric jigsaws is not very large, but they all have powerful motors and an ergonomic design that makes using the tool a pleasure.

Dexter Power 4 750 W

It has a power of 750 W and is able to easily and quickly handle a variety of materials. The tool has a pendulum stroke, thanks to which the process of cutting the blade moves more clearly and faster.The sawing depth of a wooden blade is 85 mm, and an aluminum blade up to 12 mm.

Jigsaw Dexter Power 4 750 W

Specifications

Dexter Power 4 500 W

Refers to budget models and has a standard set of options. The maximum frequency of the stroke is 3000 per minute, the cutting depth of wood is 55 mm. There is a speed regulator, thanks to which it is easier to control the tool. The weight is 1.5 kg.

Jigsaw Dexter Power 4 500 W

Specifications

Dexter Power 4 600 W

It is a household model that has a 600 W motor. This model has a pendulum stroke, thanks to which the saw blade becomes more efficient and faster. A laser pointer is available to help you mark the direction. Low weight, only 1.8 kg, allows the operator to cut continuously for a long time.

Jigsaw Dexter Power 4 600 W

Specifications

Dexter Power 18V

Sold without a battery and charger, but they can be purchased separately. The maximum stroke rate is 2700 per minute. The sole can change the angle of inclination by 90 degrees, which makes curly cutting possible. The advantage of the model is the ability to cut metal up to 8 mm thick.

Jigsaw Dexter Power 18V

Specifications

User manual

It is not recommended to use a jigsaw and saw surface:

• In the rain or if there is any other possibility of moisture droplets getting on the instrument;
• Use deformed files;
• No protective shield;
• Without secure fixation in the jigsaw;
• Subject the jigsaw to loads other than those specified in the technical data.

To prolong the life of the tool, it is advisable to carry out maintenance once a year. Store the saw in a dry place out of the reach of children.

Jigsaw device

The advantage of cordless jigsaws is their undemanding attitude towards themselves. The only measure that must be taken before use is the so-called "running-in". First, completely discharge the battery, then charge it within 3-4 hours. Repeat these steps 3-4 times in order for the battery to reach the declared power. You can learn more about safety precautions when working with a power tool and about carrying out maintenance in the operating instructions.

Typical malfunctions of Dexter jigsaws:

After some time of operation, it is necessary to check the thrust roller, which may loosen, which will lead to intermittent operation of the saw blade. To eliminate the malfunction, it is enough to replace it.

The plus is that it is not necessary to use only original spare parts, and if you wish, you can install rollers from other manufacturers.
It is worth paying attention to the start button of the Dexter jigsaw, which is practically not protected from dust. After some time of use, it can get more and more difficult to launch.

It is advisable to carry out a complete disassembly and cleaning of the jigsaw once a year.
If the saw does not start when the saw is turned on, then the reason may be damage to the brushes, a malfunctioning fork or a broken cord.
In case of strong sparking under the brushes, you need to pay attention to the following points: perhaps the brushes have worn out more than the permissible norm, the collector is dirty, a short circuit in the armature winding.
If the gearbox housing overheats, you need to relieve the pressure on the saw or check the electric motor, it may be damp. If it is not possible to adjust the frequency of the working stroke, then the speed regulator must be replaced.

The instructions describe typical malfunctions that you can eliminate yourself, but if this did not work, then it is better to contact the service center.

Features and characteristics

In a sawing tool, the accuracy of the work carried out, the cutting speed and the quality of the cut depend on the correctly selected saw blade, therefore, in each case, the requirements for this element of the jigsaw will differ. Also, the type of raw materials that will be used in the work plays a key role. For example, for products made of plywood, chipboard or soft metal, a neat cut will be required if the cut is carried out for finishing, and for rough work with wood and other materials in some situations, you can limit yourself to a rougher working technique.

In either case, it is important to choose the right file for the jigsaw.

Saw blades for hand tools when cutting wood or metal will allow you to make an accurate cut, even if you need to prepare thin and small products from working material with a minimum density.

It is possible to distinguish and classify jigsaw files for hand and power tools according to the following characteristics.

• Product size. Since the main raw material for working with a jigsaw is wood, which stands out for its thickness, the saw blade for effective work is made as long as possible so that the saw can cover the entire thickness. Usually the length of the part is 150 mm, but there are elements of a larger size.
• The type of material from which the file is made. Most often, products are made from carbon steel alloy, since such tools do very well with the task of cutting both fresh and dry wood. In addition, a similar tool can work with polymer raw materials. Also, to equip the jigsaw with a cutting part, saws made of hardened steel are used, which is recommended for working with soft types of metals and other pliable materials. Bimetallic saws are an improved version that combines the advantages of different types of steel, in addition, to improve the quality of such files are diamond-coated, which increases their cost. As a rule, such blades are intended for cutting dense metal alloys, for working on aluminum and tiles. Carbide saws are used for tiles and ceramics.

Blade type. This criterion is responsible for the appearance of the cut made.

To select one or another type of teeth on the files, you should pay attention to the marking of the parts. The teeth can be wavy, set apart, polished and placed at a certain angle.

Saw tail type

The ability to use parts with different tail shapes and sizes depends on the configuration of the working tool. However, more and more manufacturers are trying to make their products universal. This part in the file can have a T-shape, be in the shape of a U-shaped end, straight or with special holes for a specific modification of the jigsaw.