Manufacturers, models
Most often, desktop jigsaws of the brands Bosch, Makita, JET, DeWALT, Corvette, Proxxon, Excalibur, Zubr are used. The equipment demonstrates stable performance and good performance. So, the Bosch electric jigsaw machine has a long operating period, is characterized by high build quality. DeWALT equipment is characterized by smooth, uninterrupted operation. The Zubr table jigsaw is equipped with an adjustable pendulum saw stroke that improves the quality of the cut surface.
Stationary electric jigsaw Enkor Corvette copes with inclined, longitudinal, cross-cutting. The German Einhell tabletop electric unit is sold in 53 countries around the world. Jigsaw machines Dremel ("Dremel") are equipped with a wide range of saw blades, with which you can make parts of complex configuration.
When choosing, you need to study the features of the equipment, know for what purposes an electric jigsaw is purchased, how often it will be used.
JET JSS-16 (10 560 rub.)
JET is used in home workshops, small carpentry shops for curved cuts of workpieces. It is possible to install saws with different mounts. The stroke rate range is adjustable from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute. This ensures high-quality processing of plastic, plywood, chipboard, natural wood.
JET JSS-16е (12 320 rub.)
The jigsaw machine with an asynchronous motor copes with straight and radius sawing of wood of various hardness, polymer materials. Working speeds - 400-1800 passes per minute. Safety is guaranteed by a transparent cover, a sawdust fan keeps the working area clean.
Craton WMSS-11-01 (5 679 rub.)
The machine is designed for the formation of decorative parts from wood, sawing wood in the longitudinal, transverse direction, along an inclined line. The working table can change the angle of inclination, the cutting file can be set in two positions. The desktop jigsaw has a large frame overhang, so it can handle large workpieces.
Holzstar DKS 501 Vario (8 700 rub.)
The tabletop jigsaw is designed for cutting external and internal contours of all kinds of configurations, including complex curved shapes. It is also used for cutting parts from soft wood, plastic bases. The saw line is cleaned with an adjustable wood dust extraction system. The possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner is provided.
Scheppach SD1600V (9 800 rub.)
A distinctive feature of the machines is a low vibration level, stable cutting of parts from various materials. You can choose the angle of inclination of the desktop depending on the nature of the work. The compactness of the equipment allows you to use it in small workshops, at home.
Scheppach Deco Flex (13 975 rub.)
The sample is equipped with a flexible shaft for finishing the lumber. With its help, complex furniture elements are cut out. The travel speed is adjustable in the range of 550–1650 rpm, the cutting depth is 500–405 mm.
PRORAB 4000 (6 825 rub.)
Desktop jigsaws cope with sawing wood, plastic, metal workpieces. They are characterized by high stability: they have a wide support base. The cooling system of the working element prevents the saw from overheating due to friction.
Proxxon DS 460 (34 500 rub.)
The jigsaw unit is equipped with a robust cast steel structure and a magnesium rocker arm. To replace the cutting element, the aluminum table is moved horizontally by 8 cm. Saws with pin and flat ends can be installed on the machine, providing high-quality cutting of wood, plastic, metal, plexiglass.
Hegner Multicut-2S (52 720 rub.)
The professional electric jigsaw machine is easy to operate and has a clean cut. The unit is equipped with a set of original saws capable of cutting wood, polymer materials, metal blanks. On request, the machine model is supplemented with a speed controller, while the cost increases.
The table shows the characteristics of the models of the Zubr trademark and the Corvette jigsaws.
Model |
Power, W |
Number of strokes / min |
Sawing capacity of wood / mm |
Weight, kg |
Price, rub. |
Bison ZSL-90 |
90 |
1450 |
50 |
12,5 |
5 620 |
Bison ZSL-250 |
250 |
1600 |
51 |
21,5 |
17 490 |
Corvette 87 |
85 |
1400 |
40 |
7 |
5 449 |
Corvette 88 |
150 |
1400 |
50 |
20 |
8 200 |
Criteria for choosing the right jigsaw
The tool is referred to as a simple mechanical device, the main working body of which is a working saw blade, fixed in a slider. The slider, in turn, receives a reciprocating motion from the gearbox and the motor, which are housed in the housing. Its lower part is a sole, a handle is fixed on top.
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1. The basic indicator that determines how to choose the right jigsaw for the house is power. Household-grade instruments are characterized by a value from 200 to 350 watts. A weak tool cannot work with hard materials; the saw may jam. But, having won in power, you can lose in weight - more powerful jigsaws are much heavier. Household tools are not suitable for cutting metal, solid wood.
2. Electric jigsaw for work in everyday life, equipped with a cast platform, is more reliable than a tool with a stamped base. Support material is preferred, aluminum with 45 linear degrees of rotation. This support is necessary for precise fixation of the jigsaw when cutting at a certain angle.
3
When choosing a tool, you need to pay attention to the design of the stem. More than half of all breakdowns are associated with the failure of the rod itself.
It is preferable to choose a jigsaw with a round or square stem.
4. Convenience of quick change of the saw blade is achieved due to the presence of a keyless saw attachment method. This method can be provided by a variety of designs, and it is almost impossible to break the thread when changing the file.
5. Adjustment of the frequency of the belt moves can be carried out either by the trigger (the speed depends on the pressing force), or by means of electronic adjustment with a wheel located on the body. Both methods have their admirers, but it must be borne in mind that the minimum frequency (less than 1000 rpm) is unsuitable for work, for example, with plastic.
Cordless jigsaw models
6
If work is planned to be carried out in a mode remote from the mains, it is important to provide for a design with operation when powered by a battery. Some jigsaw models are supplied with 2 batteries and a charger
7. Ergonomic handles are half the battle for success and enjoyment of work. When buying, you need to try where the hand is more comfortable - on the bracket-handle or the mushroom-shaped handle. The mushroom handle is preferable for a curved figured cut.
8. Some manufacturers provide the instrument with LED lighting. When performing ultra-precise work in low light conditions, it is necessary to opt for these particular models.
The additional functions of the power tool are designed to increase your comfort and convenience when working. This is the presence of a pendulum mechanism (used when intensifying threading work), a device for turning and fixing the saw blade, lighting the functioning zone, blowing off sawdust with a vacuum cleaner.
What is it needed for?
It is widely used in everyday life, construction, art, for example, for art carving. It is simple and easy to use, even a schoolchild can handle it.
Its difference from conventional saws is obvious. Saws make straight rough cuts, and jigsaws make curly cuts. With the help of its structural element, you can make almost any complex cuts, as well as straight accurate ones. Its mechanism of action is designed to cut surfaces of any complexity.The convenient shape of the blade ensures longitudinal cutting, starting from the end, with a gradual deepening into the material.
The jigsaw is convenient for making miniatures - blanks, and due to the maneuverable passage of the tool, you can easily cut rounded elements in the product. With its help, carved pieces of furniture and decorative interior details, as well as all kinds of crafts are made. It is irreplaceable in construction and renovation work. Each workshop has its own set of "running" tools, which necessarily include a jigsaw.
Zuzako editors recommendations for choosing electric jigsaws for home and work
Before choosing a jigsaw, you need to clearly determine for what purposes it is bought and how often it will be used. There is no need to purchase an expensive professional tool if you use it 2-3 times a year.
When choosing, consider the following parameters:
- Power. For household purposes, models with a power of 400-500 watts are suitable. Such a tool will cope with wood up to 65 mm thick and steel up to 4 mm. To work with thicker material, you will need professional equipment with a power of 600 watts or more.
- Stroke frequency. The speed of work and the quality of the cut depend on this parameter. Manufacturers offer professional and consumer models with stroke rates ranging from 500 to 3100 rpm. High-speed jigsaws are suitable for working with soft material, medium-frequency jigsaws are suitable for hardwoods, soft metals and plastics, for steel it is better to choose a tool with a low speed. Most jigsaws, especially professional jigsaws, are equipped with a frequency adjustment function, so they can work with materials of different thicknesses.
- Type of food. The manufacturer offers different models of jigsaws, operating both from a 220 V network and from a battery. The mains tool is more stable in operation, and the cordless one is autonomous. The best option is to have two types of jigsaws in your arsenal.
You also need to pay attention to additional functions that provide maximum comfort in using the tool. These include:
- pendulum stroke - is available in almost all models and allows you to increase the cutting speed, has an adjustment;
- sole angle adjustment - allows you to make cuts at different angles relative to the working surface. In household models, as a rule, there are two positions - 0 ° and 45 °, while in a professional instrument this range is much wider;
- automatic maintenance of speed under load - this option is needed when working with hard and dense materials, since it allows you to maintain the cutting speed and protect the electric motor from overheating;
- smooth start - eliminates jerks at the beginning of work and ensures the accuracy of the cut.
It is also important in a jigsaw to have options such as blowing off shavings, lighting, the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner and a laser pointer
Popular manufacturers and models
Consider some samples that are considered to be of the highest quality and most successful in terms of design:
- Mid-range instrument with a power of 550 watts.
- Able to cut wood up to 85 mm, the saw stroke is 20 mm.
Bosch PST 800 PEL 0.603.3A0.120
- The power of this instrument is 530 W.
- The maximum thickness of wood that can be cut is 80 mm.
- Has a quick-release saw lock.
- The advantage of this jigsaw is its price - it is half that of the previous model.
Makita 4329X1
- Household tool for DIYers.
- With a power of 450 watts, it can cut wood up to 65 mm thick.
- It has a thread lock for the saw blade, of the additional functions it has only a pendulum stroke of the rod.
- The sole is cast, the weight of the tool is only 1.9 kg.
Metabo STE 140 Plus MetaLoc
- Professional expensive instrument with a power of 750 W.
- Able to cut wood up to 140 mm thick.
- It has a 4-stage pendulum stroke.
- The manufacturer took care of the craftsmen by making a 4-meter long cable.
- Tool weight - 2.5 kg.
Einhell BPS 600E
- The power is 600 W.
- Three variants of the pendulum mode.
- Cutting depth of wood - 65 mm.
- Adjustable rod speed.
Fiolent PMZ-600 E
- Domestic engineers were able to create a completely successful jigsaw model.
- Its power is 600 watts.
- Wood cutting thickness - 85 mm.
- All important parts are metal, which is reflected in the weight - it is 2.4 kg.
Makita 4351 FCT
Jigsaw, belonging to the category of professional tools. Experts and ordinary users note the reliability and efficiency of the tool.
- Cutting thickness in wood - 135 mm.
- Power 720 watts.
- It has a soft start function that eliminates jerks and vibration at the start.
- The sole can be fixed in the vertical position of the file, or at an angle of 45 °.
Most manufacturers are jealous of their product reputation and strive to produce best-in-class examples. This led to the fact that the capabilities of all samples are close to each other, differing only in some small things.
General selection criteria
To buy a quality tool that will be able to perform the assigned tasks, you need to consider different characteristics.
When choosing a jigsaw, both basic and secondary parameters are equally important:
Maximum travel speed. The higher the number of strokes, the greater the productivity, the more accurate and cleaner the cut is. But high speed is important only when working with wood, otherwise it is not necessary.
Minimum travel speed. This parameter is important to take into account when working on metal.
Travel speed regulation. An important function that increases the versatility of the application. Allows you to customize it depending on the material with which the tool is working. A good jigsaw must have this capability.
Pendulum stroke. With it, the saw moves simultaneously back and forth and up and down so that the contact of the working body occurs only during the sawing cycle. Improves the speed and longevity of the headset, but the quality of the cut decreases.
Stroke length. The higher it is, the greater the productivity due to the fact that most of the file is in contact with the material.
Sole slope. An important feature that allows the sole to deflect left or right at a certain angle. Usually it does not exceed 45 degrees. This allows you to make a bevel cut.
The shape of the handle. The most common is staple (also called D-shaped). Convenient, allows you to hold the tool with one hand. However, it is poorly adapted for figured cutting, art work. Has an additional rounded holder. Fits in front of the main handle. Allows two-handed operation, enabling complex cuts. When comparing different options, it is better to give preference to models with two handles. But there is a drawback - visibility is worse when working.
Cutting depth. The bigger, the better. In professional models it can be up to 140 mm. But the cost of the tool is also higher. The jigsaw can take steel blanks up to 10 mm, non-ferrous metals (primarily aluminum) - up to 30 mm.
Engine execution. Choose the right brushless motor - it is more reliable, durable, safer. The brush is suitable for those who value low cost.
Quick-detachable files. The installation of keyless files increases the usability of the tool.
Anti-vibration system. Needed only for powerful power tools with a capacity of 800-1000 watts and above.
Blowing off sawdust. The ability to connect a vacuum cleaner is needed only if they work with a jigsaw in residential premises. In the open air or in a specially equipped workshop, the function is redundant.
Top manufacturers
To purchase a really high-quality tool, it is better to pay attention to trusted firms, ignoring the non-name tool. Pay attention to the range of jigsaws of the following companies: Bosch, Makita, Metabo, Skil, DeWalt, Hammer, JET, Dremel
For simple household purposes, simpler models produced by AEG, Bison, Whirlwind, Interskol, Military, Fiolent are also suitable.