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The advantage of the tool is that it can be used to perform a wide variety of complex tasks. Both a professional and a novice master can use a jigsaw, but which tool to choose depends on the necessary work.

To purchase a reliable tool, you need to know what functions a jigsaw can perform, and what are its advantages over a hand saw:

  1. With it, you can make not only straight cuts, but also figured wood cutting.
  2. Jigsaws can cut holes various shapes.
  3. Electric jigsaws can cut almost any material. It can be used to work with wood, tiles or metal, the quality of the cut will remain unchanged.
  4. You can choose not the most powerful electric jigsaw for the house, it will cope with all household chores that arise.
  5. Buyers of this tool note that it is much more convenient to work with it than with hand saws.

If you decide to start repairs, if you have a summer house or want to learn how to create unique things with your own hands, then you simply need an electric jigsaw. It will become an indispensable assistant in household chores.

Household and professional jigsaws

The choice of a jigsaw largely depends on the professionalism of its future owner. It is customary to distinguish between household and professional tools.

Household jigsaws:

  1. Differ in small power.
  2. The choice of additional functions is small.
  3. They are comfortable to work with wood, the thickness of which does not exceed 7 centimeters.
  4. Good sawing steel, up to 4 millimeters thick.
  5. It is recommended to work with such a tool no more than 20 hours a month.
  6. The price of the tool is much lower than that of professional models.

Professional jigsaws:

  1. Very powerful tools that can withstand heavy loads during work.
  2. Suitable for sawing wood up to 13.5 cm thick.
  3. It can cut steel, the thickness of which reaches 0.2 centimeters.
  4. The price of the device will depend on additional features and brand awareness.

If you do not know which electric jigsaw is better to buy, household or professional, then think about the nature of its application. If you are not thinking seriously about cutting out various shapes, then household models will be the right decision.

Principle of operation

To choose the right jigsaw, you should understand the principle of its operation. This will not only help you decide on the purchase, but also facilitate the process of work:

  1. The device is equipped with an engine, the operation of which ensures cutting.
  2. The movement of the motor starts the saw, which makes vertical movements.
  3. The cutting accuracy depends on the base plate.
  4. Depending on the selected jigsaw model, the platform can be rotated, which makes the work more comfortable.
  5. For safe work, the jigsaw saw is securely closed with a protective screen.
  6. It is better to purchase devices with a mushroom-shaped handle, although manufacturers also produce models with a "U" shaped handle.

Mushroom handle shape

Like many modern appliances, jigsaws can work from battery. The quality of the cut does not suffer, but the operating time is reduced. Use this option only if it is not possible to permanently connect the tool to the mains.

What you need to know about saws

When buying a device, you need to understand not only how to choose a jigsaw, but also what kind of saws exist for it, what is their difference and what you need to know about them for quality work. Despite the fact that saws are not the main selection criterion, they directly affect the sawing process:

  1. The length of the saw can be from 7 to 13 centimeters. It is necessary to select it depending on the thickness of the canvas.
  2. As for the material, classic saws are made of steel. Bimetallic options are somewhat more expensive, but more versatile.
  3. If you need to cut soft material, choose a carbon steel blade.
  4. HSS blades are suitable for non-ferrous metals and plastics.

When buying a jigsaw file, find out what it is intended for (for what material). It is very important to choose the right cutting component, otherwise you can ruin the material.

Wood saw set

Whatever types of jigsaws are presented in stores, the basic principles of working with this tool are the same. In order not to injure yourself and not spoil the material, you should know:

  1. If you are working with materials such as stainless steel, polystyrene or organic glass, additional cooling must be used.
  2. The quality of cutting steel material will be better if you use the device at high speed.
  3. To work with plastic, you need a tool that can give a stroke of 1000 strokes per minute.
  4. When working with thin materials, use a backing.
  5. Remember to stop work and let the engine cool down. The fewer movements per minute the saw makes, the more often it is recommended to stop.
  6. Don't forget to change the saw if it gets dull. Damaged saws create additional load on the engine.
  7. Do not be lazy to lubricate the tool

Do not neglect the rules that are set out in the instructions for the device. Working with the tool can be dangerous if safety precautions are not followed.

Manufacturers Overview

Many, not knowing how to choose a jigsaw or any other tool, rely entirely on the reputation of brands. What can be said about the manufacturers that produce electric saws?

  1. The German company Bosch produces jigsaws of good power and quality. Perfect solution firms - professional and amateur tools of different colors.
  2. The Japanese brand Hitachi is extremely popular in the construction industry. The range of their products is very large, as well as the range of electric saws, which are distinguished by quality and reliability.
  3. Makita devices are distinguished by the fact that their owners rarely contact the warranty service. Moreover, even budget options have great power.
  4. The Skil company is famous for the fact that it was they who released the first hand saw. Today, they produce a variety of power tools that are renowned for their reliability.
  5. The Russian company Interskol produces high-quality tools that have a positive response not only in our country, but also abroad.

Model overview

As a rule, before buying a tool, we study its characteristics, read reviews and compare the positive and negative sides. According to buyers, the most the best options electric jigsaws are as follows.

Outwardly, this model is not attractive, but it easily copes with the tasks. What is important to know about this tool?

  1. Equipped with 4 steps.
  2. The saw can move at speeds up to 3000 per minute.
  3. Low cost.
  4. Handle in the form of the letter "P".
  5. Steel outsole.
  6. Good protection.
  7. During operation, the saw deviates slightly.

Electric jigsaw FIT JS-750

“This is a good inexpensive option that I have been using for more than one year. Small deviations of the saw do not interfere with work, it is enough just to adapt to the device. The main thing is that the tool allows you to work quickly and at a pace.”
Alexey, 42 years old.

The cost of this electric jigsaw is only 2,000 rubles. However, the quality of the device is in no way inferior to its expensive counterparts:

  1. The saw moves at a speed of 3,000 strokes per minute.
  2. It has small size and weight.
  3. "P" shaped handle.
  4. Good equipment.
  5. The sole of the device is not very high quality.
  6. Engine power is only 450 watts.

Jigsaw DeFort DJS-505-B

“When I first saw this model, I could not believe my eyes. Such equipment at such a price raised concerns. But after thinking a little, I bought this electric jigsaw. Of course it's not perfect option, it is difficult to change the saws in it. But for the price, it's just a great tool."
Valentin, 27 years old.

The devices of this company have always been distinguished by high power and reliability. This tool is no exception:

  1. Good design.
  2. Acceptable price.
  3. Convenient blade replacement.
  4. The saw moves at a speed of 3,100 strokes per minute.
  5. It is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner.
  6. The handle is in the form of "U", which is convenient to work with.
  7. Quality outsole.
  8. There is a vibration suppression system.
  9. Small set.
  10. There is no pendulum movement.

Electric jigsaw Bosch PST 700 E

“Recently, we started a renovation on suburban area. Over time, it became clear that I would have to buy a lot of tools. For my husband's birthday, I gave him this model. The purchase came in handy. The jigsaw works great, though I had to buy additional saws, due to the fact that there is only one option in the kit.
Inna, 31 years old.

Conclusion

To choose a quality tool, you need to understand how it works. In addition, it is important to know for what purpose you are purchasing it. As a rule, the capabilities of a household jigsaw for an ordinary user are enough. If you are serious about cutting materials or cutting out decorative items, then you need a professional tool.

If you decide to add to your set of " home master» such a useful tool as a jigsaw, this article is for you.

The jigsaw is indispensable for repair work, it is used for sawing many materials: soft and rough wood, plywood, laminate, plastic, drywall, sandwich panels, thin sheet metal profiles, aluminum and others.

In fact, a jigsaw is a universal saw for sheet material, the main thing is to choose the right saw blade. The principle of operation of the unit is simple: the cutting blade is set in motion by a pendulum mechanism and an electric motor, reciprocating motion occurs on special sponges or support rollers. To prevent the blade from shifting, the jigsaw is equipped with a support sole or plate - then the saw cut edge is neat and even.

Benefits of an electric jigsaw:

  • Time saving: sawing building material with an electric jigsaw requires much less effort than with a manual counterpart;
  • Versatility: the manufacturer often indicates a list of materials with which you can work with one or another unit;
  • Reliability: it is quite easy to break the blade of a manual jigsaw, jigsaw files are more durable;
  • Convenience: available in stores wide selection this tool, so you can find a model that fits perfectly in your hand.

Jigsaw selection criteria

1. Type of jigsaw

There are two types of electric jigsaws: manual and desktop.

The first type is more common, the tool is used mainly for simple cuts. The workpiece is well fixed, and the jigsaw must be freely moved along its surface.

For "jewelry" work, desktop jigsaws are used - with their help, you can perform various patterns, make cuts of any shape. They are installed in workshops, since the tool has impressive dimensions, however, the cutting accuracy varies significantly. In this case, the workpiece itself moves, and the tool is fixedly fixed.

Manual jigsaw

Desktop jigsaw

2. Household or professional?

If the tool is needed exclusively for rare household work, it is better to give preference to ordinary household units. Pay attention to the power of the device: the ability to cut thick sheets without overload depends on it. Household jigsaws are distinguished by a power of 250-500 W, for professional models this figure is more than 700 W. Of course, the weight of a professional tool will be greater. On average, household jigsaws can cut wood up to 7 mm, steel up to 5 mm. Professional - steel up to 10 mm, aluminum - up to 20 mm, wood - up to 15 mm.

In the photo on the left is a professional electric jigsaw, on the right is a household one

3. Blade stroke rate and cutting depth

A parameter such as stroke frequency shows the speed of the saw blade per minute. It can be changed using the locking button: the higher the stroke rate, the greater the performance. The maximum rate is up to 3400 movements per minute. The maximum possible depth of cut also indicates the power of the tool, each material has its own value, it is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging or on the device itself.

4. Machine weight

Basically, the mass of the jigsaw varies from 2 to 3.5 kilograms. Professional models will weigh more due to the extra battery. Light models (up to 2.2 kg) have lower productivity, but it is much easier to work with them on weight. Heavier devices (more than 2.2 kg) run on battery power, making them harder to hold in your hand.

5. Electric jigsaw handle

There are three main forms of the handle: bracket-shaped - it allows you to hold the unit with one hand. Mushroom-shaped - used for curly cutting, hold the jigsaw with both hands. Hybrid - the rarest form, adapted for both conventional cutting and curly cutting.

The choice of the type of handle depends solely on the personal preferences of the master.

6. Jigsaw sole

Can be stamped or cast. Stamped is lighter and thinner; it is mainly equipped with inexpensive models. The cast sole is more rigid and less prone to deformation; a tool with such a sole costs more. A soleplate tilt adjuster is also desirable - with its help it is more convenient to make oblique cuts. Angle clamps are adjustable to 15, 30, 45 degrees.

In the photo, the possibility of fixing the file at different angles

7. Jigsaw blades

Jigsaw blades are selected depending on the type and strength of the material to be cut. As a rule, their purpose is indicated on the packaging.

First of all, pay attention to the marking of the files, it is universal:

  • HM - hard alloy,
  • BIM - bimetal,
  • HSS - hardened steel,
  • HCS - carbon steel.

The shape of the saw blade can also be different if you buy a unit with a rare nozzle, then you are tormented to look for spare parts for it. The dimensions of the saw blade are also different: length from 50 to 155 mm, with different widths, tooth shapes. Blades coated with diamond grit or hard alloys are used for cutting ceramic tiles or glass. With color marking, not everything is so rosy: it is individual for each manufacturer, there is no general standard.

8. Removing sawdust

The function is convenient and useful: the fan gives out a jet of air, which simultaneously cools the engine and removes sawdust from the cutting line. Such units are convenient when working in enclosed spaces. However, in order not to carry an uncomfortable hose, many manufacturers equip electric jigsaws with a special bag for collecting sawdust.

9. Additional functions of the jigsaw

These include:

  • Battery operation is convenient, but the power of such jigsaws is usually small, and they are not designed for long-term operation;
  • Quick file clamp - it is more convenient to change consumables with it;
  • Laser pointer - increases the accuracy of the cut, the laser beam must be aligned with the line on the material;
  • Backlight - improves visibility, especially useful in poor lighting conditions. Can be turned on automatically or by a button;
  • Anti-vibration system - reduces the vibration of the jigsaw during operation (damping elements, counterweights, and so on);
  • Table for electric jigsaw - with the help of a stationary tool, it is much more convenient to work with small parts;
  • Case - convenient for carrying and storing the unit.

10. Electric jigsaw company

The most famous and high-quality products are represented under the brands: Makita, AEG, Bosch, Black&Decker, Hitachi, Kress, Metabo, Stern, DeWalt, Watt. Budget and less wear-resistant tools - Ryobi, Interskol, Einhell, Monolith, Proton, Zenith and others. When buying, specify where you can buy spare parts, whether the company has a service center in your city, what kind of guarantee the manufacturer gives.

So, to choose a jigsaw, you need to hold it in your hands. You must be comfortable! Specify the cost of files for your model. A good help would be the presence of additional functions such as a laser pointer and an anti-vibration system, as well as a storage case. You can give preference to already proven brands or buy a cheaper model from a lesser-known manufacturer.

A jigsaw is a great helper for any repair, necessary to speed up, as well as improve the quality of work. Jigsaw having electric drive, is a versatile device with low weight and dimensions. With such a device it is very convenient to do not only straight cutting of a sheet, profile, but also to make any curly cutting. To purchase a quality tool, you need to know exactly how and which jigsaw to choose for certain jobs.

The jigsaw can perform the following tasks:

  • make any cut other than a straight cut;
  • to cut holes of various shapes (rectangular, circular, etc.);
  • make straight cuts on various materials.

How to choose a good jigsaw from the variety of models offered by manufacturers? This question is asked by every average master, in preparation for the repair. To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the determining factors.

Benefits of an electric jigsaw

  1. The tool is convenient at home, since there is no need for a saw, hacksaw and similar devices. With a jigsaw, you can make any cutting much faster, and most importantly, with little effort.
  2. Thanks to this device, you can easily perform curly cutting.
  3. Every professional appreciates the convenience, speed and quality of this device.
  4. Very handy for woodcarving.

Differences of a number of models differing in their technical specifications, as well as a set of various additional functions affect the choice of a good electric jigsaw.

household jigsaw

Household devices, or jigsaws for the home, are applicable for cutting wood with a thickness of about 70-80 mm, and metal - about 2-5 mm. They have less power and less working life.

Professional jigsaw

Professional jigsaws, unlike household ones, are necessary to perform various jobs under heavy loads. They have more long term services and higher performance parameters. With such a jigsaw, cutting is carried out within the thickness limits: for wood - 80-120 mm, for metal 5-20 mm.

Jigsaw design

The choice of a good electric jigsaw is also influenced by its design features.

The case has a built-in file, which is started by an electric motor. Such a nail file produces reciprocating movements within 3.5 - 4 thousand moves in one minute. The support platform, mounted on the work surface, allows for precise sawing of the product in the right place. The platform has the ability to rotate to the desired angle, allowing you to create the desired cutting angle. To maintain the safety of the process, the file is hidden under a protective plexiglass.

Additional functions of electric jigsaws

Each model is equipped with a multi-level mechanism with a pendulum that informs the file of displacements away from the cutting direction. Thus, the safety of the nail file itself is ensured and its service life is extended, as well as a more even and high-quality cutting is made.

Stroke frequency adjustment

This parameter is simply necessary to perform work with various materials. There are two frequency selection modes:

  1. Mode selection just before switching on.
  2. Adjustment of frequency at force of pressing on basic part.

Therefore, the more the speed of the saw blade is set, the higher the productivity of the device, but the greater the wear of the saw itself. For added convenience, many manufacturers have filled the power tool market with the necessary modifications:

  • illumination on the handle, which allows you to illuminate the work surface in low ambient light;
  • function of automatic blowing off of sawdust;
  • connection to a vacuum cleaner, which will allow you to immediately collect waste sawdust;
  • the ability to rotate the file 360⁰ (very convenient when cutting circles).

The most common fixtures

  1. Mounting device that secures the device to the work surface. Thus, when cutting, it is not the jigsaw itself that moves, but the cutting material. Such a device is effective for working with small parts.
  2. The replaceable plate allowing to provide the best sliding of a fret saw on a working surface.
  3. Convenient storage case. Such a suitcase allows you to put your device with all the accessories, without fear of damage during transportation.

Electric jigsaw files

Files are the most basic element of a jigsaw. They differ in configuration, material of manufacture, color options, as well as the shape of the shank. The most common saw blade materials are bimetal and steel. Files for these devices according to the material of manufacture are used for such work:

  1. Carbon steel is used for cutting soft varieties of wood, in addition, it is also used for processing artificial materials.
  2. High-speed steel is used for cutting metal, as well as for processing hard materials, such as: plastic, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, etc.
  3. Bimetal blade - has high ductility and longer service life.

Blade tail

The tail is the end part that directly cuts the material. The tails differ in the shape of the end on the canvas itself. This parameter is important when buying a new blade, which must be compatible with your electric jigsaw model.

The shape of the tail of the jigsaw file

On the market building materials, the following types of ponytails are found:

  • Cross, is the most common. It is produced by many construction companies, among which is Makita, which has established itself as a reliable and high-quality brand.
  • Having two stops, it is often found in models - Bosch.
  • Universal, having a recess in the form of a semicircle, produced by Dewalt and Skil.
  • Smooth, typical for firms - Defort and Hander.
  • The shape with circular holes is a product of Makita.

Saw blade size

One of the most common varieties are files having a length of 50-105 mm, as well as 155-160 mm.

Blades are used for:

  • straight cut;
  • curve cut.

A curved cut is made with a narrower blade, providing a more jewelry cut. For many manufacturers, the colors of the blades indicate the scope of the cutting elements.

Saw blade teeth on a jigsaw

Varieties of teeth in blades differ depending on their field of application. The teeth have a variety of shapes, sizes and pitches. When using teeth with a larger set, the productivity increases, but the quality of the cut decreases.

Coated saw blades

When working with fragile materials such as glass or ceramic tiles, blades that do not have teeth are used. These files are equipped with diamond or hard alloy coating, which allows for extremely accurate cutting.

Device power

Along with the choice of blade, power is of decisive importance when choosing the right jigsaw. The amount of power directly affects the performance of the device, but it consumes more electricity and has more weight. Among other things, power affects the speed of the cutting blades.

Blade change system

Replacement of files is very necessary when working with various materials. All blades in the jigsaw are clamped with special clamps, or with working screws through the holes. When changing blades, it is important to have a mechanism that allows you to easily, quickly and safely make such a change. All of the above characteristics will help everyone make the right choice of a good jigsaw.

Duration of work with certain materials with increased strength and hardness. With prolonged use, the tails of the files heat up, become soft and can be deformed or simply break. It is necessary to provide additional cooling of the working elements. This can be done with water, machine oil, or all kinds of soapy solutions.

Cutting steel is recommended to be carried out with a higher speed of the cutting elements. For plastic, it is recommended to use a speed of no more than 1000 strokes per minute. When working with a low stroke rate, it is necessary to take frequent breaks and cool the cutting blades. When working with thin material, experts recommend placing a sheet of plywood under the work surface.

The mechanisms and parts of the jigsaw should be kept in good condition, and lubricated in a timely manner. If they fail, replace them in a timely manner.

Among household (and industrial) power tools, the jigsaw takes pride of place. After buying an electric drill, a jigsaw is next in popularity.

It is difficult to overestimate its capabilities: without any extra physical effort, you can cut any products of their wood, plastic, and even ceramic tiles. Non-ferrous metals are processed by any model, more powerful specimens are able to cut even steel structures.

Of course, he will not replace the grinder, but a good jigsaw performs curly cuts. Many owners are faced with the problem of poor quality cuts (compared to circular saw).

Perhaps the reason for this was the wrong selection of interchangeable nozzles. But most likely, when buying, you simply did not know which electric jigsaw to choose for your tasks.

The best jigsaws, price and quality

To the question: “which jigsaw is better to choose?” there is no universal answer. The spread of price offers is the same as the difference in the possibilities and quality of application. To understand how to choose a jigsaw for your home, you need to set four main criteria:

  1. Maximum purchase budget.
  2. Types of work performed.
  3. intensity of use.
  4. Terms of use (stationary, linked to electrical outlet, or portable on a battery).

Additional criteria to help you choose the best electric jigsaw:

  1. Versatility of application. There are two sides of the coin: on the one hand, you get an all-in-one tool, on the other hand, a profiled product will have a higher quality of work.
  2. Availability Supplies. Despite a certain standardization of nozzles, it is still better to take consumables from the same company that produces power tools.
  3. Remoteness of the service center. In the event of a breakdown, you are unlikely to want to take the jigsaw for repair in a neighboring city.

The main problem of choice: for price and quality

Despite the popular belief, you can buy an inexpensive, quite high-quality jigsaw. The secret is in the localization of production.

  • Many manufacturers have subsidiaries acquired during the hard times of recent times. This is a normal phenomenon of absorption by the strong of the weak.
  • As part of marketing tricks, well-known and expensive brands release some of their products for emerging markets. These are the same quality models, but with a different commodity index. Perhaps the assembly is established in the territory of the importer's country. Such jigsaws can cost 2-3 times cheaper.
  • The emergence of many Chinese brands on the market. The technology is as follows: a large concern is building a plant in China. The agreement provides for additional production for the Chinese market under a different brand. At the same time, jigsaws are produced on the same conveyor.

It remains to find an analogue, for example, an inexpensive professional Bosch GST 65b electric jigsaw, the price starts at 2800 rubles.


Another important point- household or professional tool. Often the functionality will be the same, just the models for the workshop have an order of magnitude longer resource. If the task is to process the material daily for several hours continuously, it makes sense to take an expensive electric jigsaw, like the Makita 4350CT, the price for it starts at 8200 rubles


And when the tool is used a maximum of once a month, or for one or two apartment repairs, a household model at a low price is enough for you.
This does not mean that the economy class model will necessarily cut crookedly and spoil the workpiece.