How to choose a jigsaw for home

Modern tool greatly accelerates the processes performed. One of the useful devices at a construction site or workshop is a jigsaw. Thanks to the high speed of the sawing, they can cut wood, plastic or metal and ceramics for various needs. The narrow design of the cutting element allows you to create a variety of lines in shape. A large number of functions can facilitate the work in certain conditions. How to take into account all this and choose the right tool is described below.

The best manufacturers of electric jigsaw - which company to choose

If you are too lazy to delve into the complex technical characteristics of the device, then you can immediately buy a tool from proven manufacturers:

• Bosch;
• Hitachi;
• Dewalt;
• Metabo;
• Ryobi.

Of course, specific models from these brands have their purpose, obvious advantages, and some disadvantages, which can be learned from ranking best jigsaws. Well, to choose all the parameters yourself, understanding their influence on the type of work performed, the material below is prepared.

The principle of operation and the device jigsaw

With this tool, furniture, overhead MDF panels on doors, windows, decorative elements and various partitions in construction are made. The device is able to cut wood, plastic, ceramics, soft and hard metals. This is achieved by changing the file, which can have a different shape and length of teeth.

Thanks to jigsaw, you can make a straight and shaped cut sheet material. If you drill a hole in the middle of the slab, you can cut a circle or a rectangle without disturbing the integrity of the edges of the material.

The principle of operation of the unit is the rotation of the electric motor and the transmission of torque through the gearbox to the file. The latter makes an oscillatory motion up and down to 3,700 strokes per minute. This allows you to cut materials in a short time in large volumes.

Jigsaw includes the following elements:

1. Engine;

2. Gearbox;

3. Foot sole;

4. The case with the handle;

5. File;

6. Adjust and start buttons.

Kinds of electric jigsaws

Domestic

It has a power of up to 500 W and a small amplitude of oscillation of the file. Designed for cutting fiberboard, MDF, boards no more than 60 mm thick. They can cut metal sheets up to 6 mm. Differs in the low speed and a possibility of operation within 2 hours.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• there are models with steel soles;
• small weight;
• You can connect a vacuum cleaner for blowing sawdust.

Disadvantages:

• the cut quality is not very accurate;
• low power;
• short work a couple of hours a day.

Professional

Such devices have sufficient power of 600-900 W to cut thick boards up to 160 mm or steel plates with a thickness of 20 mm. They are used in construction and in the serious production of furniture.

Advantages:

• the presence of a pendulum to accelerate the cut;
• various handles;
• backlight;
• laser tag;
• the ability to adjust the speed;
• fast change of a file under various materials.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• great weight.

Rechargeable

Models for working in environments without network connectivity. The battery voltage can be 12-18 V. Such a jigsaw will cut a decorative hole in drywall, metal, or repair a broken closet wardrobe, making a new side plate or shelf in place.

Advantages:

• there are models with backlight;
• fast replacement of the cutting element;
• molded outsole;
• average cutting thickness;
• various in the form of the handle.

Disadvantages:

• sometimes sold without battery;
• quite expensive;
• there are almost no devices with a change in the position of the sole;
• there are no models with a metal case;
• short period of work without recharging.

Pickup options

The course of the file

This value varies from 15 to 26 mm and implies the amplitude of movement of the cutting element both on the dive path and when returning to the starting point. Directly affects performance.

1. A short stroke of 15-17 mm means slow work, which is applicable in the home workshop.

2. Models with an amplitude of 19-26 mm function faster, which is useful for regular production of cabinet furniture or procurement operations at the construction site.

Power

The characteristic has a range from 350 to 900 watts. The value affects the speed of the cut, the possibility of cutting hard materials and the duration of the tool during the day.

1. For a dacha or a small workshop, 400-500 W will be suitable, which will allow cutting wood up to 65 mm and steel up to 6 mm.

2. In the professional environment, devices of 600-900 W are used, in which the cutting thickness possibilities are several times higher.

Pendulum

Some jigsaws are able to move the file not only vertically, but also back and forth. Such a complex system is called a pendulum and is activated by a separate lever. This is applicable for a significant increase in speed, but affects the accuracy of the cut.

1. In order to quickly create rough blanks that will still be processed, a model with a pendulum is useful.

2. In the production of furniture or creating frames for paintings, where accuracy is important, it is better to use the device without moving the file back and forth, or turn off this function.

Kerf thickness

This parameter depends on the type of material and can range from 40 to 160 mm.

1. If you plan to often work with a thick timber, board “weaving, then it is reasonable to purchase a device with a rating of 110-120 mm for wood. Such devices will be able to cut steel to 20-30 mm.

2. For cutting thin boards under the frame or cutting MDF for a kitchen set, a jigsaw with a parameter of 70-80 mm for wood, which, if necessary, can cut through metal up to 6 mm, will be suitable.

Adjustment of turns

An important function that allows you to adjust the operation of the unit under a different density of the material, thus avoiding overload for the motor.

1. If you often have to switch between sawing chipboard and wood (oak board, ash), it is useful to buy jigsaw with adjustable speed.

2. In case of constant work with the same material, this is not required.

Maximum number of moves

The parameter varies from 2,600 to 3,700 turns, which the saw manages to make in one minute.

1. If you have to work only with soft species of trees, then a high number of 3,700 moves is required, which will ensure quick completion of the task.

2. For cutting hard woods and cutting plastic, models with 3000 strokes are needed.

3. Cutting molds from aluminum or ceramics needs a lower value of 2600-2700.

Fast blade replacement

The function allows you to change a broken element or install another in quality quickly and with one hand. This is required when working with dissimilar materials, where time affects the amount of production and payment for it. For the dacha tool this function is not required.

Backlight

The jigsaw may have a built-in diode that illuminates the cutting line well. This is practical when working in poorly lit rooms or in the evening outside. Additional light is also useful when moving frequently from one workplace to another. If the cutting line is always well lit on both sides, then this function can be saved.

Sole adjustment

With a few bolts, you can loosen and change the angle of the sole, which allows you to perform slanting cuts. This is useful for furniture manufacturers, where cutting at 45 degrees will help create a solid body.Those who work with plastic or metal, this option is not required.

Laser tag

The instrument may have an embedded module with laser marking. This is required in cases where high precision is required (carving on ceramics, external elements of shelves, decorative overlay panels on the door).

The function provides a clear tracking of the cut line, even if it is filled with sawdust. But its presence significantly increases the cost of construction, therefore it is not necessary for construction needs or a home workshop.

Smooth start

Jigsaw jerks sharply at startup. Only after this, the already vibrating instrument, is brought to the cutting line. But it’s more difficult to get to its beginning. If a careful approach is required, without deviation a couple of millimeters to the side (front parts of the furniture, work with ceramics), then it is advisable to purchase just such a model.

Support constant rpm under load

The internal electronic unit stabilizes the work of the file, regardless of user pressure and type of material. This is practical for beginners who find it difficult to maintain constant pressure on the tool. Skilled masters completely do without this additional block.

Handle shape

There are two types of handles on electric jigsaws: C-shaped and fungus.

1. The form in the form of staples is convenient for work in different spatial positions (cutting windows in drywall, figured cutting on wood, cutting the edges of various partitions that are already installed).

2. The mushroom handle allows better straight cuts in the lower position or at an oblique angle.

Availability of a case

The jigsaw can be sold in a paper box or plastic case. If you plan to work constantly in one place, then it does not matter, but for transportation and safety of the instrument, it is wise to buy a device with a suitcase.

Weight

Jigsaws are from 1 to 3 kg. This places a certain load on the material being cut.

1. If it is often necessary to work with thin fiberboard (5 mm), then it is advisable to have a light model of 1-1.3 kg, which will not over-push the edge of the plate hanging from the table. Even light devices more convenient to perform figure cutting.

2. For permanent work on thick wood or plastic plates and making cutting in a straight line, we need 1.5-3 kg apparatuses.

Which jigsaw choose

1. The electric fretsaw for giving will approach with the course of a file of 15 mm, a low power of 400 W, thickness of a cut on a tree of 60 mm, weight of 1,5 kg with a bracket-shaped handle.

2. For regular production of kitchen furniture, shelves, wardrobes, you need a device for 500 W, with an amplitude of sawing 18-20 mm, cutting wood thickness up to 85 mm, adjusting revolutions and a maximum number of moves of 3500 / min. Need a backlight and quick replacement of files. You can choose a device with a mushroom handle and changing the angle of the sole.

3. Using a tool at a construction site for cutting drywall, making partitions in a cafe, creating window frames and doors will require a power of 700 W, 23 mm of the saw stroke, the ability to cut thickness to 100 mm, adjust the revolutions and weights of 2.5-3 kg. Convenient will be the unit with a case and backlight. Changing the angle of the sole will be useful. When working remotely from power sources, the device on the battery is useful.

4. For the manufacture of interior items from a variety of materials (ceramics, steel, plastic) you need a model with a capacity of 800-900 W, a maximum amplitude of a file of 26 mm, a cutting thickness of 130-160 mm, a laser mark and weighing up to 2 kg.

How much is a jigsaw

1. Jigsaw for giving will cost 1300-3000 rubles.

2. Models for making furniture have a price of 4000-5000 rubles.

3. Tools for building sell for 6000-8000 rubles.

4. Devices for creating decorative elements are estimated at 10,000-18,000 rubles.