Choosing an electric jigsaw. Which jigsaw to choose for home use

An electric jigsaw will show itself perfectly during repairs. It becomes useful surprisingly often. Using different types of saw blades, you can cut metal, wood, plywood, chipboard, materials made of plastic or epoxy resin. According to statistics, this is the second most commonly used tool after a screwdriver.

How to choose a jigsaw for the home, which company, what to look for, what additional equipment may be required? Do I need to purchase high-end equipment for home use or is a simple model enough?

The principle of operation of the jigsaw

A jigsaw is necessary in every workshop, useful for some household work, repairs.

The tool can cut:

• wood,
• soft metal,
• plastic.

It can perform different cutting lines:

• straight line,
• curves,
• zigzags,
• holes round, rectangular, irregular shape.

During operation, the sole of the jigsaw should be evenly pressed against the material. The tool should not be allowed to change position uncontrollably during operation - this can lead to breakage of the saw. It is better to cut hard materials in the lowest gear, that is, with a low sawing speed.

wood cutting

Using an electric jigsaw, you can cut irregularly shaped wood. It is advisable to buy a special compass that allows you to cut in a circle. Sometimes manufacturers sell a compass complete with a tool. At one end of the device is a spike that can be moved along the rod, allowing you to increase or decrease the radius of the circle. The jigsaw cannot rotate 90 degrees. To cut a rectangular bar in a tree, you need to make 4 cuts shown in the figure:

To start cutting not from the edge, but from the center of the board, you need to use a drill with a large diameter or a milling cutter. On the board, draw the outline of the hole to be cut. Drill holes are drilled at the corners of the contour. Then you can place the file in the hole and start cutting along the drawn line. Get a hole with rounded corners. To get right angles, you then need to cut the rounding with a saw.

Miter cutting

The tool can cut wood not only at an angle of 90 degrees. The minimum cutting angle in relation to the material surface is 45 degrees.

Electric jigsaws usually have 2 cutting angles - 0° and 45°, but professional models have much more options with different angle adjustment steps, for example: 0°, 9°, 15°, 22°, 5°, 25°, 30°, 45°.

The angle is set by adjusting the inclination of the sole. To make angled cuts, you need to attach the clamps to the table. Along the cut line, you can attach metal strips - tires. During operation, the sole will slide on the guide rail.

Working with metal and plastic

Working with these materials is similar to cutting wood with the exception of some nuances:

• before cutting mild steel, the blade should be lubricated with technical oil;
• cutting aluminum will be easier if you lubricate the blade with technical oil mixed with denatured alcohol;
• cutting PVC, acrylic, and other similar materials will be easier when the blade is wetted with water.

How to choose the right electric jigsaw?

Which jigsaw is best suited for specific tasks, and which one will be more versatile - it is advisable to consider these issues before buying. This section provides information that allows you to understand the features of the device, helping you make the right choice of an electric jigsaw.

Types of jigsaws

According to the type of power jigsaws are divided into 2 types:

1. Powered jigsaws- devices with higher power. The disadvantage of the model is the cable, which makes the work less convenient and safe.
2. Cordless jigsaws– of course, the biggest advantage is the mobility of such a solution. They do not have a cable, which must be handled with care during operation. However, it is necessary to charge the batteries, and in case of prolonged operation, use additional batteries. Over time, the capacity of power supplies decreases, which leads to the need to replace them and additional costs.

Tool Options

When choosing a jigsaw, it is advisable to carefully study its parameters that affect the operation of the device. Let's consider them in more detail.

• Power. The higher the power of the jigsaw, the better the device performs heavy work. Power can indirectly affect the maximum depth of cut. This setting provides longer operation without engine interruption. For different models, the power varies from 400 to 1000 watts.
• Cutting depth- indicated in relation to a specific material, differs for wood, metal.
• Strokes per minute affects the speed. The higher the frequency, the better the cutoff. The optimum stroke rate depends on the type of material. It is convenient when the tool has the ability to adjust the frequency, which allows you to work effectively with different materials - a higher frequency is applicable for soft materials, for hard materials, such as metal, the frequency should be reduced.
• Weight, dimensions. A lightweight device is more convenient to work with. Ideally, the design should be compact. Small dimensions, weight will provide comfortable work, convenient storage of the tool.

Optional equipment

Additional equipment must be purchased for the jigsaw: files, guides, and other elements.

Jigsaw blades

Saw blades are made of carbon tool steel (HCS) or (HSS), respectively machined, shaped. Files consist of:

• shank for fastening,
• corps,
• teeth.

The teeth are made of a stronger material than the body itself. Saw blades differ in design depending on the type of material they are designed to cut.

Jigsaw blades are designed for the following materials:

• softwood;
• hardwood;
• plywood;
• Chipboard, carpentry, fibreboard, laminated boards;
• building timber;
• plastic resins, epoxy resins;
• glass fiber reinforced plastics;
• kitchen countertops;
• wood with nails;
• a metal sheet;
• pipes, profiles;
• aluminum;
• non-ferrous metals;
• soft ceramic tiles;
• cast iron.

System for changing and fixing saw blades

It is worth paying attention to:

• saw blade installation,
• attachment system,
• ease of replacement.

For different types of work, you will often need to change the files, this operation should be easy. An important question is whether it is possible to install the blade without tools. This possibility significantly affects the usability of the jigsaw. There are several mechanisms for attaching a saw blade:

• Shoe mechanism - the blade is attached with a shoe, allows you to use various types of files. The mechanism is used in inexpensive tools.
• Screw mechanism - fastening occurs with a screw.
• Quick clamp is the most convenient mechanism, its disadvantage is that it is not suitable for all types of blades.

Taking into account the shapes of the shank, the following common types of saws can be distinguished:

1. with T-shank (European);
2. with shank 2T;
3. universal, 1/4″ with a U-tail (American);
4. Makita.

T-shank files (European)

The most popular, common on the market are files with a T-shank. With a jigsaw designed for type T files, there will be no problem buying consumables. Most manufacturers of power tools on the market use European style fasteners. The reason for the widespread use of the T-shank standard is the high reliability of the fastening, which is an important condition for efficient, safe operation. Important design features:

• easy mount,
• easy web removal
• the possibility of using keyless clamps, which greatly facilitate and speed up the maintenance of the tool.

Fast assembly and disassembly is a basic requirement among professional users. With intensive work, especially when cutting difficult-to-cut materials, the cutting part wears out quickly, and the consequence of this is their frequent replacement. Therefore, the speed of changing the saw blade is important for productivity.

File material

• HCS files are designed for cutting soft materials - wood, fibreboard, plastics;
• HSS files - for steel, aluminum, ferrous metal;
• bimetal saw blades (BiM) are produced by electronically welding a HSS toothed strip with a HCS steel body. This results in a flexible, strong combination of the highest strength. Depending on the design, the teeth can be rectangular or curved.

Bi-metal saws are especially recommended for use in jobs that require high flexibility. It should be noted that the service life of bimetallic files is 2-10 times higher compared to HCS and HSS files (the service life depends on the hardness of the materials being processed).

HM/TC blades are bimetallic, as their body is made of HCS steel, and the working part, which directly performs the cutting of the material, is made of tungsten carbide alloy. These blades are designed primarily for very hard, difficult to cut abrasive materials such as tiles, ceramic tiles, bricks, cast iron, glass, etc. It should be noted that HM/TC files are not suitable for wood.

Like HM / TC tools, carbide toothed saw blades have a body made from HCS steel. These tools are used to cut reinforced plastic.

Guide rails for jigsaws

Guides allow cutting at an angle, bevel. The use of additional modules will help when cutting ceramic tiles. Using the guide even under normal conditions allows for more accurate and comfortable cutting.

Guide bar, photo

Blowing off dust, shavings

Such a device allows you to work more conveniently. For those who often use a jigsaw, it is advisable to consider buying a dust blowing jigsaw, working with it is more comfortable, efficient.

Illumination, laser beam

Illumination allows you to make the cut line more visible. The laser beam speeds up the work, allows you to abandon the marking of the material.

File shop, suitcase

Some jigsaws have space in the case to store a few extra saws. This is a convenient solution, we do not need to carry extra bags for accessories. Useful handy case for storing a jigsaw and necessary accessories.

Models, prices and manufacturers

• Cheap models can be bought for 750-1000 rubles, they have a power of 350-500 watts.
• For 1800 rubles, you can buy a Skil manual jigsaw with a power of 500 W, a speed of 800-3000 strokes / min.
• The BLACK DECKER KS501 tool with a power of 400 W, with a speed of 3000 strokes / min will cost 2000 rubles.
• A Bosch PST 650 jigsaw with a power of 500 W, having a speed of 3100 strokes / min, a quick-clamp saw blade mount costs 4200-4400 rubles.
• Black & Decker and Bosch jigsaws at this price point are certainly entry-level models.

Expensive tools will cost 30,000 rubles, for example:

• Metabo STA 18 LTX 140 5.2Ah x2,
• Bosch GSG 300,
• Bosch GST 18 V-LI 4.0Ah x2 L-BOXX.

For this amount, we get a professional device made from materials designed to last, durable, with a lot of extras.

The most popular manufacturers of jigsaws:

• Bosch;
• Black & Decker;
• Makita;
• Metabo;
• DeWalt;
• Festool;
• Skil.

Rating of electric jigsaws for the home

How to choose an electric jigsaw for home - video

Summing up

Which jigsaw is better to buy for home and garden? We need to answer the question of how often we will use the tool. It depends on whether we choose a jigsaw for home use or equipment for professional work. You should also consider what accessories are needed for us. Guides, a removable sole, dust blower, other devices are interesting solutions, but they raise the purchase price. Having adequately analyzed your own needs, you can choose the best jigsaw in terms of price-quality ratio.

We continue to discuss the choice of the right tool for construction and home. Let's look at several models of jigsaws, find their strengths and weaknesses, and look at the design features. Next, we will draw the necessary conclusions, and only then it will be possible to go to the store.

Ask any master finisher to voice his personal TOP-5 of the most popular, frequently used tool, and you will hear a list that will definitely include a jigsaw. For example, for me it firmly takes fourth place, after a puncher, a screwdriver and a grinder. The thing is that it is an incredibly functional, mobile, truly universal assistant. He, if necessary, albeit with some restrictions, can replace a number of other tools, which is especially important for a home craftsman. Working with an electric jigsaw is simple and interesting, everyone can do it. Even my wife, who is far from repair and construction equipment, can sometimes cut something with pleasure.

When our brigade makes the first landing on the object, the jigsaw is always with us, there has not yet been a case when it was not useful. But his absence is sometimes acutely felt. Usually, at the very beginning, it is necessary to make scaffolds, racks, and a primitive table from wood.

Most often, we use a jigsaw for curly and straight sawing of all kinds of sheet materials, such as plywood, plexiglass, OSB, chipboard, MDF, GVL, GKL, thin cement boards and so on.

In the production of roofing and wooden frames, we saw (often in place) a board, a rail, a not very massive beam. In the absence of another tool, a thick beam can also be cut with a jigsaw - in two passes, because it is not necessary that the saw blade pass through the wood.

When it comes to materials such as parquet, laminate, lining, there is nothing to talk about - the jigsaw is out of competition.

Often, during tile work, it is necessary to make a curvilinear trimming, bypass a rounded column, near which there will be no plinth, and line the box with the hundredth sewer pipe. From time to time, designers throw us a fun job. A tiler's nightmare: a radial or undulating junction of a tile, for example, to a parquet. Then it can be extremely difficult to solve the problem with grinders and tile cutters, a jigsaw comes to the rescue again - we put a saw blade with a diamond coating and millimeter by millimeter we move towards the intended goal, or rather, along the intended line.

It's no secret that a jigsaw can cut profiled metal blanks, as well as sheet metal. The need for this in my practice somehow did not arise, but for the sake of interest, of course, I tried to do it. We install a file for metal, slow down the speed to a minimum, remove the pendulum stroke and start. Well, yes, it is indeed possible.

Unlike reciprocating, circular, chain saws, the same router, the jigsaw is held and guided with one hand, which allows the second to fix the workpiece. Thanks to this, a fairly accurate cut is obtained at a significant speed of work, since there is no need to fix the workpiece each time, you just need marking and the firm hand of the operator. By using a saw table to mount a jigsaw, you can achieve even more impressive results in terms of precision and cleanliness of the cut. Then the file goes down with the teeth, and there are no chips on the front surface, and the workpiece is moved with two hands. In general, there are two problems when working with an electric jigsaw - this is the appearance of chips and the departure of the saw blade from the vertical. In most cases, they are solved by choosing the right file and choosing the operating mode (blade speed and pendulum stroke amplitude). An important role is also played by the skill of the user and the design feature of the jigsaw.

Jigsaw device: 1 - power cord; 2 - power button; 3 - speed controller; 4 - brush assembly; 5 - electric motor; 6 - cooling fan; 7 - reducer; 8 - eccentric hinge (reciprocating mechanism); 9 - pendulum mechanism; 10 - protective limiter; 11 - support roller for sawing; 12 - air duct for removing sawdust

Fiolent PMZ-600 E

I have several jigsaws in my arsenal, each of which is focused on its own tasks. The main hard worker, whom we have been mercilessly exploiting for many years in the most difficult jobs, is the Fiolent PMZ-600 E. The engineers were able to create a very, very tenacious machine. It can be noted that the manufacturer from Simferopol is simply famous for its successful jigsaws, as well as grinders. PMZ-600 E is a powerful and productive device that quickly copes with any task.

Wood up to 85 mm thick, steel up to 10 mm, aluminum up to 20 mm - these are not just numbers from the passport, this is a very real cutting thickness. A high-torque 600-watt motor moves the rod up to 2600 times per minute at idle, in general, the calculation for power. Many of my colleagues have such a model, no one had problems with the anchor, brushes, gearbox - all the filling was made with a margin of safety. True, a solid motor, a steel counterweight, durable metal parts could not but affect the mass of the product, which is 2.4 kg, and this is quite a lot.

The jigsaw has a switchable pendulum stroke, which helps to speed up work along a straight path, and if the difference is not particularly noticeable for thin materials, then with a large thickness, performance improves significantly. This option can be completely disabled for curved cuts or for sawing metal, ceramics.

The button, the switch-on latch, the speed controller are functioning properly. The manufacturer claims that this rather vulnerable node is of Western European production.

I heard about complaints about the quality of the stock - someone broke it, and that it needs adjustment, refinement, as it can be deployed, which is why the file strives to deviate from the working line. Everything is fine with me, the stem did not break, it cuts smoothly. It has no serious backlashes, the file is well stabilized in the transverse direction.

The stamped sole is made soundly, it is securely fixed exactly perpendicular to the canvas. It is possible to translate it into a position at 45 °, but, to be honest, I do not use this function at all. By the way, the set included a factory plastic overlay on the sole, which prevents the appearance of black stripes from metal and scratches on the front surfaces. Unfortunately, after laying the second hectare of the parquet board, it was safely erased.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the attachment of the file. Perhaps the best option was used here - the lock that clamps the canvas is fixed with one screw. Everything happens quickly, the file is fixed tightly, without distortions. The worst thing that can happen is that there will be no flat screwdriver on the farm. In addition, blades of various thicknesses can be used, which cannot be said about quick-clamping mechanisms.

So let's recap. "Fiolent" PMZ-600 E is an excellent jigsaw for any work on the construction site, this has been tested by time. In which case it is very easy to find spare parts for it, and they are inexpensive.

About a year ago, my partner was eager to get a high-end jigsaw, he really liked the Makita 4351 FCT. Well, a man loves a chic instrument. Of course, I did not deny myself the pleasure of giving this unit a good test drive.

The performance of this unit is simply amazing. I tried to cut the hundredth beam - no problem, the 75th metal corner 6 mm thick - normal, without tension. Everything works very quietly, there are no vibrations, the power reserve is clearly felt (according to the passport, the maximum saw depth for wood is 135 mm, for steel - 10 mm). A 720 W engine seems to suggest such an order of things, but in practice, not all manufacturers are able to successfully transfer the large energy of the power plant to the saw set. The web stroke is 26 mm, the speed of its movement can be set within 800-2800 translational movements per minute. These indicators are similar to those of Fiolent PMZ-600 E, but there is already an electronic sawing speed control system that maintains the set parameters regardless of the structure of materials, including dissimilar ones. Naturally, a pendulum move is offered at our service. The developers have made it three-mode, although practice shows that it is enough to have two extreme positions: “on” and “off”. The jigsaw starts without a jerk, this triggers the inrush current limiter - “soft start” (the function helps with ultra-precise operations).

The jigsaw was equipped with a very solid die-cast aluminum soleplate, it is clearly fixed in the zero position and at an inclination of 45 °. There is an anti-slip, protective plastic pad on it, an anti-splinter insert. By the way, in pinched places, the support platform can be shifted back.

Replacement of a file is made without keys and screw-drivers. It is a bit alarming that the holding mechanism is actuated by a plastic lever, but so far everything is in order with it. It is interesting that the cartridge seems to be “omnivorous” - he tried to insert canvases of different thicknesses, he fixed everything securely.

The working area is illuminated by a built-in lamp, which turns on when the start button is pressed - very convenient. The sawdust removal system works quite effectively.

Now about the unpleasant. The jigsaw is heavy (2.4 kg) and quite overall, they simply cannot crawl into some places. Its length is 30 cm, plus 10 cm of the input casing of the cord protruding back. The body is a bit thick, it resembles a small grinder, I couldn't grasp it normally, the device strives to fall out of my hands. The presence of a mushroom-shaped handle involves two-handed operation, which I really do not like. To turn off the start button, which is necessarily locked, it is necessary to intercept it, you cannot get it from the working position of the hands.

The Makita 4351 FCT is, of course, a powerful, reliable, functional tool. However, it is not suitable for construction and decoration, since you have to work a lot “in place”, sawing workpieces “on the knee” is not his element. The jigsaw will show itself perfectly in the workshop, where the part can be securely fastened. With its help, a figured cut is perfectly performed, you can easily lead the tool towards yourself, to the side, from the bottom of the workpiece.

The little green BOSCH PST 650 was designed by German engineers for the average home craftsman. I bought it in a large building supermarket, as an addition to the monumental "Fiolent" PMZ-600 E. I will say again, there was no goal to save money, I just assemble a set of light compact tools for special use in special conditions. Practice has shown that the household series of this manufacturer can also be used in the repair and construction business.

The jigsaw immediately fell into the hand, it is really comfortable - the thin D-shaped handle has soft rubber lining, the switches are located in accessible, expected places, everything is perfectly balanced. A sensitive large button allows you to “go off the gas” a little. The weight of the device is only 1.6 kg, which is as much as 800 grams less than that of the PMZ-600 E or Makita 4351 FCT. The developers used a 500 W motor for it, but the working rod was accelerated to 3100 strokes per minute (Fiolent PMZ-600 E, for example, has 2600 strokes per minute). In a word, as in the case of other household tools of the series, the Germans relied on speed. I easily cut bars 50 mm thick, and this is clearly not the limit (the passport indicates 65 mm - wood, 4 mm - steel).

The asset of this jigsaw can be credited with a well-fixed steel platform, including at 45 °, adjustable sawdust blowing, anti-vibration system, good transverse stabilization of the blade.

A keyless chuck is installed on the BOSCH PST 650, which has one drawback - not all files can be inserted there, due to the different thicknesses of the shanks. At the same time, canvases that fit are fixed very securely.

For a year and a half, the PST 650 has been working without failures at finishing work, sawing beams, boards, laminate, lining. An excellent ultra-light class tool, it has rightfully earned its place on the construction site. As for home use, given the price / quality / performance ratio, this jigsaw will be out of competition.

The Einhell BPS 600E jigsaw came to us by accident and left us very quickly. It seems that he had everything for success: a pendulum motion with three modes, a 600-watt motor, a speed controller, a good frequency, a traditional design, a German name ... But the quality of workmanship fails the manufacturer irrevocably. The button broke, the rubber peeled off the handle, the stem began to play, the sole bent, the block that fixed the file broke, a very hard cord began to crack ... Only the motor continues to function. This is an example of how not to make electric jigsaws, this is a complete failure. It makes no sense to buy such a tool, no matter how cheap it would cost.

Let's summarize. To choose the right jigsaw, you need to take into account a number of nuances. Based on the practical experience of professional builders, some general recommendations can be formulated:

1. Determine in advance what type of work the jigsaw will be used for. In most cases, including for construction, a household or semi-professional tool of the middle price range is suitable.
2. High power necessarily affects the mass of the product. Consider if you need it.
3. A jigsaw with a mushroom handle is better suited for work in a workshop environment. Two-handed grip involves fixing the workpiece. It is very convenient to make complex curvilinear cuts with such a tool.
4. D-shaped machines are operated with one hand, they are good when used in the "field", "on site". This option for the construction site and for the home is preferable.
5. The presence of a pendulum stroke significantly increases productivity.
6. To work with a variety of materials, you will need to change the stroke rate - it's good when there is a step speed controller.
7. For delicate sawing, the function of electronic stabilization of the set speed and soft start will not be superfluous.
8. The sole must be securely fixed perpendicular to the cutting blade. A big plus would be the presence of a plastic lining.
9. The less backlash at the working rod and the support roller, the cleaner and more accurate the cut will be.
10. The quick-clamp blade fastening may have a limit on the thickness of the shanks (not all files are suitable). The most unreliable option is a block with a slot and two screws. The key/screwdriver lock is the most versatile.
11. Directional airflow and illumination of the working area are very useful options.
12. Each model has its own unique ergonomics, be sure to “shake” the jigsaw in your hands before buying, choose what suits you personally.
13. In many authorized sales centers, the buyer is allowed to test the tool in operation, use this right.

Previously, in order to assemble the entire set of necessary tools, it was necessary to acquire simple and primitive things. Today, without a tool with an electric motor, it is impossible to organize repairs and construction. A good tool for processing wood, drywall, tin and much more at home is an electric jigsaw. For those who do not know what it is, let's just say - this is a small electric saw with a drive. How to choose an electric jigsaw for the home?

Hello dear readers of my blog. Today we will talk about the choice of such a tool as a jigsaw. It is practically indispensable in the household and should be in every owner.

Now there are a lot of different manufacturers offering such products, but how not to make a mistake in choosing and not to purchase a low-quality tool. To do this, you need to know at least a little what a jigsaw is, what functions it has and for what purposes it serves.

But do not give up with the right approach, choosing an electric jigsaw for your home is not difficult. I hope this article will help you make the right choice.

Which jigsaw to choose for home household or professional

First of all, you need to decide for what purposes you need this tool, and how often you will use it. I understand that you need a jigsaw to cut, but sawing can be done in different ways.

Someone can choose a tool to cut plywood with a thickness of no more than 20mm, and someone saws a board with a thickness of 50mm or more, for these cases completely different models are needed.

In the first case, any household model is suitable, and in the second, a serious professional tool is needed. So you need to clearly define the scope of work in order to choose the right jigsaw for your home.

To make it clearer, I’ll explain it this way: You don’t need a professional tool if you use it, roughly speaking, once a year, but I also don’t recommend you take an amateur model if a lot of work will be done with a jigsaw. In principle, this rule applies to any instrument. It will be an unsuccessful investment of money that you just lose.

• household models designed for rare use, have a low power reserve and the thickness of the material cut. It also does not include additional features such as a quick file change, a laser pointer and many other useful things. They have a fairly low price.
• Professional Models designed for high and long loads have high power and cutting thickness. They have many additional features. But together with all the advantages they have a high price.

In general, we will not focus on what is household and what is a professional jigsaw, just make a choice based on your needs and scope of work. Very often people write reviews about the fact that Chinese jigsaws are bad.

As I already wrote in the article, you should not pay attention to the country of the manufacturer, since now all the famous companies have already moved their factories to China, but they monitor the quality of the products. It is fundamental not to buy Chinese because of where it is not made correctly. Let's move on to the characteristics of jigsaws.

The main characteristics of electric jigsaws

This is the most important, these characteristics should be paid attention first of all. In most cases, they determine the quality and class of the tool. Let's look at all the characteristics separately.

Cutting power and thickness

The very first thing to do is to look at the power of the tool, the higher it is, the thicker the material the jigsaw can cut. Jigsaws of high power are able to withstand long-term high loads. The higher the power, the more the unit can withstand.

Power varies in the range from 400W to 1000W, maybe a little more or a little less, but the picture looks like this. A tool with a power of up to 500 W is considered a household one, and above 500 W a professional one.

The power of the jigsaw directly affects the thickness of the cut. The cutting thickness is a value that indicates what material and what maximum thickness this model can cut. Usually they indicate the thickness of the saw cut in wood and steel, as a rule, the saw cut in wood is always larger than steel.

With increasing power, the thickness of the cut also increases. On household jigsaws, the thickness of the saw cut in wood reaches 70mm, and in steel up to 5mm. At home, this is not a bad indicator. In professional jigsaws, you can cut wood up to 140mm thick, and steel up to 10mm. When sawing softer (such as aluminum) metals, the thickness of the cut reaches up to 20mm.

When choosing any electric jigsaw for your home, think about what thickness of material you work with most often and get a jigsaw with a slightly larger performance for a power reserve.

pendulum mode

First you need to figure out what the function is. This function lies in the fact that when sawing, the file moves not only up and down, but also pushes forward. This effect allows you to increase the cutting speed, and reduces saw blade wear. But there is also a reverse side of the coin, the cleanliness of the cut decreases significantly. Chips and burrs appear. Also in this mode, you can not cut metal.

Almost all modern jigsaws are equipped with a pendulum function. You can find out whether it is on the model or not by the presence of a switch on the side of the tool.

Usually the function goes to 3 positions, the larger the number, the stronger the tilt of the file. But there are exceptions, and on some models there are from 4 to 8 positions, but this happens only on professional models.

This mode is only suitable for straight line sawing. If you are going to cut complex shapes, then when choosing a jigsaw for your home, you should not pay attention to this function, since it will not be useful to you.

saw stroke frequency

The cutting speed of the jigsaw directly depends on this parameter. This value shows how many moves the file makes per minute. On different models, the number of moves varies.

Of course, when choosing a jigsaw for the home, it is better to stop at medium or high values, since the low value of this parameter is an indicator of the low quality of the tool.

On household models, most often the saw stroke frequency is from 2000-2800 rpm. On professional electric jigsaws, this figure reaches 3000-3200 rpm.

Another important parameter is the stroke length of the file. This is the distance from the bottom dead center of the file to the top dead center. The greater this distance, the longer the file will last you, and the better it will cut.

Handle shape

On jigsaws, the shape of the handle is also different, there are two types of bracket-shaped and mushroom-shaped. The first got its name due to the fact that its shape resembles a bracket. By the way, this is the most common type of handle, which modern models are most often equipped with. This form means one-hand operation.

The second type of handle is less common, but still found on some models. As you may have guessed, it got its name because its shape looks like a mushroom. They say that curly cuts are best done with this shape of the handle.

However, it still depends on your individual needs. Take one and the other type in the store, hold it and decide for yourself what will be more convenient.

What is the sole, what should it be

The sole is the platform of the jigsaw on which it stands when sawing. The quality of the cut depends on its type. Also, a high-quality platform allows you to make cuts at an angle. There are two types of soles - stamped and cast. Let's look at each type separately.

cast

The molded sole is installed on expensive professional models. The presence of such a platform indicates the good quality of the tool. As the name implies, the sole is made by casting. It has a greater thickness and rigidity than the stamped sole.

stamped

The stamped sole is installed on a cheaper low-quality tool. It is made from thin sheet material by stamping. Often has insufficient rigidity, because of this, the quality of the cut is reduced (often the cut leads to the side).

If you are interested in high quality sawing, then choose a jigsaw with a cast sole, but if it is more important for you to save money, then with a stamped one.

Angled outsole

Almost every electric jigsaw has this parameter. They differ only in the way they tilt. For some models, this is done inconveniently and for a long time. In places where the sole is in contact with the jigsaw, there are special screws that are loosened with a hexagon, the angle is set, and then all the screws are tightened again. Agree it is long and inconvenient.

In other models, tilting is done much faster and easier. Using a special lever, you loosen the platform, set the slope and set the lever to its original position. Note that all this is done without the help of a tool.

Again, think about how often you will use this feature, if the answer is “not often”, then you don’t need a model with a fast slope. If often, then choose a jigsaw with a quick tilt, without hesitation, it will save you a lot of time and nerves.

In conclusion, I want to say that there are inserts and overlays on the soles. They are used for sawing fragile materials so that they do not leave scratches after cutting.

In a cheaper version, these are plastic lining; in a more expensive one, these are metal inserts.

Additional functions

I would like to talk about various additions to jigsaws separately. Although these functions are not necessary, they still make the tool easier to use. Some may seem completely useless to you, but still they exist, which means that there is a demand for them.

Keyless file change

A very handy and necessary feature. It is mainly equipped with professional electric jigsaws. Everything happens quickly and conveniently.

On conventional models, the saw blade is replaced by loosening special feints, and in keyless replacement, this happens by pressing a special lever. The principle of the description is similar to the inclination of the sole. Choose an electric jigsaw for your home with this feature and you will not regret it.

Illumination and laser cut pointer

Another addition looks like a backlight. Helps in conditions of poor lighting or its absence. There is an LED on the front of the tool that illuminates the space in front of the jigsaw. In most cases, of course, this function is not needed, but still there are cases where it is used.

Another addition may be a laser pointer that indicates the cutting line. It is positioned so that it projects the line of the cut onto the canvas that you are sawing, and you can see where the cut will be.

Speed ​​control

Adjusting the speed, in fact, means adjusting the number of strokes of the file. It is very easy to determine the presence of such a function by the presence of a wheel on which numbers are applied. You can increase or decrease engine speed by turning the wheel.

This feature is useful when sawing plastic, metal, and all such materials that need to be cut at low speeds. Usually this function is located on the top of the handle or on the side.

Stop for straight cuts and circular cuts

An emphasis for an even cut is included with almost every jigsaw. So when choosing an electric jigsaw for your home, make sure that there is such an emphasis, it will most likely come in handy.

This addition looks like a ruler with a perpendicular stop at the end. One side is clamped into the sole of the jigsaw to the desired length, and with a perpendicular stop to the edge of the workpiece. Thus, when sawing, a cutting line parallel (to the edge of the workpiece) is obtained.

The same stop can be used in cutting circles. But it needs to be fixed in the center of the circle, so that it can rotate around its axis. In general, for these purposes there are special stops that are well fixed in the center of the circle. There are also 2 in 1 stops.

Removal of sawdust from the place of cut

A rather useful function, since in the process of sawing very often the cutting line is thrown with sawdust, and you do not see where to cut. This is where it will save you, the removal of sawdust.

Airflow occurs in front of the jigsaw, blowing sawdust in different directions, clearing the cut line. It happens that sawdust is sucked into a special pipeline running above the sole. A special sawdust bag is put on the end of this tube, or a special vacuum cleaner is connected.

Corded or cordless tool

Now a cordless tool is very popular, but this does not apply to jigsaws. Perhaps in the near future something will change, but now everything is as it is.

First of all, cordless jigsaws have several disadvantages. One of them is the very high price of the tool and its consumables, such as spare batteries and chargers.

Another drawback is the short battery life, so the issue of autonomy has not been fully resolved. The battery life is also limited. The advantage is that you can use the tool without electricity. It is convenient in those places where there is no possibility to connect to the mains.

In the network version of the jigsaw, there is only one minus. It lies in the fact that you will not be able to use the tool without electricity. And the advantages are obvious, it works without recharging in any mode. No need to buy any batteries and chargers.

Famous manufacturers of jigsaws

Let's look at the most popular manufacturers of electric jigsaws, both for home and professional models.

• Black& decker US company founded in 1910. Produces professional jigsaws equipped with rich functionality.
• bosfromh— A German company producing both professional and household jigsaws of excellent quality. Well, the price of such equipment is not small.
• Makita, Dewalt,Fiolent–Companies producing high-quality products that can withstand increased loads.
• Interskol- A Russian company also produces good quality jigsaws at an affordable price, but with the relocation of factories to China, the quality has noticeably suffered.

Let's dwell on this number of manufacturers, since there are a lot of them, and I see no point in listing all of them. Most of these are cheap copies of well-known brands.

Well, this article comes to an end, I hope you learned something useful for yourself, and I helped you choose an electric jigsaw for your home. If you want to add something or disagree with something, write in the comments, I will be grateful to you for your opinion. Don't forget to subscribe for updates. I would like to add a video on choosing a jigsaw for the home. Perhaps that's all, thanks for your attention, good luck!

In the arsenal of a real owner, there must be several high-quality, versatile tools with which you can quickly and easily perform any repair work around the house. You can safely add a jigsaw to this list. In the article, we will consider the scope and design of the tool, its main characteristics and possible additional functions, and also give tips on which electric jigsaw to choose for the home and select the most suitable models.

1. Brief description and scope

A jigsaw, also known as a jigsaw, refers to an electric hand tool used for sawing various materials. It has a small weight and modest dimensions, due to which the duration of continuous work does not depend on the need for periodic rest of the performer. Any cut occurs with a saw blade that performs reciprocating movements. By choosing one or another type of saw, it is possible to process materials of different density and thickness, perform complex cuts and much more. And it's not just the ability handle such familiar materials as wood or metal, but also, , stone, plastic and glass.

The scope of the jigsaw is quite extensive:

In fact, this is not the whole list. Having learned about all the possibilities of a jigsaw, you will see for yourself that it is really almost indispensable in the household and is multifunctional.

2. The design of the jigsaw

Most often, the owners of several serious units of a working tool prefer to fix minor malfunctions on their own and can determine exactly when they can’t do without the help of a specialist and which part needs to be replaced. It is no wonder that such knowledge directly depends on the understanding of devices and the principle of operation of a particular device. Consider in detail the design of the jigsaw shown in the figure.

Separately, I would like to dwell on jigsaw handles. It can be of different forms, on which the convenience of performing certain works directly depends. There are three options:

Also, depending on the design, jigsaws can be divided into two large groups:

3. Advantages and disadvantages of working with a jigsaw

Any tool has both advantages and some disadvantages. Perhaps knowing everything Benefits jigsaw as a hand tool, it will be easier for you to make your choice or you will finally be convinced of the need to purchase it:

Among shortcomings can be distinguished:

• The power limit of the tool is a limited parameter that directly affects the weight of the jigsaw. The more powerful the model you need, the more it will weigh. Although, this drawback applies to all tools;
• The maximum thickness of the processed material is also limited;
• Short stroke of the cutting blade;
• Given that the saws are attached at one end, they must be thick enough so that they simply do not break every time they have to deal with hard materials. And, as you know, the thicker the canvas, the lower the indicators of its flexibility. This may affect the ability to perform shape cutting;
• When cutting thick parts, chip removal is noticeably worse, which in turn leads to a decrease in saw speed.

4. Main technical characteristics

Obviously, the more powerful the model, the faster and more productive it is, that is, it is able to cope with a greater thickness of the part. But this is not the only important parameter:

5. Overview of additional functions

In addition to the main characteristics, there are a number of useful features that modern manufacturers have generously endowed their products with. Naturally, the more "twists" at the tool the higher will it price. However, to operate with the established stereotype “the more expensive the better” in this case is not worth it. Perhaps some of the functions will turn out to be absolutely unnecessary and useless for you, so why overpay for them?

• AVR - anti-vibration system. The presence of this function significantly reduces the vibration transmitted to the performer from the engine through the housing. Thus, this contributes to less fatigue and greater controllability of the jigsaw. It also increases tool life. It is advisable to purchase models with ATS if you plan to perform work often and for several hours in a row;
• Frequency control saw blade travel. This feature is very useful if it is supposed to work with a jigsaw with different materials. This moment also determines the possibility of achieving a clean cut. After all, it is better to process wooden blanks at a high stroke rate, while it is possible to avoid the formation of teeth on the edges of sheet metal only at low speed;
• Pendulum move. The presence of this element makes it possible to move the saw not only up / down, but also forward / backward. This greatly accelerates the cutting speed, but worsens its cleanliness and reduces the controllability of the tool. Most often, models with this function are purchased if necessary, often saw a large number of wooden parts;
  
• Saw at an angle. The ability to make an oblique cut is possible only if the sole of the tool can change its position. In this case, the angle can be 0-45 degrees. You will have to set the desired angle yourself, focusing on the appropriate marks. More expensive models have a clearly fixed position of the sole at an angle of 15, 30 or 45 degrees. After tilting it to the required angle, it will be fixed by the built-in limiter. It is advisable to purchase jigsaws with this function if you are engaged in the production of furniture or, for example, window glazing beads;
• Smooth start. The possibility of a smooth start, firstly, will allow you to maintain the integrity of the workpiece at the beginning of work, and not tear out pieces at the beginning of the cut. Secondly, it will protect the motor from a large starting current;
• Possibility vacuum cleaner connection. In this case, a special branch pipe for removing sawdust will be connected to the sole of the jigsaw. The function is useful even, which allows for “clean” work and minimizes the amount of wood or metal dust that the user inevitably inhales during work;
• Backlight drinking places. A handy little thing that makes the markup more visible, which means cutting will be more accurate;
  
• laser marker. It can be implemented as a dot or a line. Allows you to foresee the direction of the cut and prevent its deviation from the markup;
• Quick change system saw blade. Allows you to remove a worn or broken saw with one pull of the lever;
• blowing dust and sawdust from the cutting line. In some models, the fan, which is necessary to cool the engine during operation, can also perform an additional function of blowing debris from the workpiece;
• Protective screen. It is designed to protect the organ of vision from getting dust particles or chips into them, and they are made of transparent plexiglass;
• table for mounts. In the presence of this element, a conventional portable tool can turn into a stationary one.
  

6. Factors influencing the choice

After you have familiarized yourself with all the possible additional functions and technical characteristics, you need to summarize and highlight main factors which should influence the choice:

7. TOP 3 most "survivable" jigsaws for the home

Of course, after such a careful selection, I would like to purchase a really reliable tool for long-term use. The variety of products offered is unrealistically large. And the more you look directories, the more you can get confused. It has long been known that in order to really buy a thing, you need to pay attention to trusted manufacturers and not be stingy. We have selected for you several models of electric jigsaws, which confirm their durability and reliability with a large number of positive reviews from real consumers. For your information - the serial number in the list does not play a role.

• Everyone starts their reviews with the Makita type, etc., we also did not ignore this brand, but we decided to start with a manufacturer originally from Simferopol, which is famous for its successful models of electric jigsaws. Many professionals point out that the firm model Fiolent PMZ-600 E It has been operated by them for a long time in a fairly intensive mode and has never failed. The jigsaw can handle up to 85 mm thick wood, up to 10 mm thick steel and up to 20 mm thick aluminum. In this case, the engine power is 600 W, and the saw blade movement frequency is 2600 times / min. Experts note the high quality of the filling of the tool, which definitely has a margin of safety. The sole of the tool is made of thick stamped steel, and has the ability to tilt at an angle of 45 degrees. There is a function for adjusting the speed and a pendulum stroke, which can be turned off if necessary. TO shortcomings can be attributed to the weight of the model, which reaches 2.4 kg. Maybe at first, it will not be very convenient and hard for you to work;
  
• Makita 4351 FTC. A jigsaw from a well-known manufacturer of high-quality tools has a mushroom-shaped handle and is more suitable for those who have organized a small carpentry workshop in their garage or in the country, rather than for one-time household use. At the same time, people testing this device noted that the body of the jigsaw is quite large and wide. It can be problematic to grasp the tool with one hand and at the same time securely fix it. The motor has a power of 720 W, and the frequency of saw blade movements can be adjusted and lies in the range of 800-2800 times / min, the blade stroke is 26 mm. The high power is reflected in the weight of the tool, which reaches 2.4 kg, like the previous model. The jigsaw works quietly, does not create strong vibrations, easily copes with large thicknesses in accordance with the technical specifications specified by the manufacturer. The sole is very solid, made of aluminum, has a fixation in the zero position and at an angle of 45 degrees. The set includes a plastic anti-slip and protective pad on the sole. The chuck is quick-clamping and securely fixes blades of different thicknesses. Of the additional functions are present - smooth running, pendulum three-mode running, illumination of the working area;
  
• Bosch PST 650. A very convenient and compact jigsaw with a D-handle from a well-known German manufacturer impresses with its weight, which is only 1.6 kg. At the same time, the engine power is 500 W, and the maximum number of reciprocating movements of the saw element is as much as 3100 times per minute. Thanks to such a high speed, the maximum thickness of the wooden workpiece, according to the data from the manufacturer, is 65 mm, steel - 4 mm. The sole of the tool is made of durable steel, has a rigid fixation in the zero position and at an angle of 45 degrees. The chuck is also quick-clamping, however, it does not fix all saw blade thicknesses. The jigsaw is equipped with a function for cleaning the working area from sawdust, which can be adjusted. It is safe to say that this is one of the best and trouble-free models for home use.
  

It is the wide variety of working equipment that makes the jigsaw so versatile and indispensable. Probably, you could not help but notice that all saw blades have different markings on their shanks. She not only says what material the canvas is made of, but also what it is best to use.
Consider standard markings:

• HSS- a saw made of high-speed alloy steel. Designed to work with various stones at high speeds - with or, or with metal. Differs in the increased durability, hardness and resistance to high temperatures;
• BIM- a canvas made of bimetallic material. Suitable for cutting hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile or plexiglass;
• HCS– cutting element made of high carbon steel. Suitable for processing almost all types of wood, except for very hard, or plastic;
• HM– extra hard tungsten carbide alloy blade. Most often used for cutting ceramic tiles or fiberglass;
• CV- a saw made of chrome vanadium steel. It has increased characteristics of plasticity, viscosity and elasticity, which makes the canvas ideal for working with soft materials - drywall, chipboard, fiberboard and some types of wood.

In addition to the material and purpose, saws differ in shank shape and may be:

• T-shaped;
• U-shaped;
• With two holes - marking MA.

To work with the tool was easy, and its service life was maximum, it is necessary to observe simple rules:

10. Most common malfunctions

Frequent and prolonged or not quite correct operation of any tool will sooner or later lead to some kind of malfunction. Consider the most common mechanical types of breakdowns electric jigsaws, in which the engine itself continues to work normally, but it is not possible to achieve an accurate or clean cut:

• Crooked saw. It happens that the saw blade leads significantly away from the intended line during operation. In this case, either the rod itself or the saw attachment mechanism may be faulty. Also, do not exclude the possibility of wear of parts or their excessive contamination. To begin with, it is worth trying to remove the above elements and clean them thoroughly. If the problem persists, replacement of fasteners or stem is inevitable;
• Too perceptible vibration And noise. If you notice that over time, the device began to make sounds that were not characteristic of it before and vibrate very strongly, this may be due to the failure of the gearbox. There may be no lubrication or the teeth on the gear have collapsed. For an accurate determination, you need to remove part of the case from the side and inspect the mechanism. If there is a breakdown, the mechanism must be replaced;
• strong jolts at work. If you feel that the jigsaw began to hit hard during the cut, this may be due to the failure of the pendulum mechanism or rod, which will have to be replaced. Before replacing, try spinning and completely cleaning and lubricating the mechanism, sometimes this is enough.

Not always malfunctions can be the result of failure or breakdown of one or another part of the structure. Sometimes out of order maybe electronics. Then the characteristic types of breakdowns will be:

For the first time, a jigsaw, as an electric tool, began to be talked about in 1946, when BOSCH released its first development. The justified demand for the electric jigsaw allowed him to start his march through all the countries of the world.

An electric jigsaw firmly occupies one of the top places in the arsenal of a home craftsman. One good electric jigsaw, if necessary, can replace several low-functional ones, producing in operation:

• rectilinear and figured sawing of sheets of chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, plexiglass, drywall, plastic, etc.;
• sawing boards, wooden slats, small bars;
• giving the necessary shape to the laminate, parquet, lining;
• curvilinear cutting of ceramic tiles, finishing plates made of natural stone using a special saw blade with a diamond coating;
• cutting a metal sheet using a metal file and using special skill and skill (the last two functions have a professional electric jigsaw).

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 reciprocating motion from the gearbox and motor, which are placed in the housing. Its lower part is the sole, the handle is fixed on top.

1. The basic indicator that determines how to choose the right jigsaw for your home is power. Household-level tools 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. A household jigsaw equipped with a cast platform is more reliable than a tool with a stamped base. Support material - preferably aluminum with the ability to rotate 45 linear degrees. Such a 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 stem itself. It is preferable to choose a jigsaw with a rod of round or square section.

4. The convenience of a quick change of the saw blade is achieved due to the keyless way of attaching the file. This method can be provided with a variety of designs, and it is almost impossible to strip the thread when changing the file.

5. Adjustment of the frequency of web strokes can be carried out either by a 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 keep in mind that the minimum frequency (less than 1000 rpm) is unsuitable for working, for example, with plastic.

6. If you plan to work off-grid, it is important to consider a battery-powered design. Some models of jigsaws come with 2 batteries and a charger.

7. Ergonomic handles are half the success and pleasure of work. When buying, you need to try out where the hand is more comfortable - on the handle-bracket or mushroom-shaped handle. The mushroom handle is preferable for curvilinear curly cuts.

8. Some manufacturers provide the instrument with LED light. When performing ultra-precise work in low light conditions, it is necessary to opt for these models.

Additional features of the power tool are designed to increase comfort and convenience when working. This is the presence of a pendulum mechanism (used for the intensification of threaded work), a device for turning and fixing the saw blade, highlighting the operation zone, blowing off sawdust and cleaning it with a vacuum cleaner.

Popular manufacturers of electric jigsaws

The dilemma - which jigsaw to choose in the presence of a large assortment from different manufacturers - is solved with a close acquaintance with the products of world brands.

So, in the production of electric jigsaws, the standard for T-shank is supported by the famous brands BOSCH, Festool, DeWALT, AEG, Makita, Kress, Hitachi, Protool, Hilti. Features of the tool from the BOSCH company - the use of the SDS system (allows you to replace files without special tools), battery power.

DeWALT manufactures products with universal blades suitable for working with different materials. In addition, the models have the ability to dampen vibration, adjust the air flow.

The Japanese manufacturer Hitachi (Hitachi) produces tools with wireless power, LED backlight, 4-position pendulum mechanism, air removal of sawdust.

The electric jigsaws of the German company AEG are distinguished by the presence of additional functions: a pendulum stroke, sawdust blowing, ultra-fast fixation of the blade clamp, vibration damping, and a lock button when turned on.

The tools of the American company Black & Decker are distinguished by air cooling, the presence of protection for the power cord from breaking, low weight, and the presence of a protective screen.