We choose an electric jigsaw. How to choose a good electric jigsaw, so as not to regret it later? Choosing an electric jigsaw

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 of 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. An excellent solution of the company - 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. In addition, even budget options have a lot of 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 best options for electric jigsaws are the following.

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, this is not an ideal option, it is difficult to change 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 at their summer cottage. 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.

The electric jigsaw has universal capabilities for processing any materials at home. Any master involved in construction, repair, woodcarving, carpentry, has this type of tool. To know how to choose an electric jigsaw from the rich assortment offered in specialized stores, you need to understand the main technical characteristics. Manufacturers endow the produced models with various additional functions, which is reflected in the price of the tool. However, these functions are not always required in practice. This means that when choosing, you cannot focus only on the cost of the model, thinking that the more expensive the tool, the better. Then what are the criteria for choosing a jigsaw?

An electric jigsaw, or jigsaw for short, refers to a hand tool equipped with an electric drive. The small dimensions of this tool affect its weight, which is practically not felt. With the help of an electric jigsaw, you can quickly and efficiently perform the following types of work:

• straight cuts in materials such as wood, plastic, drywall. metal sheet, laminate, ceramic tile, etc.;
• curved cut of any of the materials listed above;
• cutting round holes of the required diameter;
• cutting rectangular holes.

The purpose of the jigsaw is to perform a large number of operations both in longitudinal and transverse cutting of sheet material, and in curly cutting.

Example: an electric jigsaw manufactured in the Netherlands by Skil is used in everyday life to make straight cuts on parts made of wood and other materials.

Features of the design of a jigsaw electric saw

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

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

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

• bracket-shaped, allowing a good view of the cut line;
• mushroom-shaped facilitating work on inclined planes.

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

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

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

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

Additional power tool functions

Here is what can be included in the design of a jigsaw:

• Stroke frequency adjustment function used when working with different types of materials. The choice of stroke frequency can be carried out not only before the start of the operation, but also during it by strongly pressing the start lock button. At the same time, it is possible to increase productivity. True, this mode of operation of a power tool turns into a rapid wear of the working blade.
• The presence of a multi-stage pendulum mechanism, characteristic of all modern models of electric jigsaws, allows the file to make additional horizontal movements (both in the direction of sawing and vice versa) and cut the material only when moving “up”. This function increases productivity without reducing the service life of the blade, but contributes to the deterioration of the quality of the cut surface. Therefore, when making a fine cut, it is recommended to disable this function. This recommendation should be followed when working with sheet steel and hardwood.
• Function of illumination of a working zone by a lamp, built into the design of the jigsaw, increases the degree of convenience when working in conditions of poor natural light.
• Availability of a system for quick replacement of saw blades facilitates the process of removing the worn cutting blade by pressing a special lever.
• Automatic sawdust blower function fan cooling the engine, allows you to free the cutting line from the resulting sawdust and settling dust.
• Ability to connect a power tool to a vacuum cleaner through a special nozzle provides a quick cleaning of the working surface from waste, which improves the visibility of the cut line.
• The presence of a device for turning the file, thanks to which the working canvas can rotate 360 ​​degrees, allows you to cut circles of different diameters in the material.
• Angle lock necessary to secure the position of the tool at an angle from zero to 45 degrees.

Which of these you need is up to you to choose.

Professional or household unit?

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

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

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

A model of an electric jigsaw (electric jigsaw) designed for professional use, released by the well-known German company Bosch on the power tool market

The main criteria for choosing a specific model

The main indicator that you should immediately pay attention to is the power of the tool. Remember that for household models, this figure is from 350 to 500 W, and for professional models - from 700 W. The depth of cut, the duration of the period of uninterrupted operation, and the life of the tool depend on the power of the jigsaw.

Important! For powerful models, more weight is also characteristic, which is important when working with hand-held power tools.

An equally important criterion is the number of strokes per minute. After all, the speed of work, as well as the cleanliness of the cut, depend on the value of this indicator. For most models, the number of strokes per minute varies from 0 to 2700-3100. Although there are electric jigsaws, in which this figure reaches 3500 strokes / min.

The comfort of using a power tool depends on the system for changing files, which can be fastened either with screws or with a clamping device. In the latter case, the blade is replaced in an accelerated version without the use of a special tool.

Pay attention to the possibility of adjusting the stroke rate only if you are going to use the jigsaw for processing different building materials. Some sheet materials are cut at certain values ​​of this indicator.

If health is expensive, then purchase models that can be connected to a vacuum cleaner. This feature will protect your eyes and respiratory organs from fine dust generated during the operation of the tool, and will also keep the workplace clean.

The presence in the kit of replaceable files, special oils for lubricating work surfaces, screwdrivers and other small things is a nice addition to the product. However, all this can be bought if necessary in the same specialized stores and service centers opened by manufacturers.

Lightweight and quiet Makita jigsaws are of high quality workmanship and the presence of a large number of additional functions. The tool is produced at the company's own factories located in Japan, USA, UK, China, Romania

Electric jigsaws are produced by such well-known companies as Bosch, Makita, Meister, Hitachi, Metabo, Skil. Before choosing a jigsaw from a particular manufacturer, pay attention to the technical characteristics of similar models sold under other brands. With this approach, you can get the right tool for less money.

The workspace is well lit built-in light bulb, which turns on automatically after pressing the start button. Also, works great waste and sawdust removal system.

Of the pros and cons you can consider the weight of the jigsaw, about 2.6 kg and its dimensions. Its length is 30 cm. The body of the jigsaw itself is quite thick, and resembles a small grinder. Because of this, you have to hold the device with two hands, and this is not very convenient when performing certain construction work. To turn off the start button, you need to intercept it with your hands, because you simply cannot get it from the working position.

The Makita 4351FCT electric jigsaw is a powerful and functional construction tool. When buying, many are wondering which jigsaw to choose for professional work. Now we can safely say that this jigsaw is more suitable than others for these works.

Electric jigsaw BOSCH PST650

• well fixed metal platform;
• adjustable blow off of debris and sawdust;
• vibration protection system;
• good stabilization of the saw blade.

But there is also minuses. Not all saw blades can be installed in the BOSCH PST650 jigsaw keyless chuck. But those that fit are fixed very securely.

Given the ratio, price and quality, this good jigsaw will become an indispensable assistant in the house, and will last a long time without any major failures and breakdowns.

Electric jigsaw Einhell BPS600E

The Einhell BPS600E electric jigsaw was developed by a German company. It is also included in the list of required tools.

Pendulum stroke with three modes, 600 W motor, there is a speed controller.

Minus this tool is the build quality.

For example, over time, the power button may break, or the rubber from the handle will peel off, the cord may crack, etc.

The only mechanism to which there are no complaints is the motor.

This tool is better to buy for amateurs, for infrequent use.

The Einhell electric jigsaw is not suitable for professionals.

There are tools that do not need advertising and an obsessive offer, they can rightfully be called "folk" - all this is about manual electric jigsaws. The multi-purpose unit has a simple design, can cut along a straight or curved path, as well as at an angle of 45.

To decide how to choose a good electric jigsaw for your home or workshop, you should turn to the experience of qualified specialists in the field of construction and repair. Useful advice from our experts will help you decide which jigsaw to buy for upcoming work and not regret the money spent.

Household or professional

Like any construction tools, jigsaws are divided into household and professional. The classification determines the maximum load that the equipment can handle, the time of continuous operation and, of course, the comfort of use.

Household jigsaws are designed for rare use in the country, at home or in the garage. Also, DIY class tools can be used in production for rare operations. Such models always have a limit on the time of continuous operation: for the most budgetary, the parameter can reach up to 10-20 minutes. Conditionally household models can be operated no more than 4-8 hours a day (or about 30-50 hours a week) with regular breaks.

The transitional link between household and professional models was the tools of the unspoken semi-professional level (Hobby). If the task is to buy an inexpensive but good jigsaw, you should take a closer look at this segment. At the same time, the resource of the device is somewhat higher than inexpensive amateur models, and the functionality is comparable to top positions. Such electric jigsaws are suitable for work and at home or in small production. Hobby class equipment is rarely limited in terms of continuous operation time, but it will not work to use them “to the fullest” - the mechanism is not designed for such loads.

Models of professional and industrial class have found their application in the woodworking workshops, the manufacture of cabinet furniture or wooden structures, in construction and interior decoration. As practice shows, amateur masters often opt for top-end equipment, but this is not always rational. If the tool is rarely used, there is no way to fully realize its potential, for which, by the way, you will have to pay a lot. In addition, the repair of expensive equipment is not cheap.

How to choose an electric jigsaw - the main parameters

When choosing a good jigsaw model, you should focus on the key factors that determine its performance and convenience:

• frequency of the saw blade;
• electric motor power;
• the presence of a pendulum stroke;
• type of consumables;
• dimensions and weight;
• functional.

High-quality jigsaws are distinguished by a competent combination of technical characteristics, but you cannot choose a tool solely by parameters. An important component of a good tool is decent ergonomics; such a tool lies comfortably in the hands and does not tire the operator during operation.

Power

The power consumption of a jigsaw can vary from 450 W to 850 W. As practice shows, high power consumption does not always characterize the performance of the tool. The low power professional grade model is comparable in efficiency to the more powerful DYI series.

How to decide on the choice of electric jigsaw in terms of power? It all depends on the needs: if speed and productivity are required, then medium or high power must be combined with a good sawing speed. If “working fast and hard” is not the main task, you can choose any unit from the “pro” class or a household model more powerful than 550 watts.

saw blade frequency

The frequency of the saw blade stroke is one of the main parameters by which an electric jigsaw is chosen. The higher the value, the faster the sawing. Products made of aluminum, plywood or wood are sawn at maximum speed, and at low speeds they cut materials that are sensitive to overheating - plastic, stainless steel.

In most cases, jigsaws are equipped with step speed control, but this does not apply to the most budget versions. The minimum threshold can be from 0 to 800 strokes per minute, the maximum speed reaches 3200-3500 strokes. When buying, it is not necessary to choose the “fastest model”, for ordinary files and good performance, more than 2600 - 2800 strokes / min are enough.

Pendulum move or swap

Many models are equipped with a pendulum system, this design solution increases sawing speed. When installing one of the 3-4 steps of the pendulum, the file moves not only up and down, but also back and forth, along the trajectory of the pendulum. The higher the stage, the stronger the pumping. The pendulum stroke system is applicable only to straight cuts, if the tool is needed for artistic sawing along a curved path, you can choose a model without pumping, or with the ability to turn it off.

Cutting depth

The maximum depth of cut indicates the maximum thickness of the workpiece that can be sawn. Limit values ​​are always prescribed in the technical manual, and different materials have their own limitations. So, the maximum cutting depth of a wooden workpiece can reach 70 or 100 mm, for metal (aluminum) 15 - 20 mm, for plastic - 80 mm, and for ceramics - up to 10 mm.

Do not neglect this characteristic, the use of the tool for other purposes can lead to overloads and an early breakdown.

File and types of its fastening

Varieties of paintings

Equipment for the electric jigsaw are special files, which are a blade with teeth and a shank of a certain shape. For each type of material there are files, as indicated by the letter marking:

• on wood (B, C, D, BO, BR);
• for metal (A);
• for glass and ceramics (Riff);
• by plastic.

Also, blades are distinguished by the type of cut: files with small teeth are designed for a clean cut (B, C), with large ones - for fast and rough (D). For curved cuts, narrow blades with straight fine teeth (letter O) are used. For sawing laminate or other material with a delicate coating, you will need a file with a reverse tooth direction (revers - the letter R in the marking).

PVC products can be sawn with almost any wood file; large and medium teeth are not picked up by soft chips. A sheet for metal is also suitable, but sawing is carried out at a minimum speed.

The numerical designation indicates the length of the file:

• 1 - up to 75 mm
• 2 - 75-90 mm
• 3 - 90-150 mm
• 4 - more than 150 mm

Blade attachment type

There are two types of tails:

1. T-shaped
2. U-shaped

For the vast majority of electric jigsaws, T-shank files are used. In the configuration with the tool, there is almost always a sample of the canvas, you can also try on different types of canvases upon purchase. However, budget models of the amateur class are "omnivorous". They have the simplest cartridge installed, which simply clamps the file on both sides, regardless of the type of landing.

Types of handles

Among modern models of jigsaws, two designs are widespread: with a bracket-shaped or mushroom-shaped handle. The mushroom handle is the prerogative of electric jigsaws for professional work, but such a constructive solution is quite rare.

The more common staple-shaped handle is universal and is divided into two types. Compact models are equipped with a square "bracket", larger ones - with a semicircular one.

To a greater extent, ergonomics affect the comfort of use - the presence of rubber pads, protrusions for the fingers, thickening in the grip areas.

Sole

The support platform of the electric jigsaw can be cast or stamped. This design decision plays a big role when buying a professional-grade tool when long-term use is implied.

The stamped sole is found in all household and semi-professional models, as well as on inexpensive professional jigsaws. Such a platform is made of a relatively thin metal; under prolonged loads, it undergoes deformation. As a result, the positioning of the saw blade is shifted, there is no proper contact with the workpiece, and sawing at an angle becomes almost impossible.

High-quality jigsaws are equipped with a cast platform, it is stronger and more durable, but slightly increases the final cost of the unit. Often you can see a plastic lining on it to protect soft materials from chips.

Power type

A separate item can take out the type of food. The network electric jigsaw is not designed to work in the "field conditions", in pair with it you will need a mobile power station. The solution would be to buy a wireless model, which is now quite a lot on the market. The duration of continuous operation and power here depend on the capacity of the battery and the availability of replaceable batteries.

If you decide to purchase a cordless jigsaw, pay attention to the ONE + Ryobi cordless tool lines. Any position from the lineup, whether it's a jigsaw or a screwdriver, can be powered by one battery - this is really convenient and profitable from an economic point of view.

Features that may be useful

When choosing a reliable electric jigsaw for home use, its functionality will become an important aspect. There are very useful options that greatly increase productivity and usability.

What functions are equipped with electric jigsaws:

• Forced airflow of the working area– a directed air jet cleans the workpiece and the platform from sawdust, providing a full view.
• Smooth start- the advantage of powerful tools, although the option is quite rare. Starting current limitation protects the operator from a jerk when starting, as well as all internal mechanisms from increased load.
• Laser pointer is a pretty useful option. Rough markings on the workpiece can be covered with sawn products, the user will have to turn off the tool and clean the work area - all this takes time. The laser, in turn, indicates the direction even over small chips.
• Cartridge type. Many modern models are equipped with a quick-release saw blade chuck. To change the equipment, it is enough to bend the lever and install the file.
• Illumination of the working area with LED provides comfort and maximum cutting accuracy.
• Maintaining power under load- a serious constructive solution that can increase tool life and protects all internal components from unintentional overload. As a rule, in household models, as the speed decreases, the power also decreases, therefore, it is easy to overload the tool.

Which brand of jigsaw to buy

When deciding which electric jigsaw is better to choose, it is recommended to give preference only to reliable manufacturers. There are a lot of popular Chinese brands, but questionable cost hides even more questionable workmanship. It is for this reason that we will present the best manufacturers of electric jigsaws in terms of price-quality ratio for 2017:

• Bosch
• Makita
• DeWalt
• Interskol

Conclusion