How to choose a jigsaw.

An electric jigsaw is a device that is used for various needs, including curly trimming of gypsum board sheets, artificial and natural materials based on wood, MDF and PVC panels, metal. Its most important advantages are lightness, durability, high functionality. It can be difficult to answer the question of how to choose a jigsaw without determining its intended purpose.

Thus, the device has a certain margin of safety and is able to cut materials up to a specific thickness. If these parameters are exceeded, it will either be useless or show poor performance. We will help you choose the best option for your needs, based on reliable information.

Content:

    Technical characteristics of the jigsaw:

    1. Purpose. Jigsaws can be household or professional. The first type is intended for cutting thin sheets of steel and aluminum (within 2-4 mm) and various wood-based materials (up to 70 mm). They are characterized by a rigid handle and the absence of additional options. A professional jigsaw handles wood with a thickness of 80-140 mm, various types of metals (steel - up to 10 mm, aluminum - about 20 mm). It can be equipped with various safety features and a wide range of functions.
    2. Type of food. Like other types of equipment, jigsaws can receive energy from the mains or from a removable battery. The first option is good for rooms where there is no power supply, as well as for work at high altitudes. At the same time, such models have low power and a narrow scope of use. Mains-powered jigsaws are more widespread. At the same time, their cable should be hidden in a reliable casing and located directly behind the handle, so as not to create inconvenience in work.
    3. Power. The level of performance is in the range of 400-750 W and directly affects both the capabilities of the jigsaw and the energy consumption.
    4. Frequency of movement of the file. This parameter, as a rule, is in the range of 0-3300 strokes per minute. Its fine adjustment allows you to make the cutting line smoother and more accurate, or to protect the material from damage when sawing it. Stroke frequency adjustment is necessary for processing all types of wood, as well as drywall sheets.
    5. Depth of cut. The characteristic determines labor productivity, the capabilities of the device and is measured in millimeters.
    6. Stroke value. This is the distance from the point of maximum lift to maximum lowering, which affects the cutting speed of various materials.
    7. Saw change system. It can be either automatic (Power-lock-System and alternatives) or manual (the nozzle is set using hexagons). Both the first and second options have certain advantages.
    8. Anti-vibration system. With constant work with a jigsaw, the blood vessels of the limbs suffer, calluses appear. However, thanks to the anti-vibration system, these consequences can be avoided, in addition, the quality of work will be significantly increased.
    9. Weight. The mass of the tool allows you to simplify its use, which is justified when choosing professional jigsaws. As for household options, their weight is not essential for operation.
    10. Equipment and equipment. Professional jigsaws have a wide range of options that make them versatile and easy to use. This includes both the ability to connect to a vacuum cleaner, the presence of a laser level, and other options. At the same time, each of them makes the equipment somewhat more expensive, and the final price depends significantly on the presence or absence of additional devices.

    Tips for choosing a technique:

    1. You must purchase tips for different materials with the jigsaw (including metal and wood). Do not overload the device: for solving complex problems, there is a reciprocating saw and a grinder (angle grinder).
    2. When choosing a jigsaw, pay attention to the way of fixing the detachable saw. The angle of its inclination must be adjusted for a competent and reliable installation.
    3. Models with a staple handle are considered convenient in operation, since they allow you to see the cutting line during operation. Thus, the quality of labor is improved. But if a jigsaw is used to cut materials with a vertical rise, then it is worth looking at a device with a mushroom-shaped handle.
    4. Buy models with those options that are actually required in the work. So, for the installation of kitchens and furniture in the finished interior, a jigsaw with a nozzle for connecting a vacuum cleaner is very good. Its application will allow avoiding uncontrolled spread of sawdust and, accordingly, increasing the safety of facilities. For curly cutting, you need a jigsaw with a rotating head: the lines will be straight and neat. But for domestic use, these options are not needed: they will only make the equipment heavier and make its operation more difficult.

    TheDifference.ru knows how to choose a jigsaw:

    1. Intended use. Simple household jigsaws are suitable for cutting planks, laminate, plywood, and other similar needs. Their power level should not be high (about 400-450 W), and additional options are not needed. However, jigsaws for professional use, including curly cutting of wood, gypsum plasterboards, must have a wide range of power, the ability to rotate the saw, the support platform.
    2. Power. If the device will be constantly used at the limit of its capabilities (for cutting metals, thick pieces of wood), then this parameter should be extremely high (from 750 W). For everyday tasks (cutting laminate, plasterboard sheets, thin plywood), alternatives with low power (400-450 W) are quite suitable.
    3. Number of revolutions and their adjustment. Household models have a stroke rate of up to 2700 beats per minute, and are not always equipped with the ability to change this parameter. If you have to work with various materials, including porous, especially durable, then it is better to make a choice in favor of an adjustable parameter. A stroke rate in the range of 3000-3500 rpm is needed for cutting fresh wood and thick pieces of steel.
    4. Processed materials. When buying a device, you need to make sure that the cutting depth will be sufficient for the selected raw material. The limiting values ​​are indicated by the manufacturer, however, you need to understand that for a long-term operation of the device, an error of 10-15% must be applied.
    5. Saw blade replacement system. On most modern models, it is possible to change the working element at the touch of a button. This makes installation quick and easy. At the same time, if the installation method is more complicated and provides for the adjustment of the file, this can be considered a kind of advantage: the angle of inclination of the file can be set arbitrarily - without bevelling the working part.
    6. Additional equipment. The jigsaw can be equipped not only with a laser level and illumination for an accurate cut, but also with a branch pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner, an anti-vibration system. All additional functions are needed only when the device is used for professional purposes.
    7. Remedies. A jigsaw is much less dangerous than a grinder, but it can also harm the user. A protective shield on the front of the instrument will keep chips from entering the eyes and skin, making it more comfortable to use.
    .