Jigsaw files: how to choose a blade for specific tasks. Types of saw blades for electric jigsaw: what and how to cut What saw blade for a jigsaw

Manual and electric jigsaws have long "taken root" among home craftsmen. These are very useful devices that will allow you to accurately and accurately cut almost any material of various thicknesses and configurations. But before proceeding with the work, it is necessary that the jigsaw file is correctly selected. However, immediately accept the right decision pretty hard. This is due not only to a large selection, but also to a huge number of types of canvas.

Some general information

If you have a jigsaw and no files, then this is a useless tool. If you have a whole set of files, then you can cut almost any material. No need to think that the jigsaw is designed to work only with metal or plastic products. While you might say that it makes sense to have both manual and automatic tools, you'll see why in a bit. With proper skill, you can make straight and figured cuts on chipboard, ceramics, metal, and so on. But it is worthwhile to understand that for each type of material there is a jigsaw file. For example, the BOSCH product range provides for a wide variety of blades that can work with plywood, plastic, etc. Of course, each material has a different thickness, density, hardness, and other parameters, which imposes certain requirements on the quality of the blade steel.

Jigsaw blades

It is quite logical that without a file you will not be able to perform the work you need. Today, all blades for hand tools are divided into two large groups:

  • for woodworking;
  • for metal work.

Each of these groups is divided into subgroups. For example, a canvas for wood can be for quick cutting. This is one of the most common and popular files. Its peculiarity is that such a canvas can be processed a large number of material at high speed. For example, with such a file it is not a problem to cut a workpiece with a diameter of 20 cm. However, this tool leaves behind a significant number of defects, so it is advisable to use it only for auxiliary work or the construction of buildings.

But files for a manual jigsaw of a clean cut allow you to get quality surface. This is achieved due to the large number of small teeth, as a result of which the cut is smooth and practically free of defects. However, in this case, the maximum diameter of the workpiece should not exceed 7.5 cm. There are also files for laminate. They have a unique arrangement of teeth that do not leave any marks behind.

Blade for working with metal

It is one thing to process a material such as wood, quite another - metal. Please note that the wood canvas is not suitable for cutting metal sheets. But learning to distinguish files from each other is extremely simple. The jigsaw file for metal has a blue shank, which is the main distinguishing feature. The teeth are very fine, allowing you to work with sheets with a thickness of 6 mm.

Today, combined canvases are increasingly being sold. According to the manufacturers, they are well suited for working with wood and metal. But we can say with confidence that this is not the best solution, since the work performed is somewhat difficult and stretched over time. In any case, a jigsaw blade for metal must be made of high-quality material.

Electric, desktop and manual jigsaws

It should be understood that, despite the same purpose, the files for this tool have fundamental differences. For example, the blade for a manual jigsaw is quite thin and long, and is also attached on both sides. In a jigsaw, it is shorter and thicker, and also has a completely different installation method. If the tool is manual, then you should always have several spare files. This is due to their fragility. They break really often and at the most inopportune moment.

There are also saws for The tool itself is stationary and great for cutting wood. The canvas in this case is more similar to the one used in hand tool. However, it is less brittle, so it breaks less often. Such files are designed for workpieces with a maximum diameter of 4 cm for wood and 0.2 cm for metal products.

Jigsaw saw blade marking

Special designations on the canvas can say a lot. Firstly, this way you can find out what material the product is made of. By the way, this is very important, especially when performing responsible work. For example, if HCS is written on the body, this means that the blade is made of and is intended for cutting soft materials, in particular wood, chipboard, plastic, etc. But, for example, the inscription HSS indicates that the file Made from high speed hardened steel. It is a hard, but at the same time quite brittle material that can be used to work with both aluminum and steel of small thickness.

But the marking of BIM jigsaw files means that the blade is bimetallic. Basically, it is a combination of HCS and HSS. Such a file has improved properties, but also a high cost. The HM stamp means that such a blade can be used for particularly hard materials, for example, cutting ceramic tiles, etc. In principle, it is not so difficult to understand the marking, if you remember this, then choosing the appropriate blade will be extremely simple.

Learn more about making the right choice

When buying, you should always pay attention to the blade shank. Naturally, it has only one mount, unlike a manual saw. Although today the world famous company Bosch produces with two stops. In any case, it is advisable to first read the instructions, where it will be written what is suitable for your tool. For example, the Makita company produces jigsaws with a mount that is fundamentally different from other models. At both ends there are specially sawn circles of various diameters. Naturally, you can no longer put a file with a different type of fastening on a jigsaw.

You need to understand that the canvas can have a different length. For wood cutting, this is usually 51-126 mm, for metal - up to 106 mm. The choice should be based on the thickness of the workpiece to be machined. The thicker it is, the longer the canvas should be. For example, to perform a figured cut on wood, thin jigsaw files are used. They are quite fragile, but give more opportunities to the operator.

Canvas for laminate flooring

Today, many people say that an exceptionally clean cut is needed to process a parquet board or laminate. Someone may advise using almost a diamond-coated canvas. However, the price of such a tool is very high, for a set of 5 files you will have to pay several thousand rubles. In principle, sometimes the jigsaw itself can cost so much.

So, it is not at all necessary to purchase an overly expensive tool. A blade is usually sufficient for a clean cut. Of course, there will be a chip of about 1-2 mm. However, in most cases, the laminate is closed with skirting boards that are much larger than the chip. For this simple reason, do not overpay once again. When buying jigsaw blades for laminate, pay attention to the quality of the product. Many modern canvases burn very strongly when working with wood, chipboard and laminate. Therefore, make a purchase with a small margin.

Something about the shape of the teeth

The blade tooth configuration determines the capabilities of the tool. A large number of small teeth improves the quality of the cut, but significantly reduces the speed. If there are few teeth and they are large, then such a cut will be extremely sloppy, but very fast. Conventionally, according to the shape of the teeth, the saw blade can be divided into the following groups:

  • Diluted (milled) - used for cutting soft materials such as wood and plastic, as well as non-ferrous metals. The wiring contributes to the fact that excessive heat does not accumulate, and sawdust is removed from the cut and the blade.
  • Wavy (milled) - used for clean cutting of aluminum, soft materials (wood, plastic) and non-ferrous metals. The wiring in this case is performed in groups, that is, several teeth in a row in one direction.
  • Tapered (ground) is a good solution for getting clean cuts in wood and plastic. The non-working edge is polished. These are typical jigsaw blades for laminate.
  • Ground, set teeth are one of the best solutions for rough cuts in wood, chipboard, blockboard, etc.

Web width and thickness

When choosing, it is extremely important to pay attention to the width of the file. Not only the quality, but also the speed of the work performed depends on this parameter. If the canvas is wide, then it will be not only stable, but also more durable, and will practically not deviate from the intended plane. Of course, this is also high-speed cutting, do not forget about it. At the same time, narrow files provide good maneuverability compared to wide ones. The location of the teeth on the axis of the jigsaw drive allows you to better follow the intended plane with minimal deviations.

Thickness is also not the last parameter that makes sense to pay attention to. Blades that are too thin cannot ensure the proper perpendicularity of the cut. In addition, the thicker the file, the higher its stability.

Something else

You probably know that the blade teeth must be harder than the material being processed. So, to perform work on cutting glass, ceramics, metal and stone, you will need special files. The main requirement is increased strength. It is best to use bimetallic sheets for such purposes, which are 1/3 hardened steel and 2/3 high-carbon steel. The service life of such files is quite large, so they will pay off with interest. In addition, the risk of a sudden breakdown here is much lower than in the classic versions. But since choosing a jigsaw file is not difficult, and you already know how to do it, you will not have any problems choosing the appropriate bimetallic blade.

Conclusion

If we talk about manufacturers who have proven themselves well, then these are Bosch, Makita and Praktika. Files of these companies are famous all over the world for their high quality and excellent performance properties. If you are not afraid to spend an extra 200 rubles, then buy canvases of these brands, and you will not regret anything. Do not forget that all files have their purpose, use for other purposes is unlikely to lead to the expected results. The jigsaw is a high-speed tool, so securely fasten the blade and try to work with goggles and gloves. In principle, we examined the main types of jigsaw files. Now you know that there are canvases for wood, metal, as well as combined ones for other materials. Paying attention to the labeling of the product and the way it is attached, you will definitely make the right choice.

Almost every craftsman has an electric jigsaw (electric jigsaw). After all, the tree is the most comfortable material for home crafts. However, today the electric jigsaw is not the only one in the teeth, and the secret of new opportunities lies in the saw blades - files for the electric jigsaw. In this article, we will introduce you to the standards of saw blades, as well as their scope.

The modern master makes high demands on the tool he works with. He is interested in productivity, geometric accuracy of the cut, as well as the end result - the quality of the cut line. To choose the right nail file for your jigsaw, you need to consider a number of criteria: the material to be processed; pitch of saw teeth and their shape; shank type; width and thickness saw blade as well as the material from which it is made.

Processed material

Different materials create different cutting resistance forces. Therefore, for each of them, optimal strength and geometric characteristics of the saw blade have been developed. So the first search criterion is by appointment. There are files for wood and for metal, for wood with metal included, as well as many types of files special purpose- for stainless steel, abrasive materials, laminate, ceramics, cement, for various types of plastics and fibrous materials.

Tooth shape

According to the shape of the teeth, saw blades can be divided into four types, which are shown schematically in the figure. The capabilities of the file depend on the size and shape of the blade and the size of the teeth. A large number of fine teeth ensures accurate sawing, but the work progresses slowly. A small number of large teeth gives a quick but rough cut. The geometry of the tooth is largely determined by the manufacturing technology of the saw blade.

Saw blade geometry

The teeth are milled, divorced. The teeth are alternately bent in different directions. The wiring width is considered normal if it is equal to one and a half web thickness. The wiring prevents excessive heating of the saw blade and helps to remove sawdust that has fallen between the saw blade and the walls of the cut. Used for fast cutting of hard and soft woods, non-ferrous metals and plastics.


The teeth are milled, wavy. Cloth Wiring is performed not through one tooth, but in groups that deviate either to the right or to the left. The saw blade is designed to produce a smooth and clean cut when sawing in a straight line aluminium, non-ferrous metals and plastics.


The teeth are ground, with conical grinding. The saw blade with a conical non-working edge is designed for clean cuts in wood and plastic.


The teeth are ground divorced. Saw blade for fast sawing of wood with a rough cut line. Used for cutting soft wood (5-50mm), blockboard, chipboard and fiberboard.

Tooth pitch

In our country, pitch (t) is the distance between the tops of the teeth. In a number of countries, the pitch is designated TPI (teeth per inch) and is measured by the number of teeth per inch (for example, TPI \u003d 7, i.e. 7 teeth per inch). When sawing wood crosswise, it is convenient to use a saw with a large tooth t = 3.5-6.5 mm (TPI = 7-3.5), for ordinary carpentry work - with a medium tooth t = 3-3.5 mm (TPI = 9 -7), with responsible sawing - with a fine tooth t = 2-3 mm (TPI = 13-9). In this case, it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the material being cut. Sawing is easier if at least 5-8 teeth are involved in the work at the same time. If this rule is not observed, the blade will vibrate during operation, and the cutting line will turn out to be crooked and torn.

Saw blade width

The width of the saw blade determines the quality and speed of cutting when moving in a straight line, as well as the possibility of cutting curves. The wider the saw blade, the more stable it is: it allows a high cutting speed and deviates less from the cutting plane. Narrower saw blades should be used for sawing curved lines: they fit better into turns. It is important that the teeth of such a saw blade are located on the drive axis of the jigsaw. This increases the controllability of the tool: it can more accurately follow the intended cut line.

File thickness

The thickness of the saw blade affects the stability of the saw blade when cutting in a straight line and ensures that the cut is perpendicular to the plane of the workpiece. However, for cutting thick workpieces requiring high precision relative position surfaces, it is better to use circular saws.

Saw blades for sawing wood

Below are saw blades for wood from Wilpu. Numbers in parentheses indicate the corresponding Bosch equivalent.
Precise cut, also suitable for plastic. High carbon steel saw blade with pointed teeth and conical grinding. Provides a clean cut line in soft wood and chipboard up to 30 mm thick, as well as in plastic. (Wilpu HC 12 / Bosch T101 B)

Bimetal saw blade. The bimetal saw blade is very durable, manufactured by laser welding: the back is made of flexible high-carbon steel, the cutting part is made of high-quality high-speed steel (HC 12 bi / T101BF)

Saw blade with reverse tooth system. Thanks to the teeth, directed in the opposite direction, the blade cuts when moving backward. At the same time, the visible cutting line remains clean and without chips. Scope - veneered boards (HC 12 R / T101BR)

Clean line for curved cuts. With a half-width of the saw blade, the teeth are located on the axis of the longitudinal stroke of the jigsaw. With the help of such a blade, you can cut along a very steep curve, as well as in a circle (HC 12 K / T101 AO)

Saw blades for floor coverings. Special saw blade designed for cutting materials such as laminate and parquet, the teeth are reversed and the distance between the teeth is smaller than with traditional nail files (HC 19 R bi / T101 BIF)

Wood sawing master. The new generation of saw blades: the teeth have a special geometry and are triple ground. Very sharp! (NS 123 / T234 X)

Universal saw blade. A saw blade for all occasions: it is a universal tool for rough and fast sawing of wood up to 5 cm thick. The saw blade is made of high carbon steel, the teeth are set and ground. Cuts fast and clean (HGS 14 / T144D)

Blades for wood up to 120 mm thick. The tooth geometry is the same as that of the universal saw blade, however, the length of the working part is -155 mm. With this saw you can cut timber with a thickness of 120-130 mm (HGS 54 / T744D)

Specialized saw blades

If there is a need to cut materials such as glass, stone or metal, you will need special saw blades with the appropriate characteristics. Obviously, the saw teeth must be harder than the material being cut. However, hard materials have a big drawback: they are brittle, which causes frequent breakage of saw blades. For such cases, manufacturers produce bimetallic sheets. They consist of 2/3 elastic high carbon steel and one third hardened high speed steel. Such files provide an optimal price-quality ratio and quickly pay for themselves due to the long service life.

File for soft wood and insulating materials. Such saw blades have a tooth pitch of 1.2 to 2 mm; with their help it is convenient to cut soft wood, as well as various insulating materials (HW12 / T119A

File for sheet metal. For sawing thin sheet metal with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, saw blades with a small pitch and a wavy blade are designed. Since the tooth pitch is only 0.7 mm, a clean cut line is obtained (MG107 / T118G)

File for plexiglass and metals. Plexiglass, polycarbonate, non-ferrous metals and aluminum up to 30 mm thick - no problem if you use this saw blade with a positive angle and pointed teeth (MC 12 bi / T101A)

File for steel. Bimetal nail file with corrugated blade for cutting thin sheet metal, laminated materials, pipes and aluminum profiles (MG11 bi / T318AF)

File for multilayer materials. A special bi-metal blade is designed for cutting workpieces up to 120 mm thick, consisting of different materials (metal, insulating material). Highly flexible (MG 51 bi / T718HF)

File for wood with metal. This saw blade with a tooth spacing of 1.8 to 2.5 mm is designed for sawing wood structural elements containing nails and other metal elements (MG 1014 bi / T111HF)

Saw blade with special tooth system. Universal saw blade with a special M-shaped tooth system. The saw blade quickly cuts material (wood and metal) in both forward and reverse motion (ST-006 bi)

File for rubber, carpets and leather. Jigsaw file with a wavy edge for sawing materials such as cardboard, leather, rubber, polystyrene foam up to 120 mm thick, as well as carpets (313 AW / T313AW)

Saw blade shanks


Suitable for tools: AEG, Bosch, Metabo


Suitable for tools: AEG, Atlas Copco, Bosch, Black&Decker, DeWalt, Elu, Festool, Flex, Hitachi, Holz-Her, Kress, Mafell, Makita, Metabo, Protool

Suitable for instruments: Black&Decker, Skil, Ryobi


Suitable for instruments: Fein ASt(e) 636.638; MOt 6-17-1

Suitable for instruments: Fein ASt(e) 649; MOt 6-18-1, Spitznas


Suitable for tools: Makita

Jigsaw accessories

Leading tool manufacturers produce accessories for their power tools. Such pleasant additions include a device that prevents chipping of the upper layer of material: it is mounted on a base plate. And the support panel itself can be made of different materials, which counteracts slipping when sawing.

It will not be superfluous in the workshop and a parallel stop, which ensures the cutting of the same type of rails; the distance between parallel lines can vary up to 140 mm. And the circular cutter will provide the possibility of precise processing of radius surfaces. Additional equipment greatly expands the possibilities of tools and gives a new impetus to creativity.

Several good examples different work files


The veneered panel was cut with a saw blade with the teeth pointing up (right) and with a saw blade with the teeth pointing backwards (left)



If you don't have a back-toothed saw blade handy when sawing veneered panel, apply Tesa adhesive tape along the cut line to help get a clean edge.



With a simple stop, consisting of a bar and two clamps, you will get a precisely calibrated, even saw line.


For circular sawing, use a circular cutter.



This is just a dream of a home craftsman - a table for sawing, for example, manufactured by Neutechnik.


Special clamps will protect the sawn panels from the appearance of monstrous cracks.

Description of saw blades

T 101AO– BOSCH 101 AO jigsaw blades are designed for working with softwood, plywood, coated boards (1.5–15 mm), for curved cuts.
T 101B- BOSCH T 101 B jigsaw blades are designed to work with softwood, chipboard, blockboard, fiberboard (3-30 mm), polymer / epoxy materials.
T 101BR- The file is used for working with soft woods, chipboard, fiberboard. File pitch - 2.5 mm., Length - 75 mm.
T 101D- The file is used for working with soft woods, fiberboard, chipboard. File pitch - 4.0 - 5.2 mm., Length - 74 mm.
T 127D– Use these files for cutting hollow profiles no more than 30mm with a thickness of the metal itself from 3mm to 15mm.
T 111D– Usage: fast rough cutting of plywood, plastic, wood 5-60mm thick.
T 244D– The saw is used to make even and curved cuts in softwood, fiberboard, chipboard, plywood. File pitch - 4.0 - 5.2 mm., Length - 74 mm.
T 144D– BOSCH T 144 D jigsaw blades are designed for softwood (5–50 mm), chipboard, wood core plywood, fiberboard
T 118A– For straight cuts in thin sheet metal (1-3 mm).
T 118 B– For straight cuts in medium thickness metal sheets (2.5-6 mm).
T 119 B– For straight cuts in softwood (2-15 mm), plywood, chipboard, wood core plywood, fiberboard.
T 119BO– For shaped cuts in softwood (2-15 mm), plywood, chipboard, wood core plywood, fiberboard.
T 111C– For straight, fast cuts in softwood (4-50 mm), chipboard, wood core plywood, fiberboard.
T 123 X– Use: metal sheets with a thickness of 1.5-10mm, profiles and pipes (also made of aluminum) with a diameter of up to 30mm.
T 344D– Use: cutting soft wood 10 – 85mm thick, wood core plywood, chipboard and fibreboard. Used for fast cuts.
T 301CD– Usage: cutting 10-85mm thick softwood, wood core plywood, chipboard and fiberboard.
T 345XF– Use: building wood with nails (less than 65 mm), plastic, sheet metal, wood materials, profiles and pipes (aluminum and not only) from 3 to 10 mm in diameter.
T 234 X– Usage: 3-65mm thick softwood, fiberboard, chipboard, wood core plywood.
T 318A– Usage: 1-3mm metal sheets, profiles and pipes.
T 301 DL– Designed for fast, fine cuts in hardwood, softwood, chipboard, fiberboard (10 to 85mm thick), laminated plastic (4 to 40mm thick).

Files Hitachi and Bosch

How to work with a jigsaw

Most of the work can be done even by the most simple models. But technology has stepped far forward and such a tool has become more convenient and versatile. For a long time there have been hacksaws with electronic control and a pendulum motion of the blade. The choice of the right electric jigsaw is only difficult due to the abundance of offers. Electronics and pendulum action have become standard. Top Models have a simple and reliable replacement of the saw blade.

1.

The base plate of the electric jigsaw has a smooth adjustment of the angle of inclination up to 45 °. Additional equipment allows you to make oblique cuts (on the "mustache").

2.

The base plate also moves in the longitudinal direction, which makes it possible to cut close to the edge, for example, when working directly against a wall.

3.

The compass for the electric jigsaw allows you to cut circles, big holes and make precise curves. The basis of the compass is an adjustable rod.

4.

The parallel stop is indispensable for long straight cuts. It is mounted on a base plate. The emphasis has an adjustable clamp of distance from the edge of the part.

Features and equipment of the electric jigsaw

Thanks to the eccentric transmission of the hacksaw, the rotational movement of the motor is converted into a vertical stroke of the slider. A saw blade is installed in the slider. The frequency of reciprocating movements of the blade indicates the speed of sawing. The speed can be controlled electronically. Wood is sawn at a faster rate, plastic and metal slower.

If you want to achieve the best results and have a versatile tool, then it is better to buy an electronically controlled model and special blades. The pendulum stroke allows the saw blade not only to move vertically, but also to move back. This ensures a better run of the blade into the material and the sawing speed is greatly increased.

The markings and the cut itself are always visible during operation. A modern tool is already equipped with local airflow and dust extraction. The base plate in most models changes its angle to the blade and allows you to make cuts on the “mustache”, and if you move it back, you can work right along the edge.

5.

If the distance to the outer edge is too large or the edge is not parallel to the cut, then the stop bar in the desired position is fixed with a clamp on the part

6.

A special workbench fixes the jigsaw permanently, which allows you to cut small parts. They can also be run parallel.

7.

An additional guide bar makes it easier to guide thin canvases. It can be equipped with its own web tensioner.

8.

The protective protector, clinging to the surface of the material at the sawing point, prevents the material from tearing off along the edge of the cut.

Guides and fixtures for electric jigsaw

A jigsaw is a freehand tool, and in most cases this is how it is used. However, it is possible to make the job easier if long straight and round cuts are needed. A compass, parallel stop and stop bar will solve the problem. A slow saw blade will give the best results as it is flexible and tends to side slip and follow texture, especially in hardwoods. The workpiece to be sawn is always fixed. If the parts are so small that they cannot be fixed, then the tool itself is permanently installed. The necessary fixtures for this are offered.

9.

Soft materials such as rubber, leather, foam and carpeting are not sawn, but cut with special knives (often with a sawtooth blade).

10.

Even hard materials such as glass and ceramics will not complicate the jigsaw. Special carbide coated blades should be used.

11.

To avoid scratches on surfaces, a plastic shoe is placed on the base plate. Self-adhesive felt will perform the same function.

12.

When finishing rounded cuts, rasp and grinding attachments will help. Instead of a standard canvas, they can be installed in a jigsaw.

Quality cuts

Saw blades in such a tool work in tension, which leads to their straightening and the correct geometry of the cuts. But at the same time, edges without chips are obtained only from below. This must be taken into account when cutting furniture boards. Special canvases and experience will allow you to cope with this problem.

The teeth of a conventional jigsaw blade look up, so the material breaks out when returned, which leads to chips on furniture boards. If the part has to be cut from the front side, then they put a special saw blade with the reverse position of the teeth. In this case, the jigsaw is pressed tightly against the surface.

When it is not possible to cut from the back side of the part, and chips along the edges cannot be avoided, gluing adhesive tape along the marking of the part will help. Tape will prevent large edge chips. After finishing work, it is carefully removed.

http://remstd.ru/archives/kak-rabotat-elektrolobzikom/

The process of owning and operating a power tool is combined with the constant replacement of consumable work items.

The saw blade gradually loses its carbide tips, becoming inefficient; drill bits tend to break or grind off from constant contact with one or another dense material; cutting disc for a grinder, no more than ten minutes of intensive work is enough.

File classification

The purpose of the jigsaw is similar to the purpose circular saw- making a cut in a particular material. However, unlike a circular saw that can only make straight cuts, a jigsaw allows you to make circular and curly cuts. In many respects, this possibility is due to the consumable material of the tool - its file. The thin metal of the blade and small teeth of small size allow the jigsaw to maneuver when processing any material.

Most people use a jigsaw for sawing wooden blanks and wood-based products - chipboard, fiberboard, using the appropriate wood files. However, using special files, the tool can also process metal, plastic, cut finishing materials - such as tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware.

Wood saws.
Many jigsaws, regardless of brand, have an article number consisting of two capital letters and two numbers, separated from each other by a fraction sign.
Example: LE 80/800. LE - "electric jigsaw". The number 800 means the power of the position in watts. But the number 80 indicates the maximum thickness wooden product able to cut a jigsaw using the file that comes with it. That is, in this case, the thickness is 80 mm.

Important: The number in the article reflects the thickness of the wood! blanks. Modern jigsaws are capable of cutting metal, plastic and aluminum, but maximum thickness products in the case of processing products from these materials will be much smaller, and its value is never reflected in the article of the model.

Marking saw blades for wood:

  • T101D: Most popular model files. Has large teeth big step and is designed for making rough cuts.
  • The shape and size of the teeth of this model allows it to cut not only standard wooden blocks and boards, but also large-section plywood.

  • T101B: Has finer teeth than the previous model and is designed for a clean cut.
  • Typically, files of this type are used to work with plywood and plexiglass.

  • T101BR: Same tooth size and pitch as previous model.
  • The difference is that the position of the teeth is reversed. Allows you to process such material as laminate, glued wood.

  • T119BO: The cross-section of this model is very thin, which makes it possible to make curved cuts.
  • The size of the teeth is very small, which allows the file to leave behind a clean and even cut on materials such as plywood, chipboard, fiberboard.

There are models of long files for electric jigsaw. For example, such as the T 345 XF. This variety allows you to easily cope with a board thickness of 100 mm.

Files for different types of work on wood, metal, plastic

Metal saws.
The thickness of the processed metal product is much less than the same value for a wooden workpiece. For the LE 80/800 electric jigsaw model given above, this characteristic will be 6 mm. A very small value compared to the fact that the maximum thickness of a wooden workpiece for the same tool position would be 80 mm.

Classification of saw blades for metal:

  • T118A: The ability to cut metal is made possible by the strong structure of its material and a very fine tooth.
  • In addition to metal products, the size of the teeth of such a file makes it possible to work with plastic.

  • T224D: Designed to work with aluminum products, the thickness of which can reach 20 mm.

Diamond saws.
Files of this kind are designed to work with fragile materials that tend to crumble during sawing. We are talking about materials such as tiles, slate and ceramic tiles. A diamond-coated blade allows you to cut metal, but such an application will lead to the fact that the consumable element will quickly fail and require replacement.

The peculiarity of diamond files is that their blade is completely devoid of teeth. The cut occurs due to the crumbs of diamond coating.
As a rule, an abbreviation of three Latin letters - DIA - is applied on the saw blade with an abrasive diamond coating.

Diamond plating and inscription DIA. Designed for ceramics.

How to insert a saw blade into a jigsaw

Replacing the saw blade is a fairly common procedure, provided that the tool is used regularly. Jigsaw blades that have lost their effectiveness cannot be restored - it is much easier to purchase this consumable at the nearest tool store and replace it. Buying is not a problem.

Fortunately, we have not seen a shortage of such products for a long time, and the cost of a saw blade is clearly not affordable.
But replacing a file for an inexperienced user of a jigsaw can cause some difficulties. In order to avoid them, consider the main options and features of replacing the saw blade.

Shoe fastening.

For many models of household-grade jigsaws, the saw blade is fastened with a quick-clamping block, which fixes the saw blade with two front adjustment screws. Such a clamp for sawing a jigsaw is a slightly outdated design, however, it is not without advantages, the main of which is versatility - blades of any type and size are suitable for such a saw holder.

The disadvantage is that if the adjusting screws are unevenly tightened, the saw blade may be skewed, which will lead to a distortion of the cut.

The latter feature, however, can also be regarded as a positive factor in some cases. The fact is that the jigsaw rod can be bent over the course of operation. So, using the degree of freedom that the saw blade mount allows, you can use the same adjusting screws to bring the saw blade into a vertical plane.

Quick clamp.

A more modern saw blade attachment is a quick-clamping one. This design allows replacement without removing the tool cover. The process algorithm is very simple:
- We pull the lever located on the tool body - in this case, the rod automatically extends to the plane of the sole.

The shank of the file is inserted into the mount.

– With a special hex wrench, we fix the web by turning the adjusting screw. You can immediately tighten it to failure, and then, gradually loosening it, achieve the desired position.
With all the seeming simplicity and convenience of this design of the mount, there are points that can be called disadvantages. While the previous shoe system is universal in that all saw blade sizes are applicable to it, in the case of a quick-clamping design, only consumables with a specific shank shape are used.

On the other hand, a similar consumable is found everywhere, so this nuance should not be considered as a clear disadvantage. Another point is that the file in this type of mount has a small longitudinal play. It can be compared with the degree of freedom of the drill, which, being in the cartridge of the perforator, has the possibility of longitudinal movement. This feature does not affect the quality of the jigsaw in any way.

In the photo, the moment the web is inserted into the mount while the lever is pulled

There is another type of fastening that does not apply to quick-clamping and lies in the fact that the file is fixed with only one screw, unlike the first case, where there are two screws. This design is quite rare and is found, for example, on the jigsaw of the Protool brand.

Protool has a mount different from other electric jigsaws

Jigsaw blades DeWALT DT2216-QZ/ DT2220-QZ

These DeWALT blades belong to the XPC series and are designed to work with wood. High-quality steel guarantees wear resistance and long service life. Optimized tooth geometry, as well as increased blade stiffness, improves controllability, cut accuracy and reduces the chance of the blade accidentally breaking out of the material during cutting.

Large interdental cavities increase cutting speed and clear chips faster. Bimetal blades DT2220-QZ with a working length of 75 mm are recommended for processing wood, chipboard, plywood and plastic up to 60 mm thick. The unique geometry of the plunge point teeth allows you to comfortably make clean plunge cuts while avoiding kickback. Blades DT2216-QZ with a working length of 54 mm are designed for fast and accurate curved cutting of wood, chipboard and plywood up to 15 mm thick.

Now in the world of hand tools and tools, it is the jigsaw that is an example of a truly indispensable mechanism for processing the widest range of materials, equally suitable for working with both straight and any curved cuts. However, such wide opportunities are caused by manual jigsaws not only by the features of their design, but also by the richest assortment of consumable tools for it - among saw jigsaw blades (colloquially - jigsaw saws). Undoubtedly, the German manufacturers of the BOSCH concern are in the lead in the production of such saw blades, so it will be interesting to get acquainted with its classification of the modern generation of jigsaw saws, learn the arguments and details from its weighty assessments.

Experience dictates that in sawing with an electric jigsaw it will be very important to choose the right file for the intended purpose. When choosing a jigsaw model for yourself, it is best to use those varieties that use files with a u-shaped or t-shaped shank, since such shank samples are more securely attached to this tool.

Tooth profiles y are selected based on the density of the material being cut and the particular requirements for the quality of the cut (whether a wide and rough line of a quick rough cut will be tolerated, or it will have to be thin and clean, straight or figured ...). For example, if a jigsaw blade has set teeth, but it is not sharpened further after the milling stage, then such a blade will cut quickly, but with a rough cut quality. On the contrary, the teeth on the file, which are sharpened, but not divorced, will cut very cleanly. When sawing, parameters such as the tooth pitch and the material of the jigsaw itself will also be decisive. After all, say, in the process of sawing any metal, three or four teeth of the file will have to participate simultaneously in interaction with the workpiece (one or two teeth will turn out to be few in this sawing, and five to eight are already many). Therefore, for sawing thick workpieces, files with a fairly large pitch are used, for thin ones, on the contrary, with a small one.

Thus, Bosch specialists believe that their jigsaw blades, which have set milled teeth, are most convenient for cutting sheets with a relatively clean edge, making quick cuts on soft and hard wood, aluminum, plastic and non-ferrous metals. These are, for example, Bosch jigsaw files of articles E 127 D and T 345 XF.

Bosch saw blades, which have a wavy saw blade line with milled teeth, are designed for cutting workpieces in a straight line, where it is required to leave neat edges along the cut line: the material cut by such saw blades can be plywood, aluminum, non-ferrous metal, and plastic ( examples of such files can serve as jigsaw files of the "Boszew" articles T 119 B, T 118 A).

Varieties of "Boshevsky", whose teeth are set and ground, are recommended for quick and clean cutting of wood and plastic (for example, files with the article "Bosch" T 144 D, T 244 D).

Bosch also produces jigsaw saw blades, in which the teeth are ground to free angle. For example, jigsaw blades with a tapered back side are effective for making free cuts, for precise, clean cuts in wood and plastic (sample of such blades have BOSCH articles T 101B, T 101DP, T 234 X).

A large assortment of BOSCH is also observed in the materials that are used to make saw blades from them. Their short list is as follows:

HSS- this brand denotes blades made of high-speed, perfectly hardened, hard and durable steel. The downside of these characteristics of such steel is that it is brittle and difficult to machine. HSS steel files are effectively used for work on metal, aluminum and non-ferrous metals.

HCS- brand of saw blades made of high-carbon tool mild steel. These qualities dictate its most successful use for cutting soft workpieces - wood, artificial materials.

HAS- brand of high carbon steel files, much stronger than HCS. Therefore, saw blades from this steel grade can be successfully used for sawing wood with nails inside its fibers, for sawing aerated concrete and soft non-ferrous metals.

Now at BOSCH you can also find in the assortment more complex, combined in composition materials for jigsaw blades:

    Bimetal (F)- they are a highly elastic, inseparable connection of the blade of the HCS steel file itself, and on it there are strips of HSS steel, along which the tooth is cut. As a result of such a connection, a universal, very flexible, non-fragile file with a hard tooth is obtained, which significantly increases its service life and suitability for curved narrow lines of any figured cut, as well as for a clean straight cut. For curved cuts, it is better to use a narrow and short Bi-metal combination file.

    H.M. (Piff)- in this combination of material for files, the HCS steel carrier is coated by spraying with a layer of special grains of hard metal (there are simply no individual teeth on such files). It is convenient to use such files for sawing glass, tiles, bricks and abrasive materials. If the HCS steel carrier is still made with teeth that are spray-coated with a layer of hard metal, then such a saw blade can successfully saw hardwoods, reinforced fiberglass, asbestos cement, and even abrasive material.

    Files "progressor" saw blades are called, in which there are different tooth pitches made of HSS steel at the end and beginning of the file. Thus, nporpeccop jigsaw blades with the article BOSCH T123 are universal in purpose for cutting wood and ferrous metals. The "progressor" file of article T234 made of HCS steel is produced by the "" concern for clean and fast sawing of wood.

This is the minimum knowledge about saw blades for electric and cordless hand jigsaws. However, in order to consider in detail the true variety of these blades, depending on the various combinations of materials from which they are made, and the shape of the tooth that is cut into them, a convenient summary table can be provided to help you make an accurate and successful choice for the job.

So, the areas of application of various jigsaw saw blades from the BOSCH concern are as follows:

For straight cuts For shaped and curved cuts in thick material in thin material For high precision cuts In rough cuts File flat, semicircular, three-sided Creating high-precision parallel cuts
Options
wood
hard wood, soft wood, plywood, fiber wood T 132 T 101DP
fibrous tree T 132 T 101DP
Wood fiber polymer coating T 101 AO T 101 AO T 101D T 101DP
glued tree T 101DP
Varieties
metal
Metal, mild steel
Stainless steel T 11I8 BOF T 318 EHM T 118AHM T 118 ENM
Non-ferrous metals T 318A
Puff materials

T 318 A/BF T 318 B/BF

T 318 A
Polymers
PVC, polymers T 101 V T 101 BR
Plexiglass TI01 A T 119 VO T 101 A T 118 BF T 101 A T 119 V
Asbestos cement, glass fiber polymers T 341 HM T 101 BF
Miscellaneous
Brick, glass, ceramics T 130 RIFF T 130 RIFF T 15O RIFF T 15O RIFF T 130 RIFF
Leather, cardboard, rubber, insulating materials, carpet T 101 AO T 113 A T 119 B

Let's also touch on the scope of hacksaw saw blades from the BOSCH concern.

materials
material - metal material - wood
S 234XF S 617 K S 1111 K S 1617K S 644 D S 744D S 1344D S 1531 L S 1542 K S 123XF S 418 BF S 427 D S 518 A S522AF S 518 B S 522 BF
wood materials 1 Solid wood + + + +
2 Freshly cut wood + + + - + +
3 chipboard - - - -
4 + - - -
5 wood with nails -
Plastics 6 PVC, polymers in general - + + + - +
7 8 Glass fiber reinforced plastics INOX/stainless steel - - -
9 Metals + - + + + +
Metals 10 metal sheets - - + -
11 Non-ferrous metals + + -
12 Aluminum - + + - -
13 metal pipes - - +
14
Various materials 15 Laminate/Cement bonded chipboard -
16 Aerated concrete Gypsum boards
17 Brick
18
materials
metal universal purpose
S 518G S522EF S 918 A S922AF S 918B S 922 BF S 918 E S922EF S 1122AF S 1122 BF S 1122 EF S 3456XF S 611 VF S 811 N S 1211 N S 1211 E
wood materials 1 solid wood - - - -
2 Freshly cut wood
3 chipboard - - - -
4 -
5 wood with nails + - + + -
Plastics 6 PVC, polymers in general - + -
7 - - - -
8 INOX/ stainless steel
9 Metals + + + + + + + + + + + +
Metals 10 metal sheets + - - - - - - - + - +
11 Non-ferrous metals - - - + - +
12 Aluminum - - - - + - -
13 metal pipes - - + - - - + - + -
14 - -
Various materials 15 -
1 Aerated concrete Drywall + +
17 Brick
18 Leather Insulation materials Carpet/styrofoam 2
materials Main application categories
special appointment universal purpose
S918H S 1018 N S920CF S 1020 CF S922HF S 1122HF S 922 VF S 1122 VF S 1222 VF S 1411D S 1411 DF S 828 D S 518 EHM S 641 HM S 1141 HM S 1241 HM
wood materials 1 solid wood - + -
2 Freshly cut wood
3 chipboard - - -
4 Plywood, composite wood materials - -
5 wood with nails - - - - + + - - - -
Plastics 6 PV C, polymers in general - - - + +
7 - - - + + + +
8 INOX/ stainless steel +
9 Metals + + - - - + + + + -
Metals 10 metal sheets - - - +
11 Non-ferrous metals - - + - + -
12 Aluminum - - - + + -
13 metal pipes - - + + - - - -
14 Steel pipes, cast iron pipes + + - - -
Various materials 15 Multilayer material Cement bonded chipboards + + + +
16 Aerated concrete Drywall + + + +
17 Brick
18 Leather Insulation materials Carpet/styrofoam 2 +
materials Main application categories
special appointment
S 2041 HM S 1130 Riff S 1121SB S 1122 UB S 1123 GB S 1505 S 1508 S 713A S713AW
wood materials 1 solid wood + + F -F
2 Freshly cut wood
3 chipboard -F -F
4 Plywood, composite wood materials + -
5 wood with nails
Plastics 6 PVC, polymers in general -F -F
7 Glass fiber reinforced plastics + +
8 INOX/ stainless steel
9 Metals + + + + F
Metals 10 metal sheets - -
II Non-ferrous metals - - + F
12 Aluminum -F
13 metal pipes
14 Steel pipes, cast iron pipes +
Various materials 15 Myogolayer material/Cement bonded chipboard
16 Aerated concrete Drywall
17 Brick
18 Leather Insulation materials Carpet/styronor

Standard blades for manual jigsaws have a length of 130 mm, while in the assortment of modern manufacturers you can find options with a length of 150 and 160 mm. Types of files are classified according to two main parameters: their dimensions and tooth configuration.

In general terms, blades for manual jigsaws are similar to, but have one important difference: they always choose pinless files with flat ends, which can be fixed in tool clamps and threaded into thin holes without problems when creating small patterns.

The dimension of saw blades for a manual jigsaw is similar to that of a machine tool: #2/0 to #12. But practice shows that the most optimal options for manual sawing are numbers #3 to #9.

What files are better?

The quality of sawing directly depends on the characteristics of the blade. Therefore, it is better to always choose products from trusted brands. Their products are made from high-quality carbon steel, blades have clearly formed teeth with a positive sharpening angle; Blades are hardened for maximum hardness and longer life. The overpayment in this case turns out to be a justified investment in the convenience of work, the high quality of the project and the long service life of the blade.

Let's understand the basic concepts

The marking of saw blades for a manual jigsaw contains basic information that allows you to choose the blade that is best suited for a particular type of wood and the project as a whole. To decipher this marking, it is important to get acquainted with the key concepts.

TPI is a value indicating the number of teeth per inch of blade. For a manual jigsaw, it is appropriate to choose blades with a high TPI coefficient. They cut wood more slowly, but allow better control of the cut line.

reverse tooth - a blade with a reverse tooth that cuts the material during the return movement of the file, thereby preventing the formation of chips on the wrong side of the sawn product. They are especially relevant when using plywood blanks.

Tooth setting – designed to prevent jamming of the file in the workpiece, which in turn ensures trouble-free sawing (especially sharp turning and curved lines) and minimizes the formation of chips. The width of the cut when using such files increases slightly, which should be taken into account when preparing the project.

File classification

Based on the characteristics of the configuration of the teeth, blades for a manual jigsaw are classified into the following types:

  1. Standard (Standard Tooth) - classic files, the teeth of which have same size, directionality and distance from each other.
  2. Files with a missing tooth (Skip-tooth Blades) - the absence of teeth provides effective chip removal from the surface of the workpiece and increases sawing speed. Unlike the classic options, they heat up less and wedge less often.
  3. Blades with double teeth (Double-tooth Blades) - these blades cut a little slower, but leave a perfectly smooth cut line. They also effectively remove chips and overheat less.
  4. Reverse files (Reverse Skip-tooth) - blades, part of the teeth of which is directed upwards. They cut the wood when the jigsaw moves back, which reduces the number of chips on the back of the workpiece.

Dimension table

The table below contains basic information regarding the dimensions and markings of modern saw blades for manual jigsaws. Referring to it, you will know how to choose the right blade number for cutting wood of a specific thickness.

Despite the motley palette of options, the gold standard for sawing with a manual jigsaw is the blade number #3 , #5 and #7 .

At first, it can be difficult for beginners to control the file, which constantly leads to the side. Without gaining proper experience, it is advisable to use canvases With great value TPI: they cut more slowly, but allow better control of the cut line.

Working with files with a reverse tooth is not the best solution for a beginner. It takes some experience to master this blade. Otherwise, the workpiece will bounce up and sawing will be very slow.

What to choose for thin plywood?

When working with thin material, blades with a maximum number of teeth per inch are used. Thin blades with a high TPI value cut less aggressively, exert little stress on the fragile edges of the workpiece, and do not lead the jigsaw to the side. These characteristics make them optimal for sawing fine details and patterns out of thin plywood.

There are 4 classes of files for:

  • for sawing wood;
  • for sawing wood with metal;
  • for sawing metal;
  • for sawing other materials (plastic, tiles, foam, cardboard, etc.).

According to the type of fastening - with T-shaped and U-shaped fastening. Files with a T-shaped are the most common.

According to the saw blade material:

  • High carbon steel (HCS)
  • High speed steel (HSS)
  • Bimetal (BiM)
  • Carbide (HM)

By type of cut - standard (basic), clean (clean), fast (speed), at the exact angle (precision).

Basic- the most common saws. They have wavy milled teeth. The price is the minimum. Used when the quality of the cut is not important.

Clean- files with polished undiluted teeth. They are used when you need to get a clean cut, without chips.

speed- saw blades with polished set teeth. Used when cutting speed takes precedence over kerf quality.

precision- files with ground divorced teeth and a thick canvas. Used when you need to get a smooth, parallel cut. Indispensable when cutting laminated chipboard for making furniture at home.

Also distinguish:

  • saw blades for straight and curved cuts. Files for a curved cut have a characteristic bend in the upper part;
  • saw blades with straight and reverse teeth. Files with a straight tooth are sawn when the file is moving down and therefore the upper surface of the sawn part is obtained with chips. Files with a reverse tooth are sawn during the sawing up, so chips are formed on the lower surface. When sawing with such files, it is necessary to firmly fix the part.

The class of the file can be determined by the color of its shank, which is marked:

  • Gray - for wood;
  • White - for wood with metal;
  • Blue - for metal;
  • Red - for polymers
  • Black - for other materials.

Blade marking.

The first letter is T or U. The type of attachment of the file. Most jigsaws have a T-shaped saw blade, but there are also U-shaped mounts.

The first digit 1,2,3,7 is the working length of the file.

1 - short (up to 75mm)

2 - medium (75 - 90 mm)

3 - long (90-150 mm)

7 - very long (more than 150mm)

The second and third digits determine the purpose of the file.

Subsequent letters:

A,B,C,D- saw tooth size.

F- bimetallic files. Such files have an increased service life, they cut faster and better.

P- cut at a precise angle. Such files have a thick blade, so they cut the material strictly perpendicular to the surface.

O- curved cut

R- reverse tooth

X- universal file for any materials

HM- carbide saw blade

This classification is conditional and is not always respected, therefore the most reliable way choose a suitable file - know its characteristics.

Wood files

T101B-short file(74 mm) with fine teeth. Serves for sawing soft wood, plywood up to 30 mm thick. Thanks to the fine tooth, the cut is clean.

T101BR- differs from T101B back tooth. Serves for sawing laminate and other materials when chips on the front surface are undesirable. In practice, the use of such a file is quite difficult, since it requires reliable support for the part being cut and sufficient pressure on the jigsaw due to the fact that the file “cuts up”, that is, when moving down, the file goes idle, and when moving up, it cuts. Because of this, with insufficient pressure on the jigsaw, the sawn part will vibrate. It is easier to use a regular file (for example, T101B) and turn the part over with the laminated side down.

T101P- differs from T101B larger tooth (4.5 mm). You can cut the same materials, but up to 45 mm thick.

T301CD- differs in length (91 mm) that allows to cut materials up to 65 mm thick.

Т101AO- short saw blade with fine teeth (1.4 mm) for clean curved cuts in wood and plywood with a thickness of 1.5 to 15 mm.

T101BIF- a short file with fine teeth and a bimetallic blade. Serves for sawing laminated chipboard up to 15mm thick.

T101BF- differs from T101BIF with a larger tooth (2.7 mm), which allows sawing materials up to 30 mm thick.

T101BRF- differs from T101BF back tooth.

T144DP- thick file with polished, large (4 mm), strongly spaced teeth. Due to these properties, the saw cut is even, strictly perpendicular to the surface, the file does not lead away. The disadvantage of this file is a rough cut and a large number of chips due to fairly large teeth. Serves for sawing thick joinery slabs (doors, countertops).

T144DF- Differs from T144DP bi-metal blade, thanks to which this file lasts longer and cuts better. True, its cost is 2-3 times more.

T344DF- differs from T144DF only working length 126 mm, instead of 74 mm for T144DF.

T345XF- universal long file (106 mm) with a bimetallic blade and large teeth. Serves for sawing wood with nails, as well as wood, plastic, metal (including aluminum).

Files for metal

T118A- short file with fine teeth for sawing metal sheets up to 13 mm thick.

T318A- differs from T118A in the working length of the file, for sawing metal pipes with a diameter of up to 65 mm.

T118G- file with very fine teeth (0.7 mm) for sawing very thin metal sheets (0.5-1.5 mm)

Universal files

T234X, T123X - universal saw blades various kinds wood, metal and plastic.

Files for special purposes

T118AHM- file for thin stainless steel (up to 2 mm)

T118EHM- file for stainless steel of medium thickness (2-5 mm)

T301CHM- file for fiberglass up to 65mm thick

T141HM- drywall file and cement particle boards up to 50 mm thick

T341HM- different from T141HM working length (106 mm), which allows you to work with material up to 85 mm thick

T101A- file for organic glass up to 20 mm thick

T113A- file for cardboard, leather, rubber up to 50 mm thick

T313AW- file for cardboard, polystyrene, rubber up to 100 mm thick

T130Riff,T150Riff- files for tiles. These files are made of hard material and have a diamond coating and are designed for sawing wall tiles and fiberglass. The difference between these files in the quality of the cut: T130 - coarse cut, T150 - clean.

T308B, T308BF - a specialized file that allows you to cut materials laminated on both sides. Thanks to the two rows of teeth, the cut is practically chip-free. But it is relatively thin, so in inexperienced hands the file is taken away and it is quite difficult to get a straight cut.

What kind of saw blades exist and how to choose the best option for a particular case, every craftsman who has this tool in his household should know.

There are many factors influencing the choice of cutting blade: the material to be sawn, its thickness and density, the required cut quality, etc. In order not to make a mistake when buying, you should consider specifications files, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model.

Cutting blade material

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a file is the material from which it is made.

Each cutting blade well-known manufacturers has its own label. Knowing how to decipher it, you can easily determine whether the file is suitable for you for the upcoming work.

The marking indicating the material of manufacture of the canvas is as follows:

Table for the use of files.

  1. HCS. Such files are related to wood tools. They are made of high carbon steel, which has ductility and elasticity. They can cut wood, chipboard, plywood and plastic. When choosing such a canvas, you should pay attention not to its hardness, but to its flexibility.
  2. HSS. Hardened steel products that can be operated at high speeds. Used for processing durable materials, including metals of various densities. Despite all its rigidity, hardened steel is a rather brittle substance that must be handled with great care.
  3. BIM. Bimetal blades, which are made from a mixture of high-carbon and hardened steel, due to which they have all the advantages of the first two types. Depending on the shape and size of the teeth, they can be used for both woodworking and metalworking.
  4. HIM. Manufactured from high-strength alloys, due to which they are characterized by high strength and rigidity. Mainly used for cutting ceramic tiles.

The color of the file can also indicate the material of manufacture and the purpose of the file:

  • white (BIM) - for cutting wood and metal;
  • gray (HCS or BIM) - for processing wood and materials based on it;
  • blue (BIM or HSS) - for cutting metal;
  • black (HIM) - for special tasks (sawing ceramic tiles, durable steel, etc.).

Jigsaw saw blade marking

Files intended for working with wood are marked with the letters HCS.

On the tail of any cutting blade for a jigsaw there is a marking consisting of letters and numbers. The first is the letter "T" or "U", which indicates the type of fastening of the blade to the tool: T-shaped or U-shaped. It is followed by numbers indicating the length of the file:

  • 1 - short canvas (up to 7.5 cm);
  • 2 - standard cutting element (7.5-9.0 cm);
  • 3 - elongated file (9-15 cm);
  • 7 - a long file (more than 15 cm).

The longer the product, the thicker the workpiece can be cut with it.

The numbers are again followed by letters that indicate the size of the teeth:

  • A - the smallest teeth (perfect for cutting laminate);
  • B - larger teeth (used for processing wood, fiberboard, chipboard and plywood);
  • C and D are the largest teeth used for rough cutting.

Some manufacturers use two instead of one letter at the end (for example, T101BR). The second letter means:

  • O - for curly cutting;
  • R - with a reverse tooth (improves the quality of the cut);
  • F - bimetallic products (considered the most durable and reliable);
  • X - universal blade (they can cut both wood and metal);
  • P - thick files (used for corner cutting).

For example, the marking T118AF means that the selected model has a T-shaped mount and fine teeth, its length is up to 7.5 cm, the material of manufacture is bimetal.

Types of saw blades.

When choosing a cutting blade for a jigsaw, you need to know what material it will work with. This tool is able to cut not only wood and materials based on it (chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, etc.), but also plastic, slate, brick, metal and even tiles. At the same time, for each material being processed, there is its own type of saw with which the jigsaw will work with the best efficiency. There are also universal cutting blades that are equally well suited, for example, for wood and metal.

Wood saws. Depending on the purpose, such products are divided into two groups:

  • for fast cutting
  • for a clean cut.

If you are faced with the task of sawing a large amount of wood, while spending a minimum of time, then the best option would be a cutting blade with large teeth.

The larger the teeth, the faster the cut. However, as the speed of work increases, the cleanliness of the cut decreases, so here you need to choose between speed and quality.

If the speed of work is in the first place, then the best option would be a canvas marked T101D. With it, you can quickly cut wood up to 7.5 cm thick, for thicker material, you can purchase the T244D or T344D model.

For a clean cut good option is a file T101B. It is often used for professional purposes when assembling furniture and other jobs that require a quality cut. This product can also cut thick workpieces, but you will spend twice as much time on this than when using, for example, the T244D model.

Fabric on laminate. When laying laminate flooring, it is important that the cut is free of burrs. This can be achieved with the T101BR file, which is equipped with a reverse tooth. However, if you don’t have this model at hand, and you need to cut the laminate with something, you can get by with the usual T101B blade. Only in this case, before starting work, it is recommended to paste over the place of the intended cut with ordinary adhesive tape, which will protect the processed material from chips, burrs and other defects.

Metal saws. They have small teeth and a blue tail. If you work with metal 3 mm thick, buy a T118A file. It is also suitable for cutting plastic. For thicker material, the T123X blade is recommended, and for aluminum, the T227D blade.

Tile saws. They are marked T150RIFF or T130RIFF. Instead of teeth, their cutting part is carbide coating. You need to know that it is recommended to use a jigsaw for cutting tiles only in extreme cases, since the work will be slow and high level dustiness. In the absence of a specialized tool for cutting tiles, it is better to use a conventional glass cutter.

Blade shape

For various tasks, a certain shape of the teeth is suitable, which differs not only in the type of sharpening, but also in the wiring method:

  1. Milled set teeth. This blade is perfect for cutting wood. Divorce is carried out by analogy with a conventional hand saw. This allows you to slightly expand the cut, thereby preventing overheating and jamming of the tool in the thickness of the tree.
  2. Milled teeth with wave setting. In this case, not a single, but a group wiring is performed (for example, 4-6 teeth each). These blades are used for cutting metal.
  3. Ground teeth without setting. Ideal for fine cutting. This blade allows you to achieve high quality cuts in wood, laminate and plastic.
  4. Grinded set teeth. Such a product is used for fast cutting, when there are no special requirements for the quality of the cut.

Jigsaw blade manufacturers

To choose the right file for an electric jigsaw, you need to pay attention not only to the technical specifications and product labeling, but also to the manufacturer. In the construction equipment market, cutting blades are presented in a wide range European, domestic and Chinese models.

Chinese files have no best quality They wear out quickly and overheat. Their only advantage is their low cost. However, it will be cheaper and easier to pick up one high-quality canvas for 300-400 rubles than to purchase a set of 20-30 Chinese products for 150-200 rubles. But, if you still need to cut, but there is no file at hand, you can sharpen the old one.

The most popular and reliable saw blades for electric jigsaws are products from Makita, Bosch and Praktika.

A few useful tricks for working with a jigsaw:

Lobzik what is it? - history reference

The popular makita jigsaw had a predecessor that was completely undeservedly forgotten. The manual jigsaw was replaced by laser cutting, electric jigsaw, milling.
The manual jigsaw can cut wood, plywood, plastic, ceramics, sheet metal. Previously, in schools at labor lessons, children practiced cutting homemade products with a jigsaw - frames, shelves, dolls and other homemade products. There was no time for gadgets ...

Jigsaw design

A jigsaw is an arc, U-shaped(1), at the ends of which are clamping screws (4). A handle (3) is attached to the lower end of the jigsaw. Between the ends of the arc of the jigsaw, with the help of clamping screws, a file (2) is fixed, which is installed with some tension (until it rings).
A jigsaw with a wooden arc has a third screw - a tension screw, which serves to tension the file between the ends of the arcs, since a jigsaw with a wooden arc does not have sufficient elasticity to pull the file to working condition.

Jigsaw blades (a, b, c) are made of high quality carbon steel. but despite this, sawing with a jigsaw is a rather painstaking work that requires patience and attention. Slightly hurried and trine! You need to put in a new saw blade.

What can be done with a jigsaw?

The modern electric jigsaw has supplanted the manual jigsaw from many areas of activity, but if you need an accurate, curvilinear cut, an ordinary, manual jigsaw cannot be replaced.
In jewelry production, craftsmen still use a jigsaw
for sawing complex figures out of gold and silver. Cutting various shapes for handicrafts with a jigsaw from plywood and wood is a great hobby, hands are busy and nerves are like ropes.