What power should be a jigsaw. We choose an electric jigsaw. Corded or cordless tool

A jigsaw is a great helper for any repair, necessary to speed up, as well as improve the quality of work. A jigsaw with an electric drive is a universal device with low weight and dimensions. With such a device it is very convenient to do not only straight cutting of a sheet, profile, but also to make any curly cutting. For purchase quality tool you need to know exactly how and which one to choose a jigsaw for certain jobs.

The jigsaw can perform the following tasks:

  • make any cut other than a straight cut;
  • cut holes various shapes(rectangular, circular, etc.);
  • make straight cuts on various materials.

How to choose a good jigsaw from the variety of models offered by manufacturers? This question is asked by every average master, in preparation for the repair. To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the determining factors.

Benefits of an electric jigsaw

  1. The tool is convenient at home, since there is no need for a saw, hacksaw and similar devices. With a jigsaw, you can make any cutting much faster, and most importantly with low cost forces.
  2. Thanks to this device, you can easily perform curly cutting.
  3. Every professional appreciates the convenience, speed and quality of this device.
  4. Very handy for woodcarving.

Differences in a number of models that differ in their technical characteristics, as well as a set of various additional functions, affect the choice of a good electric jigsaw.

household jigsaw

Household devices, or jigsaws for the home, are applicable for cutting wood with a thickness of about 70-80 mm, and metal - about 2-5 mm. They have less power and less working life.

Professional jigsaw

Professional jigsaws, unlike household ones, are necessary to perform various jobs under heavy loads. They have a longer service life and higher performance parameters. With such a jigsaw, cutting is carried out within the thickness limits: for wood - 80-120 mm, for metal 5-20 mm.

Jigsaw design

The choice of a good electric jigsaw is also influenced by its design features.

The case has a built-in file, which is started by an electric motor. Such a nail file produces reciprocating movements within 3.5 - 4 thousand moves in one minute. Support platform mounted on work surface, allows you to accurately cut the product in the right place. The platform has the ability to rotate to the desired angle, allowing you to create desired angle cutting. To maintain the safety of the process, the file is hidden under a protective plexiglass.

Additional functions of electric jigsaws

Each model is equipped with a multi-level mechanism with a pendulum that informs the file of displacements away from the cutting direction. Thus, the safety of the nail file itself is ensured and its service life is extended, as well as a more even and high-quality cutting is made.

Stroke frequency adjustment

This parameter is simply necessary to perform work with various materials. There are two frequency selection modes:

  1. Mode selection just before switching on.
  2. Adjustment of frequency at force of pressing on basic part.

Therefore, the more the speed of the saw blade is set, the higher the productivity of the device, but the greater the wear of the saw itself. For added convenience, many manufacturers have filled the power tool market with the necessary modifications:

  • illumination on the handle, which allows you to illuminate the work surface in low ambient light;
  • function of automatic blowing off of sawdust;
  • connection to a vacuum cleaner, which will allow you to immediately collect waste sawdust;
  • the ability to rotate the file 360⁰ (very convenient when cutting circles).

The most common fixtures

  1. Mounting device that secures the device to the work surface. Thus, when cutting, it is not the jigsaw itself that moves, but the cutting material. Such a device is effective for working with small parts.
  2. The replaceable plate allowing to provide the best sliding of a fret saw on a working surface.
  3. Convenient storage case. Such a suitcase allows you to put your device with all the accessories, without fear of damage during transportation.

Electric jigsaw files

Files are the most basic element of a jigsaw. They differ in configuration, material of manufacture, color options, as well as the shape of the shank. The most common saw blade materials are bimetal and steel. Files for these devices according to the material of manufacture are used for such work:

  1. Carbon steel, used for cutting soft varieties wood, in addition, is also used for processing artificial materials.
  2. High-speed steel is used for cutting metal, as well as for processing hard materials, such as: plastic, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, etc.
  3. Bimetal blade - has high ductility and longer service life.

Blade tail

The tail is the end part that directly cuts the material. The tails differ in the shape of the end on the canvas itself. This parameter is important when buying a new blade, which must be compatible with your electric jigsaw model.

The shape of the tail of the jigsaw file

On the building materials market, the following types of ponytails are found:

  • Cross, is the most common. It is produced by many construction companies, among which is Makita, which has established itself as a reliable and high-quality brand.
  • Having two stops, it is often found in models - Bosch.
  • Universal, having a recess in the form of a semicircle, produced by Dewalt and Skil.
  • Smooth, typical for firms - Defort and Hander.
  • The shape with circular holes is a product of Makita.

Saw blade size

One of the most common varieties are files having a length of 50-105 mm, as well as 155-160 mm.

Blades are used for:

  • straight cut;
  • curve cut.

A curved cut is made with a narrower blade, providing a more jewelry cut. For many manufacturers, the colors of the blades indicate the scope of the cutting elements.

Saw blade teeth on a jigsaw

Varieties of teeth in blades differ depending on their field of application. The teeth have a variety of shapes, sizes and pitches. When using teeth with a larger set, the productivity increases, but the quality of the cut decreases.

Coated saw blades

When working with fragile materials such as glass or ceramic tiles, blades that do not have teeth are used. These files are equipped with diamond or hard alloy coating, which allows for extremely accurate cutting.

Device power

Along with the choice of blade, power is of decisive importance when choosing the right jigsaw. The amount of power directly affects the performance of the device, but at the same time more electricity is spent and there is a presence more weight. Among other things, power affects the speed of the cutting blades.

Blade change system

Replacement of files is very necessary when working with various materials. All blades in the jigsaw are clamped with special clamps, or with working screws through the holes. When changing blades, it is important to have a mechanism that allows you to easily, quickly and safely make such a change. All of the above characteristics will help everyone to make right choice good electric jigsaw.

The duration of work with certain materials with increased strength and hardness. With prolonged use, the tails of the files heat up, become soft and can be deformed or simply break. It is necessary to provide additional cooling of the working elements. This can be done with water, machine oil, or all kinds of soapy solutions.

Cutting steel is recommended to be carried out with a higher speed of the cutting elements. For plastic, it is recommended to use a speed of no more than 1000 strokes per minute. When working with a low stroke rate, it is necessary to take frequent breaks and cool the cutting blades. When working with thin material, experts recommend placing a sheet of plywood under the work surface.

The mechanisms and parts of the jigsaw should be kept in good condition, and lubricated in a timely manner. If they fail, replace them in a timely manner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fiolent PMZ-600 E

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now about the unpleasant. The jigsaw is heavy (2.4 kg) and quite overall, they simply cannot crawl into some places. Its length is 30 cm, plus 10 cm of the input casing of the cord protruding back. The body is a bit thick, it resembles a small grinder, I couldn't grasp it normally, the device strives to fall out of my hands. The presence of a mushroom-shaped handle involves two-handed operation, which I really do not like. To disable the start button, which is in without fail stops, it is necessary to intercept, it is impossible to get it from the working position of the hands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When carrying out construction, repair or other types of work, as well as in the household, a tool such as a jigsaw does an excellent job of cutting materials based on wood, plastic and even metal. This results in significant savings in processing time.

The review presents a tool of various levels - from inexpensive device for the home, to professional, which is deservedly considered the best in its class. The rating position of each model is determined on the basis of the characteristics declared by the manufacturer and the opinions of specialists in the field of repair. Feedback from owners with practical experience use of electric jigsaws.

The best inexpensive jigsaws: budget up to 2000 rubles

For domestic needs, it makes no sense to purchase expensive appliances. Budget electric jigsaws will successfully cope with a small amount of work.

4 MILITARY JS500

Favorable combination of price and quality
Country: China
Average price: 1341 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

A reliable assistant for the home master will be the MILITARY JS500 electric jigsaw. This budget tool is able to cut a wide range of materials, from wood to laminate. The presence of tilt adjustment allows you to cut across, along or at an angle. The cutting speed is easily adjusted with a wheel, and you can use files with U- and T-shank. To protect the operator from chips, there is a transparent protective screen. The tool is adjusted for cuts, both on the left side and on the right. Support workplace the function of connecting a vacuum cleaner helps in cleanliness.

In the reviews, a lot of good words are said about such qualities of the MILITARY JS500 electric jigsaw as accessibility, good cut, compactness, lightness, durability. Of the obvious shortcomings, users distinguish noise, the presence of slight vibration, and the difficulty of adjusting the angle.

3 ZUBR L-400-55

The lightest electric jigsaw
Country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 1498 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

One of the lightest electric jigsaws (1.4 kg) is the ZUBR L-400-55 model. It can be kept in the hands of the operator for a long time. But for some reason the manufacturer forgot about the overlay on the handle, so from long work muscles get tired due to vibration. The model does not differ in record power, so thin materials will have to be cut. But this affordable tool also has a number of modern features, for example, electronic speed control, a protective screen in the working area, an adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner. Lock the trigger in the depressed position allows the lock button. It is appropriate in this model, because the power key is very tight.

Of all the qualities of the ZUBR L-400-55 electric jigsaw, the most flattering reviews were given to the affordable price, light weight, and reliability. Users are somewhat upset by the inconvenience during operation, the rapid heating of the motor, and low power.

2 Bort BPS-500-P

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 1571 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

An excellent tool for the home will be the Chinese electric jigsaw Bort BPS-500-P. It has the most affordable price. At the same time, the model is quite pleasant to work with, it can cope with materials such as wood, metal and plastic. The device provides for adjusting the inclination of the steel sole, which expands the capabilities of the jigsaw. The manufacturer also took care of the safety of the operator. There is a function of connecting to a vacuum cleaner, so that the sawdust will be effectively removed from the cutting area. The kit comes with one spare file, a key, instructions for use, as well as spare brushes.

At home, the Bort BPS-500-P jigsaw has proved its worth, as evidenced by numerous consumer reviews. For a minimal price, you can get a workable device with many useful functions. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the low power, spontaneous jumping out of the file from the mount.

Summary table of rating

Power, W

Blade movement frequency, MAX

Cutting depth

Cutting depth

Pendulum move

Quick-clamp saw blade attachment

Wed price, rub.

VORTEX LE-55

ZUBR L-400-55

Interskol MP-85/600E

Fiolent PM 5-720E

Bosch PST 900 PEL

Metabo STE 140 Plus

BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B 0

Metabo STAB 18 LTX 100 0 MetaLoc

Einhell TE-JS 18 Li 0

1 VORTEX LE-55

High cut quality
Country Russia
Average price: 1570 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

VORTEX LE-55 is a bright representative of the budget category, and in the literal sense - the orange case with rubberized inserts on the handle immediately catches the eye. Despite the power of 600 W, the electric jigsaw saws quite confidently, and is quite suitable for use not only for the home, but also for individual craftsmen. It holds the given trajectory precisely, and it is practically not necessary to direct the blade for correction.

Rarely, but there is a misalignment when installing the saw, caused by the softness of the metal used. In such cases, the jigsaw will lead to the side, and the cut line will not turn out to be the most even. Despite the shortcomings encountered, the VORTEX LE-55 looks solid and has a decent build quality. The reliability of the tool can be judged by the reviews of some owners who worked so hard that it came to replacing the brushes (in this model they are non-separable). At the same time, the jigsaw does not particularly heat up, it works confidently, and with careful attitude it will serve for a long time.

The best jigsaws: price-quality

When you have to use a jigsaw quite often, although not very intensively, then you have to choose affordable models with good quality. They will allow you to cut different materials for many years.

3 Fiolent PM 5-720E

Greatest depth of cut in wood and metal
Country Russia
Average price: 3819 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The powerful model Fiolent PM 5-720E closes the top three jigsaws in terms of price-quality ratio. Thanks to 720 W, it has the highest cutting depth among competitors - wood up to 115 mm and metal up to 10 mm. The tool is equipped with a pendulum stroke, which has 4 steps of adjustment. A convenient feature is the blowing of sawdust from the working area, which allows you to always control the direction of movement of the jigsaw. To ensure the safety of the operator, the model is equipped with a protective shield.

Buyers attribute high power, light weight and good functionality to the advantages of this electric jigsaw. The model has thoughtful ergonomics, which ensures comfortable work for a long time. Interesting feature this electric jigsaw - the minimum frequency of the saw blade stroke is 1 stroke / min. Among the minuses, the impossibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner and low quality assemblies.

2 Interskol MP-85/600E

Best functionality
Country Russia
Average price: 3320 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Electric jigsaw Interskol MP-85/600E from a domestic manufacturer is in second place in the ranking. The tool boasts a good power of 600 W, which allows it to easily handle wood up to 85 mm and metal up to 8 mm. Thanks to the pendulum stroke, the performance of the jigsaw is quite high. The speed of the saw blade can be changed from 500 to 3000 strokes / min. The quick-clamp fastening of the file will allow you to quickly replace the working blade if necessary.

The advantages of this jigsaw, users include a molded sole, a long cable and thoughtful ergonomics. The tool has the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner to remove sawdust and dust directly from the work area. Among the minuses is the lack of blowing of the cut line. In terms of the combination of characteristics, this electric jigsaw has the best functionality among its neighbors in the TOP.

1 Bosch PST 700 E

Light weight, popular brand
Country: Germany
Average price: 3897 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The first place in the ranking of the best electric jigsaws in terms of price and quality is occupied by the Bosch PST 700 E model. The popular German tool manufacturer is famous for its tools, and this jigsaw is no exception. Thanks to the power of 500 W, the electric jigsaw briskly cuts not only wood, but also metal. The speed of the saw blade is adjustable from 500 to 3100 strokes/min, which allows you to choose the optimal mode of operation. With a working blade stroke of 20 mm, the tool can easily cut wood up to 70 mm thick. The only one among competitors in the rating is equipped with an anti-vibration system.

Among the strengths of this model, buyers highlight ease of use, the presence of a soft start and the absence of vibrations. The jigsaw has a low noise level - only 88 dB, which allows its operation without protective headphones. The tool comes with a storage and carrying case and 1 saw blade. Cons - the lack of a pendulum system and the low quality of the chuck. With a democratic cost and such characteristics, this is the best jigsaw in terms of price and quality.

Video review

The best jigsaws for professionals

Professionals choose a reliable tool that will not let you down at a crucial moment. They have in the first place such indicators as cut quality, chip protection, ease of use.

4 Metabo STE 140 Plus

Best cutting depth in wood
Country: Germany
Average price: 14680 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The high-performance manual jigsaw Metabo STE 140 Plus will be the best assistant when performing large volumes of sawing work. A powerful motor and an electronic system for maintaining optimal speed under load provide the highest quality cut of any material, while the maximum possible cutting depth in steel is up to 10 mm, and in wood - 140 mm. The presence of a four-stage pendulum stroke significantly speeds up the production process, and at the same time does not allow the hacksaw blade to overheat.

The power consumption of the STE 140 Plus electric jigsaw of 750 W is enough to ensure stable saw blade movement rates, regardless of the load. To maintain order in the workplace, this model provides for the function of blowing sawdust, but you can also connect a vacuum cleaner. The automatically switched on two-sided illumination allows you to work comfortably in dimly lit places. The reviews note the ease of operation, ergonomics of the tool, as well as its long service life. The quick replacement of equipment and the best quality of work performed are especially noted by the owners who use this electric jigsaw in their professional activities.

3 DeWALT DW331K

Minimal vibration at high power
Country: USA (made in the Czech Republic)
Average price: 12270 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

A high level of operator comfort during operation is provided by the DeWALT DW331K electric jigsaw. The tool has big power(701 W), the motor starts smoothly, the selected speed is automatically maintained. It was possible to achieve minimal vibration by installing an active counterweight. It is very convenient to blow off sawdust, which has an adjustment. It is exceptionally simple and quick to change the file, this is done in one movement, while the fastening is reliable. Not by myself strong point the tool will be cut in the air due to the weight of the model (2.8 kg).

Professionals note ease of use, power, good cord. The DeWALT DW331K saws very smoothly, which is important when making precision parts. Of the minuses, users note poor blowing, inconvenient fixation of the trigger, lack of backlighting and a high price.

2 Makita 4350CT

Reliable model from a well-known brand
Country: Japan
Average price: 10231 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

In second place in the ranking of the best electric jigsaws for professionals is the Makita 4350CT model. Despite the rather high cost, this tool is popular - a simple, functional and reliable jigsaw. With 720W of power, it can easily cut wood up to 135mm thick and metal up to 10mm thick. To create a more accurate gash, a soft start is provided.

Among the advantages of this model, buyers highlight power, even sawing and high build quality. The die-cast sole of the tool is made of aluminum, which makes it more stable during operation. The kit comes with a plastic nozzle, which will help to accurately cut soiled material. The disadvantages include the impossibility of attaching a vacuum cleaner to remove sawdust. This jigsaw is definitely worth the money - the quality and reliability are top notch.

1 Bosch PST 900 PEL

Best value for money
Country: Germany
Average price: 6242 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The leader in the ranking of the best electric jigsaws for professionals is the Bosch PST 900 PEL. At a low cost, it has all the characteristics of top models. The power of the tool is 620 W, thanks to which it copes with wood up to 90 mm and metal up to 8 mm. The jigsaw is equipped with a soft start function, which allows you to accurately start work. A vacuum cleaner can be connected to remove sawdust from the working area.

The strengths of this model, buyers include smooth operation, lack of vibration and easy attachment of files. As a nice bonus, the tool is equipped with a backlight for the working area, so you can work in low visibility conditions. Disadvantages - stamped sole without lining. In general, with such a low cost, reliability and functionality, this is the best model for the pros that can be recommended for purchase.

Video review

The best cordless jigsaws

Cordless jigsaws win in such a parameter as mobility. They will allow you to cut a board or pipe away from a household power outlet.

4 Einhell TE-JS 18 Li 0

The most affordable cordless jigsaw
Country: Germany (made in China)
Average price: 4990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.3

Cordless jigsaw Einhell TE-JS 18 Li 0 will be the most convenient tool for home or garden due to the possibility of autonomous operation from a Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 1.5 Ah. With it, you can make short cuts or sawing of a wide variety of different materials such as wood, metal, chipboard, plastic, plywood, etc. The only condition will be correct selection hacksaw blade, which can be changed quickly without additional tools.

The Einhell TE-JS 18 Li 0 electric jigsaw is made in an ergonomic design and is equipped with a soft comfortable handle, which greatly facilitates the production process. It has an adapter for connecting to a vacuum cleaner, it is also possible to switch the suction mode to blowing. To ensure better precision during sawing, this model has an additional guide lug, as well as led backlight. The aluminum base of this jigsaw is coated with plastic to avoid surface damage. Users in their reviews note the high build quality, mobility and accuracy of the work performed.

3 RYOBI R18JS

High power, backlight
Country: China
Average price: 6230 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.4

In many respects, the RYOBI R18JS cordless jigsaw is not inferior to network models, winning in mobility. The tool is powerful enough to cut steel pipes. Thanks to the presence of illumination, it is comfortable to work even in conditions with limited visibility. With all these advantages, the device has a low price. It is necessary to highlight such advantages of a jigsaw as a quick-clamping installation of a file, a 4-stage pendulum stroke, and long-term operation on a single charge. The cordless jigsaw is inferior to network counterparts only by the lack of airflow, the possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner is not provided.

In the reviews, the masters share their impressions of the RYOBI R18JS cordless jigsaw. The advantages of the model include power, good lighting, comfortable grip. On one battery, you can work for 5 hours. The disadvantages of the device are fragility, inaccuracy, and large dimensions.

2 Metabo STAB 18 LTX 100 0 MetaLoc

Best cut quality
Country: Germany
Average price: 11379 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Cordless jigsaw has good performance. It easily cuts non-ferrous metal (up to 25 mm) and wood up to 100 mm thick. As for steel, more than 10 mm STAB 18 LTX 100 is unlikely to master. In this case, the maximum possible speed of the saw is 2800 movements per minute. The pendulum function (4 positions available) greatly speeds up the process of straight cutting. As for the cut itself, it turns out to be of confidently good quality, even in thickness of the material, even with curly cuts.

In the reviews of the owners of this tool, several obvious advantages are noted at once. This is a handy case, an aluminum sole (cast) with dust extraction, a quick-clamp file holder. It is also worth noting the adjustment of the stroke of the saw. In this model, it is carried out by controlling the effort when the trigger is pressed. Also, many users liked the lock button from accidental start - this device will be useful when transporting a jigsaw. The device with a charged battery (battery 4 Amp / h) can cut through about 40 meters of OSB with a thickness of 20 mm. As a tool for the home, the Metabo STAB 18 LTX 100 0 MetaLoc is expensive, and the battery means regular use, so it's more suitable for professional work.

1 BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B 0

Maximum performance and resource
Country: Germany (produced in Switzerland)
Average price: 15939 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

A well-known manufacturer managed to create a BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B 0 cordless jigsaw with the perfect combination performance and durability. The tool allows you to cut steel up to 8 mm thick, which is an excellent indicator for a battery model. A huge plus for owners of various Bosch devices there will be a standard battery. The jigsaw sits perfectly in the hand, on the handle there is a special rubberized overlay with a relief structure. The pendulum mechanism has an adjustment that allows you to choose the optimal cutting mode for each material. The professional device does not suffer from high vibration and strong noise.

Users refer to the advantages of the BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B 0 cordless jigsaw high performance, durability, build quality, no vibration. Among the shortcomings of the device, one can distinguish a large weight, the inconvenience of turning on the backlight.


How to choose a jigsaw

Before purchasing a jigsaw, the future owner should consider the following features of the tool:

  1. Power - is a fundamental parameter when choosing. The cutting speed and the thickness of the material to be processed depend on this value. Take, for example, jigsaws with a power of up to 500 watts. They are good for wood and materials based on it, but thick metal (more than 5 mm) is not given to them.
  2. The depth of cut is an equally important parameter for work. Based on this indicator, the question of the appropriateness of applying a particular model can be decided. Not all jigsaws are capable, for example, of sawing a beam of 120 mm. This parameter is directly dependent on the power of the equipment.
  3. The pendulum stroke is a special mode of operation of the electric jigsaw, when, during the return movement, the file is retracted from the place of the cut, and during the translational motion, it is more tightly pressed against the place of the cut. This allows you to minimize the time spent on work, because it allows the file to cool down and free the teeth from sawdust material.
  4. The quick-clamping fastening of the file is a feature of the tool that is not available to models of electric jigsaws for the home. It simplifies the time of changing the blade, reducing the installation of a new file to literally a couple of movements (reminiscent of a punch chuck).
  5. Anti-vibration system. The presence of this function in a jigsaw will interest users who, first of all, are interested in the quality of work - reducing vibration allows you to cut more evenly.
  6. The weight. Everything is simple here. A light tool is less stable, which means that the cut will not be the most even. When choosing, it is better to focus on the convenience of the tool in work.
  7. Price. Usually this selection criterion is somewhere in the third position (and when choosing a model for a home, it is even in the first position). In fact, this component is a collective assessment of all the previous characteristics of the tool. The main thing here is to make sure that it is fair.

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

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

The principle of operation of the jigsaw

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

The tool can cut:

  • wood,
  • soft metal,
  • plastic.

It can perform different cutting lines:

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

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

wood cutting

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


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


Miter cutting

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



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



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

Working with metal and plastic

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

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

How to choose the right electric jigsaw?

What electric jigsaw better fit to perform specific tasks, and which one will be more universal - it is advisable to consider these issues before buying. This section provides information that allows you to understand the features of the device, helping you make the right choice of an electric jigsaw.

Types of jigsaws

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

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

Tool Options

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

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

Optional equipment

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

Jigsaw blades

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

  • shank for fastening,
  • corps,
  • teeth.

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

Jigsaw blades are designed for the following materials:

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


System for changing and fixing saw blades

It is worth paying attention to:

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

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

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


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

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

T-shank files (European)

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

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

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


File material

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

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


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

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


Guide rails for jigsaws

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

Guide bar, photo


Blowing off dust, shavings

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


Illumination, laser beam

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


File shop, suitcase

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



Models, prices and manufacturers

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

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

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

For this amount, we will get a professional device made of materials designed for long-term work, durable, with large quantity additions.

The most popular manufacturers of jigsaws:

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

Rating of electric jigsaws for the home

How to choose an electric jigsaw for home - video

Summing up

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

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. Helpful Hints our experts will help you decide which jigsaw to buy for the 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, it is worth taking 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 production workshops of woodworking, 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 specifications, however, you cannot select 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 more powerful unit 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 frequency. 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

Saw blade stroke frequency is one of the main parameters by which electric jigsaw. 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 constructive solution increases cutting 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 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. AT technical guidance limit values ​​are always prescribed, 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. Almost always included with the tool there is a sample canvases, you can also try on different types 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, with 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 jigsaw for home use important aspect becomes its functionality. 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 equipped with a quick-release chuck for saw blades. 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