Which electric jigsaw is better to buy. How to choose a jigsaw - detailed instructions. Industrial jigsaws: differences from professional ones

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

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

Household or professional

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

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

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

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

How to choose an electric jigsaw - the main parameters

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

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

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

Power

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

How to decide on the choice of electric jigsaw in terms of power? It all depends on the needs: if speed and productivity are required, then medium or high power must be combined with a good sawing 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

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

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

Pendulum move or swap

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

Cutting depth

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

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

File and types of its fastening

Varieties of paintings

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

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

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

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

The numerical designation indicates the length of the file:

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

Blade attachment type

There are two types of tails:

1. T-shaped
2. U-shaped

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

Types of handles

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

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

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

Sole

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

The stamped sole is found in all household and semi-professional models, as well as on inexpensive professional jigsaws. Such a platform is made of a relatively thin metal, 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 electric jigsaw for home use, its functionality will become an important aspect. There are very useful options that greatly increase productivity and usability.

What functions are equipped with electric jigsaws:

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

Which brand of jigsaw to buy

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

• Bosch
• Makita
• DeWalt
• Interskol

Conclusion

The modern market offers a large selection of power tools not only for professionals, but also for use in the home workshop. If you need to cut a sheet of plywood, OSB, make a complex cut or cut an aluminum profile - a jigsaw will help you do it quickly and accurately. This tool is versatile and has a wide range of possibilities. But how to choose a good electric jigsaw for your home among the abundance of offers in stores? To answer this question, we have compiled a rating of the best electric jigsaws, based on feedback from participants in various construction forums and various categories of purpose for this type of power tool.

Jigsaw classification

There are several criteria by which the classification of electric jigsaws can be determined: the purpose of the power tool, the power source used, and design features.

According to their purpose, jigsaws are divided into:

• Professional, characterized by increased reliability, functionality and ability for long-term and intense operation;
• Household, less powerful, but easy to use. In terms of price and quality ratio, jigsaws are the best solution for equipping a home workshop;
• There are also industrial ones, which are designed for long-term work at a small woodworking enterprise.

Power type:

1. network (electric);
2. rechargeable.

Design features (type of movement of the saw blade):

• reciprocating mechanism;
• pendulum mechanism (pumping).

When buying a power tool, it should be borne in mind that the presence of a pendulum stroke increases the performance and service life of the files. However, in some cases it can worsen the quality of the cut, focus on the possibility of turning it off and adjusting the amplitude!

What to look for when choosing a jigsaw

Tool power

The capabilities of a jigsaw directly depend on the power of its electric motor. The power of manufactured electric jigsaws ranges from 350 to 1000 watts. A medium power tool of 500-600 W is capable, for example, of sawing a wooden workpiece with a thickness of 80-85 mm, and is quite capable of coping with an 8 mm sheet of steel.

Maximum stroke rate

The sawing speed of a jigsaw is estimated by such a parameter as the stroke frequency of the rod - the more often the saw blade moves, the faster the cut is made. For the most popular models, the maximum stroke rate is 2700-3100 strokes / min. For cutting materials of different hardness, frequency adjustment is provided.

Cutting depth

This parameter determines the maximum thickness of workpieces that this jigsaw can cut. This parameter is related to the power of the device. For jigsaws intended for domestic use, the cutting depth is from 50 to 120 mm for wood and from 5 to 10 mm for soft metal. Professional units can cut similar material up to 150-160 mm and 30-35 mm, respectively.

Of the auxiliary, but no less important functions of electric jigsaws, you should pay attention to:

• pendulum move;
• sole angle;
• smoothness of descent;
• function of supporting revolutions under load;
• chip blowing;
• backlight;
• laser pointer.

We will review the jigsaws of each class and rank the best, according to user reviews, models.

The best inexpensive jigsaws

Household electric jigsaws are designed for small amounts of work for a short time. Although they have little power and a relatively limited resource, they will help to make an even or curly cut at home. Household electric boats easily cope with cutting wood up to 70 mm thick and 4 mm steel sheets. Low price compared to a professional tool, simplicity and ease of use - the most optimal solution for a home workshop.

1. Interskol MP-55/500E

The budget electric jigsaw of the Russian brand Interskol MP-55/500E, despite the modest (within 2000 rubles) price, is equipped with a fairly reliable 500 W motor, a stamped sole, pumping and a pipe for working with a vacuum cleaner. Due to the equipment, which is rich for an instrument of this class, and the low price, it deserves positive responses from its owners. From user reviews, we can conclude that Interskol MP-55 / 500E is the best of inexpensive electric jigsaws for home and summer cottages, which will definitely please you in terms of the reliability of its work.

Advantages:

• pendulum mechanism;
• good power reserve;
• versatility of fasteners;
• thoughtful dust removal system;
• excellent kit.

Flaws:

• sometimes it is impossible to adjust the straight saw.

2. Bort BPS-710U-QL

The second position of the best inexpensive electric jigsaws is occupied by the Bort BPS-710U-QL household electric jigsaw, which has a good power reserve of 710 W and a rather large weight of 2.4 kg. The model has an adjustable stroke rate, a laser pointer, a quick-clamping mechanism for attaching a file and a 4-stage pendulum stroke. The power of the electric motor is sufficient for cutting through wood with a depth of 80 mm and steel up to 10 mm. Convenient controls and a squeak-free body make this good jigsaw an ideal value for money option.

Advantages:

• high power;
• comfortable rubberized handle;
• quality assembly;
• the presence of various adjustments.

Flaws:

• the laser marker is a little "mowed" to the side;
• when it breaks, it is very difficult to find replacement parts.

3. DeFort DJS-625N-Q

The cheapest jigsaw we are considering in this segment is the DeFort DJS-625N-Q, with a power of 570 W, equipped with a pendulum stroke with four steps, a quick-clamp saw mount, an adapter for a vacuum cleaner and a protective shield. Depth of cutting wood 65 mm, steel sheet - 8 mm. A power tool without any bells and whistles, but copes well with its direct duties, after the purchase you definitely will not regret that you bought it.

Advantages:

• the possibility of cutting at an angle;
• saw speed;
• lies comfortably in the hand;
• spare brushes included.

Flaws:

• build quality is not always good.

The best jigsaws for quality and reliability

When choosing electric jigsaws, which are rightfully considered the best, we will focus on well-known manufacturers of power tools Bosch and Makita. The range of electric jigsaws from both companies is wide and varied. If Bosch divides its products into household and professional, then the Japanese corporation produces only professional power tools. But from both manufacturers, the products are of excellent quality. Let's make a comparison using the example of the Bosch GST 850 BE and Makita 4329K models, which have firmly taken their places in the TOP 9 best jigsaw models.

1. Bosch GST 850 BE

The Bosch GST 850 BE jigsaw belongs to the class of semi-professional tools. Electric motor power 600 W, cutting depth in wood 85 mm, aluminum and steel - 20 and 10 mm, respectively. There is a pendulum stroke, blowing off sawdust, smooth descent, electronic adjustment of the frequency of the saw blade. High-quality and reliable assembly of the jigsaw guarantees comfort and safety in working with the tool. Someone may not like the lack of backlight, laser mark and cast tabletop, but it cuts perfectly. A reliable workhorse with an adequate price that will definitely not let you down.

Advantages:

Power;
complete absence of vibration;
long power cord;
build quality and reliability.

Flaws:

• heavy for vertical work.

2. Makita 4329K

The light and compact Makita 4329K jigsaw is less powerful than the Bosch GST 850 BE, but its price is an order of magnitude lower. Light weight (1.9 kg), maneuverability and the ability to adjust the sawing speed allow you to make high-quality cuts. The maximum cutting depth for wood for this jigsaw is 65 mm, steel - 6 mm. The tool, like its German counterpart, is ascetic, has high performance and excellent ergonomics.

Advantages:

• optimal balance of reliability and ergonomics;
• light weight;
• quiet work;
• case included in delivery.

Flaws:

• lack of a mechanism for quick replacement of the file;
• difficult to set the angle of the site.

The best cordless jigsaws

When working in places where there is no access to the electrical network, jigsaws with a battery are often used. However, due to the low power and speed of the saw blade compared to network models, they are mainly used for processing materials of small thickness. But it is worth noting that this type of power tool is simply indispensable in the absence of an electrical network at the workplace.

1. Bosch GST 10.8 V-LI 0

The Bosch GST 10.8 V-LI 0 cordless jigsaw belongs to professional class tools. Equipped with a built-in backlight, stroke frequency adjustment and a quick-clamp saw blade attachment, a 3-stage pendulum stroke, and a battery charge indicator. It copes well with cutting wood up to 70 mm thick and steel up to 3 mm. The rubberized, conveniently sitting electric fret saw in a hand provides reliable grip. With a battery voltage of 10.8 V, it has quite a lot of power and light weight.

Advantages:

• excellent ergonomics;
• battery overheating indicator;
• the presence of automatic blocking;
• a light weight.

Flaws:

• Supplied without batteries and charger
• lack of blowing of the working area.

2. RYOBI R18JS

One of the best cordless electric jigsaws RYOBI R18JS is in the leading position in this category of the rating, the model is distinguished by an even cut, has a work area illumination, a quick-clamp saw blade attachment and a pendulum stroke. It perfectly cuts sheet steel up to 6 mm thick, and the depth of saw wood was 101 mm, while battery consumption is quite economical. It has an adjustable swing of the pendulum, convenient speed adjustment, located under the thumb. According to the reviews of the owners, RYOBI R18JS will be an excellent choice for those buyers who do not have the opportunity to work from the network, but who need good performance.

Advantages:

• smooth saw;
• high work efficiency;
• simple and easy adjustment of the angle of inclination;
• great build quality.

Flaws:

• lack of blowing sawdust;
• weight and dimensions.

The best professional jigsaws

Professional grade electric jigsaws are characterized by high power and productivity. As a rule, such a tool can easily cope with high, long-term loads, therefore it is used by builders and in the manufacture of furniture products. If you are planning a constant larger amount of work, then be sure to take a closer look at the jigsaws from this category of our rating.

1. DeWALT DW333K

Professional electric jigsaw DeWALT DW333K, thanks to a powerful engine (701 W), can be easily used for shaped sawing of small parts and cut materials of various thicknesses and densities. The model has a saw speed adjustment, a quick-clamping mechanism, a soft start and a three-stage pendulum stroke. Plus to all the advantages is a good package. According to the owners, this is the best of the electric jigsaws in the ranking, which, in terms of functionality and reliability, is really worth the money.

Advantages:

• smooth running and sawing speed;
• powerful electric motor;
• excellent equipment;
• electronic adjustment of the frequency of the saw blade;
• lower position of the guide roller.

Flaws:

• lack of illumination of the working area.

2. Makita 4351FCT

One of the best popular electric jigsaws designed for heavy loads, the Makita 4351FCT, can easily cut 10 mm steel and wood up to 135 mm thick. The most powerful electric jigsaw and at the same time the most expensive of the models presented in the rating. Powerful electric motor (720 W), electronic adjustment and additional functions guarantee high performance and quality cuts. The model differs in excellent ergonomics, a rich complete set.

Advantages:

• electric motor with a large power reserve;
• LED lights;
• the ability to quickly replace the saw blade;
• low vibration and noise.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Which electric jigsaw is better to buy?

As you can see, in order to choose the right jigsaw, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors that affect both the performance of the tool and its cost. First, decide on the type of work in which the power tool will be used. For home use, a tool with a lot of additional features is not the best option. In practice, many functions remain unclaimed, and the cost of a jigsaw sometimes increases significantly. Before buying, be sure to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the product, check its ergonomics (the way it lies in your hand). If you can test the power tool in the store, be sure to do it. We hope that our recommendations and a review of the best models of electric jigsaws will help you in choosing a reliable and high-quality assistant for your home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Often, during 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. A tiler's nightmare: a radial or undulating junction of a tile, for example, to a parquet. Then it can be extremely difficult to solve the problem with grinders and tile cutters, a jigsaw comes to the rescue again - we put a saw blade with a diamond coating and millimeter by millimeter we move towards the intended goal, or rather, along the intended line.

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

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

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

Fiolent PMZ-600 E

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

Wood up to 85 mm thick, steel up to 10 mm, aluminum up to 20 mm - these are not just numbers from the passport, this is a very real cutting thickness. A high-torque 600-watt motor moves the rod up to 2600 times per minute at idle, in general, the calculation for power. Many of my colleagues have such a model, no one had problems with the anchor, brushes, gearbox - all the filling was made with a margin of safety. True, a solid motor, a steel counterweight, durable metal parts could not but affect the 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 the working line. Everything is fine with me, the stem did not break, it cuts smoothly. It has no serious backlashes, the file is well stabilized in the transverse direction.

The stamped sole is made soundly, it is securely fixed exactly perpendicular to the canvas. It is possible to translate it into a position at 45 °, but, to be honest, I do not use this function at all. By the way, the 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. Perhaps the best option was used here - the lock that clamps the canvas is fixed with one screw. Everything happens quickly, the file is fixed tightly, without distortions. The worst thing that can happen is that there will be no flat screwdriver on the farm. In addition, blades of various thicknesses can be used, which cannot be said about quick-clamping mechanisms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Features of the design of a jigsaw electric saw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional power tool functions

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

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

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

Professional or household unit?

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

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

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

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

The main criteria for choosing a specific model

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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