The jigsaw also known as jigsaw Or simply jigsaw, is a tool used to cut materials such as aluminum, wood, plastic, glass or tiles. It can make curved or straight cuts, and is a very useful instrument both at work and at home.
If you need acquire a jigsawYou must take into account the two essential components of the tool, these are the tool itself and the cutting blade. There are a wide variety of models and designs on the market for each item, and you should evaluate various aspects of both the tool and the blade before making your choice.
In this article we will indicate in detail each of these aspects so that you can make your selection without any problem.
Scroll Saw Considerations
Jig Saw Machine
Power supply: there are jigsaws that work using batteries. These are much easier to move, but they are also heavier and may not have the power required for heavy duty work for a long period of time. It is important to clarify that batteries are constantly evolving and, depending on the application, may be the best alternative. We have recently seen a brand that has innovated by linking them via Bluetooth with smartphones, but that is a topic that we will save to discuss in another technical article.
On the other hand, there are saws that have electrical power, and have their respective wiring. With this aspect, the priority between ease of transfer or power for heavy and medium-heavy jobs should be considered.
Tool power: Depending on the type of work that is required to be performed, a jigsaw with the appropriate power should be selected. For home or small jobs a power of 600 or 700 watts is sufficient. If the work to be carried out is of a professional level, with a high level of cut, the power must be greater than 700 watts.
Speed control: there are models of saws with variable speeds or single speed. Models that have variable speeds provide greater advantage when working with different types of materials. For example, if you work cutting metal, the recommended cutting speed is a low one, since this extends the life of the jigsaw blades. In the case of plastic cuts, the cutting speed must be very low, this in order to prevent the plastic from melting while cutting.
Locking mechanism: the tool has a system to secure or hold the cutting blade, during the execution of the work. This blade clamping system can have a quick blade release process or a release process that requires tools, such as allen keys or a screwdriver. If you need to make different types of cuts frequently, obviously the best option is the saw models with the quick release system of the saw. The other option applies to jobs where the types of cuts do not vary much.
Pivoting base– Some jigsaw models feature a pivot base design. This feature allows cuts to be made at different angles, up to 45 degrees, taking into account the length of the cutting blade and the thickness of the material being cut. A very relevant aspect to consider when purchasing a jigsaw.
Scrolling models: there are several jigsaw designs on the market, which have a scroll. These saw machines have a knob at the top, which allows the cutting blade rotate without turning the saw. This feature is ideal if you have to work in tight spaces.
Orbital models: This type of jigsaw provides “push” to the cutting blade, while it performs the work with its standard motion. This push considerably increases the cutting speed of the tool.
Lights and dust blowers: these saw accessories are perfect to provide better visibility when doing the job. They are used to clear the cut area and have a better view of the cut mark. Perfect accessories if you work in a dimly lit environment.
To be: Another accessory of the jigsaw that makes work easier is the laser beam. This function serves as a cutting guide while the job is running.
Aspects of the cutting blade
Blade insert type: the corresponding blade must be selected for the type of saw that has been selected. Not all blades fit all saws. There is the “T” insert, “U” insert, and the Starrett company patented “Unified” insert that works with most machines on the market.
Sheet constitution: the sheets are made of different materials. Depending on the type of material to be cut and how heavy the job is, the blade with the proper composition should be selected. Carbon steel jig blades can be used for wood and laminates. For special or very dense woods such as oak, chrome vanadium steel blades should be used. Cutting metal requires the use of blades made of high speed steel (HSS) or bimetallic HSS steel. For cutting special alloys or carbon steel, the recommended blades are those with tungsten carbide teeth.
Number of teeth per inch: This is another aspect to consider regarding the jigsaw blade. The number of teeth per inch (TPI in English) or (DPP in Spanish), are determined taking into account the thickness of the material to be cut. It is recommended that there be between 3 or 5 teeth in contact with the material being worked. For example, for a 3mm stock, a 24 DDP blade will make the cut smoother and easier. For 6mm stock, recommended on 12-16 DDP sheet. In general, manufacturers include help in their packaging to choose the appropriate option based on the work to be done.
Blade width: this characteristic must also be taken into account. For cuts that require turning at sharp corners or angles, a narrow scroll blade is ideal. For straight cuts in thick materials, a thick blade is recommended.
For a proper selection of the jigsaw and its cutting blade, it is essential to consider all the aspects described, when buying the tool. This will ensure the perfect execution of the draft work and the highest throughput.
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