An electric jigsaw is a device for regular practical application every woodworker, and the development and improvement of technology has expanded the scope of its practical use. Now the device can be successfully used when working with other materials; the only thing that should be taken into account is the correct choice of saw blade. Jigsaw files are classified according to several most significant features, which allows you to initially select the right attachment depending on the features and type of cutting. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right file for your jigsaw, and what types there are.

The demands placed on the instrument are currently very high. Productivity, speed of work, accuracy of the cut, and its evenness are important. IN general view All classification options for blades suitable for a jigsaw can be combined into several groups according to the following criteria:

• shank type;
• material used in the processing process;
• options for the shape of saw teeth;
• canvas width;
• tooth pitch;
• thickness of the canvas.

Types of files

By shank type

T-shaped version. This shank is called “Bosch”, since it was the Bosch company that came up with the idea of ​​its creation. Focusing on the leader in this field, other manufacturers began to produce jigsaws with the same shanks, which is why they are now ubiquitous.

U-shaped shank. The next most frequently used is the American version, which is suitable for older types of jigsaws. Also compatible with models with screw and block terminals.

ShanksMakitaAndBosch. Rare representatives of their species, suitable only for jigsaws of the same manufacturer, and of an old type.

By material

Perhaps this is the main classification feature that most accurately separates all variants of jigsaw files and allows a detailed description of their types and operating features.

For metal. Such saw blades are most often made of special high-speed steel; the cutting segments themselves are small and depend on the degree of hardness of the metal - the harder it is, the smaller the tooth. In general, to tell the truth, a jigsaw is not very suitable for metal - the cutting process usually becomes lengthy. The selected file option can be suitable for either aluminum, steel, or non-ferrous metals.

On wood. Since the creation of the jigsaw, wood has been the only material option in its field of application, and it is still its classic purpose. These files are made from chrome vanadium or high carbon steel. At the same time, for rough cutting, where it is not so much accuracy and precision that is important, but speed, wide blades and large teeth are used.

Clean processing of chipboard and fiberboard panels requires accuracy rather than increased productivity, so the saw for these purposes has teeth up to 3 mm and a slight set.

There are also special options with double row of teeth, allowing you to cut laminated panels as accurately as possible. For figured processing, narrow versions of blades with fine teeth and a slightly beveled back part are used.

For laminate. The peculiarity of this blade is the presence of so-called reverse teeth, which prevent the occurrence of chips on the front part when sawing. This saw has a small tooth.

For ceramic tiles. Such models are equipped with carbide coating on the edges. This attachment is convenient for cutting and even carving into shapes. However, it should be taken into account that with a jigsaw you can only cut wall tiles; for floor tiles you need a grinder or a tile cutter.

Universal. They cope equally well with both wood and metal due to the fact that the teeth on one side of the saw are small and the teeth on the other are large. For curly treatments and such a blade will not be suitable for absolutely flawless cutting.

Special. They are divided into groups of products intended for different materials. For ceramic tiles, as described earlier, options made from the most durable alloys with special coating are suitable. When choosing a jigsaw for such purposes, keep in mind that the advisability of using it is only in cases of necessary figured cutting; for straight edges there are other, more suitable options.

If the material contains abrasive particles, as is the case with gypsum or cement, the files become dull very quickly. You should choose special blades with hard alloy soldering on the cutting part.

For soft “shapes” such as cardboard or rubber, choose "toothless" saws, which rather resemble knives. The edge is cut using a wave and grinding.

According to the shape of the teeth

With set milled. In these types of files, the teeth are bent in different sides one by one. In this case, the width of the wiring is considered normal to be equal to 1.5th the thickness of the canvas itself. Thanks to the wiring, strong heating does not occur, and sawdust is removed simply and easily. Used for quick cutting of not too hard wood, as well as plastic structures and non-ferrous metals.

With wavy milled. The setting is carried out in groups of teeth that deviate alternately to the left and to the right. The magnitude of the deviation of each subsequent one differs from the angle of inclination of the previous one, thus forming a wave. These saws are used for clean cutting of plastic and aluminum products and non-ferrous metal materials.

With ground teeth, conical grinding. It is used exclusively for finishing cuts when processing wood and plastic, as well as laminate and polymer materials.

With divorced polished. Used for rapid cutting with rough cuts of soft wood, chipboard and fiberboard.

According to the width of the canvas

This file parameter is selected taking into account the specific requirements for specific work results. Wide blades are more stable, so nothing gets in the way of sawing high speed without fear of deviations. If you need to cut out a curve with high quality, then more suitable narrow options, with their help you can easily negotiate turns. In this case, it is necessary that the teeth themselves are located directly on the drive axis - this gives the tool controllability.

By tooth pitch

The step is the length of the trajectory between the vertices. Most countries have adopted the pitch designation TPI from the English “teeth per inch”, measured by the number of teeth per inch. That is, if, for example, the TPI value is 5, then this means that there are 5 teeth in one inch of the blade.

If wood needs to be cut crosswise, then it is advisable to use saws with a TPI of 7-4; for normal work, 9-7 is sufficient; if extremely precise and accurate cutting is required, 13-10 is enough. It is also necessary to take into account thickness of the starting material, 6-8 teeth must be involved in the work, otherwise the blade will begin to vibrate and the cut will turn out torn.

According to the thickness of the canvas

The thickness of the file determines how much it will deviate from the vertical installation. From this point of view, thick saw blades best provide an even, perpendicular cut. However, they almost certainly will not fit jigsaws that have a quick-release mechanism.

Marking jigsaw files is especially useful for those who are not yet experienced enough in carpentry and cannot indicate the purpose of the attachment based on its appearance.

Most manufacturers tend to label their products using the system invented by Bosch.

So, the marking is affixed on the tail and contains a combination of letters and numbers.

The first letter in the combination indicates the type of shank:

• T-shape,
• U-shaped,
• M - for Makita jigsaws,
• Fein standard.

• 1 - the most short length, does not exceed 75 mm,
• 2 - average 75-90,
• 3 - long 90-150,
• 7 – most long files with a length over 150 mm.

The next letter indicates the size of the teeth:

• A – fine teeth,
• B – average,
• C or D – large.

The last letter indicates some additional important information:

• F - working part made of particularly strong bimetallic alloy,
• P - precise cut,
• O - narrow back,
• X - progressive tooth pitch,
• R - reverse (reverse) direction of the teeth.

The color of the shank can also say a lot. Gray indicates that the file is intended for wood materials, blue - for metal, and red - for plastic structures.

The type of steel used as the basis for the blade during production is indicated by a special combination of letters on the neck:

• HM – hard alloys,
• CV – chrome vanadium steel,
• HSS – high-speed steel,
• HCS (CV) – high carbon steel,
• BM (BiM) - CV and HSS connection, very strong and durable.

Often marked on the file letter designations , directly reflecting the essence of its purpose. For those who are at least a little familiar with English, deciphering these letter combinations will not be difficult.

• "Wood" indicates working with soft wood and other soft materials.
• "Hardwood" - solid wood, PVC panels.
• “Inox” – works with stainless steel.
• "Metal" - metal.
• "Alu" - aluminum.
• Fiber, Plaster - fiberglass.
• Soft-material - rubber, carpet.
• Acrylic - polycarbonate.

Conclusion

Now you are familiar with the main types of blades, and you can easily answer the question of how to choose the right file for your jigsaw. Taking into account the specific design of each product, you can truly choose suitable option a file that will last a long time and will not spoil your original idea. For those who frequently practice carpentry, it makes sense to acquire various options files and use them strictly for their intended purpose. If you take out a jigsaw a couple of times a year, then it is better to have universal models on hand for urgent and rough work, but neat and figure cutting entrust to professionals. Happy shopping to you!

An electric jigsaw is an indispensable tool in the arsenal of any craftsman. They can be used to cut almost any surface found in everyday life. The quality of the saw depends on the right choice consumables, which is the cutting blade. Depending on the choice of the material to be cut, the final choice of a jigsaw file depends. The types and features of paintings can confuse any beginner. This article will help you understand this diversity.

Files vary in shape and material from which they are made. Structurally, they are a small strip of metal on which the shank and cutting edge can be distinguished. Based on this, we can identify morphological parameters that influence the choice: type of shank, shape and type of cutting edge, dimensions.

Classification by shape

Shank type

The shank is the part of the jigsaw file through which it is attached to the tool. They differ only in shape. You definitely need to pay attention to their appearance, otherwise it will not be possible to secure the new canvas. The following types of shanks exist:

The most common is the T-shank type. Since it was invented by the Bosch company, it is also called “Bosch”. Due to the fact that this corporation occupies the largest share of the jigsaw market, many companies are trying to switch to this standard. If you choose between files based on the shank model, then the T-shaped one will be the best option. It will fit almost all jigsaws, including those from domestic manufacturers, such as Interskol.

The American standard for shanks is the U-shape. Most older instrument models work with it. To fix it, a screw or block type of fastening is used. Files with Makita shanks are especially popular. They are only suitable for old jigsaws from the same company. The same applies to Bosch jigsaw files, which are only suitable for older models of their jigsaws. Structurally, their shape is equipped with an additional T-shaped stop.

Canvas size

Cutting edge shape

The files have different shape cutting edge depending on the type of material they are working with. In addition to the shape, the method of spreading the teeth also differs. The wider they are apart, the faster the material is cut. The quality of the saw border is getting worse. All files can be divided into the following groups, according to the type of their edge.

• Classic routing with milling. The teeth are set apart. In the classic version, they are alternately bent to the right, then to the left side. Thanks to this, the canvas does not heat up as much as a regular flat one. The cut can be obtained very quickly, but the quality of the work will not be accurate. These files are intended for soft materials.
• Classic routing with grinding. The teeth are set apart and then ground. The cutting line is wide. Designed for quick cutting of medium quality. It is better to choose such saws when working with wood and its derivatives (chipboard, fiberboard, etc.).
• Wavy layout with milling. The teeth are spread along the wave. The results are relatively compact groups of sharpened segments, whose length is equal to the half-period of such a bend. Within one bend, the teeth follow each other, lining up along the contour of the bend. Designed for beautiful cuts on wood, chipboard, plywood, soft metals and plastic.
• Conical grinding without setting. The teeth in such a file are not set apart, but simply ground. Inner surface The grinding process turns out to be spread apart, and the outer one goes along the cone. Designed for accurate cutting of plastic, wood and laminate.

Type of processed material

Wood and its derivatives

Cutting wood, chipboard, and plywood was the main function of jigsaws initially. You can cut wood with almost all types of saws. In order for such work to be effective and the cutting to be of high quality, wood has been created special types canvases Depending on the priorities in the work process, they are divided into several groups.

When performing such work, a certain trick is used: the material is turned with the front side away from the jigsaw. In this case, chipping can be almost avoided. There are files with reverse teeth. It is more difficult to work with such files, but the workpiece will not need to be turned over.

1. Curly cut. Curvilinear shapes can be cut using narrow files. They fit into the groove very easily, allowing you to cut along a wide variety of curves. The characteristics of the blade should be as follows: a very narrow blade with a cut back side, fine teeth. The length is selected according to the thickness of the material.

Metal

Jigsaws were originally intended for sawing wood. Over time, their power and speed began to increase, and the variety of files made it possible to produce blades with very fine teeth. Thanks to this, the specific force on the tooth during cutting has increased. The latter made it possible to work with harder materials such as non-ferrous metals and steel. Relatively thin plates can be processed with jigsaws.

When performing metal work, a number of rules must be observed:

• saw is very slow, without excessive pressure;
• if the file becomes dull, it should be changed immediately, otherwise the jigsaw will quickly fail;
• teeth on the canvas should not be more than 1 mm.

Plastic

Examples of polymer materials are PVC pipes, plastic panels. To cut them, you can use blades with large teeth. If you cut plastic with a fine-toothed saw, the material may heat up and the plastic will begin to melt. You can even work with a wood saw at low speeds. Thin leaves of plastic or plexiglass are sawed with a fine-toothed saw, also at low speeds.

Unusual materials

Saw blades without teeth with a special diamond coating can be used for sawing ceramic tiles. With their help, the cut edge will have complex bends. If the cut must be straight, then it is better to use a regular tile cutter. The diamond coating allows the file not to become dull due to abrasive elements of the material.

Ordinary canvases also quickly become dull from drywall. To cut the latter, you should use coarse-toothed saws tipped with special alloys. Soft materials (cardboard, rubber) are sawn with knife-shaped blades with a wavy edge, which is simply sharpened and does not have any teeth.

There are files with unusual tooth shapes that, in their own way, appearance repeat the contours of the letter M. This canvas works with wood and metal. In this case, the direction of movement can be either forward or reverse. If you have no idea what material you will be working with and the cut needs to be made to a short length without any quality claims, then you can purchase universal files. They are made from high-speed steel.

Marking

Several symbols and numbers are located on the tail of the file. They determine the type of blade material and the key characteristics of the cutting edge. Additionally, the purpose is specified by color markings and inscriptions on the blade and neck of the file. Since Bosch is the leader in the production of cutting blades for jigsaws, its marking method has become generally accepted. This is not a standard, but other manufacturers are trying to adapt to it.

Symbols on the shank

The combination of letters and numbers is positional. This means that the element number in the inscription has its own meaning. Since each position may have different quantity values, then there is no point in putting them into a single table. All available options are listed below in list form.

The first letter determines the type of shank and can take the following values:

• T is for T-shaped;
• U is for U-shaped;
• M for Makita shanks.

The third and fourth characters determine the purpose of the canvas. Single rule Filling them out has not worked out to date. Therefore, in order not to mislead readers, it is better to skip them. For example, the values ​​0 and 1 could represent wood. At the same time, 1 and 2 indicate steel. As a result, a value of 1 can match wood and metal at the same time. Bosch jigsaw files have not yet become standard setters in this case.

The fifth character determines the size of the teeth:

• A – small;
• B – average;
• C, D – large.

The sixth and subsequent characters define the specification of the canvas and can be combined. Here is a list of their main meanings:

• X – for teeth with a progressive arrangement;
• O – for canvases with a narrow back side;
• R – reverse arrangement of teeth;
• F – a cutting edge and working surface made of a special durable alloy are used;
• P – for files with a neat and precise cut.

Between work surface and the shank is located at the neck of the file. Letters can be printed on it that determine the type of alloy from which the canvas is made. The most common alloys are:

There is often confusion in alloy type designations, for example, some manufacturers use the CV symbol to designate carbon steel, while others use the CV symbol for chromium and vanadium alloys.

Color and text marking

The purpose of the file can be determined by the color of the shank or by the inscription located on it. Options color coding determine the type of material with which the blade should work:

• gray – wood and derivatives;
• blue – metals;
• red – plastic.

Duplicate inscription Some manufacturers print directly on the working part of the canvas. The scope of application will be clear to those who are at least slightly familiar with the English language. Here are examples:

The inscriptions can indicate not only the material, but also the tooth set. For example, “clean” means that the teeth have practically no set.

Summary table of the most common types

It is impossible to present all types of files in the form of one table, especially taking into account all the listed characteristics. A set of the most common types is given in the following table.

marking	wood	Chipboard	plywood	metal	tin	plastic	plexiglass
T101AO	+	+	V			V
T101B	V		+			V
T101BF			V			+
T101BR	+		V			V
T101BRF	V		+			+
T101D	V	+				V
T111C	V					V
T119B	+	+	V				V
T119BO	V	+	V			+	+
T144D	V	V
T244D	V	V
T301CD	V	+				+
T118A				V	+
T118AF				V	+
T118B				V
T127D				+		V
T127DF				+		V
T227D	+					V

Table 1. The most common types of files and their areas of application. Designations: “V” - specially designed for working with the material, “+” - can be used.

As can be seen from the table, there are models of canvases that are specifically designed for metals or wood. But they can also be applied to other materials. Plastic can be sawed with almost all types of blades.

How to make the right choice

If a file is purchased for daily work, then it is better to take a special option for a specific type of material. Moreover, you always need to have a reserve. For example, if you plan to do a lot of work on cutting wood materials, then it makes sense to take several types of jigsaw files for wood with different steps teeth and blade thickness. For cutting laminated chipboard You may even need a metal file. For those who occasionally work with a jigsaw, it is worth having a couple of universal blades in their arsenal.

Today we will look at the types of files for electric jigsaw, because when choosing, the buyer has many questions. There are a lot of types of saws, because with a jigsaw you can cut not only wood, the list is much longer. Therefore, in this article we will figure out which saws are best for cutting simple wood, and which chipboard or fibreboard, which saws are used to cut various types metal

And of course, we will pay attention to the markings, so after reading this article, you will begin to understand which file is suitable for which work. It’s not for nothing that there are different letters and numbers. What do they mean? We will analyze all this using the example of popular models from Bosch, since they good quality, and their price is very low.

Marking

If you have ever been to a tool store, you have seen that there are letters and numbers on the shank of any saw. Let's figure out what they mean.

The letter T means the type of fastening, that is, T-shaped (Fig. 1). There is also U, which is much less common (Fig. 2).

The numbers on the shank mean:

The first number is the length:

• 1 - standard short, length up to 75 mm.
• 2 — average length, up to 90 mm
• 3 - extended, up to 150 mm
• 7 - the longest (over 150 mm)

The following letters indicate the size of the teeth:
A,B,C,D

Tooth A is the smallest, so all metal files have an A, for example T118A means a file with a T-shaped shank, short, very fine tooth. Next, respectively, B - a slightly larger tooth (most often these are saws with fine teeth for plywood, chipboard, fiberboard and wood for a clean cut). Files with the letters C and D - with the largest teeth, for rough sawing on wood.

There are also files with two letters at the end, for example the T119BO model, so let’s look at what the last letter means:

• F - bimetal (the coolest, highest quality)
• R - with reverse tooth
• X - universal for wood, metal and plastic.
• O - for a curved cut (cutting a circle, for example, usually thin, so that the file can be turned directly while sawing).
• P - thick options for sawing strictly at the exact selected angle (thick, do not bend, so they cut perfectly). A prominent representative is the T144DP, which costs significantly more than the standard ones.

On wood

The main purpose of an electric jigsaw is cutting wood. For this purpose there is huge amount files and they are all different. Let's go in order.

If you need to cut ordinary boards and the quality of the cut, its cleanliness are not important to you, you are working for speed (for example, cutting ordinary boards for firewood or for a fence), then buy jigsaw files with large teeth. Thanks to this, the sawing speed will be high, and if you work with a jigsaw in pendulum mode, then everything will be just fine.

In addition, also pay attention to the length of the saw, since you won’t be able to cut a board or block 70 mm thick (for example) with a regular saw, you will need an extended one.

Well, the third nuance when choosing is thickness, standard files are not thick, but there are thicker ones (they cut much better because they don’t bend). Since most jigsaws use a standard mount (T-shaped), the name of the saw blades for such a mount begins with the letter T.

For a standard set of nail files, see the photo:

Well, now we’ll look at each file separately, what it can cut, and what kind of work it’s best suited for.

For metal.

T118A is a standard metal file, has a very fine tooth (like metal blades). You can cut metal up to 3 mm, but there is a terrible grinding noise, so use hearing protection. I highly recommend it. Also, due to the fact that the tooth is very small, it is also recommended to saw plastic with it; many finishers do this.

These are 5 files that we constantly sell along with jigsaws. By and large, they are enough for all household chores.

In addition to the standard metal file, there are special options for some other metal. For example, an aluminum file has a larger tooth, so the teeth do not clog. After all, aluminum is a soft metal, so the standard one for metal gets clogged with shavings very quickly.
T224D - for aluminum, special. It says Alu on it.

Sawing on tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware.

Not everyone has tile cutters and grinders, so they came up with special files for jigsaws on tiles. The blade has tungsten carbide coating instead of teeth, which actually cuts any stone surface.

T150Riff - special for tiles, cost about 250 rubles. Excellent for cutting tiles.

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

IN general outline blades for manual jigsaws are similar to, but have one important difference: always choose pinless files with flat ends, which can be secured in tool clamps and easily threaded into thin holes when creating small patterns.

The dimensions of files for a manual jigsaw are similar to those for machine tools: from #2/0 to #12. But practice shows that the most optimal options For hand sawing numbers turn out to be from #3 to #9.

Which files are better?

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

Let's understand the basic concepts

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

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

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

Tooth set – created to prevent the saw from jamming in the workpiece, which in turn ensures trouble-free cutting (especially sharp turns and curves) and minimizes the formation of chips. The width of the cut when using such files increases slightly, which should be taken into account when making the project.

Classification of files

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

1. Standard (Standard Tooth) - classic files whose teeth have same size, direction and distance from each other.
2. Files with a missing tooth (Skip-tooth Blades) – the absence of teeth ensures effective removal of chips from the surface of the workpiece and increases sawing speed. Unlike classic options They heat up less and jam less often.
3. Double tooth files (Double-tooth Blades) – these blades cut a little slower, but leave a perfectly smooth cut line. They also effectively remove chips and overheat less.
4. Reverse files (Reverse Skip-tooth) - blades, part of the teeth of which are directed upward. They cut the wood during the return motion of the jigsaw, which reduces the number of chips on the reverse side of the workpiece.

Dimensions table

The table presented contains basic information regarding the size and marking of modern files for manual jigsaws. By referring to it, you will know how to choose the correct blade number for sawing wood of a specific thickness.

Despite the varied palette of options, the gold standard for sawing with a hand jigsaw is blade number #3 , #5 And #7 .

At first, it can be difficult for beginners to control the file, which constantly moves to the side. Without gaining the necessary experience, it is advisable to use canvases with high TPI value: They cut slower but allow for better control of the cutting line.

Working with saws with reverse teeth is not the best best solution for a beginner. In order to handle this blade you need some experience. Otherwise, the workpiece will jump up, and the sawing itself will be very slow.

What to choose for thin plywood?

When working with thin materials, blades with the maximum number of teeth per inch are used. Thin blades with a high TPI value cut less aggressively, put little stress on the fragile edges of the workpiece, and do not pull the jigsaw to the side. These characteristics make them optimal for sawing small parts and patterns made of thin plywood.

It largely determines the accuracy and productivity of cutting material. Discussed in the article technical specifications files and the key differences between them will help you choose the right blade for various types works

A file for a particular job is selected in two ways: firstly, they are guided by the inscriptions, and secondly, they look at the size, teeth and setting.

Reading the markings

There is no single standard for alphanumeric marking of blades for jigsaws, but most manufacturers adhere to European classification from Bosch or indicate it in addition to their own designations.

Explanation of markings

Files are made from various grades of steel, which influence the purpose of the blades and are indicated by logos:

1. CV (HCS) is an elastic alloy alloy for cutting wood, synthetic and wood-composite products.
2. HSS is a strong high speed steel for hard materials.
3. BM (Bi-Metal) is a compound of the first two grades of steel that can withstand significant loads and is suitable for many operations.
4. HM is a carbide for cutting tiles and building blocks.

The purpose of the canvas is also indicated by the following marks:

1. Wood - soft lumber, fiber boards.
2. Hardwood - solid wood, laminated panels.
3. Inox - stainless steel.
4. Alu - aluminum.
5. Metal - tin, profiles and pipes.
6. Plaster, fiber - fiberglass.
7. Soft-material - rubber, polystyrene, carpets.
8. Acrylic - plexiglass, polycarbonate.

Sometimes there is an inscription on the file that specifies the type of work:

• basic - standard blade for high-quality cutting;
• speed - saw with set teeth for quick cutting;
• clean - blade without markings for a clean cut;
• progressor - saw with different teeth for cutting various materials;
• flexible - flexible blade for cutting metal;
• special - for cutting ceramics, plastic and other special work.

We cut wood materials

Cutting wood and everything made from it is the main purpose of a jigsaw. Therefore, a larger range of saw blades are produced specifically for wood and are divided by type of work.

Fast cut

Certain construction work with wood do not require special care, for example, sawing bars for sheathing or dismantling old window frame. What is more important here is the speed provided by fast cutting blades with characteristic features:

1. Large teeth - up to 6 mm.
2. A fair amount of separation - about 1 mm.
3. Long blade - from 60 mm.
4. Width - up to 10 mm.

For thick workpieces, similar blades with large cutters are used, but without routing - they deviate less from the vertical. In principle, the thicker the file, the better it maintains perpendicularity.

Advice. A blade with an oblique tooth is better suited for cutting along the grain, and a blade with a straight tooth is better suited for a cross cut.

Clean cut

An operation such as pruning furniture board or parquet board, requires a smooth and precise cut. Such tasks are performed with less productivity, but with better quality, using blades for clean cutting that have:

1. Teeth less than 3 mm.
2. Minor divorce.

Most of the files cut by retracting, so the material is placed with the reverse side. To mark and cut from the face, you need a blade with a reverse tooth. It is not very convenient for them to work - in addition to maintaining the direction of the cut, they have to overcome the force of pushing out the tool.

Advice. A specialized saw with two rows of teeth allows you to cut panels laminated on both sides almost without chipping.

Curly cut

It is problematic to cut out small radii with a wide blade. Files for figured cutting have a beveled back side, making it easier to turn, they can be rounded without chipping and differ in appearance:

1. Small (up to 2 mm) tooth.
2. Narrow working part - up to 4 mm.
3. Small length - up to 40 mm.

We cut polymer materials

PVC pipes and window sills are sawn using blades on wood or metal with a large tooth. Fine-toothed saws are also suitable, but you will have to cut at a minimum speed, otherwise the sawdust will soften and clog the blade - it will no longer be sawing, but cutting with heated metal.

For thin plastics and plexiglass, a metal file with small teeth is suitable. For thick ones, you can take a wood blade, turn off pendulum mechanism and cut at low speed. Figure sawing of polymer sheets is carried out with a narrow file on wood.

We work with metal

For cutting galvanized profiles and sheet metal products, wave saw blades are used, similar in profile to blades for hand hacksaw. They are distinguished by small (up to 1 mm) teeth, deflected not through one, but in groups of 3-5 pieces.

At permanent job take three blades: for steel, aluminum and for non-ferrous alloys. If you have to cut metal infrequently, then one steel file will be enough, which is also suitable for ebonite and textolite.

In general, a jigsaw is not suitable for sawing metal: the tool is heavily loaded, and the process is slow. Rather, this is an extreme method, justified only occasionally, for example, when cutting sandwich panels with bimetallic saws with small cutters at the edges and large ones in the middle.

Blades for specific tasks

Drywall and cement-containing materials quickly set any saw blade, with the exception of specially designed carbide-tipped blades, which also cut thermal insulation well.

The hole in the tile is cut with a ceramic saw without teeth coated with carbide. It is also suitable for working with glass fiber reinforced polymers.

The cutting part of the blades for cardboard, rubber and other soft materials is not made with teeth, but with polished waves or simply looks like a knife.

For sawing combined materials, special files are designed, one half of the blade of which is equipped with small teeth, and the other with large ones.

Advice. The length of the file is chosen based on the thickness of the material. To prevent the blade from tearing out or breaking, its end must extend out of the cutting line in any position of the jigsaw pendulum.

A set of 5-10 files is enough for home needs. for various purposes. Just starting to use a jigsaw, they purchase an inexpensive set, master the intricacies of working with different types of blades, and then use own experience select the necessary files. Still, there are no strict recommendations; often one canvas copes well with tasks that are atypical for it. Here you can experiment, but think first.