There is a jigsaw not only in every workshop, but also, perhaps, in every home. This tool has gained such popularity due to its versatility and compactness. With its help, you can cut various sheet materials: wood of any species (from the softest to very hard); sheet metal; plastic; glass and ceramics, etc.

To work with a particular material, you need to choose the right saw blade (more often called simply a “file”), since the quality, cutting speed and overall ability to work depend on it. This will be discussed in this article.

Each saw has its own unique parameters, the combination of which determines the material that can be cut with it, as well as other cutting characteristics: the quality and speed of the saw. In addition, each file has design features, allowing you to use it with one or another. A separate article is devoted to this, but choosing the “right” file will be discussed in this article.

Parameters of jigsaw files

First you need to decide on the list of saw blade parameters that need to be taken into account. So this:

• File fastening standard (shape of shank);
• Dimensions (length, width, thickness);
• Geometric parameters of teeth;
• Purpose (according to the type of material being processed).

Let's look at these parameters in more detail.

File fastening standard (shank shape)

To determine the standard for fastening the saw blade to, you need to look at the passport of your power tool - this should be indicated there. Although quite often several files are included with the kit and by looking at them, you can understand the type of shank that suits you.

Listed below are the main types of shanks found today.

• T-shape
• U-shaped
• Shank for Makita
• Shank for Bosh

The T-shank type is the most common type nowadays. This solution turned out to be the most successful and was “adopted” by a large number of power tool manufacturers. This type is often called Boschevsky, because it was the Bosch company that first offered to the market this type fastening the file. Subsequently, other manufacturers began to support this type of shank. Such companies include:

• Bosch,
• Makita,
• Metabo,
• Hitachi,
• Skil,
• DeWalt,
• Sparky

and others.

The U-shaped shank is considered an American standard, however, it can be considered obsolete, since it is almost never used now, although previously this type of shank was used on jigsaws with screw and block clamps from famous manufacturers:

• Ryobi,
• stayer,
• Black&Decker,
• Skil,
• DeWalt,

This is Makita's proprietary shank type. Such files are distinguished by their reliability and strong foundation. This canvas Now it can also be considered outdated and is suitable only for some Makita jigsaws. In this regard, when changing the blade, it may be difficult to purchase it, since the demand for them is now very low, it will be difficult to find such files in the store.

This type of shank is very similar to the T-shaped one, but unlike it, it is proprietary to Bosch, and accordingly is suitable for jigsaw models only from this manufacturer. This type The fasteners can also be considered outdated, so it is very difficult to find them on sale.

conclusions

So, to summarize, it becomes clear that the T-type shank is now some general standard and it has supplanted all other modifications that previously took place. Thus, this greatly simplifies the task for us (consumers) - there is a large selection and there is no need to think too much about shanks, although it is also necessary to know that, theoretically, I can come across non-standard options.

Saw blade dimensions

Like any object in Euclidean space, a file has three geometric dimensions: length, width and thickness. Each of these parameters is important and affects the result of the work in its own way. Now about this in more detail.

Length

The parameter is clear and understandable - the longer the file, the greater the thickness of the sawn workpiece can be. The range of saw blade lengths for jigsaws is very large - from 40 mm to 250 mm. It would seem that you need to take the longest file and you won’t go wrong. Yes, a long saw is good, as it allows you to cut thick workpieces, but there are a number of issues.

1. you have to pay for excess length; the longer the file, the more expensive it is; It is obvious;
2. when sawing workpieces different thicknesses there will be uneven wear of the saw blade; accordingly, the wear of the teeth at the base will be higher than at the end of the file.
3. files bend, and it is much easier to bend a long file than a short one;
4. There are cases when the excessive length of the file simply interferes with sawing, for example, it rests on something, while a short file would go through without problems.

It is important to pay attention to an important point - to cut thick workpieces you need not only a long saw - you need enough power for the jigsaw to cope with the load. If you don’t take this factor into account, you can simply ruin the tool - the jigsaw can simply “burn out.”

Width

For an even saw (in a straight line), wide files are more suitable, since due to their width they prevent the cut from being pulled to the side. Accordingly, the wider the file, the more even the cut it can give. With narrow files the situation is the opposite - they are used where you need to make a figured or radius cut, respectively, the narrower the file, the greater the curvature of the cut.

Thickness

And the last, but not least important parameter is the thickness of the file. The thicker the blade, the stronger the file, and accordingly, the more resistant it is to the applied forces and will not “be pulled” to the side. It would seem - the conclusion is obvious - we take the thickest files, however, as in the case of length, it is necessary to point out a number of circumstances. The thicker the file, the wider the cut width, which means:

• more effort will have to be put in
• the cutting time will be longer,
• heating of the workpiece will be greater,
• more material consumption.

In addition, it should be mentioned that not all thick files are suitable for the quick-release mechanism.

conclusions

As always, there is no one universal solution for all occasions. Each time you need to support a file that is suitable at the moment, for the given task, and, of course, for your tool. You probably shouldn’t run to the store every time and select saw blades, but simply have a set of the most commonly used saw blade options.

Geometric parameters of teeth

The geometry of the cutting edge and the tooth set play an important role. The speed and quality of the cut depends on this. Obviously, the wider the teeth are spread in different directions, the wider the cut will be, and due to the fact that the blade itself does not rub against the edges of the cut, there is less resistance, less heating and a higher cutting speed. Of course, the downside of these advantages will be the poor quality of the saw, as well as the difficulty of making an even cut due to the “pull” of the file to the side (since the blade is not fixed in the plane of the saw). There are several types of cutting edge geometry:

Each of these types of geometries has its own characteristics. Let's take a closer look at them.

This type of geometry is used for simple hand saws and consists in the fact that the teeth alternately move left and right. It is clear that in this case the blade practically does not rub against the walls of the saw, sawing is easy and fast, but in this case there is no need to talk about the quality of the cut and evenness. This type of wiring is quite popular, as it is easy to manufacture and has its undeniable advantages.

For saw blades with this form of setting, the cutting edge has a wave shape, with several teeth falling into one half-wave and each of them has a different deviation from the central axis. This type of setting gives a clean cut, so it is mainly used when sawing hard wood, metal, etc.

As in the case of the “Milled with classic set” option, the teeth are alternately set in different directions, but at the same time they undergo an additional processing process - grinding. In this case, the cut is much cleaner, but the speed of work is maintained. This type of wiring is used for sawing, VDF, MDF, etc.

With this option, the teeth are almost not set, but they are specially sharpened and polished. When sawing with such blades, a very clean and even cut is obtained, but the speed of work suffers accordingly and requires larger number revolutions (saw blade speed) of the tool.

Purpose

From the very beginning, jigsaws were used exclusively for, but over time, the versatility of this tool has significantly expanded the scope of its use. Thus, at the moment, it is possible to saw almost any sheet material - this includes wood of various species and densities, metal, glass, ceramics, various glued and pressed boards (fibreboard, MDF, etc.). Manufacturers of saw blades, when developing specific models of files, determine its purpose by the type of material being cut; accordingly, the entire variety of saw blades for jigsaws can be divided into the following groups:

• for wood and wood boards;
• for metal;
• for polymeric materials and plastics;
• special purpose.

Let's take a closer look at each group of these classifications.

Saw blades for wood and wood panels

Sawing wood is the main purpose of a jigsaw, which is why there is the greatest variety of wood saws. This is dictated by the wide variety of types of wood and various boards derived from it (fibreboard, fiberboard, etc.).

All wood files are divided into several categories:

• for quick cutting;
• for a clean cut;
• for figured cutting;
• for a “blind” cut.

Saw blades for quick cutting of wood

Quite often you need to quickly saw off a workpiece and the quality and cleanliness of the cut is not at all important. In this case, special files are used, which have some distinctive features:

• long length;
• large, large teeth;
• large tooth set

Saw blades for clean wood cutting

When making furniture, cutting parquet boards and in other cases, a high-quality and clean cut is required. For this purpose, special files are used, which can be recognized by the following distinctive features:

• average tooth size;
• there is no or very slight tooth spread.

Typically the teeth point towards the jigsaw. This is done so that the main cutting movement occurs at the moment of retraction of the file (movement of the file towards the jigsaw), while the master does not experience special effort when sawing. The disadvantage of this principle is that chips from the file are obtained on the side that is visible to the master - where the marking line is. But sometimes it happens that you need to do the opposite, so that the front side of the cut (without chips) is on top. In this case, special files with teeth are used that are directed away from the jigsaw. Sawing with such files is accompanied by increased efforts by the master, who must overcome the force of pushing out the file with a jigsaw.

Files for shaped cutting of wood

A jigsaw is a universal tool - it allows you to make figured cuts, that is, with small radii of curvature, and in some cases it is even possible to “turn on the spot” (make the saw not smooth, but at an angle). For such a cut, special files are again needed - they are easy to recognize - they have:

• narrow canvas
• short length
• fine teeth

Files for blind cutting of wood

A blind cut is a cut when the size of the maximum overhang of the file is less than the thickness of the workpiece.

This topic is quite controversial and there are many opinions on this matter. Nevertheless, we will state our position. A blind saw is possible and does occur. But you need to understand a number of points:

• The file must have a special shape;
• The load on the jigsaw increases many times;

The file must have a special shape of the last tooth and the tip of the file, as shown in the picture.

When making a blind cut, the entire saw blade is used - this is the maximum load for it and the load on the jigsaw itself. In addition, the cut is made in such a way that the last millimeter (or two) of the wood is simply crushed, so there are shock loads on the holder at the moment of maximum projection of the saw. Thus, it is not recommended to make a blind cut on hard wood, or on soft wood - for example, but the master must understand that the wear of the tool at this moment increases many times and the likelihood of breakdowns is very high.

Metal files

The main work of sawing metal is done with a grinder, but sometimes you need to make a curved or radius cut. In such cases, a jigsaw with a special file will help. You can saw both steel blanks and non-ferrous metals. Metal is much denser than wood, so when working with metal you need to understand that the jigsaw works under a heavy load and you need to load it wisely.

Metal files are usually made of durable alloys and have fine teeth with wave winding (see above).

A jigsaw can easily cope with sawing various types of polymer materials, plastics, plexiglass, etc. There are specialized files for sawing these materials, although in practice wood or metal files are usually used. A simple rule works than denser material, the finer the saw tooth should be, so simple wood saws are suitable for most plastics. It must be remembered that sawdust from plastic begins to melt at high temperatures; in this case, the saw teeth become clogged with melted plastic and lose their sawing properties. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature of the file and not overheat it; accordingly, you need to cut at low speeds and regularly let the file cool.

Exist various situations when it is necessary to saw various exotic materials that are not typical for sawing with a jigsaw - glass, ceramics, etc. There are special-purpose saws for these purposes. They are rare and unique, nevertheless they still find their place among craftsmen who work with these materials.

Manufacturers of saw blades must label them so that users can navigate the parameters and purpose of the proposed saw blades. There are various classifiers, but at the moment the most popular is the standard from Bosch, which is the leader in this topic.

The main marking is usually done on the shank, and additional information is indicated on the saw plane.

Basic markings

Position in code	Description	Values
First character (letter)	Shank type	“T” – T-shaped shank type “U” – U-shaped shank type “M” - Makita shank
Second character (number)	File length	“1” – short (up to 75 mm) “2” – standard (75-90 mm) “3” – extended (90-150 mm) “7” – long (more than 150 mm)
Third and fourth character (numbers)	Purpose of the file	/no information/
Fourth character (letter)	Tooth size	“A” – small (metal, laminate) “B” – medium (wood, fiberboard, MDF, etc.) “C” and “D” – large (quick cut)
Fifth character (letter)	Additional Information	“F” – bimetallic blade (considered the strongest and most durable) “O” – narrow blade (for curved cutting) “P” – thick blade (allows you to cut strictly perpendicular to the surface) “R” – with reverse tooth“X” – with variable tooth size (universal blade, suitable for cutting any materials)

The color of the shank can also tell the master about the purpose of this file:

Additional information on the saw plane

On the neck of the file (between the shank and saw plane) there is a marking of the type of material from which the file is made.

Marking	Material
CV	Chrome vanadium steel (for wood and wood panels)
HCS	High carbon steel (for wood and wood-based panels, as well as plastic),
H.S.S.	High speed steel (for ferrous and non-ferrous metals)
H.M.	Hard alloy based on tungsten carbide (for ceramics, fiberglass, etc.)
BM(BIM or Bi-Metal)	Highly elastic combination of HSS and HCS (professional saw blades for wood and metal)

Purpose of the file:

Marking	Purpose
Wood	For soft wood and fiberboards
Hardwood	For hardwood and laminated panels
Inox	For of stainless steel
Alu	For aluminum
Metal	For sheet metal, metal profiles and pipes
Fiber&Plaster	For fiberglass
Soft-material	For soft materials (rubber, foam, cardboard, etc.)
Acrylic	For polycarbonate and plexiglass

Clarifying information defining the type of work:

Marking	Type of work
Basic	Standard blades for quality cuts
Speed	Fast cutting files
Clean	Blades for clean cutting (without toothing)
Progressor	Universal files with variable tooth sizes
Flexible	Blades with wavy layout for cutting metal
Special	Files for cutting ceramics, plastic and other highly specialized work

Bosch jigsaw

Almost every craftsman has an electric jigsaw. After all, wood is the most convenient material for home crafts. However, today the jigsaw is not the only one that can handle it, and the secret of new possibilities lies in saw blades – jigsaw files. In this article, we will introduce you to the standards of saw blades, as well as their areas of application.

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

Processed material

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

Tooth shape

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

Saw blade geometry

	The teeth are milled and set. The teeth are alternately bent in different directions. The width of the layout is considered normal if it is equal to one and a half thickness of the canvas. The routing prevents excessive heating of the saw blade and helps remove sawdust trapped between the saw blade and the walls of the cut. Used for quick cutting of hard and soft wood, non-ferrous metals and plastic.
	Milled teeth, wavy. Blade The setting is performed not through one tooth, but in groups, deviating either to the right or to the left. The saw blade is designed to obtain an even and clean cut when sawing aluminum, non-ferrous metals and plastics in a straight line.
	The teeth are ground, with conical grinding. The saw blade with a conical ground non-working edge is designed for clean cuts in wood and plastic.
	The teeth are ground and set apart. Saw blade for fast cutting of wood with a rough cutting line. Used for cutting soft wood (5-50 mm), blockboard, chipboard and fiberboard.

Tooth pitch

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

Saw blade width

The quality and speed of cutting when moving in a straight line, as well as the ability to cut curves, depend on the width of the saw blade. The wider the saw blade, the more stable it is: it allows a higher cutting speed and deviates less from the cutting plane. To cut curved lines, you should use narrower saw blades: they fit better into turns. It is important that the teeth of such a saw blade are located on the drive axis of the jigsaw. This increases the controllability of the tool: it can more accurately follow the intended cutting line.

File thickness

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

Saw blades for cutting wood

Below are saw blades for wood from Wilpu. The numbers in brackets indicate the corresponding Bosch equivalent.

	Precise cut, also suitable for plastic.High carbon steel saw blade with pointed teeth and conical grind. Provides a clean cutting line in softwood and chipboard up to 30 mm thick, as well as in plastic. (Wilpu NS 12 / Bosch T101 V)
	Bimetallic saw blade.The bimetallic saw blade is very durable, made by laser welding: the back part is made of flexible high-carbon steel, the cutting part is made of high-quality high-speed steel (HC 12 bi / T101BF)
	Saw blade with reverse tooth system.Thanks to the teeth directed in the opposite direction, the blade cuts when moving backwards. At the same time, the visible cut line remains clean and without chips. Scope of application: veneered boards (NS 12 R / T101BR)
	Clean line with curved cuts.With the saw blade width halved, the teeth are located on the axis of the longitudinal stroke of the jigsaw. With this blade you can cut along a very steep curve, as well as in a circle (NS 12 K / T101 AO)
	Saw blades for flooring.Special saw blade designed for processing materials such as laminate and parquet; the teeth are directed in the opposite direction and the distance between the teeth is smaller than that of traditional files (HC 19 R bi / T101 BIF)
	Wood sawing master.New generation of saw blades: the teeth have a special geometry and are triple sharpened. Very spicy! (NS 123 / T234 X)
	Universal saw blade.A saw blade for all occasions: this is a universal tool for rough and quick cutting of wood up to 5 cm thick. The file is made of high-carbon steel, the teeth are set apart and ground. Cuts quickly and cleanly (HGS 14 / T144D)
	Saw blades for wood up to 120 mm thick.The geometry of the teeth is the same as that of the universal saw blade, however, the length of the working part is 155 mm. Using this saw you can cut timber with a thickness of 120-130 mm (HGS 54 / T744D)

Specialized saw blades

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

	Saw for soft wood and insulating materials.Such saw blades have a tooth pitch of 1.2 to 2 mm; with their help it is convenient to saw soft wood, as well as various insulating materials (HW12 / T119A
	Sheet metal file.Saw blades with a small pitch and a wavy blade are designed for sawing thin sheet metal with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Since the tooth pitch is only 0.7mm, a clean cut line is obtained (MG107/T118G)
	File for plexiglass and metals.Plexiglas, polycarbonate, non-ferrous metals and aluminum up to 30 mm thick are not a problem if you use a saw blade with a clearance angle and pointed teeth (MC 12 bi / T101A)
	Steel file.A bimetal file with a wavy blade is designed for cutting sheet metal, multilayer materials, pipes and aluminum profiles (MG11 bi / T318AF)
	File for multi-layer materials.A special bimetallic blade is designed for cutting workpieces up to 120 mm thick, consisting of different materials(metal, insulating material). Highly flexible (MG 51 bi / T718HF)
	Wood file with metal.This saw blade with a tooth spacing of 1.8 to 2.5 mm is intended for sawing wood structural elements containing nails and other metal elements (MG 1014 bi / T111HF)
	Saw blade with a special tooth system.Universal saw blade with a special M-shaped tooth system. The saw blade quickly cuts material (wood and metal) when moving both forward and backward (ST-006 bi)
	Rubber file, carpets and skin.A jigsaw file with a wavy sharpening is designed for sawing materials such as cardboard, leather, rubber, polystyrene foam up to 120 mm thick, as well as carpets (313 AW / T313AW)

Saw blade shanks

	suitable for tools: AEG, Bosch, Metabo
	suitable for instruments: AEG, Atlas Copco, Bosch, Black&Decker, DeWalt, Elu, Festool, Flex, Hitachi, Holz-Her, Kress, Mafell, Makita, Metabo, Protool
	suitable for tools: Black&Decker, Skil, Ryobi
	suitable for tools: Fein ASt(e) 636,638; MOt 6-17-1
	suitable for tools: Fein ASt(e) 649; MOt 6-18-1, Spitznas
	fits tools: Makita

Jigsaw accessories

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

It would also be useful to have a parallel stop in the workshop, which ensures cutting of the same type of slats; the distance between parallel lines can vary up to 140 mm. A circular cutter will provide the ability to accurately process radius surfaces. Additional accessories significantly expand the capabilities of tools and give a new impetus to creativity.

A few visual examples of how saws work differently

Cuts were made in the veneer panel using a saw blade with teeth pointing upward (right) and using a saw blade with teeth pointing backward (left).	If you don't have a reverse-toothed saw blade handy when sawing veneer panels, apply Tesa adhesive tape along the cut line to help get a clean edge.
Using a simple stop, consisting of a bar and two clamps, you will get a precisely calibrated, even saw line	Use a circular cutter to cut in circles
This is just a dream for a home craftsman - a sawing table, for example, produced by Neutechnik	Special clamps will protect the panels being cut from the appearance of monstrous cracks

In addition to a drill and a screwdriver, every craftsman has a jigsaw in his garage. This tool is not very popular unless you are making structures and crafts from boards. However, an electric jigsaw is not just for woodworking. Depending on the work performed by the tool, there are corresponding jigsaw files. What they are, and how they differ - all this is described in detail in the material.

Why is it important to choose the right saw blades?

Only with the right choice of working attachments can you achieve high efficiency, productivity and quality of work performed. The jigsaw is multifunctional cutting tool, which is designed for sawing sheet materials - wood, metal, ceramics, plastic and more. To work with these materials, appropriate blades are installed in the jigsaw clamp.

The blade is a consumable material, but the process itself and the final result of the tool depend on the correct choice of the jigsaw file. To increase productivity and quality of work, you should select the appropriate jigsaw files for each type of material. The number of saw blades produced today is quite large, and therefore many questions often arise about which blades are the best and what to buy. This material will help you figure this out.

By what parameters are canvases classified?

A jigsaw blade is like a drill bit for a drill. When choosing, you need to take into account a number of main criteria. These criteria depend on the classification of electric saw blades. jigsaws. The classification is as follows:

• Shank type
• Material from which the nozzle is made
• Tooth shape
• Length
• Nozzle width
• Tooth pitch
• File thickness

Jigsaw blades differ in all these parameters. It’s clear what a jigsaw blade is for a power tool, and how they differ from a manual jigsaw. We will look at all types of files according to their classification in more detail below.

Types of blade shanks for jigsaws

Initially, we will pay attention to the design of the shanks on the blades. If you use one tool, then you probably don’t know that the saw holder devices are different. This depends on the tool manufacturer. According to the design of the shanks, the nozzles come in the following shapes:

• The T-shape design is the most common design option and was developed by Bosch. This type of shank is present not only on the tools of this company, but also on most other brands of jigsaws
• The U-type is a rare type of shank in Europe as it is an American invention. Suitable for older models of tools from brands such as Black&Decker, Skil, Ryobi and others. To do this, the jigsaw must have a saw holder with a screw and collet clamp
• With two holes - this type of shank is extremely rare today. Such blades were used on the very first Makita brand tools
• Double T-shaped or with two stops - such files are also extremely rare today. They were developed by Bosch and are a double T-shape. However, they did not gain popularity due to the complexity of the saw holder design, so today they are found as a rarity
• L-shaped is another type of fastening that is used on Peugeot jigsaws

Today, only the first two types of shanks are found on jigsaw files. To find out what blade is needed for the tool, you should look at the instructions or technical description online for the appropriate brand and model of tool. You can also clarify the type of holder by disassembling it. If your instrument has a rare saw blade design for which it is impossible to find blades, then this can be corrected by replacing the rod. The video material describes what types of saw blade shanks there are and how they differ.

This is interesting!To avoid questions about how to insert a file into a jigsaw, it is recommended to choose modern instruments with T-shaped saw holder designs. After all, shops and markets are overflowing with canvases with this type of shank design.

What does the color of the shank mean on canvases?

When purchasing, you can see that the tail parts (and sometimes the entire canvas) are painted in different colors. If you're wondering what this means, then it's time to find out the answer to this question. The colors of jigsaw shanks and files are as follows:

• Gray ones are the most popular. They are used for wood processing
• Blue - used for working with metal materials
• White - less common, and means the ability to process metal and woodworking materials
• Red - used for cutting plastic
• Black - designed for sawing all other materials such as ceramics, marble, granite

Knowing the color, you definitely won’t go wrong in choosing equipment for the appropriate work.

What materials are jigsaw blades made from?

What the nozzle is made of is another important indicator that affects the efficiency of work, service life, as well as the possibility of using saws for certain jobs. Depending on what materials the nozzle is intended for sawing, manufacturers make them from the following steel alloys.

1. For sawing metal. Metal blades for jigsaws are made from special high-speed steel HSS. The teeth on such blades are small, and their size depends on the degree of hardness. The harder the metal used to make the nozzle, the smaller the teeth. Also, saw blades for cutting metal are made using two types of alloys: HSS (high speed steel) and HCS (high carbon steel). Such blades are also called bimetallic or Bi-Metal, and they are intended for figured sawing of sheet materials made of steel and wood
2. For sawing wood materials. Initially, the jigsaw was intended specifically for woodworking. Moreover, it was used for cutting sheet wood materials, but soon the functionality of the tool began to expand, and today it can be used to cut not only wood, but also metal and ceramics. For the manufacture of blades for cutting wood materials, steels containing chromium and vanadium, as well as with a high carbon composition, are used. Chrome vanadium blades are designated CV (chrom vanadium), and are suitable for working with fiberboard, chipboard, MDF, plywood and others similar materials. If it is necessary to cut wood or plastic, then nozzles with the designation HCS are selected, which means high-alloy carbon steel. Saw files for woodworking are characterized by large tooth sizes and their spacing. For cutting chipboard, fiberboard and plastic, it is better to choose bits with fine teeth up to 3 mm and a small setting
   
3. For laminate. These are special blades that differ from those used for sawing wood. Their main difference is that, in addition to small teeth, they have reverse links. These reverse links prevent the formation of chips on the front side, which is important when processing decorative materials. Laminate sheets are made using two types of steel, whereby the nozzles are called bimetallic and are designated BIM (bi-metal)
   
4. For ceramic tiles- attachments for sawing high-strength materials, such as ceramic tiles, foam blocks, marble, etc., are made from tungsten carbide alloy. In addition to the use of a special high-strength composition, such nozzles have a distinctive design from all others. If the blade is made of tungsten carbide alloy, then the marking contains the designation HIM or HM (hard material). The hardness of the material reaches 79 HRC. If a file has the designation DIA, this means that it is made using diamond coating. Diamond blades are expensive and are intended for cutting ceramic tiles and granite
   
   
5. For cardboard, this is a special type of cutting element for jigsaws, which has a sharpened edge of a wave-like design. Such files are used to cut foam, rubber, cardboard and other types of soft materials. The file does not have sharp teeth, but instead there are wavy, sharpened tubercles. This design ensures that the material does not crumble and does not tear. As a result, the cut is smooth and neat. Jigsaws with cardboard files are also used to cut carpets
   
   

These are the main types of blades for jigsaws, which are designed to work with specific materials. However, there are also universal attachments. A distinctive feature of such blades is that they have large teeth on one side and small teeth on the other. As practice shows, it makes no sense to buy such attachments, since their main advantage is that you do not need to use more than two consumables when processing dissimilar materials.

What blades come in tooth shapes?

The shape of the teeth plays significant role when working with different materials. It is imperative to take into account the design of the teeth, otherwise in the process of processing certain materials you may encounter a decrease in productivity, and sometimes the operator may even discover that. We will consider further what types of teeth are found on jigsaw blades:

• Set milling teeth - the teeth have bends in different directions, which is achieved by 1.5 mm by setting them depending on the thickness of the blade. Routing plays an important role, as it eliminates the occurrence of strong heat and effectively removes sawdust from the cutting line. Files with this tooth shape are designed for processing hard wood, and are also used for sawing plastic and non-ferrous metals
• Wave-shaped milling - the setting is presented in a group deviation of the teeth to the left and right side. Each subsequent tooth has a distinctive amount of inclination, due to which a wave-like structure is formed. These types of files have found their application for clean cutting of plastic materials, as well as non-ferrous metals
• The polished shape of the teeth is also called conical. This type of teeth is popular when it is necessary to obtain a clean cut on workpieces. They are used for wood, plastic and other polymers. They have one drawback - they heat up quickly, so they cannot be used for a long time
• Sanded set links - they are used to quickly cut fiberboard, chipboard and plywood. In this case, the cut turns out to be sloppy, which leads to the need for additional processing with files.

Different manufacturers strive to improve their attachments, so it is possible that other variants of cutting edge shapes are also available on sale.

What does the width of the jigsaw blade affect and what are they?

You may not have noticed that the canvases differ in width. This parameter also plays an important role, and not only the service life of the jigsaw attachment depends on it, but also the ability to make straight and figured cuts.

A wide blade is more stable, but it cannot be used to make a shaped cut. Another thing is thin files, which not only cut neatly, but also allow you to easily negotiate turns, making shaped cuts.

The width of the canvas is available from 5 to 45 mm. When purchasing you need to remember the following:

• • If you plan to make a straight cut, then choose a wide file
  • For a shaped cut you need to take thin files

Manufacturers indicate on the packaging of a set of blades not only the width of the files, but also the type of cut for which they are intended - straight, rectilinear, figured.

What should the tooth pitch be and what does it mean?

As with conventional or, blades for jigsaws have such an important parameter as pitch. The pitch is the distance between the peak points of the teeth. The pitch is indicated by the TPI marking, followed by a digital value. This number indicates the number of teeth on the blade at a distance of 1 inch.

After the TPI value there can be any number that indicates the number of teeth over a length of 25.4 mm of the blade. Now let's figure out how the pitch of the teeth affects the quality and productivity of the cut. The fewer teeth per inch, the less accurate the cut. This is relevant for working with wood, so saws with TPI from 4 to 7 are used for such purposes. ordinary work blades with TPI from 7 to 9 are used, and a clean and accurate cut is obtained with at least 10-13 teeth per 1 inch.

What does tooth size affect?

The blades also differ in the size of the teeth. This parameter affects cutting speed and quality. The larger the tooth size, the higher the cutting speed, but the quality suffers. The file with the smallest teeth is marked with the letter A, and all subsequent letters of the Latin alphabet indicate an increased tooth size. For quick and at the same time rough cutting, blades with tooth sizes are used, designated by the letters B, C, and D. A video about the types of carbide files on a jigsaw is below.

The thickness of the blades affects the deflection of the nozzle

Another factor that influences the quality of the cut is the thickness of the saw attachment. They come in two types - thick and thin. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as a corresponding purpose.

• Thin blades provide an even and accurate cut, but during the sawing process they vibrate strongly, which depends on the hardness of the material being processed. In addition, their advantage is the low load on the tool, and the disadvantage is that they cannot be used for corner cuts.
• Thick files provide an even perpendicular cut and can be used for angular cutting of materials. Their disadvantage is that due to their size they increase the load on the engine and gearbox of the tool, so they cannot be used on low-power jigsaws

Even thick attachments are not suitable for the quick-clamping mechanism of the saw holder, so it is necessary to choose medium and small blades in thickness.

What kind of canvases come in length?

It is important to take into account one more parameter - the length of the canvas. Four indicators are used to indicate lengths:

1. With number 1 to 75 mm
2. With number 2 from 75 to 90 mm and belong to the medium category
3. With number 3 from 90 to 150 mm - long
4. With number 4 over 150 mm - the longest ones, which are designed to work with powerful jigsaws

The longer the blade, the thicker the sheet material can be cut with a jigsaw. The choice of blade length should be based on the calculation that the nozzle should be 2 times longer than the thickness of the workpiece being cut. Keep in mind that the large length of the equipment contributes to severe overload of the motor and gearbox of the power tool, so the jigsaw must have sufficient power to be able to use it with saws of 90 mm or more.

Markings on jigsaw blades - what does it mean?

There are no difficulties in choosing blades, since the nozzles are marked accordingly. From this marking you can find out all the detailed information about the cutting element. Let’s find out in detail what the marking of jigsaw blades means, how it is read, and what it is responsible for. Below is an example of jigsaw blade markings, which we will use as a guide when reading the designations.

Also presented above additional options types of shanks that are not found at all today. This is the US-shank and F-shape type standard on Fein models. The marking is indicated on the tail section and is a set of letters and numbers. Let’s look at what the letters and numbers on saw blades markings mean below.

1. The first letter is indicated, which indicates the type of shank. As already mentioned, the design of the shanks is different, and the corresponding letter indicates the following types: T - T-shaped design, U - y-shaped, M - suitable for outdated models of Makita brand jigsaws, F - Fein standard
2. The next designation in the marking is the length of the blade. The corresponding first number indicates a certain length range. If the number is 1, then this is the shortest file up to 75 mm, and 2 means the blade has an average length ranging from 75 to 90 mm. The number 3 means a length from 90 to 150 mm, and 4 means a blade length of more than 150 mm. After the first digit, additional digital designations (two digits) are written indicating the size of the teeth
3. The third, or rather fifth, letter in the marking is. These are four types of letters A, B, C and D, which characterize the size of the teeth from fine to coarse
4. After the digital designation, the marking ends with a letter. This letter indicates the accessory of the nozzle. Each letter has a corresponding purpose: F - equipment is made using two alloys, P - blades are thick and are designed for precise cutting, R - the tooth on the blade has a reverse design, X - universal, O - the blade has a narrow back shape

The type of steel from which the blade is made is also indicated on the shank. This has already been mentioned above. There are also English names on the canvases, indicating the type of materials for which it is intended. These designations and their interpretation are as follows:

1. Wood - intended for working with soft wood and other similar materials
2. Hardwood - used for sawing solid wood wooden materials and PVC
3. Inox - a specialized attachment for cutting stainless steel sheets
4. Metal - for working with metal workpieces
5. Alu - for aluminum
6. Acrylic - for polycarbonate
7. Laminate - for laminate
8. Soft material - for soft materials such as carpet, rubber, foam, polystyrene

The presence of other designations in English will not be difficult to translate using translators, which will give a clear picture of what specific purposes the nozzle is intended for.

All types of files for woodworking with a jigsaw description and purpose

Let's look at all types of saw blades for wood processing. Each type has a corresponding purpose, which must be taken into account when processing the corresponding types of materials.

A hand jigsaw is a convenient tool that allows you to cut not only wood, but also other materials. To obtain a high-quality cut without wasting unnecessary time, you need to install a file that will ideally cope with the task. Therefore, you need to know the characteristics of the product and be able to choose the right jigsaw files.

Shank type

The shape of the part of the file inserted into the jigsaw - the shank - determines the way it is clamped in the tool.

Saws with a T-shaped tail are ubiquitous. They are suitable for most modern models of jigsaws for wood, such as those developed by BOSCH, a trendsetter in this area. In jargon they are called "European type".

American models (DeWalt, Black&Decker) use saws whose tail end ends in a semicircular cutout resembling the letter U. Such shanks fit all clamps with a block or screw. In the jargon - “American type”.

There are still special Makita shanks and T-shaped “Bosh” shanks, but with two stops. They are suitable only for old models of jigsaws from these companies and, rather, are rarities.

Tooth shape

The width and cleanliness of the cut, as well as the suitability of the saw for cutting specific materials, depend on the method of sharpening and setting the teeth of a jigsaw on wood. There are 4 categories.

The first category includes milled files with a regular set. The classic set-up involves alternating bending of the teeth in different directions. A regular saw or hacksaw has such a problem. It produces a wide kerf and high cutting speed, but does not provide cleanliness. top scores are obtained by quickly cutting any type of wood, plastic and even metal.

The second category is milled with a “wave” type pattern. The teeth are not set one by one, but in groups of several pieces. The amount of spread is different for each tooth in the group, so the cutting edge looks like a wave. This file provides good cutting quality and is used for different materials when it is necessary to obtain an even and smooth cut without chips.

Next come files with ground teeth and a classic alternating set. They are characterized by high cutting speed and a wide kerf, the cleanliness of which is better than that of the milled version. Their purpose is fast but high-quality cutting of wood and wood-based materials (chipboard, fiberboard).

Finally comes the category of jigsaw files for wood without cutting with conical grinding of the teeth. The absence of a mark gives a clean and thin cut, but is not suitable for fast and rough cutting. Used for finishing wood and polymers.

Tooth pitch

The pitch is the distance between the two closest teeth of the saw blade. It is measured in millimeters and denoted by the letter t. Marking t3 means a tooth pitch of 3 mm. But often when marking this parameter, it is not the pitch (distance) itself that is used, but the inverse value - a number showing the number of teeth per inch of blade length. The generally accepted designation is TPI. The higher the TPI, the more frequently the teeth are spaced and, therefore, the smaller the pitch.

According to this parameter, jigsaw files for wood are divided by type of work:

• for rough cross cuts, TPI = 4–7 (t = 3.5–6.5) is suitable;
• ordinary carpentry – TPI = 7–9 (t = 2.5–3.5);
• cuts High Quality– TPI = 9–13 (t = 2).

When choosing a suitable step, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the material being processed. The cutting process should involve 5–7 teeth. If the thickness of the material is small and the tooth pitch is large, the blade will vibrate and tear the cutting edge.

Canvas dimensions

The capabilities of jigsaw blades are determined not only by the size and shape of the cutting edge. The geometric characteristics of the canvas itself also affect the speed and quality of work. Plus, its dimensions must be selected based on the type and dimensions of the material being processed.

Length

The lengths of jigsaw blades are in the range of 40–250 mm. When choosing a specific length of a jigsaw file, you need to take into account the thickness of the material in the work. It is clear that to cut thick pieces of wood you need a long blade for jigsaw machine on wood. But if you cut thin sheet materials with a long blade, then due to the possible bending of the metal, it is difficult to obtain an even cut.

Note! When working with long blades, you should understand that the working depth of the cut is affected by the power of the jigsaw.

Width

You need to select the width of the saw blade based on the type of work to be done. For simple sawing, where a straight and even edge is required, wide files are taken. A narrow blade may move during operation, and a straight cutting line will not work.

But when figure sawing With varying degrees of complexity, you need to choose narrow jigsaw blades. It is easier to direct them to the side, drawing curved lines.

Thickness

For sawing thin sheets the thickness of the file does not have any materials of great importance. But when working with thick workpieces, this size affects the quality of the sawn surface. Thin blades will deviate from the perpendicular line during operation, and the cut will be uneven. The thicker the blade, the more even the cut it provides. But there is one caveat - too thick a blade is not suitable for all models of jigsaws. Jigsaws equipped with quick-release devices may not be suitable for thick blades.

What do the markings on files mean?

Even knowing all the intricacies of choosing a suitable jigsaw file and having determined for yourself required values parameters, you can get confused among the many products offered. Don’t go to the store with a ruler and calipers, measuring the dimensions of each blade and the pitch of the teeth!

On files from well-known manufacturers it is necessary to apply different markings, giving approximate information about the parameters of this product. Of course, if you want to know the exact values, you can measure them with a ruler. But it is better to do this not with every canvas, but only with one - pre-selected by marking.

There is no mandatory labeling standard. Most manufacturers of jigsaw files adhere to the rules adopted by BOSCH. It is rare, but you can find markings that differ from these rules.

According to BOSCH standards, alphanumeric markings are applied to the shank of the jigsaw file. The first letter of the marking indicates the type of shank: T-shaped or U-shaped.

The number following the letter refers to the length of the canvas. But this is not the length itself, but the number of the corresponding length range.

1 – short files with a length of up to 75 mm;

2 – average length: 75–90 mm;

3 – long: 90–150 mm;

4 – very long, more than 150 mm.

The next two numbers encrypt the purpose of the file (according to the manufacturers). The same information is usually present in other places on the saw blade in a form that is more understandable to the consumer.

The first letter following the numbers indicates the tooth size:

• A – small;
• B – average;
• C and D – big.

The second letter (if there is one) gives additional information about files that are somewhat different from ordinary ones.

F – especially durable material, bimetal.

O - small width, for figured cutting.

P – large thickness.

R – reverse direction of teeth.

X – teeth of variable size.

Important information about the purpose is duplicated by the markings twice: by the color of the shank and the words on the canvas itself.

For wood - grey colour; the words Wood (plain wood) and HardWood (hard wood and laminate).

For metal – blue color; the words Metal (metal), Alu (aluminum), Inox (stainless steel). Universal tool for wood and metal – white color.

For polymeric materials – red color; the words Acrylic and Fiber&Plaster (fiberglass).

For other materials – black; for example Soft-material ( soft materials– rubber, foam).

For ceramics – Ceramics.

Elsewhere on the canvas there may be verbal information about the method of application and special properties (usually in smaller letters than about the material of use):

• basic – standard type canvases;
• speed – for fast cutting;
• flexible – with a “wave” type connection;
• clean - without streaks, clean cut;
• progressor – variable tooth size;
• special – for highly specialized applications (ceramics, durable plastic, etc.)

A letter marking of the type of metal from which it is made is applied to the neck of the file (between the shank and the blade itself):

• NM – hard alloy;
• CV – chrome vanadium alloy;
• HSS – high-speed steel;
• HCS – high carbon steel;
• VM or ViM is a particularly strong alloy.

Thus, by studying the markings on a jigsaw file, you can obtain comprehensive information about it.

Types of files according to purpose

The word jigsaw still evokes associations with wood. And although modern jigsaws are widely used for sawing plastics and metals, the main material for work is still wood and plywood. You also have to think most often about which blades to choose for a jigsaw on wood.

On wood

For general work on wood and its derivatives (plywood, chipboard, MDF), standard saw blades with a gray shank for simple or hard wood are chosen. The dimensions of the blade, the spread and the size of the teeth are selected individually. But sometimes it is necessary to perform work that differs from ordinary sawing.

If speed is important, even at the expense of the quality of the cut, then you need to choose long files with large teeth and big step. Divorce is also desirable more.

If you need to get an even and smooth cut without chips, then take blades with a small mark or without it at all. Teeth – medium or fine. Materials that have a finishing side (laminate, chipboard) have to be cut upside down. If you want to see the cut from the front side, then you need to choose files with the teeth in the opposite direction (the last letter of the marking is R).

For artistic cutting there should be a narrow blade no wider than 4 mm, small teeth and short length. Compliance with these conditions will allow figure cutting to be carried out at small turning radii.

For metal

An electric jigsaw is still not the best suitable tool for cutting metal. But if necessary, he can handle it if you choose the right file. The teeth of such files are very small and wavy; the blades are made of especially strong alloys, but they also quickly become dull. It is advisable to select files marked specifically for the type of metal you will be working with.

For polymer materials

The file markings contain designations specifically for working with such materials. Ordinary plastic and PVC products can also be sawed with wood blades. In this case, the teeth must be chosen larger and with a larger spread. A small tooth will not only cut, but also melt the material. For plexiglass, it is better to choose a metal fabric with a wavy pattern.

Manufacturers

BOSCH is considered the leader in the production of jigsaw files. This is perhaps the only company that provides its tools with a full range of saw blades. HITACHI and MAKITA are also popular, but they sometimes use other manufacturers to produce instruments. Among the domestic files with good quality, we can mention Ermak products.

In general, the range of products is quite wide, but in order not to make a mistake, it is recommended to give preference to proven brands.