All about canvases for jigsaws. Types of files for electric jigsaws: selection rules and their features. Special jigsaw blades

Almost every craftsman has an electric jigsaw (electric jigsaw). After all, the tree is the most comfortable material for home crafts. However, today the electric jigsaw is not the only one in the teeth, and the secret of new opportunities lies in the saw blades - files for the electric jigsaw. In this article, we will introduce you to the standards of saw blades, as well as their scope.

The modern master makes high demands on the tool he works with. He is interested in productivity, geometric accuracy of the cut, as well as the end result - the quality of the cut line. To choose the right nail file for your jigsaw, you need to consider a number of criteria: the material to be processed; pitch of 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 appointment. There are files for wood and for metal, for wood with metal included, as well as many types of files special purpose- for stainless steel, abrasive materials, laminate, ceramics, cement, for various types of plastics and fibrous materials.

Tooth shape

According to 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 the blade and the size of the teeth. A large number of fine teeth ensures accurate sawing, 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, divorced. The teeth are alternately bent in different sides. The wiring width is considered normal if it is equal to one and a half web thickness. The wiring prevents excessive heating of the saw blade and helps to remove sawdust that has fallen between the saw blade and the walls of the cut. Used for fast cutting of hard and soft woods, non-ferrous metals and plastics.

The teeth are milled, wavy. Cloth Wiring is performed not through one tooth, but in groups that deviate either to the right or to the left. The saw blade is designed to produce a smooth and clean cut when sawing in a straight line aluminium, non-ferrous metals and plastics.

The teeth are ground, with conical grinding. The saw blade with a conical non-working edge is designed for clean cuts in wood and plastic.

The teeth are ground divorced. Saw blade for fast sawing of wood with a rough cut line. Used for cutting soft wood (5-50mm), blockboard, chipboard and fiberboard.

Tooth pitch

In our country, pitch (t) is the distance between the tops of the teeth. In a number of countries, the pitch is designated TPI (teeth per inch) and is measured by the number of teeth per inch (for example, TPI \u003d 7, i.e. 7 teeth per inch). When sawing wood crosswise, 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), with responsible 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. Sawing is easier if at least 5-8 teeth are involved in the work at the same time. If this rule is not observed, the blade will vibrate during operation, and the cutting line will turn out to be crooked and torn.

Saw blade width

The width of the saw blade determines the quality and speed of cutting when moving in a straight line, as well as the possibility of cutting curves. The wider the saw blade, the more stable it is: it allows a high cutting speed and deviates less from the cutting plane. Narrower saw blades should be used for sawing curved lines: 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 cut line.

File thickness

The thickness of the saw blade 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 accuracy in the relative position of surfaces, it is better to use circular saws.

Saw blades for sawing wood

Below are saw blades for wood from Wilpu. Numbers in parentheses indicate the corresponding Bosch equivalent.
Precise cut, also suitable for plastic. High carbon steel saw blade with pointed teeth and conical grinding. Provides a clean cut line in soft wood and chipboard up to 30 mm thick, as well as in plastic. (Wilpu HC 12 / Bosch T101 B)

Bimetal saw blade. The bi-metal saw blade is very durable, manufactured by laser welding: the back 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 backward. At the same time, the visible cutting line remains clean and without chips. Scope - veneered boards (HC 12 R / T101BR)

Clean line for curved cuts. With a half-width of the saw blade, the teeth are located on the axis of the longitudinal stroke of the jigsaw. With the help of such a blade, you can cut along a very steep curve, as well as in a circle (HC 12 K / T101 AO)

saw blades for floor coverings. Special saw blade designed for cutting materials such as laminate and parquet, the teeth are reversed and the distance between the teeth is smaller than with traditional nail files (HC 19 R bi / T101 BIF)

Wood sawing master. The new generation of saw blades: the teeth have a special geometry and are triple ground. Very sharp! (NS 123 / T234 X)

Universal saw blade. A saw blade for all occasions: it is a universal tool for rough and fast sawing of wood up to 5 cm thick. The saw blade is made of high carbon steel, the teeth are set and ground. Cuts fast and clean (HGS 14 / T144D)

Blades for wood up to 120 mm thick. The tooth geometry is the same as that of the universal saw blade, however, the length of the working part is -155 mm. With 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 cut materials such as glass, stone or metal, you will need special saw blades with the appropriate characteristics. Obviously, the saw teeth must be harder than the material being cut. However hard materials have a big drawback: they are fragile, which causes frequent breakage of saw blades. For such cases, manufacturers produce bimetallic sheets. They consist of 2/3 elastic high carbon steel and one third hardened high speed steel. Such files provide an optimal price-quality ratio and quickly pay for themselves due to the long service life.

File 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 cut soft wood, as well as various insulating materials (HW12 / T119A

File for sheet metal. For sawing thin sheet metal with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, saw blades with a small pitch and a wavy blade are designed. Since the tooth pitch is only 0.7 mm, a clean cut line is obtained (MG107 / T118G)

File for plexiglass and metals. Plexiglass, polycarbonate, non-ferrous metals and aluminum up to 30 mm thick - no problem if you use this saw blade with a positive angle and pointed teeth (MC 12 bi / T101A)

File for steel. Bimetal nail file with corrugated blade for cutting thin sheet metal, laminated materials, pipes and aluminum profiles (MG11 bi / T318AF)

File for multilayer materials. A special bi-metal blade is designed for cutting workpieces up to 120 mm thick, consisting of different materials (metal, insulating material). Highly flexible (MG 51 bi / T718HF)

File for wood with metal. This saw blade with a tooth spacing of 1.8 to 2.5 mm is designed for sawing wooden structural elements containing nails and other metal elements (MG 1014 bi / T111HF)

Saw blade with special tooth system. Universal saw blade with a special M-shaped tooth system. The saw blade quickly cuts material (wood and metal) in both forward and reverse motion (ST-006 bi)

File for rubber, carpets and leather. Jigsaw file with a wavy edge 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 instruments: Black&Decker, Skil, Ryobi

Suitable for instruments: Fein ASt(e) 636.638; MOt 6-17-1

Suitable for instruments: Fein ASt(e) 649; MOt 6-18-1, Spitznas

Suitable for tools: Makita

Jigsaw accessories

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

It will not be superfluous in the workshop and a parallel stop, which ensures the cutting of the same type of rails; the distance between parallel lines can vary up to 140 mm. And the circular cutter will provide the possibility of precise processing of radius surfaces. Additional equipment greatly expands the possibilities of tools and gives a new impetus to creativity.

Several good examples different work files

The veneered panel was cut with a saw blade with the teeth pointing up (right) and with a saw blade with the teeth pointing backwards (left)

If you don't have a back-toothed saw blade handy when sawing veneered panel, apply Tesa adhesive tape along the cut line to help get a clean edge.

With a simple stop, consisting of a bar and two clamps, you will get a precisely calibrated, even saw line.

For circular sawing, use a circular cutter.

This is just a dream of a home craftsman - a table for sawing, for example, manufactured by Neutechnik.

Special clamps will protect the sawn panels from the appearance of monstrous cracks.

Description of nail files for electric jigsaw

T 101AO– BOSCH 101 AO jigsaw blades are designed for working with softwood, plywood, coated boards (1.5–15 mm), for curved cuts.
T 101 B- BOSCH T 101 B jigsaw blades are designed to work with softwood, chipboard, blockboard, fiberboard (3-30 mm), polymer / epoxy materials.
T 101BR- The file is used for working with soft woods, chipboard, fiberboard. File pitch - 2.5 mm., Length - 75 mm.
T 101D- The file is used for working with soft woods, fiberboard, chipboard. File pitch - 4.0 - 5.2 mm., Length - 74 mm.
T 127D– Use these files for cutting hollow profiles no more than 30mm with a thickness of the metal itself from 3mm to 15mm.
T 111D– Usage: fast rough cutting of plywood, plastic, wood 5-60mm thick.
T 244D– The saw is used to make even and curved cuts in softwood, fiberboard, chipboard, plywood. File pitch - 4.0 - 5.2 mm., Length - 74 mm.
T 144D– BOSCH T 144 D jigsaw blades are designed to work with softwood (5–50 mm), chipboard, wood core plywood, fiberboard
T 118A– For straight cuts in thin sheet metal (1-3 mm).
T 118 B– For straight cuts in medium thickness metal sheets (2.5-6 mm).
T 119 B– For straight cuts in softwood (2-15 mm), plywood, chipboard, wood core plywood, fiberboard.
T 119BO– For shaped cuts in softwood (2-15 mm), plywood, chipboard, wood core plywood, fiberboard.
T 111C– For straight, fast cuts in softwood (4-50 mm), chipboard, wood core plywood, fiberboard.
T 123 X– Use: metal sheets with a thickness of 1.5-10mm, profiles and pipes (also made of aluminum) with a diameter of up to 30mm.
T 344D– Use: cutting soft wood 10 – 85mm thick, wood core plywood, chipboard and fibreboard. Used for fast cuts.
T 301CD– Usage: cutting 10-85mm thick softwood, wood core plywood, chipboard and fiberboard.
T 345XF– Use: building wood with nails (less than 65 mm), plastic, sheet metal, wood materials, profiles and pipes (aluminum and not only) from 3 to 10 mm in diameter.
T 234 X– Usage: 3-65mm thick softwood, fiberboard, chipboard, wood core plywood.
T 318A– Usage: 1-3mm metal sheets, profiles and pipes.
T 301 DL– Designed for fast, fine cuts in hardwood, softwood, chipboard, fiberboard (10 to 85mm thick), laminated plastic (4 to 40mm thick).

Files Hitachi and Bosch

How to work with a jigsaw

Most of the work can be done even by the most simple models. But technology has stepped far forward and such a tool has become more convenient and versatile. For a long time there are hacksaws with electronic control and the pendulum motion of the canvas. The choice of the right electric jigsaw is only difficult due to the abundance of offers. Electronics and pendulum action have become standard. The best models have an easy and reliable saw blade change.

1.

The base plate of the electric jigsaw has a smooth adjustment of the angle of inclination up to 45 °. Additional equipment allows you to make oblique cuts (on the "mustache").

2.

The base plate also moves in the longitudinal direction, which makes it possible to cut close to the edge, for example, when working directly against a wall.

3.

The jigsaw compass allows you to cut circles, large holes and make precise roundings. The basis of the compass is an adjustable rod.

4.

The parallel stop is indispensable for long straight cuts. It is mounted on a base plate. The emphasis has an adjustable clamp of distance from the edge of the part.

Features and equipment of the electric jigsaw

Thanks to the eccentric transmission of the hacksaw, the rotational movement of the motor is converted into a vertical stroke of the slider. A saw blade is installed in the slider. The frequency of reciprocating movements of the blade indicates the speed of sawing. The speed can be controlled electronically. Wood is sawn at a faster rate, plastic and metal slower.

If you want to achieve the best results and have a versatile tool, then it is better to buy an electronically controlled model and special blades. The pendulum stroke allows the saw blade not only to move vertically, but also to move back. This ensures a better run of the blade into the material and the sawing speed is greatly increased.

The markings and the cut itself are always visible during operation. Modern instrument already equipped with local airflow and dust extraction. The base plate in most models changes its angle to the blade and allows you to make cuts on the “mustache”, and if you move it back, you can work right along the edge.

5.

If the distance to the outer edge is too large or the edge is not parallel to the cut, then the stop bar in the desired position is fixed with a clamp on the part

6.

A special workbench fixes the jigsaw permanently, which allows you to cut small parts. They can also be run parallel.

7.

An additional guide bar makes it easier to guide thin canvases. It can be equipped with its own tensioner for canvas.

8.

The protective protector, clinging to the surface of the material at the sawing point, prevents the material from tearing off along the edge of the cut.

Guides and fixtures for electric jigsaw

A jigsaw is a freehand tool, and in most cases this is how it is used. However, it is possible to make the job easier if long straight and round cuts are needed. A compass, parallel stop and stop bar will solve the problem. A slow blade feed will give the best results as it is flexible and tends to side slip and follow texture, especially in hardwoods. The workpiece to be sawn is always fixed. If the parts are so small that they cannot be fixed, then the tool itself is permanently installed. The necessary fixtures for this are offered.

9.

Soft materials such as rubber, leather, foam and carpeting are not sawn, but cut with special knives (often with a sawtooth blade).

10.

Even hard materials such as glass and ceramics will not complicate the jigsaw. Special carbide coated blades should be used.

11.

To avoid scratches on surfaces, a plastic shoe is placed on the base plate. Self-adhesive felt will perform the same function.

12.

When finishing rounded cuts, rasp and grinding attachments will help. Instead of a standard canvas, they can be installed in a jigsaw.

Quality cuts

Saw blades in such a tool work in tension, which leads to their straightening and the correct geometry of the cuts. But at the same time, edges without chips are obtained only from below. This must be taken into account when cutting furniture boards. Special canvases and experience will allow you to cope with this problem.

The teeth of a conventional jigsaw blade look up, so the material breaks out when returned, which leads to chips on furniture boards. If the part has to be cut with front side, then put a special saw blade with the reverse position of the teeth. In this case, the jigsaw is pressed tightly against the surface.

When it is not possible to cut from the back side of the part, and chips along the edges cannot be avoided, gluing adhesive tape along the marking of the part will help. Tape will prevent large edge chips. After finishing work, it is carefully removed.

http://remstd.ru/archives/kak-rabotat-elektrolobzikom/

The process of owning and operating a power tool is combined with the constant replacement of consumable work items.

The saw blade gradually loses its carbide tips, becoming inefficient; drill bits tend to break or grind off from constant contact with one or another dense material; a cutting disc for a grinder is enough for no more than ten minutes of intensive work.

File classification

The purpose of a jigsaw is similar to the purpose of a circular saw - cutting in a particular material. However, unlike a circular saw that can only make straight cuts, a jigsaw allows you to make circular and curly cuts. In many respects, this possibility is due to the consumable material of the tool - its file. The thin metal of the blade and small teeth of small size allow the jigsaw to maneuver when processing any material.

Most people use a jigsaw for sawing wooden blanks and wood-based products - chipboard, fiberboard, using the appropriate wood files. However, using special files, the tool can also process metal, plastic, cut finishing materials - such as tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware.

Wood saws.
Many jigsaws, regardless of brand, have an article number consisting of two capital letters and two numbers, separated from each other by a fraction sign.
Example: LE 80/800. LE - "electric jigsaw". The number 800 means the power of the position in watts. But the number 80 indicates the maximum thickness wooden product able to cut a jigsaw using the file that comes with it. That is, in this case, the thickness is 80 mm.

Important: The number in the article reflects the thickness of the wood! blanks. Modern jigsaws are capable of cutting metal, plastic and aluminum, but the maximum thickness of products in the case of processing products from these materials will be much smaller, and its value is never reflected in the model article.

Marking saw blades for wood:

Т101D: The most popular file model. Has large teeth big step and is designed for making rough cuts.

The shape and size of the teeth of this model allows it to cut not only standard wooden blocks and boards, but also large-section plywood.

T101B: Has finer teeth than the previous model and is designed for a clean cut.

Typically, files of this type are used to work with plywood and plexiglass.

T101BR: Same tooth size and pitch as previous model.

The difference is that the position of the teeth is reversed. Allows you to process such material as laminate, glued wood.

T119BO: The cross-section of this model is very thin, which makes it possible to make curved cuts.

The size of the teeth is very small, which allows the file to leave behind a clean and even cut on materials such as plywood, chipboard, fiberboard.

There are models of long files for electric jigsaw. For example, such as the T 345 XF. This variety allows you to easily cope with a board thickness of 100 mm.

Files for different types of work on wood, metal, plastic

Metal saws.
The thickness of the processed metal product is much less than the same value for a wooden workpiece. For the LE 80/800 electric jigsaw model given above, this characteristic will be 6 mm. A very small value compared to the fact that the maximum thickness of a wooden workpiece for the same tool position would be 80 mm.

Classification of saw blades for metal:

T118A: The ability to cut metal is made possible by the strong structure of its material and a very fine tooth.

In addition to metal products, the size of the teeth of such a file makes it possible to work with plastic.

T224D: Designed to work with aluminum products, the thickness of which can reach 20 mm.

Diamond saws.
Files of this kind are designed to work with fragile materials that tend to crumble during sawing. We are talking about materials such as tiles, slate and ceramic tiles. A diamond-coated blade allows you to cut metal, but such an application will lead to the fact that the consumable element will quickly fail and require replacement.

The peculiarity of diamond files is that their blade is completely devoid of teeth. The cut occurs due to the crumbs of diamond coating.
As a rule, an abbreviation of three Latin letters - DIA - is applied on the saw blade with an abrasive diamond coating.

Diamond plating and inscription DIA. Designed for ceramics.

How to insert a saw blade into a jigsaw

Changing the saw blade is a fairly common procedure, provided that the tool is used regularly. Jigsaw blades that have lost their effectiveness cannot be restored - it is much easier to purchase this consumable at the nearest tool store and replace it. Buying is not a problem.

Fortunately, we have not seen a shortage of such products for a long time, and the cost of a saw blade is clearly not affordable.
But replacing a file for an inexperienced user of a jigsaw can cause some difficulties. In order to avoid them, consider the main options and features of replacing the saw blade.

Shoe fastening.

For many models of household-grade jigsaws, the saw blade is fastened with a quick-clamping block, which fixes the saw blade with two front adjustment screws. Such a clamp for sawing a jigsaw is a slightly outdated design, however, it is not without advantages, the main of which is versatility - blades of any type and size are suitable for such a saw holder.

The disadvantage is that if the adjusting screws are unevenly tightened, the saw blade may be skewed, which will lead to a distortion of the cut.

The latter feature, however, can also be regarded as a positive factor in some cases. The fact is that the jigsaw rod can be bent over the course of operation. So, using the degree of freedom that the saw blade mount allows, you can use the same adjusting screws to bring the saw blade into a vertical plane.

Quick clamp.

A more modern saw blade attachment is a quick-clamping one. This design allows replacement without removing the tool cover. The process algorithm is very simple:
- We pull the lever located on the tool body - in this case, the rod automatically extends to the plane of the sole.

The shank of the file is inserted into the mount.

– With a special hex wrench, we fix the web by turning the adjusting screw. You can immediately tighten it to failure, and then, gradually loosening it, achieve the desired position.
With all the seeming simplicity and convenience of this design of the mount, there are points that can be called disadvantages. While the previous shoe system is universal in that all saw blade sizes are applicable to it, in the case of a quick-clamping design, only consumables with a specific shank shape are used.

On the other hand, a similar consumable is found everywhere, so this nuance should not be considered as a clear disadvantage. Another point is that the file in this type of mount has a small longitudinal play. It can be compared with the degree of freedom of the drill, which, being in the cartridge of the perforator, has the possibility of longitudinal movement. This feature does not affect the quality of the jigsaw in any way.

In the photo, the moment the web is inserted into the mount while the lever is pulled

There is another type of fastening that does not apply to quick-clamping and lies in the fact that the file is fixed with only one screw, unlike the first case, where there are two screws. This design is quite rare and is found, for example, on the jigsaw of the Protool brand.

Protool has a mount different from other electric jigsaws

Jigsaw blades DeWALT DT2216-QZ/ DT2220-QZ

These DeWALT blades belong to the XPC series and are designed to work with wood. High-quality steel guarantees wear resistance and long service life. Optimized tooth geometry, as well as increased blade stiffness, improves controllability, cut accuracy and reduces the chance of the blade accidentally breaking out of the material during cutting.

Large interdental cavities increase cutting speed and clear chips faster. Bimetal blades DT2220-QZ with a working length of 75 mm are recommended for processing wood, chipboard, plywood and plastic up to 60 mm thick. The unique geometry of the plunge point teeth allows you to comfortably make clean plunge cuts while avoiding kickback. Blades DT2216-QZ with a working length of 54 mm are designed for fast and accurate curved cutting of wood, chipboard and plywood up to 15 mm thick.

Now in the world of hand tools and tools, it is the jigsaw that is an example of a truly indispensable mechanism for processing the widest range of materials, equally suitable for working with both straight and any curved cuts. However, such wide opportunities are caused by manual jigsaws not only by the features of their design, but also by the richest assortment consumable tool for him - among saw jigsaw blades (colloquially - jigsaw saws). Undoubtedly, the German manufacturers of the BOSCH concern are the leaders in the production of such saw blades, so it will be interesting to get acquainted with its classification of the modern generation of jigsaw saws, learn the arguments and details from its weighty assessments.

Experience dictates that in sawing with an electric jigsaw it will be very important to choose the right file for the intended purpose. When choosing a jigsaw model for yourself, it is best to use those varieties that use files with a u-shaped or t-shaped shank, since such shank samples are more securely attached to this tool.

Tooth profiles are selected based on the density of the material being cut and the particular requirements for the quality of the cut (whether a wide and rough line of a quick rough cut will be tolerated, or will it have to be thin and clean, straight or figured ...). For example, if a jigsaw blade has set teeth, but it is not sharpened further after the milling stage, then such a blade will cut quickly, but with a rough cut quality. On the contrary, the teeth on the file, which are sharpened, but not divorced, will cut very cleanly. When sawing, parameters such as the tooth pitch and the material of the jigsaw itself will also be decisive. After all, say, in the process of sawing any metal, three or four teeth of the file will have to participate simultaneously in interaction with the workpiece (one or two teeth will turn out to be few in this sawing, and five to eight are already many). Therefore, for sawing thick workpieces, files with a fairly large pitch are used, for thin ones, on the contrary, with a small one.

Thus, Bosch specialists believe that their jigsaw blades, which have set milled teeth, are most convenient for cutting sheets with a relatively clean edge, making quick cuts on soft and hard wood, aluminum, plastic and non-ferrous metals. These are, for example, Bosch jigsaw files of articles E 127 D and T 345 XF.

Bosch saw blades, which have a wavy saw blade line with milled teeth, are designed for cutting workpieces in a straight line, where it is required to leave neat edges along the cut line: the material cut by such saw blades can be plywood, aluminum, non-ferrous metal, and plastic ( examples of such saws are jigsaw files Bosch articles T 119 V, T 118 A).

Varieties of "Boshevsky", whose teeth are set and ground, are recommended for quick and clean cutting of wood and plastic (for example, files with the article "Bosch" T 144 D, T 244 D).

Bosch also produces jigsaw saw blades in which the teeth are ground at a free angle. For example, jigsaw blades with a tapered back side are effective for making free cuts, for precise, clean cuts in wood and plastic (sample of such blades have BOSCH articles T 101B, T 101DP, T 234 X).

A large assortment of BOSCH is also observed in the materials that are used to make saw blades from them. Their short list is as follows:

HSS- this brand denotes blades made of high-speed, perfectly hardened, hard and durable steel. reverse side These characteristics of such steel is that it is brittle and difficult to process. HSS steel files are effectively used for work on metal, aluminum and non-ferrous metals.

HCS- brand of saw blades made of high-carbon tool mild steel. These qualities dictate its most successful use for cutting soft workpieces - wood, artificial materials.

HAS- brand of high carbon steel files, much stronger than HCS. Therefore, saw blades from this steel grade can be successfully used for sawing wood with nails inside its fibers, for sawing aerated concrete and soft non-ferrous metals.

Now at BOSCH you can also find in the assortment more complex, combined in composition materials for jigsaw blades:

Bimetal (F)- they are a highly elastic, inseparable connection of the blade of the HCS steel file itself, and on it there are strips of HSS steel, along which the tooth is cut. As a result of such a connection, a universal, very flexible, non-breakable file with a hard tooth is obtained, which significantly increases its service life and suitability for curved narrow lines of any figured cut, as well as for a clean straight cut. For curved cuts, it is better to use a narrow and short Bi-metal combination file.

H.M. (Piff)- in this combination of material for files, the HCS steel carrier is coated by spraying with a layer of special grains of hard metal (there are simply no individual teeth on such files). Such files are convenient to use for sawing glass, tiles, bricks and abrasive materials. If the HCS carrier is nevertheless made with teeth that are coated with a layer of hard metal by spraying, then such a saw blade can successfully saw hardwoods, reinforced fiberglass, asbestos cement and even abrasive material.

Files "progressor" saw blades are called, in which - different pitch teeth made of HSS steel at the end and beginning of the file. Thus, nporpeccop jigsaw blades with the article BOSCH T123 are universal in purpose for cutting wood and ferrous metals. The "progressor" file of article T234 made of HCS steel is produced by the "" concern for clean and fast sawing of wood.

This is the minimum knowledge about saw blades for electric and cordless hand jigsaws. However, in order to consider in detail the true diversity of these canvases, depending on various combinations materials from which they are made, and the shape of the teeth that are cut into them, you can provide a convenient summary table that will help you make an accurate and successful choice for the job.

So, the areas of application of various jigsaw saw blades from the BOSCH concern are as follows:

	For straight cuts	For shaped and curved cuts	in thick material	in thin material	For high precision cuts	In rough cuts	File flat, semicircular, three-sided	Creating high-precision parallel cuts
Options wood
hard wood, soft wood, plywood, fiber wood							T 132	T 101DP
fiber tree							T 132	T 101DP
Wood fiber polymer coating		T 101 AO		T 101 AO		T 101D		T 101DP
glued tree								T 101DP
Varieties metal
Metal, mild steel
Stainless steel		T 11I8 BOF	T 318 EHM		T 118AHM	T 118 ENM
Non-ferrous metals					T 318A
Puff materials	T 318 A/BF T 318 B/BF			T 318 A
Polymers
PVC, polymers				T 101 V	T 101 BR
Plexiglass	TI01 A	T 119 VO	T 101 A	T 118 BF	T 101 A	T 119 V
Asbestos cement, glass fiber polymers			T 341 HM		T 101 BF
Miscellaneous
Brick, glass, ceramics		T 130 RIFF	T 130 RIFF	T 15O RIFF	T 15O RIFF	T 130 RIFF
Leather, cardboard, rubber, insulating materials, carpet		T 101 AO		T 113 A		T 119 B

Let's also touch on the scope of hacksaw saw blades from the BOSCH concern.

materials
			material - metal									material - wood
			S 234XF	S 617 K	S 1111 K	S 1617 K	S 644D	S 744 D	S 1344 D	S 1531 L	S 1542 K	S 123XF	S 418 BF	S 427 D	S 518 A	S522AF	S 518 V	S 522 BF
wood materials	1	Solid wood	+				+	+	+
	2	Freshly cut wood		+	+	+		-		+	+
	3	chipboard	-				-	-	-
	4		+				-	-	-
	5	wood with nails										-
Plastics	6	PVC, polymers in general	-				+	+	+			-		+
	7 8	Glass fiber reinforced plastics INOX/stainless steel										-	-	-
	9	Metals										+		-	+	+	+	+
Metals	10	metal sheets										-			-	+	-
	11	Non-ferrous metals										+	+	-
	12	Aluminum										-	+	+			-	-
	13	metal pipes										-				-		+
	14
Various materials	15	Laminate/Cement bonded chipboard												-
	16	Aerated concrete Gypsum boards
	17	Brick
	18
materials
			metal											universal purpose
			S 518 G	S522EF	S 918 A	S 922AF	S 918B	S 922 BF	S 918 E	S922EF	S 1122AF	S 1122 BF	S 1122 EF	S 3456XF	S 611 VF	S 811 N	S 1211 N	S 1211 E
wood materials	1	solid wood												-	-	-	-
	2	Freshly cut wood
	3	chipboard												-	-	-	-
	4														-
	5	wood with nails												+	-	+	+	-
Plastics	6	PVC, polymers in general												-	+	-
	7							-				-		-	-
	8	INOX/ stainless steel
	9	Metals	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+
Metals	10	metal sheets	+	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	+	-	+
	11	Non-ferrous metals					-						-	-		+	-	+
	12	Aluminum					-	-				-		-	+	-	-
	13	metal pipes	-		-	+	-	-	-	+	-	+	-
	14										-			-
Various materials	15													-
	1	Aerated concrete Drywall														+	+
	17	Brick
	18	Leather Insulation materials Carpet/styrofoam														2
materials			Main application categories
			special appointment											universal purpose
			S918H	S 1018 N	S920CF	S 1020 CF	S922HF	S 1122HF	S 922 VF	S 1122 VF	S 1222 VF	S 1411D	S 1411 DF	S 828 D	S 518 EHM	S 641 HM	S 1141 HM	S 1241 HM
wood materials	1	solid wood						-				+	-
	2	Freshly cut wood
	3	chipboard						-				-	-
	4	Plywood, composite wood materials										-	-
	5	wood with nails	-	-	-	-	+	+	-	-	-		-
Plastics	6	PV C, polymers in general							-	-	-	+	+
	7								-	-	-				+	+	+	+
	8	INOX/ stainless steel													+
	9	Metals	+	+	-	-	-	+	+	+	+				-
Metals	10	metal sheets	-				-		-									+
	11	Non-ferrous metals	-	-			+	-				+	-
	12	Aluminum	-	-			-		+	+	-
	13	metal pipes	-	-	+	+	-		-	-	-
	14	Steel pipes, cast iron pipes			+	+		-		-	-
Various materials	15	Multilayer material Cement bonded chipboards							+	+	+					+
	16	Aerated concrete Drywall											+	+		+		+
	17	Brick
	18	Leather Insulation materials Carpet/styrofoam		2							+
materials			Main application categories
			special appointment
			S 2041 HM	S 1130 Riff	S 1121SB	S 1122 UB	S 1123 GB	S 1505	S 1508	S 713 A	S713AW
wood materials	1	solid wood				+	+	F	-F
	2	Freshly cut wood
	3	chipboard						-F	-F
	4	Plywood, composite wood materials						+	-
	5	wood with nails
Plastics	6	PVC, polymers in general						-F	-F
	7	Glass fiber reinforced plastics	+	+
	8	INOX/ stainless steel
	9	Metals			+	+	+		+ F
Metals	10	metal sheets	-	-
	II	Non-ferrous metals	-	-					+ F
	12	Aluminum							-F
	13	metal pipes
	14	Steel pipes, cast iron pipes		+
Various materials	15	Myogolayer material/Cement bonded chipboard
	16	Aerated concrete Drywall
	17	Brick
	18	Leather Insulation materials Carpet/styronor

Standard blades for manual jigsaws have a length of 130 mm, while in the assortment of 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 dimensions and tooth configuration.

In general terms, blades for manual jigsaws are similar to, but have one important difference: they always choose pinless files with flat ends, which can be fixed in tool clamps and threaded into thin holes without problems when creating small patterns.

The dimension of saw blades for a manual jigsaw is similar to that of a machine tool: #2/0 to #12. But practice shows that the most optimal options for manual sawing are numbers #3 to #9.

What files are better?

The quality of sawing directly depends on the characteristics of the blade. Therefore, it is better to always choose products from trusted brands. Their products are made from high-quality carbon steel, blades have clearly formed teeth with a positive sharpening angle; Blades are hardened for maximum hardness and longer life. Overpayment in this case turns out to be a justified investment in the convenience of work, high quality project performance and long blade life.

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 best suited for a particular type of wood and the project as a whole. To decipher this marking, it is important to get acquainted with the key concepts.

TPI is 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 of the cut line.

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

Tooth setting – designed to prevent jamming of the file in the workpiece, which in turn ensures trouble-free sawing (especially of steep turning and curved lines) and minimizes the formation of chips. The width of the cut when using such files increases slightly, which should be taken into account when preparing the project.

File classification

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

Standard (Standard Tooth) - classic files, the teeth of which have the same size, direction and distance from each other.
Files with a missing tooth (Skip-tooth Blades) - the absence of teeth provides effective chip removal from the surface of the workpiece and increases sawing speed. Unlike classic options they heat up less and wedge less often.
Blades with double teeth (Double-tooth Blades) - these blades cut a little slower, but leave a perfectly smooth cut line. They also effectively remove chips and overheat less.
Reverse files (Reverse Skip-tooth) - blades, part of the teeth of which is directed upwards. They cut the wood when the jigsaw moves back, which reduces the number of chips on the back of the workpiece.

Dimension table

The table below contains basic information regarding the dimensions and markings of modern saw blades for manual jigsaws. Referring to it, you will know how to choose the right blade number for cutting wood of a specific thickness.

Despite the motley palette of options, the gold standard for sawing manual jigsaw are the blades number #3 , #5 and #7 .

At first, it can be difficult for beginners to control the file, which constantly leads to the side. Without gaining proper experience, it is advisable to use canvases With great value TPI: they cut more slowly, but allow better control of the cut line.

Working with files with a reverse tooth is not the most the best solution for a beginner. It takes some experience to master this blade. Otherwise, the workpiece will bounce up and sawing will be very slow.

What to choose for thin plywood?

When working with thin material, use canvases with the maximum number teeth per inch. Thin blades with a high TPI value cut less aggressively, exert little stress on the fragile edges of the workpiece, and do not lead the jigsaw to the side. These characteristics make them optimal for sawing. small parts and patterns from thin plywood.

There are 4 classes of files for:

for sawing wood;
for sawing wood with metal;
for sawing metal;
for sawing other materials (plastic, tiles, foam, cardboard, etc.).

According to the type of fastening - with T-shaped and U-shaped fastening. Files with a T-shaped are the most common.

According to the saw blade material:

High carbon steel (HCS)
High speed steel (HSS)
Bimetal (BiM)
Carbide (HM)

By type of cut - standard (basic), clean (clean), fast (speed), precise angle(precision).

Basic- the most common saws. They have wavy milled teeth. The price is the minimum. Used when the quality of the cut is not important.

Clean- files with polished undiluted teeth. They are used when you need to get a clean cut, without chips.

speed- saw blades with polished set teeth. Used when cutting speed takes precedence over kerf quality.

precision- files with ground divorced teeth and a thick canvas. Used when you need to get a smooth, parallel cut. Indispensable for cutting chipboard for making furniture at home.

Also distinguish:

saw blades for straight and curved cuts. Files for a curved cut have a characteristic bend in the upper part;
saw blades with straight and reverse teeth. Files with a straight tooth are sawn when the file is moving down and therefore the upper surface of the sawn part is obtained with chips. Files with a reverse tooth are sawn during the sawing up, so chips are formed on the lower surface. When sawing with such files, it is necessary to firmly fix the part.

The class of the file can be determined by the color of its shank, which is marked:

Gray - for wood;
White - for wood with metal;
Blue - for metal;
Red - for polymers
Black - for other materials.

Blade marking.

The first letter is T or U. The type of attachment of the file. Most jigsaws have a T-shaped saw blade, but there are also U-shaped mounts.

The first digit 1,2,3,7 is the working length of the file.

1 - short (up to 75mm)

2 - medium (75 - 90 mm)

3 - long (90-150 mm)

7 - very long (more than 150mm)

The second and third digits determine the purpose of the file.

Subsequent letters:

A,B,C,D- saw tooth size.

F- bimetallic files. Such files have an increased service life, they cut faster and better.

P- cut at a precise angle. Such files have a thick blade, so they cut the material strictly perpendicular to the surface.

O- curved cut

R- reverse tooth

X - universal file for any materials

HM- carbide saw blade

This classification is conditional and is not always respected, therefore the most reliable way choose a suitable file - know its characteristics.

Wood files

T101B- short file (74 mm) with fine teeth. Serves for sawing soft wood, plywood up to 30 mm thick. Thanks to the fine tooth, the cut is clean.

T101BR- differs from T101B back tooth. Serves for sawing laminate and other materials when chips on the front surface are undesirable. In practice, the use of such a file is quite difficult, since a reliable support of the part being cut is necessary and sufficient pressure on the jigsaw due to the fact that the file “cuts up”, that is, when moving down, the file goes idle, and when moving up, it cuts. Because of this, with insufficient pressure on the jigsaw, the sawn part will vibrate. It is easier to use a regular file (for example, T101B) and turn the part over with the laminated side down.

T101P- differs from T101B larger tooth (4.5 mm). You can cut the same materials, but up to 45 mm thick.

T301CD- differs in length (91 mm) that allows to cut materials up to 65 mm thick.

T101AO- short saw blade with fine teeth (1.4 mm) for clean curved cuts in wood and plywood with a thickness of 1.5 to 15 mm.

T101BIF- a short file with fine teeth and a bimetallic blade. Serves for sawing laminated chipboard up to 15mm thick.

T101BF- differs from T101BIF with a larger tooth (2.7 mm), which allows sawing materials up to 30 mm thick.

T101BRF- differs from T101BF back tooth.

T144DP- thick file with polished, large (4 mm), strongly spaced teeth. Due to these properties, the saw cut is even, strictly perpendicular to the surface, the file does not lead away. The disadvantage of this file is a rough cut and a large number of chips due to rather large teeth. Serves for sawing thick joinery slabs (doors, countertops).

T144DF- Differs from T144DP bi-metal blade, thanks to which this file lasts longer and cuts better. True, its cost is 2-3 times more.

T344DF- differs from T144DF only working length 126 mm, instead of 74 mm for T144DF.

T345XF- universal long file(106 mm) with a bi-metal blade and large teeth. Serves for sawing wood with nails, as well as wood, plastic, metal (including aluminum).

Files for metal

T118A- short file with fine teeth for sawing metal sheets up to 13 mm thick.

T318A- differs from T118A in the working length of the file, for sawing metal pipes diameter up to 65 mm.

T118G- file with very fine teeth (0.7 mm) for sawing very thin metal sheets (0.5-1.5 mm)

Universal files

T234X, T123X - universal saw blades for sawing various types of wood, metal and plastic.

Files for special purposes

T118AHM- file for thin stainless steel (up to 2 mm)

T118EHM- file for stainless steel of medium thickness (2-5 mm)

T301CHM- file for fiberglass up to 65mm thick

T141HM- drywall file and cement particle boards up to 50 mm thick

T341HM- different from T141HM working length (106 mm), which allows you to work with material up to 85 mm thick

T101A- file for organic glass up to 20 mm thick

T113A- file for cardboard, leather, rubber up to 50 mm thick

T313AW- file for cardboard, polystyrene, rubber up to 100 mm thick

T130Riff,T150Riff- files for tiles. These files are made of hard material and have a diamond coating and are designed for sawing wall tiles and fiberglass. The difference between these files in the quality of the cut: T130 - coarse cut, T150 - clean.

T308B, T308BF - a specialized file that allows you to cut materials laminated on both sides. Thanks to the two rows of teeth, the cut is practically chip-free. But it is relatively thin, so in inexperienced hands the file is taken away and it is quite difficult to get a straight cut.

Main selection criteria
Tooth shape
different pitch
Nozzle thickness
Attachment form
Marking features
Manufacturer's brands
Other Choice Tips

Using an electric jigsaw, you can process solid wood, plywood, chipboard, chipboard, cut out various shapes, cut parts, adjust their dimensions to the desired parameters. The tool is universal, has different saw blades. There is a standard set of nozzles.

Main selection criteria

You need to pay attention to:

Nozzle performance.
Cutting accuracy.
Cutting line quality.
The structure of the processed material.
The shape of the teeth, the pitch with which they are located on the base.
The width of the canvas, its thickness.
The material from which the jigsaw blade is made.

Each type of foundation has different strength web resistance. So, a laminate saw cannot be used to work with solid wood. There are blades for stainless steel, ceramics, hardened cement, fibrous materials. Nozzles must be used strictly for their intended purpose..

Tooth shape

Allocate:

Milled divorced. The teeth are bent in different directions. This prevents excessive heating of the blade during operation, allows you to remove sawdust that has fallen between the walls of the cut. Suitable for plywood, hardwood, softwood, plastic, non-ferrous metals.
Wavy milled. The layout of the cutting base is carried out in groups. Several teeth at once deviate first to the left, then to the right. This allows you to get a clean, chip-free cut, to make a straight line. Suitable for materials made of aluminium, plastics, non-ferrous metals.
Teeth with conical grinding. Are used for production of a pure cut of a tree, plastic.
Divorced polished. They are used for sawing soft wood, chipboard, chipboard, fiberboard.

Jigsaw files
Working tooth length	Part size (pitch)	Divorce	Usage	What it looks like (click to enlarge)
75 mm	8 s / d (3 mm)	Side	Soft hard rocks up to 60 mm thick. Especially for longitudinal sawing. Rough cut.
75 mm	6 s / d (4 mm)	Undercut and lateral	Like the previous one, but drank clean
67 mm	6 s / d (4 mm)	Undercut	Hard and soft woods, artificial wood materials up to 60 mm thick. Very clean cut.
50 mm	12 s / d (2 mm)	wavy	Artificial wood materials up to 30 mm thick. Very thin cut.
50 mm	12 s / d (2 mm)	wavy	For cutting sharp curves in wood and artificial wood materials up to 20 mm thick.
75 mm	10 c/d (2.5 mm)	Undercut	Reverse tooth for downward sawing. For plastic coated boards.
60 mm	6 c/d (4.5 mm)	--	Tooth tips coated with tungsten carbide, especially nice results when working with chipboard with a high content of adhesive mass.
70 mm	--	--	Semicircular flat and triangular files. For wood and artificial wood materials.

When buying, you need to pay attention to the height of the teeth. Smaller ones provide accurate sawing, but the blade will work slowly. Large ones will allow you to work quickly, but the cut line is rough.

different pitch

When choosing a part, you need to take into account the pitch - the distance between the tops of the teeth. It has the letter t. There is a table made up like general recommendation to the choice of saw blade. Its basis is a formula that indicates the number of teeth per inch of blade. If the marking indicates TPI 7, then there are 7 teeth per inch.

If it is necessary to make a longitudinal straight cut of a wooden base, it is better to choose a nozzle with the following parameters: t = 3.5–6.5 mm, TPI 7.
For general carpentry work, medium-pointed bits, t=3 mm, TPI 9, are suitable.
For figure sawing - with small sharp protrusions, t=2 mm, TPI 9–13.

In order for the tool to vibrate less in the hands during operation, it is better to choose blades with at least 5–8 sharp protrusions in one step.

What should be the width of the nozzle

The greater the width, the more stable the nozzle in operation, the fewer deviations from the cut cavity. For curly lines, it is worth choosing narrower canvases. If the teeth are on the drive axis, the tool will be easier to control.

Nozzle thickness

For sawing a strictly perpendicular line on a thick wooden base nozzles must be used thick. How thinner material, the thinner the canvas should be.

Attachment form

Shanks can be with one stop and T-shaped fastening, two stops and U-shaped fastening.

Marking features

Nozzle types:

For cutting any kind of wood. With a gray tail (marking is applied to it).
For wood with metal. With a white tail.
For metal. With a blue ponytail.
For plastic, tile, cardboard. With a black ponytail.

From the marking you can find out what metal the part is made of. The abbreviation HCS means that the blade is made of high carbon steel. HSS - high speed steel. BIM - from bimetal. HM - Carbide.

For cutting plywood, soft-fiber wood, laminated chipboard, chipboard with a thickness of not more than 30 mm, plastic, it is better to choose HCS blades. The teeth of such files have a pointed shape, conical grinding. High flexibility prevents breakage. HSS files are designed for cutting metals. They have a curvature in the lower part, it is necessary to prevent metal scuffing. These bits are thinner than wood cutting blades, but they are harder.

Bimetal nozzles are durable. They are made by laser welding. Based on high carbon steel. The back part is formed from it, the teeth are made of high speed steel. The nozzle is suitable for cutting curves and straight lines. HM blades are designed for sawing lightweight concrete, fiberglass, tiles.

For laminate, veneered boards, a blade with a reverse tooth system is used. The cutting occurs in the opposite direction, towards itself. Such a move allows you to process parts of different lengths, get a clean line, without chips.

Manufacturer's brands

Manufacturer only trademark BOSCH produces a wide range of nozzles. Market share - about 90%. HITACHI, MAKITA and other electric jigsaws also include many different saw blades, but parts are made by third parties.

It is important to take into account the power of the tool, the ease of mounting the blade in the holder. Professional jigsaws are sold in cases. The kits include accessories.

Under conditions of intermittent home renovation there is a need for a tool such as a jigsaw. They can cut any material quickly and, with a little skill, evenly. It will help you cut round or square holes and also cut off a flat strip. With it, you can even create any piece of furniture yourself.

They do such manipulations with the help of special files, which differ in their characteristics.

Marking

To choose the right file, you need to know the distinguishing features of the product types. Labeling can help with this. These are certain alphanumeric abbreviations that indicate the properties of the nozzle and its quality characteristics.

Such designations are necessary primarily for people who are not professionally engaged in repairs and cannot determine the purpose of a particular nozzle due to external characteristics.

The main part of the information that is needed for the right choice is located on the tail of the file. It includes letter designations and numbers. Each symbol carries specific information.

The initial letter characterizes the type of tail, which can be:

T- figurative form;
U- figurative view;
M- fastening is suitable only for the Makita brand;
Fein standard.

The second sign in a row indicates the length of the canvas, which is produced:

1 - up to 7.5 cm long;
2 - sizes from 7.5 cm to 9 cm;
3 - length from 9 cm to 15 cm;
7 - with a maximum length of more than 15 cm.

To find out the material for which the file is intended for cutting, you need to pay attention to the color of the shank.

So, a gray tip indicates the possibility of cutting wood, a blue one indicates any metal structures, and a blade with a red tip can cut a plastic surface.

In addition, by the abbreviation on the neck, you can find out the type of blade steel.

Distinguish:

HM– hard metal alloys;
HCS (CV)– steel products with high carbon content;
HSS– steel that cuts quickly;
CV– chromium and vanadium steel;
BM (BiM)- Combination of hard alloys and high speed steel.

The last combination is the strongest and most durable.

There are also universal blades that can be used when cutting any material. However, it will be difficult to cut out various shapes with such a blade, so a set of a large number of files is needed for professional activities.

materials

Generally speaking, all canvases are made from metal alloys. To cut softer materials, they simply produce metal blades. If it is necessary to cut metal, then the technology of fusion of several components is used to increase the strength of the product.

There are materials that are super strong. These can be attributed ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware and granite, decorative rock. For their accurate and high-quality cutting, non-standard solutions are needed, as they are very durable and easily prickly. That's why blades for cutting with a jigsaw are produced with a special coating or soldering of hard alloys.

So, the coating of the cutting edge is often diamond. Its main indicator is graininess, which can be high or low. The absence of chips and cracks along the cut, as well as the speed of the process itself, directly depends on the level of graininess. The higher it is, the easier it is to make a high-quality and accurate cut.

There are a few general rules for all types of materials. A blade with a large width can make a straight cut. If it is supposed to perform curly cutting, then it is better to choose a canvas a little narrower.

However, cutting with an electric jigsaw of hard materials (porcelain stoneware), in any case, the process is lengthy. That's why this device justifies its use only for figured cutting of parts.

Purpose

These products are also distinguished by the material that they can cut.

Cloths are produced:

for plastic;
tree;
metal;
ceramics;
concrete;
stone;
cardboard (chipboard);
universal.

Modern jigsaw files have a large number of parameters by which they can be distinguished. However, for ordinary users, these markings do not say practically anything. The most simple and understandable is the difference in purpose. That is, the difference between the canvases according to the materials that they can cut.

When working with wood, they use blades made of steel grades: BM, CV and HCS. As for chipboard, to get a neat cut without chips, the dimension of the saw teeth should be A or B. Big sizes Type D blades help you make straight rough cuts in thick wood and chipboard or fiberboard. An example is the T344C blade.

For cutting cardboard, there is also a modification of the file. It has a rather unusual wavy blade without teeth. When working, the blade smoothly divides the material into parts.

This option is also suitable for others. soft materials:

rubber;
polystyrene;
carpet.

The blade marked T101BR is considered the most suitable for them. The middle teeth of this blade help to avoid damage to the material in areas along the cut.

For shaped cutting of the above materials, it is best to choose a small, narrow blade with medium teeth (T101BO). The small size makes it easy to maneuver the tool.

Sawing metal constructions, you need to know that BM and HSS steel files with wave-like teeth give a clearer and even cut. Sheets of metal that are up to 0.3 cm thick can be cut with T118A, up to 0.6 cm with T118B. When the metal is very thin (up to 0.15 cm), then the blade is taken with microscopic teeth, with the designation T118G.

If we are talking about a metal profile or pipes up to 3 mm, which is important when repairing water supply and hanging towels in the bathroom, then use the T318A canvas. Its length can reach up to 15 cm.

When it comes to PVC, they are used as special files for processing plastic materials, and ordinary products for wood or metal. A smooth cut will be obtained when using a blade with large teeth, since the crumb heated by friction from the plastic can fill the working part of the file. The speed of the jigsaw itself is best made minimal. The blade steel grade can be either CV or HCS or HSS.

Thick surfaces are easier to cut with a blade with a medium tooth and a short length - T101BF.

Plexiglas is well cut with a T101A metal file with fine teeth.

An important element repairs are and ceramic products. They have a very fragile structure, so the use of a file with teeth is impossible. In such cases, a special blade is needed, which instead of teeth has an abrasive coating of diamond grit.

It is also possible to use a device with a tungsten carbide coating, but they are only suitable for thin wall tiles. Cutting them on tiles will be ineffective. The marking of such a file must contain the letters HM.

If necessary (in the absence of a grinder), concrete pavements, blocks or stone can also be cut with an electric jigsaw. The blade for such cutting has a double marking: Gasbeton / Kunststoffe and Fiber / plastic HM / CT- 31137. Some experts say that a metal saw is also suitable for such work, however, the blade does not last long.

And finally, a universal blade, which is convenient for making not only rough cuts wooden surfaces up to 5 cm in thickness, but also to cut steel, plastic and soft metals.

Dimensions

The marking of the dimensions of the jigsaw blades given above allows us to draw conclusions about the types of blades by size. Files can be small, medium and large. In this case, the dimension describes the length. In this case, the marking C simply means a long blade, and D indicates the maximum length of the file.

It is believed that the longer the blade, the better it cuts in a straight line. Medium and short options are suitable for curly cutting.

But there are also features of the paintings different widths. This parameter determines the amount by which the blade deviates from the perpendicular during cutting. The wider the file, the greater the deviation it gives. Therefore, wide options for a jigsaw nozzle are used for straight cutting, and thin ones for curly cutting. In addition, the features of the tip of the blade most often do not allow it to be fixed in the self-clamping mechanism of the tool.

Ponytail shape

By this indicator, you can determine which brand of equipment and type clamping mechanism an electric jigsaw fits a saw blade.

The T-shaped tail was invented by Bosch engineers, so this blade is suitable for this brand of equipment. Later, other companies also began to use this form.

The shank in the shape of the English letter U is the know-how of American craftsmen. In the technique that is sold on our market, such a shank is suitable for old models of electric jigsaws, as well as for units with clamping shoe and screw types.

The ends of the Makita and Bosch type files are suitable for the equipment of the manufacturers of the same name, respectively.

Geometrical parameters of the teeth

The width of the cut, its accuracy, as well as the speed of work directly depend on the shape and location of the teeth.

The geometry of the teeth is:

divorced milled;
wave-like milled;
conical grinding;
divorced polished.

Milled teeth with a dilution in both directions in turn help the blade to avoid overheating. It is convenient to cut non-ferrous metals with such files.

With wave-like milling, the teeth are set in groups smoothly, with a slightly greater inclination of each subsequent tooth, also alternately to the right and left. They are used for clean cutting (cutting with cleanly processed, chamfered edges).

Tapered blades also provide clean cuts on plastic, wood, and laminate.

Files with set tooth grinding are used, if necessary, to carry out a rough cut of materials such as fiberboard, chipboard and soft woods.

How to choose?

In today's market there is big choice saw blades for electric jigsaws. Cloths vary greatly in price and quality. Given the insecurity of using low-quality files, it is advisable to purchase proven products. This can be selected according to the popularity of the brand. The policy of such companies is to maintain a positive reputation for products, so they only release reliable products on the market.

The best manufacturers of components for electric jigsaws are Makita, Bosch, and Matabo.. The best option a combination of pricing and quality distinguishes sets of canvases from the Bosch brand. Their canvases are very easy to use and have a high level of performance. Sadly, but the products of this manufacturer are also the most often counterfeited, so it is best to buy files in specialized construction stores who can provide quality certificates for their product.

However, fake components can also be distinguished visually. For example, when there is corrosion or other damage on the product, there is no doubt that the canvas is fake. Also, counterfeit products can be identified at the edges of the product. Files released "in the basements" have an end rounded on one side. Such a defect is obtained due to the process of stamping sheets from sheet metal. For real products, the ends of both sides will be equally rectangular.

And, of course, you should pay attention to the quality of the marked inscriptions. If they are fuzzy or blurry due to the use of cheap paint, then a fake is obvious.

Subtleties of operation

In order for the canvas to last as long as possible, it must be properly used and stored. First of all, if the work is performed by a non-specialist, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the instructions for clamping the blade in a jigsaw, since a wide variety of manufacturers has led to the presence of non-standard designs of locking mechanisms.

Sharpening is also important to maintain working condition. You can determine the need for such manipulation by the deviation of the cutting angle from the guide (from 90 degrees to 45).

When the teeth of the file become dull, they must be sharpened with a diamond file if the teeth are small, and with a medium or diamond file if they are large or medium.

How to choose files for a jigsaw, you will learn from the video below.

Bosch jigsaw

Almost every craftsman has an electric jigsaw (electric jigsaw). After all, wood is the most convenient material for home crafts. However, today the electric jigsaw is not the only one in the teeth, and the secret of new opportunities lies in saw blades - jigsaw files. In this article, we will introduce you to the standards of saw blades, as well as their scope.

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 for metal, for wood with metal inclusions, 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

Saw blade geometry

	The teeth are milled, divorced. The teeth are alternately bent in different directions. The wiring width is considered normal if it is equal to one and a half web thickness. The wiring prevents excessive heating of the saw blade and helps to remove sawdust that has fallen between the saw blade and the walls of the cut. Used for fast cutting of hard and soft woods, non-ferrous metals and plastics.
	The teeth are milled, wavy. Cloth Wiring is performed not through one tooth, but in groups that deviate either to the right or to the left. The saw blade is designed to produce a smooth and clean cut when sawing in a straight line aluminium, non-ferrous metals and plastics.
	The teeth are ground, with conical grinding. The saw blade with a conical non-working edge is designed for clean cuts in wood and plastic.
	The teeth are ground divorced. Saw blade for fast sawing of wood with a rough cut line. Used for cutting soft wood (5-50mm), blockboard, chipboard and fiberboard.

Tooth pitch

Saw blade width

File thickness

Saw blades for sawing wood

Below are saw blades for wood from Wilpu. Numbers in parentheses indicate the corresponding Bosch equivalent.

	Precise cut, also suitable for plastic.High carbon steel saw blade with pointed teeth and conical grinding. Provides a clean cut line in soft wood and chipboard up to 30 mm thick, as well as in plastic. (Wilpu HC 12 / Bosch T101 B)
	Bimetal saw blade.The bi-metal saw blade is very durable, manufactured by laser welding: the back 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 backward. At the same time, the visible cutting line remains clean and without chips. Scope - veneered boards (HC 12 R / T101BR)
	Clean line for curved cuts.With a half-width of the saw blade, the teeth are located on the axis of the longitudinal stroke of the jigsaw. With the help of such a blade, you can cut along a very steep curve, as well as in a circle (HC 12 K / T101 AO)
	Saw blades for floor coverings.Special saw blade designed for cutting materials such as laminate and parquet, the teeth are reversed and the distance between the teeth is smaller than with traditional nail files (HC 19 R bi / T101 BIF)
	Wood sawing master.The new generation of saw blades: the teeth have a special geometry and are triple ground. Very sharp! (NS 123 / T234 X)
	Universal saw blade.A saw blade for all occasions: it is a universal tool for rough and fast sawing of wood up to 5 cm thick. The saw blade is made of high carbon steel, the teeth are set and ground. Cuts fast and clean (HGS 14 / T144D)
	Blades for wood up to 120 mm thick.The tooth geometry is the same as that of the universal saw blade, however, the length of the working part is -155 mm. With 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 cut materials such as glass, stone or metal, you will need special saw blades with the appropriate characteristics. Obviously, the saw teeth must be harder than the material being cut. However, hard materials have a big drawback: they are brittle, which causes frequent breakage of saw blades. For such cases, manufacturers produce bimetallic sheets. They are 2/3 flexible high carbon steel and 1/3 hardened high speed steel. Such files provide an optimal price-quality ratio and quickly pay for themselves due to the long service life.

	File 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 cut soft wood, as well as various insulating materials (HW12 / T119A
	File for sheet metal.For sawing thin sheet metal with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, saw blades with a small pitch and a wavy blade are designed. Since the tooth pitch is only 0.7 mm, a clean cut line is obtained (MG107 / T118G)
	File for plexiglass and metals.Plexiglass, polycarbonate, non-ferrous metals and aluminum up to 30 mm thick - no problem if you use this saw blade with a positive angle and pointed teeth (MC 12 bi / T101A)
	File for steel.Bimetal nail file with corrugated blade for cutting thin sheet metal, laminated materials, pipes and aluminum profiles (MG11 bi / T318AF)
	File for multilayer materials.A special bi-metal blade is designed for cutting workpieces up to 120 mm thick, consisting of different materials (metal, insulating material). Highly flexible (MG 51 bi / T718HF)
	File for wood with metal.This saw blade with a tooth spacing of 1.8 to 2.5 mm is designed for sawing wooden structural elements containing nails and other metal elements (MG 1014 bi / T111HF)
	Saw blade with special tooth system.Universal saw blade with a special M-shaped tooth system. The saw blade quickly cuts material (wood and metal) in both forward and reverse motion (ST-006 bi)
	File for rubber, carpets and leather.Jigsaw file with a wavy edge 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 tools: AEG, Atlas Copco, Bosch, Black&Decker, DeWalt, Elu, Festool, Flex, Hitachi, Holz-Her, Kress, Mafell, Makita, Metabo, Protool
	suitable for instruments: Black&Decker, Skil, Ryobi
	suitable for instruments: Fein ASt(e) 636.638; MOt 6-17-1
	suitable for instruments: Fein ASt(e) 649; MOt 6-18-1, Spitznas
	suitable for tools: Makita

Jigsaw accessories

A few illustrative examples of the different work of files

The veneered panel was cut with a saw blade with the teeth pointing up (right) and with a saw blade with the teeth pointing backwards (left)

If you don't have a saw blade with reversed teeth on hand when sawing veneered panel, stick Tesa adhesive tape along the cut line, this will help to get a clean edge.

With a simple stop, consisting of a bar and two clamps, you will get a precisely calibrated, even saw line.

Use circular cutter for circular sawing

This is just a dream of a home craftsman - a sawing table, for example, manufactured by Neutechnik

Special clips will protect the sawn panels from the appearance of monstrous cracks

Jigsaw blade holders are divided into 2 types. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. When buying, it is first recommended to find out what types and features of jigsaw files are.

The choice of a jigsaw file requires close attention. Material, type of work, cutting requirements, etc. must be taken into account.

Types of saw blades

Shank type is one of the main parameters. There are 2 main types:

T-shaped. The type was introduced by Bosch and has become widespread among power tool manufacturers. Often, T-shaped files are called “Boshevsky”. They are used in jigsaws of almost all manufacturers: Makita, DeWalt, Bison, Skil, Interskol, etc.
U-shaped. It is used in obsolete American-made models: DeWalt, Stayer, Skil, Black&Decker, etc.

There are files with Makita and Bosch shanks, which were used in older models of equipment from the respective manufacturers. Now they are not only not used, but they are difficult to find on sale.

Dimensions

When choosing a canvas, pay attention to its size. The choice depends on the work and materials to be used.

The length of the saw ranges from 40 to 250 mm. The larger the parameter, the thicker the material is able to process the device. However, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the equipment itself, since it also has limitations.

For cutting workpieces of small thickness, you should choose a short tooling. It does not give a strong deformation, and the cut is smooth, without burrs.

The width of the file is selected in accordance with the operations performed. For a straight cut, wide blades are taken. They provide a smooth, clean cut. For figured work, narrow files are placed, allowing you to create all kinds of bends and patterns.

The thickness of the saw blade affects how a straight cut is made vertically. The larger the parameter, the less likely the cut will deviate from the perpendicular. However, when choosing the thickness, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the jigsaw itself. So, not all devices with a quick-clamping fastening system can work with thick files.

Varieties of saw blades according to the geometry of the cutting edge

Blades for electric jigsaws differ in the layout of the cutters and the geometry of the cutting edge. The stronger the teeth are retracted, the faster it will be possible to cut the workpiece. However, this reduces the quality of the cut. Also, the choice of geometry is influenced by the material with which to work. There are the following types of saws:

Milled with a classic divorce. In such canvases, the even incisors are bent in one direction, and the odd incisors in the other. This geometry helps to reduce the heating of the file and increase the processing speed. However, the quality of the cut suffers. Milled blades are intended for processing wood, polymeric materials and metal blanks.
Milled with a wavy divorce. In this case, the incisors are bred in opposite directions not by 1 piece, but by 5-10 at once. In this case, the teeth in the group are bent from the axis by a different amount. As a result, a wave-like shape of the edge is formed. Such canvases are intended for a clean cut of wood, plastic, plywood, chipboard.
Polished with a classic divorce. The cutters of the files are bent one by one in different directions, after which they are polished. After cutting, a wide cut line of medium purity is obtained. Used to work with wood, plywood, chipboard, etc.
With conical polishing without divorce. The incisors of the canvases are not bred to the sides, but only polished. Such equipment gives a thin line of a cut of high purity. Designed for sawing wood, plastic and laminated workpieces.

Classification by type of processed material

Jigsaw blades are classified according to the material they are designed to process. However, the main function of the tool is wood processing. Therefore, canvases on wood are the most common and numerous. They are divided into the following types:

For fast cutting. Provide a fast cut with low quality. Distinctive features: the maximum length of the file is 60 mm, large incisors - up to 6 mm, large wiring - about 1 mm.
For a clean cut. Provides a smooth, burr-free cut. They differ in the average size of the incisors (up to 3 mm) and small wiring. The teeth may be tilted away from or towards the jigsaw. For work on laminate, it is recommended to use the 2nd version of the canvas. If you cut plywood with a jigsaw, then you can use any of the options.
For shaped cutting. Used for cutting curves, incl. with a small radius. Often used when cutting plywood. Distinctive features of a saw for a figured cut: a blade of small width no more than 4 mm, cutters - up to 2 mm, length - no more than 40 mm, the back with a bevel.

The next type of files is designed for metal work. Although the tool is rarely used for processing material, canvases for work are produced.

Distinctive features of the equipment: made of high-strength steel, have small teeth no larger than 1 mm and wave-like wiring. The canvases, in turn, are divided for work on aluminum, steel and other non-ferrous metals.

Fabrics for processing glass and ceramics are produced. For their manufacture, special high-strength alloys are used, and a tungsten carbide coating is applied to the cutting edge. Diamond coating is less common. Power tools are used only in the case of a curly cut.

Files for drywall and other materials with abrasive particles have hard alloy soldering on the working edge.

Equipment for processing workpieces made of soft materials resembles a knife. The edge has a wavy polished surface without incisors.

Universal blades are also produced, which are used for sawing various materials. For their manufacture, high-speed steel is used. Cutting with such files is of low quality.

How to decipher the marking?

There are no uniform marking requirements for jigsaw blades, however, many manufacturers adhere to Bosch standards.

The main information is marked in the tail section. The first letter indicates the type of shank (T- or U-shape).

Then number goes characterizing the length of the file:

1 - short (up to 75 mm);
2 - standard (from 75 to 90 mm);
3 - elongated (from 90 to 150 mm);
4 - long (from 150 mm).

The second and third digits indicate the purpose of the canvas.

Then again comes the letter indicating the size of the incisors:

A - small;
B - medium;
C and D are large.

The final letter gives Additional information:

F - bimetallic files;
O - narrow canvas;
P - thick canvas;
R - files with reverse teeth;
X - nail files with a variable size of incisors.

The purpose of the blade also characterizes the color of the shank:

gray - for wood;
white - for wood and metal blanks;
blue - for metal blanks;
red - for plastic;
black - other materials.

The steel grade is indicated on the neck of the tooling:

CV - chrome vanadium (for blanks made of wood and wood boards);
HCS - high carbon (for wood and plastic blanks);
HSS - high-speed (for metal blanks);
HM - hard alloy based on tungsten carbide (sawing on tiles, glass, ceramics, etc.);
BM (BIM or Bi-Metal) is a combination of HSS and HCS (professional equipment for cutting wood and metal blanks).

The designation characterizing the purpose is also marked on the canvas:

Wood - for softwood and fibreboard;
Hardwood - for hardwood and laminated panels;
Inox - for cutting stainless steel;
Alu - for cutting aluminum;
Metal - for cutting sheet metal, metal profiles and pipes;
Fiber&Plaster - for cutting fiberglass;
Acrylic - for sawing plexiglass and polycarbonate;
Soft-material - for cutting cardboard, rubber, etc.

Types of file holders

There are 2 types of saw blade attachment in a jigsaw: automatic and mechanical.

Automatic quick clamping system

At automatic system the canvas is installed in the grip with the shank and fixed with the help of grooves.

To replace the file, a special lever is provided, thanks to which it is not necessary to remove the protective cover. With the help of the adjusting screw, the required position of the file is attached.

The advantages of this method are the speed and ease of replacement, which do not require special skills.

The disadvantage is the wear of parts, leading to a decrease in the quality of the cut, and the complexity of repair due to the lack of spare parts (especially for Chinese equipment).

Mechanical (manual) fastening method

With the mechanical method of fastening, the replacement of the file and the adjustment of its position is carried out manually. Such fastening differs in reliability, durability, good quality of a cut. In the event of a breakdown, repairs are cheap. Details are easy to find (bearings, Interskol jigsaw rollers, etc.). The disadvantage is the complexity of the process and the ability to correctly insert the file into the jigsaw.

The mechanical method of fastening is divided into shoe and screw.

In the first case, the jigsaw blade holder is made in the form of a block with a slot, which is clamped with 2 front screws.

This fastener is suitable for various files. However, uneven tightening of the screws leads to a skew of the blade, which affects the quality and speed of the cut.

With a screw clamp, the file is fixed and adjusted with 1 screw. This provides correct installation and quality equipment.

File classification

How to insert a saw blade into a jigsaw

Shoe fastening.

Quick clamp.

The shank of the file is inserted into the mount.

Jigsaw blades DeWALT DT2216-QZ/ DT2220-QZ

What files are better?

Let's understand the basic concepts

File classification

Dimension table

What to choose for thin plywood?

Blade marking.

Wood files

Files for metal

Universal files

Files for special purposes

Main selection criteria

Tooth shape

different pitch

What should be the width of the nozzle

Nozzle thickness

Attachment form

Marking features

Manufacturer's brands

Marking

materials

Purpose

Dimensions

Ponytail shape

Geometrical parameters of the teeth

How to choose?

Subtleties of operation

Processed material

Tooth shape

Saw blade geometry

Tooth pitch

Saw blade width

File thickness

Saw blades for sawing wood

Saw blade shanks

Jigsaw accessories

A few illustrative examples of the different work of files

Types of saw blades

Dimensions

Varieties of saw blades according to the geometry of the cutting edge

Classification by type of processed material

How to decipher the marking?

Types of file holders

Automatic quick clamping system

Mechanical (manual) fastening method

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