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 divorce is the alternate bending of the teeth in different sides. 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 if necessary, 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);
• high quality cuts – 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

Not only the size and shape of the cutting edge determine the capabilities jigsaw files. 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

Lengths 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 long cloth thin sheet materials, then due to 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 sheet materials, the thickness of the file does not have 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!

Files from well-known manufacturers are necessarily marked with various markings that provide 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.

For polymer 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):

• HM – 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 ordinary work For wood and its derivatives (plywood, chipboard, MDF), choose standard saw blades with a gray shank for simple or hard wood. 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 saw blades. HITACHI and MAKITA are also popular, but they sometimes use other manufacturers to produce instruments. From domestic files with good quality You can note the products "Ermak".

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.

The combination of accurate cutting of workpieces with good speed of work is possible only with the correct choice of cutting blade for each specific operation. When choosing files for a jigsaw, you need to understand their technical parameters and the key differences between them.

When purchasing consumable equipment for a jigsaw, first study the product markings, then look at the shape of the shank, blade geometry, type and size of teeth.

Types of paintings - deciphering the inscriptions

Some manufacturers use the European standard from Bosch to classify products, others indicate it in addition to their labeling.

The purpose of a saw for any material is indicated by the following inscriptions:

1. Wood – soft wood and medium density composite boards.
2. Hardwood – laminate, hard wood.
3. Fiber, Plaster – fiberglass products.
4. Acrylic – polycarbonate, plexiglass.
5. Metal – galvanized profile, tin, pipes.
6. Inox – stainless steel.
7. Alu – aluminum.
8. Soft-material – cardboard, rubber, carpets, polystyrene.

Inscriptions indicating the grade of steel used in manufacturing:

1. HSS is a high quality alloy for fast cutting of hard materials.
2. HCS – alloy steel for cutting wood and composites.
3. Bi-Metal (BM) is a blade consisting of the two previous alloys and is suitable for most tasks.
4. HM – a saw with a carbide working part for cutting blocks and ceramics.

Marking specifying the type of work:

1. Clean – for a clean cut.
2. Basic is a regular file suitable for various tasks.
3. Speed ​​– for fast and straight cuts.
4. Flexible – flexible metal file.
5. Progressor is a universal blade with teeth of different shapes.
6. Special – blade for plastic, ceramics or other specific materials.

Jigsaw files for wood

Quick cutting of timber or boards, which does not require smooth edges, is carried out with a long blade with large teeth, a wide working part and a fair gap. This canvas is useful for construction work in which speed is important. For example, when breaking an old window or cutting sheathing bars.

It is better to saw along the fibers with a blade with oblique incisors, and across - with straight ones. A cut in a thick board will move less away from the vertical if you use a saw with large teeth without setting.

Saw blades for fine cutting of wood have small teeth and a small gap. These blades can be used to carefully cut furniture panels or parquet boards. A minimum of chipping on the laminated panel is ensured by jigsaw files, on which the cutters are arranged in two rows.

A blade with a reverse inclination of the cutters cuts the material as the pendulum moves downwards, which allows marking and sawing from the front surface. In fact, this is not entirely convenient - you have to hold the jigsaw harder, overcoming the pushing of the blade out of the cut line.

Figure cutting is performed with narrow files with a semicircular back side. These blades have fine teeth and a short length. They pass curved sections without chipping and easily rotated in the cut.

Blades for electric jigsaw for metal

Blades with wavy teeth, reminiscent of hacksaw files, are designed for cutting profiles and sheet metal. Their incisors are small and separated in groups of several pieces. Special bimetallic blades with large teeth in the middle and small teeth at the edges are used for cutting sandwich panels.

Files for polymers

Thin plastic, ebonite, plexiglass and textolite are cut with a metal blade. Thick plastic workpieces are cut with a wood saw by turning off the jigsaw pendulum and setting the speed to low. A curved cut of polymer materials is made with a narrow wood blade.

Window sills and pipes made of polyvinyl chloride are cut with a saw with large teeth into medium frequency stroke or fine-toothed at low speed, eliminating heating of the material.

Special files for jigsaws

For sawing drywall and materials containing cement, blades with carbide tips are intended. They cut well thermal insulation mats. A blade without cutters coated with a carbide compound can cut tiles or cut fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The working part of jigsaw files used for rubber, carpets, cardboard and similar soft materials is similar to the blade of a knife.

The length of the file is selected based on the thickness of the material being processed. The tip of the blade should always come out of the cut, regardless of the stroke of the pendulum.

In a home workshop, a set of 6–10 files is enough. To begin with, you can purchase an inexpensive set of canvases for various purposes and master the intricacies of the work. Then, based on your experience, choose necessary files for a jigsaw.

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

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

Classification of files

The purpose of a jigsaw is similar to the purpose circular saw– making a cut in a particular material. However, unlike a circular saw, which can only make straight cuts, a jigsaw allows you to make circular and shaped cuts. This possibility is largely due to the consumable material of the tool – its file. The thin metal blade and small, small teeth 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 appropriate wood saws. However, using special files, the tool can also process metal, plastic, and cut finishing materials such as tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware.

Wood files.
Many jigsaws, regardless of brand, have a part 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 of a wooden product that a jigsaw can cut 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 when processing products from these materials will be much less, and its value is never reflected in the model number.

Marking of wood saws:

• T101D: The most popular file model. It has large teeth, a large pitch 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 clean cuts.

Typically, saws of this type are used for working with plywood and plexiglass.

• T101BR: The size and pitch of the teeth are similar to the previous model.

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

• T119VO: The cross section of this model is very thin, which gives it the ability to perform figured cutting.

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 saw blades for jigsaws. 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 files.
The thickness of the metal product being processed is much less than the same value for a wooden workpiece. For the LE 80/800 jigsaw model given above, this characteristic will be equal to 6 mm. Very small value compared to the maximum thickness wooden blank for the same tool position will be equal to 80 mm.

Classification of metal files:

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

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 files.
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 can also cut metal, but such use will lead to the consumable element quickly failing and requiring replacement.

The peculiarity of diamond files is that their blade is completely devoid of teeth. The cutting occurs due to diamond dusting crumbs.
As a rule, an abbreviation of three Latin letters – DIA – is applied to the blade of a diamond-coated abrasive file.

Diamond coating and DIA inscription. Designed for ceramics.

How to insert a file into a jigsaw

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

Fortunately, we haven’t seen a shortage of such products for a long time, and the cost of the saw blade clearly won’t hurt your pocket.
But replacing a file for an inexperienced jigsaw user can cause some difficulties. In order to avoid them, we will consider the main options and features of replacing the saw blade.

Block fastening.

In many models of household jigsaws, the saw blade is fastened with a quick-clamping block, which secures the saw blade using two front adjustment screws. A similar clamp for a jigsaw file is a slightly outdated design, however, it is not without advantages, the main one of which is versatility - blades of any type and size are suitable for such a saw blade holder.

The disadvantage is that if the adjusting screws are unevenly tightened, the saw may become skewed, which will lead to a distorted cut.

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

Quick-release fastening.

A more modern fastening unit for the file is the quick-clamping one. This design allows for replacement without removing the tool casing. 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.

Using a special hex key, we fix the blade by rotating the adjusting screw. You can immediately tighten it until it stops, and then gradually loosen it to achieve the desired position.
Despite all the apparent simplicity and convenience of this design of the fastening unit, there are points that can be called disadvantages. If the previous block system is universal in the sense that all standard sizes of saw blades are applicable to it, then in the case of a quick-clamping design only consumables with a certain form shank.

On the other hand, such consumables are found everywhere, so this nuance should not be considered as an obvious drawback. Another point is that the file in this type of mount has a slight longitudinal play. It can be compared with the degree of freedom of a drill, which, being in a hammer drill chuck, has the possibility of longitudinal movement. This feature does not affect the quality of work of the jigsaw in any way.

The photo shows the moment of inserting the blade into the mount while the lever is pulled

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

Protool has a different mount than other jigsaws

Files for jigsaws DeWALT DT2216-QZ/ DT2220-QZ

These DeWALT blades belong to the XPC series and are designed for working with wood. High-quality steel guarantees wear resistance and a long service life. Optimized tooth geometry, as well as increased blade rigidity, improves controllability, cutting accuracy and reduces the likelihood of the blade accidentally coming out of the material during cutting.

Large interdental cavities increase cutting speed and clear chips faster. Bimetallic 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 perform a clean plunge cut while avoiding kickback. DT2216-QZ files 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.

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

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

Marking

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

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

The numbers on the shank mean:

The first digit is the length:

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

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

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

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

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

On wood

Main purpose electric jigsaw- This is sawing wood. There are a huge number of files for this purpose and they are all different. Let's go in order.

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

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

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

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

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

For metal.

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

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

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

Sawing on tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware.

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

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

Standard blades for hand-held jigsaws have a length of 130 mm, with a variety 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 size and tooth configuration.

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

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

Which files are better?

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

Let's understand the basic concepts

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

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

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

Tooth set – created to prevent the saw from jamming in the workpiece, which in turn ensures trouble-free cutting (especially sharp 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 making the project.

Classification of files

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

Dedicated to all happy owners of an electric jigsaw.
Choosing the right jigsaw file.
The scope of application of an electric jigsaw is simply enormous. But for each type of work, for each type of material, you need your own, suitable file.
It’s very easy to get confused about the labeling of saw blades, but we will help you using the example of saw blades from a leader in this industry company BOSCH.

Compatibility of nail file and jigsaw shank

First you need to pay attention to first letter in the file marking, which indicates the type of shank and compare with the one used in your jigsaw.
« T» - T-shank, the most popular, worldwide standard from BOSCH

« U» - U-shaped shank, mainly used in USA

« M» - for jigsaws Makita

Choosing a nail file depending on the material of the workpiece

Now you need to determine what you will cut. The material from which the canvas is made depends primarily on this. For convenience, BOSCH marks its files with the appropriate symbols and the color of the shank.

Wood- Soft wood, fiberboard, chipboard
Material HCS– high carbon steel, gray files

Hardwood- Solid wood, wood boards, laminate, countertops
BiM – bimetallic files, gray

Metal- Ferrous and non-ferrous metal, pipes, profiles
H.S.S.– tool high-speed steel or BiM – bimetallic, blue blades

WOOD and METALL- Wood with nails, tin, aluminum
BiM– bimetallic files, white

ALU- for aluminum
steel H.S.S., blue files

There are also black and gold nail files for non-standard materials.

Choosing a nail file depending on the type of work

Suitable for most tasks standard universal files with inscription
BASIC(base)

If necessary quick rough cutting you should buy nail files
SPEED(fast)

For ultra-precise cutting You will need nail files marked CLEAN. The special tooth shape makes the cut smooth and neat.

CLEAN(clean)

FLEXIBLE(flexible) – a type of bimetallic (BIM) files specifically for metal cutting

SPECIAL(special) – SAW SAWS for specific work (sawing ceramics, plastic)

PRECISION(accurate) – for precise parallel cutting while maintaining angles

For sawing laminated materials such as chipboard, saw blades with letter R in the notation.

Marking of jigsaw files

In principle, this data should be enough when purchasing a BOSCH nail file for any purpose.
But for those who are especially curious and for professionals, we will provide a decoding of the symbols with all the details.
The jigsaw file marking looks like this: for example - T101D
First letter we sorted it out - this fastening type.
T- T-shaped;
U-U-shaped;
M – for Makita jigsaws

Next digit stands for length saw blade:
1 – standard, most common file up to 75 mm long;
2 – medium - 90 mm;
3 – extended – 150 mm;
4 – extra long, more than 150 mm
The length of the blade should be such that when working, the tip of the file is always outside the workpiece being cut.

Second digit points to appointment files:
0 – plexiglass, polycarbonate, wood;
1 – wood, steel, non-ferrous metals;
2 - steel, non-ferrous metals, aluminum;
3, 4, 5 – nail files special purpose(plasterboard, cement, porcelain)
As you can see, there is no clear relationship, so usually the second and third digits are skipped when deciphering the files.

And here letters, coming after the numbers, deserve close attention

A, B, C, D(immediately after the numbers) – tooth size(Ascending);
The larger the tooth, the higher the cutting speed, but the rougher the cut.
A- small tooth. Used when a clean cut is important;
IN- middle tooth. Universal nail files. Excellent sawing speed and a very clean cut;
C And D- the largest tooth. Files with such a tooth are used for quick cutting and for soft materials.

The next letter (it may not exist) indicates the features of the file:

F– bimetallic sheet BIM
Files with such a blade have increased strength and durability
ABOUT– file with a narrow back Forcurvilinear(curly) cut
R– canvas for precise cutting from any angle. The canvas is thicker and does not bend at all
R– a file with teeth directed towards reverse side, it works on the downward movement of the nail file. This feature is necessary for sawing laminated chipboard materials(the top edge is clean)
X– “progressive” tooth pitch. Universal a file for any materials, but like everything universal, it loses to special ones. Convenient when you need to cut a little and the material is different all the time
G- for very thin sheet metal(tooth pitch of the blade is 0.7 - 0.8 mm)
H.M.– with carbide inserts along the edges of the teeth
Riff– with finely dispersed carbide inserts along the edge of the blade (such as abrasive chips)

In our case, the marking T101D means:

file with T-shaped shank, blade up to 75mm, for wood, with big tooth for quick cutting

The inscription “clean” indicates that the tooth spread is minimal and the file is suitable for finishing cuts.

Most users do not need to remember and read the symbols correctly. We have already taken care of you and have placed the most popular and versatile jigsaw files in the catalog.

Wood files

– for direct sawing of soft wood, chipboard, fiberboard up to 30 mm thick. The only saw for finishing chipboard cutting.

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 is what 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-shaped
• 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. These files are distinguished by their reliability and strong base. 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 I know that theoretically I can get caught and non-standard options– is also necessary.

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. 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 important point– to cut thick workpieces, you need not only a long saw blade – 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; 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. Certainly, back side 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 in simple hand saws and consists of the teeth alternately moving 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 type 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 option “Milled with classic wiring» the teeth alternately move in different directions, but at the same time 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 application. Thus, at the moment you can cut 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 (the movement of the file towards the jigsaw), while the master does not experience much effort when sawing. The disadvantage of this principle is that chips from the file occur 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 in order to front side the cut (without chips) was exactly from above. 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

Jigsaw universal tool– it allows you to perform 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 for her maximum load 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 with a special file. 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).

The jigsaw handles sawing easily various types polymer materials, plastics, plexiglass, etc. For sawing these materials there are specialized files, although in practice wood or metal saws 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 figured 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 the 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 tin, 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

Saw holders for jigsaws are divided into 2 types. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. When purchasing, it is recommended to first find out what types and features of jigsaw files there are.

Choosing a jigsaw file requires careful attention. It is necessary to take into account the material, type of work, cutting requirements, etc.

Types of saw shanks

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

1. T-shaped. The type was introduced by Bosch and has become widespread among power tool manufacturers. T-shaped files are often called “Bosh” files. They are used in jigsaws from almost all manufacturers: Makita, DeWalt, Zubr, Skil, Interskol, etc.
2. U-shaped. Used in older American-made models: DeWalt, Stayer, Skil, Black&Decker, etc.

There are saw blades 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 the device can process. However, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the equipment itself, because it also has operating restrictions.

To cut thin workpieces, you should choose short equipment. It does not cause severe deformation, and the cut is smooth, without burrs.

The width of the file is selected in accordance with the operations performed. For straight cuts, use wide blades. They provide an even, neat cut. For shaped work, narrow files are used, allowing you to create all kinds of curves and patterns.

The thickness of the file affects the production of an even vertical cut. The larger the parameter, the less likely it is that the cut will deviate from perpendicular. However, when selecting the thickness, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the jigsaw itself. Thus, not all devices with a quick-release fastening system can work with thick files.

Types of files according to cutting edge geometry

Jigsaw blades differ in the layout of the cutters and the geometry of the cutting edge. The further the teeth are retracted, the faster it will be possible to cut the workpiece. However, this reduces the quality of the cut. The choice of geometry is also influenced by the material to be worked with. The following types of files are distinguished:

• Milled with a classic pattern. In such paintings, the even incisors are bent in one direction, and the odd incisors in the other. This geometry helps reduce saw heating and increase processing speed. However, the quality of the cut suffers. Milled blades are intended for processing wood, polymer materials and metal blanks.
• Milled with wavy pattern. In this case, the incisors are moved in opposite directions not 1 piece at a time, but 5-10 at a time. In this case, the teeth in the group are bent from the axis by different amounts. The result is a wave-like edge shape. These blades are intended for clean cutting of wood, plastic, plywood, and chipboard.
• Polished with a classic pattern. The cutters of the files are bent one at a time in different directions, after which they are ground. After cutting, a wide cut line of medium cleanliness is obtained. Used for working with wood, plywood, chipboard, etc.
• With conical grinding without streaking. The cutters of the blades are not moved apart, but only ground. This type of equipment produces a thin cutting line with high cleanliness. The blade is intended for cutting wood, plastic and laminated-coated workpieces.

Classification according to the type of material being processed

Jigsaw files are classified according to the material they are intended for processing. However, the main function of the tool is wood processing. Therefore, wood paintings are the most common and numerous. They are divided into the following types:

1. For quick cutting. They provide a quick cut with low quality. Features: maximum length files - 60 mm, large cutters - up to 6 mm, large setting - about 1 mm.
2. For a clean cut. Provides an even, burr-free cut. They differ in the average size of the incisors (up to 3 mm) and small setting. The teeth may be inclined away from the jigsaw or towards it. For laminate work, it is recommended to use version 2 of the canvas. If you cut plywood with a jigsaw, you can use any of the options.
3. For figured cutting. Used for cutting curves, incl. with a small radius. Often used when cutting plywood. Distinctive features of a saw for figured cutting: a blade with a small width of no more than 4 mm, cutters - up to 2 mm, length - no more than 40 mm, the back part is beveled.

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

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

Blades for processing glass and ceramics are produced. For their manufacture, special high-strength alloys are used, and cutting edge Tungsten carbide coating is applied. Diamond coating is less common. Use a power tool only for curved cutting.

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

The equipment for processing workpieces made of soft materials resembles a knife. The edge has a wavy ground surface without cutters.

We also produce universal blades that are used for sawing various materials. High-speed steel is used for their manufacture. Cutting with such files is of poor quality.

How to decipher the marking?

There are no uniform requirements for marking blades for jigsaws, but 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 the number is coming, characterizing the length of the file:

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

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

Then again there is a letter indicating the size of the incisors:

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

The final letter gives additional information:

• F - bimetallic files;
• O - narrow blade;
• P - thick fabric;
• R - files with reverse teeth;
• X - files with variable cutter sizes.

The purpose of the blade is also characterized by the color of the shank:

1. gray - for wood;
2. white - for wood and metal workpieces;
3. blue - for metal blanks;
4. red - for plastic;
5. black - other materials.

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

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

The canvas is also marked with a designation that characterizes its purpose:

1. Wood - for soft wood and fiberboards;
2. Hardwood - for hardwood and laminated panels;
3. Inox - for cutting stainless steel;
4. Alu - for cutting aluminum;
5. Metal - for cutting sheet metal, metal profiles and pipes;
6. Fiber&Plaster - for cutting fiberglass;
7. Acrylic - for cutting plexiglass and polycarbonate;
8. Soft-material - for cutting cardboard, rubber, etc.

Types of saw holders

There are 2 types of fastening of a file in a jigsaw: automatic and mechanical.

Automatic quick clamping system

At automatic system The blade is placed in the gripper with a shank and fixed using grooves.

To replace the blade, a special lever is provided, thanks to which there is no need to remove the protective casing. Using the adjusting screw, the required position of the file is achieved.

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 difficulty of repair due to the lack of spare parts (especially for Chinese equipment).

Mechanical (manual) fastening method

With the mechanical fastening method, replacing the file and adjusting its position is carried out manually. This fastening is reliable, durable, and has good cutting quality. In the event of a breakdown, repairs are cheap. Parts are easy to find (bearings, Interskol jigsaw rollers, etc.). The disadvantage is the complexity of the process and the skill to correctly insert the file into the jigsaw.

Mechanical method fastenings are divided into block 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 clamp is suitable for various files. However, uneven tightening of the screws leads to skew of the blade, which affects the quality and speed of the cut.

With a screw clamp, the file is secured and adjusted using 1 screw. This provides correct installation and high-quality equipment operation.

Using an electric jigsaw, curved and straight cuts are made when processing various materials - from wood to glass and steel. The tool itself is universal, but this does not apply to jigsaw files. For each individual task you need certain canvas. In order not to make a mistake in choosing this element, you need to know how the canvases differ from each other.

Classification Features

Nowadays, high demands are placed on the instrument. Speed, productivity, evenness and accuracy of the cut are important. All jigsaw files can be divided into several groups according to the following criteria:

• canvas width;
• shank type;
• workpiece material;
• shape and pitch of teeth;
• thickness of the canvas.

Now in more detail about this.

Shank type

Shanks vary according to the type of fastening. There are different options:

• T-shaped or “Boshevsky”. It was Bosch that came up with the idea of ​​its creation. Since the company is a leader in its field, other manufacturers have also started producing jigsaws with T-shanks, and these models are now flooding the market.
• U-shaped. It occurs less frequently than the previous one, but is also common - the second most common. American version, suitable for older types of jigsaws. Compatible with models with block and screw terminals.

There are also Makita and Bosch shanks. These are already outdated samples that are suitable only for old-style instruments from “their own” manufacturer.

Processing material

The material of manufacture can be called the main classification feature that most accurately separates jigsaw files . Allows you to describe in detail the operating features of the canvases:

There are universal blades that can handle both wood and metal with equal success, since the saw has large teeth on one side and small teeth on the other. Figure processing and this blade will not provide a perfect cut. If the material contains abrasive particles, as in gypsum or cement, the blades become dull very quickly.

Here you need products with carbide tipped on the cutting part. Cardboard or rubber is cut with “toothless” saws that resemble knives. The cut is made using a wave and grinding.

Difference in tooth shape

In addition to the material, the files differ in the shape of the tooth.. The possibility of use also depends on this. The teeth are as follows:

By width, thickness and pitch of teeth

The width is selected taking into account the requirements for the work results. Wide products are more stable, so they can be cut at high speed without deviations. If you need a high-quality sawn curve, narrower files that are easy to make turns are also suitable. The teeth should be located on the drive axis - this makes the tool more controllable.

The thickness determines how strong the deviation of the file from the vertical will be. Thick canvases the best way provide a perpendicular, even cut, but are unlikely to be suitable for jigsaws with a quick-release mechanism.

The pitch of the teeth is the distance between their tips. Most countries use the designation TPI (“teeth per inch”). Measured by the number of teeth per inch of length. If the TPI is 5, for example, that means there are five teeth per inch of blade. For cross-cutting wood, it is more advisable to use a saw with TPI 7−4. For regular work, 7-9 is enough. A file with TPI13−10 will help you make an extremely accurate cut.

It is necessary to take into account the thickness of the workpiece - 6-8 teeth must work simultaneously, otherwise the blade will vibrate and the cut will come out torn.

Especially for those who are just learning the basics of carpentry, it will be very useful to familiarize yourself with the markings of saws. After all, the appearance of the canvas does not always give an idea of ​​its purpose.

Most manufacturers label products using the Bosch system. Markings are made on the shank and include letters and numbers.

The first letter indicates the type of shank:

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

After that there is a number indicating the length:

1 - no more than 75 mm;

2 - 75−90 mm;

3 - 90−150 mm;

• A - small;
• B - average;
• C or D - large.

The last letter gives important additional information:

• P - precise cut;
• F - working part made of bimetallic alloy of special strength;
• O - narrow back;
• X - progressive tooth pitch;
• R - reverse direction of teeth.

The color of the shank will also say a lot:

• Gray - for wood processing.
• Blue - for metal.
• Red is for plastic.

The steel of the blade is represented by a combination of letters on the neck:

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

There is often on the file letter designations, directly speaking about its purpose. If you have basic knowledge in English There will be no difficulties in deciphering these letter combinations. We are talking about the following:

With knowledge of the specifics of the product, you will choose the most suitable file that will last a long time and accurately complete the task. If you need a jigsaw a couple of times a year, it is better to purchase a universal model for rough work, and entrust the precise cutting to the masters.