There are tools that do not need advertising and an intrusive offer, they can rightfully be called "folk" - all this is about hand-held electric jigsaws. The multipurpose unit has a simple design, it can make cuts along a straight or curved path, as well as at an angle of 45.

To decide how to choose a good jigsaw for your home or workshop, you should turn to the experience of qualified specialists in the field of construction and repair. Useful advice from our experts will help you decide which jigsaw to buy for the upcoming work and not regret the money spent.

Household or professional

Like any Building tools, jigsaws are divided into household and professional. The classification determines the maximum load that the equipment can handle, the time of continuous operation and, of course, the comfort of use.

Household jigsaws are intended for rare use in the country, at home or in the garage. Also, DIY tools can be used in production for rare operations. Such models always have a limit on the time of continuous operation: the most budget parameter it can take up to 10-20 minutes. Conventionally household models can be operated no more than 4-8 hours a day (or about 30-50 hours a week) with regular breaks.

An unspoken semi-professional level instruments (Hobby) became a transitional link between household and professional models. If the task is to buy an inexpensive, but good jigsaw, it is worth taking a closer look at this segment. At the same time, the resource of the device is slightly higher than inexpensive amateur models, and the functionality is comparable to the top positions. Such jigsaws are suitable for work and at home or in a small production. Techniques of the "Hobby" class are rarely limited in terms of the time of continuous operation, but it will not be possible to use them "to the fullest" - the mechanism is not designed for such loads.

Models of professional and industrial class have found their application in the production workshops of woodworking, the manufacture of cabinet furniture or wooden structures, in construction and interior decoration. As practice shows, amateur craftsmen often opt for top-end equipment, but this is not always rational. If the tool is rarely used, there is no way to fully realize its potential, for which, by the way, you will have to pay a lot. Besides, repairing expensive equipment is never cheap.

How to choose an electric jigsaw - the main parameters

By choosing good model jigsaw should be focused on the key factors that determine its performance and convenience:

• saw stroke frequency;
• electric motor power;
• the presence of a pendulum stroke;
• type of consumables;
• dimensions and weight;
• functional.

High-quality jigsaws are distinguished by a competent combination of technical characteristics, however, you cannot choose a tool solely by parameters. An important component good tool is decent ergonomics, such a tool lies comfortably in the hands and does not tire the operator during operation.

Power

The power consumption of the jigsaw can vary from 450 W to 850 W. As practice shows, high power consumption does not always characterize the performance of the tool. Low-power model professional grade in terms of efficiency, it is comparable to the more powerful unit of the DYI series.

How to decide on the choice of a jigsaw in terms of power? It all depends on the needs: if speed and productivity are required, then medium or high power must be combined with a good cutting frequency. If “working quickly and a lot” is not the main task - you can choose any unit from the “pro” class or a household model more powerful than 550 watts.

File movement frequency

Stroke frequency saw blade- one of the main parameters for choosing an electric jigsaw. The higher the value, the faster the sawing process. Products made of aluminum, plywood or wood are sawn at maximum speed, and at low speeds they are sawing materials that are sensitive to overheating - plastic, stainless steel.

In most cases, jigsaws are equipped with stepped speed control, but this does not apply to the most budget versions. The minimum threshold can range from 0 to 800 strokes per minute, the maximum speed reaches 3200-3500 strokes. When buying, it is not necessary to choose the "fastest model", for ordinary saws and good performance, 2600 - 2800 strokes / min are more than enough.

Pendulum stroke or pumping

Many models are equipped with a pendulum stroke system, this constructive solution increases the cutting speed. When one of the 3-4 steps of the pendulum is installed, the file moves not only up and down, but also back and forth, along the trajectory of the pendulum. The higher the stage, the stronger the pumping. The pendulum motion system is applicable only to straight cuts if the tool is needed for artistic cutting along a curved path, you can choose a model without pumping, or with the ability to turn it off.

Cutting depth

The maximum cutting depth indicates the maximum thickness of the workpiece that can be cut. The technical manual always states limit values, moreover - different materials have their own restrictions. So, maximum depth cut wood blank can reach 70 or 100 mm, for metal (aluminum) 15 - 20 mm, for plastic - 80 mm, and for ceramics - up to 10 mm.

Do not neglect this characteristic, the use of the tool for other purposes can lead to overloads and early breakdown.

File and types of its attachment

Varieties of canvases

The jigsaw is equipped with special saws, which are a blade with teeth and a shank of a certain shape. Each type of material has its own files, which is indicated by the letter marking:

• wood (B, C, D, BO, BR);
• for metal (A);
• glass and ceramics (Riff);
• on plastic.

Also, the saw blades are distinguished by the type of cutting: files with fine teeth are designed for a clean cut (B, C), with large ones - for a quick and rough cut (D). For curved cuts, narrow blades with straight fine teeth (letter O) are used. To cut laminate or other delicate material, you will need a file with a reverse direction of the tooth (revers - letter R in the marking).

PVC products can be sawed with almost any saw for wood, large and medium teeth are not taken away by soft chips. A blade for metal is also suitable, but at the same time sawing is carried out at a minimum speed.

Digital designation indicates the length of the file:

• 1 - up to 75 mm
• 2 - 75-90 mm
• 3 - 90-150 mm
• 4 - more than 150 mm

File attachment type

There are two types of shanks:

1. T-shaped
2. U-shaped

For the vast majority of jigsaws, T-shank files are used. In the complete set with the tool, there is almost always a sample of the canvas, you can also try on different types of canvas when buying. However, the budget models of the amateur class are "omnivorous". The simplest chuck is installed in them, which simply grips the file from both sides, regardless of the type of fit.

Types of handles

Among modern models jigsaws are widely used in two designs: with a staple or mushroom-shaped handle. The mushroom handle is the prerogative of jigsaws for professional work, but such a constructive solution is quite rare.

The more common staple handle is versatile and comes in two types. Compact models Equipped with a square "bracket", more overall - semicircular.

To a greater extent, the comfort of use is influenced by ergonomics - the presence of rubber pads, finger projections, thickening in the grip points.

Sole

The jigsaw support platform can be cast or stamped. This design decision plays an important role when buying a professional grade tool when long-term use is meant.

The stamped sole is found in all household and semi-professional models, as well as on inexpensive professional jigsaws. Such a platform is made of a relatively thin metal; under continuous loads, it is subject to deformation. As a result, the positioning of the saw blade is displaced, there is no proper contact with the workpiece, and sawing at an angle becomes nearly impossible.

High-quality jigsaws are equipped with a cast platform, it is stronger and more durable, but somewhat increases the final cost of the unit. Often you can see a plastic overlay on it to protect soft materials from chips.

Type of food

A separate item can be taken out the type of food. The networked electric jigsaw is not designed to work in the "field conditions"; a mobile power plant will be required in combination with it. The way out will be buying a wireless model, of which there are quite a few on the market now. The duration of continuous operation and power here depends on the capacity of the battery and the availability of replaceable batteries.

If you decide to purchase a cordless jigsaw, take a look at the ONE + Ryobi cordless tool lines. Any position from lineup, whether it is a jigsaw or a screwdriver, can be powered by one battery - this is, indeed, convenient and profitable from an economic point of view.

Functions that might be useful

When choosing a reliable jigsaw for home use an important aspect will be its functionality. There are some very useful options that greatly increase productivity and usability.

What functions are equipped with electric jigsaws:

• Forced airflow working area - a directed air jet cleans the workpiece and platform from sawdust, providing a full view.
• Smooth start - the advantage of powerful tools, although this option is quite rare. Limitation starting current protects the operator from jerking when starting, as well as all internal mechanisms from increased stress.
• Laser pointer Is a pretty useful option. Rough markings on the workpiece can be covered with sawing products, the user will have to turn off the tool and clean the working area - all this takes time. The laser, in turn, indicates the direction even over small chips.
• Chuck type... Many modern models are equipped with a quick-release chuck for saw blades. To change the equipment it is enough to bend the lever and install the file.
• Illumination of the working area with LED provides comfort and maximum cutting accuracy.
• Maintaining power under load- a serious design solution that can increase the service life of the tool and protects all internal components from unintentional overload. As a rule, in household models, when the speed decreases, the power also decreases, therefore, it is easy to overload the tool.

Which company jigsaw to buy

When deciding which jigsaw is better to choose, it is recommended to give preference only to reliable manufacturers. There are many popular Chinese brands, but the dubious cost hides even more dubious workmanship. It is for this reason that we will present the best manufacturers of jigsaws in terms of price-quality ratio for 2017:

• Bosch
• Makita
• DeWalt
• Interskol

Output

The jigsaw is the perfect assistant for any repairs, necessary to speed up, as well as improve the quality of work. The jigsaw, which has an electric drive, is a versatile device with low weight and dimensions. With such a device it is very convenient to do not only direct cutting of a sheet, profile, but also to make any curly cutting... To purchase a quality tool, you need to know exactly how and which jigsaw to choose for certain jobs.

The jigsaw can perform the following tasks:

• make any cut other than straight-line;
• cut holes of various shapes(rectangular, circular, etc.);
• make direct cutting of various kinds of material.

How to choose a good jigsaw from the variety of models offered by manufacturers? Every average craftsman asks himself such a question when preparing for repairs. To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the determining factors.

The advantages of an electric jigsaw

1. The tool is convenient at home, since there is no need for a saw, hacksaw and similar devices. With a jigsaw, you can make any cut much faster, and most importantly with little effort.
2. Thanks to this device, you can easily perform figured cutting.
3. Every professional appreciates the convenience, speed and quality of this device.
4. Very handy for wood carving.

Differences in a number of models that differ in their technical characteristics, as well as a set of various additional functions, affect the choice of a good jigsaw.

Household jigsaw

Household appliances, or home jigsaws, are applicable for sawing wood with a thickness of the order of 70-80 mm, and metal - of the order of 2-5 mm. They have less power and less service life.

Professional jigsaw

Professional jigsaws, unlike household ones, are necessary for performing various jobs under heavy loads. They have a longer service life and higher performance parameters. With such a jigsaw, cutting is performed within the thickness range: on a tree - 80-120 mm, on metal 5-20 mm.

Jigsaw design

The choice of a good jigsaw is also influenced by its design features.

The body has a built-in file that is started by an electric motor. Such a nail file produces reciprocating movements within 3.5-4 thousand strokes per minute. The support platform, which is installed on the working surface, allows for precise cutting of the product in the right place. The platform has the ability to rotate at the required angle, allowing you to create desired angle cutting. To preserve the safety of the process, the file is hidden under protective plexiglass.

Additional functions of electric jigsaws

Each model is equipped with a multilevel pendulum mechanism that informs the saw of offsets away from the cutting direction. Thus, the safety of the file itself is ensured and its service life is extended, as well as smoother and more high-quality cutting.

Stroke frequency adjustment

This parameter is simply necessary for performing work with various materials. There are two modes of frequency selection:

1. Mode selection just before switching on.
2. Adjusts the frequency by pressing the support part.

Consequently, the more the speed of movement of the saw is set, the higher the productivity of the device, but at the same time there is a greater wear of the saw itself. For added convenience, many manufacturing firms have filled the electric tools market with the necessary modifications:

• backlight on the handle, which allows you to illuminate the work surface in low general lighting;
• automatic sawdust blowing function;
• connection to a vacuum cleaner, which will allow you to immediately collect waste sawdust;
• the ability to rotate the file 360⁰ (very convenient when cutting circles).

The most common fixtures

1. Fastening device securing the device to work surface... Thus, when cutting, it is not the jigsaw itself that moves, but cutting material... Such a device is effective for working with small parts.
2. Replaceable insert for better glide of the jigsaw on the work surface.
3. Convenient storage case. Such a suitcase allows you to put your device with all accessories, without fear of damage during transportation.

Electric jigsaw files

Saws are the most basic element of a jigsaw. They differ in configuration, material of manufacture, color options as well as the shape of the shank. The most common saw blade materials are bimetal and steel. Saws for these devices according to the material of manufacture are used for the following works:

1. Carbon steel is used for cutting soft types of wood, in addition, it is also used for processing artificial materials.
2. High-speed steel, used for cutting on metal, as well as in processing solid materials, such as: plastic, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, etc.
3. Bimetal blade - has high ductility and longer service life.

Saw blade tail

The tail is the end part that directly cuts the material. Ponytails differ in the shape of the end on the canvas itself. This parameter is important when buying a new blade, which must be compatible with your electric jigsaw model.

Jigsaw file tail shape

On the building materials market, the following types of tails are found:

• Cross is the most common. Produced by many construction companies, among which, the company - Makita, has established itself as a reliable and high quality brand.
• It has two stops, often found in Bosch models.
• Universal, with a semicircular recess, manufactured by Dewalt and Skil.
• Smooth, typical for firms - Defort and Hander.
• The shape with circular holes is a Makita product.

Saw blade size

Some of the most common types are files with a length of 50-105 mm, as well as 155-160 mm.

Files are used for:

• straight cut;
• cut curve.

A curved cut is made with a narrower blade, providing a more jewelry cut. For many manufacturers, the color of the blades indicates the area of ​​application of the cutting elements.

Saw blade teeth on a jigsaw

The types of teeth in the blades differ depending on their area of ​​application. Teeth come in a variety of shapes, sizes and pitches. When using teeth with a larger set, the productivity increases, but the cut quality decreases.

Powder files

When working with fragile materials, such as glass or ceramic tiles, blades that do not have teeth are used. These files are equipped with diamond or hard alloy dusting, which allows for extremely accurate cutting.

Device power

Along with the choice of blade, power is of decisive importance when choosing the right jigsaw. The amount of power directly affects the performance of the device, but more electricity is consumed and there is more weight. Among other things, power affects the travel speed of the cutting blades.

File change system

Replacing files is essential when working with different materials. All blades in a jigsaw are clamped with special clamps, or working screws through the holes. When changing blades, it is important to have a mechanism that allows such a change to be made easily, quickly and safely. All of the above characteristics will help everyone make the right choice of a good jigsaw.

Duration of work with certain materials with increased strength and hardness. With prolonged work, the tails of the files heat up, become soft and can deform or simply break. It is necessary to provide additional cooling of the working elements. This can be done with water, machine oil, or all kinds of soap solutions.

Cutting steel, it is recommended to carry out with a higher speed of the cutting elements. For plastic, it is recommended to use a speed of no more than 1000 strokes per minute. When working at a low stroke rate, frequent breaks should be taken and the blades should be cooled. Working with thin material, experts recommend placing a sheet of plywood under the work surface.

The mechanisms and parts of the jigsaw should be kept in proper condition and lubricated in a timely manner. In case of their failure, timely replace them.

Earlier, in order to collect the whole set necessary tools it was necessary to acquire simple and primitive things. Today, without a tool with an electric motor, it is impossible to organize repairs and construction. A good device for processing wood, drywall, tin and much more, at home, is an electric jigsaw. For those who do not know what it is, let's just say - this is a small electric saw with a drive. How to choose an electric jigsaw for home?

Hello dear readers of my blog. Today we'll talk about choosing a tool such as a jigsaw. It is practically irreplaceable in household and should be with every owner.

Now there are a lot of different manufacturers offering such products, but how not to miscalculate in the choice and not buy a low quality tool. To do this, you need to know at least a little what a jigsaw is, what functions it has and for what purposes it serves.

But do not give up when the right approach choosing an electric jigsaw for your home is not difficult. I hope this article helps you make the right choice.

Which jigsaw to choose for a household or professional home

First of all, you need to decide for what purposes you need this tool, and with what frequency you will use it. I understand that you need a jigsaw to cut, but you can cut in different ways.

Someone can choose a tool to cut plywood with a thickness of no more than 20mm, and someone saws a board with a thickness of 50mm, for these cases, completely different models are needed.

In the first case, any household model is suitable, and in the second, a serious professional tool... So you need to clearly identify the scope of work in order to choose the right jigsaw for your home.

To make it clearer, I’ll explain this: You don’t need a professional tool if you use it, roughly speaking, once a year, but I also do not recommend that you take an amateur model if a lot of work will be done with a jigsaw. In principle, this rule applies to any instrument. It will be a bad investment of money that you just lose.

• Household models designed for rare use, have a low power reserve and cutting thickness of the material. It also does not include additional features such as quick file change, laser pointer and many other useful things. Have a fairly low price.
• Professional models designed for high and long loads have great power and cutting thickness. They have many additional functions. But together with all the advantages, they have a high price.

In general, we will focus on what is household and what we will not be a professional jigsaw, just make a choice based on your needs and the amount of work. Very often people write reviews about the fact that Chinese jigsaws are bad.

As I already wrote in the article, you should not pay attention to the country of the manufacturer, since now all famous companies have already moved their factories to China, but they monitor the quality of the products. It is fundamentally not to buy Chinese because of where it was made incorrectly. Let's move on to the characteristics of jigsaws.

Key features of electric jigsaws

This is the most important thing, these characteristics are worth paying attention to first of all. In most cases, it is they who determine the quality and class of the instrument. Let's take a look at all the characteristics separately.

Power and thickness of the cut

The very first thing to do is to look at the power of the tool, the higher it is, the thicker the material the jigsaw can cut. Jigsaws of high power are able to withstand long-term high loads. The higher the power, the more the unit can handle.

The power varies in the range from 400W to 1000W, perhaps it can be a little more or a little less, but roughly the picture looks like this. An instrument with a power of up to 500 W is considered a household instrument, and above 500 W a professional one.

The power of the jigsaw directly affects the thickness of the cut. Cutting thickness is a value that indicates what material and what maximum thickness a given model can cut. Usually, the thickness of the cut in wood and steel is indicated, as a rule, the cut in wood is always greater than that of steel.

With increasing power, the thickness of the cut also increases. On household jigsaws, the thickness of the cut of wood reaches 70mm, and steel up to 5mm. V home life this is not a bad indicator. In professional jigsaws, you can cut wood up to 140mm thick, and steel up to 10mm. If you cut softer (such as aluminum) metals, the cutting thickness reaches up to 20mm.

When choosing any electric jigsaw for the home, think about what thickness of material you work with most often and buy a jigsaw with a little higher performance for a reserve of power.

Pendulum mode

First you need to figure out what the function is. This function consists in the fact that when cutting, the saw not only moves up and down, but also pushes forward. This effect increases the cutting speed and reduces saw blade wear. But there is also a downside to the coin, the cleanliness of the cut decreases significantly. Chips and burrs appear. Also, in this mode, you cannot cut metal.

Almost all modern jigsaws are equipped with a pendulum function. You can find out whether it is on the model or not by the presence of a switch on the side of the instrument.

Usually the function goes to 3 positions, the larger the number, the stronger the inclination of the file. But there are exceptions, and on some models there are from 4 to 8 positions, but this happens only on professional models.

This mode is only suitable for straight cutting. If you are going to cut out complex shapes, then when choosing a jigsaw for your home, you should not pay attention to this function, since it will not be useful to you.

Saw stroke frequency

The cutting speed of the jigsaw directly depends on this parameter. This value shows how many strokes the file makes per minute. On different models the number of moves will vary.

Of course, when choosing a jigsaw for the home, it is better to stay at medium or high values, since a low value of this parameter is an indicator of poor quality of the tool.

On household models, the frequency of the sawing stroke is from 2000-2800 rpm. On professional jigsaws, this figure reaches 3000-3200 rpm.

Another important parameter is the length of the file stroke. This is the distance from the bottom dead center of the file to the top dead center. The longer this distance, the longer the file will last and the better it will cut.

Handle shape

On jigsaws, the shape of the handle is also different, there are two types of staple and mushroom. The first got its name due to the fact that its shape resembles a bracket. By the way, this is the most common type of handle, which is most often equipped with modern models. This form implies one-handed operation.

The second type of handle is less common, but still found on some models. As you may have guessed, it got its name because it looks like a mushroom in its shape. They say that curly cuts are best done with just this shape of the handle.

However, it still depends on your individual needs. Take one and the other in the store, hold it and decide for yourself what will be more convenient.

What is the sole, what should it be

The sole is the platform of the jigsaw, on which it stands when cutting. The quality of the cut depends on its type. Also, a high-quality platform allows you to make cuts at an angle. There are two types of soles: stamped and cast. Let's take a look at each species separately.

Cast

The molded sole is installed on expensive professional models. The presence of such a platform speaks of the good quality of the tool. As the name implies, the sole is made by casting. Has greater thickness and rigidity than a stamped outsole.

Stamped

The stamped sole is installed on a cheaper tool of low quality. It is made from thin sheet material by stamping. Often has insufficient rigidity, because of this, the quality of the cut is reduced (Often the cut is taken to the side).

If you are interested in high quality sawing, then choose a jigsaw with a cast sole, but if it is more important for you to save money, then with a stamped one.

Inclination of the sole at an angle

Almost every jigsaw has this parameter. They differ only in the way they are tilted. For some models, this is inconvenient and takes a long time. In the places where the sole touches the jigsaw, there are special screws that are loosened with a hexagon, an angle is set, and then all the screws are tightened again. Agree this is long and inconvenient.

In other models, the tilt is much faster and easier. With the help of a special lever, you loosen the platform, set the tilt and set the lever to its original position. Note that this is all done without the aid of a tool.

Again, think about how often you will use this function, if the answer is "not often" - then you do not need a model with a fast slope. If often, then choose a jigsaw with a fast tilt, without hesitation, it will save you a lot of time and nerves.

In conclusion, I want to say that there are inserts and overlays on the soles. They are used for cutting brittle materials so that they do not leave scratches after cutting.

In the cheaper version, these are plastic linings, in the more expensive ones, these are metal inserts.

Additional functions

I would like to talk about various additions to jigsaws separately. Although these functions are not necessary, they make the tool easier to use. Some may seem completely useless to you, but nevertheless they exist, which means that there is a demand for them.

Keyless file change

A very convenient and useful function. Mostly professional jigsaws are equipped with it. Everything happens quickly and conveniently.

On conventional models, the file is replaced by loosening special feints, and in keyless replacement, this is done by pressing a special lever. The principle of description is similar to the slope of the sole. Choose an electric jigsaw for your home with this function and you will not regret it.

Illumination and laser cut pointer

Another addition looks like a backlight. Helps in low or no light conditions. At the front of the tool is an LED that illuminates the space in front of the jigsaw. In most cases, of course, this function is not needed, but still there are cases where it is used.

Another addition can be a laser pointer that indicates the cutting line. It is positioned so that it projects the cut line onto the blade you are sawing, and you can see where the cut will be.

Speed ​​control

Speed ​​control essentially means adjusting the number of saw strokes. It is very easy to determine the presence of such a function by the presence of a wheel with numbers on it. You can increase or decrease the engine speed by turning the wheel.

This function is useful when sawing plastic, metal and all such materials that need to be cut at low speeds. Usually this function is located on the top of the handle or on the side.

Stop for straight and circular cuts

An even cut fence is included with almost every jigsaw. So when choosing an electric jigsaw for your home, make sure you have such a stop, it will most likely come in handy.

This addition looks like a ruler with a perpendicular stop at the end. One side is clamped into the sole of the jigsaw for desired length, and perpendicular emphasis on the edge of the workpiece. This results in a parallel (to the edge of the workpiece) cutting line when sawing.

The same stop can be used for cutting a circle. But it needs to be fixed in the center of the circle, so that it can rotate around its axis. In general, for these purposes there are special stops that are well fixed in the center of the circle. There are also 2 in 1 stops.

Removal of sawdust from the cutting site

This is quite a useful function, since during the sawing process, very often the cutting line is thrown with sawdust, and you do not see where to cut. It is then that you will be saved, the sawdust diversion.

The blowing takes place in the front part, in front of the jigsaw, blowing off the sawdust into different sides cleaning the cutting line. It happens that sawdust is sucked into a special pipeline running above the sole. At the end of this tube, a special bag for sawdust is put on, or a special vacuum cleaner is connected.

Power tool or cordless tool

Cordless tools are very popular now, but this does not apply to jigsaws. Perhaps, in the near future, something will change, but now everything is as it is.

First of all, cordless jigsaws have several disadvantages. One of them is the very high price of the tool and its consumables, such as spare batteries and chargers.

Another drawback is the short battery life, so the issue of autonomy has not been fully resolved. Also, the battery life is limited. The plus is that you can use the tool without electricity. It is convenient in places where it is not possible to connect to the mains.

In the network version of the jigsaw, there is only one minus. It consists in the fact that you cannot use the tool without electricity. And the advantages are obvious, it works without recharging in any mode. No need to buy any batteries or chargers.

Famous jigsaw manufacturers

Let's take a look at the most popular jigsaw manufacturers, both for home and professional models.

• Black& Decker A company from the USA founded in 1910. Releases professional jigsaws equipped with rich functionality.
• Boswithh— German company producing both professional and household jigsaws excellent quality. Well, the price for such a technique is not small.
• Makita, Dewalt, Fiolent–Companies producing high quality products that can withstand increased loads.
• Interskol— Russian firm also produces jigsaws at an affordable price good quality, but with the relocation of factories to China, the quality suffered noticeably.

Let's dwell on this number of manufacturers, since there are a lot of them, but I see no point in listing all of them. Most are cheap copies of well-known brands.

Well, this article is coming to an end, I hope you learned something useful for yourself, and I helped you choose an electric jigsaw for your home. If you want to add something or disagree with something, write in the comments, I will be grateful for your opinion. Don't forget to subscribe to updates. I would like to add a video on choosing a jigsaw for the home. Perhaps that's all, thanks for your attention, good luck!

For the first time, they began to talk about a jigsaw as an electric tool in 1946, when the BOSCH company released its first development. The justified demand for the jigsaw allowed him to begin his march across all states of the world.

The electric jigsaw firmly occupies one of the top places in the home craftsman's arsenal. One good jigsaw, if necessary, can replace several less functional ones, producing in operation:

• straight and curly sawing of sheets of chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, plexiglass, drywall, plastic, etc.;
• sawing boards, wooden battens, small blocks;
• giving the necessary shape to laminate, parquet, lining;
• curvilinear cutting of ceramic tiles, finishing slabs from natural stone using special file diamond-coated;
• cutting a metal sheet using a metal file and using special dexterity and skill (the last two functions are possessed by a professional jigsaw).

Criteria for choosing the right jigsaw

The tool is classified as a simple mechanical device, the main working body of which is a working saw blade, fixed in a slider. The slider, in turn, receives a reciprocating motion from the gearbox and the motor, which are housed in the housing. Its lower part is a sole, a handle is fixed on top.

1. The basic indicator that determines how to choose the right jigsaw for the house is power. Instruments household level are characterized by a value from 200 to 350 watts. A weak tool cannot work with hard materials; the saw may jam. But, gaining in power, you can lose in weight - more powerful jigsaws are much heavier. Household tools are not suitable for cutting metal, solid wood.

2. Electric jigsaw for work in everyday life, equipped with a cast platform, is more reliable than a tool with a stamped base. Support material is preferred, aluminum, with the ability to rotate 45 linear degrees. This support is necessary for precise fixation of the jigsaw when cutting at a certain angle.

3. When choosing a tool, it is necessary to pay attention to the design of the stem. More than half of all breakdowns are associated with the failure of the rod itself. It is preferable to choose a jigsaw with a round or square stem.

4. Convenience of quick change of the saw blade is achieved due to the keyless method of saw attachment. This method can be provided with a variety of designs, and it is almost impossible to break the thread when changing the file.

5. Adjustment of the frequency of the belt moves can be carried out either by the trigger (the speed depends on the pressing force), or by means of electronic adjustment with a wheel located on the body. Both methods have their admirers, but it must be borne in mind that the minimum frequency (less than 1000 rpm) is unsuitable for work, for example, with plastic.

6. If it is planned to carry out work in a mode remote from the mains, it is important to provide for a structure with operation when powered from battery... Some models of jigsaws are supplied with 2 batteries and a charger.

7. Ergonomic handles are half the battle for success and enjoyment of work. When buying, you need to try where your hand is more comfortable - on a bracket-handle or a mushroom-shaped handle. The mushroom handle is preferable for a curved figured cut.

8. Some manufacturers provide the instrument with LED lighting. When performing ultra-precise work in low light conditions, it is necessary to opt for these particular models.

Additional power tool functions are designed to enhance your comfort and convenience when working. This is the presence of a pendulum mechanism (used when intensifying thread work), a device for turning and fixing the saw blade, lighting the functioning area, blowing off sawdust with a vacuum cleaner.

Popular jigsaw manufacturers

The dilemma - which jigsaw to choose in the presence of a large assortment from different manufacturers- is decided upon close acquaintance with the products of world brands.

So, in the production of jigsaws, the standard for T-shaped shanks is supported by the famous brands BOSCH, Festool, DeWALT, AEG, Makita, Kress, Hitachi, Protool, Hilti. Features of the tool from the BOSCH company - the use of the SDS system (allows you to replace files without special tools), battery power.

DeWALT manufactures products with universal files suitable for work with different materials... In addition, the models have the ability to damp vibration, adjust the air flow.

Japanese manufacturer Hitachi (Hitachi) produces tools with cordless power, the presence of LED backlight, 4-position pendulum mechanism, sawdust air discharge.

Electric jigsaws of the German company AEG are distinguished by the presence of additional functions: pendulum motion, blowing sawdust, ultra-fast fixation of the blade clamp, vibration damping, lock buttons when turned on.

The tools of the American company Black & Decker are different air cooled, the presence of protection of the power cord from kinking, low weight, the presence of a protective screen.

The jigsaw has universal capabilities for processing any materials at home. Any master engaged in construction, repair, woodcarving, carpentry, has this type of tool. To know how to choose an electric jigsaw from the rich assortment offered in specialized stores, you need to understand the basic technical characteristics. Manufacturers endow the manufactured models with various additional functions, which is reflected in the price of the tool. However, these functions are not always in demand in practice. This means that when choosing one cannot be guided only by the cost of the model, thinking that the more expensive the tool, the better. Then what are the criteria for choosing a jigsaw?

A jigsaw, or jigsaw for short, refers to a hand tool equipped with an electric drive. Small size this instrument affect its weight, which is practically not felt. With the help of a jigsaw, you can quickly and efficiently perform the following types of work:

• straight cuts in materials such as wood, plastic, drywall. a metal sheet, laminate, ceramic tile and etc.;
• curvilinear cut of any of the above materials;
• cutting round holes the required diameter;
• cutting of rectangular holes.

The purpose of the jigsaw is to perform a large number operations both for longitudinal and transverse cutting of sheet material, and for figured.

Example: An electric jigsaw made in Holland by the Skil company is used in the home to make straight cuts in parts made of wood and other materials.

Design features of a jigsaw electric saw

The material is cut using a special saw, driven by an electric motor. The frequency of reciprocating movements made by the file vertically reaches 3500 strokes per minute. To install the mechanism, a support platform is used, which is otherwise called a plate or sole. The base plate is used as a guide and ensures high accuracy in cutting the material by maintaining a constant distance to the work surface.

The ability to rotate the support platform at an angle of up to 45 degrees allows you to change the incline of the cut. The platform is usually made of steel, aluminum or high-strength plastic. Manufacturers cover the file with transparent protective shield made of plexiglass (organic glass), which ensures the safety of work.

Jigsaws also differ in the type of handle design, which can be:

• staple shape that allows you to see the cutting line well;
• mushroom-shaped, facilitating work on inclined planes.

The type of handle does not affect the quality of work, and therefore choose a tool according to this criterion, based only on personal preferences.

The design of an electric jigsaw designed for professional use, equipped with many additional functions that facilitate the operation of this type of hand tool

The Hitachi cordless jigsaw, produced by a well-known Japanese company, is designed to work in places inaccessible for connecting the tool to the mains

If you plan to use the jigsaw without connecting to the power supply, then purchase battery models. Just keep in mind that the use of this tool is limited in time. The power of battery models is usually low.

Additional power tool functions

Here's what can be included in the jigsaw design:

• Stroke frequency adjustment function used when working with different kinds materials. The choice of the stroke frequency can be carried out not only before the start of the operation, but also during it by firmly pressing the start release button. At the same time, it is possible to increase work productivity. True, such a mode of operation of the power tool turns into a rapid wear of the working blade.
• The presence of a multistage pendulum mechanism, which is typical for all modern models of jigsaws, allows the saw to perform additional horizontal movements (both in the direction of sawing and vice versa) and to cut the material only when moving "up". This function improves productivity without reducing the service life of the saw, but contributes to a deterioration in the quality of the cut surface. Therefore, it is recommended to disable this function when making a finishing cut. This recommendation should be followed when working with sheet steel and hardwood.
• Function of illumination of the working area with a lamp, built into the jigsaw design, increases the degree of convenience when working in low natural light conditions.
• Availability of a system for quick replacement of files facilitates the process of removing the worn-out cutting blade by pressing a special lever.
• Automatic sawdust blowing function with a fan cooling the engine, freeing the cutting line from the formed sawdust and settling dust.
• The ability to connect the power tool to the vacuum cleaner through a special branch pipe provides quick cleaning of the working surface from waste, which improves the visibility of the cutting line.
• The presence of a device for turning the file, thanks to working canvas can be rotated 360 degrees, allows you to cut circles of different diameters in the material.
• Angle lock is necessary to secure the position of the tool at an angle from zero degrees to 45 degrees.

Which of these you need - it's up to you to choose.

Professional or household appliance?

Electric jigsaws, like all power tools, are available for both professional and household use... In everyday life, the equipment is not used so intensively, therefore its power is inferior to professional models designed for continuous operation. Typical for household tools and a small number of additional functions, as well as the minimum working resource, which is quite enough for a single use of the electric jigsaw for its intended purpose. Prices for household models of electric jigsaws are 2-3 times lower than for professional models.

When choosing, take into account the fact that with household low-power jigsaws, you can cut parts made of wood with a thickness of no more than 70 mm, and from steel - no more than 2-4 mm. Professional models with high power and productivity can cut wood up to 135 mm thick, aluminum sheets - up to 20 mm, steel sheets - up to 10 mm. Knowing the thickness of the material that you will be cutting, it is easy to determine which jigsaw is best for this operation. Household power tools are manufactured in China and Poland. Quality tools for professionals are produced in Germany, Japan, Sweden.

Round hole cut of various diameters with an electric jigsaw in wood, steel and other sheet materials quickly and smoothly

Model of a jigsaw (electric jigsaw) designed for professional use, produced by a well-known power tool on the market a German company Bosch

The main criteria for choosing a specific model

The main indicator that you should immediately pay attention to is the power of the tool. Remember that for household models this figure is from 350 to 500 watts, and for professional models - from 700 watts. The depth of cut depends on the power of the jigsaw, the duration of the period smooth operation, tool life.

Important! For powerful models, more weight is also characteristic, which is important when working with a hand-held power tool.

No less important criterion is the number of moves per minute. Indeed, the speed of work, as well as the cleanliness of the cut, depends on the value of this indicator. For most models, the number of strokes per minute ranges from 0 to 2700-3100. Although there are jigsaws, in which this figure reaches 3500 strokes / min.

The comfort of using the power tool depends on the saw blade changing system, which can be fixed either with screws or with a clamping device. In the latter case, the replacement of the blade is carried out in an accelerated version without the use of a special tool.

Pay attention to the possibility of adjusting the stroke rate only if you are going to use the jigsaw for processing different building materials. Some sheet materials cut at certain values ​​of this indicator.

If health is expensive, then purchase models that can be connected to a vacuum cleaner. This function protects the eyes and respiratory system from fine dust generated while working with the tool, and also allows you to hold workplace clean.

The presence in the set of interchangeable files, special oils for lubricating work surfaces, screwdrivers and other little things is a nice addition to the product. However, all this can be bought, if necessary, in the same specialized stores and service centers opened by manufacturers.

The lightweight and quiet Makita jigsaws feature high quality manufacturing and the presence of a large number of additional functions. The tool is produced at the company's own factories located in Japan, USA, Great Britain, China, Romania

Jigsaws are produced by such well-known companies as Bosch, Makita, Meister, Hitachi, Metabo, Skil. Before choosing a jigsaw of a specific manufacturer, pay attention to the technical characteristics of similar models sold under other brands. With this approach, you can acquire the right tool for less money.