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

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

Classification by shape

Shank type

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

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

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

Canvas size

Cutting edge shape

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

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

Type of processed material

Wood and its derivatives

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

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

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

Metal

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

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

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

Plastic

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

Unusual materials

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

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

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

Marking

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

Symbols on the shank

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

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

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

The third and fourth characters determine the purpose of the canvas. There is no single rule for filling them out today. Therefore, in order not to mislead readers, it is better to skip them. For example, the values ​​0 and 1 could represent wood. At the same time, 1 and 2 indicate steel. As a result, a value of 1 can match wood and metal at the same time. Bosch jigsaw files have not yet become standard setters in this case.

The fifth character determines the size of the teeth:

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

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

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

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

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

Color and text marking

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

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

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

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

Summary table of the most common types

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

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

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

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

How to make the right choice

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

In the context of periodic home repairs, there is a need for a tool such as a jigsaw. They can cut any material quickly and, with a little skill, evenly. It will help you cut out round or square holes, and also cut off a straight strip. With its help, you can even create any piece of furniture yourself.

Such manipulations are done using special files, which differ in their characteristics.

Marking

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

Such designations are necessary primarily for people who do not carry out repairs professionally and cannot determine the purpose of a particular attachment due to its external characteristics.

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

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

• T- figurative form;
• U- figurative type;
• M- the mount is only suitable for Makita brand;
• Fein standard.

The second sign indicates the length of the fabric that is being produced:

• 1 - length up to 7.5 cm;
• 2 - sizes from 7.5 cm to 9 cm;
• 3 - length from 9 cm to 15 cm;
• 7 – with a maximum length of over 15 cm.

To recognize the material the saw is designed to cut, you need to pay attention to the color of the shank.

Thus, a gray tip indicates the possibility of sawing wood, a blue tip indicates any metal structures, and a blade with a red tip can be used to cut a plastic surface.

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

There are:

• H.M.– hard metal alloys;
• HCS(CV)– steel products with high carbon content;
• H.S.S.– steel that cuts quickly;
• CV– steel made of chromium and vanadium;
• BM (BiM)- a combination of hard alloys and high-speed steel.

The last combination is the strongest and most durable.

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

Materials

Generally speaking, all canvases are made from metal alloys. To cut softer materials, simply metal blades are produced. If you need to cut metal, then the technology of fusing several components is used to increase the strength of the product.

There are materials that are super durable. These include ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles and granite, decorative rock. For their accurate and high-quality cutting, non-standard solutions are needed, since they are very durable and easily chipped. That's why Blades for cutting with a jigsaw are produced with a special coating or soldering made of hard alloys.

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

For all types of materials there are several general rules. A blade with a large width can make a straight cut. If you intend to perform figured cutting, then it is better to choose a slightly narrower blade.

However, cutting hard materials (ceramic granite) with an electric jigsaw is, in any case, a lengthy process. That's why this device justifies its use only for shaped cutting of parts.

Purpose

These products are also distinguished by the material that can be cut with them.

The canvases are produced:

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

Modern jigsaw files have a large number of parameters by which they can be distinguished. However, these markings mean virtually nothing to ordinary users. The simplest and most understandable is the difference in purpose. That is, the difference between the blades is the materials that can be cut with them.

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

There is also a modification of the file for cutting cardboard. It has a rather unusual wave-shaped blade without teeth. During operation, the blade smoothly separates the material into parts.

This option is also suitable for other soft materials:

• rubber;
• polystyrene foam;
• carpeting.

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

For curly cutting of the above materials, it is best to choose a small, narrow blade with medium teeth (T101BO). Small dimensions make the tool easy to maneuver.

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

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

When it comes to PVC, they use both special files for processing plastic materials and ordinary wood or metal products. A smooth cut will be obtained when using a blade with large teeth, since the plastic crumbs heated by friction can fill the working part of the file. It is better to keep the operating speed of the jigsaw to a minimum. The steel grade of the blade can be either CV or HCS, or HSS.

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

Plexiglas can be cut well with a T101A metal saw with fine teeth.

An important element repairs are also ceramic products. They have a very fragile structure, so using a saw with teeth is impossible. In such cases, a special blade is needed, which instead of teeth has an abrasive coating of diamond chips.

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

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

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

Dimensions

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

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

But there are also features of canvases of different widths. This parameter determines the amount by which the blade deviates from perpendicular while cutting. The wider the file, the greater the deflection it gives.. Therefore, wide variants of jigsaw attachments are used for straight cutting, and thin ones - for figured cutting. In addition, the characteristics of the tip of the blade most often do not allow it to be secured in the self-clamping mechanism of the tool.

Ponytail shape

Based on this indicator, you can determine which brand of equipment and type of clamping mechanism of an electric jigsaw the file is suitable for.

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

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

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

Geometric parameters of teeth

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

The tooth geometry is:

• set apart milled;
• wave-like milled;
• conical grinding;
• set, polished.

Milled teeth set in both directions in turn help the blade avoid overheating. These files are convenient for cutting non-ferrous metals.

When wavy milling, the teeth are moved apart in groups smoothly, with a slightly greater inclination of each subsequent tooth, also alternately to the right and left. They are used for clean cutting (cutting with cleanly processed, edged edges).

Conical grinding blades also provide a clean cut on plastic, wood, and laminate.

Files with set teeth are used when it is necessary to make rough cuts in materials such as fiberboard, chipboard and soft wood.

How to choose?

There is a large selection of jigsaw files on the modern market. The canvases vary dramatically in both price and quality. Considering the unsafety of using low-quality files, it is advisable to purchase proven products. This can be selected based on the brand's popularity. The policy of such companies is to maintain a positive reputation for their products, so they only release reliable products to the market.

The most the best manufacturers components for jigsaws are considered Makita, Bosch, and Matabo. The optimal combination of price policy and quality are sets of Bosch brand blades. Their canvases are very easy to use and have a high level of performance. Sadly, the products of this manufacturer are also the most frequently counterfeited, so it is best to buy files in specialized construction stores that can provide quality certificates for their products.

However, counterfeit components can also be distinguished visually. For example, when there is corrosion or other damage on the product, there is no doubt that the canvas is fake. Counterfeit can also be identified by the edges of the product. Files produced “in basements” have an end that is rounded on one side. This defect occurs due to the stamping process of sheet metal. For real products, the ends of both sides will be equally rectangular.

And, of course, you should pay attention to the quality of the labeled inscriptions. If they are poorly executed or blurred due to use cheap paint, then the fake is obvious.

Subtleties of operation

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

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

When the saw teeth become dull, they must be sharpened using a diamond file if the teeth are small, and a medium or diamond file if they are large or medium in size.

Learn how to choose jigsaw files from the video below.

The combination of accurate cutting of workpieces with good work speed is only possible with making the right choice 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 – high quality alloy for fast cutting 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 performed 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 from 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 can be 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 at medium speed 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 also cut heat-insulating mats quite well. 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 the right jigsaw files.

29.08.2019

A jigsaw can be called universal tool, which allows you to carry out straight and figured cuts of the most various materials- from soft wood to steel and glass. It is worth noting that the tool itself is universal, but not its equipment: cutting of each material is carried out using a specific type of blade. However, in order to choose the right file, you need to find out what criteria to use during the selection process. In this article we will talk about what jigsaw blades are, what types of jigsaw files there are, and also how to insert a file into a jigsaw.

Jigsaw files types and features

If you go to a store and say you need jigsaw blades, the salesman will show you a variety of various options. They come in different lengths, widths and thicknesses, and have different tooth sizes and shank types.

Jigsaw files, based on the material being processed, are classified into:

• jigsaw file for metal. Such blades are made from high-speed steel. They can cut different types metals, including aluminum and non-ferrous metals
• jigsaw file for wood. These files are most often made from high carbon or chrome vanadium steel. They are designed to work with softwoods and wood-based panels.
• files for glass and ceramics. Such blades are made from an alloy of carbide with tungsten, which has high strength. You need to purchase such a blade if you need to carry out a large amount of work using a manual jigsaw, for example, with ceramic tiles
• universal files. They are created from high-speed steel for sawing wood, metal and plastic materials.

According to the type of operations performed, saws are divided into two categories:

• for straight cutting. These blades have a wide back, which makes it possible to guide it in a specific direction to obtain a straight cut.
• For figured cutting. These canvases have a narrower back than the shank, making them easy to direct in different directions. The result is a smooth figured cut.

If you look closely at jigsaw files, you will see that they have different tooth spacing and sawing edge geometry. Not only the cleanliness of the cut depends on the type of wiring, but also what material such a file can be used for working with. Highlight:

• milled with classic layout. The classic setting is teeth alternately bent in different directions, similar to a hand saw. This type of routing reduces the heating of the saw during cutting, because the file experiences virtually no friction in a fairly wide cut. However, it will not be possible to obtain a neat cut, but the cutting speed is achieved at a high rate. These saws are used to cut different varieties wood, plastic and non-ferrous metals
• milled with wavy layout. In such a file, the teeth are directed in groups of several pieces. It is noteworthy that each tooth has a different amount of deviation from the central axis with its nearest neighbors. The working edge of the saw blade resembles a wave. The use of such a blade helps to make clean cuts on wood, chipboard or plywood, as well as on non-ferrous metal and plastic
• polished with classic layout. The teeth of these blades are set apart and polished. The cut with such files is quite wide. Such blades help to quickly and fairly cleanly cut wood and its derivatives - chipboard, fiberboard
• with conical grinding without routing. The blades of such saws do not have a tooth spread, but their segments are ground, resulting in a thin cutting line and an even cut. With the help of such saws, you can carefully cut wood, laminate, and polymer materials.

The most significant parameter for a file is the grade of steel from which it is made. The files bear the following markings:

Main characteristics

However, the high quality of steel is not a guarantee that the file will cope with the assigned tasks. An important role is also played by:

• workpiece dimensions. Before purchasing, you need to decide on the size of the workpieces to be cut. For timber with a cross section of 50x50mm and furniture board It is worth using different files. For timber, saws with working part sizes from 51 to 126 mm are suitable. While cutting sheet metal requires short blades (51mm), long blades (106mm) are more suitable for cutting pipes.
• type of cut. An important criterion for choosing a saw blade is the geometry of the cut. The straight cutting blade holds its direction perfectly, but it won’t be possible to create even a small radius with it, because it has a wide back. A special thin file for figured cutting is perfect for this type of work.
• cleanliness of the cut. The quality of the cut plays a very important role in the process of creating furniture.
• tooth shape. The cut quality indicator directly depends on the tooth geometry. How more step teeth, that is, the gap between adjacent vertices, the faster and rougher the line will be
• tooth set. To give the canvas more “spaciousness”, its teeth need to be spread apart. In this case, it will cut at a higher speed, but the cutting line will not be very neat
• Progressor files. The changing size of the teeth as it increases from shank to tip is a sign of versatility. As the thickness of the material being processed increases, a larger number of large teeth are connected to the work.

Types of shanks

An important parameter in choosing a jigsaw file is the type of its shank. There are such shanks:

Attaching jigsaw blades

The accuracy of the device and the level of its performance directly depend on the features listed above. However, there are other factors on which the ease of working with a jigsaw depends. In the process of working with a jigsaw, every master is faced with replacing the saw blade. The most common type of shank is European or “Boshevsky”. It features a cross configuration. Such canvases can be bought in every store, this is their main feature.

The most common methods of fastening the canvas are:

• front attachment to jigsaw
• quick-release fastening in a jigsaw.

In more budget options, the block, tightened with two screws, clamps the blade with a cut. Such screws are located in the frontal plane. This system has high compatibility, but is inferior in other respects. For example, a crookedly clamped fastener can cause misalignment. If this happens, additional wedging needs to be done. Impacts of the saw on the workpiece with the butt end cause the front block to break in half or the screw threads to break. Such problems can arise if the tool is not handled correctly.

The most convenient are jigsaws equipped with a quick-release blade fastening system.

A significant difference from “regular cartridges” is that there is no versatility. Only blades with the same shank are suitable; in addition, there is some play. However, often this does not play a big role, because the choice of paintings is simply huge. since there are a huge number of paintings. The disadvantage of quick-release locks is the limited thickness of the blades. Inserting the blade in these jigsaws is quite easy.

Fastening the blade in jigsaws with a fastening method using locks implies the following sequence of work:

• open the device's protective screen
• turn the lever located on the rod to insert the blade
• After lowering the lever, you need to smoothly move the file into the clamp. However, it is worth considering that the file must have a thickness corresponding to the slot.

In order to insert the blade into a device with a screw fastening system, you need to do the following:

An electric jigsaw is a very popular tool and is available to almost every craftsman. Currently in production a large number of jigsaw blades that can easily handle not only wood, but also many other materials. In order to understand what types of jigsaw files exist, let’s consider this issue in more detail. There are universal jigsaw files, but with the help of such blades it is impossible to perform any type of work efficiently. They are rather intended for rough work, during which the quality of the work performed does not have of great importance. Therefore, for narrowly focused activities you will have to choose a canvas that meets your requirements. The canvases differ not only in characteristics, but also in appearance. There are saws for wood, files for metal, as well as for drywall, ceramics, and so on. When choosing a canvas, important criterion is the tooth pitch. In Russia, a step is considered to be the gap between the tops of the teeth, which is denoted by the letter t. In some other countries, the pitch is the number of teeth per inch of blade, which is denoted by the abbreviation TPI. Therefore, when choosing a step, you should pay attention to the markings (inscriptions on the side) and only then draw conclusions. In addition to the pitch, an important criterion is the width of the file. The width affects the speed and quality of the cut. When cutting complex lines, it is worth choosing narrow blades, which are much easier to control and create different cutting lines. It is advisable that between five and eight teeth be used when operating a jigsaw. Otherwise, the jigsaw will vibrate and create a crooked and rough seam. When choosing a blade for a jigsaw, you should pay attention to the material of manufacture. You can find out this information from the inscription on the jigsaw file.

Types of web markings

Let's look at the types of markings indicating the material used to make the canvas:

1. H.S.S. This means that the file is made of hardened steel, which can be used at high speeds. These blades are widely used for cutting durable surfaces, including metals of various densities. Despite their impressive rigidity, steel files often break, so they must be used with extreme care.
2. HIM. Blades with this inscription are used for cutting tiles and tiles, as they have a high margin of safety.
3. HCS. This tool is suitable for working with wood. The blades are made from high-carbon steel, due to which they have great elasticity. Suitable for any wood products.
4. BIM. Bimetallic alloy blades incorporate all the best from the above models. It combines strength and elasticity. Thanks to these technical characteristics, the blade can be used to cut not only wood, but also metal products.

Not only the inscription, but also its color can tell about the purpose of the canvas:

• white color of the blade - for cutting wood and metal products,
• gray color - for cutting wood and various products made from wood,
• blue color - designed exclusively for cutting metal structures,
• black color indicates that the file is intended for special materials (tiles, stone).

In addition, there are many more file markings:

• the first number “1” means a short length of the canvas up to 7.5 centimeters;
• the first digit "2" means average length canvases from 7.5 to nine centimeters;
• the first number “3” means that the canvas is long from nine to fifteen centimeters;
• the first number “7” means a very long file, more than fifteen centimeters;
• The letters (A,B,C,D) after the numbers indicate the size of the teeth.

Marking of wood files

Saw blades for woodworking are marked as follows:

• T101B is a short blade with small teeth that provides an even and neat seam.
• T101BR has a reverse tooth and is suitable for cutting materials with a decorative surface. Such materials include laminate. The peculiarity of this fabric helps to avoid unwanted chips.
• T301CD is designed to work with material whose thickness does not exceed 6.5 centimeters.
• T101AO file is designed for figure cutting.
• T101BIF is a blade made of a bimetallic alloy. Used for cutting materials up to fifteen centimeters thick.
• T101BRF bimetal blade with reverse tooth.
• T144DP is a large toothed blade designed for fast, rough cutting.

The markings for metal files look like this:

• T118A file with fine teeth, for accurate cutting of small structures.
• T318A is designed for cutting metal pipes with a diameter of up to 6.5 centimeters.
• T118G is a blade for cutting very thin metal plates.

Special files can be identified by the following markings:

• T118AHM blade for working with thin stainless steel products,
• T301CHM sheet for fiberglass, the thickness of which does not exceed 6.5 centimeters,
• T141HM blade for accurate cutting of drywall,
• T101A organic glass cutting blade,
• T313AW blade for cutting cardboard and rubber, the thickness of which does not exceed five centimeters,
• T150Riff is a specially designed blade that allows you to cut tiles and tiles.

Jigsaw blade for wood

The wood saw allows you to work with plywood, soft and hard wood, parquet, laminate and many types of boards. The jigsaw file for wood has a very important feature. The fact is that it has a large pitch between the teeth. The distance can reach four millimeters. When compared with other types of paintings, the difference is noticeable to the naked eye. The wood file can also be different. They differ from each other in the working length of the tooth and pitch. Such differences allow you to ideally select a blade for a specific type of wood. In connection with such diversity, the question arises of how to choose a blade for a jigsaw for wood. In this case, you need to set priorities, since the blades are divided into two main categories: quick cutting and smooth seams. The larger the teeth of the blade, the faster you can cut the wood, but this may result in an inaccurate seam. Therefore, you will have to sacrifice something or choose a middle ground. If cutting speed is a priority, then for such purposes you can purchase a blade marked T101D. With it you can quickly cut wood up to eight centimeters thick. For thicker workpieces, wood blades labeled T244D or T344D are suitable. For more fine workmanship and a neat seam, model T101B is suitable. This model is often used in furniture factories for the implementation of clean. Using this blade, the cut is smooth and without jagged edges. It can be used to cut even thick wood, but it will take a lot of time. When cutting laminate or parquet, chips, torn seams or nicks are unacceptable. The seam must be perfectly smooth, without visible defects. This work can be done using a wood saw with a reverse tooth. As a last resort, you can use T101B, but before doing this, cover the cut area with tape or tape. This precaution is necessary to avoid chipping the decorative surface.

Metal file

To cut metal products you will need an electric jigsaw and a thick blade. The density of the blade should be higher than the density of the material being cut. But the problem is that dense materials crack and break very quickly. Therefore, bimetallic blades are used for cutting metal. Thanks to their strength and elasticity, they easily cope with the task and do not break after the first use.

Jigsaw file for working with tiles

A file for tiles or tiles looks very recognizable. It is simply impossible to confuse it with other paintings. The fact is that this file is completely devoid of teeth. Instead of the usual teeth, the blade has tungsten carbide coating, which cuts tiles and other stone surfaces well.

Shape cutting files

Jigsaw files for figure cutting are easily recognized by the presence of small teeth. Such canvases are specially produced very narrow. This is done so that the canvas can easily pass through any turns without getting caught in the wood. Jigsaw files for shaped wood cutting can be recognized not only by external signs, but also according to the applied markings. On such canvases, the markings always begin with the letter “O”.

Manufacturers of jigsaw blades

When choosing a file, you need to pay attention to a number of indicators, while the manufacturing company has great value. On store shelves there is a huge number of products from Russian, Chinese and European manufacturers. With such a large selection, sometimes the question arises of how to choose a file for an electric jigsaw. The most attractive in terms of cost are canvases from Chinese manufacturers. The cost of such files is almost two times lower than that of European manufacturers. This is all very attractive, but there is one problem. Canvases from China are not of good quality. They constantly wear down, overheat and burst. Therefore, it will be cheaper to purchase a high-quality canvas once and use it for a long time.

Jigsaw equipment

The majority of manufacturers are constantly working to improve their tools and develop additional equipment for their devices. Among these additions, we can note a system that helps to avoid chipping on the upper surface of the material. This issue is especially relevant when cutting materials with a decorative surface (laminate, parquet, facing boards). A circular cutter and a rip fence are also considered a very useful addition. Thanks to the rip fence, you can cut an unlimited number of same-sized slats without much effort. A circular cutter allows you to cut a perfect circle of varying radii. Having such devices in your arsenal, you can carry out a wider range of work and at the same time significantly save time.

Installing a blade into a jigsaw

The file is installed in a special slot and securely secured with clamps. There are a huge number of jigsaws on the market, while some manufacturers introduce individual features into the fastening mechanism. But in most cases, the installation of the canvas occurs according to the standard scheme.

1. The jigsaw is equipped with a special lever, which in one motion loosens the clamps and allows you to remove the blade without any problems.
2. After the clamps are loosened, you need to take a file and insert its tail into a special hole.
3. Now I'm left The final stage, which includes the adjusting screw clamp.
4. After everything is installed, you need to make sure that the canvas is installed securely and evenly.
5. Let's get to work.

Types of tails

Cross-shaped ponytail or there is another name for T-shaped ponytail. This name was obtained due to its visual resemblance to the letter “T”. There are a wide variety of blades with this type of tail, ranging from wood blades to tile files. The U-shaped ponytail also got its name due to its corresponding shape. A very rare type of canvas that is suitable only for American instruments. In addition, there are conical and immersed tails, but there is practically no point in considering them, since in Russia the predominant part of the market is occupied by canvases with a “T” shaped tail. The remaining models are practically not used, since there is no suitable tool. Any type of tail is securely attached to a suitable electric jigsaw. Therefore, the difference is purely in form.

Hand and jigsaws have long been adopted by home craftsmen. This is very useful devices, which will allow you to carefully and accurately cut almost any material of varying thickness and configuration. But before you begin the work, it is necessary that the correct jigsaw file is selected. However, immediately accept correct solution pretty hard. This is due not only to the large selection, but also to the huge number of types of fabric.

Some general information

If you have a jigsaw and no files, then it is a useless tool. If you have a whole set of files, then you can cut almost any material. There is no need to think that a jigsaw is designed to work only with metal or plastic products. Although we can say that it is quite advisable to have both manual and automatic tool, a little later you will understand exactly why. With proper skill, you can make straight and shaped cuts on chipboard, ceramics, metal, and so on. But you should understand that each type of material has its own jigsaw file. For example, the BOSCH assortment provides the most various canvases, which can work with plywood, plastic, etc. Of course, each material has different thickness, density, hardness and other parameters, this imposes certain requirements on the quality of the steel sheet.

Hand jigsaw files

It is quite logical that without a file you will not be able to complete the work you need. Today, all blades for hand tools are divided into two large groups:

• for woodworking;
• for metal work.

Each of these groups is divided into subgroups. For example, a wood blade can be used for quick cutting. This is one of the most common and popular files. Its peculiarity is that such a blade can process a large amount of material at high speed. For example, with such a file it is not a problem to cut a workpiece with a diameter of 20 cm. However, this tool leaves behind a significant number of defects, so it is advisable to use it only for auxiliary works or construction of buildings.

But clean saw blades for a manual jigsaw allow you to get a high-quality surface. This is achieved due to a large number of small teeth, as a result of which the cut is smooth and practically free of defects. However, in this case, the maximum diameter of the workpiece should not exceed 7.5 cm. There are also saws for laminate. They have a unique arrangement of teeth that leave no marks behind.

Blade for working with metal

It is one thing to process a material such as wood; it is quite another to process metal. Please note that the wood blade is not suitable for sawing metal sheets. But learning to distinguish files from each other is extremely simple. The jigsaw file for metal has a blue shank, which is the main hallmark. The teeth are very fine, allowing you to work with sheets up to 6 mm thick.

Today, combined fabrics are increasingly being sold. According to the manufacturers, they are well suited for working with both wood and metal. But we can say with confidence that this is not the best solution, since the work performed is somewhat more difficult and takes longer. In any case, a jigsaw file for metal must be made of high-quality material.

Electric, benchtop and manual jigsaws

It is worth understanding that, despite the same purpose, files for this tool have fundamental differences. For example, the blade for a manual jigsaw is quite thin and long, and is also attached on both sides. In a jigsaw it is shorter and thicker, and also has a completely different installation method. If the tool is hand-held, then you should always have several spare files. This is due to their fragility. They really break down often and at the most inopportune moments.

There are also saws for The tool itself is stationary and is great for cutting wood. The blade in this case is more similar to that used in hand tools. However, it is less fragile, so it breaks less often. Such files are intended for workpieces with a maximum diameter of 4 cm for wood and 0.2 cm for metal products.

Marking of jigsaw files

Special markings on the canvas can say a lot. Firstly, this way you can find out what material the product is made of. By the way, this is very important, especially when performing important work. For example, if HCS is written on the body, this means that the blade is made of and is intended for cutting soft materials, in particular wood, chipboard, plastic, etc. But, for example, the HSS inscription indicates that the saw made of high-speed hardened steel. This is a hard, but at the same time quite brittle material that can be used to work with both aluminum and thin steel.

But the marking of jigsaw files BIM means that the blade is bimetallic. It is essentially a combination of HCS and HSS. This file has improved properties, but also high cost. The HM mark means that such a blade can be used for particularly hard materials, for example, cutting ceramic tiles, etc. In principle, understanding the markings is not so difficult; if you remember this, then choosing the appropriate blade will be extremely simple.

Learn more about making the right choice

When purchasing, you should always pay attention to the shank of the blade. Naturally, it has only one mount, unlike a hand saw. Although today the world famous company Bosch produces with two stops. In any case, it is advisable to first read the instructions, where it will be written what is suitable for your instrument. For example, the Makita company produces jigsaws with a mount that is fundamentally different from other models. There are specially cut circles on both ends various diameters. Naturally, you can’t put a file with a different type of fastening on a jigsaw.

You need to understand that the canvas can have different lengths. For wood cutting it is usually 51-126 mm, for metal - up to 106 mm. The choice should be based on the thickness of the workpiece being processed. The thicker it is, the longer the canvas should be. For example, to perform figured cuts on wood, thin jigsaw files are used. They are quite fragile, but they give more possibilities operator.

Cloth for working with laminate

Today, many people say that to process parquet boards or laminates, an exceptionally clean cut is required. Someone might recommend using almost a diamond-coated blade. However, the price for such a tool is very high; for a set of 5 files you will have to pay several thousand rubles. In principle, sometimes the jigsaw itself can cost that much.

So, it is not at all necessary to purchase an overly expensive instrument. Usually a blade is enough for a clean cut. Of course, there will be a chip of about 1-2 mm. However, in most cases, the laminate is covered with skirting boards, which are much larger than the chip. For this simple reason, do not overpay again. When buying jigsaw files for laminate, pay attention to the quality of the product. Many modern canvases burn very strongly when working with wood, chipboard and laminate. Therefore, make your purchase with a small margin.

Something about the shape of the teeth

The configuration of the blade teeth determines the capabilities of the tool. A large number of small teeth improves the quality of the cut, but significantly reduces the speed. If there are few teeth and they are large, then such a cut will be extremely sloppy, but very fast. Conventionally, according to the shape of the teeth, the files can be divided into the following groups:

• Set (milled) - used for cutting soft materials such as wood and plastic, as well as non-ferrous metals. The routing ensures that excess heat does not accumulate, and sawdust is removed from the cut and the blade.
• Wave-shaped (milled) - used for clean cutting of aluminum, soft materials (wood, plastic) and non-ferrous metals. In this case, the setting is performed in groups, that is, several teeth in a row in one direction.
• With conical grinding (ground) - a good solution for obtaining a clean cut on wood and plastic. The non-working edge is ground. These are typical jigsaw files for laminate flooring.
• Ground, set teeth are one of the best solutions for rough cutting of wood, chipboard, wood board, etc.

Width and thickness of the canvas

When choosing, it is extremely important to pay attention to the width of the file. Not only the quality, but also the speed of the work performed depends on this parameter. If the canvas is wide, then it will not only be stable, but also more durable, and will practically not deviate from the intended plane. Of course, this is also high-speed cutting, don't forget about that. At the same time, narrow files provide good maneuverability compared to wide ones. The arrangement of the teeth on the jigsaw drive axis allows you to better follow the intended plane with minimal deviations.

Thickness is also not the last parameter that makes sense to pay attention to. Blades that are too thin cannot ensure proper perpendicularity of the cut. In addition, the thicker the file, the higher its stability.

Something else

You probably know that the teeth of the blade must be harder than the material being processed. So, to carry out work on cutting glass, ceramics, metal and stone, you will need special files. The main requirement is increased strength. It is best to use bimetallic blades for such purposes, which are 1/3 hardened steel and 2/3 high-carbon steel. The service life of such files is quite long, so they will pay off with interest. In addition, the risk of sudden breakdown is much lower here than in classic versions. But since choosing a file for a jigsaw is not difficult, and you already know how to do it, you will not have any problems selecting the appropriate bimetallic blade.

Conclusion

If we talk about manufacturers that have proven themselves well, these are the companies Bosch, Makita and Praktika. The files of these companies are famous all over the world for their high quality and excellent performance properties. If you are not afraid to spend an extra 200 rubles, then buy canvases from these brands, and you will not regret anything. Do not forget that all files have their own purpose; using them for other purposes is unlikely to lead to the expected results. A jigsaw is a high-speed tool, so securely fasten the blade and try to work with safety glasses and gloves. Basically, we looked at the main types of jigsaw files. Now you know that there are blades for wood, metal, as well as combined blades for other materials. By paying attention to the labeling of the product and the method of its fastening, you will definitely make the right choice.

What types of jigsaw files exist and how to choose the best option for a particular case should be known to every craftsman who has this tool in his household.

There are many factors that influence the choice of cutting blade: the material that will be sawed, its thickness and density, the required cut quality, etc. In order not to make a mistake when purchasing, you should take into account the technical characteristics of the files, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model.

Material for making cutting blades

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a file is the material from which it is made.

Each cutting blade from well-known manufacturers has its own marking. Knowing how to decipher it, you can easily determine whether the file is suitable for you for the upcoming work.

The marking indicating the material used to make the canvas is as follows:

Table on the use of files.

1. HCS. These files are classified as woodworking tools. They are made of high-carbon steel, which has ductility and elasticity. They can cut wood, chipboard, plywood and plastic. When choosing such a fabric, you should pay attention not to its hardness, but to its flexibility.
2. H.S.S. Hardened steel products that can be used at high speeds. Used for processing durable materials, including metals of varying densities. Despite all its rigidity, hardened steel is a rather brittle substance that must be used very carefully.
3. BIM. Bimetallic blades, which are made from a mixture of high-carbon and hardened steel, due to which they have all the advantages of the first two types. Depending on the shape and size of the teeth, they can be used for both wood and metal work.
4. HIM. They are made from high-strength alloys, due to which they are characterized by high strength and rigidity. Mainly used for cutting ceramic tiles.

The color of the file can also indicate the material of manufacture and purpose of the file:

• white (BIM) – for cutting wood and metal;
• gray (HCS or BIM) – for processing wood and wood-based materials;
• blue (BIM or HSS) – for cutting metal;
• black (HIM) – for performing special tasks (sawing ceramic tiles, durable steel, etc.).

Marking of jigsaw files

Files intended for working with wood are marked with the letters HCS.

On the tail of any jigsaw cutting blade there is a marking consisting of letters and numbers. The first is the letter “T” or “U”, which indicates the type of attachment of the blade to the tool: T-shaped or U-shaped. It is followed by numbers indicating the length of the file:

• 1 – short blade (up to 7.5 cm);
• 2 – standard cutting element (7.5-9.0 cm);
• 3 – extended file (9-15 cm);
• 7 – long file (more than 15 cm).

The longer the product, the thicker the workpiece it can cut.

After the numbers there are again letters that indicate the size of the teeth:

• A – the smallest teeth (perfect for cutting laminate);
• B – larger teeth (used for processing wood, fiberboard, chipboard and plywood);
• C and D are the largest teeth used for rough cutting.

Some manufacturers use two letters at the end instead of one (for example, T101BR). The second letter means:

• O – for figure cutting;
• R – with reverse tooth (improves cut quality);
• F – bimetallic products (considered the most durable and reliable);
• X – universal blade (it can cut both wood and metal);
• P – thick files (used for corner cutting).

For example, the T118AF marking means that the selected model has a T-shaped mount and fine teeth, its length is up to 7.5 cm, and the material of manufacture is bimetal.

Types of saw blade shanks.

When choosing a cutting blade for a jigsaw, you need to know what material it will work with. This tool is capable of cutting not only wood and wood-based materials (chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, etc.), but also plastic, slate, brick, metal and even tile. Moreover, for each material being processed there is its own type of saw with which the jigsaw will work with best efficiency. There are also universal cutting blades that are equally suitable for wood and metal, for example.

Wood files. Depending on their purpose, such products are divided into two groups:

• for quick cutting;
• for a clean cut.

If you are faced with the task of sawing a large amount of wood, spending a minimum of time, then the best option would be a cutting blade with large teeth.

The larger the teeth, the faster the cut. However, as the speed of work increases, the cleanliness of the cut decreases, so here you need to choose between speed and quality.

If speed of work comes first, then the best option would be a blade marked T101D. With its help, you can quickly cut wood blanks up to 7.5 cm thick; for thicker material, you can purchase the T244D or T344D model.

For a clean cut, the T101B file is a good option. It is often used for professional purposes when assembling furniture and other work that requires high-quality cutting. This product can also cut thick workpieces, but you will spend twice as much time on this as when using, for example, the T244D model.

Canvas on laminate. When laying laminate flooring, it is important that the cut does not have burrs. This can be achieved using the T101BR file, which is equipped with a reverse tooth. However, if you don’t have this model at hand, and you need to cut the laminate with something, you can get by with the regular T101B blade. Only in this case, before starting work, it is recommended to paste over the place of the intended cut. regular tape, which will protect the processed material from chips, burrs and other defects.

Metal files. They have fine teeth and a blue tail. If you will be working with metal 3 mm thick, buy a T118A file. It is also suitable for cutting plastic. For thicker material, it is recommended to use a T123X cutting blade, and for aluminum - T227D.

Files for tiles. They are marked T150RIFF or T130RIFF. Instead of teeth, their cutting part is carbide coating. You need to know that using a jigsaw to cut tiles is recommended only in extreme cases, since the work will be slow and dusty. For lack of specialized tool To cut tiles, it is better to use a regular glass cutter.

Blade shape

A certain tooth shape is suitable for various tasks, which differs not only in the type of sharpening, but also in the setting method:

1. Milled set teeth. This blade is perfect for cutting wood. Divorce is carried out by analogy with a regular hand hacksaw. This allows you to slightly widen the cut, thereby preventing overheating and jamming of the tool in the thickness of the wood.
2. Milled teeth with wave setting. In this case, not a single, but a group setting is performed (for example, 4-6 teeth). Similar files are used for cutting metals.
3. Ground teeth without setting. The best option for finishing cutting. This canvas allows you to achieve High Quality cut in wood, laminate and plastic.
4. Set teeth with grinding. This product is used for quick cutting when there are no special requirements for the quality of the cut.

Manufacturers of jigsaw files

To choose the right file for an electric jigsaw, you need to pay attention not only to the technical characteristics and labeling of the product, but also to the manufacturer. On the construction equipment market, cutting blades are presented in a wide range of European, domestic and Chinese models.

Chinese files are not of the best quality; they quickly wear down and overheat. Their only advantage is low cost. However, it will be cheaper and easier to choose one high-quality canvas for 300-400 rubles than to purchase a set of 20-30 Chinese products for 150-200 rubles. But, if you still need to saw, but there is no file at hand, you can sharpen the old one.

The most popular and reliable jigsaw files are products from Makita, Bosch and Praktika.

A few useful techniques for working with a jigsaw:

What is a jigsaw? - historical reference

The popular Makita jigsaw had a predecessor, which was completely undeservedly forgotten. The manual jigsaw was replaced by laser cutting, jigsaw, and milling.
You can use a hand jigsaw to cut wood, plywood, plastic, ceramics, and sheet metal. Previously, in schools, during labor lessons, children practiced cutting out homemade products with a jigsaw - frames, shelves, dolls and other homemade products. There was no time for gadgets...

Jigsaw design

A jigsaw is a U-shaped arc (1), at the ends of which there are clamping screws (4). A handle (3) is attached to the lower end of the jigsaw. Between the ends of the jigsaw arc, a file (2) is secured using clamping screws, which is installed with some tension (until it rings).
A jigsaw with a wooden arc has a third screw - a tension screw, which serves to tension the file between the ends of the arcs, since a jigsaw with a wooden arc does not have sufficient elasticity to tension the file to working condition.

Files for hand jigsaws (a, b, c) are made of high-quality carbon steel. but despite this, sawing with a jigsaw is quite painstaking work that requires patience and attention. I hurried a little and trinket! You need to insert a new file.

What can you do with a jigsaw?

The modern jigsaw has replaced manual jigsaw from many areas of activity, but if you need an accurate, curved cut, an ordinary, manual jigsaw cannot be replaced.
Craftsmen still use a jigsaw in jewelry production

for cutting complex figures from gold and silver. Using a jigsaw to cut out various shapes from plywood and wood for handicrafts is an excellent hobby, your hands are busy and your nerves are like ropes.

Properly selected components make working with any tool more convenient and enjoyable. Perhaps the most significant working element of a jigsaw is the saw blade. This consumable can turn the cutting process into a smooth and neat song, or vice versa, reduce the work to a crooked and nibbled nonsense. To save yourself from possible unpleasant situations and choose the optimal canvas for your purposes, it is useful to know their types and features. Jigsaw files, at first glance, may seem too diverse, but after reading this article, you will understand that their classification is simple and very convenient.

Explanation of markings

Today there are several standards saw blades, each of which is assigned to a specific brand. The most popular files in Europe are files from Bosh. In second place is Makita. The third place is shared by Festool, Hitachi and the rest. Since the marking of Bosch standard jigsaw files is the most common, we will analyze it in more detail.

As you may have noticed in the image above, the number and letter designations of the saw blade have their place and meaning. To provide a clearer picture of the overall picture, let’s talk about each symbol in a nutshell.

Shank type may have several different variations, which must be taken into account by owners of jigsaws with quick-release fastening. If your tool has a block or screw clamp, you can install a blade with any shank into it.

Saw blade length selected based on the assigned tasks and can exceed 150 mm. Choosing long file, it is important to understand the power of your jigsaw, since not every tool is designed to work with thick materials. Also, a blade that is too long, when working with relatively thin material, will vibrate strongly, which will significantly reduce the quality of the cut. Most optimal length for standard household jigsaws on wood, is 75 mm. This indicator is due to the fact that such models will not be able to handle thicker material.

Teeth size affects the quality and speed of cutting. If you work with decorative or facing materials, then it is better to choose a file with the smallest teeth (A). This way the work will be much more accurate, although noticeably slower. For quick and rough cutting of boards, chipboards and similar materials, it is recommended to use blades with larger teeth (B, C, D). Determining whether to sacrifice speed or quality should be based on the tasks at hand.

Special parameters indicate the features of the saw blade and have a direct impact on the quality of certain types of work. Briefly about each parameter:

• F – Bimetallic. A fairly flexible blade with very strong teeth, which is a symbiosis of two metals. It is used for straight and figured cutting of metal and has increased wear resistance.
• O – With a narrow back. A relatively thin jigsaw file used for curved cuts.
• P – For precise cutting. Thick fabric that is resistant to bending during operation. Great for precise, straight cuts at precise angles.
• X – Progressive teeth. Multi-purpose saw blades suitable for cutting wood, plastic and metal. What they pay for their versatility is the quality of the cut, which leaves much to be desired.
• R – Reversible (reverse) teeth. Unlike the standard direction, upward, the teeth of the reversible blades are directed downward. When working with a jigsaw with a similar file, chips form on the opposite side.

In addition to the standard European marking, which not all manufacturers adhere to, there is a single designation that can be found in the description of any saw blade.

Saw blade material
Depending on the material being processed, files can be made from the following steel grades:

• CV – chrome vanadium steel. Used in the production of saws for wood and its derivatives (plywood, fiberboard, chipboard and others).
• HCS – alloy (carbon) steel. Suitable for cutting wood and plastic.
• HSS – high speed steel. Used for cutting metals.
• BM (Bi-Metal) - a bimetallic blade is a mixture of two grades of steel (HCS and HSS), where the back of the blade has an HCS alloy and the teeth have an HSS alloy. Bimetallic blades are very durable and maneuverable, and can be used for straight and curved cutting of wood and metal.
• HIM is an alloy based on tungsten carbide. Files made from steel of this grade are used to work with ceramics, foam blocks and similar materials.

In addition to dry technical data, the manufacturer can indicate the clear purpose of the saw blade. Often, information about the type of materials and type of work is indicated on the packaging, but there are cases when these designations are written directly on the file. Below are options for the most common verbal designations with explanations.

For what material

• Wood – Saws for plywood, chipboard, fiberboard and soft wood.
• Hardwood – Blades for cutting dense wood and laminate.
• Metal – For working with ferrous metals.
• Alu – For cutting aluminum.
• Inox – For stainless steel.
• Fiber&Plaster – For cutting polymer products.
• Soft-material – Universal blade for working with metals, plastics and wood.

Work assignment

• Basic – File with average cutting quality. The best option for everyday use at home.
• Clean – Blade for making a clean cut.
• Speed ​​– For rough but fast cuts.
• Flexible – Flexible saw blade for working with metal.

Types of jigsaw files

The variety of saw blades today goes beyond the understanding of the average user. Jigsaw saws are divided according to dimensions, tooth pitch, types of cutting edges and other parameters that are completely alien and uninteresting to most buyers. At the same time, everyone wants to work with an optimally tuned tool and get results of the required quality. To briefly and clearly explain to you how to choose a jigsaw file, we have divided them according to the most popular materials.

Jigsaw blades for wood

Wood and its derivatives are cut using steel blades of grades CV, HCS and BM. The size of the teeth depends on the type of material being processed and the quality requirements for the cutting line:

A and B are blades with the smallest teeth. Used for clean cutting of laminate flooring.
C – medium teeth with appropriate cutting quality. Popular for working with chipboard, fiberboard, plywood and wood.
D – maximum tooth length. Used for quick but rough cutting of chipboard and wood.
For direct cutting of decorative materials (coated boards or laminate), the T101BR file (with medium-sized reversible teeth) is suitable.

It is better to cut timber or thick wood with a T344C blade (long with large teeth). The size of the file should be selected based on the thickness of the material being cut.

The main qualities that a chipboard file for a jigsaw should have are short length (up to 75 cm), class A or B teeth with an average pitch of 2-3 mm.

It is better to make a figured cut using a dense type T101BO (with medium-sized teeth and a thin back).

Jigsaw blades for metal

Metal cutting with an electric jigsaw is done using saw blades made from the following steel grades: HSS and BM. Such cutting elements are characterized by small teeth with a wave-like setting (like on a hacksaw for metal). Bimetal types of jigsaw (BM) files have larger teeth that become smaller towards the base.

For cutting sheet metal 1-3 mm thick, a T118A file, up to 75 cm long, with a fine tooth is suitable.

It is better to cut thicker metal, up to 6 mm, with a T118B specimen of the same length (up to 75 cm), but with larger teeth.

Pipes or metal profiles 1-3 mm thick can be conveniently cut with T318A blades (90-150 mm, fine tooth).

To work with very thin sheets(from 0.5 to 1.5), a metal jigsaw file, brand T118G (up to 75 cm, with a microscopic tooth) is suitable.

Files for plastic

To work with a jigsaw with PVC products, blades made of the following steel grades are used: CV, HCS, HSS and BM. Both special files for plastic (Fiber&Plaster) and regular ones for wood or metal are suitable here. When working with this material, it is better to give preference to large teeth (B, C, D). If you only have files with fine teeth, it is recommended to set the minimum speed on the tool, since heated plastic filings can seriously clog the cutting part.

It is better to cut thick plastic with a bimetallic blade T101BF (up to 75 cm, medium-sized tooth). The speed should be below average.

Plexiglas and sheets of plastic can be cut quite confidently with a T101A metal file with a fine tooth.

Jigsaw blade for ceramics

The fragile structure of ceramics differs significantly from flexible metal and fibrous wood. To cut such material, special blades are required, differing from ordinary ones in the absence of teeth, in place of which tungsten carbide or diamond spraying is applied. The jigsaw file for tiles is made of carbide material, marked “HM”.

In most cases, the copies presented in stores consist of a tungsten carbide alloy and can only cope with wall tiles. There are stronger diamond jigsaw blades available for masonry that can cut floor tiles.
When working with ceramics with a jigsaw, you should understand that this tool is not intended for such material. This device, it is better to use for curved cuts, and for straight cuts - a tile cutter or grinder.

For cardboard

Jigsaw blades for cardboard, rubber, foam and other soft materials have a wavy cutting part, without any teeth. During operation, the file does not crumble or tear the material, but smoothly and accurately divides it into even parts.

Excellent for cutting carpet and much cheaper than professional scissors.

The best jigsaw files

A variety of different brands allows us to make the best choice of saw blade for your budget. Among the products offered you can find consumables of different quality. If we talk about which jigsaw files are better, we can highlight several manufacturers: Bosh, Makita and Matabo.

The most common, with quality that exceeds the price, are the original Bosh brand canvases, of any classification. The jigsaw files of this brand are ideally designed and very easy to use. Unfortunately, among the offers there are often low-quality fakes that create a false impression about this company. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to distinguish a fake jigsaw file from an original one.

1. Counterfeit goods are produced by stamping from a large sheet of metal, as a result of which one of the sides of the saw blade has slightly rounded edges. Original Bosch files, machined perfectly smooth on all sides.
2. Low-quality metal with corrosion and defects indicates a defective product.
3. The inscriptions and emblems on the file must be clear, without blurry outlines. If the seal on the file is askew and blurred, then this means that this is a fake.

You can learn in more detail about the distinctive features of counterfeit saw blades from the video below.

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There are times when you need to cut something metal, but the only power tool you have at hand is a jigsaw. This is not the most a good option, but not the worst either. A jigsaw is quite suitable for sawing metal.

But if up to this point you only had experience working with wood, you need to understand a very important thing: wood and metal - different materials by its structure. This means that the approach to the selection of tools and the cutting process itself is significantly different.

How to properly cut metal with a jigsaw

Some power tool manufacturers do not recommend working with metal parts, if their thickness exceeds 5 mm. But there are also those that allow you to work with parts up to 10 mm thick. It all depends on the reliability and quality of a particular model. In particular, on the quality of the pendulum assembly.

Before you begin the sawing work itself, you need to carry out some preparation and set up the tool. To properly configure the jigsaw, the pendulum pitch when cutting must be reduced to the first position or removed completely. So to speak, remove the beating of the pendulum. This is done in order to reduce wear on the jigsaw components and avoid dulling the cutting surface of the saw.

It is not necessary to press hard on the jigsaw. You still won’t be able to cut faster, and the risk of damaging the tool increases. The speed of the jigsaw should also not be high. At high speed, you can overheat the cutting element, and this will lead to a decrease in the sharpness and hardness of the saw. Keep in mind that one file may not be enough for the whole job. Especially if you don't have enough experience. Always keep one or two spare parts on hand.

Main types of metal files for jigsaws

Now let's move directly to the cutting tools. The inscription on the file itself or on the packaging will tell you that this blade is intended for working with metal. Such products are marked with the inscriptions: “For Metal” or “For Metal,” depending on the manufacturer.

By marking you can find out about the material from which the file is made. The most common steel is HSS. From the manufacturer's description it follows that this is high-speed steel.

Some products are marked BIM. This is a designation for Bimetal, a hard cutting edge and a soft body of the blade. Two materials of different densities are joined by surfacing. The soft body of the blade prevents the brittle steel on the teeth from breaking.

The cutting tool differs in shape. The most popular products are those with small milled wavy teeth. They provide an even cut, with a slight twist if necessary. But such blades cut material 1–3 mm thick.

To cut parts with greater thickness, there are special files with a set “tooth” and modified geometry. The so-called “progressive step”, in which the teeth increase from the jigsaw to the edge of the blade. Similar models can cut parts up to 10 mm thick.

A saw with a set tooth can be used to process non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum, copper, brass) and hardwood. They can cut a metal profile (pipe or square) if the diameter does not exceed 30 mm and the wall thickness is 1.2 mm.

The conclusion is obvious: You can cut metal with a jigsaw. But this process must be approached wisely. Eliminate pendulum runout, lubricate and do not overheat the cutting surface, use the correct blades for various materials.

Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed the first time. A little patience and attention - and you will succeed!