How to choose a jigsaw?

A variety of electric jigsaws

There are two constructive types of jigsaws :

Stationary. These are large-sized devices, which are a fixed plate with a hole, an electronics case (under the plate), as well as a “bar” with a cartridge for a saw blade. Unlike portable ones, here it is necessary to move the workpiece, not a jigsaw. This allows you to make more accurate small curly cuts, making decorative crafts and furniture fittings. Also, the devices do not overheat and have a huge resource, so you can work with them for at least a whole day. In addition, the operator does not get tired, since the jigsaw does not need to be held in the hands. Their disadvantage is the complexity of transportation, as well as the limited length of the cut (limited by the length of the plate). Stationary jigsaws are suitable for carpentry workshops, where the duration of work and low power consumption are important (the input power of the devices is from 50 to 205 W).

Stationary Jigsaws

Portable. The most common models of electric jigsaws for domestic and professional use. They can be used for longitudinal, transverse and curly cuts; for cutting wood, metal and plastic. The difference between household and professional ones is that the former are applicable for one-time non-permanent work, for example, assembling furniture for an apartment, while professional ones are designed for daily continuous use for 7-10 hours (i.e. they have an increased resource). Portable jigsaws are convenient to transport from object to object. However, unlike stationary ones, hands will get tired faster here, since you need to hold the device, and not the workpiece. Models are equipped with a lot of additional features that will be useful in different types of work.

Portable Jigsaws

General tips for choosing jigsaws

When choosing an electric jigsaw, pay attention to the following indicators:

Power. The power of the machine directly affects the amount of cut in the material. Portable models with a power of 400 to 600 W are capable of sawing wood up to 80 mm thick, steel up to 6 mm and non-ferrous metal up to 10 mm. At the same time, the value of the blade stroke (the vertical distance that the blade passes in one cut) for such models can be from 18 to 24 mm. For domestic purposes, such devices are quite enough. If you have to install a roof (and similar work where you need to cut a beam over 100 mm in cross section), you will need models from 600 to 800 W. By the way, they are also capable of cutting non-ferrous metal up to 25 mm thick.

Stationary model

Stroke frequency. This indicator is responsible for the speed and quality of the cut relative to the working material. For example, for cutting steel or non-ferrous metal, from 800 to 1000 strokes / min will be enough, but soft woods and plastic are best sawed at speeds of 1200 strokes / min and higher. It is worth noting that devices with a blade speed below 1000 strokes / min simply “will not take” plastic, therefore, to work with polymers, it is vital to have a jigsaw with a high stroke rate.
Handle shape (portable only). There are two types of handles: D-shaped and mushroom-shaped. The mushroom-shaped handle is more convenient to guide the jigsaw with curly cuts. If a straight cut is predominant in your work, then it will be easier to work with a device with a D-shaped handle.

D-shaped (left) and mushroom-shaped (right)

Food. The vast majority of portable and exclusively all stationary are equipped with mains power. Their advantage is uninterrupted operation thanks to a constant supply of electricity. Rechargeable ones will be useful for performing one-time work on objects without sockets or in those places where the wire simply does not reach. However, at the same price, batteries will be lower in power than network ones. Also, the battery increases the overall weight of the model (on average, units weigh from 2 to 2.5 kg), and this affects hand fatigue. Network of such dimensions weigh an average of up to 2 kg.
Cartridge. The most common are two types of chucks: key and keyless. In the first case, the canvas is pressed with a hexagon, which is unscrewed and twisted with a key. In the quick-clamp design, it is enough to bend the bracket, insert the blade and return the bracket to its place (takes 5 seconds). Keyless chucks are much more convenient in terms of blade setting speed.

Cordless Jigsaws

Additional features to look out for

When choosing electric jigsaws, consider the following:

Anti-vibration system. AVR significantly reduces vibration from the operation of the engine and cartridge, which contributes to less user fatigue (no tingling in the palms is felt), as well as increasing the durability of the unit itself. It is worth purchasing a tool with this function only if you plan to work constantly for several hours a day.
Adjustment of frequency of the course of a cloth. Adjustment can be made by a switch on the body or a wheel on the start button. This feature is useful when working with materials of different densities. For example, at low speeds from a soft pine blank, the file will “pull out” the fibers, and the cut itself may go crooked. In this case, with the help of the regulator, the speed is increased. The same applies to other materials.
Pendulum move. In the presence of a pendulum, the saw blade goes not only up / down, but also forward / backward relative to the cut (the deviation along the axis is about a centimeter in each direction). This allows you to cut the workpiece faster. However, when the pendulum stroke is turned on, the quality of the cut decreases (burrs may appear), and it is problematic to evenly guide the blade. This function is very useful when you need to cut a large amount of wood material. However, if you need to cut several cubic meters a day, then it is better to take a closer look at circulars and chainsaws, as this is their direct purpose.

Web travel with pendulum function

Sawing at an angle. The function is possible for those models in which the sole is able to change position. Most soles are adjustable in inclination from 0 to 45 degrees, but at the same time you need to set it yourself according to the desired indicators on the scale (smooth adjustment). But there are those in which the sole is clearly set at positions of 15, 30 and 45 degrees and is blocked by a limiter (stepped). This is useful when you often need to switch from a bevel to a straight cut. Bevel sawing is useful for making furniture parts, such as glazing beads, etc.

Sawing at an angle

Smooth start. This mechanism limits the sharp increase in engine speed at start-up, and smoothly starts the sawing process. As a result, tool jerking and damage to the workpiece are prevented. Also, large starting currents will not damage the engine. In particular, soft start is useful when working with powerful models (from 800 W).
Engine's type. There are brushed and brushless models. The former have the presence of carbon brushes, which transmit electricity to the rotor winding. In this case, there is constant friction of these parts, due to which from time to time they can fail. Brushed motors have less efficiency than brushless motors, however, units equipped with them are much cheaper. If you plan to purchase such a jigsaw, then take a model with quick access to carbon brushes so that they can be replaced without contacting a service center. Brushless devices are more durable and with high efficiency. Mostly powerful models with a high cutting depth of the working material are equipped with this type of engines.

Carbon brush motor

Vacuum cleaner connection. The model is equipped with a nozzle for removing sawdust, which is connected to the sole of the jigsaw. This design feature allows you to perform the work as “cleanly” as possible without polluting the room with sawdust (especially when carpet paths lie).
Backlight. Illuminates the work area while sawing. It helps to better see the outlined line along which we are leading the canvas.
laser marker. This is the red dot (or line) that shows where the cut will be directed. It should be noted that the laser marker only improves the visualization of the cut line, but does not increase the accuracy of the cut in any way (it all depends on the professionalism of the operator).

Jig Saws with Laser Marker

conclusions

Stationary units will be of interest to carpentry workshops, where the duration of work, minimum power consumption and the ability to perform jewelry work are important. For household work, models with a power of up to 600 W with a brush-type motor are suitable. Crews for professional use will need brushless models in excess of 800 watts. If autonomous operation is required in places where there is no electricity, then it is useful to look at battery models. Also, depending on the needs, you can choose a set of additional functions.

A variety of electric jigsaws

General tips for choosing jigsaws

Additional features to look out for

conclusions

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