An electric jigsaw is used by home craftsmen to create beautiful products from plywood and wood. Such crafts are used for a variety of purposes. They can be decorative or serve as household items. Every home craftsman who is interested in this activity should know the features of working with the tool.
You should learn more about how to use the “miracle jigsaw” and what can be cut with it.
Subtleties of working with a jigsaw
A jigsaw is a universal device that is used for cutting shaped products from various materials. All you need is to choose the right canvas. It is important to understand how to cut out shapes of complex shapes. Many novice craftsmen need to figure out how bevels on boards and various components of crafts are made. Electric jigsaws work best when cutting softwood. However, the thickness of the elements from which cutting is performed should not exceed 3.8 cm.
Blades that will be inserted into a jigsaw quite often bend and leave beveled edges. A straight cut is usually achieved with a well-sharpened blade. However, you should not put too much pressure on the tool while working.
You should first start the saw at the highest speed, and then select the blade angle. This will result in fewer chips. In materials that are highly brittle, it is necessary to drill holes. This will allow you to saw off the workpiece without unnecessary risk. As a result, there is no chipping of the part.
To ensure fast cutting, coarse blades should be used. However, it should be taken into account that when choosing such consumables, it will be more difficult to sand them later. Blades for electric jigsaws are made in such a way that the cut is made when the blade moves upward.
Unpacking, assembly
The box......was heavy!
But not so big that it wouldn’t fit into the trunk of a sedan, so we didn’t have to order delivery from the airport; we delivered it ourselves. But they didn’t dare drag it to the 3rd floor in its entirety. On the street they tore the box apart and dragged it in pieces.
Details and some photos
The box contained: - a machine with a removed portal - a box of spare parts - motors, pump, hoses/wires, bolts, a box with hexagons and several cutters, etc. — the portal itself — the control unit — the 4th axis
Having dragged everything into the office, we beautifully laid out everything for the photo shoot.
The packaging of the machine was not very thorough. Frankly speaking, it was disgusting - they simply threw all the parts into the box, nailed down the lid and that was it. Fortunately, the main parts are metal and are difficult to damage. However, the loose portal crushed a corner of the desktop and crushed a couple of links of the flexible cable channel. The rest survived the trip without loss. What was included in the kit:
- Machine work table
- Gantry with fixed spindle
- Stepper motors
- All wiring packed in spiral tube
- Hardware for machine assembly - bolts, nuts, screws
- Machine control unit
- 4th axle with tailstock and chuck tightening wrench
- Pair of wrenches, set of hex keys
- Spindle water cooling pump
- Spindle cooling tubes
- LPT cable
- A disk with the Mach3 program (with a crack :)) and with a setup manual for this particular machine
- A box with clamps for attaching the workpiece to the table, a collet for the spindle and a couple of different cutters of disgusting quality
Although this was my first experience with CNC machines, before ordering and receiving it, I spent a month on specialized forums and already had an idea of what I was encountering, how it works and what I needed to pay attention to. Therefore, the assembly did not cause any difficulties. Connecting wires and connectors also does not raise any questions. When laying the harness along the machine, the required connectors are easily determined by their length - if it reaches just to the mating part, then this is it. The connectors connected to the control unit are equipped with labels and are very difficult to confuse. The spindle cooling system caused some confusion - apparently the tubes were simply supposed to be hung somehow so that they would not interfere with the portal’s movement. They did not fit into the flexible cable channel, and their length did not allow them to be laid in it. They hung them up somehow, but still, at times they would cling to something when the portal moved. Well, a slight inconvenience was caused by the broken links of the cable channel - one of them was just the terminal one. with an eyelet for attaching to the machine. In principle, we got out of it here too - we simply screwed one of the last links to the machine through the side wall
More information about the spindle, control unit and the donated tool length meter
On such machines, as a rule, the spindles are collector (low-power) with only air cooling and three-phase with air or liquid cooling. Air-cooled spindles are more demanding on air purity, are noisier and are rarely found with a power of more than 1 kW. Water-cooled ones also have a drawback - they require a pump, tubes, a container and a liquid in which all kinds of micro-living creatures will not breed. However, they are quiet, do not care about dust and are easier to cool. In general, the minimum that many people use for cooling is just some kind of 10-liter container with 4-5 liters of liquid and a pump. Cooling occurs naturally in this container. The container must be closed so that dust does not get into it and then settle in the channels and on the walls of the jacket inside the spindle itself. The 3-phase spindle is powered and controlled by a frequency inverter, which, by adjusting the current and phase frequency, sets the spindle to certain speeds. The inverter control panel just sticks out from the front of the machine control unit (black panel):
There were no instructions for this inverter included, and searching on Google also didn’t yield anything. But it is known for sure that the inverter has a bunch of settings and a manual mode. I never managed to switch it to manual mode (in general, I didn’t really want to, it can be controlled perfectly from a computer), and the settings for this spindle, thank God, were already set correctly by the manufacturer or seller. In general, the spindle is very high precision motor. It is believed that if the spindle shaft runout is more than 0.05 mm, then it is no longer a spindle, but just a drill. This is why the spindle is so sensitive to overheating and requires cooling - the operating temperature should not exceed 35-40 degrees. The same high demands are placed on the cutter fixation unit. In such small spindles, the cutters are fixed with cunning collets - at the bottom the cuts go on one side and the other alternately, and there is also a taper on both sides. This allows such collets to clamp the cutter shank evenly along the entire length:
On “adult” machines, tool fixation is carried out differently, where everything is more complicated and much more expensive. There are a variety of milling cutters - for different materials, types of processing, cutting speed, etc. Here are just a few of the great variety:
From left to right: cone (1.5mm spherical end), cone (0.5mm spherical end), end single (flat end), face single pass chip down (flat end and reverse spiral), 0.2mm engraver. The machine control unit is a hodgepodge. Inside this box the following are located and secured as it turns out: - a 24 volt 10 ampere power supply (powers the motor drivers and the controller board) - a 2.2 kW inverter, which has a removable control panel located on the front wall of the control unit
- controller board with three integrated stepper motor drivers for the X, Y, Z axes (green board) - separate stepper motor driver for the 4th axis (black box)
All this is connected to each other efficiently. But the placement and fastening of individual parts is a quiet horror
On the front wall of the machine control unit there are: - an inverter control panel (who knows why, anyway, you can’t do anything without the missing manual) - a large red button with a lock for emergency stop of the machine (the so-called fungus) - two power switches - one for inverter and one for motor drivers - a small red button that turns off the limiting microcrys of the axes
On the back wall: - LPT connector for connecting to a computer - additional. connector to which you can connect a unit with a joystick and indicators - connectors for connecting motors of the X, Y, Z and A axes (4th axis) - 220 volt power connector - Tool Setting connector - for connecting a tool length meter - Limited connector for connecting microphones travel limiters along the axes - Spindle connector for connecting a spindle
What is a tool length meter and what is it for: This is a simple closing pair of contacts, one of which is a platform of a strictly defined height, and the second is an alligator clip that clings to a cutter fixed in the spindle:
Despite its simplicity, this device makes life very easy. The point is this: when working with a workpiece with several cutters (for example, a rough pass with a thick cutter, then a finishing pass with a thin one), after changing the cutter, you need to very accurately set its height above the workpiece so that it corresponds to the installation height previous cutter. In such cases, both cutters are set with this device. The gauge is placed on the workbench under the cutter, then the spindle is slowly lowered until the cutter touches the surface of the gauge. The contacts close, a signal is sent to the computer and the spindle movement stops. That's it, now we know exactly the height of the cutter above the work table (it is equal to the thickness of the gauge). All that remains is to set this height in the program. There are special scripts for this, but you can do everything manually; in the G-code there is a special command “Lower the spindle at a given speed until a signal is received from the meter.”
Did I already mention that the machine is heavy? So, it’s really heavy—more than 50 kg. And almost half of the weight falls on the movable portal. Now imagine that a 20-kilogram weight is moving back and forth on your table at a decent speed. Do you think the table will last long? And where will he have time to escape before falling apart? For the machine, we decided to build a table that was stronger than the office ones (although we rejected a friend’s offer to weld it from 50x50 square pipes :)). The sides and tabletop were made from a kitchen countertop (35 mm, I think), and reinforced longitudinally on the sides with chipboard panels. You can't swing it with your hands, we tried. So: this is not enough
! When the portal moves intensively, this table shakes. This will be visible in the engraving video below in the review. Please keep this in mind if you purchase a machine of this size.
Naturally, immediately after assembling and connecting the machine, there was simply a burning desire to cut something on it. A piece of wood (some kind of small pine board) was bought, a broken version of one of the programs was quickly downloaded and installed, which, based on drawings, prepare programs for machine tools, and then express For teaching at random, a program was created to cut out a small example from the same program. The results were not encouraging. At all. The fact is that pine is the last type of wood that should be used for carving reliefs. It frays, it is fragile - small parts break off, it clogs the cutters with resin... Well, the cutters included with the machine did not deserve the right to life. Taking into account experience and after a short meeting with a friend (who is quite famous in these circles for his online store of consumables for CNC machines), a beech board was purchased. Several normal cutters were purchased from the same friend. And here are the first more or less satisfactory results:
Choosing the Right Blade
Choosing a blade for an electric jigsaw is a major consideration when cutting wood and plywood. Often a jigsaw lies idle in a home craftsman's household. However, when you need to make a complex pattern, this tool is more necessary than ever.
Quite often, an electric jigsaw is used as a tool for cutting a hole in a countertop or when installing a kitchen sink. This tool is also used for cutting metal. When using other saws, it is often impossible to complete the assigned tasks. A jigsaw is a universal device. Both beginners and experienced home craftsmen can work with it. As a result, you can get excellent results using different materials - plastic, wood, plywood.
TOP 3 best manual jigsaws in terms of quality and reliability for the home
Every master wants his instrument to serve faithfully. Uninterrupted operation, no breakdowns, quick and easy replacement of faulty parts are some of the main criteria for selecting the best jigsaws for the home in terms of quality and reliability.
BOSCH GST 850 BE 600 W
Jigsaw with high cutting quality. Hardy and practical, a reliable assistant at construction sites and at home.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 600 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 500 -3100 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 26 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 85 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 (aluminum - 20) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,6 |
| Network cable length, m | 2,5 |
This tool will be appreciated not only by beginners, but also by amateur carpenters. Good when working with wood of any hardness, takes steel and non-ferrous metals well.
The jigsaw is well made: high-quality assembly, minimal gaps, good components. It has a pendulum mode, blowing away sawdust, and the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner.
| pros | Minuses |
| Power | Blade support roller play |
| Build quality | No backlight |
| Reliability, service life | No case (can be purchased) |
| Cleanliness of cut |
Metabo STE 100 QUICK box 710 W
Household tool with high build quality, low vibration level, quick-release fastening of the file.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 710/470 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 1000 -3100 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 22 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 100 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 (non-ferrous metals - 25) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2 |
| Network cable length, m | 4 |
Reliable, powerful and productive jigsaw. Saws wood up to 100 mm, steel up to 10 mm, non-ferrous metals up to 25 mm.
There is a sawdust blower and it is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner. The handle is rubberized, mushroom-shaped.
High-quality assembly, has protective glass.
| pros | Minuses |
| Power | Play of the blade holder rod and guide roller |
| Build quality | No backlight |
| Reliability, service life | No case |
| Quick-release fastening of the file | |
| Length of cable |
Makita JV0600K 650 W
An electric jigsaw for the home with a high-quality cast sole, in demand on the Russian market. Packed in a convenient case for storing the tool.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 650 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 500-3100 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 23 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 90 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,4 |
| Network cable length, m | 2,5 |
The Makita JV0600K jigsaw is equipped with an anti-vibration system, a sawdust blower function and the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner.
A powerful tool that copes with all tasks of cutting wood and metal with a bang. Clean cut Quick-release blade fastening, stroke frequency adjustment. The sole is aluminum, cast. There is play in the rod guide.
| pros | Minuses |
| Power | Rod guide play |
| Build quality | No backlight |
| Reliability, service life | |
| Quick-release fastening of the file | |
| Availability of case |
How to use the tool
A jigsaw is used for a variety of tasks. Its main function is to cut curved shapes in wood products. Getting smooth curves using this tool is quite easy. The base of the tool should be kept level on the workpiece. When the preparation is completed, you can begin the main work. Then the engine is turned on and the device is slowly moved along a pre-marked line, at a distance of 2 mm from it. Fine sanding is done later.
The saw should be moved at such a pace that the blade cuts the material easily without any deflection. A jigsaw works great when cutting boards crosswise. A stop must be used if a perfect cut is required. Bevel cuts are fairly easy to make using a jigsaw. Before work, it is necessary to firmly secure the workpiece.
If an oblique or vertical cut is being made, the distance between the blade and the stop is set to the same as on a circular table. If you need to make a precise and long cut, it is difficult to work with a jigsaw. In this case, first use a circular saw. The final cutting of the element is performed with a jigsaw. It must be pressed firmly against the inside of the marked line.
TOP 3 best jigsaws for professional work
For professional work, it is worth choosing a more powerful and wear-resistant tool that works equally well in any climatic conditions. This is how the following jigsaws can be characterized.
DeWALT DW331K 701 W
A very comfortable model with soft start, low vibration and a rubberized handle. Despite the fact that it has significant weight, its heaviness is practically not felt.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 701/445 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 3100 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 26 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 130 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 12 (non-ferrous metal - 30) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,8 |
| Network cable length, m | 4 |
The DeWALT DW331K jigsaw is used for figure cutting on wood and metal. It has convenient adjustment of the sole in both directions without a key. Quick-release blade change system - the cutting blade can be changed in a matter of seconds. The package includes an anti-splitting insert, a protective cover, and an adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner. All components are packed in a convenient case.
| pros | Minuses |
| Power | Heavy weight |
| Build quality | No backlight |
| Reliability, service life | |
| Quick-release fastening of the file | |
| Smooth start | |
| Availability of case | |
| Long, cold-resistant cable |
Makita 4351FCT 720 W
Many professionals choose this brand of jigsaw. The tool is relatively inexpensive in this line and has all the necessary qualities.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 720 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 800-2800 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 26 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 135 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 (aluminum - 30) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,5 |
| Network cable length, m | 2,5 |
For large-scale construction work on an industrial scale, every detail of the tool is important, because the master interacts with it almost all day. The Makita 4351FCT jigsaw has the entire range of useful accessories. From soft start and fixation of the working position to illumination of the cutting line.
High-quality files and decent assembly of the model. The set includes a set of 6 saw blades for wood and metal, an anti-slip insert, an adapter for a vacuum cleaner and a case.
| pros | Minuses |
| Power | Native files |
| Cleanliness of cut | Case quality |
| Quick-release fastening of the file | |
| Smooth start | |
| Availability of backlight | |
| Availability of case |
Metabo STE 140 Plus case 750 W
A professional tool with a rubberized mushroom-shaped handle. Has a good cutting depth for wood and metal.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 750/420 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 1000-3100 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 26 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 140 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 (aluminum - 35) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,5 |
| Network cable length, m | 4 |
Features of this model include a restart protection system and keyless base adjustment. Convenient model. It has a smooth start and the ability to lock in working condition for long-term work. The sawdust is blown away and a vacuum cleaner can be connected.
In the basic configuration, the tool comes with a storage case, a vacuum cleaner adapter, a protective shield, and a plastic sole plate.
| pros | Minuses |
| Power | Poor airflow function |
| Build quality | Vibration |
| Cleanliness of cut | |
| The presence of a pendulum stroke | |
| Quick-release fastening of the file | |
| Smooth start | |
| Restart protection system | |
| Availability of backlight | |
| Availability of case | |
| Length of cable |
Where to start
First, the workplace is properly organized. Fulfilling this condition is especially important for high-quality cutting. If the space is arranged correctly, work will be convenient and comfortable. This condition is necessary to create a quality product.
The thrust structure is a special machine. People call it “swallowtail”. This table is made from rectangular boards. It has a wedge-shaped incision that extends into the working area. The dovetail is attached to the edge of the table.
An electric jigsaw can be used while standing or sitting. The workpiece should be located at a distance of 40 cm from the eyes. It is necessary that the lighting lamp be installed in front of the master. It is placed at an angle to the surface.
What is a jigsaw machine
A tabletop jigsaw is a powerful device for longitudinal and shaped cutting of wood and other materials of small thickness. It consists of a rectangular base with a working surface and a rigid, metal frame. An electric motor located at the base transmits movement to the saw using the principle of a crank mechanism. The operating principle of a jigsaw machine is reminiscent of a sewing machine, which became the prototype for the creation of this device.
The scope of application of a stationary jigsaw is as similar as possible to its more primitive manual ancestor, except that the former is used for more professional work. If we ignore the obvious design differences and focus only on the capabilities of the devices, we can highlight several significant features.
- When working on a jigsaw, unlike a manual one, the operator has both hands free, which allows more precise control of the position of the product during cutting.
- The effectiveness of using a manual jigsaw depends on the skill and physical data of the person. Prolonged work with such a tool is significantly exhausting.
- Most models of jigsaw machines are equipped with a tilting working surface, which allows you to cut the workpiece at a certain angle. Accurately performing such a task manually requires some experience.
Tool preparation
The saw blade in a jigsaw must be fixed in a strictly vertical position. The teeth should point down. Before work, you need to stretch the fabric well. The degree of tension must be adjusted by compressing the frame. The device must be rested against the edge of the table. Then you should tighten the lambs with pliers. When straightening the frame, the canvas will stretch.
To cut small parts or shapes with sharp contours with a jigsaw, you need to choose small files. This requires using fabrics with a large number of patterns per inch. When using them, the jigsaw does not jam when making turns. The cut is created neat and thin. If large-sized plywood products are made, it is necessary to use blades with large teeth.
How to cut with a jigsaw
To obtain an accurate cut, a number of conditions must be met:
- The hand holding the jigsaw should only move vertically.
- All movements must be made as smoothly as possible, without jerking. In addition, they must be performed with maximum amplitude. This is necessary to use the entire canvas.
- With the second hand, the workpiece turns smoothly during operation.
- Do not put too much pressure on the workpiece with the saw. No lateral pressure on the blade is allowed.
- Artistic sawing is carried out only when the file moves from top to bottom. For this reason, the reverse movement must be performed without pressure.
When working with a hand jigsaw, it must not be guided along the marked line. The canvas should be drawn along the inside of the contour. This is due to the presence of a kerf after sawing. After completing the work, one of the clamps should be loosened. The frame of the device should not lose its elasticity.
Files for a jigsaw
The most important working element, which requires the most frequent replacement during operation, is the saw blade. The duration of its use and the quality of the final result depend on the characteristics of this consumable. To work on a jigsaw, files with flat ends are used. Unlike a manual jigsaw, blades for the machine have pins installed at the ends for more convenient installation and tension. Otherwise, the files installed in a manual and stationary jigsaw are identical in size and shape.
We have provided a more detailed description of the types of saw blades for a manual jigsaw and a selection guide in a separate publication on our website.
Preparing the work area
Before you start cutting out the parts of the box, you should prepare your workspace. A special table is installed for this purpose. The craft will be created on it. In this case, the following rules are observed:
- There should be no unnecessary items at the table while working.
- The cutting device should always be at hand. A specific place is reserved for it.
- Crafting table. It is placed in a ventilated area. The room should be light and spacious.
However, it is not always possible to install a table for cutting with a jigsaw in the right place. For an ordinary apartment, the workbench is usually placed on the balcony if it is insulated. At the same time, you can work on crafts in any weather.
Battery rating
It is not always possible to work from the network; sometimes there is a need to purchase a cordless jigsaw both for professional use and for home use. Let's look at the best models from each category.
TOP 3 for professional work
Powerful, professional cordless jigsaws that are not inferior in their characteristics to their stationary counterparts are gaining more and more popularity.
Makita DJV182Z
The cutting quality of the Makita DJV182Z cordless jigsaw is excellent. Has low vibration and excellent ergonomic performance.
Specifications:
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 800-3500 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 26 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 135 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,6 |
A great tool for the professional builder. Has the full range of necessary functions. Flawless cutting without chipping. There is a backlight, a function for blowing the cutting line, the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner via an adapter, and a quick-release fastening of the saw.
Quiet and powerful - this is how this jigsaw can be characterized.
The system for blocking automatic pressing is inconveniently organized. The jigsaw remains in a state of activity and inactivity for 10 seconds, then you need to press the activation button, after which it gradually accelerates.
| pros | Minuses |
| Power | Native files |
| Cleanliness of cut | Case quality |
| Smooth start | |
| Availability of backlight | |
| Availability of case |
DeWALT DCS334N
Comfortable model with low vibration level. Has an even cut in all planes.
Specifications:
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 3000 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 26 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 130 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,4 |
Among cordless models, the DeWALT DCS334N jigsaw is quite lightweight and convenient. Quick-release fastening of saw blades, a high-quality set of dust removal attachments, soft start, brushless motor, illumination of the work area - this is not the entire list of qualities with a plus sign.
Included in the package: sole pad, adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner, anti-slip pad.
| pros | Minuses |
| Mobility | Basic configuration without battery and charger |
| Power | No case |
| Build quality | |
| Brushless motor | |
| Smooth start | |
| Low vibration | |
| Availability of backlight |
BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B
The most inexpensive of our top three professional cordless jigsaws. It is in good demand among craftsmen.
Specifications:
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 2700 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 23 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 90 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 8 (aluminum - 20) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,4 |
Convenient and reliable to use. Durable. In terms of its technical characteristics, it is somewhat inferior to previous models, but it copes well with all types of work by a master.
Good and precise cutting quality. There is a soft start system. The package does not include a case, battery or charger. But the set includes 3 files and an insert for the case.
| pros | Minuses |
| Mobility | Basic configuration without battery and charger |
| Build quality | No case |
| Smooth start | |
| Low vibration | |
| Availability of backlight | |
| Price |
TOP 2 for working from home
More modest models are suitable for work in the country. Despite the reduced characteristics, they have high-quality assembly, are comfortable and practical.
BOSCH PST 18 LI 0
A lightweight cordless jigsaw with modest parameters, but high ratings from customers.
Specifications:
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 2400 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 23 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 80 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 5 (aluminum - 12) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 1,6 |
Cordless jigsaw for home use in excellent performance from BOSCH. Soft stroke and low noise level, adjustable blade movement frequency. It has a staple-shaped rubberized handle, stamped steel sole, quick-release fastening of the file, backlight, and anti-vibration system. It copes well with wood and metal within limited technical capabilities.
One of the most convenient jigsaws for home use.
| pros | Minuses |
| Mobility | Basic configuration without battery and charger |
| Build quality | No case |
| Low vibration | |
| Availability of backlight | |
| Price |
Bort BPS-18LI-Q
The Bort jigsaw comes complete with two batteries and a charger, which is not practiced by other companies.
Specifications:
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 3000 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 20 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 80 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 8 |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Battery capacity, A*h | 1,5 |
| Weight, kg | 1,6 |
Compact, lightweight, convenient. Quick-release saw fastening, sawdust blowing, possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner. The sole is steel, stamped. There is a backlight, a protective shield and a lock against accidental pressing.
This model is not suitable for high loads, but it is quite sufficient for home use, the main thing is not to overload and take frequent breaks while working.
Good basic package. Contains: two rechargeable batteries, a charger, two saws (for wood and metal), an adapter for a vacuum cleaner, a bag and a storage case.
| pros | Minuses |
| Mobility | Long battery charging |
| Build quality | Requires frequent recharging |
| Low vibration | |
| Availability of backlight | |
| Complete with batteries and charger | |
| Availability of case |
Plywood selection
For the box you need to use a plywood sheet. When choosing a workpiece, you should pay attention to defects that often appear - cracks or knots. The workpiece is selected with a thickness indicated in the diagram. To transfer the drawing to the material, you should:
- Sand the workpiece with sandpaper. You should start with coarse-grained material. This treatment ends with fine-grain sandpaper.
- The surface must be level. To do this, you need to fix the sandpaper in the sanding device. If you don't have one, you can take a small block and wrap it in sandpaper.
- Grinding is carried out along the layers of wood.
- The workpiece is ground until its surface becomes as smooth as possible.
After such preparation, you should transfer the craft template onto it.
Transferring the template to a plywood sheet
Before starting sawing, you should transfer the prepared drawing to a plywood blank. First you will have to print the drawing on paper. To transfer, you must have tracing paper and a pen. First, the template is attached to the workpiece with tape. Having a blank in front of you, you should think about how to cut out the different elements of the box, saving the available material as much as possible.
Sawing out the box
When cutting, you need to adhere to some rules:
- The jigsaw should be positioned perpendicular to the product.
- It is necessary to ensure that all movements are performed as smoothly as possible. You should not rush while cutting - this can make a mistake and ruin a piece of material.
- It is necessary to use a sawing table.
- First you need to cut out the internal elements. Only after this they begin cutting the contour.
When leaving the cutting line, it is necessary to correct the line with a needle file while assembling the product.
Advice! During work, your hands will get tired. In this case, productivity drops significantly. Fingers and eyes get seriously tired. All this can lead to hand injuries. This is why it is necessary to take breaks from work.
TOP 10 best inexpensive and budget jigsaws 2020-2021 for the home
Our rating includes inexpensive models with good functionality and high technical performance.
Makita 4329 450 W
Compact and easy to use, Makita 4329 is good for everyday use. It has an ergonomic handle shape, comfortable and practical.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 450 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 500 — 3100 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 18 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 65 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 6 |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 1,9 |
| Network cable length, m | 2 |
The tool allows you to make straight and curved cuts in wood. The adjustable frequency of movement of the saw and the presence of a pendulum mode will ensure high productivity both when working with wood and metal.
The sole is made of cast steel. The handle has rubberized lining, a comfortable shape and fits perfectly in the hand. There is a start button on the handle, and there is a locking function for long-term work. The operator is reliably protected by a durable transparent casing.
You can connect a vacuum cleaner to the Makita 4329 jigsaw to collect debris.
| pros | Minuses |
| Excellent build quality | The need to calibrate the blade at an angle of 90⁰ |
| Weak vibration | No storage case |
| Light weight | Short network cable |
| Low cost |
BOSCH PST 700 E 500 W
High-quality tool for precision cutting. Ease of use and reliability.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 500/300 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 500 — 3100 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 20 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 70 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 |
| Pendulum stroke | No |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 1,7 |
| Network cable length, m | 3 |
It has a soft start function and is equipped with a vibration-absorbing system, which makes the technician’s work comfortable. The speed of the saw blade is controlled by pressing the start button. It is possible to lock in the working position for long-term operation, but only at maximum speed!
A clean cut, speed and ease of changing saw blades will be a definite advantage. The jigsaw has an adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner, as well as the function of blowing sawdust and construction debris from the cutting line. Light weight of 1.7 kg will also be a plus.
| pros | Minuses |
| Smooth start | No pendulum motion of the saw |
| Weak vibration | One file included, for better cutting you need to buy more |
| Light weight | No backlight |
| Storage case |
DeWALT DWE349 650 W
Powerful and uncompromising. Can handle hard wood and metal of varying thicknesses.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 650 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 500 — 3200 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 20 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 80 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 (aluminum - 20) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,4 |
| Network cable length, m | 4 |
The DeWALT DWE349 jigsaw has proven itself to be a tool with high technical characteristics. With a power of 650 W, it easily copes with hard wood. The thick steel sole is firmly attached to the work surface. This is a reliable assistant in the household.
The handle has a thoughtful shape and a rubberized anti-slip surface. Sawdust and other debris from the cutting line will be blown away by a powerful air stream emanating from the tool. The cable length allows you to work without an extension cord.
| pros | Minuses |
| High power | No case |
| Clean cut | No backlight |
| Long cable | Weight |
BISON L-400 400 W
Lightweight and easy to use, the tool is not designed to perform complex tasks, but in everyday conditions it reliably performs its function.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 400 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 500 — 3000 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 18 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 55 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 6 (non-ferrous metal - 10) |
| Pendulum stroke | No |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 1,4 |
| Network cable length, m | 2 |
One of the lightest electric jigsaw options for the home. The tool has low vibration, convenient adjustment of the frequency of saw movement and fixation if necessary. Even long work will not tire you.
The sole is adjustable by 45⁰, it is possible to install a guide stop. There is a protective glass for safe use.
With fairly low power and the absence of a pendulum stroke, you should not cut hardwood or thick-walled metal, but the ZUBR L-400 jigsaw copes well with simple tasks.
| pros | Minuses |
| A light weight | No pendulum motion |
| Low cost | Short cable |
| Lots of plastic parts | |
| No case |
Interskol MP-55/500E 500 W
Quiet tool with smooth start and low vibration. Excellent price-quality ratio.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 500 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 800 — 3000 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 18 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 55 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 6 (non-ferrous metal - 10) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 1,6 |
| Network cable length, m | 4 |
Powerful and reliable engine. The jigsaw is equipped with a platform rotation mechanism for cutting at an angle. The design provides protection for the engine from overheating.
The set includes a guide ruler and a pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner. Soft and long wire, hand protection with a folding visor.
The cutting line is clear, it is possible to adjust the stroke rate and lock the button in the active position. The handle is rubberized, the device itself is quite light, comfortable to hold in the hand.
| pros | Minuses |
| Smooth cut | Uneven platform base |
| A light weight | Protective glass blocks your view when cutting |
| Low cost | No airflow to the cutting line |
| No case |
Fiolent PM 5-750E M 750 W
Powerful and practical electric jigsaw with molded base. The choice of experienced businessmen with knowledge of carpentry.
Fiolent even comes with a parallel stop, a sole and an adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner as standard.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 750 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 2800 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 26 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 135 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 10 (aluminum - 20) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2.4 |
| Network cable length, m | 3 |
Fiolent PM 5-750E M has excellent characteristics for a household jigsaw. Great capabilities for cutting wood, steel and non-ferrous metal, a clear cut with good power - all this allows you to perform a wide range of work on wood and metal, and carry out jewelry work.
Well equipped: parallel stop, soleplate, adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner, storage case.
This model has practically no flaws, but the file is offset to the right and is not centered. Perhaps this nuance was intended by the manufacturer as a technical necessity, but, according to users, in some cases it is necessary to correct it with a file.
| pros | Minuses |
| High power | Blade offset to the right |
| Build quality | Weight |
| Reliability, service life | No backlight |
| Smooth and clean cut | |
| Availability of a storage case |
Metabo STEB 65 Quick box 450 W
A reliable manufacturer guarantees the high quality of its products. Metabo power tools have traditionally received high praise from customers all over the world.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 450 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 600 — 3000 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 18 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 65 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 6 (non-ferrous metal - 18) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 1,9 |
| Network cable length, m | 2,5 |
The wide functionality of this model allows you to perform most household jobs. High-quality and smooth cut. The rubberized, staple-shaped handle fits well in the hand. There is a protective glass, which however may block part of the view.
Sawdust is blown away and a vacuum cleaner can be connected.
Many craftsmen, after purchasing, complain about the fact that the file moves to the left when sawing. In this case, you should pay attention to 2 points:
- The quality of the file. It may be worth purchasing a file from a different brand;
- Thickness of the canvas. The T344DP blade works well, but the T344D we use is too thin.
| pros | Minuses |
| Clean cut | Offset cutting line to the left |
| Low vibration | No backlight |
| Quick-release fastening of the file | No case |
Kolner KJS 480 480 W
The most budget model in our selection. Of course, you shouldn’t expect record performance from a jigsaw that costs a thousand rubles. However, he copes well with the main tasks of a home-loving owner.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 480 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 3000 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 18 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 55 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 6 |
| Pendulum stroke | No |
| Speed adjustment | No |
| Weight, kg | 1,4 |
| Network cable length, m | 2 |
Basic model of a jigsaw. It does not have a pendulum stroke or adjustment of the frequency of movement of the saw. Average power ratings do not allow working with hardwood or metal more than 6 mm thick. The inhabitants chose this model for its low cost and the ability to perform simple household tasks.
Kolner KJS 480 in the basic configuration has spare carbon brushes, a wood file, a metal file, and a hex key.
| pros | Minuses |
| Price | No pendulum motion |
| A light weight | Lack of speed control |
| Strong vibration | |
| No backlight | |
| Length of cable |
BLACK+DECKER BES610 650 W
A good tool, time-tested. Metallized coating, powerful engine - a dream, not a tool.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 650 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 1000-3100 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 18 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 90 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 8 (aluminum - 15) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 2,2 |
| Network cable length, m | 2,5 |
Rich functionality. Works equally well on both wood and metal. Clean, flawless cut.
Quick-release fastening of the file, molded sole, ergonomic, soft handle, removable adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner.
The model has many advantages among instruments of a similar level.
| pros | Minuses |
| Build quality | Standard saw blade |
| Reliability, service life | Strong vibration |
| Cleanliness of cut | No backlight |
| No case (can be purchased separately) |
PATRIOT LS 650 2021 570 W
A tool worth checking out. Inexpensive but powerful. It has all the necessary functions, including backlighting, which is sometimes one of the key selection criteria for buyers.
Specifications:
| Power, W | 570 |
| Blade movement frequency, strokes/min | 800 -3000 |
| Saw stroke, mm | 17 |
| Depth of wood cut, mm | 65 |
| Metal cut depth, mm | 8 (aluminum - 10) |
| Pendulum stroke | Eat |
| Speed adjustment | Eat |
| Weight, kg | 1,9 |
| Network cable length, m | 2 |
The jigsaw is powerful and copes well with hard wood and steel. Has 5 travel speeds.
There is airflow to the cutting surface and there is protective glass. The glass may interfere with visibility; it can be removed. A staple-shaped rubberized handle, a relatively light weight of the jigsaw, low vibration - everything for comfortable long-term work.
There are two modifications of this model, going under a common name. They differ in how they fasten the blade, which significantly affects the quality of the cut. The model with an eccentric fastening is rated as allowing for errors in the evenness of the cut; the model with a quick-release fastening has only positive reviews. Be careful when purchasing!
| pros | Minuses |
| Build quality | Possibility of not guessing with modification |
| Reliability, service life | No case |
| Availability of backlight | Short cable |
| Price |
Assembling the box
Before assembly, you must familiarize yourself with the product drawing. Matching the pieces of a jewelry box does not require any delicate work. Before gluing different elements, you need to make sure that they can be assembled together without problems. After several assemblies of the product without any difficulties, you should begin gluing the parts. Typically, a PVA composition is used for this purpose. During operation, it is necessary to eliminate any glue leaks.
Assembling a steam locomotive model
When the material is prepared and the drawing is printed, you should begin the process of transferring the diagram to the workpiece. In this case, it is necessary to take into account some operating rules. Many home craftsmen tend to transfer a drawing onto plywood using only a copy and a pencil. However, you can also use the “Black Ribbon”. When choosing this tool, the drawing is glued to the workpiece. Then the diagram is washed off the plywood with water, leaving only the marking lines.
Then you can make holes in the parts of the future locomotive. The parts of the locomotive contain parts of grooves cut out from the inside. To make such elements, holes should be made in them with a hand drill or an awl. The holes must be at least 1 mm in diameter. To avoid damaging the table surface when creating holes, you should place a board under the workpiece.
Now you can cut out the parts. You should not rush when cutting. The basic rule is to hold the jigsaw at a right angle to the workpiece. All elements must be performed smoothly, avoiding unevenness.
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Comments
- When using MY works, you must at least mention MY name.
Lyudmila Pelymskaya09.22.2018 at 12:39
Answer
