The process of shaped or straight cutting of a large volume of materials, even of small thickness, can be very energy-consuming and time-consuming. In this case, a more advanced, stationary analogue, which has the necessary characteristics for reliable work, replaces a conventional hand jigsaw. In this article we will look at how a jigsaw machine works, what characteristics it has and how wide the functionality it can have. Also, at the end of the publication, we will provide a rating of high-quality, inexpensive models suitable for amateur and professional use.
Types of machines
A large number of human activities, one way or another, relate to production. Including products made from soft materials, such as wood. The production of such parts has been mastered both on an industrial scale and in small handicraft workshops. Some parts are produced using a jigsaw. It is used to produce blanks and flat-shaped parts, for example, a sheet of plywood or solid wood. This tool is produced in different versions - hand-held, tabletop, cordless, etc.
Hand jigsaw
Hand jigsaw
This jigsaw is produced in the shape of a figured frame, reminiscent of a horseshoe. At its end there are attachment points for the jigsaw blade and handle. This version of the jigsaw is most often used for home work for processing plywood and plastic sheets. The obvious advantages of this tool include low cost and ease of use.
Household electric jigsaw
Household electric jigsaw
This instrument is classified as an electric instrument. Its key advantage is its high speed. It can be used for housework. Unfortunately, household electric tools are equipped with low-power motors, and this limits their use. As a rule, he works with sheet material of small thickness. In addition, such a tool can only work in 20/40 mode, that is, after 20 minutes of continuous operation, it must rest for quite a long time.
By the way, there are battery models of household jigsaws. Their disadvantage is that the weight of the battery adds to the weight of the jigsaw itself. But on the other hand, it is suitable for working in hard-to-reach places.
Professional cordless jigsaw
Cordless jigsaw
In production, and in everyday life, many wooden parts may be subject to high demands on the quality of workmanship and speed of production. To perform such work, a professional jigsaw is used. The parts used to manufacture such a device are subject to high quality requirements. In addition, when developing and manufacturing professional jigsaws, the requirements of modern ergonomics are taken into account.
A tool of this class is distinguished by a long work cycle; in theory, it can work with short breaks of a few minutes for an entire work shift (8 - 10 hours). To ensure long-term operation, high-quality electric drives and powerful batteries are used when it comes to portable tools.
Bench jigsaw
Electric tabletop jigsaw
It is installed on a workbench, it is advisable to fix it to the tabletop. Using a jigsaw guarantees that, if used correctly, the work will be safe and quite comfortable. Stationary installation ensures cutting accuracy. It is often used when processing sheets, without crossing their border. The working body of a jigsaw is a saw – it moves back and forth. Relatively powerful motors are installed on desktop jigsaw machines, and this makes it possible to process sheets of large thickness.
Professional equipment is manufactured in compliance with all safety rules applicable to such devices.
Industrial jigsaw machines
Industrial jigsaw machine
These are mass-produced products intended for use in production. Power plants are usually connected to a network of 220/380 volts. This makes it possible to work in two or even three shifts. The power plant and drive make it possible to process sheets or packages assembled from them with great thickness.
To improve the convenience of work and obtain additional technological capabilities, additional devices, for example, a rotary table, can be installed on stationary equipment.
Of course, jigsaw machines are equipped with a control unit that allows you to configure operating parameters.
Equipment with an ideal price-accuracy ratio
The capabilities of the machines, even taking into account the shortcomings, allow you to perform precise cuts of any complexity. minimal costs for modernization and design changes made by an experienced user raise the quality of work to a new level.
Encore Corvette 88 – from RUB 7,490.
The inconvenient fastening of the pin files and the stiff movement of the rocker arms of the new machine leave an unpleasant impression.
But the Corvette 88 is in demand and the main reason for this is its maintainability. The simplicity of the design allows you to repair and improve the machine without excessive investment. Two saw speeds make it possible to work with low-melting plastic and hard wood. The price of pin consumables forces us to abandon such fasteners in favor of conventional files. Moreover, replacing fastening elements does not cause difficulties even for a novice carpenter. Technical characteristics of the machine Enkor Corvette 88
| Characteristics | Values |
| Maximum workpiece thickness, mm. | 50 |
| Blade movement frequency, movements/min. | 700 — 1 400 |
| Processed materials | Wood, plastic, soft metals |
| Weight, kg. | 20 |
| Power, W | 75/150 |
| Homeland of the brand/country of manufacture | Russia, Russia |
The video shows the model in action:
Einhell TC-SS 405 E – from RUB 7,959.
A batch of machines was produced, the weak link of which was the electromechanical speed controller.
If it breaks, it happens in the first days of operation. Each such case is guaranteed. After replacement the problem does not recur. Therefore, more attention is paid to finding options for switching to pinless consumables. Directional airflow of the cutting area does not always cope with the task. But it is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner, then the problem with the airflow is not critical. I especially note the absence of deviations of the saw from the vertical on a 50 mm board. Even when processing areas of complex shape, the tension system works flawlessly. Technical characteristics of the Einhell TC-SS 405 E machine
| Characteristics | Values |
| Maximum workpiece thickness, mm. | 52 |
| Blade movement frequency, movements/min. | 400 — 1 600 |
| Processed materials | Plastic, ceramics, wood, metal |
| Weight, kg. | 13 |
| Power, W | 80-120 |
| Homeland of the brand/country of manufacture | Germany/China |
Detailed review of the TC-SS 405 E machine, test saw:
JET JSS-16 – from 9,200 rub.
Before installing the saw blade into the lower holder, remove the protective cover.
It will be possible to get a good look at the cut through which the pins fall into place, and to feel the required degree of pressure on the file. Otherwise, a consumable slightly stuck at the entrance creates the illusion of being securely fastened, vibrates even at idle and breaks when pressing on the workpiece. You should not rely on rubber feet for stability - the machine will run on a laminated chipboard table top. I have no complaints regarding performance indicators. Technical characteristics of the JET JSS-16 machine
| Characteristics | Values |
| Maximum workpiece thickness, mm. | 50 |
| Blade movement frequency, movements/min. | 400 — 1 600 |
| Processed materials | Wood, hard polymers |
| Weight, kg. | 15 |
| Power, W | 90 |
| Homeland of the brand/country of manufacture | Switzerland/Europe, Southeast Asian countries |
A couple of secrets on how to get rid of factory problems on a machine:
Ryobi RSW1240G – from RUB 11,270.
All complaints about uneven cutting and tossing of the workpiece arise due to inattentive study of the instructions.
After all, the description of the correct position of the file - teeth down - is done in pictures. Complaints about the weak backlight lamp are also not justified - a 10 watt 12 volt lamp is intended only to illuminate the working area of the table. I liked the RSW1240G model because the pin files can be replaced without a key. In addition, it has the most powerful engine in the category of similar professional equipment. Technical characteristics of the Ryobi RSW1240G machine
| Characteristics | Values |
| Maximum workpiece thickness, mm. | 52 |
| Blade movement frequency, movements/min. | 550 — 1 700 |
| Processed materials | Wood and plastic |
| Weight, kg. | 12 |
| Power, W | 125 |
| Homeland of the brand/country of manufacture | Japan/China |
Unpacking, model assembly, demonstration from all angles:
Holzstar DK S 502 Vario – from RUB 11,505.
Minimal noise and clear outlines of the saw at idle indicate the accuracy of the machine assembly by the manufacturer.
Possible problems with airflow in the working area are eliminated when first turned on by tightly connecting the rubber bulb and the nozzle. If you ignore the situation with weak air pressure, then dust and sawdust will get inside the casing. Ideally, the pneumatic system and a tight casing on the electronic-mechanical unit of the machine allow you to work even with highly dusty materials without consequences. Due to such reliable protection, access to the lower blade clamp is difficult - to replace it, each time you need to remove the front part of the protective casing. Technical characteristics of the Holzstar DK S 502 Vario machine
| Characteristics | Values |
| Maximum workpiece thickness, mm. | 50 |
| Blade movement frequency, movements/min. | 400 — 1 600 |
| Processed materials | Wood, plastic, plaster |
| Weight, kg. | 12 |
| Power, W | 120 |
| Homeland of the brand/country of manufacture | Germany/Germany |
A simple design from the last century
The last twentieth century gave birth to many interesting designs, which, it should be noted, have not lost their relevance in our time. There were also interesting proposals for the design of a jigsaw machine.
It should be noted that a distinctive feature of the design is that for its operation there is no need to connect any drive. It is enough to have strong legs. In appearance, it resembles a sharpening machine that was used by knife sharpening masters. To understand how it works, you need to understand its component parts and the design as a whole.
This machine includes:
- supporting frame;
- a table with a pre-made groove necessary for the movement of the blade;
- a set of levers and rods for fastening and fixing the canvas;
- a flywheel, which simultaneously acts as a primary drive pulley;
- a crank-rod structure, which is connected to a second pulley and a system of levers and rods that sets the blade in motion;
- a pedal equipped with mechanisms for driving the main flywheel into rotation;
- web tension device.
crank mechanism
Jigsaw table
Bed for jigsaw machine
Working on such a machine looks like this:
- By pressing the pedal, the worker rotates the flywheel. By means of a belt drive, the crank mechanism connected to the lever begins to move. A canvas is installed between the levers.
- If a properly balanced flywheel is installed in such a mechanism, then the smooth running of the saw blade will be guaranteed.
- On some models of such a “foot” machine, a rotary table was installed.
- This machine is suitable for mass production of similar workpieces.
Device
The tabletop jigsaw machine consists of the following elements:
- bed (supporting structure on which all mechanisms and components are mounted);
- Desktop;
- electric drive;
- crank mechanism (responsible for converting the rotation of the engine shaft into reciprocating movement of the saw);
- double rocker (equipped with clamps for saw blades and a tension mechanism).
The machines produced today are mostly designed to use saw blades with a length of 200-350 mm and a working stroke of 30-50 mm. Files vary in width (2-10 mm), thickness (0.6-1.25 mm) and type of shank - they come with pins and without pins. The latter are more convenient, since to cut out the internal contour it is necessary to drill a hole in the workpiece through which the end of the file should pass. If there is a pin, the hole should be noticeably larger. Some models of jigsaw machines allow you to attach both types of files, including old-style ones, from Soviet hand tools. Files also vary in the size of the teeth and their arrangement - it can be straight or spiral.
From a mechanical jigsaw to an electric one one step
Be that as it may, the muscular drive cannot provide the most important thing - the uniformity of the saw blade. This problem can be solved simply - instead of a foot drive, you need to install an electric drive. You can use an electric drill with a built-in speed control function.
By the way, when deciding to create such a machine, you need to be prepared to carry out calculations on the length of the levers, the size of the flywheel, etc. But you can do it easier, find the corresponding drawings on specialized forums.
Band jigsaw machine
Most of the parts that will be used to assemble such a machine can be made from wood and other materials. The main part is the bed; the quality of the workpieces being processed largely depends on the quality of its manufacture.
The frame must be strong, rigid and it must successfully withstand the many loads that may arise during operation.
To make this, a key component of any machine, you can use rolled metal, for example, an equal-flange angle or 18 mm plywood. In fact, detailed specifications for materials and purchased parts should be collected and outlined in the working documentation for the jigsaw machine.
If you decide to make a stationary jigsaw from wood, then you need to prepare a supply of screws and glue, which it is advisable to coat the joints of different parts with. After assembly, the frame should not have any gaps (play). The accuracy of the equipment depends on this.
Levers can also be assembled from wood, but you cannot make a mistake with the choice of material. Pine or birch are not suitable for making such units. Practice shows that it is advisable to use oak or beech.
In fact, there is no point in purchasing such material on the market; you can use the remains of old furniture.
To manufacture the crank mechanism, it is advisable to use blanks cut from plywood 10 - 12 mm thick. Rotation must be ensured by rolling bearings, which must be installed at the ends of the axles and racks.
To create support for the flywheel, the racks must be tied together.
A flywheel is used to connect the flywheel to the lever. It is made from the same plywood. Metal rods are used to connect to the levers.
The levers should move freely, the tension of the web should not change. To ensure smooth running and stable operation, the rotation axis is lubricated with a grease type grease.
Another equally important node is the desktop. It can also be made from plywood.
Thus, for the manufacture of a jigsaw, you can use plywood, which will significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing the equipment.
High precision equipment
Machines that do not require modification by the user. The inconvenience of replacing consumables or low-frequency noise are due to the presence of specific advantages. Among others, there is decent dust protection and high engine torque. Taking into account the fact that this does not affect the quality of the products and does not affect the comfort at work, such models are considered professional.
SCHEPPACH DECO XL – from RUB 25,000.
Everything for user comfort: pedal that controls engine speed;
LED lights; directional airflow The accuracy of sawing is ensured by a convenient table position screw, an eccentric clamp of the saw tensioner adjustment screw and a wing nut of the upper stop that holds the workpiece. With this set, quick setup of the machine when processing workpieces of different thicknesses or after changing consumables is guaranteed. The process of replacing the file itself is inconvenient - a special key is used to loosen the hidden screws on both fasteners. In this case, access to the lower element is possible only after removing the side panel under the desktop. The solution is obvious - use high-quality consumables for their intended purpose, and you will change them much less often. Technical characteristics of the SCHEPPACH DECO XL machine
| Characteristics | Values |
| Maximum workpiece thickness, mm. | 50 |
| Blade movement frequency, movements/min. | 550 — 1 600 |
| Processed materials | Wood, metal, plastic, plexiglass, plaster |
| Weight, kg. | 11 |
| Power, W | 125 |
| Homeland of the brand/country of manufacture | Germany/Germany |
Video from the manufacturer:
Proxxon DS 460 – from RUB 34,459.
Keyless adjustments and sliding tabletop.
Free access to the lower clamp and always precise position of the file. Convenient table position adjustment. The only thing that confuses some owners of new machines is uneven noise in the flywheel area, under load and at low speeds. At the same time, no problems with the quality of processing or mechanical vibration on the table were identified. The situation can only be corrected by replacing the standard engine with a motor with less torque. Technical characteristics of the Proxxon DS 460 machine
| Characteristics | Values |
| Maximum workpiece thickness, mm. | 60 |
| Blade movement frequency, movements/min. | 900-1 400 |
| Processed materials | Wood, metal, plastic, plexiglass, |
| Weight, kg. | 20 |
| Power, W | 205 |
| Homeland of the brand/country of manufacture | Germany/Europe, Southeast Asian countries |
Detailed review of the model:
Stationary design for intensive use
For permanent work, for example, in a home workshop, it is advisable to use professional or industrial equipment. What is the reason for this?
- Industrial equipment is manufactured taking into account the fact that the machine must operate uninterruptedly for a long time.
- The machine bed, made of casting or welded construction, will ensure the quality of the resulting parts and a long service life.
- Factory-manufactured equipment is designed in compliance with all safety and ergonomic measures.
When working on a jigsaw, a set of spare saws, plumbing tools, oils, etc. should be present near the workplace.
Jigsaw blades: marking to help
For a non-professional person, purchasing the right saw consumables can be confusing. You can always ask the question: “What are the types of consumables? Which company's products are better? Many brands produce specialized types for wood, iron, plexiglass, plastic
It is important for a carpenter or home craftsman to understand the purpose of purchasing products and the selection criteria that will help determine the desired functionality
Alphanumeric markings on the canvas and tail dyeing will help you make the right choice. Each symbol indicates performance and application based on the material being processed.
The first letter is the shank type:
- The T-shape model is the most common among many manufacturers;
- U-shape for older models of screw or block type power tools;
- M - special model with two holes, only for Makita;
- F - standard rectangular shape with one hole Fein.
The second number is the canvas size:
- 1 - short, up to 7.5 cm;
- 2 - average, 7.5 - 9 cm;
- 3 - long, 9 - 15 cm;
- 7 - maximum, from 15 cm.
The penultimate letter is the size of the teeth in ascending order of size:
- A - small;
- B - average;
- C, D - large.
The last letter indicates the special properties of the cutting blade:
- X - progressive pitch of teeth;
- R - reverse or reverse teeth;
- O - a particularly thin edge of the back of the canvas;
- P - ensuring the most accurate cut;
- F - made of double alloy, providing special strength.
What are jigsaws used for?
Machines of this class are used to produce parts of various shapes from sheet material. This can be made from solid wood, plywood, MDF boards, plastic and aluminum, etc. In addition, internal contours are obtained using a jigsaw. But for this you need to drill. The saw blade will pass through the hole.
A jigsaw machine, unlike other designs, allows the worker to hold the workpiece with both hands. This will improve the processing accuracy of the workpiece.
In addition, the use of machine tools makes it possible to obtain cuts at an angle of 90 degrees to the horizontal.
To increase productivity and expand technological capabilities for such machines, rotary, inclined and combined tables have been developed and are used. That is, it becomes possible to process the material at an angle. This operation is almost impossible to perform using household and even professional cordless tools.
DIY jigsaw machine
As already noted, it is quite possible to make a jigsaw machine with your own hands in a home workshop. To do this, it is necessary to select working drawings and prepare the required amount of material and tools. To complete the assembly of the machine you will need:
- Angle grinder.
- Electric drill.
- Screwdriver.
- Welding machine.
- Set of plumbing and assembly tools.
Depending on the design, you may need:
- Steel profile, for example, angle 40×40 or 50×50 mm.
- Sheet of metal for making a table.
In addition, to create a drive mechanism you will need an electric motor, the power of which should be from 100 to 500 W or more. Practice shows that the optimal option is a motor with a power of 150 - 200 W. This will be quite enough to work with different materials.
If you decide to make equipment from wood, then there is no better material than plywood with a thickness of 18–20 and 10–12 mm. To make levers, it is advisable to use bars made of hardwood - beech, oak. Such a design will undoubtedly be much cheaper, but its low weight and the presence of natural backlashes, which cannot be avoided for technological reasons related to the characteristics of wood, can lead to certain difficulties over time. The accuracy of the work may be lost, etc.
To assemble a jigsaw machine with your own hands, drawings can be found on the vast world wide web. But before choosing a model, it is necessary to analyze the performance of the design.
Homemade jigsaw from hand tools
Not everyone has a stationary jigsaw, because... This device is more intended for artistic cutting than for regular cutting. Therefore, you can make a stationary jigsaw with your own hands if you have a jigsaw. To do this you will need the following materials:
- jigsaw;
- a sheet of chipboard (3 pcs), you can take any wooden slab (the size should be approximately 2 times the size of the jigsaw);
- self-tapping screws for assembling a wooden slab;
- spring;
- a pipe that will be used as a handle;
- flat washers (4 pcs);
- bolts for washers and connections;
- screwdriver;
- drill.
Once all the materials are available, you can begin to assemble the stationary jigsaw. Below are step-by-step instructions:
- Wooden slabs must be connected in the shape of the letter “P” using self-tapping screws.
- Remove the jigsaw sole, place it in the center and mark future holes for fastening the jigsaw.
- After making the holes for fastening the jigsaw, you need to make another wider hole for the file.
- Attach the jigsaw using bolts on the reverse side (i.e. under the wooden boards in the shape of the letter “U”).
- Then you need to assemble the handle using a pipe, flat washers and bolts. This type of handle is also called a “boom rack.”
- In order for the file to hold, it is necessary to assemble the fasteners on the handle using washers and bolts.
- The boom stand must be attached to the spring. It should be tensioned so that there is a high sound (like on a guitar).
- The tabletop jigsaw is assembled and ready for work.
Assembling the tool yourself is an excellent option for those who do not want to spend money on buying a new tool if they no longer need it in the future.
Required tools and materials
The list of equipment, tools and materials required for making a homemade jigsaw is given above. Of course, at least minimal skills in working with various electrical tools are required.
In fact, homemade jigsaw machines are not very complex in design, and for its manufacture there is no need to use high-tech equipment.
Manufacturers produce saw blades for machines of several standard sizes - 130, 150, 160 mm. The teeth on the saw blade can be made with or without set.
File for jigsaw
A type of file for a jigsaw
Inexpensive machine with high accuracy
Gigant SSJ-90 is a popular jigsaw; the machine is suitable for working with wood, plastic and thin metal. A special system for quick saw replacement makes the work process comfortable.
The power consumption of the device is 90 W. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the saw’s stroke rate, 1450 strokes/min.
The cost of the machine is 6500 rubles.
Budget model
