Cheat sheet for a beginner: how to choose the right files for an electric jigsaw

Marking of saw blades

All jigsaw files have their own color and type of material from which they are made:

• white color – for metal and wood;
• red – for cutting plastic;
• gray – for wood;
• blue – for metal;
• black – saw blades for other types of materials.

Marking of letters and numbers:

1. Fastening the file (U-shaped, T-shaped, M - Makita or F - Fein).
2. Canvas length . 1 – up to 75 mm; 2 – from 75 to 90 mm; 3 – from 90 to 135 mm; 7 – 150 mm and beyond.
3. Letters showing tooth dimensions . Small - A, medium - B, large - C and D.
4. The last letter will indicate additional information. R – reverse motion of the saw, O – rear part of the blade, F – durable blade on a bimetallic base.

The classification of steel grades applied to files is considered arbitrary and is not followed by all developers. Therefore, each saw blade is considered separately.

Voting for the best set of jigsaw files

What set of jigsaw files would you choose or recommend?

BOSCH 2607011437

30.12 % ( 25 )

BOSCH 2607011170

19.28 % ( 16 )

DeWALT DT 2294

10.84 % ( 9 )

Makita A-86898

19.28 % ( 16 )

DeWALT DT 2296

7.23 % ( 6 )

Hammerflex JG WD-PL 204-903

3.61 % ( 3 )

Diold T101V

4.82 % ( 4 )

RUNEX HSS T118B

0.00 % ( 0 )

HYUNDAI T119B 204107

0.00 % ( 0 )

Tooth shape, cutting edge geometry

The cutting edges of files come in two types: with a spread and undone, flat . According to the type of cutting, teeth are divided into ground and made using a milling cutter.

Depending on these criteria, there are the following types of teeth:

1. Set apart, milled . Rounded cavity between teeth. With a standard setting (each tooth is tilted to the side), you can make rough and fast cuts on wood. If the setting is made with several teeth inclined, then you can cleanly saw laminate, chipboard or plywood.
2. Polished, set . Triangular shaped teeth. They cut plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminate.
3. Sanded without streaks . Flat, undone files. Suitable for cutting plastic, polymers, etc.

When choosing, be sure to look at the shape of the teeth

What should you pay attention to when choosing first?

The shank must fit the specific tool. If in doubt, you can take the original file that was included in the sales package and visually compare it with what you are supposed to buy.

There must be compliance with the upcoming tasks. The file is selected for the required material and the required length.

When purchasing branded files (Makita, Bosch), it is important to avoid counterfeit products. Unfortunately, when buying in absentia, only a low price can indicate a counterfeit, and not always.

Poor quality is revealed upon closer inspection and operation. A counterfeit product may have unevenly milled or set teeth. Or they are separated only in one direction. The surface of the files is rough, the location and colors of the markings are different.

The quality of steel can only be assessed during operation - weak steel does not cut well.

Select the length, width and thickness of the file

You should choose a file taking into account thickness, length and width.

The length of the file for household jigsaws is 75 mm. Professional models have an indicator from 135 to 150 mm.

The length of the saw blade indicates how thick the material can be cut with a jigsaw.

For thick wooden elements, it is better to choose a rigid blade . A long and thin file can be pulled to the side during work, especially when cutting shapes.

By the width of the file you can judge how it performs a curved cut. The wider the nozzle, the smaller the turning radius when cutting.

The thickness of the saw blade is selected depending on the material to be processed.
The thinner the material, the thinner the file should be used.

Adviсe

To cut a plywood sheet correctly, you must use the right tool and follow some rules:

• Before cutting, you need to take all measurements and check yourself to avoid annoying mistakes;
• During operation, you must monitor the power cord;
• before using the tool, you need to adjust the cutting depth to an unnecessary amount;
• the saw blade must be suitable for cutting plywood;
• the use of a saw must be accompanied by the use of protective gloves and goggles;
• dull saw blades are more dangerous than sharpened ones;
• When sawing plywood, you must be careful not to bring your hands close to the blade;
• Do not start work without skills in using power tools.

Type of processed material

Before choosing a saw blade for a jigsaw, you need to decide on the material to be processed.

For wood and wood materials

You should know that almost all of the saw blades produced are suitable for sawing and cutting wood. They, in turn, are divided into types:

1. Saw blades for fast cutting . Long files with set and large teeth. High cutting speed and improved productivity.
2. Clean cut . These files have small teeth and no streaking.
3. Files for curved cutting . Narrow blades and fine teeth. Sometimes there are small notches on the back side so that you can turn the file while working.

To accurately cut parquet, countertops or plywood, use saws with reverse tooth stroke . The teeth here are no more than 3 mm and there is a slight gap. The advantage of such a canvas is that there are no chips or nicks on the workpiece. The downside is to constantly monitor the file, otherwise it may be pushed out of the jigsaw.

Almost any saw blade can be used for wood

Cloths for metal

A jigsaw is not suitable for cutting and processing metal. But sometimes it can be used for such non-standard purposes. Blades for cutting metal are made from steel of special strength . Small tooth and wavy pattern.

For plastics and polymers

Such materials will require the use of files with large teeth .
You can work with small ones, but provided that the speed of the jigsaw is low. A file with large teeth is needed to prevent plastic filings from getting stuck in the blade.

Mistakes when working with a jigsaw

If the carpentry work did not bring an acceptable result, it is worth considering how correctly the sawing procedure was carried out and whether all conditions were met.

Among the main mistakes that arise when working with a jigsaw, it is worth highlighting:

• Lack of experience with the device. In this case, only practice can help.
• Insufficiently reliable fixation of the material. When trying to cut a workpiece, the sheet begins to move out of place, which causes a crooked cut.
• Cutting too quickly.
• Using a homemade device. If you cut material with such a tool, it will be difficult for the master to achieve a good result.
• The use of a heavy unit. Against the background of a significant mass, the tool begins to move to the side during carpentry work.

Crooked cuts can occur when a craftsman uses a faulty tool.

It is important to check the functionality of the jigsaw before cutting.

When starting to cut any material, it is important to familiarize yourself with information on how to set up a jigsaw for a straight saw. This will make it possible to make a workpiece with the correct geometric shape and attractive appearance. To prevent thin sheets from deforming during work, you can use a backing. By using life hacks when working with a jigsaw, you can learn how to use the tool professionally.

Classification Features

Nowadays, high demands are placed on the instrument. Speed, productivity, evenness and accuracy of the cut are important. All jigsaw files can be divided into several groups according to the following criteria:

• canvas width;
• shank type;
• workpiece material;
• shape and pitch of teeth;
• thickness of the canvas.

Now in more detail about this.

Most popular models

All power tool manufacturers make jigsaw files. It is difficult to name the highest quality and most convenient models, since the technologies are practically the same from each other.

Let's look at the most popular and sought-after types:

Makita A-85715

• The products of this company are known to all users and do not need additional recommendations.
• The blades are durable and provide a clean, straight cut without chipping.

Makita A-86898

• This is a set of 5 blades for wood, plastic, steel and non-ferrous metal.
• They are distinguished by high quality and durability.

Dewalt DT 2168

• Strong and durable fabrics that practically do not lose quality even after prolonged use.
• Suitable for clean sawing of floor coverings, openwork kerf threads, etc.

Set “Gross”78295

Average price: 738 rubles.

German quality has been repeatedly confirmed by numerous customers. The company produces tools for professional processing of all types of wood, fiberboard, chipboard, PVC up to 60 mm, laminate boards and high-quality blades for it. Durable steel cutting surfaces made of chrome and vanadium have a long service life. Wear-resistant, with increased hardness.

"Gross"78295Advantages:

• perform basic types of cuts: rough, fast, clean;
• for metal and wooden surfaces;
• T-shaped European shank;
• 10 pieces per pack.

Flaws:

• high price.

PEBARO set

Average price: 149 rubles.

Since 2000, the German company has been one of the best in the production of tools and components for hobbies and children's creativity. The company's products are highly reliable, durable and safe to use.

PEBARO setAdvantage:

• Made from high quality steel composite;
• for plastic and wood;
• 12 pieces per pack;
• low cost.

Flaws:

• No.

Set “Makita” А-86899

Average price: 350 rubles.

A Japanese brand that produces power tools and high-quality equipment for work in professional fields and private use. Durable steel compounds make the files resistant to mechanical wear, bending and creases.

Set “Makita” A-86899Advantages:

• for wood, metal, plastic;
• T-shank;
• type of cut: rough, clean, fast;
• 5 pieces per pack.

Flaws:

• unclear markings;
• high price.

Set “Bosch” Mixed Wood and Metall 2609256746

Average price: 599 rubles.

occupies a strong place among the leaders in manufacturers of consumables for power tools. The widest range allows you to select both a single item and a specific set. Modern alloys extend the service life of the product.

The company has introduced its own labeling, which is also used by other manufacturers. Components are produced in Switzerland or the UK, the T-shank is compatible with power tools from Makita, Hitachi, AEG, Metabo, etc.

Set “Bosch” Mixed Wood and Metall 2609256746Advantages:

• various files for metal, aluminum, several types of wood;
• information packaging;
• 10 pieces per set, 2 of each type;
• universal shank;
• average price category.

Flaws:

• one type of cut is fast.

"DeWALT"DT 2294

Average price: 739 rubles.

The company's 90-year history is an example of the reliability of the designed equipment. Powerful, durable and precise power tools are complemented by high-performance accessories. Carbon and bimetallic types of steel are used for it. The recognizable yellow and black colors have become a symbol of Swiss quality.

"DeWALT"DT 2294Advantages:

• for wood and metal blanks;
• 3 types of cuts: clean, fast, figured;
• universal tail section;
• 10 pieces included.

Flaws:

• high price;
• confusing markings.

Stayer Station wagon 159488-Н5

Average price: 132 rubles.

The manufacturer produces a wide range of hand and power tools. In Russia since 1999. Many buyers recognize the quality and reliability of the product and vote for it with increasing demand.

Saw consumables are made from resistant carbon steel, which ensures flexibility and long service life; a special protective coating on the cutting edge allows you to maintain the sharpness of the blade.

Stayer Station wagon 159488-Н5Advantages:

• main types of cutting: clean, fast, figured;
• processes chipboard, metal, wood, plywood, fiberboard;
• 5 pieces included;
• T-shank;
• budget brand.

Flaws:

• not found.

BOSCH Robust Line

• Set of 10 saw blades made from high carbon steel.
• It demonstrates high cutting quality and durability, but the price of the kit somewhat limits demand.