With the modern tool, the electric jigsaw, you can easily make straight and curved cuts in a variety of sheet materials. Wood, plastic, metal – anything is possible. Naturally within the tool’s specifications.
Using an electric jigsaw you can neatly cut corners near a table or make a shaped cut in a steel sheet.
Based on the density of materials to be cut and the technical capabilities of jigsaws, it is possible to identify some features of their use.
Features of electric jigsaws
- Availability of pendulum mechanism in electric jigsaws avoids excessive forces when cutting; it increases the cutting speed. The use of this mechanism is justified only in cases where there is no need for finishing or precise cutting. Otherwise, the pendulum stroke should be either turned off or set to its minimum position. The best use of the pendulum mechanism would be to cut soft wood, as well as foam plastic, plastic, plywood, chipboard.
- For sawing steel sheets or other hard materials, it is reasonable to use electric jigsaws with more power. It is also necessary to pay attention to the method of attachment of the saw – the cutting organ of the tool. Rigid fastening contributes to a more confident cut.
- For domestic use, jigsaws with a power rating of between 280 W and 550 W are commonly used with an effective power rating of between 130 W and 340 W. Even with domestic power tools, it’s worth paying attention to the presence of electronic control stroke frequency for different loads and materials. If there is regulation, the tool works at full power even at low frequencies, which has a positive effect on speed and quality of work.
- When working with plastic, using high saw speeds can cause the edges of the material to melt, degrading the appearance and quality of the work.
At the same time, using high speeds when cutting steel sheets is the most acceptable option. In this case, the steel becomes softer and more pliable as it heats up.
Shaped cutting of hard wood and other dense materials is also better done at high speed.
In any case, when choosing the speed of the cutting blade, it is necessary to take into account the need to get a clean cut. If special precision and cleanliness are needed, then the speed of the jigsaw is reduced.
In order to work effectively with the jigsaw, it is important to remember that each tool is there to do a job that is unique to it. In other words, it is also possible to hammer nails with pliers. But will it be effective? As for the power tool, using it inappropriately almost always leads to dire consequences.
Therefore, if it is necessary to make a long straight cut, a good hacksaw, in the absence of a manual circular saw, will be a better option than electric jigsaw.
10 tricks for effective use of the jigsaw
- Let the tool, not you, do the work. Your job is simply to guide it in the right direction. Don’t push the jigsaw. This tip will not only save your strength, but also help you avoid unpleasant moments in the form of a poor-quality cut, a broken saw, or something even more serious.
- For long, straight cuts, use blades that are wide enough. A large blade plane will allow you to hold the right angle of cut without too much effort. Have several blades available for different occasions. For finish cuts, also use appropriate blades, such as the Makita B10.
- If you need to cut thin sheet metal (less than 1 mm), use a sheet of plywood as a substrate. Avoid vibration when working by selecting the optimum speed.
- When using low speeds, give the jigsaw a “rest” more often. This is because the motor airflow is low at low speeds. It is therefore possible that overheating will occur during prolonged use.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for the power tool. Lubricate, clean as needed, use and store the tool in proper conditions. This will keep your power tool in good working order for a long time.
- Use clamps to secure the material as you work. Some jigsaws can be used quite successfully with one hand; you can also work with a partner. Nevertheless, holding the material in place is of utmost importance for quality work.
- Engage the pendulum mechanism when cutting wood along the grain. This helps make the cut in a straight line. The blade will not move sideways along the fibers of the material.
- Use personal protective equipment. Although many jigsaw models are equipped with a vacuum cleaner or dust collector attachment, this tool is still quite dusty. Dust that accidentally gets into your eyes will not improve the quality of your work.
- Carry out the cut near the line drawn, not along it. The benefit is not only that it is easier to cut the material properly. You won’t have to make tolerances on the width of the cut when marking.
- When cutting delicate materials, lay the front side down. At the same time, if the material is thick enough and you are not sure that you can keep the saw perpendicular to the material, then turn the front side up and, if possible, put a special antifriction pad on the sole.
Knowing the features and little tricks of using electric jigsaws will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently!
