When choosing an electric jigsaw, it is important to pay attention to its individual parts that have an impact on the quality of the work.
The soleplate is one such component. If done well, it gives you a good feel for the tool. As a result, the work is done easily and with pleasure.
Types of jigsaw blades
- Cast or stamped. The molded sole is more preferable because it has greater mechanical strength.
- With or without the possibility of installing an anti-skid pad.. The presence of such an insert, if other conditions are met, guarantees a clean cut even on delicate surfaces.
Features of Electric Jigsaw Bases
- Inexpensive models of jigsaws usually use a pressed soleplate made of a fairly thin sheet of metal. If you use such a jigsaw on large areas, there are no problems. But at the beginning of the cut, when only the front feet are used, there are inconveniences because the soleplate is not strong enough.
- Aluminum-based alloys are used to make the soleplate. As a result, the soleplate is strong enough. But at the same time, it becomes quite fragile, which should be taken into account when working with the jigsaw.
- Adjusting the tilt of the soleplate to make oblique cuts is infrequent. But the quality of the soleplate tilt mechanism is still important. If the soleplate mounting is unreliable, the tilt angle will be constantly knocked off while working. In addition to the basic screw fastening of the sole plate, there must be additional fasteners for fixing in the vertical position, at an angle (not present in all models) of 15, 30 and 45 degrees.
- A feature of professional models is usually a base plate attached by a screw connection to the metal housing of the unit’s gearbox. Household devices often use a connection with a plastic drive casing.
- Regardless of the jigsaw class, workmanship, or other features, always check the blade angle setting with an angle gauge or protractor while working.
- Sawing is done with the blade moving upward. Chipping of material therefore occurs on the side of the jigsaw. Knowing this, place the material to be cut face down. It is possible to avoid chipping in some models of jigsaws by moving the blade backwards, so that the saw is in a narrow gap in the metal. A special insert can also be used. The plastic insert fills the free space around the cloth, protecting the surface of the material from chipping. Such an insert can be self-made from Plexiglas. In addition to its basic function it will protect the jigsaw from the saw blade retracting to the side.