The hand jigsaw is the choice of the true craftsman. With the help of a very basic and simple tool you can cut very beautiful open-work pieces of wood or the smallest plastic parts.
Structurally, the hand jigsaw is a resilient metal frame with a handle and clamping screws, between which stretches a thin and narrow saw blade.
So what should you look for before buying a hand jigsaw?
Recommendations for choosing a hand jigsaw
Let’s clarify once again: Do you really need a hand jigsaw? After all, modern electric jigsaws are much more efficient and less labor-intensive to cut parts in a wide range of sizes, while the hand “muscle” jigsaw is more suitable for making small, precise cuts with minimal allowances.
The width of the cut is comparable to the thickness of the saw blade, and for a hand jigsaw it is measured in fractions of a millimeter. The width of a hand jigsaw blade rarely exceeds 1.5 mm. Read the article How to choose hand jigsaw blades.
By the way, cost of a hand jigsaw is many times less than the cost of an electric jigsaw. This argument can also be decisive.
If the answer is unambiguous, then when choosing a hand jigsaw, first of all we pay attention to the following:
- The shape of the frame;
- the weight of the tool;
- the elasticity of the frame;
- the quality and convenience of the clamps;
- type of saw blade;
- manufacturer;
- design features and the need for additional accessories.
On handle shape We do not focus attention, as manufacturers strive to give it an ergonomic shape, and users stubbornly choose to buy based on their own preferences. From mass of the jigsaw depends on how quickly the hand will be tired, and therefore the performance of the tool.
An optimal balance must be found between the weight of the tool and the stiffness of the frame. The stiffness of the frame of the jigsaw frame determines the tensioning capability of the jigsaw, and therefore its durability and controllability at work.
The shape of the frame determines the maximum length of a straight cut and the maximum dimensions of parts that can be cut with the jigsaw.
Manual jigsaws often require blade changeand when cutting holes it is necessary to insert the saw blade without disturbing the outer contour. Therefore, the comfort of the jigsaw depends to a large extent on the ease of use of the jigsaw clamp. In addition, the clamps must securely hold the canvas in a taut state. Hardened inserts and embossed surfaces of the clamps are welcome.
Much depends on the type of webbing chosen. Let’s mention that the thinner and narrower the blade, the harder it is to control the cut, but the higher the “maneuverability” of the saw, which allows you to cut contours of complex shapes. For those who are just beginning to master a hand jigsaw, it is better to buy blades of the maximum available thickness and width with a multiple quantity reserve. This is due to the fragility of the saws. The mastery of the jigsaw can be measured by the number of broken jigsaw blades.
If heavy use of the jigsaw is anticipated, pay attention to the strength and rigidity of the handle mount, and consider purchasing an additional tensioner.
As for brand preference, the following have proven themselves well manufacturerssuch as BAHCO, LUX, FIT, KRAFTOOL, STAYER, Corvette and a number of others.
Read More: