Which electric jigsaw is better to buy. How to choose a good electric jigsaw, so as not to regret it later? The main characteristics of electric jigsaws

So that the unit does not fail in a difficult situation, you need to choose a jigsaw for the house, carefully looking through its parameters. What does each number mean in the characteristics of the device and which is better to choose a jigsaw for domestic needs, is described later in the article.

General information about jigsaws

To use a jigsaw (for example, such as), you do not need special knowledge or skills. This device stands out for its simple design, and works with one push of a button. You can get to know the tool better by understanding its device and principle of operation.

Regardless of the model electric jigsaw It has:

• Handle. It is located horizontally, helps to hold the tool in operating time.
• Motor. Provides direct movement of the file. Has different power. The list of materials that will turn out to be a jigsaw "on the shoulder" depends on this value.
• file. For each material, it is different, with a unique tooth design. Can be made from various kinds steel, have an additional coating for rigidity. Responsible for the accuracy and accuracy of the cut, as well as the correct angles when sawing.
• base plate. Holds the saw in a given position. You can change the angle of inclination. Some models have a scale of gradation of angles.

In addition to these basic elements, the device is also equipped with additional functionality designed to facilitate the work of the master. But more on that later.

Principle of operation

As soon as the master presses the start button, the teeth on the blade begin to cut the prepared raw material. The saw in the tool is installed in such a way that the cut of the material occurs when it moves up. It is held by strong clips and does not slip off the cut. The support roller acts as a guide in the process, and it also takes on most of the load. Such a platform is “pressed” into the material, guaranteeing 100% sawing accuracy.

In models where a pendulum stroke is provided (for example,), the blade moves not only up / down, but also (slightly) right and left. The swing range of the pendulum is adjustable by a switch.

Important! Without activating the pendulum stroke, the jigsaw runs slower, but the cut is perfect. When the pendulum is turned on, the operating time is reduced, but its quality drops.

Types of electric jigsaws

Compact home electric jigsaws are divided into the following categories:

1. By type of food:

• rechargeable– convenient due to their mobility, but require regular recharging.
• from the network- there is "attachment" to the outlet, but the power is supplied uninterruptedly.

2. According to the shape of the handle:

• staple-like- the most common type, during operation, the tool is held with one hand;
• mushroom-shaped- the handle provides for holding the unit with two hands, thereby guaranteeing the smoothest, even cut, without burrs.

Using mushroom-shaped electric jigsaws (example -), it is important to ensure preliminary and high-quality fixation of the material being processed, just like when working with a drill.

Jigsaw selection options

When buying such a tool for the home, you can completely trust the opinion of consultants, explaining your requests to them, or you can make your own choice by comparing several models with suitable characteristics. In order to consider yourself a guru in matters of choosing a jigsaw, you must first study in detail and understand the main criteria for the unit.

Power consumption

This is the most important indicator that affects the quality of work, the range of materials for sawing and the price of the tool. For the infrequent home use power from 350 to 700 watts will be enough. It is worth considering that the more powerful the device, the larger and heavier it is.

Tools with the declared power easily saw wood, metal products, steel, as well as ceramics, plexiglass, hardboard, drywall and others Construction Materials. The entire list of possible raw materials for work (with their main parameters) is indicated in the instructions.

Maximum stroke frequency

The value determines the speed at which the saw blade will cut through the material: the more the saw moves, the faster the job will be done. This indicator is in the range from 2500 to 3200 moves in 60 seconds. you can choose with minimum indicators.

Many manufacturers equip their tools with the ability to adjust the stroke rate. This is convenient, because each material needs its own speed of work. So, when making a cut on thick metal, you need to select the minimum speed; when sawing wood, on the contrary, the fastest revolutions are switched on to avoid cut irregularities.
You can adjust the speed using the shift lever or by pressing. The second option is ideal for those who like to cut extraordinary shapes or ornaments with a jigsaw.

Cutting depth

The characteristic is interconnected with the power indicator of the tool and will differ depending on the material. Jigsaws for domestic use can cut wood up to a maximum thickness of 50 mm and aluminum up to 10 mm. The thickness of other products is specified in technical parameters unit.

Power type

As mentioned above, the jigsaw can be powered by a battery or an outlet with a standard voltage of 220 V. When choosing for yourself, it will not be superfluous to immediately think about purchasing an additional battery. The most popular are 18 V and 10.8 V.

Additional functions

A “pumped” electric jigsaw costs several times more than a regular model, but are all these bells and whistles needed for home use? Before laying out an extra hundred hryvnias, you should think more than once where this additional functionality will be applied.
Each brand tries to equip its products with special features, here are just a few examples:

• Sloped outsole. This modernization of the sole expands the range of tasks of the jigsaw. For units from the middle price range, only two positions are selected - 0 ° and 45 °, for professional options the range is wider. The angle is adjusted with a simple twist or with a special key.
• Branch pipe for automatic removal or blowing off of the received shaving. Can be connected to a vacuum cleaner. Without such an element, work will have to be stopped every time a large amount of sawdust accumulates. Such stops drag out time and can distort the cut.
• Backlight. It also affects the quality of work. Provides ideally equal lines on a cut as acts directly on a working zone.
• Laser. It serves as a guide when sawing, acting as a good alternative to the usual marking line.

Review of the best manufacturers: which company to choose

If you focus on brands, then you should choose only those that everyone has heard of. This rule also applies to electric jigsaws. On the market best models represented by 5 manufacturers. Who are they and what are their chips, the table will tell:

Manufacturer	Features of his electric jigsaws
	Household jigsaws of the brand are decorated in a green case. They have many positive reviews from consumers for build quality and long service life. All models have the SDS system, designed for quick file replacement without the use of additional tools. Four-stage regulation of the pendulum stroke allows you to adjust the sawing parameters. There are also built-in vibration suppression technologies and stabilizing electronics.
	The company's range includes budget models and premium options for professionals. All jigsaws of the brand have speed regulators, the function of removing debris from the place of cut, comfortable handles with rubber pads.
	The tool is produced exclusively in Germany. The brand's jigsaws have a unique handle shape, are equipped with a saw blade stroke frequency control, a large selection of pendulum stroke modes and the ability to quickly replace components (with and without a key).
	Brand models are light, compact, consume a minimum of electricity, equipped with a steel sole. It is possible to adjust the angle in steps of 15°C. There is a function of blowing the cut zone and the ability to connect to a vacuum cleaner.
	Increased wear resistance of the tool is provided by gears made of alloy steel. The engine has a three-layer coating with heat-resistant varnish, which protects it from damage and also extends the service life by more than 50%. The rubber bushing of the bearing continues the list of advantages of the brand's electric jigsaws, which helps to reduce vibration, and when jammed, protects the body from damage. The power button has surge protection.

Universal Buyer Tips

If the master is not one of the fans of a particular brand, it makes sense to consider a few other tips on how to choose a jigsaw for home use. There are only 3 of them:

1. Check stock. Due to heavy loads on this part of the tool, it breaks most often. Most inexpensive models are equipped with a thin stem-plate, 3-4 mm thick and up to 12 mm wide. Such a plate is very fragile, and therefore for frequent use (albeit at home) is not an option. It is better to choose a tool with a round or square stem. If possible, you should definitely check the stem for backlash. Minimal fluctuations should be necessary, but strong play is a problem: it will lead to a deviation from the cut line.
2. How the saw is attached. Replacing the blade with a key increases the operating time, and therefore it is better to choose models where the file is fastened with clips or bolts.
3. Is it possible to adjust the speed. A useful option that allows you to work with any material. It is convenient when the adjustment lever “lies under your finger” and you can change the pace of work right in the process.

Be sure to remember about power. What this indicator affects is already described above.

You might also be interested in articles about other tools, such as:

Eventually

Choosing the right jigsaw will save you time and effort. With such a tool, any “mountains can be handled” by the master. In order not to get into a mess, when determining which electric jigsaw is better to buy for the home, you should first at least approximately determine the list of works for the unit. Well, then, starting from this information, view models with suitable characteristics.

What is a jigsaw - a tool with electric motor and a stepping mechanism that drives a special saw designed for such a tool. Used for sawing wood, plastic, metal materials. It can be used to create straight and complex, winding, cuts.

In turn, the electric tool is divided into the one that connects to the mains, and battery options. They are divided into groups: household, for home use, and professional, which can be used in construction or in production. Electric jigsaws also differ in appearance, the shape of the handle, some models are generally not a hand tool, but a desktop one, this tool is attached to a table or beds and is used as a stationary one.

How to choose a jigsaw for home

To do a good choice and purchase an inexpensive tool for the home, you need to determine for what purpose you need it, that is, what kind of work you plan to do. How often do you plan to work with him? What kind of material will you process? It is important to answer these questions in order to determine the right model for your individual requirements.

When choosing, pay attention for the following specifications:

These technical data will help you choose an electric jigsaw for your home according to your tool requirements. But a good choice depends not only on technical characteristics. Often this is influenced by price, build quality, and the reputation of the company.

Main selection criteria

For example, jigsaw can be inexpensive, but quite functional, and will cope with the necessary operations without additional devices that increase the cost of this model, which you will never use.

Pay attention to build quality and parts. Manufacturers are trying to reduce the cost of their products, because of this, quality may suffer, even from well-known companies. Therefore, not all models of the same company can be of high quality.

They will help you choose the jigsaw you need, rating the best, owner reviews and a photo where you can see appearance tool.

The rating may contain a list of the most successful models from different manufacturers, sorted according to various criteria, such as price / quality or endurance. There may be a functional superiority over similar tools.

The information listed above will help you choose a good jigsaw for your home. How to choose, you already know. Now consider the entire range of models included in the top ten.

Electric jigsaw: top 10 best

Hitachi CJ90VST

A good and solid electric jigsaw, sits quite well in the hand. The full potential is revealed with straight long saws. Designed for frequent use at home as a household tool . Has a good amount of power. Manufacturer: Japan.

Interskol MP-55/500E M

This model is made in Russia. Quite functional, budget machine. Cope with the necessary work around the house or cottage. A large number of service centers guarantees quick and inexpensive repairs.

• power 500 W
• adjustment of the frequency of the saw stroke from 800 to 3000 per minute
• saw screw clamp
• maximum cutting depth wood/metal 55/6
• sole stamped from metal with the ability to adjust the angle of the angle up to 45 degrees
• 4 stages pendulum adjustment
• vacuum cleaner connection
• weight 1.6 kilograms.

I chose a jigsaw for myself for home use. I was embarrassed by Russian production, but the price bribed me, I decided to take a chance and was satisfied. Enough for home use.

Fiolent PM 5-750E M

Produced in Simferopol. It has good performance, such a jigsaw will cope with the tasks with a bang . If we take the entire series of Fiolent» electric jigsaws, then this model has absorbed all the best, it is well-finished and balanced. Choosing this tool will be a good decision.

Bosch PST 18LI 0

German manufacturer, great quality. It can be called "smart" because of the implementation of several technologies at once. This model is a cordless version, powered by an 18-volt battery. Such a tool is useful where there is no stationary power supply or the ability to connect to one. D Residually compact electric tool. Makes good quality cuts.

Makita JV100DZ

A good jigsaw from a Japanese manufacturer. Users leave good review about this firm. This model is also rechargeable. Lightweight and easy to use, suitable for household chores. Quality parts and assembly guaranteed by the manufacturer.

• power 130 W
• adjustment of the frequency of the saw stroke is carried out by the power button, maximum 2400 per minute
• saw screw clamp
• maximum cutting depth wood/metal 65/2
• cast aluminum soleplate with 45 degree angle adjustment
• electronic engine brake
• vacuum cleaner connection
• weight 1.7 kilograms
• 10.8 volt battery.

Ryobi R18JS

Powerful electric cordless jigsaw. A good brand speaks of a quality build. This device will cope with any complex tasks. Such a tool is useful both at home and at work. Has a good run time from one battery charge.

When buying a tool, I decided that it was better to overpay for quality once, and did not miss. As a result, I have a powerful and reliable device that does not fail even with intensive use.

Matabo Steb 140 Plus Case

Necessary, powerful jigsaw from German manufacturer. The model is included in the class of a professional tool. Enduring under long loads, compact enough for its class. All operations are performed with ease. Has all the features you need for professional use.

DeWalt DW331K

Expensive, but at the same time a necessary electric tool. According to the reviews of the owners, all the shortcomings are only that the manufacturer did not build in the backlight, but otherwise everything is excellent, there are no complaints. Such a jigsaw can be chosen for professional work. He is not afraid of harsh working conditions. Has all the necessary features for this. Country of manufacture: Czech Republic.

• power 701 W
• adjustment of the frequency of the saw stroke from 0 to 3100 per minute
• quick-change mechanism for saw blade change
• maximum cutting depth wood/metal 135/12
• Molded outsole with 45 degree angle adjustment
• 4-stage pendulum adjustment
• smooth start
• vacuum cleaner connection function
• weight 2.8 kilograms.

Makita DJV181Z

Another cordless model is capable of performing the entire list of work that a professional jigsaw should perform. This is a powerful, high-quality, well-balanced machine. The form is designed so that the hands do not get tired during long work. Cope with dense materials, while not losing the quality of a clean cut.

I was looking for a battery option, since I work as a roofer, and the extra wires simply get in the way. I was satisfied, because the work accelerated significantly. The jigsaw is powerful, copes with any tasks. I recommend it to those who work at height - you will not regret it.

Bosch GST 160 BCE L-Boxx

This is one of the most expensive models among network options. It represents the epitome of power and quality. Professional tool for production and construction work. Comfortable and not heavy for its characteristics. To choose this option means to provide yourself with good, reliable tool.

The choice on the power tool market is very large. But your goal is to choose the one what you need for your needs, and here it is important to find a middle ground between price and quality.

In the arsenal of a real owner, there must be several high-quality, universal tools with which you can quickly and easily perform any repair work at home. You can safely add a jigsaw to this list. In the article, we will consider the scope and design of the tool, its main characteristics and possible additional functions, and also give tips on which electric jigsaw to choose for the home and select the most suitable models.

1. Brief description and scope

A jigsaw, also known as a jigsaw, refers to an electric hand tool used for sawing various materials. It has a small weight and modest dimensions, so that the duration of continuous work does not depend on the need for periodic rest of the performer. Any cut occurs with a saw blade that performs reciprocating movements. By choosing one or another type of saw, it is possible to process materials of different density and thickness, perform complex cuts and much more. And it's not just the ability handle such familiar materials as wood or metal, but also, , stone, plastic and glass.

The scope of the jigsaw is quite extensive:

In fact, this is not the whole list. Having learned about all the possibilities of a jigsaw, you will see for yourself that it is really almost indispensable in the household and is multifunctional.

2. The design of the jigsaw

Most often, the owners of several serious units of a working tool prefer to fix minor malfunctions on their own and can determine exactly when they can’t do without the help of a specialist and which part needs to be replaced. It is no wonder that such knowledge directly depends on the understanding of devices and the principle of operation of a particular device. Consider in detail the design of the jigsaw shown in the figure.

Separately, I would like to dwell on jigsaw handles. She may be different shapes on which the convenience of performing certain work directly depends. There are three options:

Also, depending on the design, jigsaws can be divided into two large groups:

3. Advantages and disadvantages of working with a jigsaw

Any tool has both advantages and some disadvantages. Perhaps knowing everything Benefits jigsaw as hand tool, it will be easier for you to make your choice or you will finally be convinced of the need to purchase it:

Among shortcomings can be distinguished:

• The power limit of the tool is a limited parameter that directly affects the weight of the jigsaw. The more powerful the model you need, the more it will weigh. Although, this drawback applies to all tools;
• The maximum thickness of the processed material is also limited;
• Short stroke of the cutting blade;
• Given that the saws are attached at one end, they must be thick enough so that they simply do not break every time they have to face hard materials. And, as you know, the thicker the canvas, the lower the indicators of its flexibility. This may affect the ability to perform shape cutting;
• When cutting thick parts, chip removal is noticeably worse, which in turn leads to a decrease in saw speed.

4. Main technical characteristics

Obviously, the more powerful the model, the faster and more productive it is, that is, it is able to cope with a greater thickness of the part. But this is not the only important parameter:

5. Overview of additional functions

In addition to the main characteristics, there are a number of useful features that modern manufacturers have generously endowed their products with. Naturally, the more "twists" at the tool the higher will it price. However, to operate with the established stereotype “the more expensive the better” in this case is not worth it. Perhaps some of the functions will turn out to be absolutely unnecessary and useless for you, so why overpay for them?

• AVR - anti-vibration system. The presence of this function significantly reduces the vibration transmitted to the performer from the engine through the housing. Thus, this contributes to less fatigue and greater controllability of the jigsaw. It also increases tool life. It is advisable to purchase models with ATS if you plan to perform work often and for several hours in a row;
• Frequency control saw blade travel. This feature is very useful if you intend to work with a jigsaw with different materials. This moment also determines the possibility of achieving a clean cut. After all, it is better to process wooden blanks at a high stroke rate, while it is possible to avoid the formation of teeth on the edges of sheet metal only at low speed;
• Pendulum move. The presence of this element makes it possible to move the saw not only up / down, but also forward / backward. This greatly accelerates the cutting speed, but worsens its cleanliness and reduces the controllability of the tool. Most often, models with this function are purchased if necessary, frequent sawing a large number wooden parts;
  
• Saw at an angle. The ability to make an oblique cut is possible only if the sole of the tool can change its position. In this case, the angle can be 0-45 degrees. You will have to set the desired angle yourself, focusing on the appropriate marks. More expensive models have a clearly fixed position of the sole at an angle of 15, 30 or 45 degrees. After tilting it to the required angle, it will be fixed by the built-in limiter. It is advisable to purchase jigsaws with this function if you are engaged in the production of furniture or, for example, window glazing beads;
• Smooth start. The possibility of a smooth start, firstly, will allow you to maintain the integrity of the workpiece at the beginning of work, and not tear out pieces at the beginning of the cut. Secondly, it will protect the motor from a large starting current;
• Possibility vacuum cleaner connection. In this case, a special branch pipe for removing sawdust will be connected to the sole of the jigsaw. The function is useful even, which allows for “clean” work and minimizes the amount of wood or metal dust that the user inevitably inhales during work;
• Backlight drinking places. A handy little thing that makes the markup more visible, which means cutting will be more accurate;
  
• laser marker. It can be implemented as a dot or a line. Allows you to foresee the direction of the cut and prevent its deviation from the markup;
• Quick change system saw blade. Allows you to remove a worn or broken saw with one pull of the lever;
• blowing dust and sawdust from the cutting line. In some models, the fan, which is necessary to cool the engine during operation, can also perform an additional function of blowing debris from the workpiece;
• Protective screen. It is designed to protect the organ of vision from getting dust particles or chips into them, and they are made of transparent plexiglass;
• table for mounts. In the presence of this element, a conventional portable tool can turn into a stationary one.
  

6. Factors influencing the choice

After you have familiarized yourself with all the possible additional features and technical specifications, it is necessary to summarize and highlight main factors which should influence the choice:

7. TOP 3 most "survivable" jigsaws for the home

Of course, after such a careful selection, I would like to purchase a really reliable tool for long-term use. The variety of products offered is unrealistically large. And the more you look directories, the more you can get confused. It has long been known that in order to really buy a thing, you need to pay attention to trusted manufacturers and not be stingy. We have selected for you several models of jigsaws that confirm their durability and reliability with a large number of positive reviews from real consumers. For your information - the serial number in the list does not play a role.

• Everyone starts their reviews with the Makita type, etc., we also did not ignore this brand, but we decided to start with a manufacturer originally from Simferopol, which is famous for its successful models of electric jigsaws. Many professionals point out that the firm model Fiolent PMZ-600 E It has been operated by them for a long time in a fairly intensive mode and has never failed. The jigsaw can handle up to 85 mm thick wood, up to 10 mm thick steel and up to 20 mm thick aluminum. In this case, the engine power is 600 W, and the saw blade movement frequency is 2600 times / min. Experts note the high quality of the filling of the tool, which definitely has a margin of safety. The sole of the tool is made of thick stamped steel, and has the ability to tilt at an angle of 45 degrees. There is a function for adjusting the speed and a pendulum stroke, which can be turned off if necessary. TO shortcomings can be attributed to the weight of the model, which reaches 2.4 kg. Maybe at first, it will not be very convenient and hard for you to work;
  
• Makita 4351 FTC. A jigsaw from a well-known manufacturer of high-quality tools has a mushroom-shaped handle and is more suitable for those who have organized a small carpentry workshop in their garage or in the country, rather than for one-time household use. At the same time, people testing this device noted that the body of the jigsaw is quite large and wide. It can be problematic to grasp the tool with one hand and at the same time securely fix it. The motor has a power of 720 W, and the frequency of saw blade movements can be adjusted and lies in the range of 800-2800 times / min, the blade stroke is 26 mm. The high power is reflected in the weight of the tool, which reaches 2.4 kg, like the previous model. The jigsaw works quietly, does not create strong vibrations, easily copes with large thicknesses in accordance with the technical specifications specified by the manufacturer. The sole is very solid, made of aluminum, has a fixation in the zero position and at an angle of 45 degrees. The set includes a plastic anti-slip and protective pad on the sole. The chuck is quick-clamping and securely fixes the blades different thickness. Of the additional functions are present - smooth running, pendulum three-mode running, backlight working area;
  
• Bosch PST 650. A very convenient and compact jigsaw with a D-handle from a well-known German manufacturer impresses with its weight, which is only 1.6 kg. At the same time, the engine power is 500 W, and the maximum number of reciprocating movements of the saw element is as much as 3100 times per minute. Thanks to such a high speed, the maximum thickness of the wooden workpiece, according to the data from the manufacturer, is 65 mm, steel - 4 mm. The sole of the tool is made of durable steel, has a rigid fixation in the zero position and at an angle of 45 degrees. The chuck is also quick-clamping, however, it does not fix all saw blade thicknesses. The jigsaw is equipped with a function for cleaning the working area from sawdust, which can be adjusted. It is safe to say that this is one of the best and trouble-free models for home use.
  

It is the wide variety of working equipment that makes the jigsaw so versatile and indispensable. Probably, you could not help but notice that all saw blades have different markings on their shanks. She not only says what material the canvas is made of, but also what it is best to use.
Consider standard markings:

• HSS- a saw made of high-speed alloy steel. Designed to work with different stone at high speeds - with or, or with metal. Differs in the increased durability, hardness and resistance to high temperatures;
• BIM- a canvas made of bimetallic material. Suitable for cutting hardwood, laminate, ceramic tiles or plexiglass;
• HCS– cutting element made of high carbon steel. Suitable for processing almost all types of wood, except for very hard, or plastic;
• HM– extra hard tungsten carbide alloy blade. Most often used for cutting ceramic tiles or fiberglass;
• CV- a saw made of chrome vanadium steel. It has increased characteristics of plasticity, viscosity and elasticity, which makes the canvas ideal for working with soft materials- drywall, chipboard, fiberboard and some types of wood.

In addition to the material and purpose, saws differ in shank shape and may be:

• T-shaped;
• U-shaped;
• With two holes - marking MA.

To work with the tool was easy, and its service life was maximum, it is necessary to observe simple rules:

10. Most common malfunctions

Frequent and prolonged or not quite correct operation of any tool will sooner or later lead to some kind of malfunction. Consider the most common mechanical types of breakdowns electric jigsaws, in which the engine itself continues to work normally, but it is not possible to achieve an accurate or clean cut:

• Crooked saw. It so happens that saw blade significantly leads away from the intended line during operation. In this case, either the rod itself or the saw attachment mechanism may be faulty. Also, do not exclude the possibility of wear of parts or their excessive contamination. To begin with, it is worth trying to remove the above elements and clean them thoroughly. If the problem persists, replacement of fasteners or stem is inevitable;
• Too perceptible vibration And noise. If you notice that over time, the device began to make sounds that were not characteristic of it before and vibrate very strongly, this may be due to the failure of the gearbox. There may be no lubrication or the teeth on the gear have collapsed. For an accurate determination, you need to remove part of the case from the side and inspect the mechanism. If there is a breakdown, the mechanism must be replaced;
• strong jolts at work. If you feel that the jigsaw began to hit hard during the cut, this may be due to the failure of the pendulum mechanism or rod, which will have to be replaced. Before replacing, try spinning and completely cleaning and lubricating the mechanism, sometimes this is enough.

Not always malfunctions can be the result of failure or breakdown of one or another part of the structure. Sometimes out of order maybe electronics. Then the characteristic types of breakdowns will be:

When choosing a jigsaw, the main criteria will be the following:

• Reliability and convenience of clamping the file. It happens that you pick up a Chinese jigsaw - and it sits well and cuts quickly ... And if you change the file a couple of times - and the thread in the mount is over. So in the budget segment, you can’t do without attention to this node.
• The quality of the drive mechanism itself: these are the initial backlashes (the larger they are, the worse the file follows the trajectory, up to outright curvature), and the reliability of the support rollers.
• The presence of a pendulum: in cheap models, the file usually only moves up and down, on the reverse stroke it rubs uselessly against the workpiece. A sign of a good jigsaw is the retraction of the saw blade by the pendulum mechanism a little back during the reverse stroke.
• Airflow efficiency: without it (or with a “purely symbolic”), it will be extremely inconvenient to work, especially with complex cuts: a fast-moving file will instantly cover the markings with sawdust.
• Convenience: well, where without it? Let's take a closer look at the level of vibrations for each model.

And yet - which electric jigsaw is better to buy? You have probably already noticed an interesting thing - sometimes, when you are going to buy an inexpensive amateur instrument, you can buy something of a higher class with a small surcharge. When buying a jigsaw, this is very important: their mechanism is quite sensitive to the quality of workmanship and assembly, which can be repeatedly seen from the reviews of the owners. Small savings can result in pain with correcting the curvature of the cut or finding replacements for worn parts - so maybe you should not save on yourself?

Previously, in order to assemble the entire set necessary tools it was necessary to acquire simple and primitive things. Today, without a tool with an electric motor, it is impossible to organize repairs and construction. A good tool for processing wood, drywall, tin and much more at home is an electric jigsaw. For those who do not know what it is, let's just say - this is a small electric saw with a drive. How to choose an electric jigsaw for the home?

Hello dear readers of my blog. Today we will talk about the choice of such a tool as a jigsaw. It is virtually indispensable for household and should be in every owner.

Now there are a lot of different manufacturers offering such products, but how not to make a mistake in choosing and not to purchase a low-quality tool. To do this, you need to know at least a little what a jigsaw is, what functions it has and for what purposes it serves.

But do not give up with the right approach, choosing an electric jigsaw for your home is not difficult. I hope this article will help you make the right choice.

Which jigsaw to choose for home household or professional

First of all, you need to decide for what purposes you need this tool, and how often you will use it. I understand that you need a jigsaw to cut, but sawing can be done in different ways.

Someone can choose a tool to cut plywood with a thickness of no more than 20mm, and someone saws a board with a thickness of 50mm or more, for these cases completely different models are needed.

In the first case, any household model is suitable, and in the second, a serious professional tool is needed. So you need to clearly define the scope of work in order to choose the right jigsaw for your home.

To make it clearer, I’ll explain it this way: You don’t need a professional tool if you use it, roughly speaking, once a year, but I also don’t recommend you take an amateur model if a lot of work will be done with a jigsaw. In principle, this rule applies to any instrument. It will be an unsuccessful investment of money that you just lose.

• household models designed for rare use, have a low power reserve and the thickness of the material cut. It also does not include additional features such as a quick file change, a laser pointer and many other useful things. They have a fairly low price.
• Professional Models designed for high and long loads have high power and cutting thickness. They have many additional features. But together with all the advantages they have a high price.

In general, we will not focus on what is household and what is a professional jigsaw, just make a choice based on your needs and scope of work. Very often people write reviews about the fact that Chinese jigsaws are bad.

As I already wrote in the article, you should not pay attention to the country of the manufacturer, since now all the famous companies have already moved their factories to China, but they monitor the quality of the products. It is fundamental not to buy Chinese because of where it is not made correctly. Let's move on to the characteristics of jigsaws.

The main characteristics of electric jigsaws

This is the most important, these characteristics should be paid attention first of all. In most cases, they determine the quality and class of the tool. Let's look at all the characteristics separately.

Cutting power and thickness

The very first thing to do is to look at the power of the tool, the higher it is, the thicker the material the jigsaw can cut. Jigsaws of high power are able to withstand long-term high loads. The higher the power, the more the unit can withstand.

Power varies in the range from 400W to 1000W, maybe a little more or a little less, but the picture looks like this. A tool with a power of up to 500 W is considered a household one, and above 500 W a professional one.

The power of the jigsaw directly affects the thickness of the cut. The cutting thickness is a value that indicates what material and what maximum thickness this model can cut. Usually they indicate the thickness of the saw cut in wood and steel, as a rule, the saw cut in wood is always larger than steel.

With increasing power, the thickness of the cut also increases. On household jigsaws, the thickness of the saw cut in wood reaches 70mm, and in steel up to 5mm. At home, this is not a bad indicator. In professional jigsaws, you can cut wood up to 140mm thick, and steel up to 10mm. When sawing softer (such as aluminum) metals, the thickness of the cut reaches up to 20mm.

When choosing any electric jigsaw for your home, think about what thickness of material you work with most often and get a jigsaw with a slightly larger performance for a power reserve.

pendulum mode

First you need to figure out what the function is. This function lies in the fact that when sawing, the file moves not only up and down, but also pushes forward. This effect allows you to increase the cutting speed, and reduces saw blade wear. But there is also a reverse side of the coin, the cleanliness of the cut decreases significantly. Chips and burrs appear. Also in this mode, you can not cut metal.

Almost all modern jigsaws are equipped with a pendulum function. You can find out whether it is on the model or not by the presence of a switch on the side of the tool.

Usually the function goes to 3 positions, the larger the number, the stronger the tilt of the file. But there are exceptions, and on some models there are from 4 to 8 positions, but this happens only on professional models.

This mode is only suitable for straight line sawing. If you are going to cut complex shapes, then when choosing a jigsaw for your home, you should not pay attention to this function, since it will not be useful to you.

saw stroke frequency

The cutting speed of the jigsaw directly depends on this parameter. This value shows how many moves the file makes per minute. On the various models number of moves vary.

Of course, when choosing a jigsaw for a home, it is better to stop at medium or high values, since a low value given parameter, is an indication of the poor quality of the instrument.

On household models, most often the saw stroke frequency is from 2000-2800 rpm. On professional electric jigsaws, this figure reaches 3000-3200 rpm.

Another important parameter is the stroke length of the file. This is the distance from the bottom dead center of the file to the top dead center. The greater this distance, the longer the file will last you, and the better it will cut.

Handle shape

On jigsaws, the shape of the handle is also different, there are two types of bracket-shaped and mushroom-shaped. The first got its name due to the fact that its shape resembles a bracket. By the way, this is the most common type of handle, which modern models are most often equipped with. This form means one-hand operation.

The second type of handle is less common, but still found on some models. As you may have guessed, it got its name because its shape looks like a mushroom. They say that curly cuts are best done with this shape of the handle.

However, it still depends on your individual needs. Take one and the other type in the store, hold it and decide for yourself what will be more convenient.

What is the sole, what should it be

The sole is the platform of the jigsaw on which it stands when sawing. The quality of the cut depends on its type. Also, a high-quality platform allows you to make cuts at an angle. There are two types of soles - stamped and cast. Let's look at each type separately.

cast

The molded sole is installed on expensive professional models. The presence of such a platform indicates the good quality of the tool. As the name implies, the sole is made by casting. It has a greater thickness and rigidity than the stamped sole.

stamped

The stamped sole is installed on a cheaper low-quality tool. It is made from thin sheet material by stamping. Often has insufficient rigidity, because of this, the quality of the cut is reduced (often the cut leads to the side).

If you are interested in high quality sawing, then choose a jigsaw with a cast sole, but if it is more important for you to save money, then with a stamped one.

Angled outsole

Almost every electric jigsaw has this parameter. They differ only in the way they tilt. For some models, this is done inconveniently and for a long time. In places where the sole is in contact with the jigsaw, there are special screws that are loosened with a hexagon, the angle is set, and then all the screws are tightened again. Agree it is long and inconvenient.

In other models, tilting is done much faster and easier. Using a special lever, you loosen the platform, set the slope and set the lever to its original position. Note that all this is done without the help of a tool.

Again, think about how often you will use this feature, if the answer is “not often”, then you don’t need a model with a fast slope. If often, then choose a jigsaw with a quick tilt, without hesitation, it will save you a lot of time and nerves.

In conclusion, I want to say that there are inserts and overlays on the soles. They are used for sawing fragile materials so that they do not leave scratches after cutting.

In a cheaper version, these are plastic lining; in a more expensive one, these are metal inserts.

Additional functions

I would like to talk about various additions to jigsaws separately. Although these functions are not necessary, they still make the tool easier to use. Some may seem completely useless to you, but still they exist, which means that there is a demand for them.

Keyless file change

A very handy and necessary feature. It is mainly equipped with professional electric jigsaws. Everything happens quickly and conveniently.

On conventional models, the saw blade is replaced by loosening special feints, and in keyless replacement, this happens by pressing a special lever. The principle of the description is similar to the inclination of the sole. Choose an electric jigsaw for your home with this feature and you will not regret it.

Illumination and laser cut pointer

Another addition looks like a backlight. Helps in conditions of poor lighting or its absence. There is an LED on the front of the tool that illuminates the space in front of the jigsaw. In most cases, of course, this function is not needed, but still there are cases where it is used.

Another addition may be a laser pointer that indicates the cutting line. It is positioned so that it projects the line of the cut onto the canvas that you are sawing, and you can see where the cut will be.

Speed ​​control

Adjusting the speed, in fact, means adjusting the number of strokes of the file. It is very easy to determine the presence of such a function by the presence of a wheel on which numbers are applied. You can increase or decrease engine speed by turning the wheel.

This feature is useful when sawing plastic, metal, and all such materials that need to be cut at low speeds. Usually this function is located on the top of the handle or on the side.

Stop for straight cuts and circular cuts

An emphasis for an even cut is included with almost every jigsaw. So when choosing an electric jigsaw for your home, make sure that there is such an emphasis, it will most likely come in handy.

This addition looks like a ruler with a perpendicular stop at the end. One side is clamped into the sole of the jigsaw to the desired length, and with a perpendicular stop to the edge of the workpiece. Thus, when sawing, a cutting line parallel (to the edge of the workpiece) is obtained.

The same stop can be used in cutting circles. But it needs to be fixed in the center of the circle, so that it can rotate around its axis. In general, for these purposes there are special stops that are well fixed in the center of the circle. There are also 2 in 1 stops.

Removal of sawdust from the place of cut

A rather useful function, since in the process of sawing very often the cutting line is thrown with sawdust, and you do not see where to cut. This is where it will save you, the removal of sawdust.

Airflow occurs in front of the jigsaw, blowing sawdust in different directions, clearing the cut line. It happens that sawdust is sucked into a special pipeline running above the sole. A special sawdust bag is put on the end of this tube, or a special vacuum cleaner is connected.

Corded or cordless tool

Now a cordless tool is very popular, but this does not apply to jigsaws. Perhaps in the near future something will change, but now everything is as it is.

First of all, cordless jigsaws have several disadvantages. One of them is the very high price of the tool and its consumables, such as spare batteries and chargers.

Another drawback is the short battery life, so the issue of autonomy has not been fully resolved. The battery life is also limited. The advantage is that you can use the tool without electricity. It is convenient in those places where there is no possibility to connect to the mains.

In the network version of the jigsaw, there is only one minus. It lies in the fact that you will not be able to use the tool without electricity. And the advantages are obvious, it works without recharging in any mode. No need to buy any batteries and chargers.

Famous manufacturers of jigsaws

Let's look at the most popular manufacturers of electric jigsaws, both for home and professional models.

• Black& decker US company founded in 1910. Produces professional jigsaws equipped with rich functionality.
• bosfromh— German company producing both professional and household jigsaws of excellent quality. Well, the price of such equipment is not small.
• Makita, Dewalt,Fiolent–Companies producing high-quality products that can withstand increased loads.
• Interskol- A Russian company also producing jigsaws at an affordable price good quality, but with the relocation of factories to China, the quality has noticeably suffered.

Let's dwell on this number of manufacturers, since there are a lot of them, and I see no point in listing all of them. Most of these are cheap copies of well-known brands.

Well, this article comes to an end, I hope you learned something useful for yourself, and I helped you choose an electric jigsaw for your home. If you want to add something or disagree with something, write in the comments, I will be grateful to you for your opinion. Don't forget to subscribe for updates. I would like to add a video on choosing a jigsaw for the home. Perhaps that's all, thanks for your attention, good luck!