Electric jigsaw: 80 photos of the best tools and an overview of the best combination of price and quality

In the ranking of irreplaceable power tools, destroying the myth of narrow specialization, a jigsaw takes leading positions. This sawing tool handles a wide variety of materials, be it plastic, MDF, metal, or even ceramic. In addition, with the help of a jigsaw you can make curved cuts of various radii, make cuts at an angle and perform a straight cut of the blade without deviation from the perpendicular.

All these qualities make the tool an indispensable assistant, removing doubts from the decision to purchase one. This article discusses how to choose a jigsaw that will meet expectations and not lose out with the price / quality parameter.

Summary of the article:

Professional and household jigsaws

Before proceeding with the study of the range, it should be decided how often the machine will be used, what materials are supposed to be processed, which cuts will be made with its help.

Jigsaws are divided into household and professional models. The "home" option pleases with the price, but loses in terms of power and performance. Such a choice is suitable for those who plan to use the tool to carry out individual projects.

The professional tool is designed for fast, long and high-quality work with a wide range of materials. In addition to these advantages, the jigsaw has advanced functionality, which allows you to organize the workflow at a master level.

Separately, mention should be made of a type of jigsaw such as industrial jigsaws. They are small machines, the safety margin of which is designed for many hours of daily work.

Do not confuse this view with desktop jigsaws. The latter, although they look like a small copy of industrial ones, differ in a slightly different design and purpose.

The desktop model is used to make delicate and complex curved cuts. The jigsaw is mounted directly on the table, or comes complete with a special base. When working at the table, it’s not the tool that moves, but the processed sheet itself, which allows you to make cuts more accurately and accurately.

The best manufacturers of jigsaws, according to many construction portals, are companies such as Bosh, Makita, Hitachi, they should first of all pay attention to.

Electric jigsaw device

The principle of operation of the jigsaw is relatively simple. The rod is attached to the engine. The rod, due to the engine, performs vertical reciprocating movements and transfers them to the saw blade located in front of the tool.

The cloth, in contact with the material, makes a deep, thin cut in it. In jigsaws with a pendulum stroke, the design is somewhat complicated: the saw moves not only up and down, but also back and forth. This allows for more efficient chip removal and speeds up work. But you can use the pendulum stroke only with straight cutting, otherwise there is a high risk of jamming the device.

The main structural elements to which you should pay attention when choosing a tool:

The length of the electric cord (if any);
Handle type and location of the start button;
The ability to adjust the speed and location of the switch;
The quality of the support roller is full;
Electric motor power;
Stock material;
Existence of a protective limiter and features of a sole;
The ability to connect a vacuum cleaner.

File and options for its fastening

The need to replace the saw blade occurs quite often. The file is changed when they want to change the quality of the cut, or material, or when it simply worn out. Therefore, you need to carefully consider such a criterion as the method of attaching the saw blade to the rod, because the speed and convenience of the work process will depend on this.

Shoe clip. Among the economy-class models, the file is fastened with a slotted block, which is clamped by two front screws. Plus, this design is universal: the clamp holds the files of any parameters and manufacturers.

But there is a significant minus. Over time, due to insufficient or uneven tightening of the screws, the web may tilt and spoil the result.

Screw clamp. It is more reliable than the previous one. The fastening of the file is due to the side screw, which presses the end of the saw blade.

Keyless fastening. It is a whole mechanism. The file is fixed automatically and in just a couple of seconds. Among the disadvantages of this type, low compatibility with saw blades from other manufacturers can be noted.

In the shape of the tail, two types of jigsaw files can be distinguished:

with a T-shaped end;
with a U-shaped shank.

There are other varieties of the fastening side of the blade, but they are not so widespread, which makes changing the saw blade a rather difficult “search” task.

What is the difference between a wood jigsaw and a metal jigsaw? The purpose of the file. Depending on the composition of the processed material, the type of steel of the saw blade, its thickness, the nature of the serrated edge are selected.

All this information can be obtained by reading the inscriptions on the package, the file manufacturer will never skimp on this kind of information and duplicate it on the canvas itself.

Platform and handle

The supporting soles of jigsaws are stamped and cast. Models with cast platforms are more expensive, as they have better durability and allow to center the saw well.

Inexpensive tools are equipped with a stamped platform that is prone to deformation. However, if you closely monitor the work and follow the rules of operation, then this factor can be minimized.

The shape of the handle distinguishes tools with a mushroom and staple handle. Mushroom-shaped is more convenient when making curved cuts, and braid-shaped accelerates work in a straight line.

There are options with a hybrid handle shape. The anti-slip coating will not only be a pleasant bonus, but also will increase the safety of the work carried out at times.

Technical Specifications of Electric Jigsaw

For the right choice of a tool, the idea of its device is not enough, you need to know a number of technical characteristics.

The power consumption of the electric motor determines the working capabilities of the jigsaw. The indicator depends on the model and varies from 350 to 1000 watts. The golden mean is represented by models for 500-600 W, which can cope with a wooden part up to 85 mm.

The stroke rate of the rod affects the speed of the jigsaw. The more movements the file makes per minute, the faster the work will go. As a rule, the maximum frequency of many models is 2500-3200 strokes per minute.

Most jigsaws are equipped with a function of changing the frequency, since work is carried out with different materials that require different processing speeds.

Cutting depth is a parameter that indicates the maximum thickness of the material that a jigsaw can handle. In the manual, the values for certain materials - wood, steel, aluminum - will be indicated. Depth of cut directly depends on the power indicator of the tool.

Type of power jigsaw

Judging by the photo of the electric jigsaw presented on the open spaces of the network, it is easy to guess that there are two power options for jigsaws - wired and wireless. A wired jigsaw requires an electrical network with a voltage of 220 V. Wireless models are equipped with a rechargeable battery, the most common is 18-volt or with a rating of 10.8 V.

Wireless jigsaws provide more mobility, but their battery life is extremely limited. In addition, battery models are often not equipped with an additional battery and charger for it, which increases the cost of acquiring a full working kit.

However, where access to the network is limited or even impossible, and work with a jigsaw should be performed, the wireless model will be very useful.

The right choice of a jigsaw is not an easy task, requiring the consideration of many nuances. Practical experience of builders allows us to give some recommendations. In most construction cases, the household version of the jigsaw is quite appropriate. Large power indicators entail a large weight of the product, which may affect the usability.

The staple-shaped handle of the machine will be convenient at the construction site and for homework. If the tool is equipped with a pendulum stroke and a function of adjusting the stroke frequency, then the choice of such a model is preferable. Backlash of the rod and the support roller is an important factor affecting the quality of cut. Additional functions - airflow and illumination of the working area, greatly simplify the work.

Many authorized centers provide the opportunity to pre-test the tool, so it makes sense to use it.

And, finally, each model has a warranty card, which allows in case of breakage to repair the jigsaw in a specialized center. Carefully read the warranty cases indicated on the coupon and, if necessary, use this service.