Among household (and industrial) power tools, the jigsaw takes pride of place. After purchasing an electric drill, a jigsaw is the next most popular.

Its capabilities are difficult to overestimate: without unnecessary physical effort, you can cut any products from wood, plastic, and even ceramic tiles. Non-ferrous metals can be processed by any model; more powerful specimens are able to cut even steel structures.

Of course, it won’t replace a grinder, but a good jigsaw can make curved cuts. Many owners are faced with the problem of poor cutting quality (compared to a circular saw).

Perhaps the reason for this was the incorrect selection of replacement nozzles. But most likely, when purchasing, you simply did not know which jigsaw to choose for your tasks.

The best jigsaws, price and quality

To the question: “Which jigsaw is better to choose?” There is no universal answer. The range of price offers is the same as the difference in capabilities and quality of application. To understand how to choose a jigsaw for your home, you need to set four main criteria:

1. Maximum budget for purchase.
2. Types of work performed.
3. Intensity of use.
4. Terms of use (stationary, linked to electrical outlet, or portable with battery).

Additional criteria to help you choose the best one electric jigsaw:

1. Versatility of use. There are two sides of the coin: on the one hand, you get an “all in one” tool, on the other hand, a profiled product will have a higher quality of work.
2. Availability of consumables. Despite a certain standardization of attachments, it is still better to take consumables from the same company that produces power tools.
3. Remoteness service center. If it breaks down, you are unlikely to want to take your jigsaw to a neighboring city for repairs.

The main problem of choice: price and quality

Despite popular belief, you can buy a high-quality jigsaw inexpensively. The secret is localization of production.

• Many manufacturers have subsidiaries acquired during difficult times. recent times. This is a normal phenomenon of the strong absorbing the weak.
• As part of marketing tricks, well-known and expensive brands produce some of their products for markets in developing countries. These are the same quality models, but with a different product index. Perhaps the assembly has been established in the importer’s country. Such jigsaws can cost 2-3 times less.
• The emergence of many Chinese brands on the market. The technology is as follows: a large concern is building a plant in China. The agreement provides for additional production for the Chinese market under a different brand. At the same time, jigsaws are produced on the same conveyor.

All that remains is to find an analogue, for example - an inexpensive professional jigsaw Bosch GST 65b, the price starts from 2800 rubles.


Another important point– household or professional tool. Often the functionality will be the same, it’s just that the workshop models have an order of magnitude longer resource. If the task is to process material daily for several hours continuously, it makes sense to take an expensive jigsaw, like the Makita 4350CT, its price starts from 8,200 rubles


And when the tool is used maximum once a month, or to carry out one or two apartment repairs, a household model at a low price is quite enough for you.
This does not mean that an economy class model will necessarily cut crookedly and spoil the workpiece.

3 4

When carrying out construction, repair or other types of work, as well as in the household, a tool such as a jigsaw does an excellent job of cutting materials based on wood, plastic and even metal. This results in significant savings in processing time.

The review presents the tool various levels– from an inexpensive device for the home to a professional one, which is deservedly considered the best in its class. The rating position of each model is determined based on the characteristics declared by the manufacturer and the opinions of repair experts. Feedback from owners with practical experience in using jigsaws was also taken into account.

The best inexpensive jigsaws: budget up to 2000 rubles

There is no point in purchasing expensive appliances for household needs. Budget jigsaws can successfully handle a small amount of work.

4 MILITARY JS500

Favorable combination of price and quality
Country: China
Average price: 1341 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

A reliable assistant for home handyman will become the MILITARY JS500 jigsaw. This budget tool is capable of sawing a wide range of materials, from wood to laminate. The presence of tilt adjustment allows you to make cuts across, along or at an angle. The cutting speed can be easily adjusted with a wheel, and you can use saws with U- and T-shaped shanks. There is a transparent protective screen to protect the operator from chips. The tool is adjusted to cuts both on the left and on the right. The vacuum cleaner connection feature helps keep your workspace clean.

There are a lot of reviews good words it is said about such qualities of the MILITARY JS500 jigsaw as accessibility, good cutting, compactness, lightness, durability. Among the obvious disadvantages, users highlight noise, the presence of slight vibration, and the difficulty of adjusting the angle.

3 BISON L-400-55

The lightest jigsaw
A country: Russia (manufactured in China)
Average price: 1498 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

One of the lightest jigsaws (1.4 kg) is the ZUBR L-400-55 model. It can not be released from the operator’s hands for a long time. But for some reason the manufacturer forgot about the handle pad, so the muscles get tired from long-term work due to vibration. The model does not have record power, so you will have to cut thin materials. But this affordable tool also has a number of modern functions, for example, electronic speed control, a protective screen in the working area, and an adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner. The locking button allows you to lock the trigger in the pressed position. It is appropriate in this model, because the power key is very difficult to move.

Of all the qualities of the BISON jigsaw L-400-55, the ones that received the most flattering reviews were its affordable price, light weight, and reliability. Users are somewhat upset by the inconvenience during operation, rapid heating of the motor, and weak power.

2 Bort BPS-500-P

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 1571 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

An excellent tool for home would be the Chinese jigsaw Bort BPS-500-P. It differs the most affordable price. At the same time, the model is quite pleasant to use; it can cope with materials such as wood, metal and plastic. The device provides for adjusting the inclination of the steel sole, which expands the capabilities of the jigsaw. The manufacturer also took care of the safety of the operator. There is a function for connecting to a vacuum cleaner, thanks to which sawdust will be effectively removed from the cutting area. The set includes one spare file, a key, instructions for use, and spare brushes.

At home, the Bort BPS-500-P jigsaw has proven its worth, as evidenced by numerous consumer reviews. For a minimal price you can get a functional device with many useful functions. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the low power, spontaneous jumping of the file from the mount.

Summary table of ratings

	Power, W	Blade movement frequency, MAX	Cutting depth	Cutting depth	Pendulum stroke	Quick-release fastening of the file		Wed. price, rub.
VORTEX LE-55
BISON L-400-55
Interskol MP-85/600E
Fiolent PM 5-720E
Bosch PST 900 PEL
Metabo STE 140 Plus
BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B 0
Metabo STAB 18 LTX 100 0 MetaLoc
Einhell TE-JS 18 Li 0

1 VORTEX LE-55

High cutting quality
Country Russia
Average price: 1570 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

VORTEX LE-55 is a prominent representative budget category, and in the literal sense - the orange body with rubberized inserts on the handle immediately catches your eye. Despite the power of 600 W, the jigsaw cuts quite confidently, and is quite suitable for use not only at home, but also by individual craftsmen. It maintains the specified trajectory accurately, and there is practically no need to direct the blade for adjustments.

It is rare, but misalignment occurs when installing the saw, caused by the softness of the metal used. In such cases, the jigsaw will move to the side, and the cutting line will not be the smoothest. Despite the shortcomings encountered, VORTEX LE-55 looks solid and has decent build quality. The reliability of the tool can be judged by the reviews of some owners who worked so intensively that it came to replacing the brushes (in this model they are non-separable). At the same time, the jigsaw does not get particularly hot, it works reliably, and when careful attitude will serve for a long time.

The best jigsaws: price-quality

When you have to use a jigsaw quite often, although not very intensively, then you have to choose affordable models with good quality. They will allow you to saw different materials for many years.

3 Fiolent PM 5-720E

The largest cutting depth in wood and metal
Country Russia
Average price: 3819 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The powerful Fiolent PM 5-720E model closes the top three best jigsaws in terms of price-quality ratio. Thanks to 720 W, it has the maximum cutting depth among its competitors - wood up to 115 mm and metal up to 10 mm. The tool is equipped with a pendulum stroke, which has 4 stages of adjustment. A convenient feature is the blowing of sawdust from the working area, which allows you to always control the direction of movement of the jigsaw. To ensure operator safety, the model is equipped with a protective shield.

Buyers consider the advantages of this jigsaw to be high power, light weight and good functionality. The model has thoughtful ergonomics, which ensures comfortable work for a long time. An interesting feature of this jigsaw is the minimum saw speed of 1 stroke/min. Among the disadvantages are the inability to connect a vacuum cleaner and poor build quality.

2 Interskol MP-85/600E

Best functionality
Country Russia
Average price: 3320 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Jigsaw Interskol MP-85/600E from domestic manufacturer ranked second in the ranking. The tool boasts a good power of 600 W, which allows it to easily cope with wood up to 85 mm and metal up to 8 mm. Thanks to the pendulum stroke, the productivity of the jigsaw is quite high. The saw stroke frequency can be changed from 500 to 3000 strokes/min. The quick-release fastening of the saw allows you to quickly replace the working blade if necessary.

The advantages of this jigsaw include a cast sole, a long cable and thoughtful ergonomics. The tool has the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner to remove sawdust and dust directly from the work area. Among the disadvantages is the lack of airflow to the cutting line. Based on the totality of characteristics, this jigsaw has the best functionality among its neighbors in the TOP.

1 Bosch PST 700 E

Light weight, popular brand
Country: Germany
Average price: 3897 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The first place in the ranking of the best jigsaws in terms of price and quality ratio is occupied by the Bosch PST 700 E model. The popular German tool manufacturer is famous for its tools, and this jigsaw is no exception. Thanks to the power of 500 W, the jigsaw quickly cuts not only wood, but also metal. The frequency of the saw blade movement is adjustable in the range from 500 to 3100 strokes/min, which allows you to choose optimal mode work. With a blade stroke of 20 mm, the tool easily cuts wood up to 70 mm thick. The only one among its competitors in the rating is equipped with an anti-vibration system.

Among the strengths of this model, buyers highlight ease of use, smooth start and lack of vibration. The jigsaw has low level noise – only 88 dB, which allows its operation without protective headphones. The tool comes with a case for storage and transportation and 1 saw blade. Cons – lack of a pendulum system and low quality chuck. With an affordable price and such characteristics, this is the best jigsaw in terms of price and quality ratio.

Video review

The best jigsaws for professionals

Professionals choose reliable tool, who will not let you down at a crucial moment. They prioritize such indicators as cut quality, chip protection, and ease of use.

4 Metabo STE 140 Plus

Best cutting depth for wood
Country: Germany
Average price: 14680 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

High performance manual jigsaw Metabo STE 140 Plus will be the best assistant when performing large volumes of sawing work. A powerful engine and an electronic system for maintaining optimal speed under load ensure the highest cutting quality of any material, while the maximum possible cutting depth for steel is up to 10 mm, and for wood – 140 mm. The presence of a four-stage pendulum stroke significantly speeds up manufacturing process, and at the same time does not allow the hacksaw blade to overheat.

The power consumption of the STE 140 Plus jigsaw of 750 W is sufficient to ensure stable saw blade speeds, regardless of the load. To maintain order in the workplace, this model has a sawdust blower function, but you can also connect a vacuum cleaner. Automatically switched on two-sided backlight allows you to work comfortably in dimly lit areas. Reviews note the ease of operation, ergonomics of the tool, as well as its long service life. The speed of replacing equipment and the best quality of work performed are especially noted by the owners who use this jigsaw in their professional activities.

3 DeWALT DW331K

Minimal vibration at high power
A country: USA (manufactured in the Czech Republic)
Average price: 12270 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The DeWALT DW331K jigsaw provides a high level of operator comfort when working. The tool has great power (701 W), the motor starts smoothly, and the selected speed is automatically maintained. Minimal vibration was achieved by installing an active counterweight. The sawdust blower is very convenient and adjustable. The file can be changed extremely simply and quickly, this is done in one movement, and the fastening is reliable. Not the most strong point The tool will be sawed on weight due to the weight of the model (2.8 kg).

Professionals note the ease of use, power, and good quality cord. The DeWALT DW331K cuts very smoothly, which is important when producing parts that are precise in size. Among the disadvantages, users note poor deflation, inconvenient trigger fixation, lack of backlight and high price.

2 Makita 4350CT

Reliable model from a well-known brand
Country: Japan
Average price: 10231 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

In second place in the ranking of the best jigsaws for professionals is the Makita 4350CT model. Despite the rather high cost, this tool is popular - a simple, functional and reliable jigsaw. With 720 W of power, it can easily cut wood up to 135 mm thick and metal up to 10 mm thick. To create a more precise cut, a smooth start is provided.

Among the advantages of this model, buyers highlight power, smooth sawing and high build quality. The cast base of the tool is made of aluminum, which makes it more stable during operation. The set includes a plastic nozzle that will help you carefully cut soiled material. The disadvantages include the inability to attach a vacuum cleaner to remove sawdust. This jigsaw is definitely worth the money - the quality and reliability are at the highest level.

1 Bosch PST 900 PEL

The best ratio of price and functionality
Country: Germany
Average price: 6242 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The leader in the rating of the best jigsaws for professionals is the Bosch PST 900 PEL. At a low cost, it has all the characteristics of top models. The power of the tool is 620 W, thanks to which it can cope with wood up to 90 mm and metal up to 8 mm. The jigsaw is equipped with a soft start function, which allows you to start work quite accurately. To remove sawdust from the work area, you can connect a vacuum cleaner.

The strengths of this model include smooth operation, absence of vibrations and easy attachment of saw blades. As a nice bonus, the tool is equipped with illumination of the working area, so you can work in low visibility conditions. Disadvantages: stamped sole without padding. Overall, with such a low cost, reliability and functionality, this is the best model for professionals that can be recommended for purchase.

Video review

The best cordless jigsaws

Cordless jigsaws benefit from mobility. They will allow you to trim a board or pipe away from the household electrical network.

4 Einhell TE-JS 18 Li 0

The most affordable cordless jigsaw
A country: Germany (manufactured in China)
Average price: 4990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.3

The Einhell TE-JS 18 Li 0 cordless jigsaw will become the most convenient tool for your home or garden thanks to the ability to operate autonomously from Li-Ion batteries capacity 1.5 A/hour. With its help, you can make short cuts or saw a wide variety of materials, such as wood, metal, chipboard, plastic, plywood, etc. The only condition will be correct selection hacksaw blade, which can be replaced quickly without additional tools.

The Einhell TE-JS 18 Li 0 jigsaw has an ergonomic design and is equipped with a soft, comfortable handle, which greatly facilitates the production process. It has an adapter for connecting to a vacuum cleaner, and it is also possible to switch the suction mode to blowing. To ensure better accuracy during cutting, this model has an additional guide, as well as LED lighting. The aluminum base of this jigsaw is coated with plastic to prevent damage to the surface. Users in their reviews note the high quality of assembly, mobility and accuracy of the work performed.

3 RYOBI R18JS

High power, backlight
Country: China
Average price: 6230 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.4

In many respects, the RYOBI R18JS cordless jigsaw is not inferior to corded models, gaining in mobility. The tool is powerful enough to cut steel pipes. Thanks to the backlight, you can work comfortably even in conditions with limited visibility. With all these advantages, the device has a low price. It is worth highlighting such advantages of the jigsaw as quick-clamping installation of the file, 4-stage pendulum stroke, long work on one charge. The cordless jigsaw is inferior to its corded counterparts only in the lack of airflow, and there is no provision for connecting a vacuum cleaner.

In reviews, craftsmen share their impressions of the RYOBI R18JS cordless jigsaw. The advantages of the model include power, good lighting, and a comfortable grip. You can work on one battery for 5 hours. The disadvantages of the device are fragility, inaccuracy, and large dimensions.

2 Metabo STAB 18 LTX 100 0 MetaLoc

Best cut quality
Country: Germany
Average price: RUB 11,379.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The cordless jigsaw has good performance. It easily cuts non-ferrous metal (can handle 25 mm) and wood up to 100 mm thick. As for steel, the STAB 18 LTX 100 is unlikely to handle more than 10 mm. In this case, the maximum possible speed of the saw is 2800 movements per minute. The pendulum function (available in 4 positions) significantly speeds up the straight cutting process. As for the cut itself, it turns out confidently good quality, even in material thickness even with curved cuts.

Reviews from owners of this tool point out several obvious advantages. This is a convenient case, an aluminum base (cast) with a dust extractor, and a quick-release saw blade holder. It is also worth noting the adjustment of the saw stroke. In this model, it is carried out by controlling the force when pressing the trigger. Also, many users liked the lock button to prevent accidental starting - this device will be useful when transporting the jigsaw. The device, with a charged battery (battery 4 Ampere/hour), can cut through about 40 meters of OSB with a thickness of 20 mm. As a home tool, the Metabo STAB 18 LTX 100 0 MetaLoc is expensive, and the battery requires regular use, so it is more suitable for professional work.

1 BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B 0

Maximum performance and resource
A country: Germany (manufactured in Switzerland)
Average price: 15939 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

A well-known manufacturer managed to create a cordless jigsaw BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B 0 s perfect combination performance and durability. The tool allows you to cut steel up to 8 mm thick, which is an excellent indicator for a cordless model. A huge advantage for owners of various Bosch devices will be the presence of a standard battery. The jigsaw fits perfectly in the hand; the handle has a special rubberized pad with a relief structure. The pendulum mechanism is adjustable, which allows you to select the optimal cutting mode for each material. The professional device does not suffer from high vibration and loud noise.

The advantages of the BOSCH GST 18 V-LI B 0 cordless jigsaw are: high performance, durability, build quality, lack of vibration. Among the disadvantages of the device are the heavy weight and the inconvenience of turning on the backlight.

How to choose a jigsaw

Before purchasing a jigsaw, the future owner should consider the following features of the tool:

1. Power is a fundamental parameter when choosing. The cutting speed and thickness of the material to be processed depend on this value. Take, for example, jigsaws with a power of up to 500 W. They are good for wood and wood-based materials, but they cannot handle thick metal (more than 5 mm).
2. The cutting depth is an equally important parameter for work. Based on this indicator, the question of the appropriateness of using a particular model can be decided. Not all jigsaws are capable, for example, of sawing 120 mm timber. This parameter is directly dependent on the power of the equipment.
3. Pendulum stroke is a special mode of operation of a jigsaw, when during a return motion the file is moved away from the cut site, and during a forward motion it is pressed more tightly to the cut site. This allows you to minimize the time spent on work, because it allows the file to cool and free the teeth from sawdust of the material.
4. The quick-release fastening of the saw blade is a feature of the tool that is not available in jigsaw models for the home. Simplifies the time of blade replacement, reducing the installation of a new file to just a couple of movements (reminiscent of a hammer drill chuck).
5. Anti-vibration system. The presence of this function in a jigsaw will be of interest to users who, first of all, are interested in the quality of work - reducing vibration allows you to make a cut more smoothly.
6. Weight. Everything is simple here. A lightweight tool is less stable, which means the cut will not be the smoothest. When choosing, it is better to focus on the ease of use of the tool.
7. Price. Usually this selection criterion is somewhere in the third position (and when choosing a model for the home, even in the first position). In fact, this component is a composite assessment of all previous characteristics of the instrument. The main thing here is to make sure that it is fair.

There are tools that do not need advertising and an intrusive offer; they can rightfully be called “folk” - all this is about manual electric jigsaws. The multi-purpose unit has a simple design and can make cuts along a straight or curved path, as well as at an angle of 45°.

To decide how to choose a good jigsaw for your home or workshop, you should turn to the experience of qualified specialists in the field of construction and repair. Useful advice from our experts will help you decide which jigsaw to buy for the upcoming work and not regret the money spent.

Household or professional

Like any construction tools, jigsaws are divided into household and professional. The classification determines the maximum load that the equipment can handle, the time of continuous operation and, of course, the comfort of use.

Household jigsaws are intended for rare use in the country, at home or in the garage. Also, DIY class tools can be used in production for rare operations. Such models always have a limit on the time of continuous operation: for the most budget ones, the parameter can reach up to 10-20 minutes. Conventionally, household models can be used for no more than 4-8 hours a day (or about 30-50 hours a week) with regular breaks.

The tools of the unspoken semi-professional level (Hobby) became a transitional link between household and professional models. If your task is to buy an inexpensive but good jigsaw, you should take a closer look at this segment. The resource of the device is somewhat higher than inexpensive ones. amateur models, and the functionality is comparable to the top positions. These jigsaws are suitable for work at home or in small production. Hobby class equipment is rarely limited in terms of continuous operation time, but it will not be possible to use them “to the fullest” - the mechanism is not designed for such loads.

Professional and industrial class models have found their application in woodworking workshops, cabinet furniture manufacturing or wooden structures, in construction and finishing of premises. As practice shows, amateur craftsmen often opt for top-end equipment, but this is not always rational. If a tool is rarely used, there is no way to realize its full potential, for which, by the way, you will have to pay a lot. In addition, repairing expensive equipment is never cheap.

How to choose an electric jigsaw - main parameters

When choosing a good jigsaw model, you should focus on the key factors that determine its performance and convenience:

• saw stroke frequency;
• electric motor power;
• the presence of a pendulum stroke;
• type of consumables;
• dimensions and weight;
• functional.

High-quality jigsaws are distinguished by a competent combination technical characteristics, however, you cannot select a tool solely based on parameters. An important component of a good tool is decent ergonomics; such a tool fits comfortably in the hands and does not tire the operator during operation.

Power

The power consumption of a jigsaw can vary from 450 W to 850 W. As practice shows, high energy consumption does not always characterize the performance of a tool. The low-power professional-class model is comparable in efficiency to the more powerful DYI series unit.

How to choose a jigsaw based on power? It all depends on the needs: if speed and productivity are required, then medium or high power should be combined with a good saw blade speed. If “working quickly and hard” is not your main task, you can choose any unit from the “pro” class or a household model with a power of more than 550 W.

Blade movement frequency

The speed of the saw blade is one of the main parameters by which an electric jigsaw is selected. The higher the value, the faster the cutting is done. Products made of aluminum, plywood or wood are sawed at maximum speed, and at low speeds materials that are sensitive to overheating are sawed - plastic, stainless steel.

In most cases, jigsaws are equipped with stepwise speed control, but this does not apply to the most budget versions. The minimum threshold can be from 0 to 800 strokes per minute, the maximum speed reaches 3200-3500 strokes. When purchasing, it is not necessary to choose the “fastest model”; for ordinary saws and good performance, 2600 – 2800 strokes/min is more than enough.

Pendulum stroke or pumping

Many models are equipped with a pendulum system, this constructive solution increases sawing speed. When installing one of the 3-4 stages of the pendulum, the file moves not only up and down, but also back and forth, along the trajectory of the pendulum. The higher the level, the stronger the pumping. The pendulum system is applicable only to straight cuts; if the tool is needed for artistic cutting along a curved path, you can choose a model without pumping, or with the ability to turn it off.

Cutting depth

The maximum depth of cut indicates the maximum thickness of the workpiece that can be cut. IN technical manual Limit values ​​are always specified, and different materials have their own limitations. Thus, the maximum cutting depth for a wooden workpiece can reach 70 or 100 mm, for metal (aluminium) 15 – 20 mm, for plastic – 80 mm, and for ceramics – up to 10 mm.

This characteristic should not be neglected; using the tool for other purposes may lead to overload and rapid breakdown.

File and types of its fastening

Types of paintings

The equipment for a jigsaw is special files, which are a blade with teeth and a shank a certain shape. Each type of material has its own files, as indicated by the letter marking:

• wood (B, C, D, BO, BR);
• for metal (A);
• for glass and ceramics (Riff);
• on plastic.

The blades are also distinguished by the type of cut: files with small teeth are intended for clean cuts (B, C), with large teeth - for fast and rough (D). For curved cuts, narrow blades with straight, small teeth (letter O) are used. To saw laminate or other material with a delicate coating, you will need a saw with the reverse direction of the teeth (revers - the letter R in the marking).

PVC products can be sawed with almost any wood saw; large and medium teeth are not picked up by soft shavings. A blade for metal is also suitable, but sawing is done at minimum speed.

The digital designation indicates the length of the file:

• 1 – up to 75 mm
• 2 – 75-90 mm
• 3 – 90-150 mm
• 4 – more than 150 mm

Blade mounting type

There are two types of shanks:

1. T-shaped
2. U-shaped

The vast majority of jigsaws use T-shank files. A sample of the canvas is almost always included with the tool; you can also try on different types of cloths when purchasing. However, budget amateur models are “omnivorous”. They have the simplest cartridge installed, which simply clamps the file on both sides, regardless of the type of fit.

Types of handles

Among modern models of jigsaws, two designs are widespread: with a staple-shaped or mushroom-shaped handle. The mushroom-shaped handle is the prerogative of jigsaws for professional work, but such a constructive solution is quite rare.

The more common staple handle is universal and is divided into two types. Compact models are equipped with a square “bracket”, larger ones – with a semicircular one.

To a greater extent, the comfort of use is influenced by ergonomics - the presence of rubber pads, protrusions for the fingers, thickening in the grip areas.

Sole

The support platform of an electric jigsaw can be cast or stamped. This design solution plays a big role when purchasing a professional-class tool, when long-term use is expected.

Stamped soles are found in all household and semi-professional models, as well as on inexpensive professional jigsaws. Such a platform is made of relatively thin metal; under prolonged loads it is subject to deformation. As a result, the positioning of the saw blade is shifted, there is no proper contact with the workpiece, and sawing at an angle becomes almost impossible.

High-quality jigsaws are equipped with a cast platform; it is stronger and more durable, but slightly increases the final cost of the unit. Often you can see a plastic lining on it to protect soft materials from chipping.

Power type

The type of food can be specified as a separate item. A corded jigsaw is not intended to work in “field conditions”; a mobile power station will be needed to pair it with it. The solution would be to buy a wireless model, of which there are quite a few on the market now. The duration of continuous operation and power here depend on the battery capacity and the availability of replaceable batteries.

If you decide to purchase a cordless jigsaw, pay attention to Ryobi's ONE+ line of cordless tools. Any position from model range, be it a jigsaw or a screwdriver, can be powered by a single battery - this is indeed convenient and beneficial from an economic point of view.

Features that may be useful

When choosing a reliable jigsaw for home use important aspect will be its functionality. There are very useful options that significantly increase productivity and ease of use.

What functions are equipped with electric jigsaws:

• Forced airflow of the working area– a directed air stream cleans the workpiece and platform from sawdust, providing full visibility.
• Smooth start– an advantage of powerful tools, although the option is quite rare. Limiting the starting current protects the operator from jerk during startup, as well as all internal mechanisms from increased load.
• Laser pointer– quite a useful option. The rough markings on the workpiece may be covered with sawing products, the user will have to turn off the tool and clean the work area - all this takes time. The laser, in turn, indicates the direction even over small chips.
• Chuck type. Many modern models equipped with a quick-release chuck for saw blades. To change the equipment, just bend the lever and install the file.
• Illumination of the working area with LED will provide comfort and maximum cutting accuracy.
• Maintaining power under load– a serious design solution that can increase the service life of the tool and protects all internal components from unintentional overload. As a rule, in household models, when the speed decreases, the power also decreases, therefore, the tool is easy to overload.

Which brand of jigsaw should I buy?

When deciding which jigsaw is best to choose, it is recommended to give preference only to reliable manufacturers. There are a lot of popular Chinese brands, but the dubious cost hides the even more dubious quality of workmanship. It is for this reason that we will present the best manufacturers jigsaws in terms of price-quality ratio for 2017:

• Bosch
• Makita
• DeWalt
• Interskol

Conclusion

We continue to discuss the choice the right tool for construction and home. Let's look at several models of jigsaws, find their strengths and weaknesses, and understand their design features. Next, we will draw the necessary conclusions, and only then we can head to the store.

Ask any finishing craftsman to voice his personal TOP 5 of the most popular, frequently used tool, and you will hear a list that will definitely include a jigsaw. For example, for me it firmly occupies fourth place, after a hammer drill, a screwdriver and an angle grinder. The thing is that this is an incredibly functional, mobile, truly universal assistant. If necessary, although with some limitations, it can replace a number of other tools, which is especially important for the home craftsman. Working with an electric jigsaw is simple and interesting, everyone can do it. Even my wife, who is far from being involved in repair and construction equipment, can sometimes enjoy sawing something out.

When our team makes its first landing on a site, the jigsaw is always with us; there has never been a case where it was not useful. But his absence is sometimes acutely felt. Usually, at the very beginning, it is necessary to make scaffolding, shelving, and a primitive table from wood.

Most often, we use a jigsaw for shaped and straight cutting of all kinds of sheet materials, such as plywood, plexiglass, OSB, chipboard, MDF, gypsum fiber board, gypsum board, thin cement boards and so on.

In the production of roofing and wooden frames we saw (often locally) a board, a batten, or a not very massive beam. In the absence of another tool, you can cut thick timber with a jigsaw - in two passes, because it is not necessary for the saw to go right through the wood.

When it comes to materials such as parquet, laminate, lining, there is nothing to talk about - a jigsaw is beyond competition.

Often, during tiling work, it is necessary to make a curved trim, go around a rounded column near which there will be no plinth, and line the box with a honeycomb exit sewer pipe. From time to time, designers throw us a fun project. Horrible dream tiler: radius or wave-shaped connection tiles, for example, to the parquet. Then it can be extremely difficult to solve the problem with grinders and tile cutters, a jigsaw comes to the rescue again - we put a diamond-coated file and millimeter by millimeter we move towards the intended goal, or rather, along the intended line.

It is no secret that a jigsaw can be used to cut profile metal workpieces, as well as sheet metal. Somehow this need never arose in my practice, but out of curiosity, I, of course, tried to do it. We install the metal saw, reduce the speed to minimum, remove the pendulum stroke and begin. Well, yes, it really is possible.

Unlike saber, disk, chain saw, the same router, the jigsaw is held and guided with one hand, which allows the second to fix the workpiece. Thanks to this, a fairly accurate cut is obtained at a significant speed of work, since there is no need to secure the object being processed each time, you just need markings and a steady hand of the operator. By using a saw table to mount a jigsaw, you can achieve even more impressive results in terms of precision and cleanliness of the cut. Then the file goes with its teeth down, and there are no chips on the front surface, and the workpiece is moved with both hands. In general, there are two problems when working with an electric jigsaw - the appearance of chips and the saw blade moving away from the vertical. In most cases, they are resolved by selection the right file and the choice of operating mode (web speed and pendulum stroke amplitude). The skill of the user and the design features of the jigsaw also play an important role.

Jigsaw device: 1 - power cord; 2 — power button; 3 - speed controller; 4 — brush assembly; 5 - electric motor; 6 — cooling fan; 7 - gearbox; 8 — eccentric hinge (reciprocating mechanism); 9 — pendulum mechanism; 10 — protective limiter; 11 — support roller for the file; 12 - air duct for removing sawdust

"Fiolent" PMZ-600 E

I have several jigsaws in my arsenal, each of which is focused on its own tasks. The main hard worker, whom we have been mercilessly exploiting for many years at the most complex work- this is the “Fiolent” PMZ-600 E. The engineers were able to create a very, very durable machine. It can be noted that the manufacturer from Simferopol is simply famous for its successful jigsaws, as well as grinders. PMZ-600 E is a powerful and productive device that quickly copes with any task.

Wood up to 85 mm thick, steel up to 10 mm, aluminum up to 20 mm - these are not just numbers from the passport, this is the very real thickness of the cut. The high-torque 600-watt motor moves the rod up to 2600 times per minute per Idling, in general, calculation for power. Many of my colleagues have this model; no one had any problems with the anchor, brushes, or gearbox - all the filling was made with a safety margin. True, a solid motor, a steel counterweight, and durable metal parts could not but affect the weight of the product, which is 2.4 kg, and this is quite a lot.

The jigsaw has a switchable pendulum stroke, which helps speed up work along a straight path, and if for thin materials The difference is not particularly noticeable, but with a large thickness the performance improves significantly. This option can be completely disabled for curved cuts or for sawing metal and ceramics.

The button, power lock, and speed control function properly. The manufacturer claims that this rather vulnerable unit is made in Western Europe.

I heard about complaints about the quality of the rod - someone broke, and that it requires adjustment, modification, since it can be deployed, which is why the saw tends to deviate from the working line. Everything is fine with me, the rod did not break, it cuts smoothly. It has no serious play, the file is well stabilized in the transverse direction.

The stamped sole is made well, it is securely fixed exactly perpendicular to the canvas. It is possible to move it to a 45° position, but, to be honest, I don’t use this function at all. By the way, the set included a factory plastic sole plate, which prevents the appearance of black stripes from the metal and scratches on the front surfaces. Unfortunately, after laying the second hectare of parquet boards, they were successfully erased.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the attachment of the file. Here, perhaps, the best option was used - the lock that clamps the canvas is secured with one screw. Everything happens quickly, the file is firmly fixed, without distortions. The worst thing that can happen is that there will be no one on the farm flat screwdriver. In addition, you can use blades of various thicknesses, which cannot be said about quick-clamping mechanisms.

So let's recap. “Fiolent” PMZ-600 E is an excellent jigsaw for any work on a construction site, it has been tested by time. If something happens, it is very easy to find spare parts for it, and they are inexpensive.

About a year ago, my partner was eager to acquire a high-end jigsaw; he really liked the Makita 4351 FCT. Well, a person loves a smart instrument. Of course, I did not deny myself the pleasure of giving this unit a good test drive.

The performance of this unit is simply stunning. I tried to cut the hundredth beam - no problem, the 75th metal corner 6 mm thick - normal, no strain. Everything works very quietly, there are no vibrations, you can clearly feel the power reserve (according to the passport, the maximum saw depth for wood is 135 mm, for steel - 10 mm). A 720 W motor seems to suggest this order of things, but in practice, not all manufacturers manage to successfully transfer the large energy of the power plant to the saw set. The blade stroke is 26 mm, the speed of its movement can be set in the range of 800-2800 translational movements in a minute. These indicators are similar to those of the “Fiolent” PMZ-600 E, but there is already an electronic sawing speed control system that maintains the specified parameters regardless of the structure of the materials, including dissimilar ones. Naturally, we offer a pendulum motion at our service. The developers made it three-mode, although practice shows that it is enough to have two extreme positions: “on” and “off”. The jigsaw starts without a jerk, this triggers the starting current limiter - “soft start” (the function helps with ultra-precise operations).

The jigsaw is equipped with a very high-quality sole made of cast aluminum; it is clearly fixed in the zero position and at an angle of 45°. It has an anti-slip, protective plastic lining and an anti-splinter liner. By the way, in tight places the support platform can be moved back.

The blade can be replaced without keys or screwdrivers. It's a little worrying that the holding mechanism is operated by a plastic lever, but so far everything is fine. It’s interesting that the cartridge seems to be “omnivorous” - I tried inserting blades of different thicknesses, it fixed everything reliably.

The work area is illuminated by a built-in lamp, which turns on when you press the “start” button - very convenient. The sawdust removal system works quite effectively.

Now about the unpleasant stuff. The jigsaw is heavy (2.4 kg) and quite large; it simply cannot fit into some places. Its length is 30 cm, plus 10 cm of the cord input casing protruding back. The body is thick, resembles a small grinder, I couldn’t grasp it properly, the device tends to fall out of my hands. Having a mushroom-shaped handle requires two-handed operation, which I really don't like. To disable the start button, which is necessarily locked, you need to grab it; you cannot reach it from the working position of your hands.

The Makita 4351 FCT is, of course, a powerful, reliable, functional tool. However, it is not suitable for construction and finishing, since you have to work a lot “on the spot”, sawing workpieces “on your knees” is not his element. A jigsaw will perform well in a workshop where the part can be securely fastened. With its help, a figured cut is perfectly performed; you can easily move the tool towards you, to the side, from below the workpiece.

The little green BOSCH PST 650 was developed by German engineers for the average home craftsman. I purchased it at a large construction supermarket as an addition to the monumental “Fiolent” PMZ-600 E. I’ll say again, there was no goal to save money, I’m just putting together a light kit compact tool for special applications in special conditions. Practice has shown that the household series of this manufacturer can also find application in the repair and construction business.

The jigsaw immediately fit into the hand, it is truly comfortable - the thin D-shaped handle has soft rubber pads, the switches are located in accessible, expected places, everything is perfectly balanced. A sensitive large button allows you to “push” a little. The weight of the device is only 1.6 kg, which is as much as 800 grams less than the PMZ-600 E or Makita 4351 FCT. The developers used a 500 W motor for it, but the working rod was accelerated to 3100 strokes per minute (the Fiolent PMZ-600 E, for example, has 2600 strokes per minute). In short, as in the case of other household tools, the Germans relied on speed. I can easily cut beams 50 mm thick, and this is clearly not the limit (the passport indicates 65 mm for wood, 4 mm for steel).

The assets of this jigsaw include a well-fixed steel platform, including an angle of 45°, adjustable sawdust blowing, an anti-vibration system, and good lateral stabilization of the blade.

Installed on BOSCH PST 650 keyless chuck, which has one drawback - not all files can be inserted there, due to the different thickness of the shanks. At the same time, the canvases that fit are fixed very securely.

For a year and a half, the PST 650 has been working without failures. finishing works, saws beams, boards, laminate, lining. Great tool ultra-light class, it has rightfully earned its place on the construction site. As for home use, given the price/quality/performance ratio, this jigsaw will be beyond competition.

The Einhell BPS 600E jigsaw came to us by accident and left us very quickly. It seems that he had everything for success: a pendulum stroke with three modes, a 600-watt motor, a speed controller, good frequency, traditional design, a German name... But the quality of workmanship lets the manufacturer down irrevocably. The button broke, the rubber peeled off the handle, the rod began to play, the sole bent, the block holding the saw broke, the very rigid cord began to crack... Only the motor continues its life. This is an example of how not to make jigsaws, it is a complete failure. There is no point in buying such a tool, no matter how cheap it is.

Let's summarize. To choose the right jigsaw, you need to take into account a number of nuances. Based practical experience professional builders, we can formulate some general recommendations:

1. Determine in advance what type of work the jigsaw will be used for. In most cases, including for construction, household or semi-professional tools in the mid-price range are suitable.
2. Great power necessarily affects the weight of the product. Think about whether you need it.
3. A jigsaw with a mushroom handle is better suited for work in a workshop environment. A two-handed grip involves fixing the workpiece. This tool is very convenient for making complex curved cuts.
4. D-shaped machines are operated with one hand, they are good for use in “field conditions”, “on site”. This option is preferable for a construction site and for a home.
5. The presence of a pendulum stroke significantly increases productivity.
6. To work with a variety of materials, you will need to change the stroke frequency - it’s good to have a step speed regulator.
7. For delicate sawing, the function of electronic stabilization of the set speed and soft start will not be superfluous.
8. The sole must be securely fixed perpendicular to the cutting blade. A big plus would be the presence of a plastic lining.
9. The less play there is in the working rod and support roller, the cleaner and more accurate the cut will be.
10. Quick-release fastening of the blade may have a limitation on the thickness of the shanks (not all files are suitable). The most unreliable option is a block with a slot and two screws. The key/screwdriver lock is the most versatile.
11. Directional airflow and illumination of the work area are very useful options.
12. Each model has its own unique ergonomics; before purchasing, be sure to shake the jigsaw in your hands and choose what suits you personally.
13. Many authorized sales centers allow the buyer to test the tool in operation; take advantage of this right.

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