There is a jigsaw not only in every workshop, but also, perhaps, in every home. This tool has gained such popularity due to its versatility and compactness. With its help, you can cut various sheet materials: wood of any species (from the softest to very hard); sheet metal; plastic; glass and ceramics, etc.

To work with a particular material, you need to choose the right saw blade (more often called simply a “file”), since the quality, cutting speed and overall ability to work depend on it. This will be discussed in this article.

Each saw has its own unique parameters, the combination of which determines the material that can be cut with it, as well as other cutting characteristics: the quality and speed of the saw. In addition, each file has design features, allowing you to use it with one or another. A separate article is devoted to this, but choosing the “right” file will be discussed in this article.

Parameters of jigsaw files

First you need to decide on the list of saw blade parameters that need to be taken into account. So this:

• File fastening standard (shape of shank);
• Dimensions (length, width, thickness);
• Geometric parameters of teeth;
• Purpose (according to the type of material being processed).

Let's look at these parameters in more detail.

File fastening standard (shank shape)

To determine the standard for fastening the saw blade to, you need to look at the passport of your power tool - this should be indicated there. Although quite often several files are included with the kit and by looking at them, you can understand the type of shank that suits you.

Listed below are the main types of shanks found today.

• T-shape
• U-shaped
• Shank for Makita
• Shank for Bosh

The T-shank type is the most common type nowadays. This solution turned out to be the most successful and was “adopted” by a large number of power tool manufacturers. This type is often called Boschevsky, because it was the Bosch company that first offered to the market this type fastening the file. Subsequently, other manufacturers began to support this type of shank. Such companies include:

• Bosch,
• Makita,
• Metabo,
• Hitachi,
• Skil,
• DeWalt,
• Sparky

and others.

The U-shaped shank is considered an American standard, however, it can be considered obsolete, since it is almost never used now, although previously this type of shank was used on jigsaws with screw and block clamps from famous manufacturers:

• Ryobi,
• stayer,
• Black&Decker,
• Skil,
• DeWalt,

This is Makita's proprietary shank type. These files are distinguished by their reliability and strong base. This blade can now also be considered outdated and is suitable only for some Makita jigsaws. In this regard, when changing the blade, it may be difficult to purchase it, since the demand for them is now very low, it will be difficult to find such files in the store.

This type of shank is very similar to the T-shaped one, but unlike it, it is proprietary to Bosch, and accordingly is suitable for jigsaw models only from this manufacturer. This type The fasteners can also be considered outdated, so it is very difficult to find them on sale.

conclusions

So, to summarize, it becomes clear that the T-type shank is now some general standard and it has supplanted all other modifications that previously took place. Thus, this greatly simplifies the task for us (consumers) - there is a large selection and there is no need to think too much about shanks, although it is also necessary to know that, theoretically, I can come across non-standard options.

Saw blade dimensions

Like any object in Euclidean space, a file has three geometric dimensions: length, width and thickness. Each of these parameters is important and affects the result of the work in its own way. Now about this in more detail.

Length

The parameter is clear and understandable - the longer the file, the greater the thickness of the sawn workpiece can be. The range of saw blade lengths for jigsaws is very large - from 40 mm to 250 mm. It would seem that you need to take the longest file and you won’t go wrong. Yes, a long saw is good, as it allows you to cut thick workpieces, but there are a number of issues.

1. you have to pay for excess length; the longer the file, the more expensive it is; It is obvious;
2. when sawing workpieces different thicknesses there will be uneven wear of the saw blade; accordingly, the wear of the teeth at the base will be higher than at the end of the file.
3. files bend, and it is much easier to bend a long file than a short one;
4. There are cases when the excessive length of the file simply interferes with sawing, for example, it rests on something, while a short file would go through without problems.

It is important to pay attention to important point– to cut thick workpieces, you need not only a long saw blade – you need enough power for the jigsaw to cope with the load. If you don’t take this factor into account, you can simply ruin the tool - the jigsaw can simply “burn out.”

Width

For an even saw (in a straight line), wide files are more suitable, since due to their width they prevent the cut from being pulled to the side. Accordingly, the wider the file, the more even the cut it can give. With narrow files the situation is the opposite - they are used where you need to make a figured or radius cut, respectively, the narrower the file, the greater the curvature of the cut.

Thickness

And the last, but not least important parameter is the thickness of the file. The thicker the blade, the stronger the file, and accordingly, the more resistant it is to the applied forces and will not “be pulled” to the side. It would seem - the conclusion is obvious - we take the thickest files, however, as in the case of length, it is necessary to point out a number of circumstances. The thicker the file, the wider the cut width, which means:

• more effort will have to be put in
• the cutting time will be longer,
• heating of the workpiece will be greater,
• more material consumption.

In addition, it should be mentioned that not all thick files are suitable for the quick-release mechanism.

conclusions

As always, there is no one universal solution for all occasions. Each time you need to support a file that is suitable at the moment, for the given task, and, of course, for your tool. You probably shouldn’t run to the store every time and select saw blades, but simply have a set of the most commonly used saw blade options.

Geometric parameters of teeth

The geometry of the cutting edge and the tooth set play an important role. The speed and quality of the cut depends on this. Obviously, the wider the teeth are spread in different directions, the wider the cut will be, and due to the fact that the blade itself does not rub against the edges of the cut, there is less resistance, less heating and a higher cutting speed. Of course, the downside of these advantages will be the poor quality of the saw, as well as the difficulty of making an even cut due to the “pull” of the file to the side (since the blade is not fixed in the plane of the saw). There are several types of cutting edge geometry:

Each of these types of geometries has its own characteristics. Let's take a closer look at them.

This type of geometry is used in simple hand saws and consists of the teeth alternately moving left and right. It is clear that in this case the blade practically does not rub against the walls of the saw, sawing is easy and fast, but talking about the quality of the cut and evenness in in this case no need to. This type of wiring is quite popular, as it is easy to manufacture and has its undeniable advantages.

For saw blades with this type of routing cutting edge has the shape of a wave, with several teeth falling into one half-wave and each of them has a different deviation from the central axis. This type of setting gives a clean cut, so it is mainly used when sawing hard wood, metal, etc.

As in the case of the “Milled with classic set” option, the teeth are alternately set in different directions, but at the same time pass additional process processing – grinding. In this case, the cut is much cleaner, but the speed of work is maintained. This type of wiring is used for sawing, VDF, MDF, etc.

With this option, the teeth are almost not set, but they are specially sharpened and polished. When sawing with such blades, a very clean and even cut is obtained, but the speed of work suffers accordingly and a greater number of revolutions (saw frequency) of the tool is required.

Purpose

From the very beginning, jigsaws were used exclusively for, but over time, the versatility of this tool has significantly expanded the scope of its application. Thus, at the moment you can cut almost any sheet material– this includes wood of various species and densities, metal, glass, ceramics, various glued and pressed boards (fibreboard, MDF, etc.). Manufacturers of saw blades, when developing specific models of files, determine its purpose by the type of material being cut; accordingly, the entire variety of saw blades for jigsaws can be divided into the following groups:

• for wood and wood boards;
• for metal;
• For polymer materials and plastics;
• special purpose.

Let's take a closer look at each group of these classifications.

Saw blades for wood and wood panels

Sawing wood is the main purpose of a jigsaw, which is why there is the greatest variety of wood saws. This is dictated by the wide variety of types of wood and various boards derived from it (fibreboard, fiberboard, etc.).

All wood files are divided into several categories:

• for quick cutting;
• for a clean cut;
• for figured cutting;
• for a “blind” cut.

Saw blades for quick cutting of wood

Quite often you need to quickly saw off a workpiece and the quality and cleanliness of the cut is not at all important. In this case, special files are used, which have some distinctive features:

• long length;
• large, large teeth;
• large tooth set

Saw blades for clean wood cutting

In furniture production, cutting parquet board and in other cases, a high-quality and clean cut is required. For this purpose, special files are used, which can be recognized by the following distinctive features:

• average tooth size;
• there is no or very slight tooth spread.

Typically the teeth point towards the jigsaw. This is done so that the main cutting movement occurs at the moment of retraction of the file (movement of the file towards the jigsaw), while the master does not experience special effort when sawing. The disadvantage of this principle is that chips from the file are obtained on the side that is visible to the master - where the marking line is. But sometimes it happens that you need to do the opposite in order to front side the cut (without chips) was exactly from above. In this case, special files with teeth are used that are directed away from the jigsaw. Sawing with such files is accompanied by increased efforts by the master, who must overcome the force of pushing out the file with a jigsaw.

Files for shaped cutting of wood

Jigsaw universal tool- it allows you to perform figured cut, that is, with small radii of curvature, and in some cases it is even possible to “turn around on the spot” (make the saw not smooth, but at an angle). For such a cut, special files are again needed - they are easy to recognize - they have:

• narrow canvas
• short length
• fine teeth

Files for blind cutting of wood

A blind cut is a cut when the size of the maximum overhang of the file is less than the thickness of the workpiece.

This topic is quite controversial and there are many opinions on this matter. Nevertheless, we will state our position. A blind saw is possible and does occur. But you need to understand a number of points:

• The file must have a special shape;
• The load on the jigsaw increases many times;

The file must have a special shape of the last tooth and the tip of the file, as shown in the picture.

When making a blind cut, the entire saw blade is used - this is for her maximum load and the load on the jigsaw itself. In addition, the cut is made in such a way that the last millimeter (or two) of wood is simply crushed, so they go shock loads onto the holder at the moment of maximum projection of the file. Thus, it is not recommended to make a blind cut on hard wood, or on soft wood - for example, but the master must understand that the wear of the tool at this moment increases many times and the likelihood of breakdowns is very high.

Metal files

The main work of sawing metal is done with a grinder, but sometimes you need to make a curved or radius cut. In such cases, a jigsaw with with a special file. You can saw both steel blanks and non-ferrous metals. Metal is much denser than wood, so when working with metal you need to understand that the jigsaw works under a heavy load and you need to load it wisely.

Metal files are usually made of durable alloys and have fine teeth with wave winding (see above).

The jigsaw handles sawing easily various types polymer materials, plastics, plexiglass, etc. There are specialized files for sawing these materials, although in practice wood or metal files are usually used. A simple rule works: the denser the material, the smaller the saw tooth should be, so simple wood saws are suitable for most plastics. It must be remembered that sawdust from plastic begins to melt at high temperatures; in this case, the saw teeth become clogged with melted plastic and lose their sawing properties. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature of the file and not overheat it; accordingly, you need to cut at low speeds and regularly let the file cool.

Exist various situations when it is necessary to saw various exotic materials that are not typical for sawing with a jigsaw - glass, ceramics, etc. There are special-purpose saws for these purposes. They are rare and unique, nevertheless they still find their place among craftsmen who work with these materials.

Manufacturers of saw blades in mandatory they are marked so that users can navigate the parameters and purpose of the proposed saw blades. There are various classifiers, but at the moment the most popular is the standard from Bosch, which is the leader in this topic.

The main marking is usually done on the shank, and Additional Information indicated on the saw plane.

Basic markings

Position in code	Description	Values
First character (letter)	Shank type	“T” – T-shaped shank type “U” – U-shaped shank type “M” - Makita shank
Second character (number)	File length	“1” – short (up to 75 mm) “2” – standard (75-90 mm) “3” – extended (90-150 mm) “7” – long (more than 150 mm)
Third and fourth character (numbers)	Purpose of the file	/no information/
Fourth character (letter)	Tooth size	“A” – small (metal, laminate) “B” – medium (wood, fiberboard, MDF, etc.) “C” and “D” – large (quick cut)
Fifth character (letter)	Additional Information	“F” – bimetallic blade (considered the strongest and most durable) “O” – narrow blade (for curved cutting) “P” – thick blade (allows you to cut strictly perpendicular to the surface) “R” – with reverse tooth“X” – with variable tooth size (universal blade, suitable for cutting any materials)

The color of the shank can also tell the master about the purpose of this file:

Additional information on the saw plane

On the neck of the file (between the shank and the saw plane) there is a marking of the type of material from which the file is made.

Marking	Material
CV	Chrome vanadium steel (for wood and wood panels)
HCS	High carbon steel (for wood and wood-based panels, as well as plastic),
H.S.S.	High speed steel (for ferrous and non-ferrous metals)
H.M.	Hard alloy based on tungsten carbide (for ceramics, fiberglass, etc.)
BM(BIM or Bi-Metal)	Highly elastic combination of HSS and HCS (professional saw blades for wood and metal)

Purpose of the file:

Marking	Purpose
Wood	For soft wood and fiberboards
Hardwood	For hardwood and laminated panels
Inox	For stainless steel
Alu	For aluminum
Metal	For tin, metal profiles and pipes
Fiber&Plaster	For fiberglass
Soft-material	For soft materials(rubber, foam, cardboard, etc.)
Acrylic	For polycarbonate and plexiglass

Clarifying information defining the type of work:

Marking	Type of work
Basic	Standard blades for quality cuts
Speed	Fast cutting files
Clean	Blades for clean cutting (without toothing)
Progressor	Universal files with variable tooth sizes
Flexible	Blades with wavy layout for cutting metal
Special	Files for cutting ceramics, plastic and other highly specialized work

Standard blades for manual jigsaws have a length of 130 mm, while in the range of modern manufacturers you can find options with a length of 150 and 160 mm. Types of files are classified according to two main parameters: their size and tooth configuration.

IN general outline blades for manual jigsaws are similar to, but have one important difference: pinless files with flat ends are always chosen, which can be secured in tool clamps and easily threaded into thin holes when creating small patterns.

The dimensions of files for a manual jigsaw are similar to those for machine tools: from #2/0 to #12. But practice shows that the most optimal options for manual sawing are numbers from #3 to #9.

Which files are better?

The quality of cutting directly depends on the characteristics of the blade. Therefore, it is better to always choose products from trusted brands. Their products are made of high-quality carbon steel; the blades have clearly formed teeth with a positive sharpening angle; The blades are hardened to achieve maximum hardness and increase service life. The overpayment in this case turns out to be a justified investment in ease of use, high quality of project execution and long service life of the blade.

Let's understand the basic concepts

The marking of saw blades for a manual jigsaw contains basic information that allows you to choose the blade that is optimal for a specific type of wood and the project as a whole. To decipher this marking, it is important to become familiar with the key concepts.

TPI – a value indicating the number of teeth per inch of blade. For a manual jigsaw, it is appropriate to choose blades with a high TPI coefficient. They cut wood more slowly, but allow better control over the line of cut.

Reverse tooth – a blade with a reverse-directed tooth, which cuts the material during the return movement of the saw, thereby preventing the formation of chips on the wrong side of the sawn product. They are especially relevant when using plywood blanks.

Tooth set – created to prevent the saw from jamming in the workpiece, which in turn ensures trouble-free cutting (especially sharp turning and curved lines) and minimizes the formation of chips. The width of the cut when using such files increases slightly, which should be taken into account when making the project.

Classification of files

Based on the characteristics of the teeth configuration, blades for manual jigsaws are classified into the following types:

1. Standard (Standard Tooth) - classic files whose teeth have same size, direction and distance from each other.
2. Files with a missing tooth (Skip-tooth Blades) – the absence of teeth ensures effective removal of chips from the surface of the workpiece and increases sawing speed. Unlike classic options They heat up less and jam less often.
3. Double tooth files (Double-tooth Blades) – these blades cut a little slower, but leave a perfectly smooth cut line. They also effectively remove chips and overheat less.
4. Reverse files (Reverse Skip-tooth) - blades, part of the teeth of which are directed upward. They cut the wood during the return motion of the jigsaw, which reduces the number of chips on the reverse side of the workpiece.

Dimensions table

The table presented contains basic information regarding the size and marking of modern files for manual jigsaws. By referring to it, you will know how to choose the correct blade number for sawing wood of a specific thickness.

Despite the varied palette of options, the gold standard for sawing with a hand jigsaw are the blades number #3 , #5 And #7 .

At first, it can be difficult for beginners to control the file, which constantly moves to the side. Without gaining the necessary experience, it is advisable to use canvases with high TPI value: They cut slower but allow for better control of the cutting line.

Working with saws with reverse teeth is not the best The best decision for a beginner. In order to master this blade you need some experience. Otherwise, the workpiece will jump up and the sawing itself will be very slow.

What to choose for thin plywood?

When working with thin material use canvases with maximum number teeth per inch. Thin blades with a high TPI value cut less aggressively, put little stress on the fragile edges of the workpiece, and do not pull the jigsaw to the side. These characteristics make them optimal for cutting small details and patterns from thin plywood.

» Selecting files (saw blades) for a jigsaw

Choosing files (saw blades) for a jigsaw

Using a jigsaw you can cut almost any material: wood, metal, plastic, ceramics. The performance and accuracy of slicing depends greatly on the type files (saw blade), which must correspond to the material being cut. When purchasing jigsaw files, you can rely on the markings, which reflect the purpose of the file.

Types of jigsaw files

Files between each other different types They differ in shape, size, features of tooth spacing and sharpening, as well as material, width and thickness of the blade. The length of the files is usually 75, 85, 100 or more mm. When choosing a file, take into account the thickness of the material you intend to cut. It's simple - the length of the file must be at least greater than the thickness of the material plus the amplitude of stroke.

Jigsaw blade teeth

The purpose of the file can be determined by the pitch of the teeth. For example, saws with a tooth pitch ranging from 2.5 to 4 mm are designed for cutting wood. A more frequent tooth pitch (1-2 mm) is typical for saws for metal. Files for cutting ceramics and glass have no teeth at all - with a special abrasive coating, mainly diamond. The wave-shaped edge makes the saw suitable for cutting soft non-ferrous metals.

Jigsaw blade material

Jigsaw blades are made of steel various brands, as indicated in the labeling.

Steel grade designation:

• High carbon steel files HCS designed for cutting relatively soft materials such as wood, chipboard, plastic and others artificial materials. Files of this type are flexible;
• Files from high speed steel H.S.S., which are used for cutting metals, have a smaller thickness and increased hardness;
• Bimetallic BIM files combine parts made of HSS and HCS steel, which increases their elasticity with increased strength;
• Carbide files HM used for cutting materials such as ceramics, fiberglass, aerated concrete and the like.

File shank - check compatibility

The file is fixed in a special clamp on the drive rod. The clamping device is usually designed for files with a certain type of shank. Although some jigsaw models are equipped with universal locking devices that are compatible with most types of shanks.

The most common saw blades have the following types of shanks:

• T-shaped (cruciform) shank with one stop. This shank shape is recognized by most jigsaw manufacturers: Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Skil, Metabo and many others;
• T-shank with double stop can be called a feature of Bosch saws;
• U-shank (with semicircular notch) found among DeWalt, Skil and several other saws;
• Straight (smooth) shank of simple shape elected by DeFort, Bort and Hander.
• The shank with round holes is typical for Makita jigsaws.

Bosch, Hitachi, Wilpu and Makita pay special attention to designing the optimal geometry of saw teeth, which is why they have gained popularity. Quality saw blades ensure accurate and efficient cutting of the material for which they are intended. Otherwise, the choice and purchase of a jigsaw file depends on the needs and capabilities of the user.

Marking of jigsaw files

Let us not ignore the designations in marking of files, so that you can easily figure out which file is intended for which work. What do these letters and numbers on jigsaw blades mean? Let's look at the example of popular saw blades from a leading manufacturer.

• The letter T means the type of fastening - T-shaped. There is also a U-shaped file, but such files are less common.
• The numbers on the shank mean:
• The first number is the length of the file:
• 1 - standard short file length, up to 75 mm;
• 2 - medium, up to 90 mm;
• 3 - extended, up to 150 mm;
• 7 - the longest (more than 150 mm).
• Next letters A, B, C, D indicate the size of the saw teeth.
  Tooth A is the smallest, which is why all metal files are marked with the letter A.
• Some files are marked with two letters at the end (T119BO). The last letter means:
• F - bimetal files (the highest quality and most expensive);
• R - files with reverse teeth;
• X - universal file for wood, metal and plastic;
• O - files for curved cuts.
• P - thick files for sawing strictly at a precise angle, such files do not bend and cut perfectly straight.

Let's give an example: file marking Bosch T118A means - a file with a T-shaped shank, short, very fine tooth.

What types of jigsaw files exist and how to choose the best option for a particular case should be known to every craftsman who has this tool in his household.

There are many factors that influence the choice of cutting blade: the material that will be sawed, its thickness and density, the required cut quality, etc. In order not to make a mistake when purchasing, you should take into account the technical characteristics of the files, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model.

Material for making cutting blades

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a file is the material from which it is made. Each cutting blade from well-known manufacturers has its own marking. Knowing how to decipher it, you can easily determine whether the file is suitable for you for the upcoming work.

The marking indicating the material used to make the canvas is as follows:

1. HCS. These files are classified as woodworking tools. They are made of high-carbon steel, which has ductility and elasticity. They can cut wood, chipboard, plywood and plastic. When choosing such a fabric, you should pay attention not to its hardness, but to its flexibility.
2. H.S.S. Hardened steel products that can be used at high speeds. Used for processing durable materials, including metals various densities. Despite all its rigidity, hardened steel is a rather brittle substance that must be used very carefully.
3. BIM. Bimetallic blades, which are made from a mixture of high-carbon and hardened steel, due to which they have all the advantages of the first two types. Depending on the shape and size of the teeth, they can be used for both wood and metal work.
4. HIM. They are made from high-strength alloys, due to which they are characterized by high strength and rigidity. Mainly used for sawing ceramic tiles.

The color of the file can also indicate the material of manufacture and purpose of the file:

• white (BIM) - for cutting wood and metal;
• gray (HCS or BIM) - for processing wood and wood-based materials;
• blue (BIM or HSS) - for cutting metal;
• black (HIM) - for performing special tasks (sawing ceramic tiles, durable steel, etc.).

Marking of jigsaw files

Files intended for working with wood are marked with the letters HCS.

On the tail of any jigsaw cutting blade there is a marking consisting of letters and numbers. The first is the letter “T” or “U”, which indicates the type of attachment of the blade to the tool: T-shaped or U-shaped. It is followed by numbers indicating the length of the file:

• 1 - short blade (up to 7.5 cm);
• 2 - standard cutting element(7.5-9.0 cm);
• 3 - extended file (9-15 cm);
• 7 - long file (more than 15 cm).

The longer the product, the thicker the workpiece it can cut.

After the numbers there are again letters that indicate the size of the teeth:

• A - the smallest teeth (perfect for cutting laminate);
• B - larger teeth (used for processing wood, fiberboard, chipboard and plywood);
• C and D are the largest teeth used for rough cutting.

Some manufacturers use two letters at the end instead of one (for example, T101BR). The second letter means:

• O - for figure cutting;
• R - with reverse tooth (improves cut quality);
• F - bimetallic products (considered the most durable and reliable);
• X is a universal blade (it can cut both wood and metal);
• P - thick files (used for corner cutting).

For example, the T118AF marking means that the selected model has a T-shaped mount and fine teeth, its length is up to 7.5 cm, and the material of manufacture is bimetal.

Choosing a file for its intended purpose

When choosing a cutting blade for a jigsaw, you need to know what material it will work with. This tool is capable of cutting not only wood and wood-based materials (chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, etc.), but also plastic, slate, brick, metal and even tile. Moreover, for each material being processed there is a type of saw with which the jigsaw will work with the best efficiency. There are also universal cutting blades that are equally suitable for wood and metal, for example.

Wood files. Depending on their purpose, such products are divided into two groups:

• for quick cutting;
• for a clean cut.

If you are faced with the task of sawing a large number of wood, spending a minimum of time, then the best option there will be a cutting blade with large teeth.

The larger the teeth, the faster the cut. However, as the speed of work increases, the cleanliness of the cut decreases, so here you need to choose between speed and quality.

If speed of work comes first, then the best option would be a blade marked T101D. With its help you can quickly cut wooden blank up to 7.5 cm thick, for thicker material you can purchase model T244D or T344D.

For a clean cut good option is the file T101B. It is often used for professional purposes when assembling furniture and other work that requires quality cut. This product can also cut thick workpieces, but you will spend twice as much time on this as when using, for example, the T244D model.

Canvas on laminate. When laying laminate flooring, it is important that the cut does not have burrs. This can be achieved using the T101BR file, which is equipped with a reverse tooth. However, if you don’t have this model at hand, and you need to cut the laminate with something, you can get by with the regular T101B blade. Only in this case, before starting work, it is recommended to cover the area of ​​the intended cut with ordinary tape, which will protect the processed material from chips, burrs and other defects.

Metal files. They have fine teeth and a blue tail. If you will be working with metal 3 mm thick, buy a T118A file. It is also suitable for cutting plastic. For thicker material, it is recommended to use a T123X cutting blade, and for aluminum - T227D.

Files for tiles. They are marked T150RIFF or T130RIFF. Instead of teeth they have cutting part carbide coating appears. You need to know that using a jigsaw to cut tiles is recommended only in extreme cases, since the work will be slow and dusty. In the absence of a specialized tool for cutting tiles, it is better to use a regular glass cutter.

Blade shape

Suitable for various tasks definite shape teeth, which differs not only in the type of sharpening, but also in the method of setting:

1. Milled set teeth. This blade is perfect for cutting wood. Divorce is carried out by analogy with ordinary hand hacksaw. This allows you to slightly widen the cut, thereby preventing overheating and jamming of the tool in the thickness of the wood.
2. Milled teeth with wave setting. In this case, not a single, but a group setting is performed (for example, 4-6 teeth). Similar files are used for cutting metals.
3. Ground teeth without setting. The best option for finishing cutting. This canvas allows you to achieve High Quality cut in wood, laminate and plastic.
4. Set teeth with grinding. This product is used for quick cutting when there are no special requirements for the quality of the cut.

Choosing the right saw blade for a wood jigsaw largely determines the performance and accuracy of cutting material. It’s worth clarifying right away that cutting blades for jigsaws come in a variety of shapes, types and sizes. That is, each material needs its own file.

Let's try to classify cutting blades and figure out how, for example, a file for metal differs from one for wood. How to choose a blade for a particular wood material will also be discussed in this article.

Features of files for power tools

The thickness and density of each material is different, which immediately imposes some specific requirements on the quality of steel sheets. This also includes the size and shape of the files, as well as the angle of the teeth. There are simply no universal models, so you shouldn’t buy into tricky ones. marketing moves about “omnivorous” canvases.

Even if you have the most high-quality files for a wood jigsaw, they are unlikely to cut the metal properly. They can also cope with chipboard or plastic only partially (you will have to cut for a long time and persistently).

Steel

All cutting blades, including jigsaw files for wood, differ from each other in the quality of steel. Each model has a marking coating on the shank, where the material of manufacture can be determined by the code.

For example, Makita wood jigsaw files are always made from high-quality carbon steel marked “HC S”. This type of canvas is suitable for any wood material, be it wood, fiberboard, chipboard, plywood or even plastic. In our case (wood), it is not so much the hardness of the steel that is important, but its elasticity.

The “HS S” marking means that the blade is made of hardened and high-speed steel, which is the best option for working with light and middle group. The material of such files is noticeably harder, but lacks elasticity, that is, more fragile.

The marking “BIM” (biferrum) implies the presence of both of the above properties, that is, both hardness and ductility with flexibility in one person. Such blades are used for cutting metals senior group and some complex alloys. On the shelves of some brands you can find jigsaw files for wood (Bosch, Gross) with this marking, but you will be sawing with them for a very long time (and expensive), so it is better to use regular “NS S”.

The inscription “NM” means that the blades are made of hard alloys. Files of this type find their use mainly in the ceramic field, where intensive work is carried out with tiles and similar materials.

Canvas size

Wood materials, as a rule, are thicker than the same metals or plastic, so jigsaw files for wood come, as they say, with a reserve, that is, they are long. If the material is rough, like regular boards, then it is better to use thicker blades, and for figured cutting - thin ones. The former are noticeably easier to drive in a straight line, while the latter are more convenient to turn.

Teeth

Blades with large teeth are designed for working with soft wood, and it is worth noting that the larger the teeth and the distance between them, the wider the cutting step, that is, the cut will be coarser. The same rule works in reverse side: fewer teeth - more beautiful cut.

In addition, the quality of the cut is greatly influenced by the width of the fangs. The smaller it is, the more accurate and accurate the cut will be. But it is worth keeping in mind that short distance significantly increases the work time, making it more labor-intensive. It would also be worth noting that saws with small wiring require higher speeds from electrical equipment, so you must ensure that neither the tool nor the material burns.

The shape of the teeth can be either oblique (at an angle to the edge of the blade) or straight, like an isosceles triangle. Moreover, in stores you can find, instead of the usual setting, cutting in “waves”, where each next tooth is slightly shifted to the side from the previous one (often found on the shelves of the Makita brand). Such blades are used mainly for clean cutting: table tops, kitchen fronts and some other small elements made of wood and chipboard/fibreboard.

If we summarize the features of choosing blades by teeth, we get the following picture:

• rare tooth - soft wood and figured cut (thick and thin file, respectively);
• medium frequent tooth - neat cutting chipboard, plywood and treated wood;
• fine fine tooth - cutting plastic and metal in a straight line;
• medium beveled tooth - clean saw on small radii (countertops, small chipboard elements, plastic).

Shank

There are several types of shanks available for sale. The most common type is a blade with a semicircular base and two stops closer to the teeth. These files are universal and will fit most jigsaws.

Some brands produce cutting blades exclusively for their tools with some specific shanks. Therefore, at the time of purchase, be sure to check this point with the seller. The same rule is true for purchasing a tool of this kind: it is better to look for something universal and not bother with finicky consumables.

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