Any craftsman should know how to work with a jigsaw. It is one of the most requested tools in the home workshop: it is convenient for them to cut wood, plywood, chipboard or fibreboard, a metal sheet, plastic different types... With a jigsaw, you can cut out a part of almost any shape, if you approach the work correctly.
The jigsaw is irreplaceable tool in construction and repair. It can be used to cut or cut holes in building materials.
Like any household power tool, a jigsaw does not work automatically, it requires skills, experience, dexterity, and a thoughtful approach. It all starts with choosing a tool and Supplies... This is not a trivial task, considering that there are about a hundred models sold only by well-known manufacturers.
Types of jigsaws and basic selection rules
The classification of jigsaws should start with a general purpose. Is it professional, semi-professional or household tool... They differ significantly in technical characteristics, as well as in a set of functions and capabilities. If you have to use the jigsaw often enough, you should definitely pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Electric motor power. It determines the capabilities of the tool in working with materials of various thicknesses and complexity. The more powerful the motor, the higher the operating speed.
- The presence of a pendulum mechanism. The pendulum mechanism should preferably be able to adjust the motion parameters. It allows you to work quickly when there is no need for great precision and clean cut. The swingarm allows you to work effectively with many materials, especially soft woods, foam and plywood.
- Speed controller. It adjusts the speed at which the saw will move up and down.
- Possibility to adjust the inclination of the base plate. This function is needed in order to cut parts under different angles... There are usually several fixed tilt positions such as 15 °, 30 °, 45 °.
- Laser guide. The beam in the path of the saw will help keep the cut line, resulting in a straight cut. Also jigsaws are equipped with metal guides, but their capabilities are limited.
- Keyless chuck. Such a device will help to replace the saw in a matter of seconds (without effort and the use of additional tools).
- Power supply. A battery-powered tool is more mobile, but not enough for long-term use.
- Saw set. It is usually sold separately, but is essential for working with a particular material. Usually the manufacturer indicates what material the saw is intended for cutting, what steel it is made of, what the direction and size of the teeth are.
These are just some of the main characteristics. If it comes about a professional instrument, it is much more complex, as it has the ability to fine-tune and a wide range of functions.
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Preparing the jigsaw for use
When preparing a jigsaw for use, you must adhere to the rules for working with an electric tool. It is necessary to inspect the device for damage, check the condition power cable and connection to the power supply network. Working without safety glasses and gloves is prohibited by safety regulations.
To work with different materials, it is necessary to select specially designed canvases for them and correctly configure the appropriate modes. For example, for soft woods, you can use pendulum mechanism and high speed of the file. To cut the laminated chipboard, to avoid chipping, the pendulum mechanism must be turned off, but the saw speed must be kept high.
High-quality marking of the material, a thick, well-visible line is a guarantee that the exact figure that is needed will be cut. It is good if the tool has a laser guide. She will help keep the right line. If not, you can navigate by the marks on the base plate.
Each type of plastic has its own cutting characteristics, but general rules exist for everyone. These are small teeth on the saw, the pendulum mechanism disabled or set to minimum and minimum speeds.
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To understand how they work with a jigsaw on high level, you need to gain some experience and skills. There are a lot of techniques for working with this tool, they all depend on the specific task, the capabilities of the device and the material being processed. But there are some universal tips you should be familiar with:
- The most commonly performed operation is a long, straight cut. To cut straight, you need to choose a saw with a wide blade, it will help keep the line. In addition, many tools are equipped with a Soft Start function. If a straight line is especially important, this function must be used. In this case, the engine picks up speed gradually, therefore, the start of the cut will be smooth. It is not necessary to exert great effort to hold the tool when turned on. With an electric jigsaw, you can cut out a figure of almost any complexity. But this only applies professional tool which can rotate 360 °, for example. Household jigsaw will not take sharp turns.
- Electric drill - necessary tool when it comes to working with a jigsaw. For example, to cut a circle or other shape within the material, you first need to drill a hole that will fit the saw.
- When working with a jigsaw, strong pressure is not that not useful, but even harmful. It will in no way speed up the process, except that it will lead to rapid wear of the saw and breakage of the tool. The speed of the device is regulated by the methods described above. With your hand, you just need to drive the jigsaw, taking care of obtaining the required saw cut configuration. In order not to constantly hold the start button with your finger, it can be locked with a specially designed button. The power tool is designed to facilitate, not complicate the work of a person.
- Jigsaws have a dust removal function. To realize this function, it is necessary to connect a vacuum cleaner to the branch pipe. But it is worth remembering that this is by no means a simple household vacuum cleaner, but a special construction one. The fact is that there is not enough high-quality filtration in a household unit in order to retain fine dust. It can enter the motor and damage it.
- To avoid vibration when cutting a thin sheet of metal, you can take plywood and use it as a backing. In addition, the rattle will be less if the speed of the saw is correctly selected. Remember to take frequent breaks when cutting metal to avoid damaging the saw and overheating the engine. Low-power jigsaw better metal do not cut at all.
- In order to cut out any figure with high quality, the material must be securely fastened. Clamps, quick-clamping or ordinary clamps come in handy here. Work better for carpentry workbench, not on a stool. The material should be well fixed on an unstable piece of furniture. Most likely, it will not be possible to do this without outside help.
To avoid chipping on the bottom or top side, for example laminated chipboard, you need to choose the right saw or turn the material with the right side. But, if there is a need to get a cut without chips on both sides, you can use a small piece fibreboard... Put it on top of the chipboard and start sawing. The chip will remain on the fiberboard, the slab will be with a clean cut.
Using a blunt saw is not recommended for several reasons. First, the cut quality will be poor. Secondly, a blunt saw will only increase the load on the jigsaw engine, which will lead to its premature wear. It is best to replace the saw immediately after it starts to cut worse.
How to cut smoothly with a jigsaw? This question interests many, especially at a time when a person is engaged in construction. This tool helps to cope with a complex task. But what is it? In terms of external data and main purpose, it is comparable to a saw that has an electric drive. In this case, you can cut various materials:
- Wood products.
- Metal constructions.
- Plastic.
- Tiles.
And it is not so difficult to do a job for any purpose. According to the masters, the main thing is to create all the conditions so that it is convenient to work. How to cut smoothly with a jigsaw? The first is to use only a flat and stable surface. The material to be cut must be firmly secured and a saw of the correct sharpness and size must be selected.
This saw is considered unique because it can work on almost all materials. In addition, she does not only straight lines... With its help, you can create cuts curves. But before starting the process, it is worth understanding which jigsaws cut smoothly and efficiently.
Work system
To fully understand the process, you need to prepare everything first. Here's what you need if the work will be carried out on wood:
- Any piece of wood.
- Electric jigsaw.
- Personal protective equipment - glasses, gloves.
- Machine oil.
Requirements
The very first thing is to securely and firmly fix the material on which the work will be carried out. It also happens that an error occurs and the jigsaw starts to cut unevenly. It is worth finding out the reason, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve the desired cut. This is the stability of the table, as well as the reliability of the fastening of the material. It is not so difficult to make even cuts with such a tool, but if you choose the direction along the fibers, nothing will work. Although people with experience can even cope with such a task.
How to cut smoothly with a jigsaw? If such a need is required for a person without experience, then the following actions must be performed - this is rip fence... To do this, on one side, attachment to the jigsaw is performed, and the other side is an emphasis on the edge of the tree. This is how it will turn out to make the cut smooth and without fiber residues.
Everyone can recognize the device of this unit in the instructions. When buying, managers give a lot of recommendations. Each manufacturer puts in instructions, this is at least helpful information and is worth exploring. Everything should happen in stages, if questions arise, then they need to be resolved, and not continue to work "at random."
Making holes
How to smoothly cut, for example, a hole with a jigsaw? This is often what you want to do. In order to install the jigsaw in the center of the future hole, a small hole is made, after which a cutting unit is inserted there. Then just pass along the marked line of the circle. The rectangular shape is also performed (namely, you need to move the saw along the side of the rectangle). But the corners go around smoothly. Then you need to cut out the next side.
Another important point in work - do not press hard on the jigsaw. This condition is often violated by beginners, which leads to overheating and then to breakdown. In addition, one saw should not be constantly used, otherwise it will become dull and cling to the material being cut.
Durable materials cutting is not so easy. To make the procedure quick, machine oil is used. They are lubricated in the process, and the work goes quickly. Low RPM is another problem with these tools. The fact is that, again, overheating occurs. No one ruled out safety precautions, and even at home you should not forget about glasses and gloves.
When all procedures are completed, it is worth wiping the equipment and lubricating it with machine oil. On sale there is an installation with a conventional and pendulum movement. The first option differs in that the movement occurs upward on any material. In the presence of a pendulum stroke and an upward movement, the additional knife is thrown forward. This allows you to increase the work process and at the same time do not greatly wear the saw.
Features of the operation
How to cut straight with a jigsaw? Before starting work, it is worth finding out the whole process, otherwise it will not be possible to come to the desired result. Often, when working with any material, you need to create a cut with maximum accuracy. It is a jigsaw with electric drive will cope with this work.
Here's what you need to do this:
- Material for work.
- Jigsaw.
- Guiding tools.
- Clamps.
- Pencil.
- Construction tape.
Getting Started
The movement of the cutting blade must be accurate so that the cut is the right one. It is good when the frequency of movement is high. For this, a saw of the maximum width is taken (this is suitable for a tree). The main thing in this process is the use of a guide. A flat board or rail becomes the main assistant.
Clamps are indispensable. They place the workpiece and the guide. The material to be cut should be placed on a small elevation. This helps to keep the jigsaw from pushing. After that, the distance that should be cut is fixed. For this, a tape measure is used. After that, risks are applied with a pencil. Then, using any ruler, these marks are connected, and a cutting line is obtained.
What to do next?
Next, you need to fix the guide in a certain place. Clamps help with this. Fixation is performed from the cutting line. After that you need electrical appliance position the saw to the cutting line. Now they press the guide and also fix it, the movement should not occur, but you should not press too hard.
Then they go over to the second side and also fix it. The level of attachment is maximum, but do not forget that some materials can be squeezed. When the whole process is complete, you need to go to the first clamp. Make sure to install it correctly and clamp it. Only then can you begin to cut evenly. Otherwise, you will not be able to execute quality work.
Now you can turn on the jigsaw and start the process itself. The speed is high, the pendulum stroke should be at unity. And the tool itself is placed so that the file is on the cutting line. Only after this, the work will be performed with high quality, and the line itself turns out to be smooth and flawless.
Do not forget a single moment - if a person has no experience, then any mistake becomes fatal. Especially when you need to saw parts, the number of which is limited. Experts recommend learning how to perform all actions on any unnecessary material and only after that start the main work.
What else do you need to know?
Any device has additional accessories. They allow the entire process to be made more precise and simplified. It is believed that cutting plywood with a jigsaw is the easiest process, since the material does not have large thickness... Sometimes it is necessary to saw small parts. How to cut plywood smoothly with a jigsaw? This will be simplified with a dedicated table. It mostly comes with this electric tool, although many create it themselves after purchase.
The use of a clamp is always necessary. The same applies to the table - it is fixed using such an installation. But the cutting process takes place in the opposite direction. But the movement is not produced by electrical equipment, but by a part. Experts believe that this makes the lines accurate and correct.
Many beginners may be faced with the problem of clamping the saw. But how do you deal with it? Many people often use a replaceable insert. This applies to additional tools. In this case, the material for creating such a component is taken from the most varied. And it is fixed to the sole of the electrical installation. And already with the use of components such as a guide rail and an adapter, a precise line is obtained.
Sometimes, when sawing, the material starts to heat up, and the process will simply slow down. In such a situation, it will be necessary to cool the material. To do this, use a simple cold water... It locks onto the support sole. Often people have a question about how to cut laminate flooring smoothly with a jigsaw. Everyone knows that this is a tree, for this reason the same principle applies to it. In the process of laying laminate boards, it is precisely such a tool that helps to make the process easier.
It is better to cut from the back, and the smallest saw is taken for this. This helps to avoid deformation along the cut line. It was with metal parts heating occurs. Here you need cold liquid, and for the tool - machine oil. To create a cutting line of any shape, the thinnest saw is taken. Another addition is a circular cutter. Before installing it, make a hole in the center.
Curved cut
When creating a curved cut, a problem arises - the material starts to move. Therefore, before starting work, the table is well fixed (and the part itself).
How to cut the chipboard smoothly with a jigsaw?
This question interests everyone. It is important to carefully go around the corners, but you can make a circle in the part only after all other cuts are completed. For such work, the main saw is used. It is quite enough. Do not use force on the tool. The work with such a tool should take place in several stages:
- When working with hard materials, use machine oil and coolant.
- When working at high speeds, you need to take rest, otherwise the equipment will overheat and fail.
- Compliance with safety measures, the use of gloves and glasses.
- At the end of the work, the device is wiped and lubricated with oil.
There are also manual units. How to cut correctly and evenly hand jigsaw? It's easier because you can stop and make corrections, although many people think otherwise. In any case, the jigsaw is considered irreplaceable equipment for home. Because it works on any surface and produces even cuts. If possible, then you need to purchase it. He will definitely not be superfluous on the farm.
More recently, our fathers and grandfathers used hand tool... Nobody even dreamed of an electric plane, an electric drill, or a jigsaw. Nowadays, hand tools are a thing of the past. Electrical counterparts come in its place. One of them is a jigsaw.
When you buy a jigsaw, you get universal tool... They can cut wood, iron, plastic and even. You just need to purchase files that are designed to work with
You will need
Safety glasses, gloves, machine oil.
Instructions on how to saw with a jigsaw:
1. The movement of the jigsaw blade can vibrate your work piece, so secure the material well before starting work. It is not recommended to cut wood along the grain with a jigsaw, because it will be very difficult for you to make an even cut. A circular saw is best suited for this purpose. If such a saw is not at hand, then be sure to use the parallel stop. At one end it is attached to the jigsaw, and with the other it rests against the edge of the workpiece. This will help you achieve a smoother cut. 
2. If you need to saw a circle inside the workpiece, first drill a hole in the circle. Insert into drilled hole jigsaw and start moving in the direction of the markings that you applied on the workpiece. If you have to cut a square or rectangular hole, do not try to cut right angles straight away. At first, smoothly bend around them, going out to the markings of the next side. Once you have cut the hole you want, you can easily correct the corners of your workpiece on both sides. 
3. When working with a jigsaw, do not press hard on it. This can cause the web to heat up and break. Do not use one file for too long, as long work she is dull. A dull file can scrape the edges of the material. When cutting hard materials, lubricate the blade with a few drops of machine oil. This will ease the work of the jigsaw and extend the service life of the saw.
4. When working at low speeds, give the jigsaw a break. There is a risk of engine overheating during this operation.
Remember to follow safety precautions. Wear protective goggles and gloves. Clean and lubricate after use.
How to saw with a jigsaw correctly
The tool allows you to cut almost any material, namely metal, wood, plastic, ceramics, and even stone. The cutting blade is capable of plunge cuts, straight cuts, curved cuts, as well as cutting circles. In the article, we will analyze how to cut with a jigsaw correctly, to ensure that the cut matches the given markings.
The jigsaw can have a normal and pendulum motion. In normal travel, the blade moves vertically, cutting the material as it travels upward. The tool, which has a pendulum stroke, additionally, when moving up, feeds the blade forward. This achieves a higher working speed, and also reduces blade wear due to the deflection of the saw in the opposite direction when moving down. A reasonable question arises about how to saw with a jigsaw with a pendulum motion? The work is carried out in the same way, but it is taken into account that with the maximum deviation of the saw, it is best to cut softwood and plastic. When cutting chipboard, MDF, soft metal, thick wood, it is necessary to reduce the range of motion of the blade. This mode is not recommended for use at all when working with steel sheets. 
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How to saw with a jigsaw in a curve
To cut a round hole, you need to drill an initial hole in the workpiece, into which the file is then inserted. After that, a cut is made at the mark. If you have to cut a rectangular or square hole, then the cutting is done in a straight line to each of the edges, after which the blade is slightly retracted and carried along a curved line to the next side. This will cut all four sides. After removing the cut area, the remaining triangular parts are cut out.
If it is not possible to make an initial hole in the workpiece, plunge sawing can be used. To do this, the working jigsaw is tilted forward until the file reaches the workpiece. Gradually, the file will make a through hole in the workpiece. The plunging point of the saw should be located in the cut-off part of the workpiece.
The jigsaw is able to cut bevels, as a result of which the edge of the resulting product will have an even cut in one direction. For such a cut, it is necessary to change the installation angle of the jigsaw ski, and then cut it.
How to cut smoothly with a jigsaw
And how to cut smoothly with a jigsaw? This is the easiest thing to do. It is enough to fix the guide on the jigsaw, and then bring it over the edge of the workpiece. The file will now move evenly relative to the edge. If the edge of the workpiece is curved, cutting is performed according to the preliminary marking applied to the workpiece.
If you are cutting thin wood sheet, then there is a high probability of chips appearing on the front of the product, since the file cuts the material when moving up. To prevent this phenomenon, it is recommended to position the workpiece face down or use the anti-splinter pads.
Jigsaw
Without a grain of irony, we can say that the jigsaw irreplaceable assistant in the house of any owner. He will cope with a wide variety of tasks - he will cut an oval, a wave and other intricate shapes from almost any material: be it wood, plastic, stone, steel or even ceramic tiles.
Functionality
The jigsaw is used for cutting various types of wood, fiberboard, chipboard, non-ferrous metals and steel, plastic, ceramic tiles, glass, some types of stone. With this tool, you can make straight, curved or plunge cuts. Moreover, the jigsaw is the most skillful tool for cutting circles of different diameters, ovals, waves and other complex shapes.
Cutting a hole in the countertop, for example, for a sink in the kitchen, or making original platbands for a summer cottage with your own hands is not a problem! Everyone can feel like a jack of all trades thanks to modern power tools.
If we talk about its professional use, then I must say: this tool is necessary in the work of a construction joiner and joiner with an artistic bias, a cabinetmaker of furniture, a wood craftsman, a drywall maker, as well as those who are involved in the manufacture of the most complex parts with the highest precision.
Types and characteristics
Let's start with the fact that, like all power tools, jigsaws are professional and household. The former are distinguished by a greater power of the electric motor (from 580 W to 720 W), and the latter have sufficient potential for robots at home (with a power of 350 W). For comparison: "home" jigsaws saw wood up to 50 mm thick, metal - up to 23 mm; but with the help of the "pro" you can achieve a cutting depth in wood - from 85 to 135 mm, in metal - 10–20 mm. The higher the power of the tool, the greater the thickness of the material it will cope with. But this only says that for the work at home, "household" indicators are quite enough.
Use all jigsaws to cut a hole with a radius of at least 15 mm. In addition, when choosing a "home assistant", pay attention to its characteristics - if the smallest frequency of sawing strokes is below 1000 per minute, then he "will not take" plastic.
Jigsaws are also subdivided according to the type of body: with a brace handle and a mushroom-shaped handle. It is quite difficult to give an advantage to one of these types - each is convenient in its own way. Therefore, manufacturers often go to meet the consumer and release the same model (according to technical specifications) in different versions.
Jigsaws can also be classified according to the principle of saw attachment: for a saw blade with a cruciform shank, with a smooth shank, and with a shank with a hole. The most widespread are the first two types, since they are suitable for most models of jigsaws.
Design features
First of all, let's pay attention to several nuances of the tool design. Each jigsaw is equipped with a support sole that rests on the part being cut, thereby ensuring precise work. To make bevel cuts, the sole can be rotated within ± 450. There are also models with the ability to fix the jigsaw only at an angle of 0/15/30/450.
The cutting element of the jigsaw is a file. It can be made from different materials, have different shape, size, method of sharpening and setting teeth. For cutting materials with low density, saws with a length of 75, 85 or 100 mm are suitable. The size of the saw step is also important: for wood, the optimal step is from 2.5 to 4 mm; for metal - 12 mm. For working with materials such as glass and ceramics, saw blades (the same saws) with abrasive spraying are intended. Non-ferrous metals are cut using saws with a wave-shaped cutting edge.
Operating principle
Let's face it, the principle of operation of a jigsaw is quite simple. The saw is securely fastened in the slider by means of a screw (it can be inserted in one motion, and removed even easier by pressing a button) and performs reciprocating movements with an adjustable (which is important!) Frequency of up to 3000 strokes. Everything modern jigsaws have a multi-stage pendulum stroke, which ensures the deflection of the saw blade when moving down. Thanks to this function, the saw only cuts when moving upwards, thereby extending its service life and increasing productivity.
In the process of work, the jigsaw is held with one hand, so the weight of the tool matters. The lightest model weighs 1.6 kg, and the heaviest weighs up to 2.8 kg. But it should be remembered: the greater the mass of the jigsaw, the more powerful it is. Equally important is the presence of control electronics in jigsaws, which ensures the setting of the frequency of strokes when different loads and processing various materials... As a result, even at the smallest stroke frequency, the tool operates at full power.
Expensive modifications of jigsaws are equipped with so-called constant electronics, which automatically maintains the selected number of double strokes per minute, regardless of the load on the working tool.
Some modern models jigsaws are provided with a sawdust removal system. They are blown away by the air flow supplied by the motor cooling fan. This ensures ease of use, as the sawdust does not cover the pre-applied markings on the material. And so that the operator does not breathe dust and workplace is not clogged, a special device for connecting a vacuum cleaner can be used.
For convenience in work with a long process, so as not to keep the start button constantly pressed, almost all models of jigsaws are equipped with a button for locking the switch.
To protect the operator, the tool is equipped with transparent safety guards. There are also models with a special touch protection mechanism.
Additional accessories
In principle, a jigsaw does not require special conditions for effective work - it can work completely "independently". But still, there are some adaptations that increase his "working capacity".
In order for the work to be more accurate (for example, when processing small workpieces), a special sawing table is used, fixed with a clamp on the desktop. Cutting on it is like the opposite: it is not the jigsaw that moves, but the workpiece. The result is more accurate curved cuts.
To ensure the normal sliding of the jigsaw on the surface to be treated, one more additional device is used - a removable plate (it can be made of different materials), which is attached to the support sole. More precise straight cut lines are obtained thanks to the guide rail and its adapter.
It is not recommended to process many materials without preliminary cooling - this problem will be solved by a tank with a cooled liquid, fixed on the support sole.
For the "care" of the tool itself, a universal lubricant is excellent: it will cool and lubricate, and, accordingly, extend the service life of the saw blade.
Tips for working with a jigsaw:
When working with the jigsaw, do not press on saw blade, otherwise it will become very hot and as a result may become unusable.
When cutting steel sheet, it is advisable to use a powerful jigsaw at high speed - the material heats up and becomes more pliable.
Without additional cooling, it is not recommended to process various plastics(especially organic glass), and solid materials(For example, stainless steel).
In order to avoid strong melting of the edges of the plastic, it must be cut at the lowest speed, but with a saw stroke frequency of at least 1000 rpm.
For curly sawing a narrow saw blade with fine teeth is used.
In places where there is no access to the power grid, battery jigsaws are used, but their power is low.
As with all power tools, the jigsaw should be blown out at the end of the work and put in a briefcase or sturdy case.
a jigsaw to saw with a jigsaw How to saw with a jigsaw. A jigsaw is, in fact, a saw with an electric drive.
An electric jigsaw can cut any material - stone, metal, wood. The electric saw makes straight, bevel and round cuts. How to learn to cut straight with a jigsaw?
Why the jigsaw saws crooked
Initially, the jigsaw was intended for cutting patterns and circles. The straight saw function is not available on all models. The price of such a tool is several times higher.
You can achieve a straight cut with a conventional jigsaw. To do this, use the ruler that should come with the kit. To control the sawing process was easier, you need to reduce the speed.
Novice craftsmen often face a problem: when cutting, the jigsaw leads to the side, and the cut is obtained at an angle. To cope with this, you need to study in detail the process of correct and even cut.
There are several reasons for an uneven saw:
- the saw is blunt;
- too much pressure is used;
- there is a slanting in the wood.
Material that is too thick can be one of the reasons for crooked cuts. Usually, thin tree sawing is easier and easier. The jigsaw may have poor mechanics - in which case it needs to be replaced. You can check the quality of the jigsaw by moving it from side to side. If it dangles, then it is a cheap tool for rough work. To get an acceptable result, you should cut with a margin, and trim the edges with a hand cutter.
Another effective method how to learn how to saw exactly with a jigsaw - draw not one line on the workpiece, but two parallel ones. This will make the cut smoother.
Straight cutting technique: nuances you need to know
To achieve an even cut, use additional tools... Before starting the file, you need to secure the material well. The work surface must be stable. Experts do not recommend cutting wood along the grain. It will be difficult to achieve an even cut. Better to use circular saw... If not, you can use a rip fence. One edge is fixed on the product, the other is leaning against the tool. Thus, the cut is leveled.
If you need to make a circle, first drill a small hole in the middle. A jigsaw is attached to it, moving along the contours of the indicated lines. When a rectangle is required, the saw is guided forward, bending around the corners and then shaping them.
Do not put pressure on the saw - it can overheat and break. Many novice users try to guide her movements so she cuts faster. This is typical mistake masters. If you use the saw for too long, the tool will become dull and cling to the wood.
To make the move easier, use machine oil. They grease the file. Stop occasionally to avoid overheating. After the saw, you need to clean the jigsaw and moisten it with oil.
Rules for a straight saw with a jigsaw
- For a perfectly straight saw, use a device with an increased blade speed. Better to choose a large file. A board is suitable as a guide. Pre-prepare 2 clamps with a workpiece and a guide. In order for the jigsaw to be freely positioned, it is placed on an elevation. Measure the width of the material with a tape measure, draw marks, make one line of them using a ruler.
- The guide is placed a few centimeters from the cut. It is attached with clamps. The jigsaw is attached with the cutting part to the cutting line. Connect it to the guide, attach it with a clamp. You need to make sure that she does not move.
- The same manipulations are done from the other side. So that there are no defects on the tree, you need to clamp it slightly.
- The next stage is the transition to the first clamp, checking its stability and clamping. After that, the jigsaw is turned on, setting the highest speed. The number 2 is set on the pendulum. The file is set along the cutting line. The guide is pressed against the side of the platform and sawing begin.
- Controlling the position of the platform, the tool is moved forward. When just a little bit remains until the end, the sawn-off needs to be supported so that it does not break off. The cut pieces will be perfectly straight.
- For the saw to glide smoothly and easily, some use an indexable insert. It comes from different materials. It is fixed on the support sole of the saw. The bar and adapter ensure an even cut.
- Some materials require additional cooling. When working with them, you need to keep a bowl of cool water near you. It can be installed on a support sole.
The jigsaw is a versatile tool, indispensable in the household. Knowledgeable people say: skill in handling it comes with experience. The more you train, the better the result will be.
A jigsaw is a very common tool among amateurs and professional carpenters, so it is important not only to choose it correctly, but also to know the rules of use. To answer the question of how to cut smoothly with a jigsaw, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances associated with the specifics of the jigsaw and the stages of cutting.
Choosing the right tool
Choose the right tool for work will help a few recommendations from experienced professionals.
For cutting at home, a household or semi-professional D-shaped jigsaw, which is operated with one hand, is sufficient. The more power, the heavier the jigsaw, and it will be more difficult for them to cut smoothly.
The stepped speed controller, electronic stabilizer and pendulum stroke make the cutting process much easier. The presence of a plastic pad on the sole will allow you to securely attach the machine to the cutting blade. Useful functions are built-in airflow and lighting.
It is worth paying attention to the fastening of the canvas. Some models have a limitation that prevents the use of any file.
Each jigsaw model is different in shape, so before purchasing it is worth holding the tool in your hand, and, if possible, testing it directly in the store.
Choosing a cutting blade
Jigsaw blades vary in length and tooth frequency. It is worth giving preference to proven trade marks, in this case there is a quality guarantee for the metal, and the cut will be even. Saws are classified by tooth configuration:
- on the standard models teeth of the same size are located on equal distance and in one direction;
- the so-called saw with a missed tooth is characterized by the absence of teeth, due to which the cutting speed increases, the blade heats up less and sticks, and the chips from the surface are removed to the side;
- in the case of double teeth, the cutting speed is lower, but the cutting quality is better. Shavings are removed from the cut;
- in reverse blades, some of the teeth are directed upward. Using such a tool, you can saw chipboard and other wood without chips with a jigsaw, since the upper teeth cut the material in the opposite direction.
The specific thickness of the blade depends on the material to be worked with, but the basic ones for the hand model are No. 3, No. 5, No. 7.
Marking the cutting line
To cut the material evenly with a jigsaw, it is necessary to correctly mark the cutting line and securely fix the workpiece to the surface. If you have to work with a long blade, it is worth using a flat rail as a guide and two clamps for fixing it and the working material. It is necessary to act in a certain sequence.
First, you need to make the markings on the chipboard using a ruler. For this, the required distance is measured on both sides, the marks are connected, forming a cut line. To make a curly line, it is advisable to draw it on paper, and then transfer it to a tree using a carbon copy, having previously sanded the surface.
To cut a circle with a jigsaw, markings are applied with a construction pencil or a black marker on the surface according to a pre-made stencil from thick paper or cardboard. In this case, cutting the material begins with drilling a hole in the center. The blade should move from the center to the scribe line and then along the perimeter of the circle.
Important! The jigsaw is inherently intended for curvilinear cuts, it is quite difficult to cut them exactly in a straight line. It is necessary to constantly monitor the line and direct the tool slightly to the side.
In order to avoid chips on the finished surface, the file during operation is not carried out along the mark, but near it. The laser guide on the jigsaw will help to cut exactly.
Fastener material
In order for the cutting line to be straight, the working surface must be as stable, rigid and durable as possible. When working at home, this may be regular table with sturdy legs and a flat table top.
The board is fixed to the surface with clamps fixed on both sides with moderate strength. The sheet to be processed must be positioned in such a way that the tool does not rest against the surface during operation. So that no pressure is exerted on the saw during the sawing process, the protruding edge hanging from the surface can be weighted with the attached weight.
Cutting technology
They start sawing after fixing the workpiece and applying the markings. To do this, you need to turn on the jigsaw, set the maximum speed level and adjust the pendulum stroke by setting it to 1.
It is necessary to bring the file to the marking line, press the side of the platform against the guide and start working. Moving the jigsaw forward, it is necessary to monitor the location of the platform. Departure from the guide must not be allowed. When a few centimeters remain to the end of the web, you must carefully hold the free edge, avoiding a break. At this point, the process can be considered complete. So that the saw cut does not turn out to be a curve, it is worth remembering a number of nuances:
- during work, do not press hard on electric jigsaw, otherwise the file will break;
- when cutting a steel sheet, it is necessary to choose a tool with the maximum power and work at a high speed - when heated, the steel softens and becomes more pliable;
- when processing plastic, laminate, organic glass or stainless steel, it is necessary to provide for additional cooling of the file and periodically take breaks so that the tool has time to cool;
- so that the plastic does not melt during processing, it is necessary to set the minimum speed with a frequency of 1000 rpm;
- the figured cut will turn out to be even when choosing a narrow file with small teeth;
- after finishing work, the electrical appliance should be cleaned of sawdust and put into a special case.
Professional builders advise you to adhere to some rules to help avoid mistakes, which will not be easy to correct.
When choosing a file, you need to start from the material with which you have to work: plastic, thin or thick metal, plywood, solid wood... All additional items that may be needed in the process of cutting, marking and fastening should be prepared in advance. Special attention it is necessary to turn to fixing the material to the surface.
Note! To avoid scrap, the canvas should be placed face down.
It is best to try the cutting technique in advance, practice cutting with a jigsaw on unnecessary workpieces, because it will be difficult to fix a curved line. Safety precautions should not be neglected, goggles should be used, sawing with gloves.
Jigsaw errors
If technological subtleties taken into account, and the cut line turns out to be a curve and with many chips, there may be several reasons.
The master has little experience with a jigsaw. You need to practice more and the result will be the right sawing.
The material is not fixed securely enough and, when cutting, moves from its place, or is fixed inconveniently for the person doing the work.
If the process is performed by a worker without experience, it is necessary to use guides, and in the manufacture of complex shapes - a special template. If this is not possible, the quality of the cut can be improved by reducing the speed.
The main reason why a crooked cut is obtained is a malfunction of the tool or blade. In this case, there is a high probability of chips, sawing off to the side and bluntness. An incorrectly selected canvas for a specific material will lead to the fact that it will break repeatedly during work and the result will be of poor quality. It is worth carefully inspecting the jigsaw and fixing the breakage.
Too much emphasis on the jigsaw leads to unnecessary pressure, which also negatively affects the final cut.
To cut the material with a jigsaw, it is not necessary to have many years of carpentry experience, it is important to listen to the advice of professionals and follow the technology of working with the tool.