BOSCH classification of saw blades for jigsaws and reciprocating saws. Types of files for BOSCH jigsaws (BOSH), features of their markings and purpose Files for bosch jigsaw designation

Almost every craftsman has an electric jigsaw. After all, a tree is the most comfortable material for home crafts. However, today the jigsaw is not the only one that can handle it, and the secret of new possibilities lies in the saw blades – jigsaw files. In this article, we will introduce you to the standards of saw blades, as well as their areas of application.

The modern master presents high requirements to the instrument with which it works. He is interested in productivity, geometric accuracy of the cut, as well as the final result - the quality of the cut line. To choose the right file for your jigsaw, you need to take into account a number of criteria: the material to be processed; the pitch of the saw teeth and their shape; shank type; the width and thickness of the saw blade, as well as the material from which it is made.

Processed material

Different materials create different strength cutting resistance. Therefore, for each of them, optimal strength and geometric characteristics of the saw blade have been developed. So the first search criterion is by purpose. There are files for wood and metal, for wood with metal included, as well as many types of files special purpose- for stainless steel, abrasive materials, laminate, ceramics, cement, for different types plastics and fibrous materials.

Tooth shape

Based on the shape of the teeth, saw blades can be divided into four types, which are shown schematically in the figure. The capabilities of the file depend on the size and shape of its blade and the size of the teeth. A large number of fine teeth ensure precise sawing, but the work progresses slowly. A small number of large teeth gives a quick but rough cut. The geometry of the tooth is largely determined by the manufacturing technology of the saw blade.

Saw blade geometry

The teeth are milled and set. The teeth are alternately bent in different directions. The width of the layout is considered normal if it is equal to one and a half thickness of the canvas. The routing prevents excessive heating of the saw blade and helps remove sawdust trapped between the saw blade and the walls of the cut. Used for quick cutting of hard and soft wood, non-ferrous metals and plastic.

Milled teeth, wavy. Blade The setting is performed not through one tooth, but in groups, deviating either to the right or to the left. The saw blade is designed to obtain an even and clean cut when sawing aluminum, non-ferrous metals and plastics in a straight line.

The teeth are ground, with conical grinding. The saw blade with a conical ground non-working edge is designed for clean cuts in wood and plastic.

The teeth are ground and set apart. Saw blade for fast cutting of wood with a rough cutting line. Used for cutting soft wood (5-50 mm), blockboard, chipboard and fiberboard.

Tooth pitch

In our country, pitch (t) is the distance between the tips of the teeth. In some countries, pitch is designated TPI (teeth per inch) and is measured by the number of teeth per inch (for example, TPI = 7, i.e. 7 teeth per inch). When cross-cutting wood, it is convenient to use a saw with a large tooth t = 3.5-6.5 mm (TPI = 7-3.5), for ordinary carpentry work - with a medium tooth t = 3-3.5 mm (TPI = 9 -7), for critical sawing - with a fine tooth t = 2-3 mm (TPI = 13-9). In this case, it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the material being cut. It is easier to saw if at least 5-8 teeth are involved in the work at the same time. If this rule is not followed, the blade will vibrate during operation, and the cutting line will turn out crooked and torn.

Saw blade width

The quality and speed of cutting when moving in a straight line, as well as the ability to cut curves, depend on the width of the saw blade. The wider the saw blade, the more stable it is: it allows for higher cutting speeds and deviates less from the cutting plane. To cut curved lines, you should use narrower saw blades: they fit better into turns. It is important that the teeth of such a saw blade are located on the drive axis of the jigsaw. This increases the controllability of the tool: it can more accurately follow the intended cutting line.

File thickness

The thickness of the file affects the stability of the saw blade when cutting in a straight line and ensures that the cut is perpendicular to the plane of the workpiece. However, for cutting thick workpieces that require high precision mutual arrangement of surfaces, it is better to use circular saws.

Saw blades for cutting wood

Below are saw blades for wood from Wilpu. The numbers in brackets indicate the corresponding Bosch equivalent.
Precise cut, also suitable for plastic. High carbon steel saw blade with pointed teeth and conical grind. Provides a clean cutting line in softwood and chipboard up to 30 mm thick, as well as in plastic. (Wilpu NS 12 / Bosch T101 V)

Bimetallic saw blade. The bimetallic saw blade is very durable, made by laser welding: the back part is made of flexible high-carbon steel, the cutting part is made of high-quality high-speed steel (HC 12 bi / T101BF)

Saw blade with reverse system teeth Thanks to the teeth directed in the opposite direction, the blade cuts when moving backwards. At the same time, the visible cut line remains clean and without chips. Scope of application - veneered boards (NS 12 R / T101BR)

Clean line with curved cuts. With the saw blade width halved, the teeth are located on the axis of the longitudinal stroke of the jigsaw. With this blade you can cut along a very steep curve, as well as in a circle (NS 12 K / T101 AO)

Saw blades for floor coverings. Special saw blade designed for processing materials such as laminate and parquet; the teeth are directed in the opposite direction and the distance between the teeth is smaller than that of traditional files (HC 19 R bi / T101 BIF)

Wood sawing master. New generation of saw blades: the teeth have a special geometry and are triple sharpened. Very spicy! (NS 123 / T234 X)

Universal saw blade. A saw blade for all occasions: this is a universal tool for rough and quick cutting of wood up to 5 cm thick. The file is made of high-carbon steel, the teeth are set apart and ground. Cuts quickly and cleanly (HGS 14 / T144D)

Saw blades for wood up to 120 mm thick. The geometry of the teeth is the same as that of the universal saw blade, however, the length of the working part is 155 mm. Using this saw you can cut timber with a thickness of 120-130 mm (HGS 54 / T744D)

Specialized saw blades

If there is a need to saw materials such as glass, stone or metal, you will need special saw blades with the appropriate characteristics. Obviously, the saw teeth must be harder than the material being cut. However hard materials have big drawback: they are fragile, which causes frequent breakdowns saw blades. For such cases, manufacturers produce bimetallic sheets. They are 2/3 made of elastic high-carbon steel and one third made of hardened high-speed steel. Such files provide an optimal price-quality ratio and quickly pay for themselves due to their long service life.

Saw for soft wood and insulating materials. Such saw blades have a tooth pitch of 1.2 to 2 mm; with their help it is convenient to saw soft wood, as well as various insulating materials (HW12 / T119A

Sheet metal file. Saw blades with a small pitch and a wavy blade are designed for sawing thin sheet metal with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Since the tooth pitch is only 0.7mm, a clean cut line is obtained (MG107/T118G)

File for plexiglass and metals. Plexiglas, polycarbonate, non-ferrous metals and aluminum up to 30 mm thick are not a problem if you use a saw blade with a clearance angle and pointed teeth (MC 12 bi / T101A)

Steel file. A bimetal file with a wavy blade is designed for cutting thin sheet metal, multilayer materials, pipes and aluminum profile(MG11bi/T318AF)

File for multi-layer materials. A special bimetallic blade is designed for cutting workpieces up to 120 mm thick, consisting of different materials (metal, insulating material). Highly flexible (MG 51 bi / T718HF)

Wood file with metal. This saw blade with a tooth spacing of 1.8 to 2.5 mm is intended for sawing wood structural elements containing nails and other metal elements(MG 1014 bi / Т111HF)

Saw blade with a special tooth system. Universal saw blade with a special M-shaped tooth system. The saw blade quickly cuts material (wood and metal) when moving both forward and backward (ST-006 bi)

Rubber file, carpets and skin. A jigsaw file with a wavy sharpening is designed for sawing materials such as cardboard, leather, rubber, polystyrene foam up to 120 mm thick, as well as carpets (313 AW / T313AW)

Saw blade shanks

Suitable for tools: AEG, Bosch, Metabo

Suitable for tools: AEG, Atlas Copco, Bosch, Black&Decker, DeWalt, Elu, Festool, Flex, Hitachi, Holz-Her, Kress, Mafell, Makita, Metabo, Protool

Suitable for tools: Black&Decker, Skil, Ryobi

Suitable for tools: Fein ASt(e) 636.638; MOt 6-17-1

Suitable for tools: Fein ASt(e) 649; MOt 6-18-1, Spitznas

Suitable for tools: Makita

Jigsaw accessories

Leading tool manufacturers produce additional accessories for their power tools. Such pleasant additions include a device that prevents chipping of the top layer of material: it is mounted on a base plate. And the support panel itself can be made of different materials, which prevents slipping when cutting.

It would also be useful to have a parallel stop in the workshop, which ensures cutting of the same type of slats; distance between parallel lines can vary up to 140 mm. A circular cutter will provide the ability to accurately process radius surfaces. Additional accessories significantly expand the capabilities of tools and give a new impetus to creativity.

A few illustrative examples miscellaneous work files

Cuts were made in the veneer panel using a saw blade with teeth pointing upward (right) and using a saw blade with teeth pointing downwards. reverse side(left)

If you don't have a reverse-toothed saw blade handy when cutting veneer panels, apply Tesa adhesive tape along the cut line to help get a clean edge.

Using a simple stop, consisting of a bar and two clamps, you will get a precisely calibrated, even saw line.

For circular sawing, use a compass cutter.

This is just a dream for a home craftsman - a sawing table, for example, produced by Neutechnik.

Special clamps will protect the panels being cut from the appearance of monstrous cracks.

Description of jigsaw files

T 101 AO– BOSCH 101 AO jigsaw files are designed for working with soft wood, plywood, coated boards (1.5–15 mm), and for curved cuts.
T 101 B- BOSCH T 101 B jigsaw files are designed for working with soft wood, chipboard, wood boards, fiberboard (3–30 mm), polymer/epoxy materials.
T 101 BR– The file is used for working with soft wood, chipboard, fiberboard. File pitch - 2.5 mm, length - 75 mm.
T 101 D– The file is used for working with soft wood, fiberboard, chipboard. File pitch - 4.0 - 5.2 mm, length - 74 mm.
T 127 D– Use these saws for cutting hollow profiles no more than 30mm with a thickness of the metal itself from 3mm to 15mm.
T 111 D– Use: quick rough cutting of plywood, plastic, wood 5-60mm thick.
T 244 D– The file is used to make straight and curved cuts in soft wood, fiberboard, chipboard, and plywood. File pitch - 4.0 - 5.2 mm, length - 74 mm.
T 144 D– Jigsaw files BOSCH T 144 D are designed for working with soft wood (5–50 mm), chipboard, wood boards, fiberboard
T 118 A– For straight cuts in thin sheet metal(1-3 mm).
T 118 B– For straight cuts in metal sheets of medium thickness (2.5-6 mm).
T 119 B– For straight cuts in soft wood (2-15 mm), plywood, chipboard, blockboards, fiberboard.
T 119 BO– For curved cuts in soft wood (2-15 mm), plywood, chipboard, blockboards, fiberboard.
T 111 C– For straight, quick cuts in soft wood (4-50 mm), chipboard, blockboards, fiberboard.
T 123 X– Use: metal sheets with a thickness of 1.5-10mm, profiles and pipes (also made of aluminum) with a diameter of up to 30mm.
T 344 D– Use: cutting soft wood 10 – 85 mm thick, wood panels, chipboard and fiberboard. Used for quick cuts.
T 301 CD– Use: cutting soft wood 10-85mm thick, wood panels, chipboard and fiberboard.
T 345 XF– Use: construction wood with nails (less than 65 mm), plastic, sheet metal, wood materials, profiles and pipes (aluminum and not only) from 3 to 10 mm in diameter.
T 234 X– Use: soft wood 3-65mm thick, fibreboard, chipboard, wood panels.
T 318 A– Use: metal sheets 1-3mm, profiles and pipes.
T 301 DL– Designed for quick, thin cuts in hard and soft wood, chipboard, fiberboard (thickness from 10 to 85 mm), laminated plastic (thickness from 4 to 40 mm).

Hitachi and Bosch files

How to use a jigsaw

Most work can be carried out even by the most simple models. But technology has moved far forward and such a tool has become more convenient and versatile. For a long time there have been hacksaws with electronically controlled and pendulum motion of the canvas. Choosing the right jigsaw is complicated only by the abundance of offers. Electronics and pendulum action have become standard. Best models have a simple and reliable saw blade replacement.

1.

The jigsaw base plate has a smooth tilt angle adjustment up to 45°. Additional equipment allows you to make oblique cuts (on the “mustache”).

2.

The base plate also moves longitudinally, which makes it possible to cut close to the edge, for example, working directly against a wall.

3.

A jigsaw compass allows you to cut circles, large holes and make precise roundings. The basis of the compass is an adjustable rod.

4.

The parallel fence is indispensable for long straight cuts. It is mounted on a support board. The stop has an adjustable distance lock from the edge of the part.

Jigsaw capabilities and equipment

Thanks to the eccentric transmission of the hacksaw, the rotational movement of the motor is converted into a vertical stroke of the slider. The saw blade is installed in the slider. The frequency of the blade's reciprocating motion indicates the sawing speed. The speed can be adjusted electronically. Wood is sawed at a faster rate, plastic and metal at a slower rate.

If you want to achieve the best results and have a universal tool, then it is better to buy an electronically controlled model and special blades. The pendulum stroke allows the saw blade not only to move vertically, but also to move back. This ensures better movement of the blade into the material and sawing speed increases many times over.

The markings and the cut itself are always visible during work. Modern instrument already equipped with local airflow and dust extraction. The base plate in most models changes its angle to the blade and allows you to make miter cuts, and if you move it back, you can work right along the edge.

5.

If the distance to the outer edge is too large or the edge is not parallel to the cut, then the stop bar is secured to the part with a clamp in the desired position

6.

A special workbench secures the jigsaw permanently, which allows you to cut small parts. They can also be driven with a parallel stop.

7.

An additional guide clasp makes it easier to guide thin fabrics. It can be equipped with its own web tensioning device.

8.

The protective protector, pressing against the surface of the material at the sawing site, prevents the material from being torn off along the edge of the cut.

Guides and accessories for jigsaws

A jigsaw is a free-hand tool, and in most cases this is how it is used. However, there is an option to make the job easier if long straight and round cuts are needed. A compass, rip fence and stop block will solve the problem. Feeding the blade slowly gives better results as the blade, being flexible, tends to slide sideways and follow the grain, especially in hardwood. The workpiece being cut is always secured. If the parts are so small that they cannot be secured, then the tool itself is installed permanently. The necessary devices for this are offered.

9.

Soft materials such as rubber, leather, polystyrene foam and carpeting are not sawed, but cut with special knives (often with a saw-tooth blade).

10.

Even hard materials such as glass and ceramics will not hinder the jigsaw. Special carbide-coated blades should be used.

11.

To avoid scratching the surfaces, place a plastic shoe on the base plate. Self-adhesive felt will perform the same function.

12.

Rasp and sanding attachments will help when finishing rounded cuts. Instead of a standard blade, they can be installed in a jigsaw.

Quality cuts

The saw blades in such a tool work in tension, which leads to their straightening and the correct geometry of the cuts. But this produces edges without chips only at the bottom. This must be taken into account when cutting furniture boards. Special blades and experience will allow you to cope with this problem.

The teeth of a conventional jigsaw blade point upward, which is why the material is pulled out when returning, which leads to chips on furniture boards. If the part has to be sawed from the front side, then use a special saw blade with the teeth in reverse position. In this case, the jigsaw is pressed tightly to the surface.

When it is not possible to saw from the back of a part, and chips along the edges cannot be avoided, gluing tape along the markings of the part will help. The tape will prevent large edge chips. After finishing the work, it is carefully removed.

Http://remstd.ru/archives/kak-rabotat-elektrolobzikom/

Most consumers purchase canvases at appearance, considering that the size of the teeth and the high cost of the product are the main criteria for selection. In fact, this is not the case at all, since there are more than 45 types of nail files, each of which is designed to solve a specific task, and the cost will not always mean that the material is made of high-strength steel. In order to correctly determine the material of a product and its compatibility with a certain type of work, attention must be paid to the shank. There are abbreviation tips there.
Meaning "HCS". It means carbon steel, which is used only for woodworking, Chipboard materials and fiberboard. It is not used for metal, even if the teeth are too small - these are all devices for cutting wood. The tooth stroke is large enough to work with soft materials, and many blades have flaring for fast cutting. But remember that the quality of the cut will deteriorate significantly in this case.

Meaning "HSS". If you see such a marking, then the file can be used for cutting metals - it is made of hardened high-speed steel. It can equally successfully cut soft and hard metals; it is suitable for sawing aluminum, cast iron, and steel. The only drawback of such a product is fragility. Buy 2-3 pieces at once so as not to run to the store every 10-20 minutes.

The inscription "BIM". It means that the metal is suitable for cutting both wood and various alloys, and combines the qualities of the two groups described above. This group also includes a jigsaw file for tiles (marked “NM”). It is made from hard metals. Its cost is much higher than usual, so you don’t need to take it for woodworking - just throw away the money.

Marking T101AO. Hardened fine-toothed saw blades designed for high-precision metal cutting. As a rule, they are specific and are produced only for certain brands of devices. These, for example, are compatible with Bosch.

Other markings are rare and are only derivatives of these groups, so first we look at the letter markings, and then select the meaning of the numbers (small, medium, large tooth, etc.). We will look at how to choose the right teeth later in the article.

Canvas size

This is no less important indicator, which plays a big role when choosing a product. Metal files are made very short, since there is no point in processing material thicker than 0.5 centimeters. And such dimensions are no longer easy. In turn, the blade for a jigsaw for wood is much longer, since sawing beams up to 15 centimeters thick is a common occurrence at any construction site.

The width of the canvas also plays a big role. If you are working with chipboard or fiberboard, then it will be more convenient to use thick metal that can be easily removed from the groove. For figured cutting When working on wood, you should use only narrow jigsaw files, since they are much more convenient to turn. Naturally, tools of this type are also suitable for metal work.

Tooth sizes and shapes

It will be difficult to choose here, since there are many variations and each manufacturer is trying to introduce something new. And this “something” is not always better than previous models. But there is a pattern, and choosing is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Let's consider in general outline, what types of files you can find, and then we’ll look at the details.

You need to choose a tool carefully, weighing not only these categories, but many other nuances that we described above. Even the smallest file may not be suitable for metal work, since its teeth will be soft and set for a wide cut of wood. Take this into account.

Now in the world of hand tools and tools, the jigsaw is an example of a truly indispensable mechanism for processing a wide range of materials, equally suitable for working with both straight and any curved cuts. However, such ample opportunities are determined by hand jigsaws not only by the features of their design, but also by the richest assortment of consumable tools for it - among jigsaw blades (in common parlance - jigsaw files). Of course, the German manufacturers of the BOSCH concern are the leaders in the production of such files, so it will be interesting to get acquainted with its classification of the modern generation of jigsaw files, to learn the reasoning and details from its weighty assessments.

Experience dictates that when sawing with an electric jigsaw, it will be very important to select the file exactly for its intended purpose. When choosing a jigsaw model, it is best to use those varieties that use files with a u-shaped or t-shaped shank, since such types of shanks are more securely attached to this tool.

Tooth profiles are selected based on the density of the material being cut and the specific requirements for the quality of the cut (will a wide and rough line of a rough quick cut be tolerated, or will it have to be thin and clean, straight or figured...). For example, if a jigsaw blade has set teeth, but it is not further sharpened after the milling stage, then such a blade will cut quickly, but with a rough cutting quality. On the contrary, teeth on a saw that have been sharpened but not set apart will cut very cleanly. When sawing, parameters such as tooth pitch and the material of the jigsaw file itself will also be decisive. After all, let’s say, in the process of sawing any metal, three or four teeth of the file will have to participate simultaneously in interaction with the workpiece (one or two teeth will be few in this sawing, but five to eight is already a lot). Therefore, for sawing thick workpieces, saw blades with a fairly large pitch are used, for thin ones, on the contrary, with a fine one.

Thus, Bosch specialists believe that their jigsaw blades, which have set-apart milled teeth, are most convenient for cutting sheets with a relatively clean edge and making quick cuts on soft and hard wood, aluminum, plastic and non-ferrous metals. These are, for example, Bosch jigsaw files of article numbers E 127 D and T 345 XF.

Bosch files, which have a wavy line of saw blade with milled teeth, are designed for cutting workpieces in a straight line, where it is necessary to leave neat edges along the cut line: the material of workpieces cut by such files can be plywood, aluminum, non-ferrous metal, and plastic ( Examples of such files are jigsaw files from Bosch articles T 119 V, T 118 A).

Varieties of "Bosch" saws, whose teeth are set apart and ground, are recommended for quick and clean cutting of wood and plastic (for example, saws with the article number "Bosch" T 144 D, T 244 D).

Bosch also produces jigsaw blades in which the teeth are ground at a free angle. For example, jigsaw blades with a tapered back side are effective for making free cuts, for precise, clean cuts on wood and plastic (samples of such blades have BOSCH article numbers T 101B, T 101DP, T 234 X).

BOSCH also has a wide range of materials that are used to make the saw blades themselves. A short list of them is as follows:

H.S.S.- this brand designates blades made of high-speed, perfectly hardened, hard and durable steel. The downside of these characteristics of such steel is that it is brittle and difficult to process. HSS steel files are effectively used for working on metal, aluminum and non-ferrous metals.

HCS- brand of files made of high-carbon tool mild steel. These qualities dictate its most successful use for cutting soft workpieces - wood, artificial materials.

HAS- a brand of files made of high-carbon steel, much more durable than HCS. Therefore, saw blades made from this grade of steel can be successfully used for sawing wood with nails inside its fibers, for sawing aerated concrete and soft non-ferrous metals.

Now BOSCH offers a range of more complex, combined materials for jigsaw blades:

Bimetal (F)- are a highly elastic, inextricable connection between the blade of the file itself, made of HCS steel, and on it - strips of HSS steel, on which the tooth is cut. As a result of this connection, a universal, very flexible, unbreakable file with a hard tooth is obtained, which significantly increases its service life and suitability for both curved narrow lines of any figured cut, and for a clean straight cut. For curved cuts, it is better to use a narrow and short Bi-metal combination file.

HM (Piff)- in this combination of material for files, the carrier made of HCS steel is coated by spraying with a layer of special grains of hard metal (there are simply no individual teeth on such files). These files are convenient for cutting glass, tiles, bricks and abrasive materials. If the HCS steel carrier is still made with teeth that are coated with a layer of hard metal by spraying, then such a saw can successfully saw hard wood, reinforced fiberglass, asbestos cement and even abrasive material.

Progressive files are called saw blades that have different tooth pitches made of HSS steel at the end and beginning of the file. Thus, jigsaw files “nporpeccop” with article number BOSCH T123 are universal in purpose for making cuts on wood and ferrous metals. The “progressor” file, article number T234, made of HCS steel, is produced by the concern “” for clean and fast sawing of wood.

This is the minimum knowledge about saw blades for electric and cordless hand jigsaws. However, to consider in detail the true diversity of these paintings depending on various combinations materials from which they are made, and the tooth shapes that are cut into them, you can provide a convenient summary table that will help you make an accurate and successful choice for the job.

So, the areas of application of various jigsaw blades from the BOSCH concern are as follows:

Let's also touch on the areas of application of hacksaw saw blades from the BOSCH concern.

The combination of accurate cutting of workpieces with good work speed is only possible with making the right choice cutting blade for each specific operation. When choosing files for a jigsaw, you need to understand them technical specifications And key differences between them.

When purchasing consumable equipment for a jigsaw, first study the product markings, then look at the shape of the shank, blade geometry, type and size of teeth.

Types of paintings - deciphering the inscriptions

Some manufacturers use the European standard from Bosch to classify products, others indicate it in addition to their labeling.

The purpose of a saw for any material is indicated by the following inscriptions:

1. Wood – soft wood and medium density composite boards.
2. Hardwood – laminate, hard wood.
3. Fiber, Plaster – fiberglass products.
4. Acrylic – polycarbonate, plexiglass.
5. Metal – galvanized profile, tin, pipes.
6. Inox – stainless steel.
7. Alu – aluminum.
8. Soft-material – cardboard, rubber, carpets, polystyrene.

Inscriptions indicating the grade of steel used in manufacturing:

1. HSS is a high quality alloy for fast cutting of hard materials.
2. HCS – alloy steel for cutting wood and composites.
3. Bi-Metal (BM) is a blade consisting of the two previous alloys and is suitable for most tasks.
4. HM – a saw with a carbide working part for cutting blocks and ceramics.

Marking specifying the type of work:

1. Clean – for a clean cut.
2. Basic is a regular file suitable for various tasks.
3. Speed ​​– for fast and straight cuts.
4. Flexible – flexible metal file.
5. Progressor is a universal blade with teeth of different shapes.
6. Special – blade for plastic, ceramics or other specific materials.

Jigsaw files for wood

Quick cutting of timber or boards, which does not require smooth edges, is carried out with a long blade with large teeth, a wide working part and a fair gap. This canvas is useful for construction work in which speed is important. For example, when breaking an old window or cutting sheathing bars.

Sawing along the grain better than canvas with oblique incisors, and across - with straight ones. A cut in a thick board will move less away from the vertical if you use a saw with large teeth without setting.

Saw blades for fine cutting of wood have small teeth and a small gap. These blades can be used to carefully cut furniture panels or parquet boards. A minimum of chipping on the laminated panel is ensured by jigsaw files, on which the cutters are arranged in two rows.

A blade with a reverse inclination of the cutters cuts the material as the pendulum moves downwards, which allows marking and sawing from the front surface. In fact, this is not entirely convenient - you have to hold the jigsaw harder, overcoming the pushing of the blade from the cut line.

Figure cutting is performed with narrow files with a semicircular back side. These blades have fine teeth and a short length. They pass through curved sections without chipping and can be easily rotated in a cut.

Blades for electric jigsaw for metal

Blades with wavy teeth, reminiscent of hacksaw files, are designed for cutting profiles and sheet metal. Their incisors are small and separated in groups of several pieces. Special bimetallic blades with large teeth in the middle and small teeth at the edges are used for cutting sandwich panels.

Files for polymers

Thin plastic, ebonite, plexiglass and textolite are cut with a metal blade. Thick plastic workpieces are cut with a wood saw by turning off the jigsaw pendulum and setting the speed to low. Curvilinear cut polymer materials performed with a narrow wood blade.

Window sills and pipes made of polyvinyl chloride are cut with a saw with large teeth into medium frequency stroke or fine-toothed at low speed, eliminating heating of the material.

Special files for jigsaws

For sawing drywall and materials containing cement, blades with carbide tips are intended. They also cut heat-insulating mats quite well. A blade without cutters coated with a carbide compound can cut tiles or cut fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The working part of jigsaw files used for rubber, carpets, cardboard and the like soft materials, looks like a knife blade.

The length of the file is selected based on the thickness of the material being processed. The tip of the blade should always come out of the cut, regardless of the stroke of the pendulum.

In a home workshop, a set of 6–10 files is enough. To get started, you can purchase an inexpensive set of canvases for various purposes and master the intricacies of work. Then, based on your experience, choose the right jigsaw files.

It largely determines the accuracy and productivity of cutting material. Discussed in the article specifications files and the key differences between them will help you choose the right blade for various types works

A file for a particular job is selected in two ways: firstly, they are guided by the inscriptions, and secondly, they look at the size, teeth and setting.

Reading the markings

There is no single standard for alphanumeric marking of blades for jigsaws, but most manufacturers adhere to the European classification from Bosch or indicate it in addition to their own designations.

Explanation of markings

Files are made from various grades of steel, which influence the purpose of the blades and are indicated by logos:

1. CV (HCS) is an elastic alloy alloy for cutting wood, synthetic and wood-composite products.
2. HSS is a strong high speed steel for hard materials.
3. BM (Bi-Metal) is a compound of the first two grades of steel that can withstand significant loads and is suitable for many operations.
4. HM is a carbide for cutting tiles and building blocks.

The purpose of the canvas is also indicated by the following marks:

1. Wood - soft lumber, fiber boards.
2. Hardwood - solid wood, laminated panels.
3. Inox - stainless steel.
4. Alu - aluminum.
5. Metal - tin, profiles and pipes.
6. Plaster, fiber - fiberglass.
7. Soft-material - rubber, polystyrene, carpets.
8. Acrylic - plexiglass, polycarbonate.

Sometimes there is an inscription on the file that specifies the type of work:

• basic - standard blade for high-quality cutting;
• speed - saw with set teeth for quick cutting;
• clean - blade without markings for a clean cut;
• progressor - saw with different teeth for cutting various materials;
• flexible - flexible blade for cutting metal;
• special - for cutting ceramics, plastic and other special work.

We cut wood materials

Cutting wood and everything made from it is the main purpose of a jigsaw. Therefore, a larger range of saw blades are produced specifically for wood and are divided by type of work.

Fast cut

Certain construction works with wood do not require special care, for example, sawing bars for sheathing or dismantling old window frame. What is more important here is the speed provided by fast cutting blades with characteristic features:

1. Large teeth - up to 6 mm.
2. A fair amount of separation - about 1 mm.
3. Long blade - from 60 mm.
4. Width - up to 10 mm.

For thick workpieces, similar blades with large cutters are used, but without routing - they deviate less from the vertical. In principle, the thicker the file, the better it maintains perpendicularity.

Advice. A blade with an oblique tooth is better suited for cutting along the grain, and a blade with a straight tooth is better suited for a cross cut.

Clean cut

An operation such as pruning furniture board or parquet board, requires a smooth and precise cut. Such tasks are performed with less productivity, but with better quality, using blades for clean cutting that have:

1. Teeth less than 3 mm.
2. Minor divorce.

Most saw blades cut by retraction, so the material is placed reverse side. To mark and cut from the face, you need a blade with a reverse tooth. It is not very convenient for them to work - in addition to maintaining the direction of the cut, they have to overcome the force of pushing out the tool.

Advice. A specialized saw with two rows of teeth allows you to cut panels laminated on both sides almost without chipping.

Curly cut

It is problematic to cut out small radii with a wide blade. Files for figured cutting have a beveled back side, making it easier to turn, they can be rounded without chipping and differ in appearance:

1. Small (up to 2 mm) tooth.
2. Narrow working part - up to 4 mm.
3. Small length - up to 40 mm.

We cut polymer materials

PVC pipes and window sills are sawn using blades on wood or metal with a large tooth. Fine-toothed saws are also suitable, but you will have to cut at a minimum speed, otherwise the sawdust will soften and clog the blade - it will no longer be sawing, but cutting with heated metal.

For thin plastics and plexiglass, a metal file with small teeth is suitable. For thick ones, you can take a wood blade, turn off pendulum mechanism and cut at low speed. Figure sawing of polymer sheets is carried out with a narrow file on wood.

We work with metal

For cutting galvanized profiles and sheet metal products, wave saw blades are used, similar in profile to blades for hand hacksaw. They are distinguished by small (up to 1 mm) teeth, deflected not through one, but in groups of 3-5 pieces.

At permanent job take three blades: for steel, aluminum and for non-ferrous alloys. If you have to cut metal infrequently, then one steel file will be enough, which is also suitable for ebonite and textolite.

In general, a jigsaw is not suitable for sawing metal: the tool is heavily loaded, and the process is underway slowly. Rather, this is an extreme method, justified only occasionally, for example, when cutting sandwich panels with bimetallic saws with small cutters at the edges and large ones in the middle.

Blades for specific tasks

Drywall and cement-containing materials quickly set any saw blade, with the exception of specially designed carbide-tipped blades, which also cut thermal insulation well.

The hole in the tile is cut with a ceramic saw without teeth coated with carbide. It is also suitable for working with glass fiber reinforced polymers.

The cutting part of the blades for cardboard, rubber and other soft materials is not made with teeth, but with polished waves or simply looks like a knife.

For sawing combined materials, special files are designed, one half of the blade of which is equipped with small teeth, and the other with large ones.

Advice. The length of the file is chosen based on the thickness of the material. To prevent the blade from tearing out or breaking, its end must extend out of the cutting line in any position of the jigsaw pendulum.

For household needs, a set of 5-10 files for various purposes is enough. Just starting to use a jigsaw, they purchase an inexpensive set, master the intricacies of working with different types of blades, and then use own experience select the necessary files. Still, there are no strict recommendations; often one canvas copes well with tasks that are atypical for it. Here you can experiment, but think first.