Jigsaw has a special place in the household. It is not as often used as a hammer or screwdriver, however, no tools will perform the delicate functions of cutting wood, plastic and metal materials. And the point here is not only convenience for the user. A high-quality apparatus will provide an ideal figured cut line without ruining the workpiece. However, the advantages, in terms of user ergonomics, are worth noting. Compactness, ease and universality of application - these are the main advantages that modern jigsaws have. A review of the main operational indicators and manufacturers of this tool will make the right choice for a specific model.
Household or professional?
In the segment of power tools, it is especially noticeable how the border between devices for professional and home use is blurred. The former are increasingly gaining properties that allow the tool to be used by amateurs and even beginners. And the second, in turn, are endowed with higher technical indicators. This trend is also demonstrated by household jigsaws. Reviews say that 350 W power is enough to work with wood, whose thickness is 7 cm, and metal up to 0.4 cm thick. As for professional machines, they are able to cut wood material at a depth of more than 10 cm and cope with steel sheets up to 1 cm thick. By the way, aluminum lends itself to such jigsaws and with a thickness of 2 cm. The power range of such devices varies from 600 to 700 watts. Also, the differences between the two categories include dimensions, weight and a set of additional options. Models for professional use are distinguished by their large weight and size, but in terms of functionality they outperform household analogues.
What are the files?
Strictly speaking, files are auxiliary and even expendable. However, the quality of operations that perform jigsaws depends on them. A review of the most requested files will allow you to decide on the choice of this element. To begin with, the size of the workpiece should be taken into account - the files can have a length of 7 to 13 cm. In addition, they differ in the quality of the material. Usually there are steel and bimetallic files, but if you take into account the markings depending on the purpose, then the classification will be more difficult. So, for soft varieties of wood carbon steel products are used. Non-ferrous metal and plastic materials are cut with files made of high speed steel. Bimetallic elements can be considered as universal - it is also advisable to use them to obtain complex curly cuts.
An additional option - what to consider?
Modern technologies allow us to improve and in every possible way improve the traditional design of power tools. In particular, the buyer can find models with double insulation for protection against moisture and universal clamps for the file, so that the device can be combined with different sizes of files. For ease of operation, it is worthwhile to provide for the presence of a speed regulator for the movement of the working element. If you plan to cut with a jigsaw in a poorly lit place, then it will not be out of place to provide for LED backlighting. Also, the automatic dust removal function by an air stream helps in the work. Firstly, it saves the user from unnecessary troubles in cleaning after work, and secondly, it extends the life of the tool, since its filling is not clogged with sawdust.
Bosch Models
German developers offer a high-quality tool, which is appreciated by both amateurs for ease of use and professionals for reliability, functionality and performance. You should turn to this brand if you need a premium model from the professional category. These include the GST 850 BE. This Bosch jigsaw has a power of 600 watts, provides 4 pendulum positions and provides a saw stroke of 2.6 cm. Together, these characteristics allow the owner to cope with soft wood and metal, leaving a high-quality and clean cut. Despite the characteristics of a professional model, this unit will be convenient for a layman as well - a convenient handle and low weight of the tool facilitate the workflow.
Devices Makita
As a transitional option from a professional model to a light household appliance, one can consider the proposal from the Makita brand, which is no less respected among specialists. This is a model from the 4327 series, which is endowed with a power of 450 W and provides a frequency of movement of the file at 3,100 rpm. Despite the absence of the pendulum stroke, this family contains functional and practical jigsaws. An overview of the benefits of this device confirms these characteristics:
- The ability to adjust the stroke frequency.
- Cleaning the cutting area with a plug-in vacuum cleaner.
- The presence of a protective shield.
- The handle has a braid shape, providing a tenacious grip.
- The device is capable of cutting steel sheets up to 0.6 cm thick.
Models "Interskol"
If you need an inexpensive tool that again combines high performance with convenience and functionality, it makes sense to get acquainted with Interskol products, in particular with the MP-65 modification. The device has a power potential of 550 watts and is capable of qualitatively cutting wood up to 6.5 cm thick. The strengths that distinguish the Interskol jigsaw include light weight and compactness. These same qualities allow you to perform complex curved wood cuts. Sawing of metal blanks is also available for a jigsaw, but with some limitations.
Models "Fiolent"
The universal tools of this segment include the PM3-600E model from the Fiolent company. As the name implies, the power of the device is 600 watts, while the frequency reaches 2600 rpm. The device is suitable for working with wood at a depth of up to 8.5 cm, and for cutting steel with a thickness of 1 cm. At the same time, the Fiolent jigsaw allows you to make curved and straight cuts. For effective implementation of an inclined cut, a sole with an angle of 45 ° is provided. Despite a fairly decent margin of power and performance, the jigsaw is light in weight and quite mobile in operation.
Conclusion
The cutting operations of wood panels, steel and aluminum sheets, as well as plastic blanks may be required in everyday life and in production. Of course, there are devices and units with which you can perform the processing of any of the listed materials, but only jigsaws allow you to make a figured cut to the nearest millimeter. A review of the characteristics and models of this tool showed that the range is quite wide and varied both in terms of performance and in terms of functionality. In particular, for domestic needs, an interested consumer can purchase an inexpensive option with a minimum set of options, but with a sufficient capacity of 400 watts. With the help of such an apparatus, any board or thin sheet of metal can be carefully processed.