An electric jigsaw is a surprisingly popular tool. He especially liked the home craftsmen, who are unlikely to miss the chance to do something with their own hands. With it, you can easily saw almost any material, the need for processing of which may arise at home.
But the performance and accuracy of the cut depends on the file for jigsaws, the choice of which depends a lot. Especially carefully when buying, you need to look at the markings.
What are they like?
Between themselves, they differ in shape and size, in the methods of sharpening and wiring of the teeth, as well as in the materials from which they are made. When choosing files for jigsaws, it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the processed material. There are no difficulties here: its length should be greater than the thickness, and the amplitude of its movements when sawing must also be taken into account.
Tooth options
You can easily determine the purpose of the file by simply looking at its teeth. For example, files for jigsaws on wood have a pitch of 2.5 to 4 millimeters. If this figure is 1-2 millimeters, then you probably have a tool for cutting metal.
If we talk about files that are suitable for “cutting” ceramics and the like, then on their surface there are no teeth at all, since they are replaced by abrasive spraying.
If you are confused by the unusual wavy shape of the tool, then do not worry: it will come in handy when sawing soft metal.
What are they made of?
They make files for the BOSCH jigsaw and the like from high-quality hardened steel of various grades. It is these brands that are indicated by engraving on the working surface:
- The “HCS” marking (high-carbon steel) refers to files designed for sawing all kinds of soft materials and wood. They are highly flexible.
- Engraving "HSS" (high-speed) features a tool designed for cutting hard metal. It is characterized by low flexibility.
- All saw blades for wood with the marking "BIM" are bimetallic, combining the advantages of both of the above types.
- HM-labeled carbide tools can be used to cut ceramics, tiles and similar materials.
Checking the shanks
It is known that the file is mounted in a special clamp. The fact is that the clamp is designed exclusively for a certain type of shank. Jigsaws of some manufacturers have a universal clamp that accepts any files for jigsaws. But this is a rarity, which is an exception. However, this can often be found on a Chinese-made instrument.
No matter how trite it may sound, but we will once again remind you that you should only buy saws for jigsaws from authorized dealers. The purchase of a fake is fraught not only with a damaged workpiece, but also with the failure of the tool, since too high loads are placed on the engine. Savings in this case are unacceptable, since post-warranty repairs will cost much more.