Which electric jigsaw to choose for home use. Which jigsaw is ideal for home use Choosing an electric jigsaw

For the first time, a jigsaw, as an electric tool, began to be talked about in 1946, when BOSCH released its first development. The justified demand for the electric jigsaw allowed him to start his march through all the countries of the world.

An electric jigsaw firmly occupies one of the top places in the arsenal of a home craftsman. One good electric jigsaw, if necessary, can replace several low-functional ones, producing in operation:

rectilinear and figured sawing of sheets of chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, plexiglass, drywall, plastic, etc.;
sawing boards, wooden slats, small bars;
giving the necessary shape to the laminate, parquet, lining;
curvilinear cutting of ceramic tiles, finishing plates made of natural stone using a special saw blade with a diamond coating;
cutting a metal sheet using a metal file and using special skill and skill (the last two functions have a professional electric jigsaw).

Criteria for choosing the right jigsaw

The tool is referred to as a simple mechanical device, the main working body of which is a working saw blade fixed in a slider. The slider, in turn, receives reciprocating motion from the gearbox and motor, which are placed in the housing. Its lower part is the sole, the handle is fixed on top.

1. The basic indicator that determines how to choose the right jigsaw for your home is power. Household-level tools are characterized by a value from 200 to 350 watts. A weak tool cannot work with hard materials, the saw may jam. But, having won in power, you can lose in weight - more powerful jigsaws are much heavier. Household tools are not suitable for cutting metal, solid wood.

2. A household jigsaw equipped with a cast platform is more reliable than a tool with a stamped base. Support material - preferably aluminum with the ability to rotate 45 linear degrees. Such a support is necessary for precise fixation of the jigsaw when cutting at a certain angle.

3. When choosing a tool, you need to pay attention to the design of the stem. More than half of all breakdowns are associated with the failure of the stem itself. It is preferable to choose a jigsaw with a rod of round or square section.

4. The convenience of a quick change of the saw blade is achieved due to the keyless way of attaching the file. This method can be provided with a variety of designs, and it is almost impossible to strip the thread when changing the file.

5. Adjustment of the frequency of web strokes can be carried out either by a trigger (the speed depends on the pressing force), or by means of electronic adjustment with a wheel located on the body. Both methods have their admirers, but keep in mind that the minimum frequency (less than 1000 rpm) is unsuitable for working, for example, with plastic.

6. If you plan to work off-grid, it is important to consider a battery-powered design. Some models of jigsaws come with 2 batteries and a charger.

7. Ergonomic handles are half the success and pleasure of work. When buying, you need to try out where the hand is more comfortable - on the handle-bracket or mushroom-shaped handle. The mushroom handle is preferable for curvilinear curly cuts.

8. Some manufacturers provide the instrument with LED light. When performing ultra-precise work in low light conditions, it is necessary to opt for these models.

Additional features of the power tool are designed to increase comfort and convenience when working. This is the presence of a pendulum mechanism (used for the intensification of threaded work), a device for turning and fixing the saw blade, highlighting the operation zone, blowing off sawdust and cleaning it with a vacuum cleaner.

Popular manufacturers of electric jigsaws

The dilemma - which jigsaw to choose in the presence of a large assortment from different manufacturers - is solved with a close acquaintance with the products of world brands.

So, in the production of electric jigsaws, the standard for T-shank is supported by the famous brands BOSCH, Festool, DeWALT, AEG, Makita, Kress, Hitachi, Protool, Hilti. Features of the tool from the BOSCH company - the use of the SDS system (allows you to replace files without special tools), battery power.

DeWALT manufactures products with universal blades suitable for working with different materials. In addition, the models have the ability to dampen vibration, adjust the air flow.

The Japanese manufacturer Hitachi (Hitachi) produces tools with wireless power, LED backlight, 4-position pendulum mechanism, air removal of sawdust.

The electric jigsaws of the German company AEG are distinguished by the presence of additional functions: a pendulum stroke, sawdust blowing, ultra-fast fixation of the blade clamp, vibration damping, and a lock button in the on state.

The tools of the American company Black & Decker are distinguished by air cooling, the presence of protection for the power cord from breaking, low weight, and the presence of a protective screen.

We continue to discuss the choice of the right tool for construction and home. Let's look at several models of jigsaws, find their strengths and weaknesses, and look at the design features. Next, we will draw the necessary conclusions, and only then it will be possible to go to the store.

Ask any master finisher to voice his personal TOP-5 of the most popular, frequently used tool, and you will hear a list that will definitely include a jigsaw. For example, for me it firmly takes fourth place, after a puncher, a screwdriver and a grinder. The thing is that it is an incredibly functional, mobile, truly universal assistant. He, if necessary, albeit with some restrictions, can replace a number of other tools, which is especially important for a home craftsman. Working with an electric jigsaw is simple and interesting, everyone can do it. Even my wife, who is far from repair and construction equipment, can sometimes cut something with pleasure.

When our brigade makes the first landing on the object, the jigsaw is always with us, there has not yet been a case when it was not useful. But his absence is sometimes acutely felt. Usually, at the very beginning, it is necessary to make scaffolds, racks, and a primitive table from wood.

Most often, we use a jigsaw for curly and straight sawing of all kinds of sheet materials, such as plywood, plexiglass, OSB, chipboard, MDF, GVL, GKL, thin cement boards and so on.

In the production of roofing and wooden frames, we saw (often in place) a board, a rail, a not very massive beam. In the absence of another tool, a thick beam can also be cut with a jigsaw - in two passes, because it is not necessary that the saw blade pass through the wood.

When it comes to materials such as parquet, laminate, lining, there is nothing to talk about - the jigsaw is out of competition.

Often, during tile work, it is necessary to make a curvilinear trimming, bypass a rounded column, near which there will be no plinth, and line the box with the hundredth sewer pipe. From time to time, designers throw us a fun job. A tiler's nightmare: a radial or undulating junction of a tile, for example, to a parquet. Then it can be extremely difficult to solve the problem with grinders and tile cutters, a jigsaw comes to the rescue again - we put a saw blade with a diamond coating and millimeter by millimeter we move towards the intended goal, or rather, along the intended line.

It's no secret that a jigsaw can cut profiled metal blanks, as well as sheet metal. The need for this in my practice somehow did not arise, but for the sake of interest, of course, I tried to do it. We install a file for metal, slow down the speed to a minimum, remove the pendulum stroke and start. Well, yes, it is indeed possible.

Unlike reciprocating, circular, chain saws, the same router, the jigsaw is held and guided with one hand, which allows the second to fix the workpiece. Thanks to this, a fairly accurate cut is obtained at a significant speed of work, since there is no need to fix the workpiece each time, you just need marking and the firm hand of the operator. By using a saw table to mount a jigsaw, you can achieve even more impressive results in terms of precision and cleanliness of the cut. Then the file goes down with the teeth, and there are no chips on the front surface, and the workpiece is moved with two hands. In general, there are two problems when working with an electric jigsaw - this is the appearance of chips and the departure of the saw blade from the vertical. In most cases, they are solved by choosing the right file and choosing the operating mode (blade speed and pendulum stroke amplitude). An important role is also played by the skill of the user and the design feature of the jigsaw.

Jigsaw device: 1 - power cord; 2 - power button; 3 - speed controller; 4 - brush assembly; 5 - electric motor; 6 - cooling fan; 7 - reducer; 8 - eccentric hinge (reciprocating mechanism); 9 - pendulum mechanism; 10 - protective limiter; 11 - support roller for sawing; 12 - air duct for removing sawdust

Fiolent PMZ-600 E

I have several jigsaws in my arsenal, each of which is focused on its own tasks. The main hard worker, whom we have been mercilessly exploiting for many years in the most difficult jobs, is the Fiolent PMZ-600 E. The engineers were able to create a very, very tenacious machine. It can be noted that the manufacturer from Simferopol is simply famous for its successful jigsaws, as well as grinders. PMZ-600 E is a powerful and productive device that quickly copes with any task.

Wood up to 85 mm thick, steel up to 10 mm, aluminum up to 20 mm - these are not just numbers from the passport, this is a very real cutting thickness. A high-torque 600-watt motor moves the rod up to 2600 times per minute at idle, in general, the calculation for power. Many of my colleagues have such a model, no one had problems with the anchor, brushes, gearbox - all the filling was made with a margin of safety. True, a solid motor, a steel counterweight, durable metal parts could not but affect the mass of the product, which is 2.4 kg, and this is quite a lot.

The jigsaw has a switchable pendulum stroke, which helps to speed up work along a straight path, and if the difference is not particularly noticeable for thin materials, then with a large thickness, performance improves significantly. This option can be completely disabled for curved cuts or for sawing metal, ceramics.

The button, the switch-on latch, the speed controller are functioning properly. The manufacturer claims that this rather vulnerable node is of Western European production.

I heard about complaints about the quality of the stock - someone broke it, and that it needs adjustment, refinement, as it can be deployed, which is why the file strives to deviate from the working line. Everything is fine with me, the stem did not break, it cuts smoothly. It has no serious backlashes, the file is well stabilized in the transverse direction.

The stamped sole is made soundly, it is securely fixed exactly perpendicular to the canvas. It is possible to translate it into a position at 45 °, but, to be honest, I do not use this function at all. By the way, the set included a factory plastic overlay on the sole, which prevents the appearance of black stripes from metal and scratches on the front surfaces. Unfortunately, after laying the second hectare of the parquet board, it was safely erased.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the attachment of the file. Perhaps the best option was used here - the lock that clamps the canvas is fixed with one screw. Everything happens quickly, the file is fixed tightly, without distortions. The worst thing that can happen is that there will be no flat screwdriver on the farm. In addition, blades of various thicknesses can be used, which cannot be said about quick-clamping mechanisms.

So let's recap. "Fiolent" PMZ-600 E is an excellent jigsaw for any work on the construction site, this has been tested by time. In which case it is very easy to find spare parts for it, and they are inexpensive.

About a year ago, my partner was eager to get a high-end jigsaw, he really liked the Makita 4351 FCT. Well, a man loves a chic instrument. Of course, I did not deny myself the pleasure of giving this unit a good test drive.

The performance of this unit is simply amazing. I tried to cut the hundredth beam - no problem, the 75th metal corner 6 mm thick - normal, without tension. Everything works very quietly, there are no vibrations, the power reserve is clearly felt (according to the passport, the maximum saw depth for wood is 135 mm, for steel - 10 mm). A 720 W engine seems to suggest such an order of things, but in practice, not all manufacturers are able to successfully transfer the large energy of the power plant to the saw set. The web stroke is 26 mm, the speed of its movement can be set within 800-2800 translational movements per minute. These indicators are similar to those of Fiolent PMZ-600 E, but there is already an electronic sawing speed control system that maintains the set parameters regardless of the structure of materials, including dissimilar ones. Naturally, a pendulum move is offered at our service. The developers have made it three-mode, although practice shows that it is enough to have two extreme positions: “on” and “off”. The jigsaw starts without a jerk, this triggers the inrush current limiter - “soft start” (the function helps with ultra-precise operations).

The jigsaw was equipped with a very solid die-cast aluminum soleplate, it is clearly fixed in the zero position and at an inclination of 45 °. There is an anti-slip, protective plastic pad on it, an anti-splinter insert. By the way, in pinched places, the support platform can be shifted back.

Replacement of a file is made without keys and screw-drivers. It is a bit alarming that the holding mechanism is actuated by a plastic lever, but so far everything is in order with it. It is interesting that the cartridge seems to be “omnivorous” - he tried to insert canvases of different thicknesses, he fixed everything securely.

The working area is illuminated by a built-in lamp, which turns on when the start button is pressed - very convenient. The sawdust removal system works quite effectively.

Now about the unpleasant. The jigsaw is heavy (2.4 kg) and quite overall, they simply cannot crawl into some places. Its length is 30 cm, plus 10 cm of the input casing of the cord protruding back. The body is a bit thick, it resembles a small grinder, I couldn't grasp it normally, the device strives to fall out of my hands. The presence of a mushroom-shaped handle involves two-handed operation, which I really do not like. To turn off the start button, which is necessarily locked, it is necessary to intercept it, you cannot get it from the working position of the hands.

The Makita 4351 FCT is, of course, a powerful, reliable, functional tool. However, it is not suitable for construction and decoration, since you have to work a lot “in place”, sawing workpieces “on the knee” is not his element. The jigsaw will show itself perfectly in the workshop, where the part can be securely fastened. With its help, a figured cut is perfectly performed, you can easily lead the tool towards yourself, to the side, from the bottom of the workpiece.

The little green BOSCH PST 650 was designed by German engineers for the average home craftsman. I bought it in a large building supermarket as an addition to the monumental "Fiolent" PMZ-600 E. Again, I would say that there was no goal to save money, I just assemble a set of light compact tools for special use in special conditions. Practice has shown that the household series of this manufacturer can also be used in the repair and construction business.

The jigsaw immediately fell into the hand, it is really comfortable - the thin D-shaped handle has soft rubber lining, the switches are located in accessible, expected places, everything is perfectly balanced. A sensitive large button allows you to “go off the gas” a little. The weight of the device is only 1.6 kg, which is as much as 800 grams less than that of the PMZ-600 E or Makita 4351 FCT. The developers used a 500 W motor for it, but the working rod was accelerated to 3100 strokes per minute (Fiolent PMZ-600 E, for example, has 2600 strokes per minute). In a word, as in the case of other household tools of the series, the Germans relied on speed. I easily cut bars 50 mm thick, and this is clearly not the limit (the passport indicates 65 mm - wood, 4 mm - steel).

The asset of this jigsaw can be credited with a well-fixed steel platform, including at 45 °, adjustable sawdust blowing, anti-vibration system, good transverse stabilization of the blade.

A keyless chuck is installed on the BOSCH PST 650, which has one drawback - not all files can be inserted there, due to the different thicknesses of the shanks. At the same time, canvases that fit are fixed very securely.

For a year and a half, the PST 650 has been working without failures in finishing work, sawing beams, boards, laminate, lining. An excellent ultra-light class tool, it has rightfully earned its place on the construction site. As for home use, given the price / quality / performance ratio, this jigsaw will be out of competition.

The Einhell BPS 600E jigsaw came to us by accident and left us very quickly. It seems that he had everything for success: a pendulum motion with three modes, a 600-watt motor, a speed controller, a good frequency, a traditional design, a German name ... But the quality of workmanship fails the manufacturer irrevocably. The button broke, the rubber peeled off the handle, the stem began to play, the sole bent, the block that fixed the file broke, a very hard cord began to crack ... Only the motor continues to function. This is an example of how not to make electric jigsaws, this is a complete failure. It makes no sense to buy such a tool, no matter how cheap it would cost.

Let's summarize. To choose the right jigsaw, you need to take into account a number of nuances. Based on the practical experience of professional builders, some general recommendations can be formulated:

Determine in advance what type of work the jigsaw will be used for. In most cases, including for construction, a household or semi-professional tool of the middle price range is suitable.
High power necessarily affects the mass of the product. Consider if you need it.
A jigsaw with a mushroom handle is better suited for work in a workshop environment. Two-handed grip involves fixing the workpiece. It is very convenient to make complex curvilinear cuts with such a tool.
D-shaped machines are operated with one hand, they are good when used in the "field", "on site". This option for the construction site and for the home is preferable.
The presence of a pendulum stroke significantly increases productivity.
To work with a variety of materials, you will need to change the stroke rate - it's good when there is a step speed controller.
For delicate sawing, the function of electronic stabilization of the set speed and soft start will not be superfluous.
The sole must be securely fixed perpendicular to the cutting blade. A big plus would be the presence of a plastic lining.
The less backlash at the working rod and the support roller, the cleaner and more accurate the cut will be.
The quick-clamp blade fastening may have a limit on the thickness of the shanks (not all files are suitable). The most unreliable option is a block with a slot and two screws. The key/screwdriver lock is the most versatile.
Directional airflow and illumination of the working area are very useful options.
Each model has its own unique ergonomics, be sure to “shake” the jigsaw in your hands before buying, choose what suits you personally.
In many authorized sales centers, the buyer is allowed to test the tool in operation, use this right.

In the arsenal of a real owner, there must be several high-quality, versatile tools with which you can quickly and easily perform any repair work around the house. You can safely add a jigsaw to this list. In the article, we will consider the scope and design of the tool, its main characteristics and possible additional functions, and also give tips on which electric jigsaw to choose for the home and select the most suitable models.

1. Brief description and scope

A jigsaw, also known as a jigsaw, refers to an electric hand tool used for sawing various materials. It has a small weight and modest dimensions, due to which the duration of continuous work does not depend on the need for periodic rest of the performer. Any cut occurs with a saw blade that performs reciprocating movements. By choosing one or another type of saw, it is possible to process materials of different density and thickness, perform complex cuts and much more. And it's not just the ability handle such familiar materials as wood or metal, but also, , stone, plastic and glass.

The scope of the jigsaw is quite extensive:

In fact, this is not the whole list. Having learned about all the possibilities of a jigsaw, you will see for yourself that it is really almost indispensable in the household and is multifunctional.

2. The design of the jigsaw

Most often, the owners of several serious units of a working tool prefer to fix minor malfunctions on their own and can determine exactly when they can’t do without the help of a specialist and which part needs to be replaced. It is no wonder that such knowledge directly depends on the understanding of devices and the principle of operation of a particular device. Consider in detail the design of the jigsaw shown in the figure.

Separately, I would like to dwell on jigsaw handles. It can be of different forms, on which the convenience of performing certain works directly depends. There are three options:

Also, depending on the design, jigsaws can be divided into two large groups:

3. Advantages and disadvantages of working with a jigsaw

Any tool has both advantages and some disadvantages. Perhaps knowing everything Benefits jigsaw as a hand tool, it will be easier for you to make your choice or you will finally be convinced of the need to purchase it:

Among shortcomings can be distinguished:

The power limit of the tool is a limited parameter that directly affects the weight of the jigsaw. The more powerful the model you need, the more it will weigh. Although, this drawback applies to all tools;
The maximum thickness of the processed material is also limited;
Short stroke of the cutting blade;
Given that the saws are attached at one end, they must be thick enough so that they simply do not break every time they have to deal with hard materials. And, as you know, the thicker the canvas, the lower the indicators of its flexibility. This may affect the ability to perform shape cutting;
When cutting thick parts, chip removal is noticeably worse, which in turn leads to a decrease in saw speed.

4. Main technical characteristics

Obviously, the more powerful the model, the faster and more productive it is, that is, it is able to cope with a greater thickness of the part. But this is not the only important parameter:

5. Overview of additional functions

In addition to the main characteristics, there are a number of useful features that modern manufacturers have generously endowed their products with. Naturally, the more "twists" at the tool the higher will it price. However, to operate with the established stereotype “the more expensive the better” in this case is not worth it. Perhaps some of the functions will turn out to be absolutely unnecessary and useless for you, so why overpay for them?

AVR - anti-vibration system. The presence of this function significantly reduces the vibration transmitted to the performer from the engine through the housing. Thus, this contributes to less fatigue and greater controllability of the jigsaw. It also increases tool life. It is advisable to purchase models with ATS if you plan to perform work often and for several hours in a row;
Frequency control saw blade travel. This feature is very useful if you intend to work with a jigsaw with different materials. This moment also determines the possibility of achieving a clean cut. After all, it is better to process wooden blanks at a high stroke rate, while it is possible to avoid the formation of teeth on the edges of sheet metal only at low speed;
Pendulum move. The presence of this element makes it possible to move the saw not only up / down, but also forward / backward. This greatly accelerates the cutting speed, but worsens its cleanliness and reduces the controllability of the tool. Most often, models with this function are purchased if necessary, often saw a large number of wooden parts;
Saw at an angle. The ability to make an oblique cut is possible only if the sole of the tool can change its position. In this case, the angle can be 0-45 degrees. You will have to set the desired angle yourself, focusing on the appropriate marks. More expensive models have a clearly fixed position of the sole at an angle of 15, 30 or 45 degrees. After tilting it to the required angle, it will be fixed by the built-in limiter. It is advisable to purchase jigsaws with this function if you are engaged in the production of furniture or, for example, window glazing beads;
Smooth start. The possibility of a smooth start, firstly, will allow you to maintain the integrity of the workpiece at the beginning of work, and not tear out pieces at the beginning of the cut. Secondly, it will protect the motor from a large starting current;
Possibility vacuum cleaner connection. In this case, a special branch pipe for removing sawdust will be connected to the sole of the jigsaw. The function is useful even, which allows for “clean” work and minimizes the amount of wood or metal dust that the user inevitably inhales during work;
Backlight drinking places. A handy little thing that makes the markup more visible, which means cutting will be more accurate;
laser marker. It can be implemented as a dot or a line. Allows you to foresee the direction of the cut and prevent its deviation from the markup;
Quick change system saw blade. Allows you to remove a worn or broken saw with one pull of the lever;
blowing dust and sawdust from the cutting line. In some models, the fan, which is necessary to cool the engine during operation, can also perform an additional function of blowing debris from the workpiece;
Protective screen. It is designed to protect the organ of vision from getting dust particles or chips into them, and they are made of transparent plexiglass;
table for mounts. In the presence of this element, a conventional portable tool can turn into a stationary one.

6. Factors influencing the choice

After you have familiarized yourself with all the possible additional functions and technical characteristics, you need to summarize and highlight main factors which should influence the choice:

7. TOP 3 most "survivable" jigsaws for the home

Of course, after such a careful selection, I would like to purchase a really reliable tool for long-term use. The variety of products offered is unrealistically large. And the more you look directories, the more you can get confused. It has long been known that in order to really buy a thing, you need to pay attention to trusted manufacturers and not be stingy. We have selected for you several models of electric jigsaws, which confirm their durability and reliability with a large number of positive reviews from real consumers. For your information - the serial number in the list does not play a role.

Everyone starts their reviews with the Makita type, etc., we also did not ignore this brand, but we decided to start with a manufacturer originally from Simferopol, who is famous for his successful models of electric jigsaws. Many professionals point out that the firm model Fiolent PMZ-600 E It has been operated by them for a long time in a fairly intensive mode and has never failed. The jigsaw can handle up to 85 mm thick wood, up to 10 mm thick steel and up to 20 mm thick aluminum. In this case, the engine power is 600 W, and the saw blade movement frequency is 2600 times / min. Experts note the high quality of the filling of the tool, which definitely has a margin of safety. The sole of the tool is made of thick stamped steel, and has the ability to tilt at an angle of 45 degrees. There is a function for adjusting the speed and a pendulum stroke, which can be turned off if necessary. To shortcomings can be attributed to the weight of the model, which reaches 2.4 kg. Maybe at first, it will not be very convenient and hard for you to work;
Makita 4351 FTC. A jigsaw from a well-known manufacturer of high-quality tools has a mushroom-shaped handle and is more suitable for those who have organized a small carpentry workshop in their garage or in the country, rather than for one-time household use. At the same time, people testing this device noted that the body of the jigsaw is quite large and wide. It can be problematic to grasp the tool with one hand and at the same time securely fix it. The motor has a power of 720 W, and the frequency of saw blade movements can be adjusted and lies in the range of 800-2800 times / min, the blade stroke is 26 mm. The high power is reflected in the weight of the tool, which reaches 2.4 kg, like the previous model. The jigsaw works quietly, does not create strong vibrations, easily copes with large thicknesses in accordance with the technical specifications specified by the manufacturer. The sole is very solid, made of aluminum, has a fixation in the zero position and at an angle of 45 degrees. The set includes a plastic anti-slip and protective pad on the sole. The chuck is quick-clamping and securely fixes blades of different thicknesses. Of the additional functions are present - smooth running, pendulum three-mode running, illumination of the working area;
Bosch PST 650. A very convenient and compact jigsaw with a D-handle from a well-known German manufacturer impresses with its weight, which is only 1.6 kg. At the same time, the engine power is 500 W, and the maximum number of reciprocating movements of the saw element is as much as 3100 times per minute. Thanks to such a high speed, the maximum thickness of the wooden workpiece, according to the data from the manufacturer, is 65 mm, steel - 4 mm. The sole of the tool is made of durable steel, has a rigid fixation in the zero position and at an angle of 45 degrees. The chuck is also quick-clamping, however, it does not fix all saw blade thicknesses. The jigsaw is equipped with a function for cleaning the working area from sawdust, which can be adjusted. It is safe to say that this is one of the best and trouble-free models for home use.

It is the wide variety of working equipment that makes the jigsaw so versatile and indispensable. Probably, you could not help but notice that all saw blades have different markings on their shanks. She not only says what material the canvas is made of, but also what it is best to use.
Consider standard markings:

HSS- a saw made of high-speed alloy steel. Designed to work with various stones at high speeds - with or, or with metal. Differs in the increased durability, hardness and resistance to high temperatures;
BIM- a canvas made of bimetallic material. Suitable for cutting hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile or plexiglass;
HCS– cutting element made of high carbon steel. Suitable for processing almost all types of wood, except for very hard, or plastic;
HM– extra hard tungsten carbide alloy blade. Most often used for cutting ceramic tiles or fiberglass;
CV- a saw made of chrome vanadium steel. It has increased characteristics of plasticity, viscosity and elasticity, which makes the canvas ideal for working with soft materials - drywall, chipboard, fiberboard and some types of wood.

In addition to the material and purpose, saws differ in shank shape and may be:

T-shaped;
U-shaped;
With two holes - marking MA.

To work with the tool was easy, and its service life was maximum, it is necessary to observe simple rules:

10. Most common malfunctions

Frequent and prolonged or not quite correct operation of any tool will sooner or later lead to some kind of malfunction. Consider the most common mechanical types of breakdowns electric jigsaws, in which the engine itself continues to work normally, but it is not possible to achieve an accurate or clean cut:

Crooked saw. It happens that the saw blade leads significantly away from the intended line during operation. In this case, either the rod itself or the saw attachment mechanism may be faulty. Also, do not exclude the possibility of wear of parts or their excessive contamination. To begin with, it is worth trying to remove the above elements and clean them thoroughly. If the problem persists, replacement of fasteners or stem is inevitable;
Too perceptible vibration and noise. If you notice that over time, the device began to make sounds that were not characteristic of it before and vibrate very strongly, this may be due to the failure of the gearbox. There may be no lubrication or the teeth on the gear have collapsed. For an accurate determination, you need to remove part of the case from the side and inspect the mechanism. If there is a breakdown, the mechanism must be replaced;
strong jolts at work. If you feel that the jigsaw began to hit hard during the cut, this may be due to the failure of the pendulum mechanism or rod, which will have to be replaced. Before replacing, try spinning and completely cleaning and lubricating the mechanism, sometimes this is enough.

Not always malfunctions can be the result of failure or breakdown of one or another part of the structure. Sometimes out of order maybe electronics. Then the characteristic types of breakdowns will be:

In this article we will talk about electric jigsaws, consider the TOP 10 best and which ones are better to choose for household chores. Such a tool is used when performing carpentry and wood carving and will be useful both for home use and for professional activities.

In order to choose a jigsaw from a huge assortment, you need to consider its main characteristics and, depending on the purpose and brand, take yourself a home assistant. No need to focus on the cost, because the more features, the higher the price, but most of them you will not use in practice.

If you need a tool for professional work, then you should consider models at higher prices and with high power.

Which jigsaw is better to buy for home

There are a lot of criteria for choosing electric jigsaws.

Motor power/power type/tool class.
saw blade stroke rate.
Type of attachment of the file (quick-clamp, screw).
The presence of a pendulum motion.
Additional functionality.
Manufacturer / model / price.

Motor power

The class of the jigsaw directly depends on the power: household (for home) or professional. Running household models usually have a power of 380-700 W, "take" steel up to 2-4 millimeters, wood - up to 7, they have a smaller resource and a number of additional functions.

The price of household models from the cost of professional ones can differ significantly (depending on the manufacturer). A professional-level tool (750-1000 W) cuts two-centimeter aluminum and steel to a centimeter, the depth of cut wood reaches 8-14 mm.

The thickness of the material is indicated in the instructions as "maximum depth of cut." There are low-power jigsaws powered by batteries. Suitable for limited cutting volumes of materials that are not very hard, in the absence of an electrical network (for example, in a suburban area).

saw stroke frequency

This parameter of the electric jigsaw determines the speed of work (the number of reciprocating movements of the file per minute). It is worth considering: wood is cut better at a higher frequency, steel - at a lower stroke frequency.

The stroke frequency is adjusted either before the power tool is turned on, or is changed during operation by the locking button. The higher the index, the faster the blade wears out and, at the same time, the higher the productivity.

pendulum mechanism

Today, the vast majority of electric jigsaws are equipped with a pendulum mechanism with a corresponding switch. The mechanism makes additional movements of the saw blade in a horizontal direction and increases cutting performance, work speed and operating time.

A significant disadvantage is that the surface quality can be significantly reduced. Therefore, it is undesirable to use the mechanism for a finishing cut. When cutting steel or hardwood with a jigsaw, the function is virtually indispensable.

Additional functionality

In poor lighting, a jigsaw can act as an additional source of light. To do this, the power tool is equipped with additional lighting. The jigsaw motor fan can serve as a “cleaner”, using exhaust air to blow dust and sawdust from the cutting line.

The option of connecting a jigsaw electric saw to a household vacuum cleaner serves a similar purpose. The saw swivel adjuster is indispensable when sawing round holes. An important criterion for choosing a jigsaw can be the presence of an angle clamp that fixes the base plate ("sole") at various angles: 0, 45, 30, 15 degrees.

When choosing canvases for a jigsaw, the material is also taken into account. Carbon steel blades (HCS marking) are suitable for cutting soft wood and a number of artificial materials, high speed steel (HSS) - for steels, various non-ferrous metals, plastics, aluminum, and other hard materials.

Universal bimetal blades (BIM) are flexible and allow you to work with a jigsaw in areas with very limited access.

Electric jigsaw which company is better to choose

With modern globalization, the line between “good” and “bad” producers has, of course, become a bit blurred. But some stereotypes (such as inexpensive and high-quality) remain with both sellers and buyers.

Bosch (Germany) and Makita electric jigsaws are known for unsurpassed quality (and price).
The Hitachi power tool has proven itself well.
In the household segment, Black & Decker, Skil and Bosch (green), Russian Baikal (IZH) are quoted.
Pros: Makita, Bosch (blue), Metabo, Hitachi.
Hilti - great electric jigsaws at "immodest" prices.

Which jigsaw to choose for professional work

Electric jigsaws, like other electric tools, come in a variety of models that can be used for professional needs or domestic purposes.

In everyday life, this tool is not used very often, so household electric jigsaws have low power, inferior to professional models that are in constant use.

Household electric jigsaws are equipped with fewer additional features and have minimal working resources, which are enough for a one-time use of the tool. Accordingly, the cost of household models of electric jigsaws is 2-3 times less than the price of professional models.

When choosing an electric jigsaw, it must be borne in mind that household low-power tools are used to cut wood products with a maximum thickness of 70 mm, and steel products with a maximum thickness of 4 mm.

Professional models of electric jigsaws, which have high power and performance, are used to cut wood with a maximum thickness of 135 mm, steel up to 10 mm and aluminum up to 20 mm thick.

If you know how thick the metal you need to cut, it is easy to calculate the power of the jigsaw needed for this job. Household electric jigsaws are produced by Chinese and Polish manufacturers.

Better instruments are produced by German, Japanese and Swedish manufacturers. The professional electric jigsaw is produced by the well-known German manufacturer Bosch.

Cutting round holes of various diameters with an electric jigsaw in sheet materials (wood, steel, plastic) is quick and easy.

If a jigsaw is needed for professional activities - performing repair work on an ongoing basis, then in this case it makes sense to pay attention to professional units. They are more powerful and designed for daily use.

The professional jigsaw has an unlimited working time and is equipped with many additional features. Power is 700-1000 watts. Such units do an excellent job with cutting wood 80-135 mm, steel - up to 10 mm, aluminum - up to 20 mm. Of course, the weight and size of professional jigsaws is greater than that of household ones.

Like any other power tool, a jigsaw can be household or professional. It is better to choose a household model if you plan to use a jigsaw rarely and only at a small household level.

Such jigsaws are low-power, they can cut wooden parts no more than 7 cm thick and steel sheets up to 4 mm thick. Frequent use of household electrical appliances will lead to their rapid wear. But this does not mean that they are of poor quality.

For their modest purposes, they are quite suitable. Typically, such models are made in China or Poland, have a limited number of functions and a very affordable price. They are perfect for home use.

Professional jigsaws have great power, a significant margin of safety and can last more than one year even at maximum loads. Such models without problems cut wooden blanks up to 14 cm thick, aluminum sheets up to 2 cm thick and steel sheets up to 1 cm.

Manufacturers of professional jigsaws usually produce a range of electrical appliances and are quite well known among construction workers. The more famous the manufacturer, the more expensive the tool that is produced under his name.

Although there are analogues less expensive, but no less high quality. Which model to choose, you will be prompted by a seller with a good and proven reputation.

Additional functions of a professional jigsaw

When choosing a model, special attention should be paid to the additional functions of a professional electric jigsaw. Which one exactly?

Almost all modern models are equipped with a pendulum-type mechanism. This mechanism transmits additional pendulum vibrations to the file. This feature protects the tool from premature wear and significantly reduces cutting time.

True, the quality of the cut is reduced, which is not always acceptable. If a fine cut is performed, it is better to turn off the pendulum mechanism. In addition, it should not be used when working with metal or hardwoods.

The second useful feature is the ability to adjust the stroke rate, which allows you to customize the tool to work with a specific material. The higher the stroke frequency, the higher the productivity, but at a higher frequency, the tool wears out faster.

The frequency can be selected by pressing the start button harder or by adjusting the knob before starting the instrument.

What will make your work easier is the dust blowing function. Almost any cut, regardless of the material, entails the appearance of dust and chips, which settle on the cut line and scatter around the workplace. The dust blowing function will help to immediately clean the blade from chips and dust, which will significantly improve the quality of the cut and its accuracy.

In addition, a jigsaw may have a built-in lamp, a quick change system for the cutting element, a sole angle lock, and other useful features. You can even connect a vacuum cleaner to electric jigsaws so that the workplace is always neat and clean, without dust and chips.

When choosing an electric jigsaw, you also need to take into account its power. For household models, it usually does not exceed 500 W, while for professional models it reaches 550 W and above.

The German corporation Bosch knows everything about jigsaws, because it was thanks to this manufacturer that the first jigsaws appeared. And the improvement of this tool continues every day.

Although the first jigsaw called Lesto was produced by Albert Kaufmann, who had nothing to do with the concern, it was after selling it to Bosch that he gained his popularity.

Now the Bosch jigsaw (Bosch) is a high-quality and reliable device. And this is not surprising, because the manufacturer has always put the interests and needs of the buyer in the first place, and the brand itself is the personification of German quality and durability.

All Bosch products and jigsaws combine excellent technical characteristics and modern technologies.

Buying a Bosch electric jigsaw is getting an excellent tool with which you can cut any shape. The powerful engine is capable to perform work of any complexity. And the almost complete absence of vibration makes interaction with it easy and comfortable.

Each Bosch jigsaw is equipped with the Bosch-SDS system, which allows you to change blades without any tools in just a few seconds. Modern models also have the function of a pendulum stroke, which makes it possible to make cuts more accurate and of high quality.

And the famous Bosch Electronic system makes the tool management process very simple and convenient. In addition, most models are equipped with speed control and soft start systems. The level of safety when working with them is very high.

Wood and its derivatives - chipboard and fibreboard.
Plastics.
Metals.

We recommend paying attention to power tools for sawing from the Japanese brand Makita. Maneuverable, multifunctional and indispensable devices for solving domestic and professional tasks in working with wood, plastic and metal.

Power consumption in the range of 450–750 W.
Performed cuts: straight and curved, sawing holes and patterns.
Cutting angle: perpendicular and at any angle to the surface (up to 45 degrees).

Depth of cut: the speed of processing, as well as the ability to work with the hardest and most durable materials, is directly proportional to this indicator.
Saw blade stroke frequency: The greater the number of saw strokes, the greater the cleanliness of the cut.
The presence of a pendulum function that allows you to cut the blade of any configuration.
Weight and dimensions: the more powerful and professional the power tool, the heavier and larger it is. If you need a Makita jigsaw to solve small household tasks, then choose a simpler and easier model.

It is also important what reviews buyers leave on Makita jigsaws, talking about their convenience and safety in use. When choosing, pay attention to the presence of speed adjustment with a conveniently located trigger. It is also important that the handle in the tool be equipped with special rubber anti-vibration and anti-slip pads.

To avoid dust in the room due to waste during cutting, it is important that the model has the ability to attach a dust bag or nozzle for aggregation with an industrial vacuum cleaner. The presence of a variety of protective equipment, such as protective transparent shields, the possibility of grounding, also increase the safety of work.

LED lamps that illuminate the work area help you use the tool in low light conditions.

Equipping jigsaws with a die-cast aluminum platform to protect against damage during a fall, tool-free change of accessories for cutting - these are also important key points when choosing jigsaws from Makita.

If you have ever been to a tool store, you have seen that there are letters and numbers on the shank of any file. Let's figure out what they mean.

The letter T means the type of fastening, that is, T-shaped. It also happens U, is much less common.

The numbers on the shank mean.

1 - standard short, length up to 75 mm.
2 - medium length, up to 90 mm.
3 - elongated, up to 150 mm.
7 - the longest (over 150 mm).
The following letters indicate the size of the teeth: A, B, C, D.

Tooth A is the smallest, so all metal files have A, for example T118A means - a file with a T-shank, a short, very small tooth.

Further, respectively - B - a slightly larger tooth (most often these are files with a small tooth for plywood, chipboard, fiberboard and wood for a clean cut). Files with the letters C and D - with the largest teeth, for wood for rough sawing.

F - bimetal (the coolest, high quality).
R - with reverse tooth.
X - universal for wood, metal and plastic.
O - for a curved cut (cut a circle, for example, usually thin, so that the file can be turned straight during sawing).
P - thick options for sawing strictly at the exact selected angle (thick, do not bend, so they cut perfectly). A bright representative - T144DP, costs much more than standard ones.

The main purpose of an electric jigsaw is sawing wood. For this purpose, there are a huge number of files and they are all different. Let's go in order.

If you need to saw ordinary boards and you don’t care about the quality of the cut, its cleanliness, you work for speed (for example, sawing ordinary boards for firewood or for a fence), then buy jigsaw files with a large tooth. Thanks to this, the sawing speed will be high, and if you work with a jigsaw in pendulum mode, then everything will be just fine.

In addition, also pay attention to the length of the saw, since sawing a board or bar with a thickness of 70 mm (for example) will not work as usual, you will need an elongated one.

Well, the third nuance when choosing is the thickness, standard files are not thick, but there are thickened ones (they cut much better, because they do not bend). Since most jigsaws use a standard mount (t-shaped), the name of the files for such a mount begins with the letter T.

See the photo for a standard set of nail files:

Well, now we will analyze each file separately, what it can saw, for what work it is more suitable.

T101D - standard for sawing boards, short. The price is quite low (40-50 rubles), so it is in demand and is included in our so-called "gentleman's set".

Usually, when buying a jigsaw, the buyer asks to pick up some files for the household, so 101D is included in the set. It has a large tooth, good sawing speed, the cut quality is acceptable. In addition to boards, you can saw chipboard, thick plywood.

T101B is the second standard wood jigsaw, fine tooth, so we recommend it for fine cuts. She works on plywood, chipboard, fiberboard, plexiglass, plastic. The sawing speed is lower than that of the previous one, which is understandable, a fine tooth is more needed for a fine cut. T101BR - exactly the same as 101b, the only difference is in the direction of the tooth. This is a reverse toothed file that is primarily used on coated surfaces. Of course, this is primarily a laminate, the glossy surface of the laminate does not tear, so the cut is smooth and neat. So this is a great option for laminate and glued wood. T119BO is for shaped sawing, so it is thin. It is used in cases where you need to cut a circle or something else in a tree. Due to the fact that it is thin, the jigsaw can be rotated during sawing.

Cut her circles, rhombuses, ovals in plywood, fiberboard, chipboard. The tooth is small, so the cut is even and smooth. Before you start cutting a hole in plywood, first drill a "hole" with a regular drill, then insert a file into the hole and start cutting in a circle.

There are also progressive models that are more expensive, however, they cut much more efficiently and faster than standard ones. One of these - T234X - for sawing chipboard, fiberboard, any wood, and most importantly - for sawing wood along the fibers.

The file cuts very quickly, so it is in demand among buyers. She can also work on sheet metal, plastic, plexiglass.

Long - T345 XF, for sawing thick wood bars. “Figachit” with such a file a bar of 90 mm, without any problems at all. It has a BIM brand on it, so the saw is bimetal, you can cut everything except stone.

T118A - standard metal file, has a very fine tooth (like metal blades). You can cut metal up to 3 mm, though there is a terrible rattle, so use protective headphones. Highly recommend. Also, due to the fact that the tooth is very small, it is also recommended to cut plastic, many finishers do this.

These are 5 files that we constantly sell together with electric jigsaws. By and large, they are enough for all household chores.

In addition to the standard saw blade for metal, there are special options for any other metal. For example, an aluminum file has a larger tooth, so that the teeth do not clog. After all, aluminum is a soft metal, so the standard for metal is very quickly clogged with chips.

T224D - for aluminum, special. It says Alu on it.

Category	Place	Name	Price
The best inexpensive jigsaws	5		3700
	4	Bort BPS-650-Q	1800
	3		1900
	2	Interskol MP-55/500E	2000
	1		1400
The best professional jigsaws	5		5900
	4	Makita 4351FCT	10200
	3		11500
	2		6300
	1		14000

The Top 10 jigsaws are opened by the German model BOSCH PST 700 E, which can be safely attributed to the class of universal solutions. The fact is that the jigsaw has a good cutting ability with a cutting depth of 70 millimeters. Great for trimming boards, panels.

Can be used as a household helper to create decorative accessories, toys. In general, the scope is wide. The only problem is that the developers did not pay due attention to working with metals. In the best case, it cuts aluminum, up to 4 millimeters thick.

reliable brand;
wide scope of application;
comfortable handle;
high power;
optimum cutting depth.

not the best choice for working with metals.

Bort BPS-650-Q

If you want to buy a jigsaw with an ergonomic shape and a comfortable handle, and do not plan to overpay at the same time - Bort BPS-650. This is the most comfortable jigsaw in its line.

Rubberized handle, durable motor and improved grip are just a few of the advantages of a model that attracts with a reduced level of vibration and an extended service life. The device copes with details up to 6.5 centimeters wide.

A quick-release chuck is installed for fixing tiles. It is worth adding that the manufacturers paid due attention to almost all the little things: from clamps to fixing the pipe. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not consider it necessary to work on spring-loaded screws. The model starts to make noise, according to customer reviews, 3 months after purchase.

ease of use;
reduced vibration level;
performance;
scope.

makes noise.

We are talking about a good Russian electric jigsaw, the power of which is 710 watts. This is quite enough for smooth, stable operation of the device when interacting with various materials.

Best suited for woodworking (cutting depth 8 cm). For steel, the cutting depth is 1 cm. There is a protective shield, simple frequency adjustment. Based on customer feedback, the product is equipped with good blades and simple operation.

All parts are made from quality materials. However, this product is focused on simple tasks - not suitable for professional use!

quality assembly;
democratic value;
good cutting depth for wood;
smooth operation.

for metals is not the best choice.

Interskol MP-55/500E

Perhaps the best budget Russian jigsaw, which has a powerful engine. The developers also took care of installing a good turning mechanism. You can cut wood, metal, plastic at an angle of 45 degrees.

Installed a universal clip for various canvases. A nice addition is the rubberized handle, which is pleasant to hold in your hand. In addition, it has a protective visor to protect the rods.

Despite the low price, additional protection is provided in the form of a dust adapter. Among all the variety of reviews, there are no well-founded comments that we pointed out to the obvious disadvantages of the model.

functionality;
power;
durability;
warranty service period;
price;
convenience.

not detected.

The best budget jigsaw is the Bort BPS-500-P model, designed for home use. Despite the loyal cost, it is suitable for an extensive list of materials, including ceramics, metal, plastic. The compact power tool is equipped with a stable motor with a power of 400 watts.

A secure grip is ensured by the presence of an elastic overlay and an ergonomic shape of the product. Suitable not only for cuts, but also for cutting wooden sheets. It is worth saying that the developers took care of the presence of a good “start” latch.

Therefore, you do not need to keep your finger on the button all the time. The cutting angle is adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees. For such a price, there are no shortcomings!

stable motor;
the presence of a latch of the start key;
ergonomic look;
comfortable handle;
good power for a budget employee.

not detected.

The developers equipped the device with good files, a reliable engine and an anti-splinter insert. For obvious reasons, it is very easy to achieve a smooth surface with this jigsaw. But, as you know, much depends on the skill of the user and the ease of use of the device.

And here, not everything is perfect. After several applications, the cut begins to take away to the side.

reliability;
quiet work;
high performance;
German assembly;
price-quality ratio.

over time, the cut leads to the side.

Makita 4351FCT

Powerful model designed for accurate processing of wood and plastic. It works less productively with metals, since the cutting depth is only 1 centimeter. Based on customer reviews, the power is 720 watts. However, the maximum stroke is 2.6 centimeters.

A professional jigsaw weighs only 2.4 kilograms. This is not enough for a product with such an engine. In addition, the developers equipped the device with a cast support base, which allows you to make high-quality oblique cuts without worrying about damaging the tool.

It is worth adding that the declared characteristics of the manufacturer are completely true!

performance;
light weight;
oblique cuts;
magnitude;
cutting depth.

Minuses:

We are talking about the most comfortable jigsaw of 2018 according to most users. The DeWALT DW331K impresses with its simple saw blade change and good built-in counterweight system.

This indicates that the machine has a low noise level. In addition, the device is equipped with a rubberized pad, as well as a comfortable handle.

If necessary, you can use the commit button if a large amount of work is planned. It is worth noting that the power regulator is located on the handle. This is a huge bonus for craftsmen who have to work in parallel with several different materials.

durable case;
comfortable handle;
wide scope of application;
quality lining;
lock button;
high level of convenience.

poor blowing of sawdust.

A good jigsaw for professional use that provides users with the highest operating comfort. Suitable for the implementation of a wide variety of operations, however, like the entire Metabo STE line. The model is equipped with a powerful, reliable motor that provides high cutting accuracy.

It is worth saying that the model is economical, due to the presence of a well-thought-out pendulum system that regulates the ideal balance of speed and fuel consumption.

Many users were satisfied with the choice, because after using this tool, the cut area is always clean. You can additionally connect a vacuum cleaner.

performance;
quality of component parts;
cleanliness in use;
connection of a vacuum cleaner;
economy.

not detected.

The best electric jigsaw of 2018 is the Metabo STEB 140 Plus model, based on an innovative autonomous start system. When filing any material, the device automatically accelerates the progress of any tile. Another nice bonus is the simple choice of inclination of the sole.

Intelligent lighting and sawdust blowing are provided. For these reasons, the product has a long declared life. There is a plate to protect the inside from chips and mechanical damage.

The kit includes a high-quality suitcase, a good protective glass and a pipe for connecting an additional vacuum cleaner.

luxurious equipment;
excellent protection;
power;
comfortable handle;
LED lights.

not found.