Let's understand the question: what is the pendulum stroke of a jigsaw?

The design and principle of operation of the pendulum of a jigsaw

Figure 1 - The structure of a jigsaw
An electric jigsaw is an improved model of a traditional hand tool.

Suitable for straight, mortise and angled cuts. Can cut round holes. It is used to process a wide range of materials: wood, metal, ceramics.

Main design elements:

• frame;
• engine;
• board responsible for adjusting the stroke frequency;
• gearbox;
• start button;
• pipe for chip removal;
• support platform (sole);
• pendulum tincture;
• saw support roller;
• blade replacement system, rod.

The cutting surface of the tool moves in translational motion due to special guides. Sawing is carried out only when moving upward. An orbital jigsaw has the ability to change the amplitude, which allows movement along a curve.

Important ! The use of a pendulum mechanism increases the speed of appearance of cut lines, but reduces their quality and edge uniformity.

Functional content

If everything is more or less simple with the basic elements of a jigsaw and their set is usually standard, then additional options for professional processing of material need to be dealt with more thoroughly. So, modern hand-held equipment can demonstrate the following capabilities:

• stroke frequency adjustment. The selection of the required parameter can be done both before starting work and during the process, increasing the pressure on the start button, thereby increasing productivity. Do not forget that with such manipulations the file wears out much faster;
• connection of a multi-stage pendulum mechanism. Most modern jigsaws include a function that allows you to increase the number of horizontal movements of the cutter in the cutting direction and in the opposite direction. In this case, the file will not wear out faster, but the cutting edge will be less neat. When performing a high-quality finishing cut, it is better to disable this option, especially when it comes to processing sheet steel and hard wood;
• illumination of the working area. The lamp integrated into the tool body optimizes the cutting process and makes it more comfortable in places with insufficient lighting;
• Changing the cutting blade without a key. Quick blade replacement using a special lever allows you to save time on re-equipping the unit and quickly install the selected cutter;
• automatic removal of sawdust. A fan designed to cool the electric drive expands its functionality and allows you to promptly remove sawdust from the cutting line, which is especially important when performing woodwork;
• Availability of an adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner. This feature ensures thorough cleaning of the surface being processed from chips and dust, thereby improving visibility of the cutting line;
• turning the saw. A very convenient function, thanks to which the cutting element of the jigsaw rotates 360 degrees, which is indispensable when forming holes of a round configuration;
• fixing the inclination of the sole. Using the clamp, you can secure the home jigsaw in the selected position at a given angle (from 0 to 45 degrees).

Pendulum stroke

The pendulum function of an electric jigsaw significantly expands the capabilities of the tool. Experienced craftsmen know why a pendulum stroke is needed and in what cases the device is indispensable, and we will be happy to tell beginners about this useful option. Thus, the saw blade of a jigsaw with a pendulum stroke during operation, in addition to the reciprocating action, additionally performs a horizontal movement in the direction of sawing and in the opposite direction. This mechanism is designed in such a way that it allows you to quickly cut a part while the tool moves upward. Many models of units provide adjustment of the amplitude of the pendulum stroke, which allows you to select the desired cutting mode depending on the characteristics of the workpiece. The more steps the regulator has, the more accurately the master will be able to adjust the device, choosing the optimal balance between the cleanliness of the cut and the speed of work.

What is it and why is it needed?

Figure 2 - Pendulum stroke button in a jigsaw
Jigsaw pumping or pendulum stroke is an internal mechanism for increasing the amplitude of movement of the saw relative to the cutting line.

The cutting blade produces oscillatory movements under the action of the support roller.

The main source is the balancer, at the bottom of which there is a thin iron plate.

When the editor rotates, pumping oscillations are triggered, which leads to the transfer of impulse to the rod. This means that the file can change the course of its movement, as if gnawing into the surface of the material.

When the function is turned off, the jigsaw makes standard movements, due to which uniform sawing is achieved. When you start the pendulum stroke, it becomes possible to work with softer and larger materials and make complex cuts.

How to control the pendulum stroke?

And so, we have already figured out that your electric jigsaw has such a function, so now you just need to understand what exactly it does and how you can use it.

In fact, everything is extremely simple. If you do not turn on the pendulum function, the jigsaw blade will only move up and down in translational movements. This is what allows us to cut wood, but unfortunately, not as quickly as we would like.

Now let’s imagine that you turned on, well, let’s say the first pendulum stroke on an electric jigsaw. The file will not only move up and down, but also bend to the side, against its cutting edge and back. Thus, the cut will no longer be at a straight angle, but at a sharper angle, which will slightly speed up the cutting process itself.

The higher the number on the pendulum adjuster, the sharper the angle of inclination of the cutting edge will be. Accordingly, the speed will increase significantly, since in one translational movement, the saw will be able to cut at least twice as much as in the standard mode without pendulum movement.

Why is pumping adjustment needed?

It is the pendulum stroke in the jigsaw that makes it possible to change the oscillation and stroke mode of the saw. Most modern models have 1-4 levels of pumping for different types of work and material density. Common modes:

1. The pendulum stroke does not start or operates at minimum power. Suitable for making smooth curved cuts. Suitable for hard metals and wooden pieces up to 3 cm thick.
2. Minimum degree of pendulum stroke. The mode is optimal for working with soft wood, copper and aluminum.
3. Medium vibrations are recommended for sawing plastic and wood with a thickness of 4 cm.
4. Strong or maximum pumping mode. Needed for rough cutting of wooden surfaces and working with large-sized products.

Running the pendulum on a jigsaw increases saw wear. When working with bulk materials, where a careful saw is not required, the cutting surface becomes unusable 2-3 times faster.

Important ! The jigsaw blade must be selected taking into account the material of the workpiece. Files for metal, plastic and wood differ in the size of the teeth and the degree of sharpening.

Tool prevention

The long service life and constant efficiency of the tool depend not only on the characteristics of its operation, but also on timely care of its mechanism. Regular preventative measures will significantly reduce the wear of parts, reducing the likelihood of serious breakdowns.

Carrying out such a procedure requires only a screwdriver, a piece of rag for cleaning and a little grease. The whole process takes no more than an hour and consists of disassembling the jigsaw and carefully cleaning its parts. The gearbox and rod assembly must be cleaned and lubricated most thoroughly. Prevention should be carried out as the tool becomes dirty, based on the frequency of its use.

article from the Rating section

Power tools Repair and modernization Carpentry tools (for wood) For working with metal

Application benefits

More and more manufacturers are releasing models with a pumping function. It increases the variability of device operation. The advantages of such jigsaws:

• very high speed of the web;
• the ability to cut plastic, any type of wood, steel sheets and foam;
• quick removal of sawdust;
• less heating of the blade when sawing.

Due to the popularity of the pendulum stroke, such a tool is practically no different in price from simple electric jigsaws. Recommended for both professional and domestic purposes.

Battery or mains powered?

With the advent of efficient batteries several years ago, many leading power tool manufacturers have added cordless models to their jigsaw lineup.

Additionally: Wood jigsaw: types. Selection of files and operating rules

Along with the advantages, cordless tools have obvious disadvantages:

• increased weight and dimensions compared to network models;
• limited operating time on one charge;
• it takes a lot of time to recharge dead batteries, which can cause downtime;
• batteries don't last long. The new ones cost almost as much as a new jigsaw.

Classification by purpose

In addition to the variety of functions, electric tools differ in design features and the technical solutions used in them. Jigsaws for household use are not designed for long-term continuous operation and have a short service life. It is expected that such a tool will be used occasionally.

Professional models are designed to provide long continuous operation.

For the home handyman

Jigsaw SKIL 4285 LA for only 2,000 rubles

For hobbies and small home repairs, high power is not essential. Please note that the kit includes a parallel stop and several files for different cases. A special case or suitcase for storing a jigsaw along with accessories is very convenient.

Jigsaw BLACK and DECKER KS900SK for 3,540 rubles

Another popular brand of household power tools is the BLACK and DECKER KS900SK jigsaw. The average price of this model is 3540 rubles. You will receive a device with a power of 620 W, which is enough to work with wooden parts up to 85 mm thick. The device is equipped with a quick-release fastening of the file, adjustable stroke frequency from 800 to 3200, and pendulum pumping. It is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner and a sawdust blowing mode. As standard, the jigsaw comes in a plastic case for convenient storage.

Read also:  Shtil chainsaw oil: feeder, selection criteria

For a professional

High performance, reliability and durability are the three mandatory requirements for a professional tool. High power is indispensable for effective work with any materials.

For those who prefer AEG brand tools, the STEP 90 X electric jigsaw will be of interest. The 600-watt electric motor allows you to cut wood up to 100 mm thick or steel sheets up to 8 mm. The stroke length of the saw is relatively short and amounts to 19 mm, the stroke frequency varies from 1000 to 3200 per minute. There is pendulum pumping, the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner and keyless fastening of equipment. The average price of this model is 7,600 rubles.

Jigsaw AEG STEP 90 X

One of the most productive models in its category is MAKITA 4350 FCT. This tool combines a light weight of 2.6 kg and high power of 720 W. The working stroke length is 26 mm, the frequency is adjustable from 800 to 2800 strokes per minute. This jigsaw is designed for sawing wooden workpieces up to 135 mm or steel up to 10 mm. The model is equipped with a vibration reduction system and soft start. There is a built-in illumination of the work area, a quick-release fastening of the file, pendulum pumping, and a cast aluminum sole. The average price is 9500 rubles.

Jigsaw MAKITA 4350 FCT

Disadvantages of use

Despite the large number of advantages, there are also disadvantages. Disadvantages of models with paging:

Figure 3 – Pendulum stroke of a jigsaw

• the appearance of chips at the edges of the lines, unevenness of the cut;
• impossibility of use for figured cutting;
• The pendulum stroke does not work with ceramic tiles and hard metals.

Manufacturers recommend choosing a model taking into account specific tasks.

All devices with paging have the ability to disable this function, which increases the variability of the use of the tool.

Important ! When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the smooth switching of the pumping mode. This allows you to avoid various damage to the cutting line during operation.

How to use the pendulum mode of a jigsaw

For the pendulum mode in an electric jigsaw to be truly useful, you need to understand how to use it correctly. Most instrument models are equipped with adjustment of the amplitude of oscillatory movements. The operator can configure the pumping to suit the characteristics of the upcoming work and specific material.

Adjusting the pendulum stroke of the jigsaw

When choosing a pumping stage in a jigsaw, you need to take into account the density of the material and the cutting mode. The tool has four speeds in total:

1. First. The pendulum stroke is inactive or is running at the lowest power. These settings are used for sawing metal and thin wood pieces, as well as for curved cutting.
2. Second. The canvas makes small oscillatory movements. You need to process ordinary wood and fairly soft non-ferrous metals at this speed.
3. Third. The file moves along a pendulum amplitude at an average speed. The mode is suitable for cutting thin plywood pieces and plastic.
4. Fourth. At maximum speed, it is recommended to cut wood with a thickness of 5 cm.

If the pendulum control is at zero, this means that the function is completely disabled. In this case, the jigsaw file will only move up and down.

You can cut aluminum and copper with the pendulum action turned on, but it is better to cut steel in normal mode

Tips for use

The pendulum mechanism is more difficult to operate, regardless of the density of the material. Recommendations for working with this tool:

1. Do not put pressure on the jigsaw while sawing.
2. The device must be firmly fixed to the surface.
3. For precise cutting, the workpiece must be held level and moved at a constant speed.
4. Place a sheet of plywood or chipboard under the device to reduce vibration when working with thin workpieces.
5. Use machine oil when sawing metal and plexiglass.

Before starting operation, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions, and also test the orbital jigsaw. To avoid getting shavings or sawdust in your eyes, you should wear goggles and work only with protective gloves.

Safety precautions

Even the most experienced craftsmen can get injured if they use the tool incorrectly. Unpleasant moments are associated with cuts, hearing/vision loss, and even nervous system disorders.

We suggest considering the basic safety rules:

1. When using an electric jigsaw, you should use personal protective equipment, namely gloves, goggles, a hat and a respirator.
2. It is prohibited to work under the influence of drugs/alcohol, under the influence of strong medications, stress or extreme fatigue.
3. Before using an electrical appliance, you should check its condition, and then run it idle for a couple of minutes.
4. When working with an electric jigsaw, your free hand should be away from the direction of the tool, and under no circumstances should it be placed in front of the device.
5. The movement of the device should be directed away from you, but keep in mind that the electrical cable should not come into contact with the work surface.
6. When all work is completed, the device must be disconnected from the mains, the housing must be cleaned and checked for damage.

An electric jigsaw is an inexpensive and compact assistant not only for doing woodworking work, but even for professional work.

When choosing a device, be guided by the tasks that will be assigned to the jigsaw. You should use such a device carefully and observe safety regulations, and this is the only way you can avoid damage and other unpleasant situations.

Which is better to choose?

The market offers a wide range of models of electric jigsaws from foreign and domestic manufacturers. They differ in functionality, price and additional options. There are also jigsaws without a pendulum stroke. Below you will find the 5 best models for any production task.

RedVerg Basic JS600

Budget tool for straight and curved cuts. The device is strong, there is no play on the moving elements. There is a rubberized handle, the motor is equipped with double winding. Supplied with cutting blade, fence and adjustment key. Power – 600 W, stroke frequency up to 3 thousand movements per minute. Can be used for wood up to 5 cm thick.

Stanley STSJ0600-B9

Reliable and functional jigsaw for the professional segment. Works with wood, metal and other common materials. There is a convenient compartment for storing the saw, a protective screen and a handle with a rubber layer. Power – 600 W, maximum thickness of wood blanks – 8.5 cm.

Kolner KJS 800VCL

Professional jigsaw with a power of 500 W. Supplied in a rich set. There is a protective screen, a set of files and a plastic case for storage and transportation. Additional elements - parallel stop, adapter for vacuum cleaner. It is possible to adjust the operating mode, there is a laser guide.

Hammer LZK650L

An inexpensive model in the budget segment, equipped with a reliable 600 W motor. The jigsaw has a strong cast steel sole, smooth start and a protective screen. Tolerates long-term loads with mode switching well. Advantages: the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner, an anti-vibration system and adjustable pumping speed.

Bison L-710-80

Compact jigsaw of domestic production. Suitable for working with thin materials, can produce precise cuts on surfaces. The engine power is 750 W, the maximum permissible thickness of a wooden piece is 5 cm. There is a pumping mode, the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner and tilt the sole. Supplied with tuning key and wood saw.

Important ! Modern models of jigsaws with a pendulum mechanism have a fixed maximum saw speed of 3000 movements per minute. It depends on the selected mode and workpiece material.

A jigsaw with pumping (orbital) is a functional tool for sawing wood, metal, plastic and combined materials. Thanks to the pendulum stroke, sawing speed increases, making it possible to work with large and soft products. The advantages of such a device are control of the cutting blade movement mode, high speed and prompt removal of chips.

Kinds

Jigsaws have a wide range of characteristics and parameters, so they are divided into groups for home and professional use. In turn, each of these types has its own characteristics. Popular are manual options, for figured cutting, with adjustable speeds, and tape.

A worthy option for a quality tool is a mini jigsaw. It is able to simplify precise sawing and sanding of the model due to the high rigidity of the working parts. This product can be used not only by professionals, but also by beginners. The jigsaw is easy to use and is an excellent option for sawing a variety of materials. Purchasing a tool will make it easier to make a tabletop or drawer.

Professional

Jigsaws with professional purposes meet high requirements, which are determined by high functionality, productivity, reliability, and ergonomics. Such a tool can withstand heavy loads and function continuously for 7 hours. Functionality of professional jigsaws:

• cutting wood material that has a thickness of 8 to 13.5 cm;
• steel billet with a thickness of up to 1 cm;
• aluminum plates – up to 2 cm.

The performance of such a tool is directly affected by the power reserve. The more powerful the engine the device has, the easier and faster the work is done. The reliability of professional jigsaws ensures their long service life and infrequent failures.

Domestic

An electric jigsaw for home use is considered inexpensive. It is quite easy to use, so it can be used to perform various functions at home and in the country. Experts note the good power of the device, so it is capable of performing all assigned tasks. Features of household jigsaws:

• low power;
• availability of a choice of additional functions;
• comfortable work with wood material that has a thickness of no more than 7 cm;
• high-quality cutting of steel with a thickness of up to 4 cm;
• the duration of operation should not be more than 20 hours per month;
• low cost of goods.

If you want to purchase an electric jigsaw, you first need to decide on the features of its use.

Electrical problems

Problems with the motor and electrical components of a jigsaw can cause a variety of consequences. There is a list of typical faults.

The brushes sparkle

The graphite brushes that transmit voltage to the motor rotor are subject to wear. This is a planned phenomenon. Therefore, if sparks appear in the tool body or incomplete power delivery, it is enough to replace a pair of brushes. Most jigsaws are equipped with units for quick installation.

Graphite brushes wear out over time and need to be replaced

Technical characteristics to consider when choosing a jigsaw

So, we will assume that the first acquaintance with the instrument has taken place. However, in order to answer the question of which jigsaw to choose, this is not enough. We still have to understand its technical characteristics, understand what they influence and what they depend on.

Power consumption

The capabilities of a jigsaw are largely determined by the power of its electric motor. So, for example, a 600 W jigsaw can easily cope with a wooden workpiece 80-85 mm thick and even a 6-8 mm stainless steel sheet, while a 400-watt tool will only be able to handle a 60-65 mm layer of wood or 4-6 mm layer of stainless steel.

The power of a jigsaw can vary depending on the model from 350 to 1000 W. The best option can be considered the middle of this interval - 500-600 W. Weaker models are only suitable for solving simple everyday problems. More powerful ones are intended for professionals, and their presence in an ordinary home workshop is unlikely to be justified.

Maximum stroke rate

By the value of such a parameter as the frequency of strokes of the rod, you can estimate the operating speed of the jigsaw. The more reciprocating movements the saw blade makes per unit time, the faster the cut is made. Most jigsaws have a maximum speed ranging from 2500 to 3200 strokes/min. (although there are deviations in both directions), the most popular and widespread models are those with a frequency of 3000-3200 strokes/min.

Many jigsaws have the ability to adjust the frequency. This useful feature allows the tool to work with materials of different properties. The harder the workpiece material, the lower the speed of the saw should be. For example, it is necessary to work with wood at maximum frequency, then the cut surface will be perfectly smooth, but when cutting metal, on the contrary, the speed must be reduced to the limit - this will protect the saw blade from premature failure.

Adjusting the stroke frequency for different models of jigsaws can be implemented in different ways. For some, the required speed is set with a special switch before starting work. For others, the speed of movement of the saw is adjusted as work progresses by pressing the start button. If you plan to engage in figure sawing, then the second option will be preferable for you.

Cutting depth

The cutting depth is a parameter that determines the maximum thickness of workpieces that a given jigsaw can work with. Of course, the maximum depth of cut for different materials for the same tool will vary. As a rule, the jigsaw documentation indicates several values ​​for this parameter - for wood, aluminum and steel.

The depth of the cut depends on the power of the jigsaw. For tools in the household segment, the saw depth is 50-120 mm for wood and 5-10 mm for aluminum. For professional models, these values ​​can reach 150-160 mm and 30-35 mm, respectively.

Jigsaw power type

Like other hand-held power tools, jigsaws are available in two power options - corded and cordless. The first requires a connection to a regular single-phase power supply with a voltage of 220 V. The second, as you might guess, runs on a battery. Most models of cordless jigsaws are designed to operate on a 18 V or 10.8 V battery; jigsaws with 14.4 V and 12 V batteries are less common, and 24 and 28 V are very rare.

The only advantage of cordless jigsaws is their mobility. Unfortunately, there are more disadvantages, and the main one is the very limited operating time of the tool on a single battery charge. It follows that it would be a good idea to have a replacement battery on hand. However, those who are asking the price for cordless models should keep in mind that in most cases the battery is not included in the kit of a new jigsaw, and its cost is often commensurate with the cost of the tool itself.

All of the above should not be regarded as anti-advertising for cordless jigsaws: if you have to work in places where access to the power supply is impossible or very difficult, then a cordless tool will become your indispensable assistant.

Cordless jigsaw

Replacing the saw holder

Replacing some types of fasteners is much easier than finding these parts. To perform a similar operation with block and screw clamps, you do not even need to unscrew the tool body. Saw holders of this type are attached to the end of the rod using one or two screws, which makes it quite convenient to change them.

In the case of some screw fasteners, replacement will require removing the rod to more conveniently and securely fix the holder. The video below about repairing a jigsaw with your own hands clearly demonstrates the process of replacing the shoe-type fastening. If things are relatively simple with simple saw holders, then replacing a quick-clamping one can cause some difficulties, especially for an inexperienced craftsman.