What kind of jigsaw files are different, markings and purpose

Properly selected components make working with any tool more convenient and enjoyable. Perhaps the most significant working element of a jigsaw is the saw blade. This consumable can turn the cutting process into a smooth and neat song, or vice versa, reduce the work to a crooked and nibbled nonsense. To save yourself from possible unpleasant situations and choose the optimal canvas for your purposes, it is useful to know their types and features. Jigsaw files, at first glance, may seem too diverse, but after reading this article, you will understand that their classification is simple and very convenient.

Why is it important to choose the right saw blades?

Only with the right choice of working attachments can you achieve high efficiency, productivity and quality of work performed. A jigsaw is a multifunctional cutting tool that is designed for sawing sheet materials - wood, metal, ceramics, plastic and more. To work with these materials, appropriate blades are installed in the jigsaw clamp.

The blade is a consumable material, but the process itself and the final result of the tool depend on the correct choice of the jigsaw file. To increase productivity and quality of work, you should select the appropriate jigsaw files for each type of material. The number of saw blades produced today is quite large, and therefore many questions often arise about which blades are the best and what to buy. This material will help you figure this out.

Marking blades for hand jigsaws

A manual jigsaw is a simple arc-shaped design, with end fastenings for replaceable consumables. The saw blade of a mechanical tool differs from the saw blade of a jigsaw in the way it is fastened. The flat ends have no end pin and are easily secured with nuts or levers in the grooves of the arc tool.

There are several basic parameters for hand files:

TPI - number of teeth per 1 inch. The larger the quantity, the better the quality of the cutting edge, but the speed of work slows down. The average number of teeth is 6 per centimeter.
The spread of the teeth simplifies sawing and prevents jamming in the workpiece. The cutting width is increased, but chipping along the edge is minimized. Not all specimens have this feature.
The size range of files is represented by 12 numbers. No. 0 with fine teeth performs curved complex patterns, No. 12 processes workpieces up to 20 mm.
Types of working blade:

standard, with identical unidirectional elements and equal tooth pitch. Used for straight cutting, which does not require precision and smoothness of the edge;
with double teeth they work slowly, but do not overheat and leave an even cut without nicks and a small amount of waste;
with missing teeth are characterized by high speed and prevent jamming in the workpiece. They heat up less during cutting and remove chips well;
with a reverse (reverse) tooth pointing upward. Provides an ideal bottom cut of the part, which is important in jewelry;
spiral teeth are located along the entire diameter. Allows you to make complex shaped cuts at low speed, without interrupting the process.

By what parameters are canvases classified?

A jigsaw blade is like a drill bit. When choosing, you need to take into account a number of main criteria. These criteria depend on the classification of electric saw blades. jigsaws. The classification is as follows:

Shank type
Material from which the nozzle is made
Tooth shape
Length
Nozzle width
Tooth pitch
File thickness

Jigsaw blades differ in all these parameters. It’s clear what a jigsaw blade is for a power tool, and how they differ from a manual jigsaw. We will look at all types of files according to their classification in more detail below.

Cutting down a tree

Jigsaw blades for hand and power tools are made of iron. Regular steel blades are designed for cutting soft and less durable materials. Sharp serrated edges made from reinforced composites have a wide range of functionality and cut metal and other types of raw materials.

For particularly durable structures with complex processing - granite stone, marble, porcelain tiles - diamond-coated saw blades or coated with super-hard alloys are used.

A wide range of saw elements are produced for working with wood workpieces and provide different types of cuts:

Clean cutting of edges without jagged furniture or laminate boards will provide a cutting edge with a slight spread of fine teeth of less than 3 mm.
a quick cut at high speed of large bars without maintaining precision will produce a long and wide blade with a significant spread of large teeth up to 6 mm.
figured cutting is performed with a short narrow blade with a beveled back for improved passage of rounded elements, with fine teeth up to 2 mm.

Types of blade shanks for jigsaws

Initially, we will pay attention to the design of the shanks on the blades. If you use one tool, then you probably don’t know that the saw holder devices are different. This depends on the tool manufacturer. According to the design of the shanks, the nozzles come in the following shapes:

The T-shape design is the most common design option and was developed by Bosch. This type of shank is present not only on the tools of this company, but also on most other brands of jigsaws
The U-type is a rare shank type in Europe as it is an American invention. Suitable for older models of tools from brands such as Black&Decker, Skil, Ryobi and others. To do this, the jigsaw must have a saw holder with a screw and collet clamp
With two holes - this type of shank is extremely rare today. Such blades were used on the very first Makita brand tools
Double T-shaped or with two stops - such files are also extremely rare today. They were developed by Bosch and are a double T-shape. However, they did not gain popularity due to the complexity of the saw holder design, so today they are found as a rarity
L-shaped is another type of fastening that is used on Peugeot jigsaws

Today, only the first two types of shanks are found on jigsaw files. To find out what kind of blade you need for a tool, you should look at the instructions or technical description on the Internet for the corresponding brand and model of the tool. You can also clarify the type of holder by disassembling it. If your instrument has a rare saw blade design for which it is impossible to find blades, then this can be corrected by replacing the rod. The video material describes what types of saw blade shanks there are and how they differ.

This is interesting!
To avoid questions about how to insert a file into a jigsaw, it is recommended to choose modern tools with T-shaped saw holder designs. After all, shops and markets are overflowing with canvases with this type of shank design.

Rating of the best files for electric jigsaws

Manufacturers of jigsaws are interested in ensuring that their tools work efficiently. Therefore, many brands themselves produce files for electric jigsaws. Moreover, they are suitable not only for the instruments of these brands, but also for others.

Makita and Bosch are considered leaders in quality. In terms of sales and popularity on Yandex.market and other platforms, Makita is the leader. Bosh is in 3-4th positions. But not because of worse quality, but because of a significantly higher price. If a set of 5 files from Makita can be bought for 380-400 rubles, then Bosch files cost from 600 rubles.

Original Bosch files are of high quality.

Hammerflex files are also popular.

What does the color of the shank mean on canvases?

When purchasing, you can see that the tail parts (and sometimes the entire canvas) are painted in different colors. If you're wondering what this means, then it's time to find out the answer to this question. The colors of jigsaw shanks and files are as follows:

Gray ones are the most popular. They are used for wood processing
Blue - used for working with metal materials
White - less common, and means the ability to process metal and woodworking materials
Red - used for cutting plastic
Black - designed for sawing all other materials such as ceramics, marble, granite

Knowing the color, you definitely won’t go wrong in choosing equipment for the appropriate work.

What it is?

A jigsaw file is a blade equipped with teeth of one type or another, fixed at one end to the movable rod of the tool. Since all materials have their own properties and characteristics, a large number of varieties are produced. They are designed to solve various problems, cutting certain materials. As a rule, craftsmen purchase sets of several types of cutting tools.

Selection criteria may be:

The most popular and common types of cutting.
Purpose for a particular material.
Creation of a universal set that allows you to perform most types of processing.

Separate, specialized samples are also available for sale. They are purchased to perform specific work according to previously known parameters of the material and cutting conditions. The choice of file type is determined by the user’s level of training, experience and knowledge. In order to avoid mistakes and choose the best option, you should study the features and characteristics of the cutting tool.

What materials are jigsaw blades made from?

What the nozzle is made of is another important indicator that affects the efficiency of work, service life, as well as the possibility of using saws for certain jobs. Depending on what materials the nozzle is intended for sawing, manufacturers make them from the following steel alloys.

For sawing metal. Metal blades for jigsaws are made from special high-speed steel HSS. The teeth on such blades are small, and their size depends on the degree of hardness. The harder the metal used to make the nozzle, the smaller the teeth. Also, saw blades for cutting metal are made using two types of alloys: HSS (high speed steel) and HCS (high carbon steel). Such blades are also called bimetallic or Bi-Metal, and they are intended for figured sawing of sheet materials made of steel and wood
For sawing wood materials. Initially, the jigsaw was intended specifically for woodworking. Moreover, it was used for cutting sheet wood materials, but soon the functionality of the tool began to expand, and today it can be used to cut not only wood, but also metal and ceramics. For the manufacture of blades for cutting wood materials, steels containing chromium and vanadium, as well as with a high carbon composition, are used. Chrome vanadium blades are designated CV (chrom vanadium), and are suitable for working with fiberboard, chipboard, MDF, plywood and other similar materials. If it is necessary to cut wood or plastic, then nozzles with the designation HCS are selected, which means high-alloy carbon steel. Saw files for woodworking are characterized by large tooth sizes and their spacing. For cutting chipboard, fiberboard and plastic, it is better to choose bits with fine teeth up to 3 mm and a small setting
For laminate. These are special blades that differ from those used for sawing wood. Their main difference is that, in addition to small teeth, they have reverse links. These reverse links prevent the formation of chips on the front side, which is important when processing decorative materials. Laminate sheets are made using two types of steel, whereby the nozzles are called bimetallic and are designated BIM (bi-metal)
For ceramic tiles - attachments for sawing high-strength materials such as ceramic tiles, foam blocks, marble, etc. are made from tungsten carbide alloy. In addition to the use of a special high-strength composition, such nozzles have a distinctive design from all others. If the blade is made of tungsten carbide alloy, then the marking contains the designation HIM or HM (hard material). The hardness of the material reaches 79 HRC. If a file has the designation DIA, this means that it is made using diamond coating. Diamond blades are expensive and are intended for cutting ceramic tiles and granite
For cardboard, this is a special type of cutting element for jigsaws, which has a sharpened edge of a wave-like design. Such files are used to cut foam, rubber, cardboard and other types of soft materials. The file does not have sharp teeth, but instead there are wavy, sharpened tubercles. This design ensures that the material does not crumble and does not tear. As a result, the cut is smooth and neat. Jigsaws with cardboard files are also used to cut carpets

These are the main types of blades for jigsaws, which are designed to work with specific materials. However, there are also universal attachments. A distinctive feature of such blades is that they have large teeth on one side and small ones on the other. As practice shows, it makes no sense to buy such attachments, since their main advantage is that you do not need to use more than two consumables when processing dissimilar materials.

Explanation of markings

Today, there are several standards for saw blades, each of which is assigned to a specific brand.
The most popular files in Europe are files from Bosh. In second place is Makita. The third place is shared by Festool, Hitachi and the rest. Since the marking of Bosch standard jigsaw files is the most common, we will analyze it in more detail. As you may have noticed in the image above, the number and letter designations of the saw blade have their place and meaning. To provide a clearer picture of the overall picture, let’s talk about each symbol in a nutshell. Shank type

may have several different variations, which must be taken into account by owners of jigsaws with quick-release fastening. If your tool has a block or screw clamp, you can install a blade with any shank into it.

The length of the saw blade
is selected based on the tasks assigned and can exceed 150 mm. When choosing a long saw, it is important to understand the power of your jigsaw, since not every tool is designed to work with thick materials. Also, a blade that is too long, when working with relatively thin material, will vibrate strongly, which will significantly reduce the quality of the cut. The most optimal length for standard household jigsaws for wood is 75 mm. This indicator is due to the fact that such models will not be able to handle thicker material.

The size of the teeth
affects the quality and speed of the cut. If you are working with decorative or facing materials, it is better to choose a file with the smallest teeth (A). This way the work will be much more accurate, although noticeably slower. For quick and rough cutting of boards, chipboards and similar materials, it is recommended to use blades with larger teeth (B, C, D). Determining whether to sacrifice speed or quality should be based on the tasks at hand.

Special parameters
indicate the characteristics of the saw blade and have a direct impact on the quality of certain types of work. Briefly about each parameter:

F – Bimetallic. A fairly flexible blade with very strong teeth, which is a symbiosis of two metals. It is used for straight and figured cutting of metal and has increased wear resistance.
O – With a narrow back. A relatively thin jigsaw file used for curved cuts.
P – For precise cutting. Thick fabric that is resistant to bending during operation. Great for precise, straight cuts at precise angles.
X – Progressive teeth. Multi-purpose saw blades suitable for cutting wood, plastic and metal. What they pay for their versatility is the quality of the cut, which leaves much to be desired.
R – Reversible (reverse) teeth. Unlike the standard direction, upward, the teeth of the reversible blades are directed downward. When working with a jigsaw with a similar file, chips form on the opposite side.

In addition to the standard European marking, which not all manufacturers adhere to, there is a single designation that can be found in the description of any saw blade.
Saw blade material

Depending on the material being processed, files can be made from the following steel grades:

CV – chrome vanadium steel. Used in the production of saws for wood and its derivatives (plywood, fiberboard, chipboard and others).
HCS – alloy (carbon) steel. Suitable for cutting wood and plastic.
HSS – high speed steel. Used for cutting metals.
BM (Bi-Metal) - a bimetallic blade is a mixture of two grades of steel (HCS and HSS), where the back of the blade has an HCS alloy and the teeth have an HSS alloy. Bimetallic blades are very durable and maneuverable, and can be used for straight and curved cutting of wood and metal.
HIM is an alloy based on tungsten carbide. Files made from steel of this grade are used to work with ceramics, foam blocks and similar materials.

In addition to dry technical data, the manufacturer can indicate the clear purpose of the saw blade. Often, information about the type of materials and type of work is indicated on the packaging, but there are cases when these designations are written directly on the file. Below are options for the most common verbal designations with explanations. For what material

Wood – Saws for plywood, chipboard, fiberboard and soft wood.
Hardwood – Blades for cutting dense wood and laminate.
Metal – For working with ferrous metals.
Alu – For cutting aluminum.
Inox – For stainless steel.
Fiber&Plaster – For cutting polymer products.
Soft-material – Universal blade for working with metals, plastics and wood.

Work assignment

Basic – File with average cutting quality. The best option for everyday use at home.
Clean – Blade for making a clean cut.
Speed – For rough but fast cuts.
Flexible – Flexible saw blade for working with metal.

What blades come in tooth shapes?

The shape of the teeth plays a significant role when working with different materials. It is imperative to take into account the design of the teeth, otherwise in the process of processing certain materials you may encounter a decrease in productivity, and sometimes the operator may even find that the jigsaw begins to cut crookedly. We will consider further what types of teeth are found on jigsaw blades:

Set milling teeth - the teeth have bends in different directions, which is achieved by 1.5 mm by setting them depending on the thickness of the blade. Routing plays an important role, as it eliminates the occurrence of strong heat and effectively removes sawdust from the cutting line. Files with this tooth shape are designed for processing hard wood, and are also used for sawing plastic and non-ferrous metals
Wave-shaped milling - the setting is presented in a group deviation of the teeth to the left and right. Each subsequent tooth has a distinctive amount of inclination, due to which a wave-like structure is formed. These types of files have found their application for clean cutting of plastic materials, as well as non-ferrous metals
The polished shape of the teeth is also called conical. This type of teeth is popular when it is necessary to obtain a clean cut on workpieces. They are used for wood, plastic and other polymers. They have one drawback - they heat up quickly, so they cannot be used for a long time
Sanded set links - they are used to quickly cut fiberboard, chipboard and plywood. In this case, the cut turns out to be sloppy, which leads to the need for additional processing with files.

Different manufacturers strive to improve their attachments, so it is possible that other variants of cutting edge shapes are also available on sale.

File sizes

Canvas length . The length of the saw blade can vary over a fairly wide range - from 40 to 250 mm. The longer the file, the thicker the workpiece it can cut. It should be borne in mind that the actually achievable depth of cut depends not only on the length of the blade, but also on the capabilities of the tool itself.

For sawing thin materials, it is better to use short files: their use guarantees a neat, clean cut, because the process is not hampered by the deformation of an excessively long canvas.

Web width . The width of the blade is selected depending on the type of operations that are supposed to be performed using a jigsaw. Wide saw blades are ideal for straight cuts: they are easier to guide in a given direction, which means the cut line is smooth.

For curly cuts, on the contrary, you need a blade with a narrow back, which makes it easier to perform various maneuvers, “drawing” smooth curves.

Thickness of the canvas . And finally, the thicker the file, the less it will deviate from the vertical position during operation, i.e. the cut along its entire length will be perpendicular to the surface of the material. However, in pursuit of a neat cut, do not forget that too thick files may not fit jigsaws with a quick-release mechanism.

What does the width of the jigsaw blade affect and what are they?

You may not have noticed that the canvases differ in width. This parameter also plays an important role, and not only the service life of the jigsaw attachment depends on it, but also the ability to make straight and figured cuts.

A wide blade is more stable, but it cannot be used to make a shaped cut. Another thing is thin files, which not only cut neatly, but also allow you to easily negotiate turns, making shaped cuts.

The width of the canvas is available from 5 to 45 mm. When purchasing you need to remember the following:

If you plan to make a straight cut, then choose a wide file
For a shaped cut you need to take thin files

Manufacturers indicate on the packaging of a set of blades not only the width of the files, but also the type of cut for which they are intended - straight, rectilinear, figured.

How to choose

When choosing a saw blade, important factors affecting the quality of work must be taken into account.

Manufacturer

Jigsaws from well-known manufacturers are made to a higher quality. Large companies value their reputation, so they pay special attention to the technological process. Products from the following brands are trustworthy:

BOSCH;
Hammerflex;
DeWALT;
Metabo;
Makita;
Skil.

Shank type

One of the main criteria for choosing a jigsaw is the type of shank.

T-shank

This is a common type that fits the vast majority of instruments. The popularity is due to the reliability, high replacement rate and simple operation of the canvas.

This type is called Boschevsky in honor of the company that developed the T-shaped shank design. Other industry giants producing jigsaws and accessories have gradually adopted this standard. Therefore, the saws are suitable for tools of different brands: Makita, Hitachi, AEG, Metabo, Skil, Sparky, DeWalt, Interskol, etc.

U-shank

An equally popular type of shank is the American standard. Saw blades can be called universal. They are suitable for all jigsaws with screw and jaw clamps of the following brands: Ryobi, Skil, DeWalt, Black&Decker, etc.

Recently, there has been a tendency for manufacturers to massively switch to producing T-type cartridges.

Individual type

Developed by every company that produces jigsaws and accessories. For example, Bosch shank. Structurally, it is similar to the T-shaped type, differing only in the presence of a second stop. You can only find such products on older models, since manufacturers have already stopped producing them.

Working length, mm

When choosing saw blades, the capabilities of the jigsaw and the size of the saw blade should be taken into account. The length of the products is presented in the range of 40-250 mm. Most often, household and semi-professional models have saws up to 150 mm. To work with thin parts, it is recommended to purchase short blades. This way you can make a high-precision cut.

Width, mm

The width of the canvas is selected taking into account the tasks that are planned to be performed. In this case, the technical capabilities of the instrument are taken into account. Narrow saws make it easy to make high-quality shaped and curved cuts. A wide file is used for a straight passage along the part being cut.

Blade thickness

This parameter requires careful selection of paintings. Many models with keyless chucks have restrictions on the thickness of the saw. The indicator affects the cleanliness and accuracy of the cut. The greater the thickness, the more accurate and cleaner the cut.

What types of jigsaw files are there, why they cut crookedly, file test

What does tooth pitch affect?

The definition of a step differs in different countries. In Russia, this parameter means the interval between the tips of the teeth (t). In some countries, pitch is referred to as TPI. This value reflects how many teeth there are per 1 inch of blade.

For cross-cutting wood, a saw with a tooth of 3.5-6.5 mm (t = 3.5-6.5 mm; TPI = 7-3.5) is more suitable. Normal work is carried out with a cutting element t = 3-3.5 mm, or TPI = 9-7. If it is necessary to make a high-precision cut, use t = 2-3 mm, or TPI = 13-9.

When choosing a tooth pitch, it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the material you plan to work with. Cutting is easier if 5-8 teeth are simultaneously immersed in the working surface. Otherwise, the blade vibrates, which will not make it possible to make an even cut.

The pitch of the teeth determines the type of work and the nature of the cut (rough, regular, high-quality).

Number of files, pcs. in the set

Most often, a set consists of 5 files. It is also called the gentleman's set. It includes basic blades that allow you to work with wood and metal of different thicknesses. This is quite enough to do basic household chores.

Manufacturers offer different sets of files. It can include from 2 to 10 canvases.

What a cut

When choosing a file, it is important to take into account such a criterion as the type of cut. This parameter determines the cutting geometry. The straight cutting blade holds its direction well, but it won’t work along a curve with a small radius. For these purposes, it is recommended to use a thin file for figured cutting.

Blades of certain parameters provide the following cut:

rude;
back;
fast;
figured;
exact straight.

Processing material

The main purpose of a jigsaw is to work with wood. Different blades are used here, differing in tooth size and sharpening angle. Fine teeth allow you to perform high-precision cuts on any type of wood material: chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, etc.

There are practically no chips on the cut. Large teeth easily cope with rough cuts, where there is no need to adhere to certain parameters and shapes. There are blades in which the teeth are located in the opposite direction. According to the instructions, such products are intended for cutting laminated workpieces. But saws with fine teeth cope well with this task.

Metal blades are made from a more durable alloy. The last or penultimate letter in the marking should be “A”. There are few varieties of saws for metal. The main difference is noted in the shape of the cutting edge:

flat is considered universal, capable of cutting any metal;
wave-shaped is more suitable for non-ferrous metal or thin sheet steel.

In addition to files for wood and metal, they produce specialized cutting elements designed for the following materials:

plastic;
laminate;
aluminum;
glass;
drywall;
ceramics;
cement;
boards with nails.

The differences between files for different materials are the type of alloy, blade thickness and tooth parameters.

The thickness of the blades affects the deflection of the nozzle

Another factor that influences the quality of the cut is the thickness of the saw attachment. They come in two types - thick and thin. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as a corresponding purpose.

Thin blades provide an even and accurate cut, but during the sawing process they vibrate strongly, which depends on the hardness of the material being processed. In addition, their advantage is the low load on the tool, and the disadvantage is that they cannot be used for corner cuts.
Thick files provide an even perpendicular cut and can be used for angular cutting of materials. Their disadvantage is that due to their size they increase the load on the engine and gearbox of the tool, so they cannot be used on low-power jigsaws

Even thick attachments are not suitable for the quick-clamping mechanism of the saw holder, so it is necessary to choose medium and small blades in thickness.

How to cut chipboard or laminated chipboard smoothly with a jigsaw

To cleanly cut laminated chipboard with a jigsaw, you must adhere to a clear algorithm. It looks like this:

The workpiece is tightly fixed on the work table. During the cutting process, the sheet should not twitch or play, otherwise it will not be possible to cut smoothly.
Markings are applied to the surface of the material. If lines must be drawn on the front side, it is better to use a pencil rather than a marker, the traces of which can then be erased.
The selected attachment is inserted into the jigsaw; preference is given to completely new and high-quality blades from well-known brands. If you have to cut the workpiece clean, you should avoid old and cheap equipment.
The stroke frequency in the tool is set to the maximum. The angle of the saw blade does not change. The pendulum mechanism must be turned off. It simplifies quick cutting, but most often does not allow sawing laminated chipboard smoothly and with high precision.
The jigsaw is installed clearly according to the applied markings and pressed tightly against the material, and then put into operation.
Slowly and carefully guide the canvas along a pencil or marker line, using a backlight and laser pointer if possible.

If you need to cut laminated chipboard without chips or defects, then even when using a reverse attachment, it is better to place the material face down.

When cutting chipboard with a jigsaw, it is recommended to use a special anti-splinter insert. It is a small part with a cut, which is installed in special guides on the sole of the tool. Ideal results can be achieved by an insert whose hole exactly matches the thickness of the canvas. The part can be supplied complete with several tools; it is usually suggested that you make the opening in it yourself.

Attention! To make a clean cut with a jigsaw file on chipboard, it is necessary to prevent the attachment from overheating.

Chips from the cutting line must be removed in a timely manner, otherwise it will not be possible to cut laminated chipboard smoothly

What kind of canvases come in length?

It is important to take into account one more parameter - the length of the canvas. Four indicators are used to indicate lengths:

With number 1 to 75 mm
With number 2 from 75 to 90 mm and belong to the medium category
With number 3 from 90 to 150 mm - long
With number 4 over 150 mm - the longest, which are designed to work with powerful jigsaws

The longer the blade, the thicker the sheet material can be cut with a jigsaw. The choice of blade length should be based on the calculation that the nozzle should be 2 times longer than the thickness of the workpiece being cut. Keep in mind that the large length of the equipment contributes to severe overload of the motor and gearbox of the power tool, so the jigsaw must have sufficient power to be able to use it with saws of 90 mm or more.

How to properly insert a file into a jigsaw

In modern models of jigsaws, fastening of files is carried out in three ways: block, screw, quick-clamping. The first two species belong to the castle group.

Hex key mount

Shoe mount

This is a common blade clamping mechanism. Its device includes a block and two screws that tighten it to the movable rod. One of the main advantages of this method is its versatility. The mounting screws have a decent tightening reserve. This makes it possible to use different types of shanks.

The mechanism also has a drawback: during installation of the blade, the blade often warps, which complicates the work and provokes breakage of the tool.

The process of replacing a file in a block mount:

loosen the screws one by one using a hexagon (do not unscrew completely);
remove the old canvas;
install a new cutting element (teeth forward);
tighten the bolts evenly.

The fasteners are tightened smoothly with a half turn. It is important to control the position of the canvas. It should be at an angle of 90° to the base of the power tool. After tightening, you can start working.

Screw fastening

This type of fastener is positioned as a more convenient and durable clamp than a block clamp. It allows you to use elements with different shanks when working with the tool. The device includes one screw, which is located on the side of the jigsaw. Replacing the blade is quick and easy. It is fixed quite evenly, but the installation angle should still be checked.

The process of replacing the canvas:

loosen the fixing screw;
remove the old file;
a new blade is inserted into an empty groove, the evenness of its location is assessed;
slowly tighten the screw.

Do not tighten the lock too much. Otherwise, the cutting element will vibrate strongly during operation.

Quick release with side lever

Quick release with front lever

Radial clamp

Quick release mount

This is the most convenient type of fixation. You can replace the working element without tools. It will only take a few seconds. The method also has disadvantages. One of them is the ability to use only files with a certain type of shank with such a mechanism. The reliability of fixation does not inspire confidence, especially in budget models. A guide to well-known brands of jigsaws will help you make the right choice.

There are three types of quick-release fasteners. They are determined by the location of the lever: lateral, frontal, radical.

The installation process is extremely simple:

bend the movable lever;
holding it with your finger, install the file into the groove;
After immersing the tail part, release the lever and slightly bring the sawing element into the groove.

A click indicates that the jigsaw is ready for use.

Markings on jigsaw blades - what does it mean?

There are no difficulties in choosing blades, since the nozzles are marked accordingly. From this marking you can find out all the detailed information about the cutting element. Let’s find out in detail what the marking of jigsaw blades means, how it is read, and what it is responsible for. Below is an example of jigsaw blade markings, which we will use as a guide when reading the designations.

Also presented above are additional options for shank types that are not found at all today. This is the US-shank and F-shape type standard on Fein models. The marking is indicated on the tail section and is a set of letters and numbers. Let’s look at what the letters and numbers on saw blades markings mean below.

The first letter is indicated, which indicates the type of shank. As already mentioned, the design of the shanks is different, and the corresponding letter indicates the following types: T - T-shaped design, U - y-shaped, M - suitable for outdated models of Makita brand jigsaws, F - Fein standard
The next designation in the marking is the length of the blade. The corresponding first number indicates a certain length range. If the number is 1, then this is the shortest file up to 75 mm, and 2 means the blade has an average length ranging from 75 to 90 mm. The number 3 means a length from 90 to 150 mm, and 4 means a blade length of more than 150 mm. After the first digit, additional digital designations (two digits) are written indicating the size of the teeth
The third, or rather fifth, letter in the marking is. These are four types of letters A, B, C and D, which characterize the size of the teeth from fine to coarse
After the digital designation, the marking ends with a letter. This letter indicates the accessory of the nozzle. Each letter has a corresponding purpose: F - equipment is made using two alloys, P - blades are thick and are designed for precise cutting, R - the tooth on the blade has a reverse design, X - universal, O - the blade has a narrow back shape

The type of steel from which the blade is made is also indicated on the shank. This has already been mentioned above. There are also English names on the canvases, indicating the type of materials for which it is intended. These designations and their interpretation are as follows:

Wood - intended for working with soft wood and other similar materials
Hardwood - used for sawing solid wood materials and PVC
Inox - a specialized attachment for cutting stainless steel sheets
Metal - for working with metal workpieces
Alu - for aluminum
Acrylic - for polycarbonate
Laminate - for laminate
Soft material - for soft materials such as carpet, rubber, foam, polystyrene

This is interesting!
If the blade contains inscriptions such as THICK (thick) and THIN (thin), then this is additional information that indicates the possibility of using the attachment for sawing thick or thin material.
The presence of other designations in English will not be difficult to translate using translators, which will give a clear picture of what specific purposes the nozzle is intended for.

Metabo saw blade markings - Bosch correspondence table

Metabo coding on jigsaw files is also not informative. Therefore, the manufacturer makes an additional reference to the Bosch labeling standard on the packaging.

Metabo jigsaw blade marking table:

Metabo marking	For materials	Material	Interchangeable Bosch part number
623675000	Hardwoods, softwoods, particle boards, blockboards, fibreboards. For fast cutting.	HCS	T234X
623686000	For laminate, kitchen panels 3 - 30 mm, coated slabs. For a clean cut. You need to turn off the pendulum stroke.	BiM	T101BRF
623695000	For laminate, hardwood, softwood, coated boards, plywood. For cutting along curves. For a clean cut.	BiM	T101AOF
623933000	Hardwood, softwood, nailed wood, 5 - 50mm coated panels. For fast cutting.	BiM	T144DF
623948000	For laminate, hard and soft wood, coated boards, plastics 2 - 30 mm. For a clean cut.	BiM	T101AIF
623975000	Hard and soft woods, laminate, coated boards, plastics 3-30 mm. For a clean cut.	BiM	T101BF
623977000	Hard and soft wood, chipboard, laminated wood 5 - 80 mm, glass fiber reinforced polymers 5 - 30 mm. For fast cutting.	BiM	T301CLF
623998000	Cuts without chips on both sides. For fast cutting of soft wood. You need to turn off the pendulum stroke.	HCS	T308B
623999000	Cuts without chips on both sides. For fast cutting of hard wood. You need to turn off the pendulum stroke.	BiM	T308BF
623976000, 623980000	For fast cutting of hard and soft wood.	BiM	T144DF
623679000, 623694000	Hard and soft wood, chipboard, fiberboard. For precise angled cuts.	HCS	T344DP, T144DP
623834000, 623835000	Excellent, chip-free cuts on both sides. For fast cutting of soft wood. For precise angled cuts. You need to turn off the pendulum stroke.	HCS	T308BP, T1044DP
623608000, 623650000	Hard and soft wood, chipboard, wood boards, fibreboard, coated panels 3 - 30 mm. For a clean cut. You need to turn off the pendulum stroke.	HCS	T 101 BR
623609000, 623635000, 623704000, 623962000	Hard and soft wood, chipboard, wood boards 10 - 45 mm, fiberboard 10 - 45 mm. For a clean cut.	HCS	T101D
623624000, 623651000	Soft wood, plywood, plastics 1.5 - 5 mm. For clean cuts and curved cuts.	HCS	T101AO
623634000, 623691000, 623703000, 623961000	Hard and soft woods, chipboards, wood panels, fibreboards, plastics 3 - 30 mm. For a clean cut.	HCS	T101B
623654000	Wood, chipboard, wood boards 4 - 60 mm, fiberboard 4 - 60 mm. For a clean cut.	HCS	T301CD
623603000	Wood, chipboard, wood panels, fibreboard, timber.	HCS	T744D
623607000, 623649000	Wood, chipboard, wood panels, fiberboard. Especially for curve cutting.	HCS	T244D
623633000, 623690000, 623712000, 623964000	Wood, chipboard, wood panels, fiberboard. For fast cutting.	HCS	T144D
623678000	Wood, chipboard, wood boards 2 - 15 mm, fiberboard. For fast cutting.	HCS	T344D
623605000, 623646000	Wood, chipboard, wood panels, fibreboard, plastics. For cutting along curves.	HCS	T119BO
623631000	Wood, chipboard, wood panels, fibreboard, plastics.	HCS	T119B
623606000, 623632000	Wood, plastics 4 - 50 mm. For fast and rough cuts.	HCS	T111C
623621000, 623677000	Wood, wood with nails, metal, non-ferrous metals, plastics	BiM	T345XF
623949000	Wood, wood with nails, non-ferrous metals, plastics	BiM	T111HF
623620000, 623676000	Steel sheets 1.5 - 10 mm, non-ferrous metals up to 30 mm.	BiM	T123XF
623970000	Steel sheets 1.5 - 4 mm. For cutting along curves.	BiM	T118EOF
623971000	Steel sheets 1 - 3 mm, non-ferrous metals.	BiM	T118AF
623973000	Steel sheets 2.5 - 6 mm, non-ferrous metals.	BiM	T118BF
623978000	Steel sheets 1 - 3 mm, laminated materials 2 - 65 mm, non-ferrous metals, plexiglass.	BiM	T318AF
623979000	Steel sheets 2.5 - 6 mm, laminated materials 2 - 65 mm, non-ferrous metals, plexiglass.	BiM	T318BF
623604000	Steel sheets 2.5 - 6 mm, multilayer materials 2 - 120 mm, non-ferrous metals, plexiglass.	BiM	T718BF
623618000, 623638000	Steel sheets 2.5 - 6 mm, non-ferrous metals.	H.S.S.	T118B
623623000, 623629000	Steel sheets 1 - 3 mm, non-ferrous metals, multilayer materials.	H.S.S.	T318A
623636000	Steel sheets 0.5 - 1.5 mm, non-ferrous metals.	H.S.S.	T118G
623637000, 623692000, 623965000	Steel sheets 1 - 3 mm, non-ferrous metals.	H.S.S.	T118A
623647000	Steel sheets 1 - 3 mm, non-ferrous metals. For cutting along curves.	H.S.S.	T218A
623697000	Steel sheets 2.5 - 6 mm, non-ferrous metals.	H.S.S.	T318B
623687000	Fiberglass reinforced polymers, Corian 4 - 60 mm.	Carbide toothed strips	T301CHM
623640000	Plexiglas, polycarbonate 2 - 20 mm, non-ferrous metals 2 - 10 mm.	H.S.S.	T101A
623657000, 623658000	Ceramics, glass, glass fiber reinforced polymers, cast iron.	Carbide coating	T130Riff, T150Riff
623652000, 623688000	Drywall, cement fiber boards 5 - 50 mm, glass fiber reinforced polymers 5 - 20 mm.	Welded carbide teeth	T141HM, T341HM
623662000, 623663000	Stainless steel sheets (Inox), non-ferrous metals.	Hard metals	T118AHM, T118EHM
623622000, 623639000	Aluminum 3 - 15 mm, non-ferrous metals 4 - 20 mm, plastics. For fast cutting.	H.S.S.	T127D
623648000	Aluminum 3 - 15 mm, non-ferrous metals 4 - 20 mm, plastics. For cutting along curves.	H.S.S.	T227D
623974000	Aluminum 3 - 15 mm, non-ferrous metals 4 - 20 mm, plastics. For fast cutting.	BiM	T127DF
623641000, 623684000	Expanded polystyrene, cardboard, leather, rubber, carpet up to 50 mm.	HCS	T113A, T313AW

As a conclusion, it should be noted that the marking of jigsaw files is important information that allows you to accurately select the optimal equipment for a specific type of activity (cutting metal, wood, clean and rough cuts, and other options).

All types of files for woodworking with a jigsaw description and purpose

Let's look at all types of saw blades for wood processing. Each type has a corresponding purpose, which must be taken into account when processing the corresponding types of materials.

Top 5 popular models of files for hand tools

In modern realities, hand tools are used in amateur workshops or in children's kits for creating one-piece items from wood blanks. The most popular consumables are saws for different types of wood.

5th place. HOBBI

Average price: 214 rubles.

Products of the ORMIS company, which is dynamically developing in the markets of Russia and Kazakhstan. Equipment made from high-quality materials complies with international DIM standardization. Passes a mandatory quality control system.

HOBBI files

Advantages:

stable and durable bimetallic composition;
increased flexibility;
for wood;
10 pieces per pack;
low price.

Flaws:

4th place. FIT set 130 mm

Average price: 218 rubles.

The Canadian manufacturer produces mechanical and electrical tools and the necessary components. All products comply with American and European standards. Modern technologies and high-quality tool type alloy make the products reliable and in demand.

FIT set 130 mm

Advantages:

long service life;
20 pieces per pack;
low cost.

Flaws:

not found.

3rd place. DREMEL 2615MS50JA

Average price: 420 rubles.

The company has been manufacturing universal tools for 95 years. High-precision equipment for a whole range of operations is very compact, light in weight and has excellent performance.

Wood saw blades are made from durable composites and can process plastic, laminate, fiberboard, and chipboard. Form a long cut.

DREMEL 2615MS50JA

Advantages:

high-quality consumable material;
wide range of processing types;
long-term operation;
resistance to bending and breaks;
5 pieces per set.

Flaws:

high price.

2nd place. PEBARO set

Average price: 149 rubles.

Since 2000, the German company has been one of the best in the production of tools and components for hobbies and children's creativity. The company's products are highly reliable, durable and safe to use.

PEBARO set

Dignity:

Made from high quality steel composite;
for plastic and wood;
12 pieces per pack;
low cost.

Flaws:

1 place. ROS135 mm

Average price: 169 rubles.

Buyers appreciate the company’s wide and constantly expanding range of products, and high Russian quality at affordable prices.

The equipment is manufactured with high tensile strength for extended service life. Special sharpening of the teeth ensures precision in operation and high speed.

ROS135 mm

Advantages:

heavy-duty blade structure;
precision sharpening of the working surface;
50 pieces per pack;

Flaws:

How to distinguish a quality canvas from a fake

Jigsaw attachments are produced by various manufacturers: Bosch, Kraftool, Makita, Metabo, Praktika and many others. The price of nozzles from different manufacturers varies accordingly. Craftsmen who deal with jigsaw work every day know not only how to choose and what types of blades there are, but they also know how to distinguish original attachments from fakes.

If you think that the easiest way to avoid falling for a fake is to buy expensive and branded consumables, then you are wrong. Modern unscrupulous manufacturers produce pretty good fakes, which are quite difficult to distinguish from the original, but quite possible if you know some of the features.

The original nozzle has clear and even edges, unlike fakes. Counterfeits have slightly rounded corners, which indicates that consumables are made from stamped steel
The presence of signs of corrosion indicates poor quality of the nozzle.
Fuzzy inscriptions that are distorted and easily erased also indicate that the attachment is a fake

High-quality and original products are sold in special packaging. Usually the set includes five blades, but medium and long blades are sold individually. Please also keep in mind that buying a cheap fake will not only lead to a negative result, but will also cause injury to the operator.

Summary

Of all the most popular manufacturers, Bosch has the most informative and convenient labeling of saw blades. It is no coincidence that it became the de facto standard. However, this does not mean that Bosch files are the best in the world. Moreover, Bosch does not produce files itself, but orders them from a third-party manufacturer in Switzerland. It is even possible that files for Bosch, Metabo, DeWalt and some other companies are made at the same factory in Switzerland.

Bosch provides the most information on files. She not only has a lot of information, but it is easy to find. There is information directly on the site pages, there is a good catalog in PDF format.

In second place is Devolt. In third place is the Metabo company - there is little information on peaks, but it is easy to find on their website. Metabo, on its website, indicates the thickness of its files.

The worst thing is with Makita. There is no information on files on the Russian official website. It is available on Japanese and American websites, but in a very inconvenient form.

Jigsaw accessories

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

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

To perform specific types of work

Not everyone knows, but you can buy blades for glass or ceramics for a jigsaw. They are made from alloys of particularly high strength and are coated with diamond or tungsten carbide. Such blades are useful for curly cuts. Straight cutting is best done with a specialized tool. To work with drywall or rubber, it is recommended to purchase special blades. Their cutting part is almost smooth - it does not have teeth, but polished waves.

File for glass and ceramics

In addition, there are universal saws that can cut metal, wood or polymer materials. However, you should not expect high performance and quality from them.

A few visual examples of how saws work differently

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

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

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

Use a circular cutter to cut in circles

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

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

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How to use a jigsaw
Protective roller shutters: features, installation and management
Stretch ceiling. Features of materials and manufacturers
Types and features of primers

Cutting edge geometry

The files differ not only in size, but also in the setting (configuration) of the teeth. The wider the setting and the larger the teeth, the more productive the tool is and the lower the quality of the cut.

Wiring also affects the efficiency of working with certain materials. Its incorrect selection will complicate the work of the master and lead to a decrease in the quality of the cut.

Milled blades with classic layout

The teeth of the files with a classic layout are directed in different directions. This increases labor productivity when working with wood and chipboard, and eliminates excessive heating of the canvas during intensive use.

Experts recommend choosing this file if there are no strict requirements for the quality of processing. Products with a classic layout can be designated as “rough cut” jigsaw files.

The products work with wood, fiberboard, chipboard and all types of plastic. It is not intended for interaction with workpieces made of metals and alloys.

Rice. 7 Milled file with classic layout

Milled blades with wavy layout

Files with a large number of teeth, the direction of which changes in groups. The deviation of the teeth from the main plane of the file is insignificant. The working surface is made in the shape of a wave.

All jigsaw files with a clean cut have a wavy layout. These products are ideal for working with wood, plywood and chipboard.

Rice. 8 Milled file with wavy layout

Sanded blades with classic layout

Analogues of milled saw blades with classic layout, differing in blade width and processing method. The presence of grinding ensures smooth operation of the tool and simplifies cutting operations. The product is optimal for working with wood and wood-based materials.

Rice. 9 Sanded file with classic setting

Sanded blades without routing

Products whose teeth are arranged sequentially. The products can act as saws for curved cuts. It forms smooth and neat openings and is designed to work with materials of small and medium thickness.

Rice. 10 File with conical grinding without setting

Models without routing are used as saws for finishing cuts on wood, plywood and laminate. They are indispensable when carrying out finishing activities.