Everything about jigsaws for metal - from choosing a file and jigsaw, to the nuances of work and sawing techniques

Preparing the tool for work and additional accessories

A jigsaw is a kind of universal device that in some cases can replace a whole range of tools. Before starting work, it is necessary to carry out an external inspection of the tool: make sure the integrity of the power cable, check the connection to the electrical network.

It is also important to choose the right cutting blade - each material being cut has its own requirements. The markings applied to the material must be clear and clearly visible. You can use a laser guide, if one is included with the jigsaw. However, experienced craftsmen, for a more accurate cut, advise focusing on the marks applied to the sole. It is better to perform all work on a saw table - this element can be purchased at the store, or you can arrange it yourself.

A number of manufacturers produce additional devices designed to help perform various operations. The following additional devices will be a good help:

#1. A parallel stop-compass is useful for cutting out circles.

#2. Parallel stop - for straight cuts.

#3. Guide rail - makes straight cutting easier.

#4. Removable pad for the support block - can be made of plastic or metal and is used to increase the glide of the jigsaw over the surface of the material being processed.

#5. Anti-splinter insert - used to reduce the likelihood of chipping during operation, especially relevant when sawing laminated lumber.

Having learned how to use a jigsaw correctly, you can proceed directly to cutting. The choice of saw and operating mode plays a fairly important role in the process of sawing material and operating the tool. If the operating mode is incorrectly selected, the jigsaw may break. Therefore, do not neglect the recommendations described below.

How to cut sheet materials smoothly

The main purpose of a jigsaw is to obtain an even cut . It's the easiest way to do it.

The first step is to make markings that will serve as a guide during work. If the edge of the workpiece is smooth and you just need to make it smaller, use a rip fence . It is a T-shaped device that is attached to the sole of an electric jigsaw.

To reduce saw wear, a pendulum motion is activated. You need to move the jigsaw slowly, without jerking. Moving or jerking too quickly will have a negative effect on the cut line and additional processing (such as sanding) will be required.

How to cut a tree

Choosing a file. Cutting wood species is carried out using standard saws with medium-sized teeth pointing upward with a tooth pitch of 2.5 to 4 mm. The length of the file is selected in accordance with the thickness of the workpiece.

Stroke frequency. The stroke frequency is set to maximum. This indicator should be reduced only when the canvas is prone to overheating or discomfort is felt during operation.

Pendulum stroke. To increase the sawing speed, it is necessary to turn on the pendulum stroke. It negatively affects the quality of the cut, so it should be used in cases where fast work is important, but the quality of the cut is not particularly important.

Sawing process. You should work on the back side of the material to avoid damage to the product. Before sawing, the workpiece must be marked. When sawing, the tool must be pressed evenly to the surface and guided smoothly. There is no need to push it forward much, because as the cut progresses, it moves through the material, especially when the pendulum mechanism is turned on.

What to look for before purchasing

The most important thing is not to buy a professional model that will be used once a month, or a household model and try to work with it for 5 hours a day. Therefore, the user should pay attention not only to the power of the jigsaw. Below are some tips for choosing.

1. The relationship between workpiece thickness and power. A manual household jigsaw cuts metal up to 4 mm thick, a professional jigsaw cuts metal up to 10-12 mm. It is desirable that both have a power of at least 500 W.
2. Functional. Think about whether you should overpay for a tool with lighting, a blowing system, or a pendulum motion, if the device will be used for 1 hour per month? Wide possibilities are welcomed by professionals; an amateur can do without them.
3. Possibility to adjust the frequency of saw movements. If the cutting blade can change speed, the tool is good for multiple metals (for example, steel, copper and aluminum). This is due to the fact that thick workpieces (5-10 mm) are cut at reduced speeds, otherwise the file may crack or become dull.
4. Choosing a file. It is important to know the type of shank and the method of fastening the file (this is indicated in the technical data sheet of the product). Also, cutting blades are distinguished by their suitability for certain metals, which affects their parameters - pitch of teeth, their number, thickness of the removable element.

A jigsaw file for metal can be recognized by its characteristic markings - T118 A (workpiece thickness up to 3 mm), T224 D (for aluminum) and so on.

Remember that the instrument (especially the amateur one) needs rest. After 20-30 minutes of work, you should put the jigsaw aside to avoid overheating. It’s different with professional models - they work for several hours. If you feel that the body of the tool has become hot (due to the continuous operation of the engine), it makes sense to give the device a break.

In short, this is all you need to know about jigsaws for metal. If you have anything to add, share your thoughts in the comments.

How to cut chipboard, laminate

Next, we’ll look at how to evenly saw off chipboard with a jigsaw to avoid damage to the laminated front surface.

Choosing a file. Experts recommend using a reverse cut file. True, during the work there may be a feeling of discomfort due to increased vibration, but the quality of the cut will not suffer. If sawing is performed with a regular file, work is carried out on the back side of the material being processed.

Stroke frequency. The stroke frequency must be set to maximum.

Pendulum mechanism. To prevent chips from forming, the pendulum mechanism must be turned off.

Sawing process. The tool must be pressed firmly against the surface of the material, and it must be moved smoothly without strong pressure.

Chips appear precisely on that part of the material that faces the tool. Therefore, if the cut is made with a file with regular teeth, then you can, having determined the front side of the product in advance, make a cut along the back side.

In addition, an anti-splinter insert can be used to make cuts in chipboard or laminate. This is a small part with a cut that is inserted into special guides on the sole. The most ideal insert is the one in which the cut exactly matches the thickness of the saw blade. Therefore, some manufacturers supply several of these inserts complete with jigsaws. In this case, you need to make the cut in each of them yourself. After which you can start sawing the chipboard.

How to cut ceramic tiles with a jigsaw

Ceramic tiles are one of the most difficult building materials, as they combine hardness and fragility. It is necessary with it with a special blade, which allows you to get an even cut without chips.

Use a jigsaw to cut ceramic tiles straight only . Edge cutting and curly cutting will not give a good result, as the tile will begin to break.

You need to be very careful when cutting tiles with a jigsaw. This is done in one smooth movement . No stops allowed . The pendulum motion of the canvas is turned off.

Main types of metal files for jigsaws

Now let's move directly to the cutting tools. The inscription on the file itself or on the packaging will tell you that this blade is intended for working with metal. Such products are marked with the inscriptions: “For Metal” or “For Metal,” depending on the manufacturer.

By marking you can find out about the material from which the file is made. The most common steel is HSS. From the manufacturer's description it follows that this is high-speed steel.

Some products are marked BIM. This is a designation for Bimetal, a hard cutting edge and a soft body of the blade. Two materials of different densities are joined by surfacing. The soft body of the blade prevents the brittle steel on the teeth from breaking.

The cutting tool differs in shape. The most popular products are those with small milled wavy teeth. They provide an even cut, with a slight twist if necessary. But such blades cut material 1–3 mm thick.

To cut parts with greater thickness, there are special files with a set “tooth” and modified geometry. The so-called “progressive step”, in which the teeth increase from the jigsaw to the edge of the blade. Such models can cut parts up to 10 mm thick.

A saw with a set tooth can be used to process non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum, copper, brass) and hardwood. They can cut a metal profile (pipe or square) if the diameter does not exceed 30 mm and the wall thickness is 1.2 mm.

The conclusion is obvious: you can cut metals with a jigsaw. But this process must be approached wisely. Eliminate pendulum runout, lubricate and do not overheat the cutting surface, use the correct blades for various materials.

Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed the first time. A little patience and attention - and you will succeed!

Choosing a file

The speed and quality of the cut depends on the quality of the jigsaw blade. There are different types of metal files available for sale. As an example - T118G and T318BF.

Marking means:

• T – T-shaped (cross-shaped shank);
• The first number 1 and 3 is the length of the file by serial numbers. 1 – the shortest, 3 – longer;
• 18 – code for the purpose of the canvas, checked against the table. In this case - for metal;
• B and G tooth pitch size. G – the smallest tooth, less than 1 mm, B – tooth and pitch 2-3 mm, larger;
• marking F means that the blade is made of a combination of different metals (bimetal) - a softer blade so that it does not break, and super-hard teeth.

Different manufacturers may have different markings for their metal files. The inscription on the packaging and the canvas itself radically simplifies the choice: Metal. You can visually assess the size and pitch of the teeth without deciphering the markings.

How to saw metal

Choosing a file. For cutting metal surfaces, saws with fine teeth are used - tooth pitch 1 - 2 mm. Visually, such a file resembles a hacksaw blade for metal and can be used for cutting other materials in order to improve the cleanliness of the cut.

Stroke frequency. The sawing speed must be set as low as possible.

Pendulum mechanism. The pendulum stroke is completely disabled.

Sawing process. The tool must be moved slowly across the workpiece, without pressure. The sheet of tin must be firmly secured in advance by positioning it so that the cut line is as close as possible to the support.

If it is necessary to make a curved cut in thin sheet metal, but it is not possible to position the workpiece so that the cut line is close to the support, then it must be placed between two sheets of fiberboard or hardboard. All markings are applied to the top sheet of fiberboard. This will prevent the formation of burrs.

It is also recommended to take short breaks in work and use additional cooling sources to avoid overheating of the file.

In what cases should you cut with a jigsaw?

For cutting steels in non-industrial conditions, gas and electric welding in cutting mode, angle grinder or trimming with a metal cutting disc, a hand jigsaw with a metal file, scissors, and guillotines are used.

A jigsaw is used in the following cases:

• a clean cut is required, without scale and overheating of the metal structure;
• you need to cut out a circle, a curved line, an oval, which cannot be done with another tool;
• when you need to make a cut at an angle, adjusting the tilt of the jigsaw platform allows you to do this;
• when there is simply no other tool.

In rooms where fuels and lubricants and other flammable materials are stored, it is dangerous to work with a sparking cutting disc on an angle grinder or gas-electric welding in cutting mode. In renovated rooms, this can damage the finish. A jigsaw is also used here.

How to cut tiles

Choosing a file. To work on this material, a special blade without teeth is used. Abrasive materials are applied to the surface of such files. Cutting tiles or ceramic tiles is rarely used, because the consumption of blades in this case is too high.

Pendulum stroke. The pendulum stroke is turned off.

Stroke frequency. Work is carried out at the minimum established speed.

A jigsaw is ideal for cutting short curved elements in tiles.

Which manual jigsaw is best to use?

The metal is sawed by a file, and the jigsaw only sets it in motion and guides it. Therefore, you can cut with any working jigsaw that has a speed control. The blade swing mode (pendulum stroke) is not needed when cutting metal. There are no special manual jigsaws for metal. Regular jigsaws are used, only the blade is selected.

For your information! The more powerful the jigsaw, the easier it cuts metal. Professional models can cut thicker material than household ones.

There are stationary metal band saws that can be purchased for a home workshop, but these are no longer hand-held jigsaws.

Features of cutting round and oval elements

In this section we will talk about how to properly cut round or oval elements with a jigsaw. First you need to apply markings to the material. In most cases, a hole is drilled in the workpiece from which the product will be cut. The diameter of the drill should be slightly larger than the width of the saw blade. To cut curved elements, you need to take a narrow file designed for such work.

The jigsaw is brought slowly to the desired path. If you need to cut a circle of the correct shape, you can use an additional device - a circle cutter. To do this, you need to determine the center of the circle and, fixing the compass stop there, cut out.

For such work it is better to choose a narrow canvas. During the cutting process, you need to focus on the position of the blade, since elements that help in making a straight cut (guide flies, lasers) in this case will only confuse the direction.

In some cases, you can do without drilling a hole in the workpiece. To do this, the tool is installed with the edge of the sole behind the marking line. The jigsaw turns on and, with careful movements, tilts until it comes into contact with the work surface. The angle increases until the workpiece is cut through. After this, the tool stops, the file is removed and installed in the standard working position. The marking is achieved by gradually rounding the cutting line. Any force on the instrument should be avoided.

To cut out non-standard shapes or patterns, the jigsaw is installed using special fasteners or a saw table in a stationary state, with the file facing up. In this case, you will have to operate not with a jigsaw, but with the workpiece itself, moving it in accordance with the markings. This cutting method provides maximum visibility of the work process, adherence to the cutting line, and control over the workpiece. Tool settings are set according to the material being processed.

General information about the tool

A jigsaw is a saw whose cutting blade makes a reciprocating motion. Depending on the design, the tool performs from 200 to 3000 vibrations every minute, thereby cutting the metal workpiece.

A jigsaw, unlike most saws (hand saws, miter saws and others), is designed for figure cutting. Moreover, it is difficult for them to get a strictly straight cut line, but a curved one is easy. However, there are products for cutting at right angles. They are equipped with special guides and cost a little more than their analogues, while weighing down the structure.

Experts divide jigsaws for metal into groups according to a number of parameters, including:

• the need to use electricity;
• appointment;
• handle type.

In accordance with the last criterion, the tool is divided into two types:

The former allow you to hold the tool in one hand, which reduces the cutting accuracy, but expands the scope of use. The latter must be held with both hands, having previously fixed the part. This is inconvenient, but the accuracy of cutting the workpiece increases.

The type of handle allows us to classify only manual models. For electric ones, things are different. Next - in detail about other types of cutting tools.

Features of cutting straight elements

Despite the fact that this type of work is one of the most common, if there is a lack of experience, difficulties may arise in how to evenly saw off any element with a jigsaw. It is recommended to opt for a file with a wide blade, designed for straight cutting, in order to better maintain the marking line. To ensure an even cut, the presence of the “soft start” function plays an important role. In this case, the tool begins to gain momentum gradually, making the jigsaw better controllable at the initial stage of cutting.

During work, you should not make excessive efforts to move the jigsaw forward, otherwise this will lead to failure of the file or tool mechanisms. A worn-out blade should be replaced immediately, since a dull file causes increased load on the electric drive. The workpiece to be cut must be securely fastened.

You can use a rip fence or guide bar to make straight cuts.

Sawing with a guide bar

First, the workpiece must be marked. After that? By installing the jigsaw in a special shoe, and then the shoe in the tire, the tool is positioned along the cutting line.

By placing the tool blade exactly along the cutting line, the guide bar is attached.

The tool is put into operation and guided along the tire. It depends a little on the operator. The quality of the cut will be much more influenced by the quality of the file and the jigsaw itself.

There are rails with clamps that allow you to make both straight cuts and angled cuts.

Sawing with a rip fence

A parallel fence often comes complete with a jigsaw, but regardless of this, almost all models have a slot in the sole for attaching a parallel fence rod.

It is possible to make a high-quality cut using this device only in the following cases:

• The supporting plane along which the shoe will move must be level and parallel.
• The jigsaw must be of high quality and resistant to being pulled to the side.
• The rip fence itself, i.e. its rod and shoe, must be strong and rigid.
• The operator must press the shoe firmly against the supporting surface when moving the tool.

Features of mechanical and electrical models

Depending on the need to use electricity, jigsaws come in two types. Mechanical ones are characterized by a simple design of three main elements (handle, frame and file), lightness, and low cost. The cutting element is fixed in the frame by means of two screw clamps that regulate the tension. If the blade sags, cutting the workpiece (especially metal) is impossible. Working with a mechanical jigsaw is simple, but time-consuming and energy-consuming. The maximum frequency of movements is 200-250 vibrations per minute, so such devices are considered ineffective today. However, to this day they are found in stores.

Example - KRAFTOOL 15606 with an oval frame depth of 165 mm. It makes it possible to cut large metal surfaces. For user convenience, there is a plastic handle with a ribbed surface (so that the device does not slip out of your hands), and durability of use is guaranteed by a tungsten carbide coated blade, which is very wear-resistant and durable. The cost of a mechanical jigsaw is from 700 rubles.

The situation is different with a jigsaw. The tool operates on mains or battery power, makes several thousand oscillations per minute, is compact, durable, and replacement metal files are available in hardware stores. Disadvantages include the weight of the product, noise during operation, and dependence on a power source (when operating network devices). However, the disadvantages pale in comparison with the advantages of modern models, which are discussed in detail in the next section.

Features of sawing at an angle

Miter cuts can only be performed with tools that support this function. The miter cutting process is achieved by adjusting the jigsaw support sole. Manufacturers often equip their products with several clamps - usually 15, 30, 45 degrees. A square or protractor can also be of great help in controlling the position of the tool's support base.

Particular attention should be paid to the selection of the file. For most work, homogeneous blades are suitable; for sawing at an angle, it is better to use non-uniform (bimetallic) blades. The cost of such files is slightly higher than similar ones, but they are much stronger and have the ability to bend without breaking.

Which jigsaw to choose

In order for the hobby to bring joy and not to have to adjust and tighten something every five minutes, you should approach the choice of tool with all the attention and responsibility. https://www.youtube.com/embed/j84rY2QKhZI

Despite the apparent simplicity of the design, a manual jigsaw has many nuances that must be taken into account when purchasing.

• Frame material. It is better to put aside the strip metal jigsaws. They are prone to twisting and distort the blade during cutting. A frame made of a metal tube does not have this drawback; it holds its shape perfectly and is also noticeably lighter.
• Lever. Be sure to check how firmly the handle is attached to the frame. If she constantly jumps off, the process will turn from pleasure into torture. Over time, sawing masters replace the cylindrical handle, turned on a lathe, with an individual one, carved from soft wood, taking into account the anatomical features of their hand.
• Clamps. Holding the saw securely during the cutting process is not only a matter of convenience, but also of safety. Good clamping areas are equipped with notch systems perpendicular to each other to ensure secure retention of the blade shanks.
• The wings of the clamps should have wide, high and comfortable ears. Avoid wing nuts stamped from sheet metal or replace them with tall wing nuts with the same threads.

Sawing with a saw table

The design of the table makes it much easier to work with a jigsaw, especially when cutting out elements of round, oval or complex shapes. You can buy such a table or make it yourself.

The tool is securely fixed on the underside of the tabletop, with the blade facing up.

Switching on and off is carried out using buttons located on the side of the table.

In this case, the operator does not move the tool itself, but the workpiece in which the sawing is performed.

This machine allows you to better control the workpiece and follow the marking line. As when working with a jigsaw, you should avoid putting too much force on the blade by the object being processed.

Why do you need a jigsaw?

Most often, an electric jigsaw is used for making wood products. This tool is widely used in furniture production, where it is used to make elements and parts of various shapes.

choose the right consumables and cutting mode when working with an electric jigsaw , you can:

• make straight and curved cuts;
• cut circles without damaging the sheet;
• cut thin metal;
• make products from wood up to 10 cm thick (the Dnipro-M LE-110R jigsaw model cuts 11 cm bars );
• cut plastic;
• sawing ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Whether a power tool can work with a particular material will depend on the power and type of tool (household, semi-professional, professional). Not all electric jigsaws have additional functions, such as bevel cutting or the ability to connect additional elements and tools. To choose the right tool, read the article “How to choose a jigsaw.”

At the same time, you also need to select the right saw blades. The pitch of the teeth, their length, and material are taken into account.

The most common breakdowns, how to avoid them and safety precautions

It is important not only to know how to cut with a jigsaw, but also to try to avoid causes that could lead to the tool breaking.

Electric motor. Most often, the motor fails in jigsaws. There can be several reasons for the breakdown: burnout of the rotor, stator, wear of the notch on the shaft. To avoid rotor burnout, you need to purchase a tool whose power will be sufficient to perform the required tasks. For example, if you need to cut thick workpieces, a jigsaw with a power of 400 W will not be enough - the engine simply will not withstand the load and will burn out. This can also be caused by insufficiently high voltage in the network. It is not recommended to set lower speeds too often: lack of cooling and high currents can lead to winding burnout.

The notch on the shaft may wear out due to constant impact loads on the tool rod. Shock loads on the rod appear due to incorrect selection of equipment. Therefore, always follow the recommendations when selecting a saw blade.

Power button. Sometimes jigsaw owners encounter problems with the power button. Pulling the trigger closes the circuit and starts the engine. If metal dust gets into the case, the normal operation of the power button may be impaired. To remove dust during work, you can use a special vacuum cleaner (a household vacuum cleaner will not work). The failure of the “trigger” can be caused by natural wear and tear of the conductive paths. It must be said that this process is quite lengthy.

Mechanics. Among the mechanical components, the rod can be problematic: this part is subjected to serious mechanical loads that arise during the sawing process. The blade fixing mechanism is the weakest in this system, since it is directly connected to the rod. There is no need to worry about gearbox failures if the housing reliably protects the internal mechanisms of the tool from dust.

Jigsaw safety and maintenance

Basic safety rules must be indicated in the instruction manual. It is strictly forbidden to perform any work while intoxicated. Before starting work, you should make sure that the tool is in working order, that you have safety glasses and gloves, and that the voltage in the network is stable. You need to take care in advance about good lighting of the workplace. Work with a jigsaw should be carried out in a dry room. There should be no flammable substances nearby.

At the end of the work, the tool is thoroughly cleaned of dust and, if possible, blown with air (with the engine running, the blowing efficiency will be higher). Lubricant is applied to moving parts as needed. The instrument should be stored in a dry place. Following these simple recommendations will significantly increase the life of the jigsaw.

Getting started: how to turn on the jigsaw and start cutting

1. Working with an electric jigsaw begins with a visual inspection. The tool and power cord must not show any visible damage .
2. Next, install the saw blade (it should always be removed before storage).
3. Before you start working with a jigsaw, setup is carried out. First of all, the frequency of movement of the nail file suitable for the material is selected. If you want to make an edge cut, you need to set the cutting angle. This is easy to do on Dnipro-M electric jigsaws thanks to the inclined sole. If the task allows, the pendulum stroke , and the amplitude of movement of the canvas is selected.
4. If necessary, a parallel stop or compass is installed to make holes in the workpiece.
5. If your work generates a lot of dust, connect a vacuum cleaner.

Video. Choosing a jigsaw and working with it

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Stainless steel (or colloquially “stainless steel”) is an excellent material: it is resistant to corrosion, and thanks to alloying additives, it is much stronger than ordinary carbon steel. But... every advantage has a downside and a disadvantage. For stainless steel, this disadvantage is precisely the complexity of its processing.

Of course, modern technologies make it possible to cope with this drawback at the factory level. And if you have already decided to make something from stainless steel, then the most reasonable thing you can do is to draw up an exact sketch of the shape you need and order its production in specialized ones, for example...).

Nowadays, specialists can offer many different methods for cutting rolled stainless steel - from an industrial guillotine to laser cutting.

But... it very often happens that a pre-drawn drawing for cutting a steel sheet does not even slightly coincide with what is actually needed... and carrying the entire weighty semi-finished product to a specialized workshop is simply too expensive and inconvenient.

In general, there is a need to somehow “tweak” a stainless steel product in field or home conditions.

How can this be done? Let's list the ways...

The old-fashioned method - hammer, chisel, scissors, file...

Despite the complexity of this method of metal processing, the “chisel and hammer” method can still be used today - especially in cases where

— we are talking about sheet metal of small (2-4 mm) thickness

— the product itself to be “edited” is small in size and can be secured in a regular vice.

This combination of conditions when working with stainless steel is rare, but... anything can happen. In this case, we will have to remind you of its shortcomings, which include:

- very low processing accuracy

— deformation of the material and the appearance of uneven edges and burrs

— the need to “finish” the product with a file and “cold forging”

However, this method of cutting stainless steel has the right to exist in very “camping conditions” - along with the use of metal scissors, which can also be useful when cutting very thin (1-1.5 mm) stainless steel sheets. Of course, when using such scissors, you will need to take care of increasing the length of their handles and accept the fact that such a tool will very quickly become dull.

Jigsaw and band saw

If the conditions for cutting stainless steel are not entirely suitable, and you have access to more or less specialized machines and devices, then another option for cutting stainless steel appears - an electric jigsaw.

This tool is suitable for cutting wood and ordinary steel - but can also be used for working on stainless steel up to 10 mm thick, but subject to two essential conditions:

— it is necessary to use special files (preferably branded ones)

— cutting must be carried out in the presence of a lubricant (which, however, can be ordinary sunflower oil); without it, the jigsaw blade will very quickly heat up and become unusable.

- you will have to work at low speeds - both vertical and horizontal.

The main advantage of a jigsaw can be considered that it can be used to make curved cuts and cuts of pipes, the main disadvantage is the high probability of breakdown of the device with a violation of the operating mode quite possible in inexperienced hands.

Again, the capabilities of a jigsaw are greatly limited by the thickness of the stainless steel sheet being cut - if it is 4-6 mm, then a jigsaw will cope with it more or less successfully, with 7-8 mm. - already with great effort, but 10 mm. - this is already the limit.

If you need to cut a thicker sheet, you will have to use a machine with a band saw (which, again, you will have to install a special one for stainless steel).

Inappropriate gas cutter

There is another method of cutting metals, which is good for ordinary steel and completely unsuitable for stainless steel - we are talking about gas cutting with temperatures up to 1200 degrees.

Its unsuitability lies in the fact that the ignition temperature in oxygen of ordinary steel is lower than the melting point - and this circumstance allows it to “burn through” steel sheets with the formation of fairly clear cuts. But since stainless steel is an alloy of iron with a number of other elements, its melting point will be higher - and attempts to cut it with a gas torch will not lead to anything good - the metal will melt and splash, the cut will be torn and uneven... especially if the metal is have a thickness of over 15 mm.

Some craftsmen, however. claim that they have come up with a method for gas cutting of stainless rolled steel: “We do this: we heat the cut area until red, then open the blower, in one hand the cutter is in the other with an ordinary 3 mm steel wire, we slip a steel additive into the blast oxygen stream. I can’t say that it cuts smoothly, but in some cases it helped me a lot.” - but let it remain on their conscience...

Camping plasma cutter - for every garage

However, even if it is necessary to cut fairly thick types of stainless steel, it is not necessary to contact specialized companies. Recently, “manual” technologies of metal plasma cutting that were previously available only in factory conditions are becoming more and more widespread.

In particular, devices for plasma cutting of steel have now become available to small workshops and individuals.

The principle of their operation is based on the fact that a plasma cutter and a sheet of steel act as a cathode and anode - and when a voltaic arc with a temperature of up to 30,000 degrees occurs between them, a stream of air (or nitrogen) supplied under high pressure will successfully burn through the steel of any composition.

Of course, a plasma cutter is a rather technically complex device and until recently it could only be found in specialized companies. But in recent years, such devices have become quite compact - and are closer in size to welding ones, and can be placed in an ordinary garage.

However, the main obstacle to their widespread use remains the high energy intensity of the plasma cutting method. In addition, working with a plasma cutter requires considerable skill: since the working tool is always suspended, it can move due to involuntary movements of the worker - and this will inevitably affect the quality of the cutting. With such fluctuations, the cut becomes “ragged”, with sagging, and other flaws. But if you equip a manual plasma cutter with a dielectric stand, then fluctuations in the gap between the metal and the plasma cutter nozzle can be minimized.

But if everything is in order with your power sources, then using a household plasma cutter you can successfully cut stainless steel up to 50 mm. thick.

Delightful Bulgarian

However, plasma cutters or acetylene torches are still exotic in our garages. Or an angle grinder, colloquially referred to as an “angle grinder”! Almost every car enthusiast has it - and can be successfully used for cutting steel - including stainless steel.

A grinder, however, (unlike a jigsaw) does not allow cutting material along curved lines - but it copes well with cutting stainless steel in a straight line (unless, of course, the thickness of the steel being cut does not exceed 3-4 mm). In addition, the grinder does not require any special skills from its owner, and in stores you can always buy wheels “for regular steel” and “for stainless steel.”

But when using a grinder, you must remember that you cannot cut stainless steel in a circle for ordinary steel, since the abrasive composition of such discs includes sulfur and chlorine compounds, which can become a “seed” for the chemical reaction of parts of the stainless alloy with water and oxygen. In the same way, you should not cut ordinary steel with a circle “like stainless steel” - particles of ordinary steel may remain on it, which will lead to the formation of corrosion when using a disk for cutting stainless steel.

How to drill stainless steel?

A separate issue when working with stainless steel is its drilling. This operation may be required not only to create holes for fastening with bolts or rivets, but also to begin some other processing of rolled products (for example, to create a “starting hole” for cutting with a jigsaw).

But since stainless steel is a stronger metal and at the same time more tough, it is much more difficult to drill, especially since this must be done at reduced speed.

Therefore, to confidently drill through stainless steel, it is advisable to use rapid drills with a tip made of hard alloys.

To make drilling stainless steel easier, you need to use a lubricant, which can also be purchased in specialized stores... or you can make it yourself by melting lard and adding machine oil and graphite to it. With this composition you can also cut threads in the hole.

Thus, there are enough different methods for cutting stainless steel - you just need to know how to use them.

The article was prepared by specialists

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Marking

Whether a metal saw is suitable for a jigsaw for use in a particular application, and whether it is suitable for a tool produced by a particular manufacturer, can be determined by the markings indicated on the blades. Having gained experience in handling a jigsaw, people can easily begin to understand the symbols on the blade. The first letter on it indicates the type of shank.

It may be designated by the letters T, U or M, although there are other standards depending on the instrument chosen. You can also read its dimensions from the markings on the canvas. They are indicated immediately after the letter designating the type of shank. The shortest file is no longer than 75 mm. Medium is considered to have a size in the range of 75–90 mm.

The longest ones are those whose length is from 90 to 150 mm. Following the digital designation is an indication of the size of the teeth:

• small ones are designated by the letter A;
• average – B;
• large - C or D.

There is one more designation indicating the features of the saw:

• the letter F indicates the use of an alloy of two metals in the file material, which ensures special strength of the product;
• the letter P means that the saw allows you to make precise cuts;
• the letter O indicates that the back of the file is particularly narrow, and such a product can be used for curved cuts;
• X: this blade is suitable for cutting various materials, including metal products.
• the designation R is reverse, that is, the saw teeth are directed in the opposite direction.

The color indication on the shank also says a lot. To work with metal, choose products with a blue designation on it. The white color indicates that the file is suitable for both metal and wood processing. Special inscriptions may also indicate the purpose for working with metal objects.

For sawing stainless steel, a blade with the designation Inox is suitable, just for metal – Metal, and for cutting aluminum – Alu.

To work with jigsaws from different companies, saws with a shank of one shape or another are used. T-shaped - developed by Bosch. Today, other manufacturers also use such shanks for their tools. Saws with a similar base are very common on the market. The U-shaped shank is more suitable for jigsaws that have been on the market longer than those made by Bosch. They are combined with a tool that has clamps in the form of blocks. There are also old-style shanks suitable for tools from Bosch and Makita.

It should be taken into account that in addition to files for working with metal, there are those that are used to make cuts on wood, plastic and other materials. In particular, jigsaws powered by electricity were originally intended for wood processing. If saw blades made from an alloy of chromium and vanadium are used to work with wooden products, then blades for working with metal are made of steel, which can quickly cut through durable metal sheets and other things made of such hard material. The stronger the metal being cut, the finer the teeth on the blade. The width of the canvas also varies.

It all depends on what kind of work is supposed to be done. Wide allows you to make a straight cut at high speed without fear of leaving the chosen path. This will also depend on the thickness of the canvas. The thicker it is, the greater the chance of cutting metal in a perfectly straight line. For curly cuts, narrow blades are suitable, allowing you to easily perform intricate turns.

The shape of the teeth on a file designed for cutting metal also matters. Some tools have very small and wavy edges, allowing you to make even cuts, making small turns if desired. These blades are intended for cutting materials with a thickness of 1–3 mm. Blades with set teeth, the number of which increases per inch towards the edge, help cut various metal products or pieces of metal with a greater thickness. They are capable of cutting materials up to 10 mm thick, such as brass, copper and aluminum products and sheets.