Review of the best universal and wood jigsaw files for 2022

In a home workshop or when carrying out repairs on your own, you often need to cut some material quickly and evenly. For this type of work, a manual or electric jigsaw is used. The tool makes simple and straight cuts in metal pipes or sheets of drywall, and copes with the function of filigree threads or cutting out oval and rectangular holes.

Various manipulations are performed with jigsaw files with certain characteristics. Universal carving blades exist, but they perform the simplest operations and quality and speed suffer during processing. It is important to choose the right type of saw material according to the description for specific jobs and tools.

Jigsaw blades: marking to help

For a non-professional person, purchasing the right saw consumables can be confusing. You can always ask the question: “What are the types of consumables? Which company's products are better? Many brands produce specialized types for wood, iron, plexiglass, and plastic. It is important for a carpenter or home craftsman to understand the purpose of purchasing products and the selection criteria that will help determine the desired functionality.

Alphanumeric markings on the canvas and tail dyeing will help you make the right choice. Each symbol indicates performance and application based on the material being processed.

The first letter is the shank type:

The T-shape model is the most common among many manufacturers;
U-shape for older models of screw or block type power tools;
M - special model with two holes, only for Makita;
F - standard rectangular shape with one hole Fein.

The second number is the canvas size:

1 - short, up to 7.5 cm;
2 - average, 7.5 - 9 cm;
3 - long, 9 - 15 cm;
7 - maximum, from 15 cm.

The penultimate letter is the size of the teeth in ascending order of size:

A - small;
B - average;
C, D - large.

The last letter indicates the special properties of the cutting blade:

X - progressive pitch of teeth;
R - reverse or reverse teeth;
O - a particularly thin edge of the back of the canvas;
P - ensuring the most accurate cut;
F - made of double alloy, providing special strength.

Cloths for metal

Jigsaw blades are usually made from high-speed steel. This product is quite hard and has a bluish tint. The file has a different tooth shape and the geometry of the blade itself. Depending on what kind of cut is needed, products with fairly fine teeth that are exactly the same size are used. As a rule, a blade with such teeth is used for soft metals.

If the choice fell on a product that has teeth with varying geometry , the file is used for cutting harder metals. This product has teeth, where the pitch and size increases towards the edge. The advantage of this option is the direct simplification of the cut, since this structure of the teeth, as it were, planes the metal, with each of the teeth performing its own function. This structure of the file minimizes the load on the tool, therefore increasing its service life. The same function is performed with a slightly curved blade at the bottom.

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All jigsaw files for metal have fine teeth. These products have a certain marking, where you can always see the Latin letter “A” in the last or penultimate place. This letter indicates the strength of the metal. Before choosing a saw for cutting metal, you need to understand what material it will be intended for. Because the harder the metal, the smaller the tooth should be.

When choosing a file for a jigsaw, it is worth taking into account the peculiarities of the material, because the wrong tool will not bring the desired result. To choose the right file, it is important to study the following marking list:

T111CHCS - a carbon steel product that is used for cutting wood and plastic (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 3 mm);
T119B0HCS – carbon steel, designed for working with soft wood (length 56 mm, tooth pitch 2 mm). As a rule, it is used when performing delicate work, figure cutting;
T101BHCS is a carbon steel blade used for cutting soft wood. The advantage of such a blade is an even cut (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 2.5 mm);
T101BRHCS - carbon steel is also used for manufacturing; the main nuance of the blade is reverse teeth. Designed for working with soft wood (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 2.5 mm);
T118AHSS – hardened steel is used for manufacturing and is intended for hard metals (length 50 mm, tooth pitch 1.2 mm);
T144D HCS – carbon steel is used, the blade has set teeth. The direct purpose of the blade is cutting hard and soft wood. (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 4 mm);
T127DHSS – hardened steel is used, designed for working with non-ferrous metals. The blade has milled set teeth (length 75 mm, tooth pitch 3 mm);
T118GHSS – made of hardened high-speed steel. The main difference is the wavy teeth and is used for hard metals. (length 50 mm, tooth pitch 0.8 mm);
T118BHSS – made of hardened high-speed steel, tooth shape – slotted wavy. Main use for cutting hard metals (length 50 mm, pitch 2 mm).

Such markings can be found directly at the foot of the jigsaw blade.

Naturally, when choosing jigsaw files, you cannot remember all the nuances and criteria. When buying jigsaw files, pay attention to the following points:

a file, which has large and, at the same time, rare teeth, is used for rough cutting of soft wood. Wide is used for straight cuts and large radii. Narrow - exclusively for figured cutting;
a file with medium and rare teeth is used if it is necessary to achieve a clean cut of wood;
with fine teeth used for straight cutting of metal and plastic;
with medium isosceles teeth is used for figured and clean sawing of wood with a small radius.

Speaking about the manufacturer, you can safely talk about Makita, Praktika. Jigsaws from these manufacturers have proven themselves to be excellent in quality and durability. When choosing a file, remember its intended purpose, otherwise your goals will not come true. Knowing the types of files used, and paying attention to the markings, method of fastening, as well as the manufacturer, the correct choice is guaranteed.

A jigsaw is a high-speed device, which is why do not neglect safety rules!

An electric jigsaw is a device of regular practical use for every woodworker, and the development and improvement of technology has expanded the scope of its practical use. Now the device can be successfully used when working with other materials; the only thing that should be taken into account is the correct choice of saw blade. Jigsaw files are classified according to several of the most significant characteristics, which allows you to initially select the right attachment depending on the features and type of cutting. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right file for your jigsaw, and what types there are.

Additional markings on the blade: what is important to pay attention to

Jigsaw equipment is supplied individually and in the form of universal sets of several blades: for soft and hard wood, for metal, and plastic. Responsible manufacturers add supporting information to consumables to avoid mistakes when choosing.

Material letters

HM – especially strong alloys;
.HCS (CV) - carbon composites;
HSS - high speed metal;
CV - chrome vanadium steel alloy;
BM (BiM) is a bimetallic structure of strong alloys and high-speed metal, the most durable and wear-resistant.

Decoding the quality characteristics of the cutting edge

Wood - work on soft wood;
Hardwood - hard wood and PVC plastic;
Metall - cutting of steel alloys and metalworking is possible;
Inox - work with stainless material;
Plaster, Fiber - fiberglass blanks;
Alu - for processing aluminum;
Soft-material - soft rubber and carpeting;
Acrylic - acrylate and polycarbonate composites.

The purpose of a jigsaw consumable can be determined by the color of the tail section:

gray color - work with wood materials;
blue color - metal alloys;
red - plastic surfaces;
white - on wood and metal;
black color - ceramic, steel, soft and fibrous materials.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Classification Features

The demands placed on the instrument are currently very high. Productivity, speed of work, accuracy of the cut, and its evenness are important. In general, all variants of classifications of blades suitable for a jigsaw can be combined into several groups according to the following criteria:

shank type;
material used in the processing process;
options for the shape of saw teeth;
canvas width;
tooth pitch;
thickness of the canvas.

Selection of hand jigsaw files for the material

Replacement material is sold in a set of several pieces. Files are made from a variety of raw materials; they cut metal, wood or plastic blanks. The cuts can be of different quality, clean, filigree or rough.

Thick wooden blocks or plastic will quickly be cut by a standard blade with large teeth (6-7 per cm) or binary teeth. Additional sanding of the wood edge will be required.
To obtain maximum evenness and smoothness of the edges of fiberboard, finishing or facing materials, a fine-toothed working surface (10 elements per cm) is used.
A laminate multilayer board or chipboard is cut by a consumable with a reverse gear motion. The cut is obtained without small cracks or chips of wood.
The filigree work is performed by a spiral blade for precise shaped cuttings, which does not get stuck and rotates well.
The metal is sawed with a particularly strong blade with many (9-10 per cm) small teeth. The operating speed is low, but with certain skill it can cut a ten-millimeter steel plate or a thin tin sheet.
PVC, polycarbonate or plexiglass board will be neatly shortened, without splitting the material, by cutting equipment with fine toothed elements.

Beware - fake!

Modern manufacturers offer a huge range of replacement materials for power tools and mechanical jigsaws. The average cost for a set of products from well-known brands or new ones can differ tens of times.

It should be remembered that trusted companies value their reputation and monitor the quality of the consumables they produce. Large manufacturers offer a range for amateurs and professionals. But even budget options have excellent performance characteristics.

Care when purchasing will reduce the likelihood of making the mistake of choosing counterfeit files from well-known brands:

a counterfeit blade made from low-quality raw materials may have chips, minor damage or traces of rust;
clear edges of the blade are possible with high quality production; the rounded end part indicates a violation of the process during underground stamping;
blurry, distorted inscriptions are easily erased;
no branded packaging;
low price compared to the original product.

The fake quickly wears out and breaks. A counterfeit accessory can damage the workpiece or cause injury to the craftsman. Therefore, how much the product costs is not decisive when choosing equipment.

Top 5 Quality Universal Electric Jigsaw Kits

Recognized leaders in the production of saw blades have not changed since 2022. The high quality and product characteristics of popular models are checked daily on construction sites, furniture production and home repairs. The rating of universal configurations, based on customer opinions, will tell you which consumables are best to buy.

5th place. Stayer Station wagon 159488-Н5

Average price: 132 rubles.

The manufacturer produces a wide range of hand and power tools. In Russia since 1999. Many buyers recognize the quality and reliability of the product and vote for it with increasing demand.

Saw consumables are made from resistant carbon steel, which ensures flexibility and long service life; a special protective coating on the cutting edge allows you to maintain the sharpness of the blade.

Stayer Station wagon 159488-Н5

Advantages:

main types of cutting: clean, fast, figured;
processes chipboard, metal, wood, plywood, fiberboard;
5 pieces included;
T-shank;
budget brand.

Flaws:

not found.

4th place. "DeWALT"DT 2294

Average price: 739 rubles.

The company's 90-year history is an example of the reliability of the designed equipment. Powerful, durable and precise power tools are complemented by high-performance accessories. Carbon and bimetallic types of steel are used for it. The recognizable yellow and black colors have become a symbol of Swiss quality.

"DeWALT"DT 2294

Advantages:

for wood and metal blanks;
3 types of cuts: clean, fast, figured;
universal tail section;
10 pieces included.

Flaws:

high price;
confusing markings.

3rd place. Set “Gross”78295

Average price: 738 rubles.

German quality has been repeatedly confirmed by numerous customers. The company produces tools for professional processing of all types of wood, fiberboard, chipboard, PVC up to 60 mm, laminate boards and high-quality blades for it. Durable steel cutting surfaces made of chrome and vanadium have a long service life. Wear-resistant, with increased hardness.

"Gross"78295

Advantages:

perform basic types of cuts: rough, fast, clean;
for metal and wooden surfaces;
T-shaped European shank;
10 pieces per pack.

Flaws:

high price.

2nd place. Set “Bosch” Mixed Wood and Metall 2609256746

Average price: 599 rubles.

occupies a strong place among the leaders in manufacturers of consumables for power tools. The widest range allows you to select both a single item and a specific set. Modern alloys extend the service life of the product.

The company has introduced its own labeling, which is also used by other manufacturers. Components are produced in Switzerland or the UK, the T-shank is compatible with power tools from Makita, Hitachi, AEG, Metabo, etc.

Set “Bosch” Mixed Wood and Metall 2609256746

Advantages:

various files for metal, aluminum, several types of wood;
information packaging;
10 pieces per set, 2 of each type;
universal shank;
average price category.

Flaws:

one type of cut is fast.

1 place. Set “Makita” А-86899

Average price: 350 rubles.

A Japanese brand that produces power tools and high-quality equipment for work in professional fields and private use. Durable steel compounds make the files resistant to mechanical wear, bending and creases.

Set “Makita” А-86899

Advantages:

for wood, metal, plastic;
T-shank;
type of cut: rough, clean, fast;
5 pieces per pack.

Flaws:

unclear markings;
high price.

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.

Top 5 popular models of wood saws for electric jigsaws

5th place. PRACTICE 035-837

Average price: 180 rubles.

The young Russian company appeared in 2003, but already has its own audience of admirers. Consistently high quality of tools and consumables for them, an ever-expanding assortment allows us to quickly conquer the market.

For blade equipment for wooden workpieces, high-strength carbon steel is used, which is resistant to mechanical damage. An extensive range of sizes allows you to select a blade for workpieces of various thicknesses.

PRACTICE 035-837

Advantages:

processes wood and plywood;
type of cut: rough, fast;
universal tail section.

Flaws:

high price;
2 pieces included.

4th place. SMT JT234X-5

Average price: 711 rubles.

An Italian brand with a 40-year history produces cutting tools and accessories. Products are manufactured in Italy, Spain and the United States. The factories operate according to international standards, the process is controlled by the highest class operators.

High-hardness steels and alloys of Swiss and Luxembourg origin provide stable and high-strength characteristics of cutting surfaces. The orange proprietary coating increases service life in the harshest conditions.

SMT JT234X-5

Advantages:

quantity in set: 5 pieces;
universal shank;
working length 90 mm.

Flaws:

high price;
only for wood processing;
1 type of cut: clean.

3rd place. VIRA T111C552025

Average price: 49 rubles.

The manufacturer produces hand tools and consumables in accordance with Russian GOST and DIM certification - a German quality standard.

The cutting blades are made of high-carbon tool steel. Resistant to breaks and bends, they have reliable strength and flexibility.

VIRA T111C552025

Advantages:

processes wood, plastic and plywood;
length 75 mm;
T-shank;
low cost.

Flaws:

one type of cut - fast;
There are 2 pieces in a set.

2nd place. BOSCH 2607011463h

Average price: 49 rubles.

Saw blades for different types of wood are made of HSC carbon steel. Milling or grinding the teeth allows you to make different cuts.

BOSCH 2607011463h

Dignity:

several types of cutting: precise, fast;
15 pieces included;
T-shank;
The set includes saws for regular wood and hardwood;
low cost.

Flaws:

a large set for a small amount of work.

1 place. MAKITA A-85793

Average price: 310 rubles.

The Japanese company carefully monitors product quality. Manufacturing components from reinforced composites allows you to increase their service life. A blade with milled teeth can make several types of cuts. The flexibility and strength of the fabric prevents creases.

MAKITA A-85793

Advantages:

two types of cutting - precise and fast;
European type of shank;
length 70 mm;
set contains 5 pieces;
low price.

Flaws:

only for wood processing.

Parameters of jigsaw files

First you need to decide on the list of saw blade parameters that need to be taken into account. So this:

File fastening standard (shape of shank);
Dimensions (length, width, thickness);
Geometric parameters of teeth;
Purpose (according to the type of material being processed).

Let's look at these parameters in more detail.

File fastening standard (shank shape)

To determine the standard for attaching a saw blade to a jigsaw, you need to look at the passport of your power tool - this should be indicated there. Although quite often several files are included with a jigsaw and by looking at them, you can understand the type of shank that suits you.

Listed below are the main types of shanks found today.

T-shape
U-shaped
Shank for Makita
Shank for Bosh

T-shank

The T-shank type is the most common type nowadays. This solution turned out to be the most successful and was “adopted” by a large number of power tool manufacturers. This type is often called Boschevsky, because it was the Bosch company that first offered this type of jigsaw blade fastening to the market. Subsequently, other manufacturers began to support this type of shank. Such companies include:

Bosch,
Makita,
Metabo,
Hitachi,
Skil,
AEG,
DeWalt,
Sparky

and others.

This shank has proven itself in operation due to its reliability and practicality.

U-shank

The U-shaped shank is considered an American standard, however, it can be considered obsolete, since it is almost never used now, although previously this type of shank was used on jigsaws with screw and block clamps from famous manufacturers:

Ryobi,
stayer,
Black&Decker,
Skil,
DeWalt,
Wolf

and etc.

Makita shank

This is Makita's proprietary shank type. These files are distinguished by their reliability and strong base. This blade can now also be considered outdated and is suitable only for some Makita jigsaws. In this regard, when changing the blade, it may be difficult to purchase it, since the demand for them is now very low, it will be difficult to find such files in the store.

Bosch shank

This type of shank is very similar to the T-shaped one, but unlike it, it is proprietary to Bosch, and accordingly is suitable for jigsaw models only from this manufacturer. This type of fastening can also be considered outdated, and therefore it is very difficult to find it on sale.

conclusions

So, to summarize, it becomes clear that the T-type shank is now some general standard and it has supplanted all other modifications that previously took place. Thus, this greatly simplifies the task for us (consumers) - there is a large selection and there is no need to think too much about shanks, although it is also necessary to know that, theoretically, I can come across non-standard options.

Saw blade dimensions

Like any object in Euclidean space, a file has three geometric dimensions: length, width and thickness. Each of these parameters is important and affects the result of the work in its own way. Now about this in more detail.

Length

The parameter is clear and understandable - the longer the file, the greater the thickness of the sawn workpiece. The range of saw blade lengths for jigsaws is very large - from 40 mm to 250 mm. It would seem that you need to take the longest file and you won’t go wrong. Yes, a long saw is good, as it allows you to cut thick workpieces, but there are a number of issues.

you have to pay for excess length; the longer the file, the more expensive it is; It is obvious;
When sawing workpieces of different thicknesses, there will be uneven wear of the saw blade; accordingly, the wear of the teeth at the base will be higher than at the end of the file.
files bend, and it is much easier to bend a long file than a short one;
There are cases when the excessive length of the file simply interferes with sawing, for example, it rests on something, while a short file would go through without problems.

It is important to pay attention to an important point - to cut thick workpieces you need not only a long saw - you need enough power for the jigsaw to cope with the load. If you don’t take this factor into account, you can simply ruin the tool - the jigsaw can simply “burn out.”

Width

For an even saw (in a straight line), wide files are more suitable, since due to their width they prevent the cut from being pulled to the side. Accordingly, the wider the file, the more even the cut it can give. With narrow files the situation is the opposite - they are used where you need to make a figured or radius cut, respectively, the narrower the file, the greater the curvature of the cut.

Thickness

And the last, but not least important parameter is the thickness of the file. The thicker the blade, the stronger the file, and accordingly, the more resistant it is to the applied forces and will not “be pulled” to the side. It would seem - the conclusion is obvious - we take the thickest files, however, as in the case of length, it is necessary to point out a number of circumstances. The thicker the file, the wider the cut width, which means:

more effort will have to be put in
the cutting time will be longer,
heating of the workpiece will be greater,
more material consumption.

In addition, it should be mentioned that not all thick files are suitable for the quick-release mechanism.

conclusions

As always, there is no one universal solution for all occasions. Each time you need to support a file that is suitable at the moment, for the given task, and, of course, for your tool. You probably shouldn’t run to the store every time and select saw blades, but simply have a set of the most commonly used saw blade options.

Geometric parameters of teeth

The geometry of the cutting edge and the tooth set play an important role. The speed and quality of the cut depends on this. Obviously, the wider the teeth are spread in different directions, the wider the cut will be, and due to the fact that the blade itself does not rub against the edges of the cut, there is less resistance, less heating and a higher cutting speed. Of course, the downside of these advantages will be the poor quality of the saw, as well as the difficulty of making an even cut due to the “pull” of the file to the side (since the blade is not fixed in the plane of the saw). There are several types of cutting edge geometry:

Milled with classic layout;
Milled with wavy layout;
Polished with classic layout;
With conical grinding without routing.

Each of these types of geometries has its own characteristics. Let's take a closer look at them.

Milled with classic layout

This type of geometry is used in simple hand saws and consists of the teeth alternately moving left and right. It is clear that in this case the blade practically does not rub against the walls of the saw, sawing is easy and fast, but in this case there is no need to talk about the quality of the cut and evenness. This type of wiring is quite popular, as it is easy to manufacture and has its undeniable advantages.

Milled with wavy layout

For saw blades with this form of setting, the cutting edge has a wave shape, with several teeth falling into one half-wave and each of them has a different deviation from the central axis. This type of setting gives a clean cut, so it is mainly used when sawing hard wood, metal, etc.

Polished with classic layout

As in the case of the “Milled with classic set” option, the teeth are alternately set in different directions, but at the same time they undergo an additional processing process - grinding. In this case, the cut is much cleaner, but the speed of work is maintained. This type of wiring is used when sawing chipboard, VDP, MDF, etc.

With conical grinding without routing

With this option, the teeth are almost not set, but they are specially sharpened and polished. When sawing with such blades, a very clean and even cut is obtained, but the speed of work suffers accordingly and a greater number of revolutions (saw frequency) of the tool is required.

Purpose

From the very beginning, jigsaws were used exclusively for sawing wood, but over time, the versatility of this tool has significantly expanded the scope of its use. Thus, at the moment it is possible to saw almost any sheet material - this includes wood of various species and densities, metal, glass, ceramics, various glued and pressed boards (fibreboard, MDF, chipboard, OSB, etc.). Manufacturers of saw blades, when developing specific models of files, determine its purpose by the type of material being cut; accordingly, the entire variety of saw blades for jigsaws can be divided into the following groups:

for wood and wood boards;
for metal;
for polymeric materials and plastics;
special purpose.

Let's take a closer look at each group of these classifications.

Saw blades for wood and wood panels

Sawing wood is the main purpose of a jigsaw, which is why there is the greatest variety of wood saws. This is dictated by the wide variety of types of wood and various boards derived from it (plywood, chipboard, fiberboard, OSB, etc.).

All wood files are divided into several categories:

for quick cutting;
for a clean cut;
for figured cutting;
for a “blind” cut.

Saw blades for quick cutting of wood

Quite often you need to quickly saw off a workpiece and the quality and cleanliness of the cut is not at all important. In this case, special files are used, which have some distinctive features:

long length;
large, large teeth;
large tooth set

Saw blades for clean wood cutting

When making furniture, cutting parquet boards and in other cases, a high-quality and clean cut is required. For this purpose, special files are used, which can be recognized by the following distinctive features:

average tooth size;
there is no or very slight tooth spread.

Typically the teeth point towards the jigsaw. This is done so that the main cutting movement occurs at the moment of retraction of the file (the movement of the file towards the jigsaw), while the master does not experience much effort when sawing. The disadvantage of this principle is that chips from the file are obtained on the side that is visible to the master - where the marking line is. But sometimes it happens that you need to do the opposite, so that the front side of the cut (without chips) is on top. In this case, special files with teeth are used that are directed away from the jigsaw. Sawing with such files is accompanied by increased efforts by the master, who must overcome the force of pushing out the file with a jigsaw.

Files for shaped cutting of wood

A jigsaw is a universal tool - it allows you to make figured cuts, that is, with small radii of curvature, and in some cases it is even possible to “turn on the spot” (make the saw not smooth, but at an angle). For such a cut, special files are again needed - they are easy to recognize - they have:

narrow canvas
short length
fine teeth

Files for blind cutting of wood

A blind cut is a cut when the size of the maximum overhang of the file is less than the thickness of the workpiece.

This topic is quite controversial and there are many opinions on this matter. Nevertheless, we will state our position. A blind saw is possible and does occur. But you need to understand a number of points:

The file must have a special shape;
The load on the jigsaw increases many times;

The file must have a special shape of the last tooth and the tip of the file, as shown in the picture.

When making a blind cut, the entire saw blade is used - this is the maximum load for it and the load on the jigsaw itself. In addition, the cut is made in such a way that the last millimeter (or two) of the wood is simply crushed, so there are shock loads on the holder at the moment of maximum projection of the saw. Thus, it is not recommended to make a blind cut on hard wood, or on soft wood - for example, but the master must understand that the wear of the tool at this moment increases many times and the likelihood of breakdowns is very high.

Metal files

The main work of sawing metal is done with a grinder, but sometimes you need to make a curved or radius cut. In such cases, a jigsaw with a special file will help. You can saw both steel blanks and non-ferrous metals. Metal is much denser than wood, so when working with metal you need to understand that the jigsaw works under a heavy load and you need to load it wisely.

Metal files are usually made of durable alloys and have fine teeth with wave winding (see above).

Files for polymeric materials and plastics

A jigsaw can easily cope with sawing various types of polymer materials, plastics, plexiglass, etc. There are specialized files for sawing these materials, although in practice wood or metal files are usually used. A simple rule works: the denser the material, the smaller the saw tooth should be, so simple wood saws are suitable for most plastics. It must be remembered that sawdust from plastic begins to melt at high temperatures; in this case, the saw teeth become clogged with melted plastic and lose their sawing properties. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature of the file and not overheat it; accordingly, you need to cut at low speeds and regularly let the file cool.

Special purpose files

There are various situations when it is necessary to saw various exotic materials that are not typical for sawing with a jigsaw - glass, ceramics, etc. There are special-purpose saws for these purposes. They are rare and unique, nevertheless they still find their place among craftsmen who work with these 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 choose the best and most reliable jigsaw blades?

A review of popular brand models allows you to find the best option for your wallet and the amount of work to be done.

Simple recommendations and convenient markings will help you make the right choice. Retail stores and many specialized online construction sites will help you decide where to buy cutting consumables. Study reviews from real customers, compare products by price and order jigsaw accessories online from the online store.

Very often, abandoning cheap counterfeit products in favor of branded products pays off. Additional costs when purchasing consumables will be paid off by the high quality of the cut, the absence of additional processing, the speed of the process and the absence of injuries during the work.