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Jigsaws Buying Guide
Jigsaws and their cousins, scroll saws and reciprocating saws, are distinguished
by the up-and-down movement of their blades. Unlike the circular blades in many
power saws, or the continuous loop blades of the bandsaw, jigsaw and reciprocating
saw blades are shaped like knives, while the scroll saw blade is a straight, thin,
and narrow.
Of these saws, only the scroll saw is meant to be stationary. The great advantage
of both the jigsaw and the reciprocating saw is their versatility and portability.
One disadvantage of the jigsaw compared to the scroll saw is that the jigsaw blade
will tend to bend slightly as it cuts. For this reason, its better to position the
blade slightly off the cut line and sand the wood down to shape.
Bevel cuts are possible on both the jigsaw and the scroll saws. Jigsaws adjust by
tilting the base plate (the part of the saw that sits on the wood), while scroll
saws change the angle by adjusting the tilt of the table. Reciprocating saws are
not designed to cut precise angles or bevels.
Jigsaws and Other Scrolling Saws
Jigsaw
The jigsaw is primarily designed to cut curves, whether in wood, metal, leather,
glass, brick, tile, plastic, or fiberglass.
Jigsaws are meant to be used on material that is held in place horizontally. The saw
is pushed slowly forward through the material as the blade moves up and down. This
gives the user great control in where the blade cuts.
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Jigsaws come in two varieties: D-handle and barrel grip. The D-handle curves up
over the saw and is easy for users, even those with smaller hands, to hold on to.
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A barrel grip jigsaw is held by clutching the main barrel
of the saw. Or, you can push the saw by placing your into the crook where the barrel
meets the front shaft. Some people feel this gives more control than a D-handled
saw, but it requires that you have larger hands. Also, because your hand is right
on the motor, you will feel more of the vibration and heat than with a D-handle
machine.
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Cordless Jigsaw
A cordless jigsaw is going to have many of the same features as a corded version.
The main difference is that the cordless jigsaw can be grabbed quickly and used
for short periods of time. Long jobs will need the power of a continuous electrical
supply.
Cordless jigsaws are not available with barrel grips. |
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Scrolling Jigsaw
There is one feature that makes the scrolling jigsaw superior to an ordinary jigsaw.
That is the ability to turn the blade as it cuts by turning a knob at the top of
the tool.
This allows the user to cut much tighter curves than an ordering jigsaw, but it
is not as steady as a scroll saw. On the other hand, a scrolling jigsaw is portable
and you aren't limited, as with a scroll saw, to the throat capacity of the machine.
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Scroll Saw
Although it uses the same up and down blade movement of a jigsaw, the scroll saw
looks more like a small bandsaw. It uses a very thin blade threaded through an opening
in a round table. The material sits on the table and is pushed freely in any direction
by the user.
The great advantage to a scroll saw is that, because the blade is so small, it's
easier to cut curves in your material. The most obvious disadvantage is that it
isn't as versatile or portable as the jigsaw or reciprocating saw.
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Scroll saws are made to stay in one place. Clamping or bolting them to a table cuts
down on the vibration of the motor. The blades are very delicate, so it's important
to keep the motor lubricated and to avoid overheating the blade. Variable speed
control is a useful feature, since it helps to vary your speed according to the
softness or hardness of the material being cut.
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Reciprocating Saw
Sometimes called a sabre saw, or simply a sawzall, the reciprocating
saw is larger and more powerful than a jigsaw. It generally uses a rougher blade
designed for tearing quickly through material. Unlike the jigsaw, in which the blade
faces forward, the teeth on a reciprocating saw blade face to the rear. This means
that the saw works best cutting downwards on vertical space--for example, cutting
through drywall.
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It is often used for cutting through pipes and other metal, but it can also be very
handy for pruning and other garden tasks.
What to Look For in a Jigsaw
Blade Changing
The ease (or difficulty) in changing blades on any power saw is a major consideration.
Each manufacturer tends to design their own unique blade changing method. Some of
them are easier than others.
Orbital Action
Many jigsaws come with a feature known as orbital action (or sometimes oscillation).
This moves the blade back as the blade moves downwards, then forwards as the blade
cuts on the upstrokes. The result is that the blade doesn't get as heated or dull
as quickly. Over the long run, this is going to be a very cost-effective feature.
However, it does not work well with all materials. So, it is important to find a
jigsaw with the option to turn the orbital action off--unless you instead to stick
to cutting wood.
Variable Speed
Variable speed is a very important feature, as it makes it easier to work with different
materials. For example, metal requires a different cutting speed than wood. Also,
cutting at a slower speed helps you maintain control when working on intricate designs.
Some jigsaws control the speed using a dial and some control it by holding the trigger
down. Dial control is better, since it allows you to keep the speed constant.
Depth Of Cut
Most jigsaws will cut up to 2" on wood and 1/2" on metal. Reciprocating saws have
a larger depth capacity. Some jigsaws will cut deeper, but that increases the danger
of the blade bending or breaking. If you need to do deeper cuts, you may need to
consider using a bandsaw instead.
Switches
Check the switch control and switch placement to make sure it works for you. Some
switches are only convenient for right or left-handed users. A central switch will
work best for either hand. A padlock switch on a scroll saw can keep other people
from switching it on accidently.
Accessories
Stands
As scroll saws require a sturdy base, it's helpful to have a stand for yours. A
heavy stand that you can bolt or clamp the saw to is especially nice, as it cuts
down considerably on the motor's vibration. |
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Jigsaw Guides
Guides are handy accessories to use with jigsaws. An edge guide will help with keeping
your line straight for long cuts. Other guides can help in cutting angles or even
circles.
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Saw Blades
The most important accessory for your saw will always be the saw blade. Different
blades are designed for different materials. Since jigsaws work on such wide variety
of materials, you may find yourself needing to purchase a variety of different jigsaw
blades. It's a good idea to buy extra blades, in case one breaks in the
middle of a task. |
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If you use a scroll saw, you'll find yourself going through many
scroll saw blades. These blades are built for tight curves. Unfortunately,
this means that they are extremely thin and narrow. Keeping the saw lubricated will
help keep down the wear on the blades.
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Reciprocating saws use
blades that are more triangular in shape. These are larger and sturdier
than
jigsaw blades, but will still need to be replaced often, as reciprocating saws handle
rougher tasks.
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Price Range
Under $50
There are plenty of basic, economy jigsaws available for under $50. This will probably
suit you fine if you do occasional projects. They may not have all the features
or power you want, though, if you need to cut curves on a regular basis.
$50-100
For a little more money, you can get a jigsaw with more features, including orbital
action, scrolling action, and built-in laser guide. As in the economy models, these
are going to be fine for the occasional woodworker. But be sure you are getting
the power you need. If possible test the saw for vibration and noise.
$100-200
Most reciprocating saws are going to be priced in the $100-200 range. You can also
find some basic scroll saws starting at about $100.
$200-300
If you want a mid-quality cordless jigsaw with battery pack included, you'll be
looking at this price range. If you already have a compatible battery and charger,
you can save $100 or more by buying the saw by itself.
Over $300
The most powerful jigsaws may cost more than $300. For this price, you should expect
top of the line features, accessories, and performance.
Top Manufacturers
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