How to work with a hand jigsaw
In this lesson, we will show you the basics of working with a conventional hand-held jigsaw. Of course, a jigsaw can also be electric, but it costs a lot of money, and working on it is already a pursuit of speed, and not a calm, moderate creation of beauty.
For work, we need: a hand jigsaw, a file, a table stand, a clamp for attaching the table stand, an awl, a pencil, two paper clips, a sheet of tracing paper, a sheet of carbon paper, sandpaper and, of course, a piece of plywood of the required size. We will cut out a Christmas tree, in this work, in addition to the cutting technique, we will also master the technique of assembling plywood parts into a three-dimensional shape of a Christmas tree and the easiest way to finish the finished product using ordinary watercolor paint.
The size of the plywood should correspond to the pattern you have chosen, try to arrange the cut parts more compactly, tighter to each other, since everything that remains after cutting out, as a rule, can no longer be used in further work due to its fragility. And so we clean the selected piece of plywood with sandpaper, trying to drive it along the fibers, since the transverse scratches will be strongly visible on the finished product and it is very difficult to remove them later, and the processed plywood looks velvety and soft.
The sandpaper should be of medium grit so that it will scratch the plywood less.
Fasten the tracing paper sheet and the drawing with clamps, then copy the drawing onto the tracing paper with a pencil. This operation is necessary in order not to damage the original drawing when transferring it to plywood.
It should be noted right away that with the current level of distribution and availability of a copying machine, with large-scale and complex drawings, it is good to use a copier for cutting out and the necessary drawing just needs to be copied onto a blank sheet of paper and from it the drawing is then transferred to plywood. The advantage of this method is also that it is quite easy to enlarge or reduce the drawing selected for work. We put tracing paper with a drawing on plywood and with a pencil, through a carbon copy we transfer it to the front side of it.
Having transferred the entire drawing to plywood, we carefully check whether all the lines of the drawing are clearly visible on the plywood.
At the next stage, it is very important to check the future nodes of the interconnection of the parts of the herringbone. To do this, a piece of plywood of the same thickness that we are using needs to be attached to the drawn groove of the Christmas tree part and make sure that it fits exactly in the drawn borders. If the dimensions of the groove and the thickness of the plywood do not match, the width of the groove is adjusted - it is drawn equal to the thickness of the plywood used. Otherwise, when assembling finished parts, they will dangle or simply will not fit into each other. This checks all the grooves in all drawings of the parts.
We take the stand and insert its clamp into the central hole.
We attach the stand with a clamp to the edge of the table, windowsill or workbench.
If your file is not inserted into the jigsaw, then we do it in the following sequence. We loosen the lamb of the lower clamp of the jigsaw (after turning the handle down to the working position). Insert the file into the lower clamp.
The direction of the saw teeth should be as shown in figure "b" - this is very important.
Then, having loosened the lamb of the upper clamp, insert the upper end of the file into it and put the jigsaw on the stand, press it with effort and screw the lamb tightly. The file should be taut. But excessively strong tension can lead to breakage of the file during curly cutting, and a weak tension of the file will also lead to the same. So everything should be in moderation.
The position of the body when cutting should be as shown in the figure.
When cutting with a jigsaw, you need to smoothly move your hand up and down, up and down, watching the position of the saw so that it does not tilt from the vertical position. When cutting in a curved line, turn the plywood rather than the jigsaw while sawing to reduce the chance of the file breaking.
When cutting sharp corners, move the file in place, gradually turning the plywood.
You should have a free space - a hole in which the file will turn, now continue to cut in the desired direction.
Make free space for turning the file on the part of the plywood that will be thrown away and you will have sharp corners without much difficulty.
After the entire contour of the drawing has been cut out, the sawn out part can be freely removed from the plywood.
Now, in order not to break the file, insert it into the cut from which the part was cut out and smoothly moving the jigsaw up and down, but only pull it out of the plywood with the back of the file.
Saw out the second piece of the Christmas tree in the same way.
Sand the resulting parts with sandpaper.
Now we have two parts of the herringbone ready for assembly.
We collect them into one structure.
Now let's paint the Christmas tree with watercolors or gouache.
All our Christmas tree is ready.
And at the end of the lesson, we will show you the sequence of cutting the inner holes in detail. Let's say we need to cut out a part of the circle.
In the middle of the part to be removed, pierce a hole with an awl. Do not try to make a hole close to the drawn line, as this can cause the plywood to chip off, which will be rather ugly.
Having loosened the upper clamp of the jigsaw, and having released the file, we introduce its upper end from the bottom into the punctured hole.
Clamp the file into the upper clamp of the jigsaw and cut out the part of the picture to be removed.
Then we release the file from the upper clamp again. And we repeat this operation with each inner hole of the pattern.
The herringbone turned out to be stable and quite strong, for greater stability, the abutting parts of the parts can be coated with some kind of glue that does not leave marks on the tree - this is PVA glue, carpentry or casein.
The jigsaw is a hand-held tool for sawing parts made of various materials. In a home workshop, it can be useful for working with wood, fiberboard, chipboard, plastic, metal. This personal assistant has a lot of functions that allows you to work in various conditions and in almost any position.
So how do we get this compact saw to do what we want it to do?
Let's take a closer look at it.
Control elements
The ergonomics of the body are subordinated to the convenience of work, all control elements are located in direct accessibility.
Trigger serves to supply electricity to the tool stem.
Locking button allows you to keep the trigger pressed without additional effort.
Marked wheel the required saw speed (stroke frequency) is set.
The frequency of the file (cutting speed) depends on the hardness and density of the material to be used. The softer the material, the faster the cutting speed can be. When cutting, for example, fiberboard, the marked wheel can be placed in the extreme right position. But steel is recommended to be cut at the lowest speed.
To facilitate cutting, the jigsaw design provides pendulum regulator with 3 operating modes (0-I-II).
Its principle of operation is to file the material just before the cut itself. The amplitude of this filing is regulated by these modes.
To work with metals, plastics and for shape sawing, the regulator should be in the "0" position, a small amplitude (I) is needed when cutting hard wood, and soft wood can be sawed with a large swing amplitude (II).
Saw blade
The working part of the tool is a removable saw blade with cutting teeth. For different materials, a different design of this canvas is intended.
Saws can vary in size and tooth size.
The choice of the blade depends on the mode and method of cutting.
For metal, a file up to 40 mm long with a fine tooth is used, and the same file is used to make curly cuts. And to quickly cut wood material you need a large tooth.
Straight long cuts are made with a wide file, so less irregularities are obtained.
The narrow file is designed for cutting along curved lines. The width of the blade of such a saw allows cutting, turning in an angle close to a straight line.
Guide roller
The main element of the jigsaw working unit is the guide support roller.
Its design does not allow the file to change the plane of work, so the cut is smooth. The back side of the saw rests against the groove of the roller, which keeps it from oscillating movements.
Base plate
For smooth movement over the surface of the material, a support leg (plate) is provided in the jigsaw design.
With its help, the jigsaw can be set for cutting at the desired angle (up to 45 degrees).
The plate is fixed with two Allen key screws located at the base of the mount. The numbers printed on the plate support will help you set the desired angle of inclination.
To perform the operation for the required installation of the plate, it is necessary to unscrew the screws, move the platform back, tilt it to the required angle, move it forward until it stops and tighten the screws.
We fix the file
To set the file to the working position, you need to slide the protective cover down.
And with the hex wrench, loosen the retaining screws.
Then insert a file into the hole near the support roller and tighten its shank with screws (the file is inserted with teeth first).
Tighten evenly with both screws. Then install the cover in its place.
To remove dust and keep the workplace clean, at the back of the jigsaw there is a special pipe for connecting to a vacuum cleaner.
This is done by simply connecting the hose to the nipple.
Handling this power tool
Change the blade in time, you cannot make an even cut with a blunt file, and the engine will work with overload.
When working with thin materials, use a sheet of plywood to avoid scoring.
To extend the service life of the file, it is necessary to ensure its wetting with water when cutting metals.
When using a low cutting speed, take frequent breaks as the engine heats up quickly in this mode.
Use only files that are suitable for the materials.
Perform all manipulations with the working parts of the jigsaw with the tool disconnected from the mains.
Do not allow moisture to get inside the case.
Do not overload the engine during prolonged operation.
Jigsaw - universal tool. He is able to replace a hacksaw, grinder, router and even a circular saw. They can process a wide variety of building materials - wood, metal, ceramics, laminate, glass, drywall, tiles, plastic and many others. However, for the correct functioning of this device, it is important to know how to correctly insert the file into the jigsaw. For each specific case, a specific file or blade is selected.
How to fix the file correctly
Any craftsman is faced with the fact that he has to replace the saw blade. Situations are different: either the canvas is short-lived, or it is necessary to perform various operations.
The simplest way of fastening is to use locks, which can be secured with a key. The best option for such a fastening is a jigsaw, which has one screw on the side. It is a reliable way to secure sheets of any thickness and type.
At the moment, there are many models on sale that attract with their affordable cost, except that the file is pressed by a special block with a slot. For tightening such a block, two frontal screws are provided.
However, during the installation of the canvas, certain difficulties may arise. For example, a cutting part in a jigsaw can be inserted correctly, but it will be clamped unevenly - as a result, a skew will be noticeable during work. The second situation - the lock can jam when removing the canvas. Another possible problem is the breakage of the screw thread or the break of the front block (it happens if the file is incorrectly fastened, which during operation will beat against the material being processed).
The most convenient jigsaw is the one in which the fastening system is quick-clamping. But in this case, a certain disadvantage is noted, which consists in the fact that the thickness of the clamped webs is strictly limited.
Feature of quick-clamping blade fastening
There are many ways to implement such a clamp. The difference with “classic cartridges” is that there is no versatility. That is, the file must have the same shank. In addition, there will be backlash. As a rule, this is not particularly important, since you can choose the optimal canvas. If you fix the file between the axes of an electric jigsaw, the backlash will not interfere with effective work in any way, since it is usually longitudinal in shape. 
The file itself is very easy to insert. It should be noted that a jigsaw with a narrow blade can make rather complex bends. This is achieved in the following ways:
- It is best to turn the tool or board in the same direction while sawing.
- Some jigsaws are equipped with a scroller - a special device that allows you to turn the saw during operation (the position of the tool itself does not matter here).
The scroller on the jigsaw looks like a handle located on top of the body. The blade can be inserted into the tool in four positions. When the blade turns, you need to pay attention to one nuance - the pressure on the blade should only be exerted on the trailing edge, especially during the turning process. If you do not take into account this point, the file can be distorted and deformed after a while, which ultimately will lead to its damage. 
In a word, the file is quite easy to put in a jigsaw, and even a novice worker can handle the replacement. However, there are several ways to install a file in an electric jigsaw, which depends on the tool itself with which you have to work.
- Jigsaw: features, device and advantages
- Jigsaw design
- Jigsaws: main types
- Jigsaw blades: basic recommendations for selection and operation
- File attachment
- Installing or replacing the saw blade
- Jigsaw: nuances that are important to know
One of the most versatile tools is a jigsaw. It can work as a hacksaw, a grinder, a milling cutter, and a circular saw. The area of its functioning extends to various materials: wood, metal, ceramics, laminate, glass, drywall, tiles, plastic, etc. For everything to function fully, you need to know how to insert a file into a jigsaw correctly. And for competent and full-fledged work with each of these materials, you need to choose the appropriate file or saw blade.
To work with a jigsaw, you need to stock up on a set of files, since different files need to be used for different materials.
Jigsaw: features, device and advantages
This tool is a very useful purchase for the home workshop. It has many functions, you can work with it in various conditions and in almost any position.
Jigsaw device.
Thanks to the achievements of modern times and high technologies, the jigsaw is no longer just a hand tool. After all, the use of an electric or pneumatic drive in its work makes the jigsaw almost a universal household tool. It has also been improved with built-in protections, noise and vibration dampers, electronic speed control and touch protection (saw blade).
In a nutshell, the principle of the jigsaw can be described as follows: from the engine, the torque turns into movement, thanks to which the saw moves further progressively in the vertical direction.
Jigsaw design
Conventionally, the entire device of the tool can be divided into the following parts:
- engine body;
- reducer;
- sole;
- handle.
If the handle is clamped, then the machine will be a closed structure, and you can keep your palm on the handle exclusively from above. You can cover the mushroom handle option in different ways, as well as calmly change the position of your hand.
It is necessary to ensure that the sole and the body are firmly connected to each other. even the slightest backlash can negatively affect how the tool will perform.
The sole of the jigsaw is placed on the surface that you are sawing off. Saw blades (or saw blades) cannot be sharpened, they just need to be changed. The tool will not overheat or experience additional overload if you replace a dull file in time.
Jigsaws: main types
By purpose and design, they are all the same. But there are several types of tools, depending on how the file is attached to the jigsaw.
- For saws with a cross-type shank.
- For saw with smooth shank type.
- For a saw with a shank that has a hole.
Choose a saw blade for your tool so that it matches the work that you intend to carry out and the tasks that need to be performed.
Depending on the purpose and application, the files are marked with different letters and numbers.
First, decide on the materials. Relatively soft, among which can be noted rubber, chipboard, fiberboard, wood, need to be processed with high-carbon steel blades. The teeth of such a file can also be different: either polished at a free angle, or polished divorced.
To make straight cuts, use a straight saw with large teeth. And for any indirect cuts, it is better to choose a narrow file (5-7 mm wide).
You can find special saw blades for cutting laminate flooring. They will have fine teeth that slope backwards.
For metal work, it is worth choosing parts made of tool high-speed steel. Such files come with a curvature in the lower part, made so that the metal does not bulge. They also have variable tooth geometry.
The set of files for wood is marked with the letters HCS.
The steel sheet will cut the tool, which will have a wavy profile and fine teeth. For working with non-ferrous metal, the same are suitable, only a little larger. True, they may differ in the shape of the teeth, because can be different (like wavy fabric or milled divorced).
Ceramic files require a continuous abrasive edge and should be free of teeth, while medium-toothed files are good for plastics and wave-tooth files are good for rubber.
Consider the geometry of the canvas when choosing. A file that is too short can break, jamming in the blade. Therefore, you need to take such a length that the end of the blade extends beyond the cut. The shape of the file teeth is also of great importance. Too large teeth can not only cut deeply into the material, but also break the edges of your workpiece.
Metal saws are marked with HSS.
By choosing uniform canvases, you will be able to perform a number of different jobs. But if you need to do something special, it is better to prefer a non-uniform file. The most popular are bimetallic models with unique qualities. Due to the fact that their teeth are made from hard grades of metal, they can cut both wood and plastic, steel or any other material with great strength. And given the pliability of their bearing strip, you can safely bend such files, if necessary, without fear of breaking them.
File attachment
Every master sooner or later faces the problem of replacing the saw blade. This can occur both from their fragility and from the need to perform various types of operations.
The ceramic file has a continuous abrasive edge and is marked with HM.
The simplest method of fastening are locks, which are locked with a key. The best option with such a mount would be a jigsaw with one screw on the side. So you can fix canvases of all thicknesses and even types quite reliably. But there are many models that are widespread due to the favorable price, however, the file is pressed with a special block with a slot. This block must be tightened with two frontal screws. During the installation process, you may experience several inconvenient moments. Even if you managed to insert the file into the jigsaw correctly, but you clamped the fasteners unevenly, the work will be skewed. It can also jam the lock when removing the canvas. It is also possible that the threads of the screws are broken or the front block breaks due to the impact of the end of the file on the workpiece (during improper or uneven fastening).
The most convenient is a jigsaw, in which the saw attachment system is quick-clamping. But its disadvantage is that there are certain restrictions on the thickness of the clamped blades.
Installing or replacing the saw blade
If we consider the quick-clamping system of fastening, then there are several basic steps for replacing the file (Fig. 1).
- The jigsaw has a special lever. It sits on the body and frees the file, so you can change the blade without removing the protective cover.
- Pull back this lever. This will open the lock and the stem will move forward.
- Next, insert the saw shank into the jigsaw and release the lever.
- You will now need to adjust the blade clamp to complete the installation. To do this, turn the adjusting screw, gradually achieving the desired position, or tighten it until it stops, and then loosen it a little.
A lockable jigsaw requires the following steps to install the saw blade.
Figure 1. The process of installing a file in a jigsaw.
- Open the tool shield.
- Turn the lever located on the stem to insert the file.
- After you release the lever, slide the blade lightly into the clamp.
- Keep in mind that a jigsaw with such a lock will accept files of limited thickness (according to the size of the slot).
To insert a file into a tool with a screw fastening system, you will need to follow several steps:
- remove the cover;
- loosen the screw (usually hex keys are used for this);
- insert the saw blade into the jigsaw (into the special hole near the support roller, teeth first);
- tighten the fasteners (tighten evenly with both screws);
- refit the cover.
Jigsaw: nuances that are important to know
In order for your tool to work efficiently and well, and to serve for a long time, you need to follow simple safety rules and do not forget about the recommendations for its operation.
Before starting work, prepare thoroughly. Depending on what exactly you are going to cut and what will come of it, select the appropriate file and adjust the speed setting of the tool. For precision work, you will need to set a lower stroke rate than for a fast and rough cut. If in the first case you have to drive the tool as slowly as possible, then in the other - set the maximum speed with the highest degree of pumping.
Before you start working with a jigsaw, you need to set it up for a certain type of work, change and fix the file, prepare an emphasis and protection.
To avoid problems with chips, take care of a special liner that will serve as a stop (installed on the sole). Saws and sawing speed can also play an important role in this matter.
Understand well how to insert the file correctly. Do not pinch it too tightly, as it can start to "play", which will make the cut line uneven and prevent you from doing a good job. Be careful when replacing so as not to break the file near the clamps, as often happens.
Thanks to the versatility of this tool, you get a whole set of:
- manual hacksaw - you can cut and adjust not very massive lumber in place;
- circular saw - it is possible to perform longitudinal cutting of various materials (plywood, chipboard - even laminated, etc.);
- reciprocating saw - you can adjust the mounted lumber near joints or where it is high, and in other inconvenient cases;
- chain saw - you can safely cut thin trunks or branches, other wood waste into firewood;
- angle grinder - you can cut sheet metal, sheet materials (with a cement base), tiles, cut metal blanks (not very massive) and carry out other work;
- milling cutter - a jigsaw is capable of cutting in not too complex elements, curvilinear cutting, etc.
One of the most versatile tools is a jigsaw. It can work as a hacksaw, a grinder, a milling cutter, and a circular saw. The area of its functioning extends to various materials: wood, metal, ceramics, laminate, glass, drywall, tiles, plastic, etc. For everything to function fully, you need to know how to insert a file into a jigsaw correctly. And for competent and full-fledged work with each of these materials, you need to choose the appropriate file or saw blade.
To work with a jigsaw, you need to stock up on a set of files, since different files need to be used for different materials.
Jigsaw: features, device and advantages
This tool is a very useful purchase for the home workshop. It has many functions, you can work with it in various conditions and in almost any position.
Jigsaw device.
Thanks to the achievements of modern times and high technologies, the jigsaw is no longer just a hand tool. After all, the use of an electric or pneumatic drive in its work makes the jigsaw almost a universal household tool. It has also been improved with built-in protections, noise and vibration dampers, electronic speed control and touch protection (saw blade).
In a nutshell, the principle of the jigsaw can be described as follows: from the engine, the torque turns into movement, thanks to which the saw moves further progressively in the vertical direction.
Back to the table of contents
Jigsaw design
Conventionally, the entire device of the tool can be divided into the following parts:
- engine body;
- reducer;
- sole;
- handle.
If the handle is clamped, then the machine will be a closed structure, and you can keep your palm on the handle exclusively from above. You can cover the mushroom handle option in different ways, as well as calmly change the position of your hand.
It is necessary to ensure that the sole and the body are firmly connected to each other. even the slightest backlash can negatively affect how the tool will perform.
The sole of the jigsaw is placed on the surface that you are sawing off. Saw blades (or saw blades) cannot be sharpened, they just need to be changed. The tool will not overheat or experience additional overload if you replace a dull file in time.
Back to the table of contents
Jigsaws: main types
By purpose and design, they are all the same. But there are several types of tools, depending on how the file is attached to the jigsaw.
- For saws with a cross-type shank.
- For saw with smooth shank type.
- For a saw with a shank that has a hole.
Back to the table of contents
Choose a saw blade for your tool so that it matches the work that you intend to carry out and the tasks that need to be performed.
Depending on the purpose and application, the files are marked with different letters and numbers.
First, decide on the materials. Relatively soft, among which can be noted rubber, chipboard, fiberboard, wood, need to be processed with high-carbon steel blades. The teeth of such a file can also be different: either polished at a free angle, or polished divorced.
To make straight cuts, use a straight saw with large teeth. And for any indirect cuts, it is better to choose a narrow file (5-7 mm wide).
You can find special saw blades for cutting laminate flooring. They will have fine teeth that slope backwards.
For metal work, it is worth choosing parts made of tool high-speed steel. Such files come with a curvature in the lower part, made so that the metal does not bulge. They also have variable tooth geometry.
The set of files for wood is marked with the letters HCS.
The steel sheet will cut the tool, which will have a wavy profile and fine teeth. For working with non-ferrous metal, the same are suitable, only a little larger. True, they may differ in the shape of the teeth, because can be different (like wavy fabric or milled divorced).
Ceramic files require a continuous abrasive edge and should be free of teeth, while medium-toothed files are good for plastics and wave-tooth files are good for rubber.
Consider the geometry of the canvas when choosing. A file that is too short can break, jamming in the blade. Therefore, you need to take such a length that the end of the blade extends beyond the cut. The shape of the file teeth is also of great importance. Too large teeth can not only cut deeply into the material, but also break the edges of your workpiece.
Metal saws are marked with HSS.
By choosing uniform canvases, you will be able to perform a number of different jobs. But if you need to do something special, it is better to prefer a non-uniform file. The most popular are bimetallic models with unique qualities. Due to the fact that their teeth are made from hard grades of metal, they can cut both wood and plastic, steel or any other material with great strength. And given the pliability of their bearing strip, you can safely bend such files, if necessary, without fear of breaking them.
Back to the table of contents
File attachment
Every master sooner or later faces the problem of replacing the saw blade. This can occur both from their fragility and from the need to perform various types of operations.
The ceramic file has a continuous abrasive edge and is marked with HM.
The simplest method of fastening are locks, which are locked with a key. The best option with such a mount would be a jigsaw with one screw on the side. So you can fix canvases of all thicknesses and even types quite reliably. But there are many models that are widespread due to the favorable price, however, the file is pressed with a special block with a slot. This block must be tightened with two frontal screws. During the installation process, you may experience several inconvenient moments. Even if you managed to insert the file into the jigsaw correctly, but you clamped the fasteners unevenly, the work will be skewed. It can also jam the lock when removing the canvas. It is also possible that the threads of the screws are broken or the front block breaks due to the impact of the end of the file on the workpiece (during improper or uneven fastening).
The most convenient is a jigsaw, in which the saw attachment system is quick-clamping. But its disadvantage is that there are certain restrictions on the thickness of the clamped blades.
Back to the table of contents
Installing or replacing the saw blade
If we consider the quick-clamping system of fastening, then there are several basic steps for replacing the file (Fig. 1).
- The jigsaw has a special lever. It sits on the body and frees the file, so you can change the blade without removing the protective cover.
- Pull back this lever. This will open the lock and the stem will move forward.
- Next, insert the saw shank into the jigsaw and release the lever.
- You will now need to adjust the blade clamp to complete the installation. To do this, turn the adjusting screw, gradually achieving the desired position, or tighten it until it stops, and then loosen it a little.
A lockable jigsaw requires the following steps to install the saw blade.
Figure 1. The process of installing a file in a jigsaw.
- Open the tool shield.
- Turn the lever located on the stem to insert the file.
- After you release the lever, slide the blade lightly into the clamp.
- Keep in mind that a jigsaw with such a lock will accept files of limited thickness (according to the size of the slot).
To insert a file into a tool with a screw fastening system, you will need to follow several steps:
- remove the cover;
- loosen the screw (usually hex keys are used for this);
- insert the saw blade into the jigsaw (into the special hole near the support roller, teeth first);
- tighten the fasteners (tighten evenly with both screws);
- refit the cover.