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The jigsaw was earlier known as the scroll
saw. A jigsaw is a small saw with a slim, circular blade used to slice
curving cuts, or even stenciled designs into wood or other similar
materials. Unlike conventional saws, which only have functional
utility, jigsaws are mostly used in tasks which require an aesthetic
appeal such as craft work. This saw is used whenever the line of cut is
not straight and depicts a meandering line. This tool is commonly used
for plunge, bevel, and miter cuts, as well as crosscuts. Some other
applications include deep gouging, artistic cutting, scribing lines,
and cutting arbitrary curves. It can also be used for cutting out a
sink hole. The jigsaw is a versatile tool that is used by both skilled
professionals as well as domestic workshop enthusiasts.
Features and working of a jigsaw
Jigsaws usually have a reinforced plastic
body with a metal shoe. The shoe forms the base of the tool which is
placed on the surface of the material to be cut. The blade fitted into
the lower side of the tool performs the actual cutting action. The
upper portion of the tool body has a handle which the user can hold to
maneuver the saw. When the tool is started, the blade begins a rapid to
and fro vibratory motion along the vertical axis. This initiates the
cutting action. The movement of the blade is powered the built-in
motor. The design of the tool and the position of the blade imply that
the user does not need to exert undue pressure on the handle of the
jigsaw. On the contrary, if the tool is subjected to too much force,
there is a chance that the blade may snap. The pressure applied when
making the cuts should always be gentle and the blade should never be
forced. The motor and blade are designed to sufficiently execute the
task and forcing the cut can bind the saw and create a risky situation.
The speed of the saw is adjustable by the
user, depending on the concerned material and the shape of the cut.
Most saws have a variable speed feature. Normally, for a circular cut
the speed may be slower than for a straight cut. To enhance accuracy,
some jigsaws are shipped with a rip-guide which helps to guide the
direction of the blade in a straight line. A bevel adjustment allows
the user to make circular cuts.
Due to the size and shape of the tool as well
as the thinness of the blade, jigsaws generally cannot be used to cut
materials greater than 1.5 inches thick, as this may result in
overheating and subsequently an uneven cut. Since jigsaw blades perform
cutting in the upward direction, if a particular material has a
laminated surface, then it is advisable to keep this finished surface
down when making the cut. . The footplate has a 45 degree tilting limit
with a retractable base that allows flush cutting.
Jigsaws can be either corded or cordless.
Corded jigsaws need to be connected to a power source with the attached
power cord. Cordless jigsaws, on the other hand, have rechargeable
batteries, and can thus be carried anywhere and even used in the
outdoors.
The blade being the most important part of
the tool, needs to be changed if broken or overheated. A one-touch
blade change system enables the user to remove the blade quickly with a
movable lever. A three-way grip ensures that the blade is held firmly
for a more precise cut. The blades are fairly cheap and sharp blades
work much better and much easier – keep replacing the blades often,
before they are worn out to their limits. The foot of the saw is made
of a die-cast aluminum and is soft coated to prevent marring the
cutting surface. The gear housing is made of magnesium to decrease the
weight of the tool and increase durability. A linear counter balance
feature improves the stability and usability of the tool.
What to look for in a jigsaw
Due to the precision required when using this
tool, the grip has an ergonomic design to enhance comfort for the user
as well as a soft padding to reduce user fatigue during prolonged use.
Another factor to be considered is the dust that is emitted during the
sawing process. Most saws incorporate a built-in blower to rid the area
of any dust, minimizing the chance of any user allergy, providing
better visibility of the cutting line, and also keeping the internal
components of the tool dust-free.
As with any cutting tool, the safety factor
is mandatory. Most saws have a trigger guard that prevents accidental
starting of the tool. Always use eye protection when using this tool.
When cutting brittle wood, such as plywood, there is a splinter-free
feature that prevents a jagged cut. Some tools even have a built-in
blade storage facility.
Some reputed manufacturers of jigsaws include
Bosch, Dewalt, McCulloch, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, and Skil.
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