 |
Jigsaw Buying Guide
Jigsaws (also known as saber saws) are capable of making standard cuts, such as ripping and crosscutting, but the ability to make curved cuts is what sets them apart from other portable saws. When your piece is too large or awkward to cut on a band saw or scrollsaw, a jigsaw may be the solution. You can quickly set it up and use it to make your cut while your work piece stays stationary. A good heavy duty saw will cost anywhere from $100 to $200. Here are some features and add-ons that you will come across when shopping around for one. Corded vs. CordlessCordless tools are growing in popularity and there are now cordless jigsaws on the market. Most woodworkers choose the corded version. The reason is most cordless tools don’t have near the power as a corded model. This is the case with the jigsaw.Cordless jigsaws lack the power to cut through thicker stock and hardwood for any period of time without getting bogged down or draining the battery. I would suggest avoiding these until the gurus that design the tools come up with a solution. Speed ControlA jigsaw, when equipped with the right blade, is capable of cutting through different types of stock including metals. You will need to be able to adjust the speed of the blade accordingly to keep from tearing the material or binding the saw.One of the most important features to look for is speed control. This is usually accomplished by how far you pull the trigger. A saw with a trigger lock comes in handy. This allows you to set your jigsaw on cruise control and keep the blade running at a constant speed. Another option is to find a saw where the speed is controlled by a dial rather than the trigger. This, like the trigger lock, will allow you to keep the speed constant. Blade ActionThe jig saw has a small sword like blade with teeth on one edge. A standard jigsaw moves the blade straight up and down and cuts your work piece on the upstroke.Newer jigsaws now also have what is called orbital action that moves the blade slightly forward to back along with the regular up and down motion. This allows you to make a more aggressive cut on the upstroke and produce less friction on the down. Less friction means less heat, which means less of a chance of your blade breaking. The down side to the orbital action is that while it cuts faster it also cuts rougher. You are likely to have a lot of splintering the faster you cut. Good jigsaws have a switch that allows you to change from standard to orbital action. Really good ones have multiple orbital action settings. AdjustmentsThere are two major adjustments that you will come across with the jigsaw. The first and more important is the how the blade is changed. Older and some cheaper new models required extra tools to change out blades. Look for a newer model that has a toolless blade change option. These should make changing out dull or broken blades quick and easy.The same goes for adjusting the saw for bevel cuts, although toolless adjustments aren’t as common for this. If the saw you’re planning to buy does require an extra tool to make either of these adjustments try to get one that has a storage spot on the jigsaw for the tool. This way you won’t have to dig through your toolbox whenever you need to make an adjustment. Scrolling FeatureOne option that you’ll find on some new jigsaws is the scrolling feature. This is a knob at the top of the jigsaw’s handle that allows you to turn the blade with out turning the whole saw.I have a hard time thinking of any good application for this. Even if you turn the blade you will still need to keep pressure on the back of it which would be awkward, because the handle doesn’t move. This looks to me like it would make it easier for you to break blades. Not really a feature I would describe as desirable. CompareCompare prices and specs at these online stores.Rockler.com (For a free catalog from Rockler.com click here) Hechinger.com Your PicksI can only review and give a my suggestion based on what I think the common home workshop needs are. Here is your chance to disagree with me and share your picks according to your own needs Keep an Eye OutI’ll be adding more tools to the site for you so be sure to return and check it out often. Or if you’d like, subscribe to my blog for immediate updates to the site.Return from the Jigsaw Buying Guide to Portable Power Tool Guide Return from the Jigsaw Buying Guide to Home
|
