What Are Jigsaw Blades?
Jigsaw blades are replaceable blades for jigsaws, which are electric tools used for cutting materials like wood and steel plates. Attached to the jigsaw’s main unit, they execute a reciprocating motion to slice through the target material.
There are various blade types to suit different materials, enabling efficient cutting of wood, steel plates, plastic, and foam styrofoam. Using specialized blades enhances efficiency and minimizes blade damage.
How to Use Jigsaw Blades
Jigsaw blades are fitted onto the main unit based on the material to be cut. There are two attachment shapes: U-shank and T-shank. For U-shank blades, loosen the bolt on the attachment part, insert the blade, and retighten. T-shank blades click into place in the main unit’s blade clamp.
Activating the jigsaw switch initiates the blade’s reciprocating motion, enabling it to cut the target material. Always ensure the switch and power are off when attaching or detaching blades for safety.
How to Choose Jigsaw Blades
When selecting jigsaw blades, consider the material, thickness, and desired finish of the target object, as well as compatibility with the main unit. Blades are specialized for materials like wood, steel, plastic, and stainless steel, each designed for optimal performance.
Blade capacity is dictated by the target material’s thickness. Select a blade suited to the material’s confirmed thickness. The quality of the finish depends on the teeth number and orientation on the blade, with more teeth yielding cleaner cuts. Blades are designed with either general upward or burr-minimizing downward orientations.
Confirm which attachment shape, U-shank and T-shank, is supported by your jigsaw unit. Additionally, jigsaws can make both straight and curved cuts, so choose blades based on the intended cut style.