Choosing a Jig Saw
Jig saws are extremely versatile and handy tools. They combine many of the functions of a band saw and a scroll saw into one small, portable package. With all the features and choices, finding the right saw for your projects can be difficult. Use our guide to help you decide.
Power Source
Where and how you will use your jig saw will determine the power supply you need. Two types are available:
Cordless jig saws are convenient in areas where extension cords are difficult to use. They’re best suited to cutting wood and wood products.They can cut tougher materials, but the extra power needed for those applications drains batteries quickly.Cordless jig saws are available from 12 to 18 volts. Higher voltage means longer battery life.
Corded jig saws don’t depend on batteries for power and are better suited for tough cutting jobs or continuous use. Corded jig saw motors range from 3.5 to 6 amps. Higher amp motors provide more power and enable the saw to cut thick boards, light metals and other tough materials.
Features
Once you’ve decided on a power source, compare the features:
Variable speed saws allow the user to adjust the blade speed according to the material being cut. When used in conjunction with properly matched blades, this feature provides cleaner, faster cuts in different materials. Most variable speed saws have a range from 500 to 3,100 strokes per minute.
Orbital action moves the blade side to side as well as up and down. The added motion allows the saw to cut through stock faster. Most orbital action saws have settings to change the amount of side to side motion based on the material being cut.
An adjustable foot (sole) lets the operator make cuts at an angle to the face of the material. Most saws have a range between 0 and 45° .
Vacuum or blower features keep sawdust and debris from obscuring the cut line during operation.
Tool free blade changing lets the operator change blades quickly and saves time when cutting multiple materials.
Blade supports eliminate or greatly reduce blade flexing during use. The reduced flexing provides straighter cuts and extends blade life.
Blades
One of the most important parts of the saw is the blade. Different blades are available for different applications. Blades are classified by the number of teeth they have per inch (tpi). The higher the tpi the smoother the finished cut. The lower the tpi the quicker the cut. The material from which the blade is made also effects performance. Here are a few common blades and their uses:
High Speed Steel (HSS) blades are usually used for wood and light metal cutting.
Bi-metal blades are used for wood and light metal cutting.
Cobalt steel blades are harder than HSS or bi-metal blades and should last longer. They are commonly used for wood and metal cutting.
Carbide grit blades are used to cut masonry board.
Scrolling blades are narrower than typical jig saw blades and used to make tighter turning cuts.
Article Sponsor
Other articles from this pro:
- Many people use microwave ovens only for preheating or thawing, but you can use today?s multi-featured units to cook entire...
- Remodeling a kitchen is one of the biggest and most exciting projects a homeowner can undertake. The choices and decisions...
- Your entry door is the first thing people notice when they come to your home. It makes a statement and...
- Tired of getting out of the car into the bone-chilling night air to open the garage door? Imagine how much...
- Do you want to add a little flair to your floor? Perhaps your intent is simpler-you just want to cover...
- The right mailbox can add value to your home by creating curb appeal. But, with so many styles, how do...
- Is efficiency the major determining factor for you when looking for home heating solutions? Is flexibility a concern? Or, maybe...
- Ceilings aren’t usually the first things that come to mind when you think of your home’s décor, unless they’re awful....
- A garden hose is an essential part of your outdoor toolbox. Just think…with one tool, you can wash the car,...
- A lamp should make a statement about you and the room you’re decorating. But with so many types and styles,...
- A roof can be as simple and basic as a means to keep the rain out. A roof can also...
- No conversation about building materials would be complete without including brick in the discussion. Brick has been around since water...
- Homeowners are beginning to carefully consider the quality of their drinking water. A variety of home water filters are available...
- Is trimming grass and weeds getting the best of you? Do you feel like you’re living with a little lawn...
- Air compressors can be used for more than pumping up tires. In fact, these versatile tools can power nail guns,...
- Being plugged in and wired is a good thing – until a sudden change in the power supply damages your...
- Today’s energy-efficient technology makes homes air tight, holding warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the...
- Ceiling fans keep you cool in the summer and help circulate warm air in the winter. They allow you to...
- Hard water is a fact of life in a large portion of the United States. Incorporating a water softener into...
- An entire industry exists to make homes safer for children. Shelves of books have been written on the topic, and...
- Safety tips for various rooms in the home!...
- Safety tips for the liveliest places in your home: the kitchen, living room, and outside areas....
- How to keep your home safe from fire and potentially dangerous situations or accidents!...
- Security cameras can give you peace of mind, whether you’re keeping an eye on children at play or watching to...
- If you are in the market for a band saw, you already know that a band saw can cut thicker...
- Circular saws are one of the most common power tools in use today. With the appropriate blade, circular saws are...
- Having a hard time deciding between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer? After all what exactly is the difference...
- A workshop is not complete without a mitre saw. But what’s the difference between a mitre saw, a compound mitre...
- As your woodworking skills increase, you may discover that you want to tackle more complex projects. And, since table saws...
- Hand-held power tools have become an indispensable part of the modern handyman’s and contractors’ toolbox. Power drills are the most...
- When you need to drive in a nail, nothing beats a hammer. There’s even a convenient claw on the other...
- Whether you’re working on detailed crafts or simply need to make freehand cuts, the flexibility of a scroll saw is...
- Rotary tools are extremely versatile handheld tools, well-suited to many do-it-yourself and professional applications. Since these tools are so versatile,...
- We don’t think so. But we do think that the more you know about your router, the more you’ll enjoy...
- Nothing beats a power painter for making quick work of a paint job. At the press of a trigger, the...
- When replacing your faucet, find out what type you currently have installed. Faucets are available in a wide range of...
- The sink might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it’s time for a kitchen renovation, but...
- Whether you’re replacing an old faucet in an existing kitchen or selecting a faucet as part of a larger remodeling...
- Pumps and pressure tanks aren’t usually the topic of everyday discussion, unless you happen to be a plumber. Most people...
- An invigorating shower can get the day off to a smart start, but many people don’t realize the options available...
- So you’re looking to buy a new toilet? The basic style of toilets hasn’t changed much in recent history. Toilets...
- When choosing your new snow thrower, there’s more to consider than just the snow. That’s why Lowe’s offers a full...
- Check out the great selection of Riding Mowers and Attachment that Lowe’s offers...
- Check out the great selection of Walk-Behind Mowers that Lowe’s offers...
- Is trimming grass and weeds getting the best of you? Do you feel like you’re living with a little lawn...
- A chainsaw is one of those tools that can be described thusly: When you need one, nothing else will really...
- Spring is just around the corner — time to think about which kind of tiller you need for your garden....
- Shoveling snow is difficult and time-consuming work. There is an easier way to clear snow from areas around your home....
- Is your garage so full of lawn equipment, holiday decorations and miscellaneous items you have to park your car in...
- The first step to a good masonry project is choosing the right product. But, with such a wide selection how...
- If you had to choose one word to define a room with a skylight, a good word might be dramatic....
- Choosing a light bulb used to be easy- there was only one kind available. Now you have the choice of...
- Check out the outdoor stoves, fireplaces and patio heaters that Lowe’s offers....
Buying Guide: Microwave Ovens
Buying Guide for Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops
Choose an Exterior Door
Garage Door Opener and Accessories Buying Guide
Choose an Interior Area Rug
Choosing a Mailbox
Choosing a Heater for Your Home
Choosing Ceiling Coverings
Choosing and Repairing Garden Hoses
Choosing a Lamp
A Guide to Roofing
Brick Buying Guide
Choose a Water Filter
Choosing a String Trimmer
Buying Guide for Air Compressors
Buying a Surge Protector
Buying an Air Purifier
Ceiling Fan Buying Guide
Choosing a Water Softener
Choosing and Using Child Safety Equipment
Home and Fire Safety Buying Guide: Bathroom, Bedroom and Garage
Home and Fire Safety Buying Guide: Kitchen, Living Room, Porch and Deck
Home and Fire Safety Buying Guide: Throughout the House
Select and Install a Security Camera
Buying Guide for Band Saws
Buying Guide for Circular Saws
Buying Guide for Hammer Drills/Rotary Hammers
Buying Guide for Mitre Saws
Buying Guide for Table Saws
Choosing a Power Drill
Choosing a Power Nailer
Choosing a Scroll Saw
Choosing Rotary Tools
Is Any Tool More Versatile Than a Router?
Powered Paint Applicators
Choosing a Lavatory Faucet
Choosing a New Kitchen Sink
Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide
Pump and Tank Buying Guide
Showerhead Buying Guide
Toilet Buying Guide
2011 Buying Guide Snow Throwers & Accessories
2011 Buying Guide Riding Mowers & Attachments
2011 Buying Guide Walk-Behind Mowers
Choosing a String Trimmer
Guide to Buying a Chainsaw
Buying Guide for Tillers
Snow Thrower Buying Guide
Choosing a Backyard Barn or Storage Shed
Masonry Buying Guide
Choosing a Skylight
Light Bulb Buying Guide
2011 Buying Guide Fireplaces, Stoves and Patio Heat
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
