Stationary Jigsaw: How To Choose? Characteristics Of A Tabletop Jigsaw For Art Cutting. Where Is It Used? Model Rating

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 04:10

The processing of all types of wood in professional activities and at home requires the use of special tools. One of these irreplaceable devices is a stationary jigsaw.

What it is?

A stationary desktop jigsaw is a device that performs figured, transverse, longitudinal and angular sawing of wood and other materials with a small thickness. It is a structure with a rectangular base (platform), which has a work surface (work table) with a solid metal frame. The platform of the jigsaw is facing upward, the handle is missing as it is mounted on a table or workbench.

The saw blade (saw) is fixed at both ends by means of devices on the levers (upper and lower) and is directed vertically. An electric motor is located at the base of the platform, which drives the saw in a reciprocating motion, as a result - the saw cuts the material.

The principle of operation of the jigsaw is similar to the way the sewing machine works, in the image of which it was designed . A. Kaufman, who put a blade in it instead of a needle. This versatile device with wide functionality is indispensable for processing and performing cutting of any configuration and is very easy to use. The fixed and stable position of the stationary jigsaw guarantees high cutting accuracy and quality.

The jigsaw is convenient in that it is installed and attached to the table, which allows you to free your hands to perform the necessary actions.

Characteristics

The main characteristics of a stationary jigsaw are certain parameters that determine the radius of its capabilities and its effectiveness.

Power

The power of the jigsaw motor is the most important parameter on which the operation of this tool depends. Power directly affects the functional ability of the machine to cut material: jigsaws with more powerful motors are able to cut the densest and thickest material.

Cutting depth

This is another important parameter. It sets the thickest material that the jigsaw can cut. Most often, the cutting depth for wood parts is 5 cm. This thickness indicator is explained by the design feature of the frame of a desktop jigsaw, which does not make it possible to process thicker workpieces.

Number of strokes

The cutting speed and its accuracy directly depend on this characteristic. The large number of saw strokes per minute (that is, reciprocating movements) allows you to cut without chipping wood. The cutting line is very straight. The average indicator of this characteristic is 1500 strokes per minute. This figure is enough to create a clean and straight line when using saw blades with double skipped teeth. When using a jigsaw for artistic and high-quality cutting of products, you will need a machine with a higher frequency of the saw blade - up to 3000.

Desktop dimensions

The dimensions of the working surface affect the convenience when working with large parts. The large desktop surface makes this work easier and more comfortable. Budget options for stationary jigsaws have dimensions: length - 350 m, width - 250 mm. The larger these dimensions, the larger workpieces can be processed.

Additional functions

To expand the functionality of the jigsaw, special devices and devices allow. This makes the device versatile and increases the efficiency of its work. Table jigsaws are often supplemented with such elements: a pedal, a light, a mechanism for tilting the working surface, a dust collector and an engraver.

Often jigsaw machines are equipped with a speed control device . This additional function makes it possible to set the required frequency of the file stroke per minute. When processing wood materials, the maximum speed is set, at medium, PVC parts are processed, and for metal, a minimum speed is required, which prolongs the life of the saw blade.

It is often necessary to cut a part at the desired angle. The adjustment of the tilt of the desktop helps in this. Professional devices provide for the installation of a tilt in two directions and the possibility of sawing even at 45 degrees. For budget options, the installation of the working bed is carried out in only one direction.

The backlight creates additional illumination during work, making the process much easier . Dust extractors are designed to remove sawdust and other wood waste generated during operation. An engraver or a flexible shaft greatly expands the functionality of a jigsaw: it can be used to perform such types of work as: drilling, grinding, polishing.

Where is it applied?

The tabletop electric jigsaw has a wide range of applications. It is used not only in professional workshops. It is also necessary for every amateur craftsman to perform simple household chores (making simple furniture, various shelves). The jigsaw can cut not only wood, plywood and other types of wood, but also metal materials (copper, iron, steel) with success.

The stationary jigsaw is used for sawing wood, metal, plasterboard materials, performing figured sawing and cutting workpieces of various configurations, applying a variety of patterns and designs.

It is an indispensable tool in carpentry workshops, in workshops for the manufacture of furniture and plasterboard parts . It is also widely used in music workshops for the manufacture of parts for musical instruments. The jigsaw is used in arts and crafts ateliers for making household items, as well as art items for decorating interiors.

Classification

Electric table jigsaws can be classified according to different criteria.

Appointment of the jigsaw

By purpose of use distinguish between household (home), professional and industrial stationary jigsaws. Home and professional machines differ in their functionality. Household jigsaws are designed for simple household chores and perform a minimum of functions. Their power does not exceed 500 watts, and the duration of continuous operation is about 30 minutes. To cut thick material, you need a professional machine. Its engine power is in the range of 750-1500 watts, which allows sawing wood blanks with a greater thickness (up to 13 cm), as well as processing any kind of material. In addition, professional jigsaws are designed for a longer service life, and their operating time without interruption is about 3 hours. Industrial stationary jigsaws are powerful mechanisms that can function for about 20 hours, withstanding enormous loads.

By type of food

By the type of power supply, jigsaws are distinguished that are connected to a stationary power supply (network) and that run on a battery (rechargeable). Networked jigsaws have much higher performance. Desktop machines are only networked. Battery powered jigsaws can be used where there is no fixed power supply.

By the nature of the design

With a reciprocating or pendulum mechanism . Pendulum jigsaws have a higher performance and a longer service life of the device. This mechanism allows the saw blade to deflect from the workpiece during cutting. As a result, sawing is carried out when the blade moves in two directions: vertical and horizontal.

With lower support . These jigsaws are the most widely used. The work table consists of two parts: upper and lower. The cutting and cleaning mechanism is at the top, and at the bottom is the control module, electric motor, transmission device and switch. On such a device, you can work with material of any size.

Two-slide jigsaw . It has an additional rail at the top of the working table, which makes it easier to work with small parts.

Jigsaws on suspension . Jigsaws of this type are not equipped with a solid frame, therefore they have great mobility. During processing, the saw blade moves, and the material to be processed is stationary. The working mechanism is fixed to the ceiling, which allows you to work with materials of various sizes.

Jigsaw with a degree scale . Such a stationary jigsaw is used to perform precise work using drawings.

There are also specialized jigsaws - devices adapted to work with a certain type of material, for example, for sawing foamed or fibrous materials with a thickness of about 30 cm. There are also special types of jigsaws designed to perform any specific operations. To cut out small-sized workpieces, electric mini-jigsaws are used, which have small dimensions.

The band jigsaw is a multifunctional device with a powerful motor . It is used to obtain even and neat cuts in wood parts of various sizes. They are very easy to use and have high speed. To perform artistic cutting, both electric jigsaws and hand-held ones are used - this way you can achieve a more accurate reproduction of the pattern.

Model rating

As the rating shows, the most popular among consumers are electric jigsaws of such brands: Bosch, Makita, Jet, DeWalt, Korvet, Proxxon, Excalibur, Zubr. Jigsaws of these brands show high-quality work, high productivity, as well as long service life.

Jet JSS . This model is usually used in small carpentry or home workshops to perform curved sawing of parts. The stroke frequency can be adjusted from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute and guarantees the processing of high quality not only wood materials (also plywood, chipboard), but also plastic.

Craton WMSS-11-01 . This inexpensive model (cost - about 6,000 rubles) is used for sawing decorative wooden blanks, cutting wood materials in several directions: transverse, longitudinal, oblique. The working blade can change the angle of inclination, the file can be set in 2 positions.

Holzstar DKS 501 (Vario) . The jigsaw of this model can cut both external and internal outlines of various shapes, including curved outlines. Works well with soft wood and plastic material. Equipped with a dust extraction that can be adjusted. Connection to a vacuum cleaner is possible.

Among the best budget options for electric jigsaws (up to 10 thousand rubles), some models can also be distinguished

Zubr ZSL-90 . The domestically produced electric jigsaw is used for cutting plywood, thin wood, chipboard and is indispensable for home and amateur use. The disadvantage is the rather loud operation of the mechanism and strong vibration.

" Enkor Corvette-88 ". Benchtop machine with quiet operation and little vibration. Its design provides for a sufficiently large frame overhang, which makes it possible to work with large parts. The stroke frequency has two speeds and can be adjusted, so it can be applied to plastic processing. Equipped with a sawdust removal pump.

Dremel Moto-Saw (MS20-1 / 5) . Desktop electric mini jigsaw of American production. It can be used both as a machine tool and as a portable device, since it has an assembly device. Thanks to the short sawing stroke, a smooth, chip-free cutting line is created. It is used for artistic, decorative, figured cutting of small wooden, plastic and metal blanks.

All of the above models, having a common principle of operation, differ in technical parameters and the presence of additional functions.

Subtleties of choice

Choosing an electric jigsaw is not an easy thing to do. Before buying, you must first determine:

• what material will be processed;
• how often the jigsaw will be used and how much work to perform;
• for what types of work it will be applied.

The choice of a jigsaw should be in accordance with these tasks. However, you need to take into account the following characteristics:

• the number of strokes of the saw blade per minute - this determines the speed and quality of cutting the material;
• engine power, which affects the functional capabilities of the tool (for home use, a machine with a power of 450 watts is suitable);
• type of power supply for an electric jigsaw;
• is it possible to replace the file;
• the presence of additional functions that facilitate work: backlight, connection to a vacuum cleaner, automatic sawdust removal, laser pointer;
• the presence of a multi-stage pendulum mechanism;
• the ability of the saw blade to turn 360 degrees, which is necessary for cutting circles;
• is it possible to change the angle of the working canvas;
• convenience and safety in operation.

You also need to pay attention to the work table - it must be strong (to withstand heavy parts), smooth and sanded.

Operating tips

In order for the tool to serve for a long time and perform operations efficiently, you must adhere to simple rules.

• To work with different materials, you need to use different files. When choosing files, you need to take into account the strength of the material and its thickness.
• In the process of work, do not press hard on the device, otherwise the material may be damaged, the needle may break or the cutting line will be inaccurate.
• When sawing thin canvases, use a backing that will protect the parts from damage.
• It is necessary to periodically change the files - a worn part can damage the surface of the workpiece.
• When processing plastic, the speed must be low, otherwise the plastic will melt.
• In order not to disrupt the accuracy of the operations, you need to fix the workpiece well on the desktop.
• When processing plexiglass, it is recommended to wet the surface of the part with water. This will speed up the work and extend the life of the file.

When working with an electric jigsaw, you must follow the safety instructions. Before starting work, you need to carefully study the instruction manual.