Jig Saw Blade Choice Made Easy
Jig Saw Blade Choice Made Easy
Jigsaw blades come in two main types: U-shanks or T-shanks called SDS. The T-shape jigsaw blade doesn’t need a tool to fasten it to the jigsaw. The U-shaped blade is used in older models. Most new jigsaws can use either jigsaw blade type. Some jigsaws may have different fittings – Makita has dedicated fittings.
According to its brand and its type, your jigsaw has a quick fixing system allowing compatible blades. On most electric machines, the blades usually attach without tools. Some older models require a set screw to be tightened.
Jigsaw blades vary in shape, denture, length and material for cutting hard or soft wood, soft metals like aluminum, steel HSS, bimetal, plastic or ceramic tile.
When cutting wood, choose a 6–10 tpi blade because the wider low areas between teeth (gullets) help clear sawdust.
Cutting metal or plastic sheets requires a higher tooth count and slower cut speed.
A 6-tpi blade will cut faster and moves straighter through thick material, but can create more chip-outs than a 10-tpi blade.
The blade cutting teeth are stated as teeth per inch (tpi). The teeth are different – heavy, medium, fine or angled, straight. The teeth are usually sharpened in a triangle facing upwards.
Jigsaw blades can be made of hard steel, a bi metal, or coated like tungsten, carbide powder.
Cut material with the good side down. Because the jigsaw cuts on the up-stroke, chipping occurs on the upper-facing surface of the material.
Also, there are specialty toothed blades that cut downward, or for cutting curves and circles.
If the work consists of unique material, then a special blade is available. You’ll recognize it right away thanks to its narrow form and forward facing teeth.
Fine-toothed blades are for the hardest metals. When using the finest toothing, cut at a low speed with cutting oil, otherwise the blade can carbonized from the heat.
Jigsaw blades are made to cut for ceramic and glass. These can be toothless and use water or oil to cool.
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I like to use glasses when jigsawing aluminum as one of those little chips usually end up in my eye.
Hey, great content!
I’m experiencing an issue that hasn’t been covered on YouTube, I’ve I’ve looking. Can you help?
Within 3 cuts on my new but cheap jigsaw, it jammed on the material.
It just grabs the material now and rattles or shakes it, instead of cutting, even when clamped on both sides
I noticed my new blade that came with the cheap drill got burned somehow and I’m only cutting a thick piece of cardboard, the kind that is used in the backs of Dressers and bottom of dresser drawers. I put in a new carbon steel blade after and still have the same problem. I’m not sure why I can’t get this thing to cut now.
Appreciate
i had to drive to 3 different stores today to get jigsaw blades because i have the older u shaped design. i brought the old blade with me and only the local ace hardware store had what i needed at an outrageous price with tooth types im not totally happy about. i have no idea if the newer style blades will fit in my particular model, "SKIL" but i guess i will have to write down the model number, call the manufacturer, and wait on hold for 30 minutes, or send them an email and wait 5 days for a reply to figure out if the newer style blades will fit, the guy at home depot said they wont. IT MAKES NO SENSE WHY THEY HAD TO REDESIGN THE BLADE.
Thank you sir..
Hey! Awesome video! Keep it up!
Thank You so much. I really like the way you teach things. You are Very easy to follow and understand how and why you should use a certain blade for different materials. Just exactly what I needed. 😎
I have an older B&D jig saw that keeps throwing metal cutting saw blades It does great with wood cutting blades . I have figured out itl has to do with the tickness of the blades wood blades are much thicker than meatl cutting blades. metal blades are about 5 mm while wood blades are about 15mm thick. What brand metal cutting blade is thicker??? the blade chuck is ok not worn.
Wonder if you can help?! I am looking for saw blades for a Black & Decker DN35 Multi Purpose Saw …. Cheers Geoff
What tpi would be good to cut bamboo? Due to it being round, I can’t cut with the good side down and want to avoid chipping it. Would it help to wrap it tightly with masking tape ?
What can you do with broken jigsaw blades
Thank you so much. I am a senior woman and didn’t know which blade to use or how to get it into the jigsaw. Just wanted to cut a piece of wood. I am so happy I found you. You gave quick, thorough instructions and I was able to put that to use immediately. I learned so much from you in a short amount of time. You are a lifesaver, thanks again! Subscribed.
Great video demonstrating different blades impact on different materials.
Unfortunately, there are stupid people in this world. Please delete the offensive comments.
Great video..but maybe you should be wearing protective goggles.?? They’re cheap..$1.00 at Dollar Tree..
Really helpful, thank you.
Man,…now this guy really knows how to teach. And he knows how to make a video. Dang, I think I learned more in that 6 minute video about jigsaws and blades, than I’ve picked up in the last two years. Thank you.