Choosing a jigsaw file: types and features of devices

Today dozens of different types of canvases are produced. They can be used to process any surface. The article describes jigsaw files, presents their types and features, as well as the main selection criteria for different cases.

How are files marked?

Each canvas has its own designation. A unified system has not been developed, but in practice, jigsaw blade markings with decoding from Bosch are most often used. According to this system, a combination of letters and digital symbols is indicated on the tail.

The first letter can be U or T - this is the corresponding type of shank. After the letter there is a number that shows the length of the file (indicated in millimeters):

• 1 means short, reaching a maximum of 75;
• 2 indicate standard, minimum 75 mm, maximum 90;
• 3 mark extended, minimum 90 mm, maximum 150;
• 4 are long, they start at a value of 150.

After the digital sequence there are again letters that indicate the size of the teeth:

• A – small;
• B – medium size, for example, for wooden surfaces;
• C, D – large sizes, for rough cutting.

There is also one last letter where you can get additional information:

• F – made of an alloy based on 2 metals, high strength;
• O – with a small width, used for figure sawing;
• P – dense blades, these types of jigsaw files allow you to work exactly perpendicularly;
• R – blade equipped with a reverse tooth;
• X – teeth of different sizes, can be used to work with a variety of surfaces.

There is also the following marking for jigsaw files, related to the color of the shank:

• gray – used only for wood products;
• blue – for metal;
• white - can be used for both;
• red – only for plastic parts;
• black – for other materials.

There may also be specific designations that mark the metal composition of the blade:

• CV – steel, which contains the metals vanadium and chromium;
• HCS – with high carbon concentration;
• HSS – files that can be used for metal;
• HM - in this case, the main one is a compound of tungsten with carbon; such cuts are used for dense materials, for example, ceramics.

On the one hand, using the sequence of letters and numbers, you can figure out how to choose a file for a jigsaw. But there are other equally important indicators that are also worth taking into account.

Types of files

The canvas is divided by size, edge shape, and type of surface being worked with. The main parameters are discussed below.

To size

There are 3 sizes, and each of them must be taken into account when choosing a file. The length of jigsaw files has its own marking, described above. In general, this parameter can range from a minimum of 40 to a maximum of 250 (indicated in millimeters). Moreover, the higher the indicator, the thicker the workpiece can be. The depth largely depends on the jigsaw itself and its power.

Width - it is selected depending on the purpose.If you need to make a straight cut, wide files are ideal. And if they are curly, a canvas that does not have a wide back will do.

According to the shape of the edge

If we talk about what types of jigsaw files there are, it is worth mentioning geometry. All elements are separated from each other in different ways. And the greater the degree of opening, the larger the cutting line, so it will be easier and faster to work.

This is one of the main ways to choose a jigsaw file. There is a wiring parameter; according to this criterion, 2 groups are distinguished:

1. Milling.
2. Grinding.

Milling machines can have classic and wavy layouts. In the first case, the teeth alternately bend in different directions. Wavy equipment consists of teeth that have different amounts of deflection. As a result, the edge takes on a wave shape.

Grinding types of jigsaw files can also be classic (in terms of layout). Their teeth are set at equal intervals. Therefore, the cuts are quite high quality, and they can be made at high speed. Can be used for plywood and other wooden pieces.

There are also varieties that have a conical grind. They can be used for metal, wood, and plastic products. The teeth are organized into groups with the same amount of deflection.

Classification by material

It is also recommended to study the following question: what kinds of jigsaw files are there based on the material composition criterion. Often the tool is used for woodworking, but there are other types of workpieces.

For wood

In most cases, the device is used with wooden surfaces. The marking of jigsaw files is described in a table or list, as presented above.There are different types of cuts, such as fast. Canvases with the following numbers are suitable for him:

• length not less than 60 mm;
• teeth of large dimensions, parameter within 6 mm;
• large divorce, reaches 1 mm.

A clean cut allows you to work with parquet boards and furniture panels. They have teeth within 3 mm. Moreover, the divorce is small.

To make a shaped cut, you use tools that allow you to easily cut through round-shaped areas. They have the following parameters:

• width within 4 mm;
• small teeth up to 2 mm;
• the length is also small - within 40 mm;
• There is a noticeable bevel on the back side.

For metal

The markings on jigsaw blades used to work on a metal surface are blue. In this case, the files have several features:

• made of high-strength steel;
• the teeth are small, within 1 mm;
• wavy type breeding.

If the tool is often used to work with metal, you should purchase different files - for aluminum workpieces, steel and non-ferrous metal.

For polymer metal

To cut pipes and other PVC products, use a saw with large teeth. They are suitable for both metals and wood. If the blade has small teeth, they can also be used for similar tasks. But then you need to work at low speeds.

For special tasks

It is useful to understand how to choose a file for a jigsaw on wood, as well as for parts of a different composition. Sometimes you have to choose canvases for working with ceramics or glass. They must consist of a material that imparts special strength - this can be a coating of tungsten with carbon or diamond.

Thus, the choice of a jigsaw file is made based on different parameters.It is best to choose a set of canvases for different purposes. Then it will be possible to effectively use the cuts for almost all cases.