In order to do a proper job cutting, you need the correct blade for the material that you are going to be cutting. Making sure that you have chosen a blade that fits your needs is essential in getting a project finished fast and easy with no problems.
If you are just cutting sheet goods or thin wood then you will probably be fine with a standard saw blade. However, if you are going to be cutting any metal or using a circular saw to do your cutting then you need to have a jigsaw blade that is made for the task at hand.
In this article, I will go into detail about specific materials and how they should be cut, along with what type of blades you should use. I will also provide you with some helpful hints and a list of what to look for in a jigsaw blade so that you can purchase the right one for your needs.
Materials
Jigsaw blades come in two different varieties: standard and metal cutting. A standard jigsaw blade will slice through wood and sheet goods with no issues. A metal cutting saw blade will cut just about any type of metal, from pipe to tin roofing. When you are working with a circular saw, it is important to make sure that you have the correct blade in order to get a clean cut that does not come out jagged or distorted.
This is why when you are walking into your local hardware store, you will notice so many different types of blades and it can be confusing as to which one you should buy. The decision on what kind of saw blade depends mainly on what material you are cutting and what saw you have.
There is nothing worse than buying a blade because it says that it will cut through metal when in fact it will not do the job at all.
Features
- The blade has deep gullets and is made to be able to saw through thick materials such as metal with ease
- Has a higher degree of tooth hook which will make it easier for the blade to climb out of your cut if you are doing plunge cuts. This also gives you more control over any type of material that you are going to be cutting.
- The blade has a high tooth count, over 40 teeth per inch. This means that the blade is going to cut through any thin metal without a problem and will be able to do plunge cuts with ease.
Types of Jigsaw Blades
When you are looking for a jigsaw blade, there are three different types that you can choose from bi-metal blades, long blade blades, and thin-kerf blades. Each type of blade serves a purpose for how it is going to be used in the project that you are working on.
Standard Saw Blade
This saw blade is made from high-speed steel which allows them to stay sharper longer than other types of blades and it cuts quickly and smoothly through the wood. You should use this type of blade if you are going to be using a circular saw to do your cutting as they will give you the cleanest cuts.
Metal Cutting Saw Blade
This saw blade is made from tungsten carbide alloys which makes them stay sharp for a long time and allows them to cut through metal with ease. You should use these blades when you need a jigsaw tool to do tight curves or plunge cuts on thicker metals.
Long Blade Saw Blade
If you have a miter saw then this type of blade is used for crosscutting and mitering wood, drywall, or plastic. Long blade blades can also be used with a jigsaw to make straight cuts in sheet goods such as plywood. These blades are made from high carbon steel which makes them able to be resharpened over and over again.
Thin Kerf Saw Blade
This saw blade has a very thin kerf, 1/16 inches, which allows for clean cuts with no tear-out. Thin kerfs blades are most commonly used on table saws or compound miter saws as they cut very quickly and leave smooth edges behind. The thinner the kerf of the blade means that you will need less power to make your cut through hardwoods, plywood, or laminates.
What To Look For In A Jigsaw Blade
When you are looking for a jigsaw blade it is important that you take into consideration several different factors about the project that you are working on that will determine what blade you should use. You should always look for blades that are designed to be used in the type of saw that you have along with making sure that it is made from quality materials and has the right tooth count if you are looking to buy a standard blade or tooth design if you are looking for a metal cutting blade.
Proper Care Of Jigsaw Blades
It’s important when using jigsaw blades, even though they come ready to go, there are still things that need to be done in order for them to function properly and give you the best cut possible. Some things such as setting tension or clearing chips can be done as you work while other tasks such as changing the blade from a plastic body saw to one with a metal body should only be done when the power has been turned off.
Setting Tension
The tension knob along with adjusting washers will set up the flexibility of the blade to work against your material as they cut through it which keeps you from stripping teeth and helps to keep springing and stretching down. Make sure that all screws on the blade are tight and won’t vibrate loose during your project without having to re-tighten them after every cut.
Paying Attention To The Detail
Pay close attention as you cut and know what type of blades will offer more control over thicker materials if you are going to use a plunge or circular saw for cutting. You also want to make sure that no matter which type of blade you are using, it is cutting the material properly with no catching or slipping.
Cleaning Out The Chips
You should always clean out any debris that might be left over after you cut through your material as it can build up and affect how well your blade performs if it gets too hot during use. Combine this with checking tension regularly to make sure that all of the moving parts stay in good shape while you are working on your project.
Replacing A Jigsaw Blade
Before you replace a jigsaw blade, turn off the power on your saw just in case it is still spinning before removing the old blade. Once the power has been turned off then remove screws from either side of the tool body along with loosening bolts holding down blades. Once the screws have been removed from your blade, you should be able to slide it out of place without much pressure. Slide the new jigsaw blade into place and screw down before tightening bolts and follow the same steps in reverse order for another side before turning the power back on so that everything is locked in place.
Conclusion
Installing a jigsaw blade may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a little practice, it’s easy to do. We hope this guide has helped make the process clearer for you and that you feel confident in your ability to install a new jigsaw blade.
