To achieve your desired smooth cut with a jigsaw, you will need the most suitable blade for your power tool. Different types of jigsaw blades adapt the tool to suit various cutting applications. Do jigsaw blades fit all jigsaws? Different blades adapt to other jigsaw tools. The blade you use will affect the cutting speed of the machine and the type of finish it will produce.
What are the Different Types of Jigsaw Blades?
Some months ago, I did not know the difference between different saw blades. So one day, I asked myself, how do I know what jigsaw blade I have? Jigsaw blades are classified by other things, including the type of shank they have, the number of blade teeth (TPI), the type of metal they are made of, and the materials they can be used to cut.
Types of Shank Jigsaw’s Blade
This is the part of the blade that locks into the blade clamp of a jigsaw. So what is the difference between T-shank and U shank?
T-Shank Blades
The t-shank blades are the most commonly used and are compatible with most modern jigsaws. These blades feature a tang at the top of their shank, which fits into the tool-less blade clamp of the tool. They provide ease of use and also make it easier to change blades in and out or between different jigsaws.
Universal Shank Blades
These are also known as U-shank blades. They have a U-shaped cut-out at the top of their shank.
Types of Blade Material
The material out of which a jigsaw blade is made will affect its durability and its cut materials. Jigsaw blades are made from four types of high-speed metal steel, high carbon steel, bi-metal, or tungsten carbide.
High Carbon Steel (HCS)
HCS blades are flexible, which mainly leads to them wandering off-course. A high carbon steel blade is more inexpensive compared to other blades, but it tends to become dull more quickly than different types of blades.
Hard Steel HSS
Also known as High-Speed special (HSS Blades), these blades are used in elements such as drill bits.
Bi-metal Blades
The body of a bi-metal blade is made out of carbon steel and high-speed steel teeth. Bi-metal blades have the advantage of bearing the good properties of both flexibility and wear resistance due to their two-metal construction. So Bi-metal jigsaw blade is a great choice for metal cutting.
Tungsten Carbide Blade
Tungstenjigsaw blades are most suitable for cutting ceramics, stainless steel, or fiberglass. They have the most significant heat resistance and are more durable than the other types of blades. The cutting edge is coated in a tungsten carbide grit for a straight edge.
Teeth Per Inch (TPI)
The variable speed of cutting in jigsaw blades depends on the number of teeth a blade has. TPI affects not only the speed of the cut but also the quality of the cut it can produce. Blades with fewer teeth will make a faster, rougher, and straight cut, while those with more teeth have a slower cutting speed but create a smoother finish.
Specialist Blades
Reverse Tooth Blade
Unlike most jigsaw blades, the teeth of reverse tooth blades are designed to point downwards rather than upwards to cut on the downstroke instead of the upstroke. These blades can cut through materials prone to splintering, such as laminate worktops, without damaging their surface.
Plunge Cut Blades
Plunge cut jigsaw blades are designed with a sharp tip that allows them to pierce a workpiece at the beginning of plunge cutting. These blades are ideal for use in cutting soft materials such as softwood and plasterboard.
Scrolling Blade
Scrolling blades are designed for scroll cutting. The blades are narrower than standard blades, which allows them to cut tight curves without bending or breaking. These blades are perfect for delicate cutting for making good, clean, and controlled cuts.
Flush Cutting Blade
When the saw shoe extends past the blade, as it usually does, it can sometimes prevent you from making a cut flush to a surface. Flush cutting blades help curb this problem thanks to their wider body, extending its reach so that the jigsaw can cut up to a vertical surface.
Which Jigsaw Blade should You Choose?
The different types of jigsaw blades are most suitable for various cutting applications. The majority of the common blades have upward-facing blade teeth, meaning that the blade cuts upwards. Sawdust chips are ejected from the top and can be recovered by using a vacuum cleaner fixed to the rear sleeve of the jigsaw. The cut is thicker towards the top of the surface. There are also downwardly toothed blades and double-toothed blades.
Wood and Laminated Blade
The most common and most flexible wood blades are toothed, square or straight, ground or milled teeth, in various lengths of up to 150 mm. A large tooth pitch (number of teeth per cm or inch) translates to a greater flow rate. The wide blades are reserved for rectilinear cuts. For curved cuts and circular saw cuts, the right blade has a narrow form and forward-facing teeth. This type of jigsaw excellent wood and laminate flooring.
Plastic and PVC Blade
PVC blades are set or straight and come in different blade lengths. The length of the cut should be provided and usually is relative to the length of the blade.
Blades Steel and Non-Ferrous Metals
The fine-toothed blades in your area should be reserved for the hardest metals. A low speed is preferred when using the most delicate tooth blade, without forgetting to use the cutting oil meant for this metal to avoid having the blade heat up and carbonize.
Blades for Ceramic and Glass
This requires blades without teeth, with the front face covered with a tungsten carbide layer that can pierce tiles and ceramic without any trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Replace The Blade of Your Jigsaw?
Sometimes you realize that the blade in your jigsaw had become dull compared to when it was a new blade. Instead of a clean-cut, you may now be getting rough cuts all through. This might mean that it needs to be replaced. You will then see the difference between the cutting edges of the two blades; the newly replaced and the old blade. The old one will have rounded teeth compared with the razor-sharp teeth of the new one. You replace the blade if,
It is worn out-you should replace the jigsaw blade if it is no longer sharp to prevent unnecessary tediousness for everyone involved.
It is broken or bent- sawing is no longer possible when the blade is broken. This will give you rough cuts and will therefore need a replacement.
Change of material- If the material to be sawn changes (wood to metal or vice versa), it is necessary to change the jigsaw blade.
How do You Remove a Broken Jigsaw Blade?
Hold the blade with a pair of pliers in your free hand, then pull the blade straight out of the Sawzall Hatchet. Jiggle the blade up and down with the pliers until it comes out of the saw. Release the collar once you remove the blade.
Can Jigsaw Blades Be Sharpened?
Jigsaw blades are termed consumable products mainly because they quickly become dull and lose their cutting ability. Most blades are made out of hardened steel and cannot be sharpened.
Conclusion
Having a good saw blade ensures that you can cut through materials, including hard ones as well as plywood. They help you have an easy time cutting different materials with the power tool.