You need the right blade for the material you will be cutting in order to do a good job. It is crucial to choose the right blade for your project in order to get it done quickly and easily.
A standard saw blade will work fine if you’re only cutting thin sheets of wood or sheet goods. 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. You will also find helpful hints and a list on what to look out for when choosing a jigsaw knife blade, so you can choose the best one for you.
Materials
There are two types of jigsaw blades: metal cutting and standard. A standard jigsaw blade will slice through wood and sheet goods with no issues. A metal cutting saw blade can cut almost any kind of metal, including pipe and tin roofing. It is essential to ensure that the right blade is used when you use a circular saw to cut clean cuts that are not 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 material you are cutting and the type of saw you have will determine which saw blade you choose.
There’s nothing worse than purchasing a blade that claims it can cut through metal, when it won’t.
Features
- The blade has deep gullets and is made to be able to saw through thick materials such as metal with ease
- This has a greater degree of tooth hook, which makes it easier for the blades to reach the end of your cut when you do plunge cuts. This gives you greater control over the material you will 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 Jigsaw Blades
There are three types of jigsaw blades available: bi-metal, long blade and thin-kerf. 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
This type of blade can be used to crosscut and miter wood, drywall, and plastic if you own a mitersaw. You can also use long blade blades with a Jigsaw to make straight cuts on sheet goods like 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, 1/41 cm, which allows for clean cuts with no tear-out. Because they cut quickly and leave no marks, thin kerfs blades can be used most often on compound miter saws and table saws. You will use less power to cut through hardwoods, plywood or laminates if the kerf is smaller.
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. If you’re looking for a standard blade, or a tooth design, you should ensure that the blade is designed for the saw you have.
Proper Care Of Jigsaw Blades
Its 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 and adjusting washers allow the blade’s flexibility to work against the material they are cutting through. This prevents you from removing teeth and keeps the blade springing and stretching down. You will need to tighten all screws and ensure that they don’t vibrate during the project.
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. It is important to ensure that the blade cuts the material correctly, regardless of which type it may be.
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. This is combined with regular tension checks to ensure that all moving parts are in good condition while you work on your project.
Replacing a Jigsaw Blade
To ensure that the blade is not spinning while you are replacing it, switch off the power to your jigsaw before you remove the old one. Once the power has been turned off then remove screws from either side of the tool body along with loosening bolts holding down blades. After the screws are removed, you should be capable of removing your blade without applying too much pressure. Place the new jigsaw knife in its place. Screw down the bolts before tightening them. Then, turn off the power and repeat the steps for the other side.
Conclusion
Installing a jigsaw blade may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a little practice, its 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.
