Thin jigsaw blade. Jigsaw files: choose a blade for specific tasks. Tooth shape

Manual and electric jigsaws have long "taken root" among home craftsmen. These are very useful devices that will allow you to accurately and accurately cut almost any material of various thicknesses and configurations. But before proceeding with the work, it is necessary that the jigsaw file is correctly selected. However, it is quite difficult to make the right decision right away. This is due not only to a large selection, but also to a huge number of types of canvas.

Some general information

If you have a jigsaw and no files, then this is a useless tool. If you have a whole set of files, then you can cut almost any material. No need to think that the jigsaw is designed to work only with metal or plastic products. While you might say that it makes sense to have both manual and automatic tools, you'll see why in a bit. With proper skill, you can make straight and figured cuts on chipboard, ceramics, metal, and so on. But it is worthwhile to understand that for each type of material there is a jigsaw file. For example, the BOSCH range includes a variety of blades that can work with plywood, plastic, etc. Of course, each material has different thickness, density, hardness and other parameters, this imposes certain requirements on the quality of steel sheet.

Jigsaw blades

It is quite logical that without a file you will not be able to perform the work you need. Today, all blades for hand tools are divided into two large groups:

  • for woodworking;
  • for metal work.

Each of these groups is divided into subgroups. For example, a canvas for wood can be for quick cutting. This is one of the most common and popular files. Its peculiarity is that such a canvas can be processed a large number of material at high speed. For example, with such a file it is not a problem to cut a workpiece with a diameter of 20 cm. However, this tool leaves behind a significant number of defects, so it is advisable to use it only for auxiliary work or the construction of buildings.

But files for a manual jigsaw of a clean cut allow you to get a high-quality surface. This is achieved due to the large number of small teeth, as a result of which the cut is smooth and practically free of defects. However, in this case, the maximum diameter of the workpiece should not exceed 7.5 cm. There are also files for laminate. They have a unique arrangement of teeth that do not leave any marks behind.

Blade for working with metal

It is one thing to process a material such as wood, quite another - metal. Please note that the wood canvas is not suitable for cutting metal sheets. But learning to distinguish files from each other is extremely simple. The jigsaw file for metal has a blue shank, which is the main distinguishing feature. The teeth are very fine, allowing you to work with sheets with a thickness of 6 mm.

Today, combined canvases are increasingly being sold. According to the manufacturers, they are well suited for working with wood and metal. But we can say with confidence that this is not the best solution, since the work performed is somewhat difficult and stretched over time. In any case, a jigsaw blade for metal must be made of high-quality material.

Electric, desktop and manual jigsaws

It should be understood that, despite the same purpose, the files for this tool have fundamental differences. For example, the blade for a manual jigsaw is quite thin and long, and is also attached on both sides. In a jigsaw, it is shorter and thicker, and also has a completely different installation method. If the tool is manual, then you should always have several spare files. This is due to their fragility. They break really often and at the most inopportune moment.

There are also saws for The tool itself is stationary and great for cutting wood. The canvas in this case is more similar to the one used in hand tool. However, it is less brittle, so it breaks less often. These saws are designed for workpieces with maximum diameter 4 cm for wood and 0.2 cm for metal products.

Jigsaw saw blade marking

Special designations on the canvas can say a lot. Firstly, this way you can find out what material the product is made of. By the way, this is very important, especially when performing responsible work. For example, if HCS is written on the body, this means that the blade is made of and is intended for cutting soft materials, in particular wood, chipboard, plastic, etc. But, for example, the inscription HSS indicates that the file Made from high speed hardened steel. It is a hard, but at the same time quite brittle material that can be used to work with both aluminum and steel. thick.

But the marking of BIM jigsaw files means that the blade is bimetallic. Basically, it is a combination of HCS and HSS. Such a file has improved properties, but also a high cost. The HM stamp means that such a blade can be used for especially hard materials, for example, cutting ceramic tiles etc. In principle, it is not so difficult to understand the markings, if you remember this, then choosing the appropriate canvas will be extremely simple.

Learn more about making the right choice

When buying, you should always pay attention to the blade shank. Naturally, it has only one mount, unlike a manual saw. Although today the world famous company Bosch releases with two stops. In any case, it is advisable to first read the instructions, where it will be written what is suitable for your tool. For example, the Makita company produces jigsaws with a mount that is fundamentally different from other models. Both ends have specially sawn circles different diameter. Naturally, you can no longer put a file with a different type of fastening on a jigsaw.

You need to understand that the canvas can have a different length. For wood cutting, this is usually 51-126 mm, for metal - up to 106 mm. The choice should be based on the thickness of the workpiece to be machined. The thicker it is, the longer the canvas should be. For example, to perform a figured cut on wood, thin jigsaw files are used. They are quite fragile, but give more opportunities to the operator.

Canvas for laminate flooring

Today, many say that for processing parquet board or laminate, an exceptionally clean cut is required. Someone may advise using almost a diamond-coated canvas. However, the price of such a tool is very high, for a set of 5 files you will have to pay several thousand rubles. In principle, sometimes the jigsaw itself can cost so much.

So, it is not at all necessary to purchase an overly expensive tool. A blade is usually sufficient for a clean cut. Of course, there will be a chip of about 1-2 mm. However, in most cases, the laminate is closed with skirting boards that are much larger than the chip. For this simple reason, do not overpay once again. When buying jigsaw blades for laminate, pay attention to the quality of the product. Many modern canvases burn very strongly when working with wood, chipboard and laminate. Therefore, make a purchase with a small margin.

Something about the shape of the teeth

The blade tooth configuration determines the capabilities of the tool. A large number of small teeth improves the quality of the cut, but significantly reduces the speed. If there are few teeth and they are large, then such a cut will be extremely sloppy, but very fast. Conventionally, according to the shape of the teeth, the saw blade can be divided into the following groups:

  • Diluted (milled) - used for cutting soft materials such as wood and plastic, as well as non-ferrous metals. The wiring contributes to the fact that excessive heat does not accumulate, and sawdust is removed from the cut and the blade.
  • Wavy (milled) - used for clean cutting of aluminum, soft materials (wood, plastic) and non-ferrous metals. The wiring in this case is performed in groups, that is, several teeth in a row in one direction.
  • Tapered (ground) is a good solution for getting clean cuts in wood and plastic. The non-working edge is polished. These are typical jigsaw blades for laminate.
  • Ground, set teeth are one of the best solutions for rough cuts in wood, chipboard, blockboard, etc.

Web width and thickness

When choosing, it is extremely important to pay attention to the width of the file. Not only the quality, but also the speed of the work performed depends on this parameter. If the canvas is wide, then it will be not only stable, but also more durable, and will practically not deviate from the intended plane. Of course, this is also high-speed cutting, do not forget about it. At the same time, narrow files provide good maneuverability compared to wide ones. The location of the teeth on the axis of the jigsaw drive allows you to better follow the intended plane with minimal deviations.

Thickness is also not the last parameter that makes sense to pay attention to. Blades that are too thin cannot ensure the proper perpendicularity of the cut. In addition, the thicker the file, the higher its stability.

Something else

You probably know that the blade teeth must be harder than the material being processed. So, to perform work on cutting glass, ceramics, metal and stone, you will need special files. The main requirement is increased strength. It is best to use bimetallic sheets for such purposes, which are 1/3 hardened steel and 2/3 high-carbon steel. The service life of such files is quite large, so they will pay off with interest. In addition, the risk of a sudden breakdown here is much lower than in classic options. But since choosing a jigsaw file is not difficult, and you already know how to do it, you will not have any problems choosing the appropriate bimetallic blade.

Conclusion

If we talk about manufacturers who have proven themselves well, then these are Bosch, Makita and Praktika. Files of these companies are famous all over the world for their high quality and excellent operational properties. If you are not afraid to spend an extra 200 rubles, then buy canvases of these brands, and you will not regret anything. Do not forget that all files have their purpose, use for other purposes is unlikely to lead to the expected results. The jigsaw is a high-speed tool, so securely fasten the blade and try to work with goggles and gloves. In principle, we examined the main types of jigsaw files. Now you know that there are canvases for wood, metal, as well as combined ones for other materials. Paying attention to the labeling of the product and the way it is attached, you will definitely make the right choice.

What kind of saw blades exist and how to choose the best option for a particular case, every craftsman who has this tool in his household should know.

There are many factors influencing the choice of cutting blade: the material to be sawn, its thickness and density, the required cut quality, etc. In order not to make a mistake when buying, you should take into account the technical characteristics of the files, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model.

Cutting blade material

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a file is the material from which it is made.

Each cutting blade of well-known manufacturers has its own marking. Knowing how to decipher it, you can easily determine whether the file is suitable for you for the upcoming work.

The marking indicating the material of manufacture of the canvas is as follows:

Table for the use of files.

  1. HCS. Such files are related to wood tools. They are made from high carbon steel with plasticity and elasticity. They can cut wood, chipboard, plywood and plastic. When choosing such a canvas, you should pay attention not to its hardness, but to its flexibility.
  2. HSS. Hardened steel products that can work on high speeds. Used for processing durable materials, including metals different density. Despite all its rigidity, hardened steel is a rather brittle substance that must be handled with great care.
  3. BIM. Bimetal blades, which are made from a mixture of high-carbon and hardened steel, due to which they have all the advantages of the first two types. Depending on the shape and size of the teeth, they can be used for both woodworking and metalworking.
  4. HIM. Manufactured from high-strength alloys, due to which they are characterized high strength and rigidity. Mainly used for cutting ceramic tiles.

The color of the file can also indicate the material of manufacture and the purpose of the file:

  • white (BIM) - for cutting wood and metal;
  • gray (HCS or BIM) - for processing wood and materials based on it;
  • blue (BIM or HSS) - for cutting metal;
  • black (HIM) - for special tasks (sawing ceramic tiles, durable steel, etc.).

Jigsaw saw blade marking

Files intended for working with wood are marked with the letters HCS.

On the tail of any cutting blade for a jigsaw there is a marking consisting of letters and numbers. The first is the letter "T" or "U", which indicates the type of fastening of the blade to the tool: T-shaped or U-shaped. It is followed by numbers indicating the length of the file:

  • 1 - short canvas (up to 7.5 cm);
  • 2 - standard cutting element (7.5-9.0 cm);
  • 3 - elongated file (9-15 cm);
  • 7 - a long file (more than 15 cm).

The longer the product, the thicker the workpiece can be cut with it.

The numbers are again followed by letters that indicate the size of the teeth:

  • A - the smallest teeth (perfect for cutting laminate);
  • B - larger teeth (used for processing wood, fiberboard, chipboard and plywood);
  • C and D are the largest teeth used for rough cutting.

Some manufacturers use two instead of one letter at the end (for example, T101BR). The second letter means:

  • Oh - for curly cutting;
  • R - with a reverse tooth (improves the quality of the cut);
  • F - bimetallic products (considered the most durable and reliable);
  • X - universal blade (they can cut both wood and metal);
  • P - thick files (used for corner cutting).

For example, the marking T118AF means that the selected model has a T-shaped mount and fine teeth, its length is up to 7.5 cm, the material of manufacture is bimetal.

Types of saw blades.

When choosing a cutting blade for a jigsaw, you need to know what material it will work with. This tool is able to cut not only wood and materials based on it (chipboard, fiberboard, plywood, etc.), but also plastic, slate, brick, metal and even tiles. At the same time, for each material being processed, there is its own type of saw with which the jigsaw will work with the best efficiency. There are also universal cutting blades, which are equally well suited, for example, for wood and metal.

Wood saws. Depending on the purpose, such products are divided into two groups:

  • for fast cutting
  • for a clean cut.

If you are faced with the task of sawing a large amount of wood, while spending a minimum of time, then the best option would be a cutting blade with large teeth.

The larger the teeth, the faster the cut. However, as the speed of work increases, the cleanliness of the cut decreases, so here you need to choose between speed and quality.

If the speed of work is in the first place, then the best option would be a canvas marked T101D. With it, you can quickly cut wood up to 7.5 cm thick, for thicker material, you can purchase the T244D or T344D model.

For a clean cut, the T101B file is a good option. It is often used for professional purposes when assembling furniture and other jobs that require a quality cut. This product can also cut thick workpieces, but you will spend twice as much time on this than when using, for example, the T244D model.

Fabric on laminate. When laying laminate flooring, it is important that the cut is free of burrs. This can be achieved with the T101BR file, which is equipped with a reverse tooth. However, if you don’t have this model at hand, and you need to cut the laminate with something, you can get by with the usual T101B blade. Only in this case, before starting work, it is recommended to paste over the place of the intended cut ordinary tape, which will protect the processed material from chips, burrs and other defects.

Metal saws. They have small teeth and a blue tail. If you work with metal 3 mm thick, buy a T118A file. It is also suitable for cutting plastic. For thicker material, the T123X blade is recommended, and for aluminum, the T227D blade.

Tile saws. They are marked T150RIFF or T130RIFF. Instead of teeth, their cutting part is carbide coating. You need to know that it is recommended to use a jigsaw for cutting tiles only in extreme cases, since the work will be slow and high level dustiness. In the absence of a specialized tool for cutting tiles, it is better to use a conventional glass cutter.

Blade shape

For various tasks, a certain shape of the teeth is suitable, which differs not only in the type of sharpening, but also in the wiring method:

  1. Milled set teeth. This blade is perfect for cutting wood. Divorce is carried out by analogy with the usual hand saw. This allows you to slightly expand the cut, thereby preventing overheating and jamming of the tool in the thickness of the tree.
  2. Milled teeth with wave setting. In this case, not a single, but a group wiring is performed (for example, 4-6 teeth each). These blades are used for cutting metal.
  3. Ground teeth without setting. The best option for fine cutting. This canvas allows High Quality cut in wood, laminate and plastic.
  4. Grinded set teeth. Such a product is used for fast cutting, when there are no special requirements for the quality of the cut.

Jigsaw blade manufacturers

To choose the right file for an electric jigsaw, you need to pay attention not only to the technical specifications and product labeling, but also to the manufacturer. In the construction equipment market, cutting blades are presented in a wide range of European, domestic and Chinese models.

Chinese files are not of the best quality, they wear down quickly and overheat. Their only advantage is their low cost. However, it will be cheaper and easier to pick up one high-quality canvas for 300-400 rubles than to purchase a set of 20-30 Chinese products for 150-200 rubles. But, if you still need to cut, but there is no file at hand, you can sharpen the old one.

The most popular and reliable saw blades for electric jigsaws are products from Makita, Bosch and Praktika.

Lobzik what is it? - history reference

The popular makita jigsaw had a predecessor that was completely undeservedly forgotten. The manual jigsaw was replaced by laser cutting, electric jigsaw, milling. A manual jigsaw can cut wood, plywood, plastic, ceramics, sheet metal. Previously, in schools at labor lessons, children practiced cutting homemade products with a jigsaw - frames, shelves, dolls and other homemade products. There was no time for gadgets ...

Jigsaw design

A jigsaw is an arc, U-shaped(1), at the ends of which are clamping screws (4). A handle (3) is attached to the lower end of the jigsaw. Between the ends of the arc of the jigsaw, with the help of clamping screws, a file (2) is fixed, which is installed with some tension (until it rings).
A jigsaw with a wooden arc has a third screw - a tension screw, which serves to tension the file between the ends of the arcs, since a jigsaw with a wooden arc does not have sufficient elasticity to pull the file to working condition.

Jigsaw blades (a, b, c) are made of high quality carbon steel. but despite this, sawing with a jigsaw is a rather painstaking work that requires patience and attention. Slightly hurried and trine! You need to put in a new saw blade.

What can be done with a jigsaw?

The modern jigsaw has supplanted manual jigsaw from many fields of activity, but if you need an accurate, curvilinear cut, a jigsaw is not replaceable. In jewelry production, craftsmen still use a jigsaw to cut complex figures out of gold and silver. Cutting various shapes for handicrafts with a jigsaw from plywood and wood is a great hobby, hands are busy and nerves are like ropes.

Most consumers purchase canvases at appearance, considering that the size of the teeth and the high cost of the goods are the main criteria for choosing. In fact, this is not at all the case, since there are more than 45 types of nail files, each of which is intended to solve a specific task, and the cost will not always mean that the material is made of high strength steel. In order to correctly determine the material of the product and its compatibility with a certain type of work, attention must be paid to the shank. There are abbreviations there.
Meaning "HCS" . It means carbon steel, which is used only for woodworking, chipboard materials and DVP. It is not used for metal, even if the teeth are too small - these are all devices for cutting wood. The tooth travel is long enough to handle soft materials, and many blades are flared for fast cutting. But remember that the quality of the cut will deteriorate significantly in this case.

HSS value. If you saw such a marking, then the nail file can be used for cutting metals - it is made of hardened high-speed steel. It can equally successfully cut soft and solid metals Suitable for sawing aluminium, cast iron, steel. The only drawback of such a product is fragility. Buy 2-3 pieces at once so as not to run to the store every 10-20 minutes.

The inscription "BIM". It means that the metal is suitable for cutting, both wood and various alloys, combines the qualities of the two groups described above. In this group there is also a jigsaw file for tiles (marked "HM"). It is made from hard metals. Its cost is much higher than usual, so you don’t need to take it for woodwork - just throw away the money.

Marking T101AO. Reinforced fine-toothed files, which are intended for high-precision cutting of metal. As a rule, they are specific and are available only for certain brands of devices. These, for example, are compatible with Bosch.

Other markings are rare and are only derivatives of these groups, so first look letter marking, and then we select the value of the numbers (small, medium, large tooth, etc.). How to choose the right teeth, we will consider later in the article.

Canvas size

This is an equally important indicator that plays a big role when choosing a product. Files for metal are made very short, since it makes no sense to process material thicker than 0.5 cm. Yes, and such dimensions are not easy. In turn, the jigsaw blade for wood is much longer, since sawing beams up to 15 centimeters thick is a common thing at any construction site.

The width of the canvas also plays a big role. If you are working with chipboard or fiberboard, then it will be more convenient to take a thick metal that can be easily removed from the groove. For a figured cut on wood, only narrow jigsaw files should be used, since they are much more convenient to turn. Naturally, tools of this type are also suitable for metal work.

Tooth sizes and shapes

It will be difficult to choose here, since there are many variations and each manufacturer is trying to introduce something new. And this “something” is not always better than previous models. But there is a pattern, and choosing is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Consider in in general terms, what options for files you can find, and then we will consider the details.


You need to choose a tool carefully, weighing not only these categories, but many other nuances that we described above. Even the smallest saw blade may not be suitable for metal work, as its teeth will be soft and set for a wide cut of wood. Consider this.


Properly selected components make the work of any tool more convenient and enjoyable. Perhaps the most significant working element of the jigsaw is the saw blade. This consumable can turn the sawing process into an even and neat song, or vice versa, reduce the work to a crooked and gnawed nonsense. To save yourself from possible unpleasant situations and choose the canvas that is optimal for your purposes, it is useful to know their types and features. Jigsaw files, at first glance, may seem too diverse, but after reading this article, you will understand that their classification is simple and very convenient.

Deciphering the marking

To date, there are several standards for saw blades, each of which is assigned to a specific brand. Bosh files are the most popular in Europe. Makita is in second place. The third is shared by Festool, Hitachi and others. Since the marking of saw blades for the Bosch standard jigsaw is the most common, we will analyze it in more detail.



As you can see in the image above, the alphanumeric designations of the saw blade have their place and meaning. For a clearer disclosure of the overall picture, let's talk about each character in a nutshell.

Shank type may have several various variations, which must be considered by owners of quick-release jigsaws. If your tool has a shoe or screw clamp, you can install a blade with any shank into it.

saw blade length is selected based on the tasks and can exceed 150 mm. When choosing a long file, it is important to understand the power of your jigsaw, as not every tool is designed to work with thick materials. Also, the canvas is too long, when working with relatively thin material, will vibrate strongly, which will significantly reduce the quality of the cut. Most optimal length for standard household wood jigsaws, is 75 mm. This indicator is due to the fact that such models will not be able to master thicker material.


Tooth size affects the quality and speed of cutting. If you are working with decorative or facing materials, it is better to choose a file with the smallest teeth (A). So the work will be much more accurate, albeit noticeably slower. For quick and rough sawing of boards, chipboard and similar materials, it is recommended to use blades with a larger tooth (B, C, D). Determine whether to sacrifice speed or quality should be based on the tasks.

Special Options indicate the features of the saw blade and have a direct impact on the quality of certain types of work. Briefly about each parameter:
  • F - Bimetallic. Sufficiently flexible blade with very strong teeth, which is a symbiosis of two metals. It is used for straight and figured cutting of metal and has increased wear resistance.
  • O - With a narrow back. Relatively thin jigsaw blade used for shaped sawing.
  • P - For a precise cut. Thick blade, resistant to bending during operation. Great for precise, straight cuts at a certain angle.
  • X - Teeth with progressive pitch. Multipurpose blades suitable for cutting wood, plastic and metal. For its versatility, they pay with the quality of the cut, which leaves much to be desired.
  • R - Reversible (reverse) teeth. Unlike the standard direction, upwards, the teeth of the reversible blades are directed downwards. When working with a jigsaw with a similar file, chips are formed on the opposite side.

In addition to the standard European marking, which not all manufacturers adhere to, there is a single designation that can be found in the description of any saw blade.

saw blade material
Depending on the material being processed, saw blades can be made from the following steel grades:

  • CV - chrome vanadium steel. It is used in the production of saw blades for wood and its derivatives (plywood, fiberboard, chipboard and others).
  • HCS - alloy (carbon) steel. Suitable for cutting wood and plastic.
  • HSS - high speed steel. Used for cutting metals.
  • BM (Bi-Metal) - a bi-metal blade is a mixture of two steel grades (HCS and HSS), where the back of the file has an HCS alloy, and the teeth are HSS. Bi-metal blades are very strong and manoeuvrable, and can be used for straight and curved cuts in wood and metal.
  • HIM is an alloy based on tungsten carbide. Files made of steel of this grade are used to work with ceramics, foam blocks and similar materials.
In addition to dry technical data, the manufacturer can indicate a clear purpose of the saw blade. Often, information about the type of materials and type of work is indicated on the packaging, but there are times when these designations are written directly on the file. Below are variants of the most common verbal designations with an explanation.

For what material

  • Wood - Blades for plywood, chipboard, fiberboard and soft woods.
  • Hardwood - Blades for sawing dense woods and laminates.
  • Metal - For working with ferrous metals.
  • Alu - For cutting aluminium.
  • Inox - For stainless steel.
  • Fiber&Plaster - For cutting polymer products.
  • Soft-material - A versatile blade for working with metals, plastics and wood.
Working purpose
  • Basic - A file with an average cut quality. The best option for everyday use at home.
  • Clean - A blade for making a clean cut.
  • Speed ​​- For rough but fast cuts.
  • Flexible - Flexible saw blade for working with metal.

Types of jigsaw files

The variety of saw blades today is beyond the comprehension of the average user. Jigsaw saws are divided by dimensions, tooth pitch, types cutting edges and other parameters that are completely alien and uninteresting to most buyers. At the same time, everyone wants to work with an optimally tuned tool and get the result of proper quality. To briefly and clearly explain to you how to choose a jigsaw file, we have divided them into the most popular materials.

Jigsaw blades for wood


Sawing of wood and its derivatives is carried out with blades of steel grades CV, HCS and BM. The size of the teeth depends on the type of material being processed and the requirements for the quality of the cutting line:

A and B are blades with the smallest teeth. Used for clean cutting of laminate.
C - medium teeth with the corresponding cut quality. Popular for working with chipboard, fiberboard, plywood and wood.
D- maximum length tooth. Used to be fast but rough cutting chipboard and tree.
For straight cutting decorative materials(coated board or laminate), a T101BR file (medium reversible teeth) will do.

Timber or thick wood is best sawed with a T344C blade (long with large teeth). The size of the file should be selected based on the thickness of the material being cut.

The main qualities that a chipboard file for a jigsaw should have is a small length (up to 75 cm), class A or B teeth with an average pitch of 2-3 mm.

Figured sawing is best done with a dense type T101BO (with medium-sized teeth and a thin back).

Jigsaw blades for metal

Sawing metal electric jigsaw, occurs with the use of files from the following steel grades: HSS and BM. Such cutting elements are characterized by a small tooth with a wave-like dilution (as on a hacksaw). Bimetallic types jigsaw files (BM) have larger teeth that decrease towards the base.


For cutting sheet metal, 1-3 mm thick, a T118A file is suitable, up to 75 cm long, with a fine tooth.

Thicker metal, up to 6 mm, is best sawed with an instance of T118B, the same length (up to 75 cm), but with larger teeth.

Pipes or metal profiles, 1-3 mm thick, are conveniently sawn with blades of the T318A type (90-150 mm, with a fine tooth).

To work with very thin sheets (from 0.5 to 1.5), a jigsaw file for metal, brand T118G (up to 75 cm, with a microscopic tooth), is suitable.

Files for plastic


To work with a jigsaw with PVC products, blades from the following steel grades are used: CV, HCS, HSS and BM. Here, special files for plastic (Fiber & Plaster), and ordinary ones, for wood or metal, are suitable. When working with this material, it is better to give preference to large teeth (B, C, D). If only fine-toothed files are available, it is recommended to set the tool to the minimum stroke speed, since heated plastic filings can seriously clog the cutting part.

It is better to cut thick plastic with a bi-metal blade T101BF (up to 75 cm, medium-sized tooth). The speed in this case should be below average.

Plexiglas and plastic sheets can be cut quite confidently with a fine-toothed metal file T101A.

Ceramic jigsaw blade

The brittle structure of ceramics differs significantly from flexible metal and fibrous wood. To cut such material, special blades are required, which differ from the usual ones in the absence of teeth, in place of which, tungsten carbide or diamond coating is applied. Jigsaw blade for tiles, made of carbide material, with the designation “HM”.


In most cases, the specimens presented in stores consist of an alloy of tungsten carbide and can only cope with wall tiles. There are stronger, diamond jigsaw blades for stone that can cut floor tiles.
When working with an electric jigsaw with ceramics, it should be understood that this tool is not intended for such material. This device, it is better to use for curly cuts, and for straight lines - a tile cutter or a grinder.

For cardboard

Jigsaw blades for cardboard, rubber, foam and other soft materials, has a wavy cutting part, without any teeth. When working, the file does not crumble or tear the material, but smoothly and accurately divides it into even parts.

Great for cutting carpet and is much cheaper than professional scissors.

The best jigsaw files

A variety of various brands allows us to make the best choice for the budget, the choice of saw blade. Among the offered products you can find consumables of different quality. If you talk about which jigsaw files are better, you can select several manufacturers: Bosh, Makita and Matabo.

The most common, with a quality that exceeds the price, are the original paintings of the Bosh brand, of any classification. Jigsaw blades of this brand have perfect performance and are very easy to use. Unfortunately, among the offers, there are often low-quality fakes that create a false impression of this company. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to distinguish a fake jigsaw file from the original.

  1. Counterfeit is made by stamping from big sheet metal, as a result, one of the sides of the saw blade has slightly rounded edges. Bosch original saw blades are perfectly sharpened on all sides.
  2. Poor quality metal with corrosion and defects indicates a defective product.
  3. The inscriptions and emblems on the file must be clear, without blurry contours. If the print on the file is lopsided and blurred, then you have a fake in front of you.
Learn about distinctive features fake saw blades in more detail, you can from the video below.

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