The best jigsaw machines - ranking 2020: price review, reviews

A jigsaw is, in fact, an ordinary jigsaw, only it does not move along the workpiece, but remains stationary during operation. This allows for very precise and accurate cuts that are difficult to achieve with a manual counterpart. Jigsaws are used by carpenters, furniture makers, and simply home craftsmen. These machines are most in demand in the production of musical instruments, in artistic creation and other delicate work. How to choose such a tool and what 3 jigsaws deserve the title of the best, read on.

What to look for when choosing a jigsaw machine

Appointment of the machine. Jigsaw machines are usually distinguished:

• professional - the most powerful and expensive, capable of working for a long time and not overheating, as well as cope with the most difficult and hard materials, including metals;
• household - budget models designed for work in home workshops. They are much cheaper than professional machines, but they are inferior to them in terms of reliability, productivity and functionality. In addition, household jigsaw machines are not designed for long-term daily operation;
• semi-professional - models of an intermediate class, which, in terms of price and capabilities, are somewhere between household and professional units. Both a wealthy home craftsman and the owner of a small production, in which the operations performed by a jigsaw machine, are not among the priorities, can own such a tool.

Engine power. In most cases, it is true that a more powerful motor means more flexibility for the machine. As a rule, household models of jigsaw machines are equipped with motors up to 100 watts, semi-professional ones with 100-150 watts, and professional ones with 150-300 watts or more.

Saw stroke frequency. The higher it is, the cleaner and more accurate the cut. At the same time, moving too quickly leads to excessive heating and can scorch the edges, melt them or deform the workpiece. Therefore, for working with wood and plastic, use a frequency in the region of 1500 movements per minute.

Adjustment of the saw stroke frequency. Different frequencies are better for working with different materials. Therefore, most jigsaw machines have a speed adjustment function. It can be either stepped or smooth. For a home craftsman, 2-5 speeds are most likely enough, but for a professional it is better to take a closer look at a device with smooth adjustment.

Saw stroke length. The larger it is, the more even the use of the tool will be, as well as the faster the work.

Maximum workpiece thickness. The deeper the cut, the more powerful the motor and the larger the machine itself, the larger the workpieces it can handle. Usually this parameter is about 30-60 mm.

Distance from the blade to the body. It also defines the dimensions of the part that can be machined on the machine. The bigger it is, the better.

Desktop size. During sawing, the workpiece is positioned on the work table. The large table allows you to work with larger parts.

Additional options. Recently, even budget jigsaw machines have begun to be equipped with a wide range of additional functions. Among the most useful are:

• adjustment of the tilt of the desktop - it allows you to make cuts in workpieces at an angle;
• dust extraction and vacuum cleaner connection system for quick disposal of sawdust and wood dust;
• the system of quick replacement of the saw blade, which makes it possible to quickly change the equipment without special tools;
• illumination of the working area;
• the presence of a flexible shaft on which you can place a drill, as well as a grinding or saw attachment in order to process workpieces on the machine in a full cycle.

Rating of the best drilling machines

1. Jigsaw BISON ZSL-90

Budget, but pretty productive apparatusable to fully meet the needs of a home craftsman. Can work with wood and plastic. The size of the working table is 375 x 250 mm. The distance from the blade to the body is 410 mm. The power consumption of 90 W is sufficient to run the saw at 1450 strokes per minute. The tilt angle of the desktop is adjustable within 45 degrees. Dust extraction, blowing system and protective screen are provided. The price of the issue is about 5500 rubles, so this device can be called one of the most affordable ways to acquire a decent jigsaw for your home.

Price: ₽ 5 590

ZUBR ZSL-90

2. Jigsaw Dremel Moto-Saw

Lightweight and productive jigsaw, capable of working not only with wood and plastic, but also with metals. The distance from the blade to the body is 250 mm. The 70-watt electric motor provides the sawing frequency of 2250 strokes per minute. The unit is capable of processing workpieces with a maximum thickness of 18 mm. The file has a stroke length of 8 mm. It is possible to adjust the frequency of the saw stroke at the discretion of the operator. For more convenient work, a dust extraction system and a quick-change system for the saw blade are provided. The price of this tool is less than 8000 rubles.

Price: ₽ 7 843

Dremel Moto-Saw

3. The best professional model - BISON jigsaw machine ZSL-250

Powerful professional jigsaw, designed for working with wood and plastic, from a domestic brand. The heavy weight of 22 kg gives the structure stability. The size of the working table is 625 mm by 330 mm, the distance from the blade to the body is 457 mm. The tool consumes 250 watts of power and provides a cutting speed of 1600 strokes per minute. The desktop can be tilted up to 45 degrees. The machine supports work with workpieces up to 51 mm thick. There are adjustable stroke frequency, illumination of the working area, dust extraction with a blowing system, a flexible shaft for drilling and grinding, as well as a protective screen. They ask for less than 18,000 rubles for the tool, which with such characteristics seems to be a quite reasonable offer.

Price: ₽ 17 790

ZUBR ZSL-250

FAQ

How to work on a jigsaw machine?
In fact, using a jigsaw is no more difficult than using a regular jigsaw. You just need to take into account that it is not the file that moves along the part, but the part moves under the stationary file. Otherwise, everything is simple:

• we work carefully and slowly;
• do not press too hard on the workpiece so as not to damage the file and not overheat the product;
• we start work by cutting out internal closed contours (for this, you first need to drill a hole inside the part, and then thread a file through it and only then fix it in the machine);
• when all the internal elements have been cut out, you can give the product an external shape: first roughly - then in more detail;
• sharp corners and small decorative elements are best left for last;
• after the part is cut out, it can be processed with sandpaper or a grinder, varnished or painted;
• in no case should safety precautions be neglected: it is better to work in safety glasses so that dust does not get into your eyes, and try not to stick your fingers under the file - it is sharp.

The main thing to remember is that everything comes exclusively with practice. So the more items you make on your machine, the better you will get.