Jigsaw Blades

A jigsaw is an extremley versatile power tool used to cut curves and patterns into a variety of materials. Generally jigsaw blades are used for more aesthetic purposes than your every day hole saw. They do tend to be quite safe to use as they move through the materials only as fast as it is pushed through but still remember to be cautious when using a jigsaw blade. Jigsaw blades tend not to be very expensive and come in a variety of patterns. Some things to remember whilst using your jigsaw blade are:

• Let the saw do the work – you must be slow and careful as if you are having to push too hard then you are probably using the wrong type of blade.
• Pay attention – every material is different and will require different amoutns of strengths to be cut so remember to follow the pattern of each different material and try not to work against the pattern.

Are you unsure what shank you should use? For your jigsaw blade, you can use a t-shank/universal shank, a black and decker shank or a makita shank – all of which would work perfectly. For reciprocating blades, the best type of shanks to use are a universal shank or a u-shank. If you are using an airsaw blade then the type of shank you need to use are ober-pneutec or chikago pneumatic shank or an SIG/flex shank.

T Shank (Bosch/Universal/Bayonet) Jigsaw Blades

The t-shank jigsaw blades are also known as the Bosch or universal shank and is the most popular end fitting for jigsaw blades. It can be used on the following makes of machines:

• AEG (Atlas Copco)
  
• Boasch
  
• Elu
  
• Flex
  
• Hitachi
  
• Holz-Her
  
• Lenox
  
• Mafell
  
• Makita
  
• Metabo
  
• Milwaukee
  
• Sparky
  

Black & Decker Shank
This shank was first designed by Black & Decker to be used with their jigsaw blade machines but it can also be used on the Kress, Ryobi, Skil, Stayer and Wolf machines.

Makita Shank

These types of shanks are made in Germany by MPS and can be used for a variety of different materials ranging from wood, acrylic glass, metal and other abrasive materials.
Unsure on how to use a jigsaw blade? Then follow the simple instructions below:

1. Select the type of jigsaw blade
2. On the material, mark the design you want to cut
3. Clamp the material firmly to a work table
4. Always remember to put safety goggles on as this will prevent any chips or splinters from damaging your eyes
5. Start by using the corner of the material
6. Once you have begun cutting, remember to move the machine in a smooth slow motion
7. To finish the cut you either stop the machine or wait till the blade has stopped moving and pull the blade out of the material or finish on the edge of the material and gently guide if away from the material.