Additional accessories for jigsaws. DIY jigsaw table


A compact and relatively mobile sawing tool, it has earned a reputation as a practical device used all over the world. A universal jigsaw, capable of making straight and curved cuts, including at an angle. Possessing impressive capabilities, this device could become a leader in multi-purpose applications. Unfortunately, certain design features made it more of a narrowly focused tool, but with good potential.

One of the disadvantages of working with a jigsaw is that it is quite inconvenient to carry out an accurate, straight cut. The main reason for this drawback is the thin saw blade, which easily changes its direction during sawing. The second reason lies in the structure itself, which becomes loose over time and noticeably reduces the evenness of the cut. Fortunately, these flaws can be ignored if you have special jigsaw tools that you can make yourself. Next, we will tell you how to make a special table and stop for maximum precision sawing with your tool.

Jigsaw table

To make working with a jigsaw more comfortable and the cutting line to be smoother, numerous craftsmen combine it with a small stand, turning this symbiosis into a convenient mini-workbench. The jigsaw is installed in the table from the bottom side, so that the file is directed upward, passing through a specially prepared hole. The start button of the tool is fixed, and the operator calmly cuts the workpiece, controlling it with both hands. This device allows you to cut more accurately and is great for convenient work with large volumes of material.


Making a basic table for a jigsaw with your own hands is quite simple, both for an experienced craftsman and a beginner. Any more or less suitable materials that you can work with will be suitable for assembly. If you only have a saw and a screwdriver, make it from chipboard or thick plywood. Owners of grinders and welding machines can afford to make a mini-workbench from metal sheets and tubes. Such a device can even be made from plastic, if there is a way to securely fix this material. As a visual example, we will provide a guide for assembling a small table made of thick plywood.


To assemble a simple table for a jigsaw with your own hands, drawings are generally not required, since everyone chooses the dimensions of such a product individually. As a visual example, we will give a photo of a fairly miniature box indicating the dimensions of all its sides. Based on this data, you can estimate and select the optimal aspect ratio for your future product.


The parts are connected using ordinary self-tapping screws, screwed into the edges of the walls of the tabletop. If the material used does not have a varnished coating, PVA glue can be used to enhance fixation. This design will be stronger, but it will no longer be possible to disassemble it.


Advice. Before screwing the finished surface to the base, you should mark and drill a hole in it for the file in advance. Next, place the jigsaw sole on the opposite side, make marks in its grooves for fixation, and then drill. It is more convenient to carry out such manipulations on a clean surface, which will only need to be screwed to the walls.

As a base, you can use a workbench or another, more or less suitable piece of furniture. The author of the following video made a table for working with a jigsaw from an old bedside table, installing a switch and a dust extractor in it.

Jigsaw attachment

Installing a jigsaw in a table greatly simplifies the process of sawing thin materials, but the cutting accuracy drops when it comes to thick bars. Due to the flexible structure of the saw blade, when it turns in a large mass of wood, the end of the file bends and lags behind the central part. In this case, it will not be possible to obtain an exact 90-degree angle. At least, without a special jigsaw device that holds the file strictly perpendicular to the surface.


To cut material more than 3 cm thick without fear of beveled edges, you just need to adapt a simple device to your mini-machine. The essence of the element’s operation is to fix the end of the file between two freely rotating rollers. To make such a jigsaw device with your own hands, you will need the following materials:
  • Bracket for fastening metal structures (as in the photo)
  • Pair of bearings: 11mm radius
  • Bar: 600x40x40
  • Square of thick plywood or chipboard: 100x100
  • Mounting bracket: 2 pcs
  • Bolts with washers and nuts for fastening to the table and installing the bracket: 5 pcs.
  • Screws with washers and nuts for fixing bearings: 2 pcs.
  • Wood glue
By instruments:
  • Drill with a set of drills for wood and metal
First of all, we will outline the main nuances in the manufacture of the saw stop itself. To do this you need a suitable metal bracket, as in the photo below. You can find one in a specialized fastener store or try your luck at the nearest construction market. If the search is unsuccessful, this element can be replaced with any L-shaped metal plate into which the rib of the saw blade can be rested.


We measure and drill 2 holes for the bearing screws. Their location should be equidistant from each other, at a distance equal to the thickness of the jigsaw file.


Having finished constructing the stop, we move on to assembling and installing the lever. To do this, we make 2 pieces of timber of the required length, and connect them at an angle of 90° using PVA glue and metal corners. We combine the resulting structure with a bearing guide and press it against the side wall of the table with a plate with 4 screws. This fastening technique allows you to change the height of the lever to work with massive materials.


At this point, the guide to assembling a jigsaw table with a file holder is considered complete. The assembled device is a neat and very compact mini-workbench for convenient cutting of materials of various thicknesses. We hope that the author’s product will become a visual example for you or at least give you a couple of ideas for assembling your own table.

Table for cutting with a jigsaw

Such a multifaceted tool as a forehead has several varieties, the simplest of which is the manual type of device. This elementary tool, not burdened with an electric drive and complex components, is intended for accurate figured cutting of workpieces of small thickness. The speed of work depends on physical indicators and the convenience of the workplace. To facilitate the cutting process, it is recommended to build a special cutting table for a jigsaw, the drawing of which is located below. This simple device will save energy and significantly increase work efficiency.


You can assemble a table for a jigsaw from a variety of materials: plywood, chipboard, wood, laminate, metal and even plastic. If there is absolutely nothing suitable in stock, and the required piece needs to be purchased, then in this case, plywood will be the most easily accessible and convenient to process. To make a complete product you will need the following components:
  • Plywood (or something similar): 260x200x10
  • Clamp
  • Self-tapping screws with countersunk head: 4 pcs
By instruments:
  • Saw (hacksaw or jigsaw)
  • Drill or screwdriver with a set of drills
  • Ruler
  • Sandpaper or file
The process of making a sawing table is extremely simple. We transfer the contours of the product from the drawing to the workpiece and cut out 2 main parts, as in the photo below. The main thing here is to take into account the thickness of the upper part of your clamp so that it does not stick out. If necessary, the surface can be increased by cutting out another top element.

The era of electric tools did not come with the first electric drills, but when the electric motor became an attribute of a narrower tool: scissors, hacksaws, impact wrenches and, of course, jigsaws.

Moreover, the jigsaw became one of the first in this series. Today it is one of the most popular tools in the home (and not only) workshop. And first of all, we are talking about hand tools.

But in this article we are considering jigsaw machines, and these are practically stationary devices that often have their own specific place in the workshop, because for comfortable work they require a base with given parameters: height, so that the hand placed on the work table has a bend at the elbow of 90º and stability to dampen vibrations of the machine itself.

What are jigsaws used for?

Jigsaw machines are primarily designed for cutting out parts or elements of complex configurations in sheet materials: wood, plywood, MDF, fiberboard, chipboard, plastic, aluminum. They are also used to cut out the internal contours of products with preliminary drilling of the sawn material.

Such a tool, unlike manual or electric jigsaws, leaves both hands free for the person working on it, which greatly facilitates the work and allows it to be performed with the greatest precision. Most jigsaw machines, provided that the files are correctly selected and installed, allow sawing even in fairly thick workpieces, strictly maintaining an angle of 90º relative to the plane of the workpiece.

Also, many models have an inclined table, which makes it possible to perform complex patterns at strictly specified angles other than straight, which is almost impossible when using manual or electric jigsaws.

In addition to home use, they are widely used in furniture production and musical instrument manufacturing enterprises. True, quite often they are replaced by laser machines, but the burnt edges left by the latter do not make their use widespread.

General drawing, structural features of desktop jigsaw machines

The most common layout of jigsaw machines is as follows:

It includes:

  • a frame (or body) on which all components and mechanisms are mounted;
  • drive, often from an electric motor via a V-belt to a crank;
  • a crank mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor shaft into the reciprocating motion of the saw;
  • double rocker with tensioning device and fastenings for saw blades;
  • desktop, sometimes with a mechanism for rotating in the horizontal plane at a given angle.

Previously, miniature jigsaw machines with a somewhat simplified design were on sale, but it was precisely because of this, which led to the rapid failure of the files due to their short stroke, that their production was discontinued.

Most currently produced desktop jigsaw machines work with files 200–350 mm long and have a working stroke of 30 to 50 mm.

The differences between the machines mainly consist in the power of the electric drive (from 90 to 500 W for most models), as well as the type and methods of attaching the files. The optimal power, in our opinion, is 150 W.

And files, in addition to length, can vary in width (from 2 to 10 mm), type of shanks (with or without pins) and thickness (from 0.6 to 1.25 mm).

Some models can be equipped with the simplest, often called “Soviet”, saw blades for manual jigsaws, which is a big advantage. To realize just this opportunity, owners of jigsaw machines that do not have it often improve the fastenings of their devices by installing clamps from a manual jigsaw on them.

Most desktop jigsaw machines have 2 speed modes: most often 600 and 1000 rpm, which is very useful when working with materials of different thickness, hardness and viscosity. The presence of the already mentioned rotary table is a useless function for 99% of the work performed on the machine.

Also, most jigsaw machines are equipped with additional accessories, such as:

  • compressor for blowing chips from the cutting line;
  • lighting of the sawing area;
  • drilling block, etc.

These devices cannot be called useless, but it is still not worth relying on their presence when choosing a tabletop jigsaw machine, since these same functions can be successfully performed by:

  • a compressor for an aquarium, with a blowing power selected by you, often more efficient than the standard one;
  • a table lamp or carrier with a light output that is comfortable for your eyes;
  • electric drill or screwdriver.

Even more complex devices, such as engraving drills, which can be equipped with your machine, generally cause some confusion, but let’s say right away that it is better to have such tools not tied to a jigsaw (or any other) machine. Their mobility is often more expensive than the advanced functionality of this very machine. In addition, all this is far from free.

Choosing a jigsaw manufacturer

Most often, Russian consumers choose jigsaw machines from Proxxon, Dewalt, Hegner, Xendoll, Zubr, JET, Enkor Corvette and Croton. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Based on reliability and compliance with the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, we would single out machines from the German company Hegner. And their line of this equipment is longer than many others, but be sure to insist on sea trials when purchasing, regardless of which company’s machine you are planning to buy.

And even if it is possible to choose from 2 identical machines, demand that both are turned on. Buy one that has less operating noise and vibration.

DIY jigsaw machine

Finding a drawing of such equipment on the Internet is a rather trivial task, but we do not consider it advisable to single out any specific one from them, due to completely different approaches to implementation, both the very idea of ​​​​building such a machine, and the selection of materials, type of drive, etc. We will offer several concepts for a homemade jigsaw and briefly analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you can figure out what is best for you.

  • First: the easiest to implement, suitable for performing most tasks in the manufacture of parts with a rather complex contour at home.

There are many options for attaching a manual jigsaw to the tabletop that serves as the machine’s work table. Choose any, or offer your own and share with the readers of our site, for which we will be grateful.

The video also shows techniques for making a complex contour using a not-so-thin file. And the main disadvantage of this design is the impossibility of using thin files, which makes it difficult to manufacture openwork parts.

  • Second: wooden. It is interesting due to the fact that the material is accessible, easy to process and repair.

In our opinion, the interesting thing about it is the use of the same manual jigsaw, which is rational for two reasons:

  • if necessary, it can be used as an independent tool, as it was made;
  • the drive has built-in speed control, oscillation amplitude, and eliminates additional mechanisms that reduce the reliability of the design.

However, for those who like to tinker, there are alternative options for making a wooden jigsaw.

When used as a drive of a drill or screwdriver with an adjustable speed of rotation of the output shaft, it will also be possible to smoothly regulate the frequency of movement of the saw.

Moreover, control of this process can be transferred to the pedal using a simple device, which will make the work even more comfortable and the cut more accurate. Such jigsaw machines need to be well strengthened with braces and stringers and securely fastened to the floor so that they do not move during operation.

  • Third: metal. There is no doubt that this particular concept is the most reliable and durable (provided that serious manufacturing errors are excluded), but it is also the most expensive. It makes sense to implement it if there is a large amount of work and you manage to save a sufficient amount by using the materials you already have. Otherwise, there is not much point in making such structures with your own hands, given that inexpensive factory-made jigsaw machines can be purchased for less than 4 thousand rubles.

Of course, the latter does not matter if you are interested in the process of technical creativity itself.

Dear readers, if you have any questions, please ask them using the form below. We will be glad to communicate with you;)

Manual power tool very popular both among amateurs and among professionals due to its obvious advantages, namely:

  • comparative cheapness and availability;
  • compactness;
  • mobility.

Reverse side of these unconditional advantages is the presence of such shortcomings, How:

  • relatively small continuous operation time;
  • small achievable accuracy;
  • insufficient quality of processing.

Obviously, these shortcomings are free professional stationary solutions - machines and machines on massive frames. As a result, they are quite not cheap, but the main thing is that they need to be placed somewhere. What to do if it is not possible to equip workshop, but I want to improve quality works? This question is asked by many of those who are passionate about a serious hobby, and even just beginners. masters

In our article we will talk about decision, allowing to eliminate known shortcomings manual jigsaw.

Advantages of a tabletop jigsaw

The general ones discussed above flaws hand power tools are fully inherent and jigsaw.

Its main advantage is mobility – involves exclusively manual movements and fixation tool. That is, in reality it turns out that:

  1. Very difficult to do smooth, a clear cut: the slightest extra movement - and a visible flaw appears in the cutting line. Those included in the kit guides do not save due to their insufficient rigidity;
  2. Corner tilt The saw blade in relation to the workpiece is actually not controlled in any way. And even in the simplest case of direct cutting, when the blade perpendicular jigsaw sole, the result may disappoint. There are at least two reasons:
    • Saw blade – elastic and can bend during the cutting process, the free edge of the file is not limited by anything;
    • On affordable (read: cheap) models, it’s quite often ideal direct the angle between the file and the sole is difficult reach due to the very design of the cheap stamped grounds.

Interesting Mark, what, say, American craftsmen use manual jigsaw is quite rare. For example, when you need cut opening in the kitchen countertop for installation sinks In other cases, they prefer to use stationary band saws of various sizes. Such saws are completely devoid of some disadvantages (mentioned above), and are fully endowed with others: dimensions, weight and... price.

To summarize above, we can confidently conclude that, in some way securing jigsaw on the workbench, it is possible to a certain extent win some of its shortcomings. And if you provide guides rollers for free edge canvases files, you can get a completely even cut. And clean - with the correct selection of the file itself.


Therefore, special jigsaw table will significantly improve the quality of work with this tool.

Of course, you shouldn’t think that in this way you can get “cheaply” full-fledged tape saw. But more on that a little later, now – briefly about what will be needed for production.

Materials and tools

Materials can be used from those available at hand. I would just like to note that the working surface(“countertop”) must be level and sufficiently tough, Therefore, when choosing a material, you need to keep the following points in mind:

  • Can be used plywood, however, thin (less than 12 mm) plywood is susceptible to warping, and it’s not a fact that the existing piece will be quite even.
    Waterproof would be preferable laminated(“formwork”) plywood thickness from 12 mm.
  • If we talk about (chipboards), then in general, the thicker they are, the better - the more rigid. Ideally - a piece quality laminated kitchen table tops or "post-forming".
    Disadvantages: less reliability fastenings tool, you need to take a more responsible approach to the choice of fasteners.
    From advantages, perhaps the main thing is accessibility and simplicity: you can order all set parts according to their dimensions in any furniture workshop. Thickness It’s better to take not the standard 16 mm, but a larger one (for example, 22 mm).
  • Metal its properties are almost perfect, but in everyday life it is quite difficult to find a piece of suitable size, polished and smooth. In addition, making the necessary holes in it is somewhat more labor-intensive, then it is wise to use drilling machine.

Set of necessary tool will depend on the selected materials, but in general it is approximate scroll something like this:

  • pencil, roulette or a ruler, a carpenter's square - for marking;
  • square will also be useful at the stage of final assembly and configuration;
  • screwdrivers and nuts keys according to the selected fastener;
  • screwdriver or drill, drills for fasteners, self-tapping screws (screws).

In addition, you will need rectangular metal bracket, two identical bearing and fasteners. Actually myself jigsaw will also come in handy.

Manufacturing stages

Regardless of the chosen material necessary:

  • manufacture base and connect to the working surface with holes for attaching the sole of the tool;
  • make a system brackets for the upper saw blade guide;
  • collect and adjust table.

Base and work surface

Dimensions grounds are selected based on dimensions available jigsaw and are indicated approximately.
The dimensions of the working surface are also indicated approximately, from the bracket mounting side it mounted flush with the base, on the other three sides made small projection for ease of fastening rigging(clamps, stops, etc.).



Device bracket with guide bearings is clear from the figure.
Sizes can be chosen individually, but some Necessarily need to be kept in mind.


which limit the movement of the file to the side, you need pick up based on the size of the files you plan to use. Width the bearing itself (in reference books it is indicated by the letter IN) must not be larger than the width files, so as not to dull its teeth.


So, for example, if width metal file blades (T123X, T118A) usually more than 5 mm, then they will be suitable bearings with size B 4–5 mm, for example:


Wherein prefer follows the model with the letters ZZ, 2RS as the most protected from exposure to dust, which will certainly occur during the cutting process.

Saw blades tree, on the contrary, they can be narrow (T244D about 3.5 mm) and very narrow (T119BO about 3 mm, which can be used in our case). As an option - bearing 100093 (aka 693, 3 x 8 x 3 mm).

Selected bearing fastener: M3 or M4 screws, nuts (preferably “self-locking” with nylon insert that prevents spontaneous unscrewing).

Distance between axes bearings are also calculated based on the size of the files, thickness canvases may be within from 0.9 to 1.7 mm.

For example, thickness blade T244D is 1.25 mm, and T123X, T118A - 1 mm. It is better to round in big side.

Assembly and adjustment

Bracket can be secure in the following way


This method of fastening will make it possible adjust and the height of the guide bearings in accordance with the length of the saw, and (using a square) perpendicularity the saw itself relative to the work table.

As mentioned above, you shouldn’t delude yourself - even though it’s no longer easy jigsaw, but still not a band saw. Here are some tips:

    • In a band saw movement saw blade occurs only in one direction – top down, due to which the workpiece is pressed against the table by cutting forces.
      It is not possible for the workpiece to explode upward, since the pendulum of the jigsaw moves and returnable movement.
      Therefore, the workpiece needs to be well press to the working surface of the table and the most important thing is to feed (move) the workpiece as much as possible slower.

Note! More revs and less feed are much better than the other way around.

  • When working with a jigsaw (with or without a table) it is useful to remember that move jigsaw files are usually about 15–20 mm, You need to read this value for your instrument in the instructions or determine it yourself. Material thicker than this size should only be sawed with divorce teeth Otherwise shavings will not be completely removed, which can lead to overheating and jamming of the canvas.
  • Between the working surface of the table and sole jigsaw can lay a sheet of dense rubber, Having previously made a cut for the file. Assemble the table and let the canvas work a little idle, so that the canvas “grinds” to the slot in the rubber. This will protect moving units of an inverted jigsaw from a large number sawdust, for which it is not designed, because in normal mode the tool designers clearly did not count on such a number of them.
  • Protective glasses - necessary. You also need to organize the device to be turned on via pedal or provide another way instant turning off the tool. But this is a topic for another article.
  • Do not be afraid creatively think and improve your tools, because any idea - just a starting point for creativity, and universal there are no solutions.

For more information on making a jigsaw table, see video:

For a jigsaw to perform an even cut without moving the file. Even with a budget jigsaw, the guide allows you to make a perfectly straight cut at any angle.

To make the frame we will need:

  • Fiberboard 400 x 700 mm (I used a section of a door from a Soviet cabinet);
  • Wooden slats 30 by 50 and 20 by 30 mm;
  • M6 studs;
  • Wing nuts M6
  • M6 screw nuts (purchased at a furniture hardware store)


We make a frame for a jigsaw:

1. Using self-tapping screws, we secure 30x50 mm wooden slats around the perimeter of our base. It is first necessary to make holes for self-tapping screws and countersunk chamfers so that the base of the frame is level, without protruding screw heads.



Top view of the base:


And below:


2. The next step is to make guides for the jigsaw.
To do this, take a piece of plywood with a length equal to the length of the bed.


The width will have to be first calculated using a simple formula:
Guide width = jigsaw base width + 2 x (rail width)
You can clearly see in the photo what size you should cut the workpiece to.


At this stage, high accuracy is not needed - a mistake of a couple of millimeters in any direction is not scary.
3. Attach one of the guide rails to the plywood using self-tapping screws. To prevent cracking of the slats, we first make holes for the screws.


When trying on the base of the jigsaw, we attach the second strip to the plywood, after which we be sure to check the movement of the base - it should be light, without jamming or play.
4. We install stops at the ends - they will be used as stops for the base of the jigsaw, as well as for installing fasteners.


5. Using a simple device from wooden sections of timber, we make 6 mm holes at right angles along the edges of the guide.


6. Using the holes made, we drill a hole in the frame.


7. Drill out the resulting holes to a diameter of 10 mm to a depth of 10...12 mm and install furniture screw nuts (also known as fittings).


8. Screw M6 studs into them.


9. By analogy with the base, we mount screw nuts on the guide. After installation, we drill out the fittings with a 6 mm metal drill.


10. We put the guide on the studs, checking the smoothness of the move.


11. We make a through hole with a diameter of 10 mm locally. It is important not to make a mistake and take into account the dimensions of the jigsaw, including the protruding outlet for attaching the jigsaw (although not all jigsaw models have it).


12. We carry out the longitudinal cut slowly and as carefully as possible - watch the saw as it moves away, turn off the pendulum mode.


Advice: you can first make a cut separately in the plywood, and only then at the base of the bed, this way the saw will move less.
13. Using a square and three self-tapping screws, install the stop perpendicular to the guide.



14. To make cuts at an arbitrary angle, we will also install a stop on the rotary axis. Let's use a technique familiar to us - a screw-in nut at the base plus a drilled out fitting in the rotary stop.


An M6 bolt with a wing nut tightly screwed onto it is used as an axis. As the experience of working on the bed showed, such an axis turned out to be convenient and reliable - no loosening of the threaded connection was observed.
15. Using a protractor, we make markings at an angle of 30 and 45 degrees.


For convenience, it is a good idea to label the marked corners.

A jigsaw is used to perform a curved cut, and in order to achieve convenience in production processes and increase productivity, it is equipped with an electric drive.

All kinds of accessories are supplied with the power tool to simplify the cutting procedure and improve the quality of the cut. Such devices can either be obtained together with a jigsaw, purchased separately at a power tools store, or made independently.

Jigsaw sole

After the cutting tool, the main place in a jigsaw is occupied by the base. This structural element of the device is called the sole. It serves as a support for the entire tool, which ensures convenient cutting.

The soles are stamped and cast. Cheap models of jigsaws are usually equipped first; the aluminum casting base is much stronger, more reliable and easier to use. The sole can be with or without an anti-splinter liner.

You can make such a device yourself. To do this, it is enough to cut a plexiglass plate to the size of the sole, drill holes in it for fastening and exiting the cutting tool, then install it on the base. This will prevent the formation of chips on the surface of the material and provide a more even cut by reducing the deflection of the saw blade.

On some models of jigsaws, a sole tilt mechanism is installed. With it you can make bevel cuts at an angle of 15, 30 and 45°.

Guide fence for electric jigsaw

A jigsaw guide can be purchased at the store. It is a special aluminum profile with a T-shaped groove on the bottom side for the unhindered movement of clamps.

On the upper side, the guide has two T-shaped grooves into which devices are inserted to fix the power tool and allow it to move freely along the ruler. Clamps are supplied with the guide; accessories are sold separately.

The ruler is attached to the workpiece with clamps, and the cutting is carried out with a jigsaw. If there is no device for fixing the tool, then during the cutting process the jigsaw is pressed against the guide with the side of the sole.

You can make a guide ruler at home. To do this you need:

  1. Take a timber without knots, 1.9 meters long. This is a more acceptable size, because the cutting width of chipboard and laminated chipboard sheets is 1830 mm.
  2. All surfaces of the timber are processed in compliance with strict perpendicularity relative to each other.
  3. After this, a groove is made on the bottom side and a T-shaped profile is inserted. Clamps will be placed in it to secure the ruler to the workpiece.
  4. Graduation is attached to the outside. To do this, you can use metal rulers, attaching them with round-head screws.

Cutting is carried out by moving the jigsaw with the edge of the sole resting on the side surface of the guide ruler.

Attachments for electric jigsaw

The attachments for a jigsaw are nothing more than a regular saw blade. A jigsaw cutting tool can be classified according to the following criteria:

  • physical properties of the processed material;
  • tooth shape;
  • file geometry;
  • tooth pitch;
  • saw blade width;
  • saw blade thickness.


Each material has its own hardness and resists the cutting process differently. Wood and plastic are soft, while metal and its alloys, as well as some polymers, are hard. Therefore, there are several types of jigsaw files corresponding to the hardness of the material being processed.

The quality of the cut depends on the shape of the saw blade tooth. If the teeth are small, it is recommended to cut slowly. The result is a precise and neat cut. The presence of most large teeth makes it rough, one might say rough. But such an operation is performed quickly.

The geometry of the tooth directly depends on the technological process of saw blade production. They can be milled and ground. The use of one or another blade manufacturing technology depends on the material and the required cut quality.

The thickness, width and pitch of the teeth of the saw blade have a great influence on the quality and speed of the cut.

Universal miter box from Bosch for power tools

Another great attachment for a jigsaw is the portable Bosch Saw Station PLS 300. This is nothing more than a universal miter box.

It is convenient to cut laminate, parquet or regular boards up to 30 cm wide and 2.5 cm thick. In addition, you can cut narrow slats and plinths. The design of the device allows cutting at an angle from 0 to 90°. In addition to wood, the machine can cut aluminum profiles and ceramic tiles.

Rip fence for electric jigsaws

A mandatory accessory on a power tool is the rip fence. This device allows you to perform a parallel cut relative to the edge of the workpiece. The device is a rectangular rod with a perpendicular stop at its end.

The use of the device consists of installing a stop at a distance corresponding to the size of the future cut and fixing the rod on the base of the tool with a screw. In inexpensive models of jigsaws, a parallel stop is included with the tool; in expensive models, this accessory is usually absent and must be purchased separately. The cost of such a device is rather high, so many craftsmen prefer to make the device themselves.

DIY parallel fence for a jigsaw: instructions

  • For manufacturing you will need a metal strip 2 mm thick and 350 mm long. The width of the strip is selected according to the size of the bracket on the sole of the jigsaw. If there is none, you will need to do it yourself.
  • To do this, you need to drill 2 holes with a diameter of 4–5 mm in the base of the power tool. Then threads are cut into them. Then, from a 2 mm thick strip, 2 brackets are bent along the profile of the rod, having previously drilled holes in them for fasteners and a fixing screw. A thread is cut into the hole for the screw. The brackets are installed on the sole of the jigsaw and secured.
  • After this, a corner 80–100 mm long is welded perpendicular to the rod. The bar is bent in the opposite direction through the upper shelf of the corner. In this case, the distance between the surface of the angle shelf and the bottom side of the rod should be equal to the thickness of the jigsaw sole. The free end of the device is inserted into the brackets on the sole and secured with wing screws.

DIY jigsaw compass

Another device that will come in handy in a carpentry workshop is a jigsaw compass. Not very often, but sometimes you have to cut out round parts. It is quite difficult to make the circle even according to the markings. But a DIY device will help with this.

  1. You need to take a sheet of thick plywood and cut a strip from it as wide as the sole of a jigsaw. The length of the workpiece is arbitrary. Depends on the size of the radius of the future circle.
  2. Then you need to install the jigsaw on the edge of the strip. To do this you need to make a cut.
  3. After installation, the base of the power tool is framed with slats and attached to the strip in the areas of the technological holes.
  4. A line is drawn from the middle of the canvas on the plywood, the required radius of the circle is measured on it and a self-tapping screw is screwed in.
  5. After this, install the device on the workpiece with a self-tapping screw in the center of the circle. If necessary, drill a hole for the saw blade.

By moving the jigsaw around the axis of the screw, a circle is cut out.

Jigsaw: LED cutting line lighting

When operating a jigsaw in poorly lit areas, it is advisable to illuminate the cutting line. You can make such a device yourself.

The lighting design is very simple and will require a few inexpensive parts:

  1. LED (you can use two).
  2. Capacitor 0.22 uF, 400 volts.
  3. Diode.
  4. Discharge resistor 500–1000 kOhm.
  5. Resistor 1 kOhm.

The circuit is connected to the power tool power button instead of a 0.22 µF 250 volt interference capacitor. The capacitance could have been left, but our circuit already has a 0.22 uF 400 volt capacitor, so in the fight for free space it is better to remove it.

A discharge resistor from 500 kOhm to 1 mOhm is connected in parallel to the capacitor. At the next stage of work, a diode is connected to the circuit with the cathode to the capacitor and in parallel to it an LED with the anode to the capacitor. A 1 kOhm resistor is installed behind them.

The peculiarity of this resistor is that it can heat up during operation, so it is better not to use low-resistance devices. Heating occurs within 10 minutes of continuous operation of the tool, so install the resistor so that it does not touch anything. It only takes a few seconds to cool down.

Since the circuit is connected to the start button, the backlight starts working even a little faster than the engine turns on. You can also use two LEDs in this circuit, then the light will be much brighter. In this case, the LEDs are connected in series.

After reading the information presented in the article, the master will be able to improve the quality of the cut and make it easier to perform operations using a jigsaw in general by purchasing or manufacturing various devices.