The Basics of common jig saw blades
A jigsaw can be used for many different tasks, from cutting through thick pieces of wood to creating intricate curves in metal. One of the most important things you’ll need for your jigsaw is the right blade. With so many different options out there, it can be difficult to determine which blade is right for your project. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common jig saw blades, their uses, and why you might choose one over the other.
1. High Carbon Steel Jig Saw Blades
High carbon steel jig saw blades are perfect for cutting through wood, metal, and plastic. These blades are durable, reliable, and long-lasting. They have a very fine tooth pattern that allows them to make intricate cuts without causing any damage to the material being cut. If you’re working on a project that requires precision cutting, high carbon steel blades are the way to go.
2. Bi-Metal Jig Saw Blades
Bi-metal jig saw blades are a bit more expensive than high carbon steel blades, but they’re also more durable. They have teeth made of a high-speed steel and a body made of a flexible alloy steel. This combination makes bi-metal blades highly resistant to breakage and allows them to cut through tougher materials. If you’re cutting through thicker metal, wood, or plastics, bi-metal blades are a great choice.
3. Tungsten Carbide Jig Saw Blades
Tungsten carbide jig saw blades are designed for cutting through very hard materials like ceramics, fiberglass, and composites. They have a tungsten carbide-impregnated tooth pattern that allows them to cut through these materials with ease. These blades also have a longer lifespan than other types of blades, so they’re worth investing in if you’re working on a long-term project.
4. Diamond Grit Jig Saw Blades
Diamond grit jig saw blades are designed for cutting through hard materials like tile and stone. They’re made up of tiny diamond particles that are embedded into the blade, and they’re ideal for making precise cuts in these materials. However, diamond grit blades can be quite expensive, so they’re best reserved for projects where you need to make very delicate cuts.
5. Downcutting Jig Saw Blades
Downcutting jig saw blades are designed to cut through materials without tearing them up in the process. They’re ideal for cutting materials that could easily be damaged by the saw’s teeth, such as veneers and laminates. These blades are also good for creating smooth edges on both sides of the cut.
6. Reverse-Tooth Jig Saw Blades
Reverse-tooth jig saw blades are perfect for cutting through materials without the blade wandering or drifting. They have teeth that point up and down alternatively, which allows them to cut through materials with ease while also preventing the blade from wandering off course. These blades are great for cutting through curves.
7. Hollow Ground Jig Saw Blades
Hollow ground jig saw blades have teeth that are sharpened on both the top and bottom of the blade, giving them a very sharp edge. This makes them ideal for cutting through soft materials like foam, leather, and rubber. However, because of their thinness, they can break easily, so they’re best used for small, simple projects.
8. Thick Jig Saw Blades
Thick jig saw blades are designed to cut through thicker materials. They have fewer teeth per inch than other types of blades, which makes them ideal for rough cuts on materials like wood, metal, and plastic. If you need to make quick, rough cuts, thick blades are a great choice.
9. Fine Jig Saw Blades
Fine jig saw blades are designed for making intricate cuts. They have a very high tooth count, which makes them ideal for cutting through soft materials without tearing them apart. These blades are best reserved for projects where you need very precise, delicate cuts.
10. Scroll Jig Saw Blades
Scroll jig saw blades are designed for creating intricate curves and designs. They have a very thin blade and teeth on both sides of the blade. This allows them to create very tight, narrow curves without leaving any rough edges. Scroll blades are best used for decorative projects.
