Popular Woodworking 2000-11 № 118, страница 38
saw is, also check to see if it has "orbital action." With the orbital action engaged, the blade moves slightly forward on the upstroke and slightly back on the down-stroke. This makes the saw cut more aggressively, but produces a rougher cut. On better jigsaws, the orbital action is adjustable and can be turned off. The maximum cuts per minute isn't terribly important. Just make sure the jigsaw has variable speed so you can slow down in thin material or in tight turns. Blades Look carefully at how easy (or nearly impossible) it is to change a blade. Less expensive jigsaws need a screwdriver or allen wrench to change the blade. More expensive models will have a lever or handle that twists or turns to loosen the blade. And a few models have a lever that almost spits the blade out of the tool. Another important feature is the blade guide. This is a small grooved wheel or notched metal guide behind the blade that keeps your cut on track and prevents the blade from deflecting or breaking. Body Features Jigsaws come in three body styles: top handle, barrel grip and in-line. Top handle jigsaws are the norm in this country, though the European-style barrel-grip tools are getting more popular every day, especial ly among professionals. The in-line jigsaw is like a miniature reciprocating saw, which is great for getting into tight spaces. Also check out the base of the saw to see if it bevels. This allows you to make angle cuts. Make sure the beveling mechanism has detents (or stops) at 0 and 45 degrees. And check out how easy it is to change the angle. Some need a screwdriver, others an allen wrench and the easiest need only the flick of a lever. Finally, see if the saw has dust collection. Some require you to buy an after-market accessory to connect the jigsaw to your shop vacuum. Dust collection is a real plus because even though these tools don't throw up a lot of sawdust, there's enough to obscure your cutting line. ShouldYou Buy Cordless? In the last few years, more manufacturers have started offering cordless versions of these corded tools. The models we've tried have more than enough power and features to handle the needs of a kitchen installer or deck builder. But if you use your saw only in your shop, we recommend you instead spend your money on a corded saw with more features or power. But if you need to work where the power supply is questionable, these are great tools. PW PW OmmenKo: The following jigsaws have been tested or used by the editors of Popular Woodworking and have earned their recommendation. Occasional User If you spend less than $50 for a jigsaw, you're going to get a tool with just a few features and a short lifespan.That's why for the occasional user we recommend the Grizzly G8994. Modeled after an old Bosch jigsaw, the Grizzly is an outstanding deal at $60 plus ship-ping.And it's got variable speed, orbital action and a footplate that bevels. Also highly recommended is the Freud FJ85 (about $110), which has a dust collection hookup — a feature you usually find only on higher priced tools. Serious Home Woodworker The undisputed leader in jigsaws is Bosch.You'll find one of these tools in nearly every cabinetshop in America. They're powerful, give you a clean and straight cut and are designed to last through a lot of jobs.We prefer the 1584AVS, which is Bosch's barrel-grip model ($155).Though the top-handle model, 1587AVS, is just as nice.Also recommended is the Milwaukee 6266-21 ($150) which has the easiest toolless blade-changing feature avail-able.The motor draws slightly more power than the Bosch model, though they both feel equally powerful. Milwaukee also makes this jigsaw in a barrel-grip model for $30 more (the 6276-6). Advanced Woodworker or Professional Many advanced and professional shops will also use the Milwaukee and Bosch saws mentioned above.Their engineering and design allow them to perform well in the most demanding of situations. If you make your living with a jigsaw, these are still the tools you need, and we recommend. BLADE SHANKS: THE FINAL WORD If you've been shopping for a jigsaw, you've probably been mystified by the number of types of blade shanks listed in the advertising copy: universal style,T style, bayonet style, Bosch style, U-style, not to mention a few proprietary shanks particular to one manufacturer. Here's the straight dope on jigsaw blade shanks: there are two predominant styles, the T-style and the U-style. Most of the other descriptions are just different names for the same kind of blade shank. T-STYLE • Also known as Bosch style or bayonet style, these blades have a notch on each edge of the shank. When you insert the blade into a blade holder that accepts this blade, some sort of clamp will usually fasten itself around those notches.We say "usually" because some jigsaws — particularly those that accept all types of blades — use only a friction clamp or some other friction device to hold the blade in place.While the friction clamps will hold the blade fine, it's not as tight a lock as those that have a clamp that closes around the notches. U-STYLE • Also known as universal style, these blades have a small U-shaped cutaway on the shank. Some have holes in the shank.These blades are grabbed by a screw or friction. |
