What Are The Different Types of Jigsaw Blade - Jigsaw Blade Buying Guide

Blade shank

There are T-shank and U-shank blades common with the manufacturers today. However, T-shank blades are the most common as they are used as standard blades because it is easier for them to switch blades between machines. Another added advantage on T-shank is that most jigsaws have a tool-less blade change that fastens swapping blades as well as making them easier. T-shank blade is commonly used by companies such as Bosch as they name their blades with a T such as T144D. 

Matching the blade to the material

It's crucial to use the right blade, but again, it depends on the material you wish to cut. There are four major categories of jigsaw blades and making the right choice creates a cleaner cut and ensures your blade lasts longer. These are;

1. HCS

   HCS stands for High Carbon Steel. It works efficiently on soft materials like soft plastics, softwood, and wood fibreboards. A good example is T101B Clean Wood Cutting Jigsaw Blades

2. HSS

   HSS stands for High-Speed Steel and these blades are suited for hard materials like copper, metal, aluminum, non-ferrous metals, and Perspex. HSS has a great longevity and cut faster thanks to its characteristics such as being harder and having a high abrasive resistance. A good example is T101A  Acrylic and Perspex Jigsaw Blades

3. BIM

   If you want to cut hard materials, Bi-metal is what to look for. Even though they are expensive, they are worth because they last longer. When compared to HSS and HCS, BIM lasts twice as much as HSS and ten times as much as HCS, and that should give you the reason to go for it.

4. Carbide

   Carbide is best-suited on cutting materials such as stainless steel, fibreboards bonded with cement, plasterboards, and glass fiber reinforced plastic. Any blade with a carbide grit coat is also suited in cutting fragile materials such as glass fiber reinforced plastic and tiles.

Blade geometry

The geometry of the blade especially the arrangement and shape of the teeth of the blade is vital and determines how the blade functions. Examining the teeth geometry gives you an idea of the type of cut to expect from the blade. Normally, the teeth are either milled or ground and we shall look into each to see how their importance.

Milled teeth

Jigsaw blades with milled teeth are usually more aggressive because they are less finely sharpened, and the result is fast but rough cut. They are good when dealing with denser materials thanks to their long-lasting properties. They include;
• Milled side set teeth
Milled side set teeth are excellent for anyone who wants to make faster cuts, but the only disadvantage is that the finished cut is usually rough.
• Milled wavy set teeth
These produce a straight and fine cut characterized by a wave design.

Ground teeth

Jigsaw blades with ground teeth are used on softer materials to create a smooth line because they have a sharp edge.
Ground taper & ground teeth
They are best suited to make fine clean cuts thanks to their straight teeth characteristic.

• Ground side set teeth

• This is suited for fast cuts, especially in wood.
  T144D Fast wood Cutting Jigsaw Blades
  T144P Wood Cutting Jigsaw Blades where P signifies precision
  The blades with a precision version are highly reliable and accurate as they only accommodate less movement at the end of the blade and most importantly, they have a thicker blade. However, it is advisable to use it with pendulum action because it pulls fibers away thereby eliminating any distortion.
  Bosch’s GST 160 CE ensures that the saw blade has minimum oscillations and bending for every cut because it is designed with double roller blade guide system.
  GST 160 CE Jigsaw Body Grip
  GST 160 BCE Jigsaw Bow Handle

• Ground reverse set

• They cut in opposite direction and are suited when you want your cutline on the top service to be as smooth as possible. When you position your jigsaw above the surface, the blades are cut on the downstroke and as the blade moves upwards, the wood fibers are pulled up. Bosch has come up with a solution for wood and reverse cutting blades as they have Extra-Clean blades.
  T308B Clean Wood Cutting Jigsaw Blades
  T101BR Reverse Cutting For Wood Jigsaw Blades where R stands for reverse cuts on the downstroke.

T308B Clean Wood Cutting Jigsaw Blades
T101BR Reverse Cutting For Wood Jigsaw Blades where R stands for reverse cuts on the downstroke.