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 looking at jigsaw machines, and this is practically stationary devices, which often have their own specific place in the workshop, because for comfortable work They require a base with specified parameters: height so that the hand placed on the work table has a 90º bend at the elbow and stability so that it dampens 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 jigsaws, provided correct selection and installation of nail files, allow sawing even in fairly thick workpieces, with strict adherence to 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.
Except home use, they are widely used in furniture production and manufacturing enterprises musical instruments. True, they are replaced quite often laser machines, but the burnt edges left last do not make their use universal.
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 attachments 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 turntable for 99% of the work performed on the machine, the function is useless.
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 also be used as independent instrument, 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 is alternative options manufacturing a wooden jigsaw machine.
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 work a large number of and you will be able 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;)
Many people have known the fun of cutting with a jigsaw since childhood. The technology is simple. But despite the apparent ease and simplicity of the work, you can get very beautiful lace from wood or plastic. This is a very slow process that requires persistence and patience. To make work easier, jigsaw machines were developed. They are functionally divided into two groups: with manual and electric drive.
Jigsaw device with muscle drive
A homemade machine is easy to make. You can find many drawings of this plywood product. With a jigsaw, with your own hands and under hand tools A simple but functional device is assembled in a short time.
The scope of application of jigsaws is extensive. They are used for cutting figured products from a variety of materials. Machines are also necessary for cutting lumber. In this case, the outer contour of the workpiece remains intact. If you use different nail files, then homemade jigsaw will process perfectly natural wood, plywood, chipboard, plastic, metal, in particular aluminum.
Examples of do-it-yourself drawings of a jigsaw machine, which operates using muscle power, were repeatedly cited in various Soviet-era magazines.
Files for such a jigsaw machine are produced in the form of a flat blade.
Main parts of the machine:
- Bed (A).
- A work table with a slot for a saw (B).
- A large drive pulley that acts as a flywheel (D).
- Small drive pulley. The drive is combined with a crank mechanism (D).
- Levers (B).
- A pedal that spins the flywheel through the crank assembly (E).
- Saw tension unit (G).
The master, constantly pressing the pedal with his foot, spins the flywheel. Through the belt, the movement of the flywheel is transmitted to the second pulley. Which, in turn, causes the crank mechanism with the saw blade to move.
If the flywheel is correctly balanced, without distortions and with a uniform, correctly selected mass, then the file achieves good smooth running. A similar machine for cutting plywood allows you to quickly produce many simple, similar products. The time and effort required for sawing is significantly reduced.
With this machine design, the size of the initial workpiece is limited. It depends on the length of the levers (B). When complicating the pattern, it is necessary to rotate the product around the saw.
Since the foot drive does not ensure a completely uniform stroke and limits the freedom and imagination of the master, such machines are most often replaced with electric ones.
Construction of a jigsaw machine
Electric band jigsaw - this is a household universal device for the manufacture of souvenir products, furniture, various interior items. There are many options for manufacturing such machines. But the main elements on which the quality of the product and ease of use depend are the electric motor and the blade.
Main design elements:
- Saw blade.
- Crank mechanism.
- Drive part.
- Belt tension unit.
- Stand or work table.
- Various auxiliary elements.
Design and principle of operation
Conversion from a hand jigsaw
The first step is to make a working table for the mechanism. Suitable for these purposes a metal sheet or thick plywood. Holes for the cutting tape and fasteners are drilled and sawed out in the worksheet.
The jigsaw table is then placed on regular table. Once secured, the guide rails can be assembled. To reduce vibration, just cut out the rubber gasket the right size and place it between the jigsaw table and the main surface.
The above design is convenient in that it can be easily disassembled and can be used again as a hand jigsaw.
Since the standard device has springs that tension the saw, a rocker arm is necessary. One edge of the rocker arm is attached to the cutting element of the machine, and the second is under tension from springs. These simple steps will easily turn regular jigsaw into the machine.
When operating the device, it is important not to forget to turn off the pendulum stroke before starting cutting.
Assembly from a sewing machine
You can also quickly and easily assemble a homemade one from a sewing machine. jigsaw machine. Moreover, this device has interesting feature- regulator of the stroke of the nail file, since sewing machines have a speed switch.
First, at the bottom of the machine you need to find a thread weaving knot. To do this, several screws are unscrewed. The cotter pin located inside is knocked out and the drive shaft, which is connected to the thread weaving complex, is removed. After completing this procedure, the top panel is unscrewed. The groove along which the needle rode widens slightly to accommodate the saw blade. The files themselves are shortened slightly to the length of the needle. To fix the saw itself, you can make an adapter. But the easiest way is to grind off the top part of the cutting blade and sharpen the bottom. After which you can insert the nail file into place of the needle and get to work.
When working with jigsaws of any type, you should not forget about safety rules. Do not leave the device turned on for a long time without supervision.
If the master long hair, then it’s better to pick them up or use a special cap. It is better to roll up the sleeves of your clothes. The room should be well ventilated. In the room where carpentry work is carried out, a first aid kit with emergency aid for cuts must be kept.
Here is a general diagram of how a jigsaw machine works.
I had a homemade machine, I already briefly wrote about it. Since I am a furniture maker, I made it from leftover LMDF. Cheap and cheerful :). I didn’t care at all about appearance, as long as I worked. And he did a good job! On it I understood all the nuances of sawing from solid wood hard rocks wood such as walnut, oak, ash. Everything would be fine, but the drive, and it was a Krees 350W construction jigsaw. I worked for 15 years! The speed control of the drive is “closed”, it turns on immediately to maximum and immediately breaks the file. I couldn’t find a native branded regulator. I have tried all sorts of regulators, dimmers for chandeliers and regulators from the seams. machines, vacuum cleaners. I could not achieve the desired result, namely a wide range of adjustment.
The photo shows the principle of operation of the jigsaw. a construction jigsaw transmits oscillatory movements to a rocker arm, on which the file in turn is fixed.
In the end I gave up. The Moor has done his job, the Moor must go. I decided to buy a new jigsaw drive. All Chinese versions of jigsaws are not suitable; adjustment on them is the same name. In the Makita company store I found what I was looking for. 450 W jigsaw. Wide range of adjustment, and does not scream like Chinese jigsaws! Works quietly!
Here is my new drive, Makita 4327.
I found a new drive, but it didn’t work out to install it instead of the old one, the height is not suitable. I decided that rather than redo it, it would be better to make a new one, taking into account the elimination of the inconveniences identified during the process of working on the old one.
1. Increase the clearance from the file to the frame (on the old one it was 27 cm). For this you need an elongated rocker arm.
2. Increase the vertical stroke of the saw for good chip removal. (on the old one, the saw stroke is 18mm.)
3. Appearance! Schaub was not ashamed to take photographs. :)
And so! the machine is ready!
Here it is my new machine!
The clearance from the file to the frame is 45cm! The vertical stroke of the saw is 30mm! Dream!
Test cutting. The result is excellent! The Makita regulator works great. The machine makes noise like a household sewing machine.
The desktop jigsaw machine is designed for cutting various parts having a complex configuration, made of sheet materials. This tool is capable of working with MDF, chipboard, fiberboard and many others. Jigsaws can also cut out the internal contours of parts if you first make a small hole. This tool has a wide range of applications, since it can provide high performance labor, which cannot be achieved with a regular hacksaw.
Design features
The design diagrams of all jigsaw machines are usually the same. Having carefully examined the drawings where this tool is depicted, you can see the following structural components:
- the bed, which is also often called the body. It is designed to accommodate everyone structural elements unit;
- drive mechanism;
- crank mechanism. It is necessary to convert the rotational energy of the motor shaft into the movements of the saw used during operation;
- double rocker arm. Equipped with fasteners for a file and a tension device;
- Desktop. In some modern models it has a rotation mechanism that moves at a given angle.
How to make a machine from a jigsaw?
To make a jigsaw from a manual jigsaw, you need to follow these instructions:
- First you need to make a table where a homemade jigsaw will be installed in the future. For this purpose use any durable sheet material– thick plywood, metal and others.
- They do it in the table through holes, designed for cutting blades and various fasteners.
- The resulting jigsaw table is installed and securely fastened to a suitable wooden table.
- The resulting table is equipped with guide rails.
- A manual jigsaw is attached below, which makes it possible to replace the drive mechanism of the machine and many of its other structural elements.
Anyone can make such a jigsaw machine with their own hands. Its advantage is that at any time this unit can be quickly disassembled and only hand tools can be used.
Homemade jigsaw table machine from a manual jigsaw
How to make a more professional instrument?
A homemade jigsaw machine can have all the qualities that are present in professional equipment. To make it you need to follow these instructions:
- The frame is made from any durable material - 12 mm plywood, plastic, textolite and others. It should consist of a base, a housing to accommodate all structural units and a work table.
- On the other side, a rocking chair with an eccentric is placed. They need to be connected to each other using metal plates with sleeve-type bearings. The resulting structure is installed using screws.
- The intermediate shaft is formed from several bearings.
- The metal pulley is placed very tightly on the shaft and the screw connection is secured.
- To change the movement characteristics of the rocker, 4 round holes with threads are made on the eccentric flange. They should be placed at different distances from the center line. The amplitude of movement of the rocking chair is regulated by the location of the screws.
- The rocking chair is formed from wooden rocker arms, which are attached on a hinge to the stand.
- Small cuts are made at the rear ends of the rocker arms. They are designed to install tension screws.
- The front ends of the rocker arm are designed for mounting a saw blade. It moves using special metal hinges. Before attaching the file, it is installed in a groove located on the work table.
- The rocking stand is made from a single piece of durable material. At its upper end a groove is made for installing the rocker arm, and near the lower end a small rectangular hole is cut out for mounting the second rocker arm.
How to make a machine from a sewing machine?
A sewing machine makes an excellent jigsaw, which is equipped with a saw blade movement regulator. It is not difficult to do if you follow these instructions:
- The thread weaving mechanism is removed from the bottom of the machine. On some models it may be located in a different location.
- To dismantle this unit, you need to remove several bolts, then remove the cotter pin and drive shaft.
- The top protective panel is unscrewed. After this, the groove along which the sewing needle moves must be expanded to suit the parameters of the file.
- The cutting element itself is also slightly modified. It is trimmed according to the length of the sewing needle.
- It is not necessary to make an adapter to install the cutting element. Instead, you can grind down the upper incisors a little and process the lower zone of the blade.
- The file is inserted into the needle holder and work begins.
All presented options for manufacturing jigsaw machines are very successful. The resulting units are distinguished by high labor productivity, and making them is not at all difficult. Depending on their skills, each master will be able to choose best model homemade equipment.
Video: Jigsaw from a sewing machine
Cutting plywood with a hand jigsaw requires attention and time. The result is beautiful, practical products.
To process material to create decorative elements used hand saw. As a result of processing wood, plywood, and plastic, crafts are created that have practical use and aesthetic value.
Figure sawing is a fascinating hobby that brings practical, moral and material benefits. From plywood and wooden blanks you can make:
- a vase for sweets;
- basket;
- table stand for postcards;
- lamp;
- hanger in the hallway, living room;
- photo frame;
- pincushion;
- bread box;
- panel;
- candlestick;
- hot stand for eggs;
- box.
For beginners, you can choose light designs for carving, simple circuits, drawings of crafts, sketches that have a pleasant appearance. After mastering the cutting technique, you can try your hand at jewelry models with openwork fragments.
Using a jigsaw you can make platbands for home design. The variety of sketches allows you to create this element, which will provide artistic decoration of the interior. By figure cutting you can make crafts from wood.
You can cut beautiful decorative elements from plywood. Using jigsaw stencils, you can easily make photo frames, mirrors, and much more from blanks. Handmade will complement the design of the room and emphasize the chosen style.
Operating procedure
To obtain a high-quality product and minimize the formation of defects, you need to do the work slowly and focus on the process. Before starting work, it is recommended to make sure that the thickness of the plywood is equal to the height of the groove on the printed sketch.
Preparing the stencil
Schemes for sawing with a tool can be of different sizes. To create a drawing of an interior item, for example a shelf, you will need to use whatman paper in A1 or A0 format, and for toys you can use a standard sheet of cardboard.
The contour of the product is applied to the surface in compliance with the exact dimensions. Templates for cutting with a hand jigsaw can be found on special resources. But it’s easier to come up with your own compositions based on the type of workpiece. Individual approach to the development of a product diagram will allow you to emphasize the texture of the wood.
Transferring an image to the surface of plywood or boards
To accurately apply a contour to the surface of plywood or wood, print the template on thick paper. Transferring a drawing from an A4 drawing can cause a lot of trouble if you draw the ornament with a pencil.
In order to apply contours and complex patterns, you can use auxiliary methods. One method involves using carbon paper. To do this, the carbon copy is placed on the workpiece. Place a template on top and draw lines.
The drawing can be glued to the plywood with 2-sided tape. When using glue, you need to clean the surface with sandpaper. Affordable way involves the use of a stencil made using nail scissors. After preparation, the template is applied to the surface and each fragment is outlined with a pencil.
For convenience, the sheet is secured with tape or insulating tape. The design can be applied thermally. For this, an inkjet printer is used, with which the diagram is printed. After this, the drawing is applied to the surface front side and processed with a heated iron.
Sawing process technology
Sawing from plywood is carried out after applying the drawing to the workpiece. Processing begins with the internal elements of the product, and then the outer contour is cut out. This order of work allows you to get a straight line and provides convenient fastening of the workpiece.
Holes for the blade must be drilled in sharp places on the internal contour. This requires attention as chips may form on the back side. To avoid this, it is recommended not to make the holes completely.
You can limit the depth using insulating tape that is wrapped around the drill. After this, turn the workpiece over and process the hole with an awl. After finishing the work, the product is polished using a file or needle file.
Small elements require delicate handling, so it is recommended to be smart when processing. To do this, cut a thin strip of sandpaper and insert it into a jigsaw file instead of a blade.
Sawing with hand tools requires the equipment of a special machine with a clamp. This device is used as a base. During processing, the workpiece is fixed at chest level, which provides convenience and allows you to closely monitor the process.
For beginners, it is important to be careful when using a jigsaw in order to practice smooth movements. Jigsaw cutting blade fragile Therefore, it is recommended to avoid distortions, sudden movements, and overheating.
When processing a workpiece, the movements must be reciprocating, and the tool must be positioned vertically. Application electric jigsaw requires securing the workpiece to the workbench. When using this equipment, workpieces up to 5 cm thick can be processed.
Defects in work
If the workpiece processing technology is violated, the tool may shift. A jigsaw may cut crookedly if the tool is tilted or improperly fastened. If the blade gets stuck at the stage of forming the figured elements, then you will need to carefully draw a new line located parallel to the fragment with the defect.
A little about safety
Jigsaw for figured sawing is an arched frame. The tool is equipped with a handle and 2 attachments for a cutting blade, which allow you to cut patterns of varying complexity.
Depending on the type of work, different attachments are selected. Thick saws are used to cut out contours, and thin blades are used for openwork work. The workpiece processing process can be mechanized using electric tools. To speed up the process, some models are equipped with a pendulum mechanism.
A stationary electric tool, which is mounted on a static surface, is similar in principle to sewing machine. The use of this type of equipment eliminates perpendicular cutting errors.
Sawing with a jigsaw requires compliance with safety rules. Workplace must be properly equipped. When working, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment.
