A jigsaw is a mechanical power tool which is usually used to cut things into pieces. It is made up of an electric motor and a reciprocating saw blade. This kind of saw is also called by some manufacturers, as a “Bayonet Saw” or “Sabre Saw”.
Every one of us, have always used a tool, but have we ever thought what the story behind this tool is? Have anyone ever thought who made this tool and why he made it? Have we ever thought how it works? I guess none of us did that. Let’s learn something about the saw history and its types and working principles.
In the year 1946, an engineer named Albert Kaufmann, who was working in Scintilla AG Company, Solothurn, Switzerland, replaced his wife’s sewing machine’s needle with a saw blade. The following year, in 1947, using Albert Kaufmann’s invention, his company Scintilla first started producing this power tool calling it the“Lesto Jigsaw”. Later the company was acquired by Bosch, and the name Lesto was replaced by Bosch. In 1966, they added pendulum action to the movement of the blade.
Over time, additional features have been added and different power options. There are mainly 4 kinds of saws:
• Corded Jigsaw
This kind of modern tool has electric wire connection. This is a sophisticated curving machine with modern and very fine features to fulfill all kinds of cuts in the all kinds of material. The most powerful corded jigsaws can cut wood up to 2 or 3 inch thick. It can cut deep Aluminum and even in steel.
• Cordless Jigsaw
A tool without a cord. This type had a battery instead of a cord. Charge up the battery and use the blade to cut off any kind of shapes in wood and other materials. Though cordless tools need charging and are typically less powerful than corded tools, they have the advantage that they can be used in cases where an electric socket is not available.
• Pneumatic Jigsaw
Pneumatic saws are a new idea in the field of this power tool. This is a new addition in the history of jigsaw. Previously air tools were quite common among movable sanders, but now, it is also a concept for jigsaws. A pneumatic jigsaw is connected to a decent sized compressor. It is as powerful (or maybe more) as the corded ones. Lack of electricity makes it a lot safer to work in wet or damp places.
• Bayonet Jigsaw
Bayonet jigsaw is a bit different than all others stated in above. It was first developed in the 1950s by Porter-Cable. This type of tool uses a worm gear to transfer the power to the blade-reciprocating mechanism. It is used to cut thinner woods, metals, plastics, laminates etc.
Let's talk about blades. Is there a single kind of blade which fits all saws? Or there is different kinds of blades serving different purposes? What do you think? Let’s see.
There is a wide range of blades which also shows the wide range of uses for this too. The types include:
• Various number of TPI (Teeth Per Inch)
• Blade edge for cutting soft materials
• Cranked blades to overcome the set back of the blade and allow flush cutting
• Thin Blades to cut tighter curves.
• Push stroke cutting blades to avoid damage to the top surface.
This is not an extensive list, there are lot of types of blades out there, but this shows the main types which are commonly used.
If you would like to learn more about the jigsaw then visit the http://Woodworking-Tool-Guide.com for more information.
- Pete
