A jig saw is a versatile and portable power tool that can cut through various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and ceramic. It can also create different types of cuts, such as straight, curved, beveled, and intricate. However, like any other tool, a jig saw has its limitations that you should be aware of before using it for your DIY projects. In this article, we will discuss the biggest limitation of using a jig saw and how to overcome it.
The biggest limitation of using a jig saw is its cutting thickness. This refers to the maximum thickness of the material that the jig saw can cut through without bending or breaking the blade. The cutting thickness of a jig saw depends on several factors, such as the power of the motor, the speed of the blade, the type of the blade, and the hardness of the material.
Generally speaking, the average jig saw can cut through softwood that is about 1.5 inches thick and hardwood that is about 0.75 inch thick. For metal, the jig saw can only cut through thin sheets or pipes that are about 10 gauge thick. These are the approximate values that may vary depending on the specific model and brand of the jig saw.
If you try to cut through a material that is thicker than the cutting capacity of the jig saw, you may encounter several problems, such as:
The blade may bend or break, causing damage to the tool or injury to the user.
The blade may overheat, reducing its lifespan and performance.
The blade may get stuck in the material, making it difficult to remove or continue the cut.
The cut may be uneven, rough, or inaccurate, affecting the quality of the workpiece.
Therefore, it is important to check the cutting thickness of the jig saw and the material before using it. You should also use the appropriate blade for the material and the type of cut you want to make.
How to Overcome the Limitation: Choosing the Right Blade
One of the best ways to overcome the limitation of the cutting thickness of the jig saw is to choose the right blade for the job. The blade is the most crucial part of the jig saw, as it determines the quality and speed of the cut. There are many types of jig saw blades available in the market, each designed for a specific material and cut.
The main factors to consider when choosing a jig saw blade are:
The material of the blade: The material of the blade affects its durability and performance. The most common materials are high carbon steel (HCS), high speed steel (HSS), bi-metal, and tungsten carbide. HCS blades are flexible and inexpensive, but they wear out quickly and are suitable for cutting softwood and plastic. HSS blades are harder and more resistant to heat, but they are brittle and prone to breaking. They are suitable for cutting hardwood and metal. Bi-metal blades are a combination of HCS and HSS, offering the best of both worlds. They are durable and versatile, but they are also more expensive. Tungsten carbide blades are the hardest and most expensive, but they can cut through the toughest materials, such as ceramic and concrete.
The number of teeth per inch (TPI): The number of teeth per inch affects the smoothness and speed of the cut. The more teeth per inch, the smoother and slower the cut. The fewer teeth per inch, the rougher and faster the cut. For general purpose cutting, a blade with 6 to 10 TPI is recommended. For fine cutting, a blade with 14 to 24 TPI is recommended. For coarse cutting, a blade with 3 to 5 TPI is recommended.
The shape of the teeth: The shape of the teeth affects the direction and quality of the cut. There are two main shapes of teeth: milled and ground. Milled teeth are cut from the blade with a machine, resulting in a wavy or serrated edge. They are suitable for fast and rough cuts, but they may produce splinters and tear-outs. Ground teeth are sharpened from the blade with a grinder, resulting in a straight or pointed edge. They are suitable for slow and smooth cuts, but they may wear out quickly and require more pressure.
By choosing the right blade for the material and the cut, you can overcome the limitation of the cutting thickness of the jig saw and achieve the best results for your DIY projects.
Conclusion
A jig saw is a handy tool that can cut through various materials and create different types of cuts. However, it also has its limitations, such as the cutting thickness. The cutting thickness of a jig saw depends on the power of the motor, the speed of the blade, the type of the blade, and the hardness of the material. The average jig saw can cut through softwood that is about 1.5 inches thick, hardwood that is about 0.75 inch thick, and metal that is about 10 gauge thick. If you try to cut through a material that is thicker than the cutting capacity of the jig saw, you may encounter problems, such as blade bending, breaking, overheating, or getting stuck. To overcome this limitation, you should choose the right blade for the material and the cut, considering the material, the number of teeth per inch, and the shape of the teeth. By doing so, you can use the jig saw effectively and safely for your DIY projects.
