If you ask me, what is the most popular tool to get a precision cutting performance? My vote will go to a jigsaw. During running a jigsaw, if you maintain all the safety equipment, you will not find any other tool as user-friendly, reliable, and safe as a jigsaw.
An inexperienced eye may think jigsaw blades are all similar. But it is not the case at all. In stores and online, many types of jigsaw blades are available. And they are different from each other in terms of functions and characteristics.
In this article, I am giving you a brief on whether jigsaw blades are universal or not. Stay with me till the end and quench your thirst.
Full Brief – Jigsaw Blade
Types of Shank in Jigsaw Blade
If you look for the shank of a jigsaw, you will find many of them. But most of the jigsaw accepts only one or two of these shank types. However, some jigsaws are available that are compatible with more than one shank type, but most of them accept only one.
If you are unsure about the type of shank that fits your jigsaw, you should look at the manual to find the right one.
Two types of shank are available in the market. T-shank and U-shank.
By looking at the shapes of both these shanks, you can quickly identify the difference between them.
The shape of the T-shank is a bit like a T. You will find a dip at the end of a U-shank shaped like a U.
T-shanks are highly popular among users because they are easily replaced by simply pressing a button. Also, in modern jigsaw designs, T-shanks are commonly used.
On the other hand, U-shanks are also compatible with replacing T-shanks. But they lose their appeal to the users because they are slower and difficult to replace. You need to use an Allen key to replace a U-shank.
Different types of Jigsaw Blade
Different jigsaw blades are eligible for cutting different materials. While you are choosing a jigsaw blade for your DIY or any construction project, keep this note in your consideration.
Are you making a plan to cut wood pieces using a jigsaw? Then, several options are there at your door. For construction lumber, a jigsaw blade with sharp, large teeth that are widely spaced will be the most suitable.
Or, if you need to do a thinner cutting performance, a small teethed and narrowly spaced blade will become a perfect choice.
We all know that metal is a hard material and is challenging to cut. You can cut metal using jigsaw blades which are specialized in cutting metal.
You will need a sharp, tightly shaped carbon steel or alloy blade to cut through the material. Using this blade, you will have a new experience of cutting through metal, but it is mandatory to cut slowly and carefully.
While cutting materials like leather, foam, or drywall, you have no choice but to look for a specially designed dedicated jigsaw blade. These types of materials are hard to cut without doing any damage to the material. Still, a specially designed blade makes the task easy without causing any damage to these materials.
Material Types of Jigsaw Blades
Multiple types of materials are used to make a jigsaw blade. Every material has specific strengths and weaknesses that you need to know before purchasing a jigsaw blade.
Carbon steel jigsaw blade is the market’s most commonly used jigsaw blade. This blade is made from a combination of iron and carbon. This blade type is lightweight and flexible enough to cut through softer materials without any hassle.
But one drawback of this blade is that it is comparatively weak and breaks faster than other types of blades. However, in terms of price, the carbon steel blade is the most affordable one.
Another type of blade is a high-speed steel blade, which is also relatively common as a material of jigsaw blade. But they are not flexible enough because of their harder and more robust characteristics. However, these 2 characteristics make them a well-performer against harder and delicate materials.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a long-lasting and versatile type of material, go for a bi-metal blade. This blade is a combination of high-carbon steel and high-speed steel, which makes them highly flexible and robust.
Size & Teeth of the Blade
The cutting material will let you determine the blade size you require for your project.
Also, the size of the cutting material is similarly essential. Generally, you should choose a blade size of at least 1” longer than the thickness of the material. In maximum cases, to reduce flexibility, longer blades are thicker. And shorter blades are thinner and more flexible than longer blades.
The teeth of a jigsaw blade do the final task of cutting the material. The effectiveness of a jigsaw blade depends on 2 characteristics, size and the density of the teeth.
To get an active cut against hard materials, the TPI (teeth per inch) should be high. High TPI blades will give you a fast-cutting experience, and low TPI blades will be slower.
Decisive Point
Above all, I believe you have already realized the universal answer to our jigsaw blades.
You have to choose a jigsaw blade based on your project requirement, and jigsaw blades are different in size, type, and materials too. You can’t use a single jigsaw blade for all projects.
Finally, the answer is, jigsaw blades are not universal.
Conclusion
Jigsaw blades can handle a variety of projects with the right blade. Before starting a project, all you need to do is, learn what type of shank your jigsaw is accepting and know what type of blade is ideal for your project.