Can I use jigsaw to cut metal?
A jigsaw is a hand-held power tool that is operated by a squeeze trigger in the handle and is designed to cut sheet metal, pipework and wood. Jigsaws are not suitable for plunge cutting metal, however, a hole can be drilled to feed the blade through and then the cut can be continued in the usual way.
What speed should you use a jigsaw?
Jigsaws usually operate at between 500 and 3500spm. The speed of a jigsaw is either fixed or variable. Some jigsaws operate at a single, fixed speed. A fixed speed jigsaw is sufficient if you are planning on using your tool for a single cutting task.
What speed setting would you use to cut metal?
If you are cutting through very hard material such as steel or ceramic tile and the suggested speed is 300 RPM then simply drill very slowly. When cutting hard materials slow speeds will give you more control as well.
How thick of metal can a jigsaw cut?
Metal-cutting blade Use blades with 21 to 24 teeth per inch to cut metal. With the proper blade, jigsaws can cut through wood with embedded nails, 1/8-in. mild steel, no-iron pipe and sheet metal up to 10 gauge thick (Photo 6).
Can I use a jigsaw instead of a circular saw?
Although a jigsaw can be used for most of the tasks that a circular saw can perform, including straight cuts and cuts on a tilt, the jigsaw uses that really take advantage of the tool’s qualities are jobs such as kitchen fitting and joinery, with their frequent need for complex cuts.
Do I need a variable speed jigsaw?
If you are planning on using your jigsaw for a range of different tasks, a model with a variable speed motor is essential. Whilst single speed jigsaws may only be able to operate at the relatively fast rate of 3000spm, this speed will be unsuitable for some materials and could result in an inaccurate cut.
What is the cutting speed for mild steel?
Cutting speeds for various materials using a plain high-speed steel cutter
| Material type | Meters per min (MPM) | Surface feet per min (SFM) |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | 3–38 | 10–125 |
| Mild Steel (with coolant) | 6–7 | 20–25 |
| Cast Iron (medium) | 1–2 | 6–8 |
| Alloy Steels (1320–9262) | 3–20 | 12–65 |
Can a jigsaw cut straight?
The jigsaw can be used to make both straight and curved cuts in a wide variety of materials, including wood, particleboard, plywood, plastic, metal, even ceramic tile. It’s also safe and easy to use, which is why it’s often the very first power saw a new DIYer buys.
Can you cut metal with a jigsaw?
The jigsaw should cut the material at its own pace, according to the type and thickness of the material. If you force the blade, you might suffer serious injuries, as the blade might snap. If you want to cut metal with a jigsaw, you should shut the dust blower off to avoid spreading the chips on the floor.
What materials can a jigsaw cut?
A jigsaw can be used to cut almost any material from plywood to stainless steel sheet metal if the proper blade is used. Here a few blade characteristics to be familiar with: Blade composition. Jigsaw blades are made from high speed steel, hardened steel, and bimetal composite metals for cutting metal. Teeth per inch.
What do you cut with a jigsaw?
Use a blade suitable for the material you are cutting. Jigsaw blades are sold in packages marked with the type material they are recommended to cut, such as Wood Cutting or Non-ferrous Metals, or Ferrous Metals. Special diamond grit edged blades can even cut ceramic tiles.
What is the best tool for cutting sheet metal?
Jigsaws and metal cutting band saws are more work, but can make most cuts in light to medium sheet metal. A handheld cutting tool fitted with a metal cut-off wheel will easily cut through sheet metal, and a rotary tool with a multipurpose cutting bit is useful for more intricate cuts.