Bosch Professional 5x Jigsaw Blade T 118 A Basic for Metal (for Steel sheets, Accessories Jigsaw)

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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. Jigsaws have good manoeuvrability which makes them ideal to cut quite intricate shapes;, on tight curves it is advisable to make relief cuts to reduce the risk of the blade binding, however, this will only be possible if the cut off side is scrap, otherwise, it may be possible to get as far into the curve as possible and then withdraw the blade and approach the curve from the uncut end. Jigsaws are awesome, versatile tools. They can make tight, precise cuts, and long straight runs with no distinction from a circular saw’s cut.

You definitely need specific, potentially expensive blades for metal, all-purpose blades won’t work. Once the cut is underway, pause the saw and add a few drops of tapping and cutting fluid to the cut to reduce heat at the blade then continue. Apply cutting fluidas required. Working with a jigsaw on metal certainly involves some risk, so here are a few ways to be sure your project is successful and without any “ouch!” Keep plenty of extra blades on hand, as cutting metal will degrade a blade faster than cutting a softer material like hardwood.ALWAYS make sure your power source is removed when switching blades. Either unplug your corded saw or remove the battery from your cordless saw. Never replace a blade while power is connected, no matter how confident you are. If starting the cut at the edge, press the saw shoe firmly on the surface of the workpiece without the blade touching the metal. Slowly depress the trigger and once the blade is moving, glide it into the workpiece. It is important not to force the speed of the cut and just let the blade do the work. If starting the cut away from the edge of the workpiece, simply drill a hole large enough to insert the blade in and continue as above. How do you cut metal straight with a jigsaw? If you are cutting a straight line, consider using a fence or other straight edge (spare 2×4 even) to guide your jigsaw along. Jigsaws are excellent at precise, detailed cuts, but this also means that a small departure from your guideline will be more obvious from a tiny jigsaw blade than with a larger circular saw blade. For cutting metal with a jigsaw, a blade with 21-24 TPI (teeth per inch) is strongly recommended. This will help avoid shredding the material and keep your cut edges smoother.

Tungsten carbide, which is produced by sintering tungsten and carbon atoms, is a much harder material than steel. A tungsten carbide jigsaw blade is made of a steel blade with tungsten carbide grits on the cutting edge.As with most cutting tools, the type of blade you use is possibly the most important factor in how efficient your cuts will be. Whether cutting curves or lines with a jigsaw, ensuring you have the right blade for the application is essential for making clean, safe, and effective cuts. Specific materials require different types of jigsaw blades, including those with varying tooth pitches, sizes, and orientations. For example, blades with fine teeth are ideal for cutting metal, while those with larger teeth are more suitable for wood. Having the right blade for the material you’re working on will always ensure for maximum cutting performance. Securely clamp the workpiece to the work bench. If there will not be sufficient depth clearance for the blade, the metal can be placed on rails and then clamped to ensure blade clearance. Some metalworkers ‘sandwich’ the metal sheet between two thin sheets of wood to add support while cutting- this technique will take longer but will help minimise distortion on soft or thin metal.

Move slowly, letting the machine dictate the pace. Forcing the saw to go faster will only degrade your blades and tool motor faster. When switching your blade to a metal-specific one, make sure that your tool is set for the blade to cut straight and not angled from a previous project. Additionally, make sure your speed is set to slow. You will get the best results from your jigsaw and blades by cutting metal slowly and steadily. Limitations of Jigsaw When cutting a flat sheet of steel or other metal, it’s often recommended to sacrifice a few thin sheets of plywood to sandwich the metal. This creates a more controlled and thus smoother cut by minimizing vibration and keeping the material flat. Metal Cutting Tips If you are not using plywood and instead are using cutting oil to lubricate the surface and blade, make sure you’re only applying it an inch or two at a time. More than that, you risk obscuring your guideline. Jigsaw blades have a single row of teeth along one edge of the blade, these are arranged in a small wave pattern from left to right- a blade with 21-24 tpi is recommended for cutting metal and one manufactured with a bi-metal construction will offer the best durability.

The body of a bi-metal blade is made with spring steel or flexible carbon steel. But the cutting teeth are made of hardened high-speed steel that is welded or diffusion bonded onto the softer body. So the blade can cut harder materials without wearing down as fast.