How do I know which jigsaw blade?

Choosing the right jigsaw blade for the job is essential for clean, accurate cuts. With different TPI (teeth per inch) ranges and blade types available, it can be confusing to know where to start. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to select the ideal jigsaw blade for your project.

What is a jigsaw and how does it work?

A jigsaw is a versatile handheld saw that uses a reciprocating blade to cut various materials like wood, metal, ceramic and plastic. The thin, small blade moves up and down at a fast speed to make both straight and curved cuts.

Jigsaws are operated with an electric motor that moves a linkage system to transfer power to the blade. As the motor runs, a gear reduction system controls the stroke rate that determines how fast the blade moves. Most jigsaws have settings to adjust the speed as needed for the material being cut.

The key advantage of a jigsaw is the ability to maneuver it to make detailed cuts in tight spaces. It excels at making curvy, irregular cuts that would be difficult with other saws. The blade length is relatively short, ranging from just 1 to 6 inches long depending on the design.

Types of jigsaw blades

Jigsaw blades come in a range of types designed for different cutting applications. The most common include:

• T-shank blades – The most standard jigsaw blade style with a T-shaped shank that fits into the jigsaw’s chuck.
• U-shank blades – A U-shaped shank that provides more stability and reduces blade bending and twisting during cuts.
• Scroll saw blades – Very narrow blades optimized for intricate curved cuts and scrolling in wood up to 3/4″ thick.
• Metal cutting blades – Made of hardened steel and coated in Titanium Nitride (TiN) for cutting sheet metal up to 1/8″ thick.
• Diamond grit blades – Coated in tiny diamonds, these specialized blades can cut very hard materials like tile, concrete and stone.
• Plastic cutting blades – Designed with a sharp cutting edge and teeth that won’t melt plastic during cuts.

The shank style must match the chuck on your jigsaw. T-shank is the most common, fitting all standard jigsaws. U-shank blades provide more stability, but only work with jigsaws designed for U-shank chucks.

Jigsaw blade TPI (Teeth Per Inch)

The TPI on a jigsaw blade refers to the number of teeth packed into one linear inch of the cutting edge. A higher TPI count means more teeth and smaller gullets (the space between teeth). Here are the TPI ranges for common jigsaw blades:

• 8 to 12 TPI – For fast cutting in thick materials like hardwoods over 1″ thick
• 14 to 18 TPI – All-purpose range good for most woods 3/4″ to 1″ thick
• 20 to 30 TPI – Provides a smoother cut in natural woods, laminates and softwoods
• 32 to 40 TPI – Ultra fine finish in veneers, plastics and thin wood under 1/2″ thick

Higher TPI blades will cut slower but leave a smoother finish. Lower TPI blades cut faster but leave a rougher edge. Match the TPI to the thickness and type of material you are cutting.

How to choose the right TPI jigsaw blade

Follow these tips to select the ideal TPI for your jigsaw blade:

• Cutting hardwoods over 1” thick – Use 8 to 12 TPI
• Cutting softwoods and plywood 3/4” to 1” thick – 14 to 18 TPI
• Cutting pine boards 1/2” thick – 20 to 24 TPI
• Cutting laminates and veneers under 1/2” – 32 to 40 TPI
• Cutting plastics – 32 TPI or higher
• Cutting metal – Specialized metal cutting blades

For general purpose cuts, 14 to 24 TPI blades are ideal. Thicker materials call for lower TPI and vice versa. Test different TPI blades on scraps to find the best finish for your application.

Jigsaw blade materials

The metal used to make jigsaw blades impacts durability and performance. Common materials include:

• High-carbon steel – Durable all-purpose blades for wood, laminates and soft metals. Provides good blade life and cut quality.
• High-speed steel – Retains sharpness longer than standard steel when cutting hardwoods and metals. Ideal for smooth cuts in thick, tough materials.
• Cobalt or Bi-metal – Extremely hard and heat resistant allowing them to cut harder materials like stainless steel and tile. Often coated in Titanium Nitride (TiN).
• Carbide grit – Carbide particles bonded to the blade cutting edge let it abrade through ceramic tile, stone and cement board.
• Diamond grit – Tiny industrial diamonds coat the blade for maximum hardness to cut porcelain tile and stone. Most expensive blade option.

For best results, match the blade material to the hardness of the material being cut. Avoid cutting soft plastics, wood and aluminum with expensive diamond or carbide grit blades which can damage the workpiece.

Jigsaw blade features

Some other helpful features to look for when selecting a jigsaw blade include:

• Anti-splintering – Special tooth geometry and grind reduces splintering when cutting veneers and laminates.
• Reverse teeth – Alternating beveled teeth that reduce splintering on the cut edge, especially when cutting plastics and veneers.
• Resharpenable – Quality blades made from high-speed steel can be professionally resharpened for repeated use.
• Lubricating coatings – Titanium Nitride (TiN) or Teflon coatings on the blade teeth reduce friction and keep the blade cooler when cutting metals.

Consider blades with these enhancements when you want the cleanest cut possible in your workpiece. The tradeoff is that they often cost more than basic blades.

How to change a jigsaw blade

Changing jigsaw blades takes just seconds once you get the steps down:

1. Unplug the jigsaw
2. Locate the blade release lever or button
3. Press the lever while pulling the blade carefully out of the chuck
4. Insert the new blade, aligning any guides on the shank with the chuck
5. Release the lever and ensure the blade clicks securely in place
6. Tighten any clamping screws if needed
7. Plug jigsaw back in and test before cutting

Ensure the blade ejects fully from the chuck before inserting a new one. Never try to force a blade out while the jigsaw is powered on. Consult your tool’s manual for proper blade changing technique.

How to store jigsaw blades

Proper storage keeps jigsaw blades safe and sharp. Follow these storage tips:

• Store blades lying flat, not standing on end
• Wrap the teeth of specialty blades in painter’s tape to protect the coating
• Sort blades by material and TPI range
• Label each blade’s cutting characteristics
• Store blades in a dry case or sealed plastic bags
• Never store loose in a toolbox drawer where they can be damaged

Well-organized storage helps you find and identify the right blade faster. A blade storage case with slots for each blade keeps them sorted, protected and easy to grab.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal jigsaw blade for each job leads to faster cuts, smoother finishes and less wear on your tools. Match the TPI, material, and special features to what you are cutting. Follow the blade changing steps properly to avoid harming the blade or your jigsaw. Store blades carefully to maximize their working life. With the right techniques, you’ll get clean reliable cuts every time.