Published on: January 9, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Are you worrying about Jigsaw Blade? Do you want to know about jigsaw blades? Then this article is for you.

Jigsaw is a kind of blade that uses a reciprocal blade to cut an irregular curve in different materials like wood, metal, plastics, etc. In the 19th-century, jigsaw blades appeared and operated with a treadle. But in 1947, the modern portable jigsaw was introduced. Now, This jigsaw power tool uses electricity and a reciprocal saw blade.

Types of Jigsaw Blades

There are various types of blade in the market. In an older jigsaw, a screw is needed for attaching the blade to the machine. The blades are differentiated according to the material, teeth direction, specialty, etc. Now, the details of the different types of blades are given below:

1. Shank Type Jigsaw Blade

Shank is an important term for the jigsaw blade. It is suitable for particular jigsaw blades, and some models are ideal for multiple shanks. But standard one compatible with a single shank. Mainly, there are two types of shank according to the shank type jigsaw blade. They are-

T-shank

T-shank is the most commonly used because it suits most modern blades. Its look is named T-shank by shape. It has a tang at the tip and two extrusions on the sides that look like T-shape.

These T-shank blades are more accessible and comfortable to use. For tang at the top, it is easy to fit into the blade clamp. Also, changing the blade is so simple that you do not need to worry. Some U-shank jigsaws are also suitable for the T-shank blade.

U-shank

This blade is also known as a universal shank. As the top shank is U-shape, the blade characterizes as U-shank or universal shank. This blade was popular before the use of the T-shank. In the old U-shank jigsaw blade, there is a hole below the U-shape cut.

For changing or fastening the blade, you have to use screws or a wrench. It isn’t easy and slows down the process. As a result, the usage of this blade lessens. The best way before choosing your blade, you should check the compatibility of your jigsaw blade.

2. Type of Jigsaw Blade According to Material

There are some types of different jigsaw blades based on the category of the materials. They are given below:

High-Speed Steel (HSS)

High-speed steel blades make complex alloys like carbon, tungsten, and molybdenum. These give a better cutting performance, and it is less flexible and more heat resistant than a high carbon steel blade. You can cut rigid materials like wood, plastic, and metal at high speed.

High Carbon Steel (HCS)

High Carbon Steel or HCS is famous for its affordability. Though carbon is the most rigid element, this HCS blade is flexible. This blade is suitable for cutting thin wood. Because if you cut thick wood, this blade may bend, and the cutting would not be perfect.

Bi-Metal Blade

As this blade is made of two types of metal, it is called a Bi-metal blade. Both High Carbon Steel (HCS) or High-Speed Steel (HSS) is used for making this blade. As a result, you get both metal advantages in this blade.

For using two different metals, this Bi-metal blade has super strength, flexibility, wear, and heat resistance. So, this blade is used for cutting hardwood and metal.

Tungsten Blade

This blade is the most durable among all different edges and also provides the best cutting performance. This blade is coated with tungsten carbide. These types of blades don’t have teeth like other blades.

For tungsten carbide cutting edges, it is extremely heat resistant. This blade uses these characteristics to cut extremely tough materials like ceramics, steel, or fiberglass.

3. According to Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

The teeth per inch impact the cutting performance and control the speed and nature of the cut. If the blade has fewer teeth in the edge, it delivers a quicker cut. With more teeth, it works gradually but provides a polished finish.

Before cutting material, the most crucial consideration is the number of teeth per inch of a blade. Because, for the most excellent performance, it is essential. The cutting performance will be perfect and smooth, with a higher amount of teeth.

For woodcutting: TPI is between 6 and 20;
For metal cutting: TPI is between 14 and 36.

4. According to Teeth Direction or Geometry

Teeth direction or geometry is the most important one for perfect cutting. Teeth direction or geometry are divided into two types:

Milled Teeth

As these milled teeth are not very sharp, they cut materials faster than ground teeth. Because of this design gives high wear resistance. These milled teeth have different styles like below:

Milled Side Set

The alternating side angle of this set provides a fast cut. But the finish is very rough. So, this set is used for hard material like wood or metal.

Milled Wavy Set

Its arrangement names this set. The teeth of the blade are set in a wavy pattern one after another. For this pattern, this set uses soft material like plywood, softwood, or plastics. But it cuts at a slower rate than milled teeth.

Ground Teeth

The ground teeth are sharper and smoothly cut material than milled teeth. Though it cuts smoothly, the peace is slow. So, these teeth are suitable for cutting softwood and plastic. The ground teeth have many types given below:

Ground Side Set

This set also works like a milled side set. But it cuts faster and uses relatively dense material than ground taper and reverse set.

Ground Taper Set

The teeth of this set arrange in a straight line. The ground taper set is suitable for cutting soft materials smoothly.

Ground Reverse Set

This set is similar to the ground taper set, but the teeth edge is in the reverse direction. This design produces smooth cutting because of the downstroke cutting. In this process, it prevents scattering of wood. The style of teeth is suitable for hard materials like ceramic.

Specialist Blades

If you try different cuts in different materials, you should perform with specialist blades. Let us know about different kinds of specialist blades are given below:

Plunge Cutting Blade

Sometimes we need to cut through the middle of the surface. So, it is an excellent decision to choose a plunge-cutting blade for punching a hole to make a start. As these blades are suitable for sharp tips, you can easily punch through soft material like plaster wood.

Reverse Tooth Blade

These types of blades cut through downstroke because of the materials that are prone to chipping. The teeth are in reverse direction compared to other blades. As a result, these reverse tooth blades are suitable for cutting plywood, laminate worktops, and ceramic tiles.

Scrolling Blade

This scrolling blade helps to get the full potential of the jigsaw blade. It is used for intricate cutting in wood because of the narrow, strip-like blade. Mostly, these blades are operated by a creative person who creates decorative woodwork.

In this article, you can find out different types of the jigsaw blade. These blades are used in various works according to the classes. Before starting your work, you need to identify the perfect jigsaw blades.

Different Types of Jigsaw Blades You Need to Know