Jigsaw with stand. Homemade jigsaw machine for sawing: drawings and video. Jigsaw machine from electric jigsaw

Lately I have been very interested in cutting out with a jigsaw, I don’t even know why. It all started with the fact that I needed to cut out several gears from plywood...

And off we go. At first I cut out the gears by hand, then I thought, pumping the muscle with a hand jigsaw is of course good, but if you automate the process, it will be much faster!

So, first of all, let’s get acquainted with this manual jigsaw for artistic cutting.

(all photos in this article were found on the Internet)

To saw you need files, they are thin as wire, with sharp teeth. Previously, such files were sold in a pack of 50 pieces, recently I went to the store, and these “bimesmen” started selling them individually. You can break a couple of these files in an evening.

For cutting, we will also need a special table, it can be a board with a conical slot, screwed to the table with screws or a clamp.

To make it easier to attach the files to the machine, it is better to use a special device that will compress the contour of the jigsaw, so you can easily change the file without effort. With the help of a wooden eccentric, compression occurs.

And now about automation. In the next photo you see a factory-type tabletop jigsaw; you can find a sea of ​​different modifications on the Internet. This thing is not very expensive, but even if I really want it, I won’t be able to find it in my city, and in principle there’s no need for it.

Industrial machines are, of course, good, but I’ll probably use them for a couple of months and give up on this activity, and in general, such a machine, as I learned, can be easily assembled yourself from plywood and wooden blocks.

The following photo uses an industrial manual jigsaw and a spring to return the saw.

So, we can easily assemble a tabletop jigsaw with our own hands at home. I personally did just that, but I have a special design, there are no photos of me in this article, but I will definitely post them, as well as a video in progress.

Since childhood, we have been familiar with the technology of sawing with a jigsaw. The principle is simple - a stationary part is placed on a stand with a technological cutout, the cut is made by moving the saw. The quality of work depends on the steadfastness of the hands and the skill of the worker.

In this way, you can literally cut lace from thin wooden or plastic blanks. However, the process is labor-intensive and slow. Therefore, many craftsmen thought about small-scale mechanization.

A simple design from the last century

Even in the magazine “Young Technician” they offered drawings on how to make a jigsaw with your own hands. Moreover, the design does not involve an electric drive; the drive operates from muscular force, like a knife sharpener.

The machine consists of main parts:

• bed (A)
• work table (B) with slot for canvas
• lever system (B) for holding the saw blade
• flywheel (G), which is the primary drive pulley
• crank mechanism (D), combined with a secondary drive pulley, and driving the levers (B)
• pedal assembly (E) with a crank mechanism driving the flywheel (D)
• saw blade tensioner (W)

The master uses his foot to move the flywheel (D). Using a belt drive, the crank mechanism (D) connected to the lower arm (B) rotates. A file is stretched between the levers, the degree of tension is regulated by a lanyard (G).

With a well-balanced flywheel, sufficient smooth running of the saw blade is ensured, and such a homemade jigsaw machine allows you to massively cut out the same type of workpiece, saving time and effort. In those days, jigsaw files were produced in the form of a flat unidirectional strip.

Therefore, to obtain patterns of complex shapes, it was necessary to rotate the workpiece around the canvas. The dimensions of the workpiece are limited by the length of the arms (B).

From a mechanical jigsaw to an electric one one step

The foot drive cannot provide real freedom of action and uniformity of the saw stroke. It makes more sense to use an electric motor for the crank mechanism. However, if you use a tabletop jigsaw occasionally, there is no point in making a stationary structure with its own motor.

You can use home power tools. For example, a screwdriver with a rotation speed controller.
The materials used are literally scraps of wood and old trash. The only critical part is the bed. It is better to make it from durable plywood with a thickness of at least 18 mm.

We make all connections using wood screws; the joints can be coated with PVA glue. From the same material we assemble a support pedestal for the lever rod. The design of the support should not have any play; the subsequent accuracy of the entire machine depends on its strength.

The idea of ​​​​creating a homemade jigsaw is most often due to the disadvantages that factory hand tools have. You can make a small tabletop machine with your own hands, which will include a pusher, a reciprocating motor, and a saw tension system. In this case, you do not need complex drawings - once you understand the essence, it is easy to achieve the result.

The desire to create a homemade jigsaw may arise for several reasons:

1. There is no power supply in the workshop, but it is possible to use low-power internal combustion engines.
2. There are pneumatic motors, but the compressor power is not enough for a serial tool.
3. The electric motor is powered by batteries or solar panels; the power of the source is not enough to use a power tool.
4. It is required to obtain saw motion parameters that are unattainable using a commercial tool.

Designing a jigsaw is not difficult. A typical structure looks like this:

The installation is easy to adapt to any torque source. A pair of pulleys (one is located on the engine shaft, the other drives the crank mechanism) allows you to vary the gear ratio, reducing the load on the power unit and allowing you to get the required speed (they are also responsible for the number of saw strokes per minute) on the actuator.

A machine built according to the above diagram may have the most different configuration, the material of manufacture is also selected individually. An example of a finished installation looks like this:

Disadvantages of a manual jigsaw

The manual jigsaw is designed for shaping straight cuts. In this case, as the rollers, rod, and pusher wear out, the saw may wobble, deviate from a straight line, and change the angle of attack. Regardless of the quality of the tool components, the following features are always present:

1. When the saw becomes dull, deviation from a straight line is observed when cutting material of uneven density (for example, low-quality chipboard). The saw is capable of leaving the cutting line when it encounters a knot in the wood.
2. When trying to make a curved radius cut, you can observe the following picture: the upper cutting line, which the worker follows, follows an exact trajectory, the lower one deviates, goes to the side, the radius becomes larger. The higher the wear of the tool and the lower the sharpness of the saw, the more pronounced this phenomenon is.
3. Some materials cannot be worked using a pick-up or bottom feed of the saw. The carpenter is required to move the tool forward extremely evenly, which is impossible to do very accurately; as a result, the saw runs out along the entry and exit path.

It is even more difficult to work with thin saws designed for curved cuts. Without practice, it is very difficult to achieve a good result, especially on thick slabs or wood materials. Let's look at how you can make a carpenter's job easier and the result better.

Standard solutions

The machine is made from a manual jigsaw based on a simple table. This device is common and mass-produced; samples can be seen in the photographs below.

The mechanics of work are simple:

• The jigsaw clearly fixes the tool, ensuring that there is no influence of the human factor (the hand can move the jigsaw unevenly).
• The presence of a support allows you to move the device without deviations along the trajectory.

With the help of a table, jigsaws begin to cut in a straight line, but the capabilities of such a device are limited. If you remove the side fence and try to guide the workpiece, forming a curved cut, the same problems of saw deflection arise. The problem can be solved by using a simple saw, rigidly fixed with a pair of rollers. Making curved cuts is now convenient and fast. What homemade and industrial products of this type look like is shown in the following photos.

Tension devices for curved cuts

To perform very thin and precise shaped cuts, you can make a machine from a jigsaw with a saw blade tension system. The idea of ​​creating it yourself is as follows:

1. A very thin saw is used, ideally for a hand jigsaw.
2. A clamp is attached to the rod of the power tool, which will tighten the cutting blade.
3. The trajectory stabilization system will regulate both one freedom of movement and two (horizontal and vertical).

Used as a tension block hand jigsaw clamp, to which an adapter is made, which in turn is inserted into the clamping device of the power tool rod. To ensure adjustment of one freedom of movement, a pair of angles and a bolt are used. The result of the implementation of the idea is presented in the following photo.

The saw provides clearly vertical movement, good tension can be created, but there is a mandatory runout in the horizontal direction. The canvas comes with a pick-up and does not move in a straight line.

The development of this idea is in the next photo. Here the part that fixes the trajectory moves, and the metal clamp provides structural rigidity and mechanical resistance.

The system is stabilized in two degrees of freedom, the cut made with its help is neat and precise. By using a diamond-coated cord for a hand jigsaw, you can cut glass without creating messy chips on the edges.

Accessories for extremely delicate work

If you need to work extremely delicately and slowly, you will need to reduce the force on the cutting blade while maintaining strong tension and precise movement of the file. For this, a homemade jigsaw is equipped with spacer devices with long shoulders.

In this case, the power tool does not operate in the cutting zone, but at some distance. This allows, depending on the wishes of the carpenter, to regulate the force, speed and amplitude of movement of the saw. One of the options for implementing the idea is shown in the following photo.

Depending on the needs of the master, the structure can be made of steel, have additional fixing zones, and the power tool cannot be installed rigidly, but with the ability to move within its support beam.

In practice, such solutions are rarely used. For delicate work that is performed constantly, it is much more profitable to purchase a specialized band saw, which will ensure quality and productivity.

As can be seen from the presented designs, a jigsaw can even be made from a sewing machine with a moving rod.

The era of electric tools did not come with the first electric drills, but when the electric motor became an attribute of a narrower tool: scissors, hacksaws, impact wrenches and, of course, jigsaws.

Moreover, the jigsaw became one of the first in this series. Today it is one of the most popular tools in the home (and not only) workshop. And first of all, we are talking about hand tools.

But in this article we are looking at jigsaw machines, and these are practically stationary devices that often have their own specific place in the workshop, because for comfortable work they require a base with given parameters: height, so that the hand placed on the work table has a bend at the elbow of 90º and stability to dampen vibrations of the machine itself.

What are jigsaws used for?

Jigsaw machines are primarily designed for cutting out parts or elements of complex configurations in sheet materials: wood, plywood, MDF, fiberboard, chipboard, plastic, aluminum. They are also used to cut out the internal contours of products with preliminary drilling of the sawn material.

Such a tool, unlike manual or electric jigsaws, leaves both hands free for the person working on it, which greatly facilitates the work and allows it to be performed with the greatest accuracy. Most jigsaw machines, provided that the files are correctly selected and installed, allow sawing even in fairly thick workpieces, strictly maintaining an angle of 90º relative to the plane of the workpiece.

Also, many models have an inclined table, which makes it possible to perform complex patterns at strictly specified angles other than straight, which is almost impossible when using manual or electric jigsaws.

In addition to home use, they are widely used in furniture production and musical instrument manufacturing enterprises. True, quite often they are replaced by laser machines, but the burnt edges left by the latter do not make their use widespread.

General drawing, structural features of desktop jigsaw machines

The most common layout of jigsaw machines is as follows:

It includes:

• a frame (or body) on which all components and mechanisms are mounted;
• drive, often from an electric motor via a V-belt to a crank;
• a crank mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor shaft into the reciprocating motion of the saw;
• double rocker with tensioning device and attachments for saw blades;
• desktop, sometimes with a mechanism for rotating in the horizontal plane at a given angle.

Previously, miniature jigsaw machines with a somewhat simplified design were on sale, but it was precisely because of this, which led to the rapid failure of the files due to their short stroke, that their production was discontinued.

Most currently produced desktop jigsaw machines work with files 200–350 mm long and have a working stroke of 30 to 50 mm.

The differences between the machines mainly consist in the power of the electric drive (from 90 to 500 W for most models), as well as the type and methods of attaching the files. The optimal power, in our opinion, is 150 W.

And files, in addition to length, can vary in width (from 2 to 10 mm), type of shanks (with or without pins) and thickness (from 0.6 to 1.25 mm).

Some models can be equipped with the simplest, often called “Soviet”, saw blades for manual jigsaws, which is a big advantage. To realize just this opportunity, owners of jigsaw machines that do not have it often improve the fastenings of their devices by installing clamps from a manual jigsaw on them.

Most desktop jigsaw machines have 2 speed modes: most often 600 and 1000 rpm, which is very useful when working with materials of different thickness, hardness and viscosity. The presence of the already mentioned rotary table is a useless function for 99% of the work performed on the machine.

Also, most jigsaw machines are equipped with additional accessories, such as:

• compressor for blowing chips from the cutting line;
• lighting of the sawing area;
• drilling block, etc.

These devices cannot be called useless, but it is still not worth relying on their presence when choosing a tabletop jigsaw machine, since these same functions can be successfully performed by:

• a compressor for an aquarium, with a blowing power selected by you, often more efficient than the standard one;
• a table lamp or carrier with a light output that is comfortable for your eyes;
• electric drill or screwdriver.

Even more complex devices, such as engraving drills, which can be equipped with your machine, generally cause some confusion, but let’s say right away that it is better to have such tools not tied to a jigsaw (or any other) machine. Their mobility is often more expensive than the advanced functionality of this very machine. In addition, all this is far from free.

Choosing a jigsaw manufacturer

Most often, Russian consumers choose jigsaw machines from Proxxon, Dewalt, Hegner, Xendoll, Zubr, JET, Enkor Corvette and Croton. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Based on reliability and compliance with the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, we would single out machines from the German company Hegner. And their line of this equipment is longer than many, but be sure to insist on sea trials when purchasing, regardless of which company’s machine you are planning to buy.

And even if it is possible to choose from 2 identical machines, demand that both are turned on. Buy one that has less operating noise and vibration.

DIY jigsaw machine

Finding a drawing of such equipment on the Internet is a rather trivial task, but we do not consider it advisable to single out any specific one from them, due to completely different approaches to implementation, both the very idea of ​​​​building such a machine, and the selection of materials, type of drive, etc. We will offer several concepts for a homemade jigsaw and briefly analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you can figure out what is best for you.

• First: the easiest to implement, suitable for performing most tasks in the manufacture of parts with a rather complex contour at home.

There are many options for attaching a manual jigsaw to the tabletop that serves as the machine’s work table. Choose any, or offer your own and share with the readers of our site, for which we will be grateful.

The video also shows techniques for making a complex contour using a not-so-thin file. And the main disadvantage of this design is the impossibility of using thin files, which makes it difficult to manufacture openwork parts.

• Second: wooden. It is interesting due to the fact that the material is accessible, easy to process and repair.

In our opinion, the interesting thing about it is the use of the same manual jigsaw, which is rational for two reasons:

• if necessary, it can be used as an independent tool, as it was made;
• the drive has built-in speed control, oscillation amplitude, and eliminates additional mechanisms that reduce the reliability of the design.

However, for those who like to craft, there are alternative options for making a wooden jigsaw.

When used as a drive of a drill or screwdriver with an adjustable speed of rotation of the output shaft, it will also be possible to smoothly regulate the frequency of movement of the saw.

Moreover, control of this process can be transferred to the pedal using a simple device, which will make the work even more comfortable and the cutting more precise. Such jigsaw machines need to be well strengthened with braces and stringers and securely fastened to the floor so that they do not move during operation.

• Third: metal. There is no doubt that this particular concept is the most reliable and durable (provided that serious manufacturing errors are excluded), but it is also the most expensive. It makes sense to implement it if there is a large amount of work and you manage to save a sufficient amount by using the materials you already have. Otherwise, there is not much point in making such structures with your own hands, given that inexpensive factory-made jigsaw machines can be purchased for less than 4 thousand rubles.

Of course, the latter does not matter if you are interested in the process of technical creativity itself.

Dear readers, if you have any questions, please ask them using the form below. We will be glad to communicate with you;)

What to do when you need a jigsaw but don’t need to buy one? You can make a jigsaw with your own hands. There are many ways to make or repair such a tool. Let's look at the simplest and most accessible of them.

Manual jigsaw - simple, fast and affordable

How to make a jigsaw quickly from available and inexpensive materials? Here's the easiest way.

List of tools and materials:

• plywood sheet (10 mm);
• plywood sheet (4 mm);
• steel sheet (2 mm);
• bolts and nuts;
• drill;
• chisel;
• sanding paper;
• file.

The base of the manual jigsaw is a bracket; it should be made from a plywood sheet (10 mm). Next, it is recommended to make thickenings for the tool handle from thinner plywood (4 mm). These thickenings must be glued to the handle on both sides, which will ensure more convenient operation in the future. Sand the bracket and handle well using sanding paper and a file. It is necessary to cut out the steel plate with a chisel, and then clean the clamping jaws with a file. After this, drill slots in the jaws with a drill, and then use a sharp chisel to cut notches inside the clamping jaws. In the left clamping jaw, modify the slot for the bolt; for this you need to make a thread. Attach the jaws to the bracket, then screw the bolts into the left clamp, securing them with nuts.

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Table jigsaw: two manufacturing options

The desktop fixture can be made either new or by modifying or repairing improvised means.

Making a new benchtop mechanical jigsaw will require the following tools and materials:

• duralumin pipe;
• plastic base;
• clamps;
• screws;
• copper sheet;
• drill.

First you need to prepare the frame; for this purpose it is better to use an aluminum pipe. When making the frame, it is necessary to provide a passage through which the cord will be laid to provide power. A copper sheet should be taken to make a U-shaped frame, which will subsequently need to be attached to the frame itself. At the junction of the frame with the handle of the jigsaw, screw the frame with screws. In the plastic base, use a drill to drill a hole for the file, as well as slots for fasteners. Attach the jigsaw to the prepared plastic so that the file passes through the hole. Using clamps, attach the finished tool to a flat surface, such as a table.

A hand-held device made on the basis of a sewing machine is an ideal option if repairing a sewing machine is not as important as manufacturing such a tool. List of tools and materials:

• sewing machine (you can use either a foot- or hand-operated model);
• file;
• needle file;
• drill.

After unscrewing the bolts at the bottom of the sewing machine, you should remove the entire threading system. Next, knock out the metal fastening rod and remove the drive shaft of the thread weaving system. The panel covering the sewing machine parts can be easily removed by unscrewing 2 more bolts. Carefully remove the needle. The needle slot needs a little repair - it needs to be widened to accommodate a file. To do this, it is better to cut the hole using a needle file, focusing on the dimensions of the file itself. After this, adjust its size to the maximum possible needle size by cutting off the upper part of the file. After grinding down the upper teeth with a file and the lower part on the tip, you can proceed to the next step. The prepared file must be placed in the place of the former needle - in the needle holder. After this, you should turn the wheel and check:

• so that the saw does not come into contact with the panel and the presser foot;
• so that in the upper position the plywood passes freely under the saw;
• so that the material can be drawn smoothly.

This jigsaw is suitable for working with materials made of plywood, balsa wood and plastic, and if you use an electric machine, you will get an electric jigsaw.