There are various types of jigsaw blades available in the market. How do I choose the right blade? The blades come in different types, thicknesses, tooth counts, widths, and lengths. They also have different efficiencies. The materials of the blades also vary, including high-speed steel, carbon steel, and hard alloy, among others. Each material has its own characteristics.

So, how do I choose a jigsaw blade?

The selection of a jigsaw blade should be based on the material you are going to cut. Different materials require different blades. For cutting plastic or metal, you need different blades. If you want a clean cut, you'll need a fine-toothed blade. If you want to increase cutting efficiency, you'll need a coarse-toothed blade.

How do I choose a jigsaw blade for metal materials?

In the market, popular high carbon steel blades can be used for cutting wood, medium-density fiberboard, or plastic. However, they don't have a long lifespan. They are affordable and suitable for cutting wood and medium-density materials. They have good flexibility.

High-speed steel (HSS) blades can be used for cutting rigid metals. They can cut non-ferrous metals and acrylic resin. They are more durable than HCS blades.

BIM blades are bimetal blades that combine the advantages of HCS and HSS. They are durable, flexible, and less prone to breakage. They are more expensive than HCS and HSS blades but more durable.

How do I choose the tooth count?

The tooth count, also known as teeth per inch (tpi), determines the cutting speed. The higher the tpi, the slower the cutting speed, but it leaves a smoother edge. Using a lower tpi allows for faster cutting, but the edge will be rougher and produce more chipping.