Jigsaw Blades

About

Jigsaw blades vary in length, tooth shape and material. High TPI (teeth per inch) blades cut cleanly in metal and plastic, while lower TPI blades remove wood quickly. T shank blades fit most modern jigsaws. What materials can jigsaw blades cut? Jigsaw blades are designed to cut a wide variety of materials, depending on the blade type: Wood and plywood (fast or fine-tooth blades) Metal and aluminum (bi-metal or HSS blades) Plastics, laminates, and PVC (clean-cut blades with medium teeth) Ceramic tiles or glass (tungsten carbide grit blades) The key is to match the blade material and tooth design to the job. What’s the difference between T-shank and U-shank jigsaw blades? T-shank blades are the current standard and offer tool-free, secure fitting in most modern jigsaws U-shank blades were more common in older models and often require a manual tool to secure Most modern jigsaws—including Bosch, Makita, Festool, and Hikoki—use T-shank blades for speed, safety, and stability. How do I choose the right jigsaw blade for the job? Key factors to consider: Tooth count (TPI) – Lower TPI (6–10): fast, rough wood cuts Higher TPI (14–24): smoother cuts in metal or thin material Blade length – choose longer blades for thicker materials Tooth shape – Reverse teeth for laminate (cuts on the downstroke to prevent chipping) Ground teeth for clean, fine wood cuts Material – HCS for softwood and plastic HSS or Bi-metal for harder materials Carbide for tile, fiber cement, or metal