When to change a jigsaw blade?

[semenza]

      This question was inspired from a post in another thread. Seems obvious at first ........ when it's dull. But, other than just being subjective guess work, does anyone have a guideline that they go by?  'X' number of feet of plywood, hard wood, when it starts to burn, etc.  Or some sort of idea of how to tell when it is really getting dull? Some sharpness testing method?

    I don't actually use a jigsaw much myself, but I am curious.

Seth

 

[carlb40]

I normally only use a jigsaw on sink cut outs in worktops. I don't have a festool jigsaw yet, so use bosch blades in my makita. After one sink cut out i bin the blade as i found trying to use it again i got too much blade deflection. 

 

[Davej]

I normally only use a jigsaw on sink cut outs in worktops. I don't have a festool jigsaw yet, so use bosch blades in my makita. After one sink cut out i bin the blade as i found trying to use it again i got too much blade deflection.

Try  the festool fsg type blades , they will fit the makita and thicker so less deflection.
Dave

 

[Staniam]

I use a jigsaw more than any other saw (maybe not now that I have the TS 55 though) and I generally go by burning of the blade. You can usually tell on the upper shank how burnt it is. I use a combination of Bosch and Festool blades and for me, both last a decent amount of time depending on the type of cut. Also, you can tell a blade is done by slight bends. I toss them at that point.

 

[Alan m]

I use a combination of dewalt and festool blades.
I go by feel. I usually can feel when its not cutting like normal
I also look at the blade in light. if I can see any shininess on the tips its usually too far gone for good work

 

[semenza]

I use a combination of dewalt and festool blades.
I go by feel. I usually can feel when its not cutting like normal
I also look at the blade in light. if I can see any shininess on the tips its usually too far gone for good work

Hadn't thought of that.

Seth

 

[Alan m]

its fairly noticeable when cutting ply and chipboard

 

[AlexThePalex]

Same as Alan here. You can feel when it doesn't cut well anymore, you need to use more force to proceed throught the wood. A quick look at the blade itself to compare it with a new one will also tell you how far it's gone, a new one will have razor sharp teeth, and with a worn one the teeth will be rounded off. With a blade for metal sometimes the teeth are completely gone.

 

[Northern Early]

I unplug my saw and feel it with my finger. They may be rough caliced hands but they can feel a dull blade.

I use Bosch and Festool blades and have decided I will no longer buy Bosch. The fez is worth it imo. Once my Bosch blade run out they are done for aside from down cutting blades. I haven't looked allot but last time I was at my dealer fez dosent sell a down cut blade.

As for the sawzall, I use them until they break off it seems.  Which shows I'm cheap, but I change Rotex paper asap. Ain't nobody got time for sanding.