The desktop jigsaw machine is designed for cutting out various parts with complex configurations from sheet materials. This tool is capable of working with MDF, chipboard, fiberboard and many others. Jigsaws can also cut out internal contours parts if you first make a small hole. This tool has a wide range of applications, since it can provide high performance labor, which cannot be achieved with a regular hacksaw.
Design features
The design diagrams of all jigsaw machines are usually the same. Having carefully examined the drawings where this tool is depicted, you can see the following structural components:
- the bed, which is also often called the body. It is designed to accommodate everyone structural elements unit;
- drive mechanism;
- crank mechanism. It is necessary to convert the rotational energy of the motor shaft into the movements of the saw used during operation;
- double rocker arm. Equipped with fasteners for a file and a tension device;
- Desktop. In some modern models it has a rotation mechanism that moves at a given angle.
How to make a machine from a jigsaw?
To make a jigsaw from a manual jigsaw, you need to follow these instructions:
- First you need to make a table where it will be installed later. homemade jigsaw new machine. To do this, use any durable sheet material - thick plywood, metal and others.
- They do it in the table through holes, designed for cutting blades and various fasteners.
- The resulting jigsaw table is installed and securely fastened to a suitable wooden table.
- The resulting table is equipped with guide rails.
- A manual jigsaw is attached below, which makes it possible to replace the drive mechanism of the machine and many of its other structural elements.
Anyone can make such a jigsaw machine with their own hands. Its advantage is that at any time this unit can be quickly disassembled and only hand tools can be used.
Homemade jigsaw table machine from a manual jigsaw
How to make a more professional instrument?
A homemade jigsaw machine can have all the qualities that are present in professional equipment. To make it you need to follow these instructions:
- The frame is made from any durable material - 12 mm plywood, plastic, textolite and others. It should consist of a base, a housing to accommodate all structural units and a work table.
- On the other side, a rocking chair with an eccentric is placed. They need to be connected to each other using metal plates with sleeve type bearings. The resulting structure is installed using screws.
- The intermediate shaft is formed from several bearings.
- The metal pulley is placed very tightly on the shaft and the screw connection is secured.
- To change the movement characteristics of the rocker, 4 holes are made on the eccentric flange round shape threaded. They should be placed at different distances from the center line. The amplitude of movement of the rocking chair is regulated by the location of the screws.
- The rocking chair is formed from wooden rocker arms, which are attached on a hinge to the stand.
- Small cuts are made at the rear ends of the rocker arms. They are designed to install tension screws.
- The front ends of the rocker arm are designed for mounting a saw blade. It moves using special metal hinges. Before attaching the file, it is installed in a groove located on the work table.
- The rocking stand is made from a single piece of durable material. A groove is made at its upper end for installing the rocker arm, and a small hole is cut out near the lower end rectangular shape for mounting the second rocker arm.
How to make a machine from a sewing machine?
From sewing machine The result is an excellent jigsaw machine, which is equipped with a saw blade movement regulator. It is not difficult to do if you follow these instructions:
- The thread weaving mechanism is removed from the bottom of the machine. On some models it may be located in a different location.
- To dismantle this unit, you need to remove several bolts, then remove the cotter pin and drive shaft.
- The top protective panel is unscrewed. After this, the groove along which the sewing needle moves must be expanded to suit the parameters of the file.
- The cutting element itself is also slightly modified. It is trimmed according to the length of the sewing needle.
- It is not necessary to make an adapter to install the cutting element. Instead, you can grind down the upper incisors a little and process the lower zone of the blade.
- The file is inserted into the needle holder and work begins.
All presented options for manufacturing jigsaw machines are very successful. The resulting units are distinguished by high labor productivity, and making them is not at all difficult. Depending on their skills, each master will be able to choose best model homemade equipment.
Video: Jigsaw from a sewing machine
We independently convert an old sewing machine into a jigsaw.
There are many videos on the Internet about using old sewing machines in a new way. To do this, we leave in the body only the crank, the vertical rod for attaching the needle, and the flywheel with a groove for the belt drive. An electric drive for manual sewing machines is used to rotate the flywheel. ( Lyrical digression off topic: I purchased the drive about 30 years ago to make an electric spinning wheel according to drawings from the magazine “ Young technician" Wool from a white sheep was spun on a spinning wheel and a winter sweater was knitted. The spinning wheel itself was successfully played by someone I knew, i.e. disappeared). The foot pedal for speed control and the electric motor are pictured below.
A review of net rollers recommends the use of leaf springs with the force application point in the center of the long spring, or a block of coil springs with precise fixation of the bottom edge of the file. A long leaf spring significantly increases the overall dimensions of the device. The coil spring unit is difficult to make at home. The chosen scheme is a short spring fixed at one end.
A piece of an old metal meter was perfect for this. The spring stiffness can be adjusted by setting the number (stack) of springs and moving the clamp along the spring. The use of a short spring complicates the attachment of the file, because the free end of the spring describes a curved line, and accordingly the lower end of the file will also not move strictly vertically.
The existing round hole in the spring is bored out with a needle file under rectangular hole according to the size of the saw blade mounting unit. The result was a unit swinging along the long axis of the spring. Fixing the unit from below with a piece of rod. Fastening the file with a screw. When changing the file, the unit does not fall out because The saw blade clamp screw does not allow it from above and the axis of rotation from below does not allow it to move at a small angle.
Making the attachment point for the upper end of the file is not difficult and is clear from the photo.
The next feature of using sewing machines for making jigsaws is the small stroke of the working rod - approximately 25 mm. For reference: the working part of purchased files is approximately 85 mm with a total length of files of 120 mm. This shortcoming can be eliminated. To do this, the machine body is installed through a gasket (I have a thickness of 45 mm - three plates furniture chipboard,) Under the working rod there are three 15 mm spacers. As the working part of the file wears out, one gasket is removed, and so on.
When using files (notching saw teeth on piano wire with a diameter of 1 mm over a length of about 30 mm), it is not necessary to remove the gaskets. Since the machine is quite old and worn out, i.e. It rumbles and to eliminate noise, rubber shock absorbers are attached to the base posts. The first work was made of good quality 3mm plywood.
The idea of making a jigsaw came to me many years ago, but I brought it to life much later - when someone discarded a faulty sewing machine produced by a Podolsk plant fell into my hands.
From the “insides” of the machine, I took only the main shaft and the “needle bar” assembly, and dismantled the remaining parts. I also cut off the front part of the platform, leaving only the thrust bearing under the L-shaped body stand. I sanded down all the ridges on the bottom surface. I drilled holes in the corners of the thrust bearing and through them I attached the inverted machine to the table top of the cabinet from below. By the way, I also used a cabinet from an old foot-operated sewing machine. True, finding such a cabinet is probably more difficult than the machine itself. But it is not difficult to make it from a 20 mm thick chipboard. I closed the lid on top. steel sheet 1.5 mm thick (can also be made of duralumin).
A pulley with a diameter of 80 mm was installed on the protruding end of the main shaft to V-belt transmission(you can take it from an old foot sewing machine, only it needs to be bored out for a V-belt) A similar pulley, but with a larger diameter (100 mm), was installed on the electric motor shaft. Electric motor - single-phase (220 V) with a power of 180 W and a speed of 1350 per minute, together with pulley used from an old washing machine
The electric motor was mounted on the lower platform of the stand, which was made from fairly strong bakelite plywood 20 mm thick, since there was no floor in the stand itself. In the platform, I previously cut out oblong grooves through the holes in the legs of the electric motor to move the motor in order to tension the drive belt. The sawing unit is difficult to manufacture and requires some experience in working with metal. But it does not require precision (particularly precise) execution, so its parts, right down to the saw, can also be made by yourself.
The sawing unit is shown in the figure. A mandrel with a slot made of a hexagon is put on the needle bar, which is fixed with locking screws. A file is inserted into the slot of the mandrel, onto the shoulders of which a washer with a slot-like hole and a groove is first put on. The washer with its groove rests on the shoulders of the file. Then it is put on union nut and carefully tightened So that the file does not break during operation, a thrust roller assembly is provided. For this, a hole measuring 65 × 13 mm is sawed in the lid. Above this hole, a plate is symmetrically fastened to the cover with countersunk screws. Below it, a roller holder is installed. It is fixed with countersunk screws and a plate with two threaded holes. A roller made of steel is installed in the slot of the roller holder and secured with a rivet-axis with a diameter of 3 mm. The plate must be installed flush with the surface of the lid, so you need to select a recess for the plate with a chisel.
The file is made of carbon steel, if there is no purchased one The teeth are cut with a small file and needle files of the same shape as longitudinal hacksaws The teeth must be set, but since they are very small, it is almost impossible to use a special tool for this purpose Therefore, the saw blade must be clamped into small a vice, then with a beard and a hammer, light bending blows should be applied through the tooth. Then the file is turned over and the remaining teeth are bent in the same way. After sharpening, the teeth must be hardened.
Many people have known the fun of cutting with a jigsaw since childhood. The technology is simple. But despite the apparent ease and simplicity of the work, you can get very beautiful lace from wood or plastic. This is a very slow process that requires persistence and patience. To make work easier, jigsaw machines were developed. They are functionally divided into two groups: with manual and electric drive.
Jigsaw device with muscle drive
A homemade machine is easy to make. You can find many drawings of this plywood product. Using a jigsaw, your own hands and improvised tools, a simple but functional device is assembled in a short time.
The scope of application of jigsaws is extensive. They are used for sawing figured products from a variety of different materials. Machines are also necessary for cutting lumber. In this case, the outer contour of the workpiece remains intact. If you use various files, a homemade jigsaw will work perfectly natural wood, plywood, chipboard, plastic, metal, in particular aluminum.
Examples of do-it-yourself drawings of a jigsaw machine, which operates using muscle power, were repeatedly cited in various Soviet-era magazines.
Files for such a jigsaw machine are produced in the form of a flat blade.
Main parts of the machine:
- Bed (A).
- A work table with a slot for a saw (B).
- A large drive pulley that acts as a flywheel (D).
- Small drive pulley. The drive is combined with a crank mechanism (D).
- Levers (B).
- A pedal that spins the flywheel through the crank assembly (E).
- Saw tension unit (G).
The master, constantly pressing the pedal with his foot, spins the flywheel. Through the belt, the movement of the flywheel is transmitted to the second pulley. Which, in turn, causes the crank mechanism with the saw blade to move.
If the flywheel is correctly balanced, without distortions and with a uniform, correctly selected mass, then the file achieves good smooth running. A similar machine for cutting plywood allows you to quickly produce many simple, similar products. The time and effort required for sawing is significantly reduced.
With this machine design, the size of the initial workpiece is limited. It depends on the length of the levers (B). When complicating the pattern, it is necessary to rotate the product around the saw.
Because the foot drive does not ensure a completely uniform stroke and limits the freedom and imagination of the master, then most often such machines are replaced with electric ones.
Construction of a jigsaw machine
Electric band jigsaw - this is a household universal device for the manufacture of souvenirs, furniture, and various interior items. There are many options for manufacturing such machines. But the main elements on which the quality of the product and ease of use depend are the electric motor and the blade.
Main design elements:
- Saw blade.
- Crank mechanism.
- Drive part.
- Belt tension unit.
- Stand or work table.
- Various auxiliary elements.
Design and principle of operation
Conversion from a hand jigsaw
The first step is to make a working table for the mechanism. Suitable for these purposes a metal sheet or thick plywood. Holes for the cutting tape and fasteners are drilled and sawed out in the worksheet.
The jigsaw table is then placed on a regular table. Once secured, the guide rails can be assembled. To reduce vibration, just cut out the rubber gasket the right size and put between jigsaw table and the main surface.
The above design is convenient in that it can be easily disassembled and can be used again as a hand jigsaw.
Since the standard device has springs that tension the saw, a rocker arm is necessary. One edge of the rocker arm is attached to cutting element machine, and the second is under tension from the springs. These simple steps will easily turn an ordinary jigsaw into a machine.
When operating the device, it is important not to forget to turn off the pendulum stroke before starting cutting.
Assembly from a sewing machine
You can also quickly and easily assemble a homemade jigsaw from a sewing machine. Moreover, this device has an interesting feature - a regulator for the stroke of the nail file, since sewing machines have a speed switch.
First, at the bottom of the machine you need to find a thread weaving knot. To do this, several screws are unscrewed. The cotter pin located inside is knocked out and the drive shaft, which is connected to the thread weaving complex, is removed. After completing this procedure, the top panel is unscrewed. The groove along which the needle rode widens slightly to accommodate the saw blade. The files themselves are shortened slightly to the length of the needle. To fix the saw itself, you can make an adapter. But the easiest way is to grind off the top part of the cutting blade and sharpen the bottom. After which you can insert the nail file into place of the needle and get to work.
When working with jigsaws of any type, you should not forget about safety rules. Do not leave the device turned on for a long time without supervision.
If the master long hair, then it’s better to pick them up or use a special cap. It is better to roll up the sleeves of your clothes. The room should be well ventilated. In the room where carpentry work is carried out, a first aid kit with emergency aid for cuts must be kept.
A tabletop jigsaw machine will be useful to every craftsman who cuts out thin parts. However, it is not always possible and meaningful to purchase a full-fledged machine. In that case, get down to business and make it yourself!
The structure of a jigsaw machine - what lies inside?
Jigsaw machines are more related to special tools than to devices that are needed as to an experienced master, and for the amateur who manages the garage. Their purpose comes down to a special task, namely cutting out complex curved contours from sheet materials. A special feature of such machines is the execution of cuts without violating the integrity of the external contour. Most often, sawing occurs on wooden and derivative materials (plywood, chipboard, fiberboard), although modern machines equipped with appropriate saws can also work with other materials, for example, plastic or plasterboard.
Such equipment has found application in the music industry (manufacturing musical instruments) and, of course, in the furniture room. Those who like to make things in their own workshop also buy such units. The structure of a traditional jigsaw machine, designed according to all the rules, looks like this: working surface, on which the saw is mounted, hides the drive (electric motor) and the crank structure underneath. The tension mechanism can be located either below or above the machine.
To process a part, it must be placed on the workbench. Many models have the ability to rotate it at different angles to make bevel cuts. Stops and guides on the surface, as well as swivel mechanism may have markings, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the work. The length of the cut depends on the length of the work table - most models are limited to 30-40 cm. Electric motor power is an important, but still far from the most fundamental factor, since the machine has a huge reserve of unclaimed power. For example, for a home workshop or even small production, an “engine” of only 150 W is sufficient.
The crank mechanism is much more important detail, because in in this case it is on this that the quality of transmission of the drive torque into the translational-reciprocal motion, directed in vertical plane using a file.
Standard jigsaw machines are considered to be devices with an amplitude of movement of around 3-5 cm and a vibration frequency of up to 1000 per minute. Many models provide a change in speed mode for different materials. The jigsaw file itself is usually made up to 35 cm long and is capable of sawing material up to 10 cm thick. The width of the files can vary in a fairly wide range - from very thin two-millimeter to coarser ten-millimeter, with a thickness from 0.6 mm to 1.25 mm.
Even the thickest and widest file will easily break if you do not provide sufficient tension along the entire length of the file. Leaf and coil springs are used for this. Quite often, such machines are equipped with an air pump, which cleans the cut from sawdust by blowing it, as well as a drilling unit. Last device especially useful, because in this case the master does not need to be distracted by the connection electric drill and drilling a hole - everything happens on the working plane of the machine. Of course, you have to pay for convenience!
How to make a jigsaw with your own hands from a manual jigsaw?
On the Internet you will find many different designs homemade machines, but most of them come down to repurposing into this device. By using your ingenuity and watching the video, you can easily make a homemade jigsaw from this tool. The jigsaw only needs a little modification. In fact, it plays the role of a machine drive and a crank mechanism, but the rest needs to be thought out and implemented.
Of course, manufacturers are trying to please consumers in this area as well, offering their own platform options for quick and convenient remodeling, however, in reality only you can make a device that suits your needs. So, the first step is to make a support table, for which they most often use sheet metal. You need to make a beveled oblong hole in it for the saw blade and holes for fasteners (countersunk screws are recommended), and attach the jigsaw to the bottom of the support table.
This structure can only be strengthened on a wooden table. You can go beyond this and install guide rails. The convenience of such a device lies in the fact that in addition to performing functions that are not entirely inherent to it, you can always disconnect the drive and with a slight movement of your hand turn it back into a manual jigsaw! If you constantly need this tool for work, it makes sense specifically for the machine - it will be cheaper than spending money on a real machine.
Advantages and disadvantages - we continue to modify!
But such a unit inherits not only the advantages of the tool, but also its disadvantages, in particular, the file is too wide for filigree work, which significantly limits the curvature of the lines. If there is a need for this, there will be a way out. So far, our machine differs from the classic jigsaw unit in the absence of springs that would ensure sufficient tension on the file. But it’s quite easy to build a simple rocker, which on one side will be under the tension of springs, and on the other, fixed to a nail file.
There is another option - to clamp the nail file between two guide rollers, but the first option is still more reliable. Be sure to turn off the pendulum action on your jigsaw before using it. homemade machine. There is another design - if your tool is powerful enough, then it can only serve as a drive in a structure of two rocker arms, between which a nail file is stretched. The movement is transmitted through a file attached to the lower rocker.
Machine from a sewing machine - giving a second life to old tools!
If you inherited a foot-operated or manual sewing machine from your grandmother or mother, consider yourself the owner of an excellent jigsaw machine! Of course, for this you need to “work a little magic” on the machine. First, remove the thread weaving device, which is usually located at the bottom of the machine. There is nothing complicated about it, just unscrew two bolts. Then we knock out the cotter pin and remove the drive shaft leading to the thread weaving mechanism.
Having unscrewed the top panel that protects the mechanisms, it is necessary to expand the slot in which the needle went. Be guided by the needs and width of the nail file that you will use in your work. Files for a jigsaw of this kind also need to be slightly modified, namely cut to maximum length needles that could be used on this machine. Having ground off the upper teeth and sharpened the lower part to the point, all you have to do is insert the file into the needle holder and test your machine in action!
