Jigsaw (tool)

Jigsaws first emerged in the 19th century[1] and employed a treadle to operate the blade, which was thin and under tension, being secured at both ends to an oscillating frame.

The modern portable jigsaw, with a rigid blade secured at one end and cutting on the up-stroke, was introduced in 1947 by Scintilla AG (later acquired by Bosch).

Jigsaws with sole plates that have a beveling function can cut angles typically up to 45 degrees relative to the normal vertical stroke to make miter joints.

In 1946 Albert Kaufmann, an engineer of Scintilla AG company in Solothurn, Switzerland, replaced the needle on his wife's sewing machine with a saw blade.

Many modern jigsaws have an adjustment for tilting the blade tip forward, but at a static, fixed angle, claiming similar benefits.

[citation needed] High-carbon steel (HCS) is used for softer materials such as wood, laminated particle board, and plastics due to its flexibility.

[citation needed] Tungsten carbide (TC) blades have the strength to cut through abrasive materials such as reinforced plastics, fiberglass, cement board, stainless steel, tile, glass, cast iron, and brick.

[citation needed] Diamond-grit blades are extremely versatile, as they can cut rough materials such as hard porcelain tile, granite, slate, marble, and other stones due to their finely milled particles.