Jigsaw blades: how to choose (wood, metal, laminates)

Jigsaw blades: how to choose (wood, metal, laminates)

Because this research is "purchased"

Those searching for " jigsaw blade for wood ", " jigsaw blade for metal ", " TPI ", " clean cut laminate " usually already own the machine and want to buy the right supplies (or are choosing a kit).

1) T-fitting: the most common pattern (and the one you should confirm)

Most modern jigsaws use a T-shank , and many blade sets/assemblies explicitly mention compatibility with "T-shank vertical saws".

Quick tip: if you buy a kit for your store, put " T-fitting " in the title/description — it's a strong keyword and reduces returns due to incompatibility.

2) Tooth pitch and TPI: the secret to cutting (and finishing)

A technical document (catalog) clearly explains:

  • Tooth pitch/TPI is the number of teeth per inch;

  • Under normal conditions, at least 3 teeth should be in contact with the cutting area;

  • Fine pitch (more teeth) → best for small cuts and harder materials;

  • Coarse pitch (fewer teeth) → best for wide cuts and softer materials.

How to apply (without complicating things):

  • Thick wood / fast cuts: thicker pitch (less TPI)

  • Laminates / finishing: finer pitch (higher TPI) and "clean" blade

  • Metal: fine pitch (higher TPI) and suitable material (HSS/BiM)

3) Blade material: HCS, BiM and carbide

In product and blade guides, you will see abbreviations such as:

  • HCS (carbon steel) : common in softwood and non-abrasive materials (good price/use ratio)

  • BiM / Bi-metal : combines harder teeth with a flexible body, resulting in increased durability and resistance to breakage (very useful in metal and demanding applications).

  • Carbide : designed for highly abrasive/hard materials (solid surface, WPC, etc.)

4) Choice by material: the buyer's "mental chart"

Timber (general cuts)

For "cut and go," HCS typically performs well. Several market examples describe HCS blades for softwood and non-abrasive materials.

If you want straight and fast cuts: look for blades that refer to teeth designed for straight/fast cuts (e.g., "precise/straight").

Wood + finish (clean cut)

When a customer writes "clean cut," they're trying to avoid splinters. There are blades and ranges focused precisely on that—and even websites that classify blades by "Final Cut" / "Straight Cut" / "Curves."

Laminated (without chips)

For laminates and surfaces where aesthetics are paramount, it makes sense to look for blades with a geometry designed to prevent chipping. An example of a "clean 2-sided" blade describes cuts without tearing on either side.

Metal (pipes, profiles, sheet metal)

In metalworking, the goal is to avoid breaking the blade and "burning" the cutting edge. An example of a blade for metal pipes and profiles features a bimetal construction and a small tooth pitch (e.g., 1.2 mm).

5) Types of cuts (rough vs. clean) and how to sell kits

Product pages in Portugal usually indicate:

  • material to be worked on (wood/steel)

  • type of cut (rough/clean)

  • number of teeth and tooth spacing (mm)

A strategy that works for online stores (and SEO):

  • " Quick Wood " Kit (thicker pitch)

  • " Clean Cut Wood / Laminate " Kit (fine pitch + "clean")

  • “ Metal ” kit (fine pitch + BiM/HSS)

6) Final checklist (for the user to decide in 30 seconds)

  • Does my saw accept a T-shank ? (most do)

  • Material to be cut: wood / laminate / metal

  • Proper tooth pitch/TPI (rule of 3 teeth in contact )

  • Do I need a "clean cut"? Then use a fine step and a "clean" blade.

  • For metal: prefer BiM and fine pitch.