What is the stroke length of a jigsaw?
What is the stroke length of a jigsaw? |
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The cutting capacity of a jigsaw is determined by two factors: stroke length and stroke rate (measured in strokes per minute, or spm).
A jigsaw’s stroke length is the distance the blade travels up and down while cutting. It can range from 18mm (¾”) to 26mm (1″). |
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The longer the stroke length of a jigsaw, the faster it is able to cut.
This is because a greater number of the blade’s teeth come into contact with the workpiece per stroke. |
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Jigsaws with a longer stroke are more capable of cutting thicker materials. A longer stroke allows any sawdust or swarf produced to more effectively escape from the cut. As a result, less stress is put on the blade so it is likely to last longer before it needs to be replaced.
The most efficient jigsaws have a stroke length of 25-26mm (1″). |
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On the other hand, jigsaws with a shorter stroke (of around 18mm or ¾”) produce a slightly smoother but slower cut.
Because they are less efficient than saws with a longer stroke, these jigsaws are more likely to be forced by the user which may overwork the tool’s motor. |
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However, saws with a slightly shorter stroke length offer the user more control because, as it travels a shorter distance, the blade produces less vibration.
This makes these jigsaws able to more effectively cut sheet metal which can be tricky to cut accurately if the blade is vibrating a great deal. |
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Although jigsaws with a shorter stroke length are adequate for one-off DIY tasks, if you will be using your power tool regularly, a jigsaw with a longer stroke will be better able to meet your cutting needs. | |||
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