The jigsaw is one of the most versatile tools on a UK construction site. But choosing the wrong blade means slow cuts, rough edges, blade breakage, and wasted time. This guide covers everything a trade professional needs to know about jigsaw blade selection, then compares the complete MAXTEC range so you can find the right blade for every job in seconds.
Blade Construction: HCS, Bi-Metal, and HSS M2
The blade material is the first and most important selection decision. It determines what the blade can cut, how long it lasts, and how much it costs per cut over its service life.
Single material throughout. Flexible and cost-effective. Correct for softwood, plywood, MDF, and sheet timber where nail contact is not expected. Dulls faster than bi-metal on dense materials.
Flexible HCS body with hardened HSS cutting edge. Survives nail and fixing contact without fracturing. Correct for hardwood, MDF, engineered boards, and timber containing embedded fixings.
Molybdenum high speed steel with superior hardness and heat resistance. Correct for steel, conduit, box section, aluminium, and all metal cutting where friction heat would blunt HCS or bi-metal.
TPI: Choosing the Right Tooth Count
TPI stands for Teeth Per Inch. It determines cutting speed, cut finish quality, and material thickness suitability. Lower TPI cuts faster with a rougher finish. Higher TPI cuts slower with a cleaner finish. The blade needs at least two to three teeth in contact with the material at any point during the cut.
Blade Length and Fitment
Blade length determines cutting depth and access in confined conditions. All MAXTEC jigsaw blades use a universal T-shank fitment compatible with most jigsaw brands on the UK market.
Compact length for precision metal cutting. Better blade rigidity on thin sheet metal where flex would cause the cut to wander.
Standard length covering the full range of wood and metal cutting depths encountered on UK construction sites and in workshops.
Long reach for deep cuts through box section, structural steel, and thick metal profiles where standard length blades cannot complete the cut.
Matching Blade to Material
The fastest way to select the correct jigsaw blade is to match the blade construction and TPI to the material being cut. Using the wrong blade on the wrong material is the primary cause of premature blade failure, poor cut quality, and unnecessary blade consumption on site.
| Material | Construction | TPI | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood, site timber | HCS | 6 TPI | Maximum speed |
| Softwood, plywood, sheet timber | HCS | 10 TPI | Clean finish |
| Hardwood, MDF, laminates | HCS | 8 TPI | Balanced speed and finish |
| Hardwood, MDF, nail-embedded timber | Bi-Metal | 10 TPI | Extended blade life |
| Thin sheet metal, non-ferrous | HSS M2 | 21 TPI | Precision, no grabbing |
| Steel conduit, pipe, thick plate | HSS M2 | 8 TPI | Aggressive thick metal cut |
| Box section, aluminium, deep metal | HSS M2 | 12 TPI | Balanced, long reach |
HCS blades fracture immediately on nail and fixing contact. If there is any chance the timber contains embedded nails, screws, or fixings, use a bi-metal blade. This is the single most common cause of jigsaw blade failure on UK construction sites.
The MAXTEC Jigsaw Blade Range
Seven blades covering every wood and metal cutting application. HCS for softwood, bi-metal for hardwood and MDF, HSS M2 for metal. All with universal T-shank fitment. All supplied in trade packs of five.
Full Range Comparison: MAXTEC Jigsaw Blades
Use this table to find the right blade for your application at a glance. Click any product code to go directly to the product page.
Which Blades Should You Keep on Site?
You do not need all seven blades on every site. Here is a practical kit recommendation by trade:
- ✓MX-101D (6 TPI HCS) for fast framing and site timber cuts
- ✓MX-101B (10 TPI HCS) for clean softwood and plywood cuts
- ✓MX-111C (8 TPI HCS) for balanced speed and finish on MDF
- ✓MX-101BRF (10 TPI Bi-Metal) for hardwood, laminates, nail contact
- ✓MX-118A (21 TPI HSS M2) for thin sheet metal and conduit
- ✓MX-101BRF (10 TPI Bi-Metal) for timber and nail-embedded wood
- ✓MX-127D (8 TPI HSS M2) for thick steel pipe and conduit
- ✓MX-318B (12 TPI HSS M2) for box section and deep metal cuts
- ✓MX-118A (21 TPI HSS M2) for thin sheet and non-ferrous metals
Apply cutting lubricant to the blade and cut line before cutting any metal with a jigsaw. Heat build-up at the tooth tips is the primary cause of premature HSS M2 blade wear. Lubricant extends blade life, produces a cleaner cut edge, and reduces the risk of blade breakage on thick metal sections.
Order the Full MAXTEC Jigsaw Blade Range from CMT Group
All seven MAXTEC jigsaw blades are available from CMT Group with next working day delivery on orders placed by 7pm. Trade accounts, EDGE procurement portal pricing, and volume discounts available.
Shop the MAXTEC Range at CMT Group
