T-Shank Jigsaw Blade Holder - BYOH - Tool for Pumpkin Carving

This is a holder for T-shank jigsaw blades. It is suitable for blades with thickness from 1 mm to about 2 mm range. All the Bosch jigsaw blades I have fall into this range.

I'm publishing this model ahead of Halloween. I hope this can help you turn your jigsaw blades into pumpkin carving tools.

Note: This is a “Bring Your Own Handle” version. The tool's main body is supposed to be fixed onto a handle of your own choice as long as it has a “tenon” that is 9 mm think and 35 mm long.

Printing

To print this tool, each of the model files needs to be printed once. The main body is designed to print sideways with the flat cut against the printer bed. Nut and insert pieces can be printed in upright orientation. No support is necessary.

The insert pieces, if suffering from elephant foot effect at the bottom, could need some sanding before they can be used properly. When their dimensions are accurate, the assembled insert should be able to go almost all the way down into the main body. The receiving space on the main body is slightly tapered at the bottom so it can pinch the insert tight.

See last photo for orientation reference.

Fitting a Handle

The handle can be made either from your own model, or a scrap wood. The only critical dimensions are the thickness of the tenon (9 mm) and the length of the tenon (35 mm). Shape it any way you feel comfortable. I made mine from wood as a palm handle. The two holes on the main body are offset so you can use two screws to fix the body to the handle securely.

The photos show my handle shape made with wood.

Usage

Put a T-shank blade into the female insert, then press the male insert against it. The assembled insert goes into the top of the main body. Note the ridges on the insert. They are there to fit into the gaps on the main body so the insert (and blade) won't rotate. Then screw on the nut which will pinch the insert and blade tight.

This is a prefect tool for pumpkin carving!

Future Plan

I would want to improve this model, with a future plan to add printed handles.