When handling all kinds of woodworking jobs, you often need to make curved and arched cuts in materials. However, table saws, miter saws, and circular saws are often not sufficient for this purpose.
Therefore, jigsaws or band saws are used for this type of work. Due to their structure and the design of the saw blades, they are able to handle curves and arcs with efficiency and flexibility.
This post will focus on the jigsaw, explaining what it is and how to use it. After you read it, we believe you will have a basic understanding of jigsaws. Now, let’s dive into it.
What is a Jigsaw?
The jigsaw is a versatile handheld power tool and a type of reciprocating saw, in which a motor drives the saw blade in a reciprocating linear motion to achieve fine cuts.
Jigsaws are best suitable for cutting shapes and curves in wood. However, you can also use them to cut metal, laminates, tiles, and other materials.
The main advantage of a jigsaw over many other common saws is the ability to efficiently accomplish a variety of irregular line cuts.
Components of a Jigsaw
The structure of the jigsaw determines its versatility and portability. Here is a description of its main components.
Motor: There are two types, corded and cordless. The corded one is powerful, and it supports long-term working. The cordless jigsaw is able to be used without any limitation of the working environment, and is able to switch constantly between different workplaces. However, the battery life is a problem that is hard to avoid.
Body and handle: These two are more about strength and comfort. Both are high-strength plastic parts that can ensure they meet your regular use and operation. The handle follows ergonomics and conforms to your usage habits, allowing you to use it for a long time.
Base plate (shoe): The base plate is located at the bottom of the saw body and provides stable support and guidance for cutting. You can adjust it to different angles to tilt the blade, allowing for bevel cuts through various materials.
Trigger switch: It’s for starting and shutting down the jigsaw. Some come with a safety lockout feature to prevent incorrect operation.
Speed control dial: It is used to adjust the reciprocating speed of the saw blade. Different speeds match the cutting task for different materials.
In addition to the components mentioned above, the most important one is the jigsaw blade. It determines the quality and type of cut. The next section will give you a brief overview of jigsaw blades.
Understand Jigsaw Blades
Similar to band saw blades, jigsaw blades are measured by TPI, or teeth per inch. A higher TPI means more teeth in a blade. A jigsaw blade with low TPI creates quick cuts and is better for rough work. A jigsaw blade with high TPI provides fine and smooth cuts.
The blades are also made of different materials to cope with different cutting tasks. Here are the four main types of jigsaw blades:
- High-carbon steel: Best for cutting softer materials such as wood, laminated particle board, and plastics due to its good flexibility.
- High-speed steel: Able to cut a variety of metals because of its resistance to high temperatures.
- Tungsten carbide: A Combination of the first two materials, featuring strength and flexibility. It has longer lifespans and prolonged job performance.
- Bi-metal: It provides strength to cut abrasive materials (eg, fiberglass, cement board, cast iron, and stainless steel).
There are T-shank blades and U-shank blades available in the market. T-Shank blades are the industry-standard professional interface that lasts longer and provides a tighter fit between the blade and tool.
FindBuyTool provides high-quality jigsaw blades with a T-shank. They are made of premium-quality CrV and HSS material, ensuring durability and sturdiness. With the aggressive teeth, you can cut faster and more efficiently. What’s more, there are different TPI available for you to choose from.
How to Use a Jigsaw?
This section outlines the steps for cutting with a jigsaw.
- Decide the curve you want to cut in the board and make a mark with a pencil.
- Hold the workpiece on the workbench securely with clamps.
- If you are working with a delicate wood, cover the base plate with tape to protect the surface from damage.
- Choose the right jigsaw blade according to your working task and install it on the saw. Remember to unplug the saw or remove the battery.
- Adjust the angle of the base plate if you need a bevel cut.
- Wear personal protective equipment, like goggles, a dust mask, and earplugs.
- Locate the speed control dial to adjust the jigsaw speed.
- Squeeze the trigger to start your jigsaw and wait for the saw to reach full speed before cutting.
- Place the base plate firmly against the surface of the workpiece, lock the trigger, and move the saw forward slowly and evenly along the marked line.
- Don’t force the saw and let the blade do the work. You only need to apply some forward pressure.
- When the cut is finished, release the trigger. Then disconnect the saw and remove the blade.
Safety & Maintenance Tips
When using a jigsaw, you may easily get injured or lose a finger if you don't handle it properly. Knowing the safety tips will reduce your risk of injury.
- Check that all components of the jigsaw are intact before cutting.
- Make sure the jigsaw blade is sharp and has no broken teeth, bent or broken sections, or any other damage.
- Keep your hands out of the path of the jigsaw blade and never put your hands underneath the work surface.
- Clean up the chips and waste on the saw blade and the workpiece when unplugging the jigsaw.
- If the blade is stuck, release the trigger, remove the blade from the wood, and check for damage.
- When the jigsaw is not in use, store it in a dry, ventilated area. In the case of a cordless jigsaw, the batteries need to be removed before storing.
Final Words
In conclusion, the jigsaw is a versatile and easy-to-use power tool for fine, curved, or intricate cuts. Mastering its structure and use allows you to complete your work more efficiently and safely. Choosing the right blade is also key to successful cutting. Selecting the right blade for the job can greatly improve cutting results and tool lifespan.
