How to Use a Jigsaw - Kitchen Cabinets

A jigsaw is a versatile hand tool used for cutting various materials, like wood, metal, or plastic. Learning how to properly use a jigsaw allows you to make curved, irregular, or interior cuts in your workshop projects that would otherwise be difficult with other saws. With some basic knowledge and safety precautions, using a jigsaw is easy to learn.

Selecting the Right Jigsaw

When choosing a jigsaw, consider the following factors:

Types of Jigsaws

There are several types of jigsaws available:

Scroll saws – Designed for precision work on thinner materials. The blade moves vertically using an electric motor. Best for detailed curves and interior cutouts.
Coping saws – Manually operated with a thin, rigid saw blade. Good for tight curves and other cuts that require high maneuverability.
Band saws – Has a continuous band blade that allows for straight cuts and wide curves. Ideal for woodworking.
Reciprocating jigsaws – The most common handheld jigsaws. The blade moves up and down using an electric motor. Good for various materials and cut shapes.

For most DIY and home projects, a reciprocating jigsaw is the best choice. They provide versatility at an affordable price point compared to other types.

Blade Types

Jigsaw blades come in several styles:

Standard blade – All-purpose blade good for both wood and metal. Provides a faster cut with a rougher edge.
Clean cut blade – Slower but provides a smooth cut on both wood and metal. Leaves less tear-out.
Wood cutting blade – Designed for fast cuts in wood with minimal splintering.
Metal cutting blade – Made for cutting sheet metal and other metals without fraying edges.
Curved blade – Shaped to easily follow a line for curved cuts in wood or laminates.

Choose the right blade for your material to get the best results. Ask at your local hardware store for recommendations if unsure.

Power Source

Jigsaws are available as:

Corded electric – Unlimited runtime when plugged into an outlet but have cord length restrictions.
Cordless battery – Completely portable and can be used anywhere but batteries need recharging.

Corded models provide continuous power while cordless offers complete flexibility. Consider your needs and work environment when deciding.

Special Features

Higher end jigsaws may include features like:

Variable speed – Allows adjusting cut speed for more control.
Orbital setting – Controls blade movement for faster or cleaner cuts.
Dust blower – Uses air to keep cut line visible.
Laser guide – Projects a light along the cut line for easier tracking.
Pivot light – Illuminates the cut area for better visibility.

While not necessary, these can improve cut accuracy and user comfort when doing extensive jigsaw work. Check that added features align with your needs and budget.

Jigsaw Safety

Operating a jigsaw safely is crucial to avoid serious personal injury as well as damage to the material you are cutting. Follow these basic safety precautions when using a jigsaw:

Wear proper protective gear like safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask. Jigsaws can produce debris as well as loud noise during operation.
Make sure your workspace is clear of clutter and check that the jigsaw’s blade path is free of obstructions. Tie back any loose hair or clothing.
Always hold the jigsaw firmly with both hands while cutting. Do not force the jigsaw during the cut. Let the blade do the work.
Keep hands away from the saw blade and clamp down smaller pieces for stability. Never try to hold the material solely with your hands while cutting.
Unplug the jigsaw when inspecting or changing the blade. Wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before making adjustments.
Do not cut materials containing asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous substances with a jigsaw. Contact a professional instead.
Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions for proper operation and maintenance. Inspect the jigsaw cord and blades prior to each use.

Taking the necessary precautions goes a long way to prevent accidents and make your jigsaw experience smooth and safe.

Cutting with a Jigsaw

Once you have a jigsaw suited for your needs, learn proper cutting techniques to get the best results:

1. Plan Your Cuts

Mark your cutting lines or shapes on the workpiece using a pencil, pen, marker, or even a piece of masking tape.
For straight cuts, use a square or straightedge to ensure an accurate cut line.
If cutting curves or irregular shapes, trace your pattern onto the workpiece or use masking tape to create the outline.

Planning all cuts beforehand ensures accuracy and less wasted materials from mistakes.

2. Secure the Workpiece

Use clamps or a vice to secure the workpiece when possible. This leaves both hands free to control the jigsaw.
If securing isn’t feasible, brace larger pieces on a steady work surface and keep the waste side hanging off the edge.
For small materials, lay them on a sacrificial surface like scrap wood to avoid splintering the underside during cuts.

Proper workpiece securing prevents slipping and dangerous blade catching that can damage both the material and jigsaw.

3. Select the Right Blade

Refer to the blade selection guide earlier to choose an appropriate blade for your material.
Release blade tension and insert the new blade per the jigsaw instructions, ensuring the teeth point upward on the cutting stroke.
Re-tension the blade just until it is taut. Overtightening can add stress and cause the blade to bend or twist.

Having the wrong blade can make cutting difficult or result in rough edges. Take a minute to change to the optimal one.

4. Position and Guide the Jigsaw

Hold the jigsaw firmly with both hands, ensuring you have good visibility of the cut line.
Start the jigsaw before contacting the workpiece and ease the front of the shoe onto your cut mark. Allow the blade to gradually come up to speed.
Use even forward pressure when cutting and let the blade do the work. Forcing the jigsaw can cause blade bending or breakage.
Guide the jigsaw smoothly along the cut line. For straight cuts use the edge of the shoe. For curved cuts follow your traced line.

Proper jigsaw positioning and control results in accurate cuts that don’t stray from the intended path.

5. Make Relief Cuts When Necessary

When cutting tight interior shapes, drill relief holes inside corners before starting the jigsaw.
For sharp angles, rounded corners, or completing a circle, make small relief cuts outward from the interior cutout so the blade has space to turn.

Relief cuts prevent excessive blade twisting and give you the room to maneuver the jigsaw blade around tight contours.

6. Cut Slowly and Let the Saw Do the Work

Find a comfortable cutting speed to control the jigsaw smoothly along the cut line. Going too fast risks slipping.
Cut using smooth, even pressure. Forcing or twisting the jigsaw may cause rough edges or blade breakage.
If the jigsaw slows significantly or the cut wanders off course, ease up on the forward pressure.

Patience pays off when using a jigsaw. Rushing increases mistakes. Allow the blade to cut steadily at its intended rate.

7. Securely Support the Workpiece When Finishing Cuts

As you near the end of a cut, support the falling offcut to prevent damage as the cut is completed.
For large pieces, have a helper support the offcut or place spacers underneath to softly catch it when separated.
Applying excessive down force at the end can splinter the workpiece bottom or sharply bend the blade upon breakthrough.

Careful workpiece handling protects your cuts and jigsaw at the critical point of cut completion.

Following proper jigsaw techniques takes a bit of practice but soon becomes second nature. Be patient, let the tool work as intended, and you’ll achieve professional results.

Making Common Jigsaw Cuts

Now that you’re familiar with basic jigsaw principles, try these common woodworking cuts:

Straight Cuts

Making straight jigsaw cuts in wood takes patience but is simple with the right technique:

Mark your cut line using a straightedge and utilize the jigsaw’s edge guide if it has one.
Secure your workpiece to prevent slipping and properly support it near the end of cuts.
Use even pressure guiding the shoe plate steadily along your cut mark. Let the saw work at its intended pace.
Choose a blade designed for fast wood cuts with a smooth edge. Slow down and use a finer blade if you notice splintering.
For long cuts plunge the front shoe edge slightly ahead of the cut line and work backwards to prevent blade deflection.

With practice, straight jigsaw cuts can achieve excellent accuracy and smooth edges needing little sanding after.

Curved Cuts

Curved cuts allow you to add unique shapes but require a bit more dexterity:

Trace your desired curve onto the workpiece using a template or freehand draw it.
Use a fine-toothed scroll blade designed for tight curves and precise cuts.
Cut slowly and carefully follow your curved line, adjusting the jigsaw orientation smoothly as needed.
Make relief cuts on any tight radii corners to aid blade maneuverability.
Spin and rotate the workpiece rather than twisting the jigsaw when navigating tight contours.

Curved cuts demand more jigsaw control but allow for any shape imaginable. Take your time and follow the line.

Interior Cutouts

Removing wood from the center of a workpiece to make spaces like circles or holes requires an interior cutout approach:

Drill access relief holes in the corners of the interior shape first before putting the jigsaw blade into position.
Use a fine-toothed scroll blade and low orbital setting for excellent maneuverability and control.
Cut slowly and gently along the interior outline, adjusting the jigsaw orientation as needed to match the contours.
Make small additional relief cuts in areas where blade maneuvering becomes difficult such as tight corners.
Support the freed interior piece as the cut completes to prevent potential breaking.

With adequate relief holes and gentle saw guidance, intricate interior cutouts are no problem for the jigsaw.

Bevel Cuts

You can also make angled bevel cuts by adjusting the jigsaw for non-vertical operation:

For basic bevels, tilt the jigsaw up to 45° and secure it in position using the adjustable shoe.
For compound miters, cut the bevel first in one pass then adjust for the angle and make the second cut.
Use heavier pressure on the elevated jigsaw side to counteract the tendency to angle downward. Guide the shoe plate parallel to the bevel line.
Take it slowly and steady your hand using the jigsaw’s body for support when holding it at an unusual angle.

With practice, bevel cuts expand the jigsaw’s capabilities for projects needing non-square edges.

The jigsaw is perfect for straight edges, ornate curves, interior cutouts, bevels, and any other cut you can imagine. Mastering basic operation and techniques opens new possibilities for your woodworking projects.

Helpful Jigsaw Tips and Tricks

Beyond fundamental jigsaw use, try these tips and tricks to work faster, avoid mistakes, and get more from your jigsaw:

For straight rip cuts, attach a sturdy guide with clamps to the workpiece and run the jigsaw along it. A straight piece of scrap wood works great.
When cutting shallow curves, try pivoting the workpiece rather than moving the jigsaw. You can trace gentle contours more steadily and accurately.
If your cutline wanders off course, stop and reposition back at the spot where the cut diverted from the line before continuing.
Use a piece of thin cardboard or plastic held along the cutline to prevent tear-out and splintering as the blade exits the workpiece bottom.
If your blade keeps bending and twisting, reduce your forward pressure and slow your cut speed. Forcing the jigsaw strains the blade.
For interior cutouts, do the straight portions first then go back to add any curves or rounded corners. The angles are easier with the corners still attached.
Keep extra blades on hand so you can quickly swap to a new sharp one after your current blade gets dull. Blunt blades cut slower and wander.
Add painter’s tape along the cutoff line and cut just deep enough through the tape to score the surface. This helps reduce top splintering.

Put these tips into practice to make your jigsaw projects go faster and turn out even better than expected.

Jigsaw Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Like any power tool, proper jigsaw care and maintenance will keep it performing optimally for years to come:

Regular Maintenance

Wipe down the jigsaw after use to remove any dust, debris, and oil buildup.
Inspect the power cord and plug for damage or exposed wires before use. Have any issues immediately repaired.
Check for loose, worn, or damaged parts and replace as needed. Pay particular attention to the blade clamps.
Keep blades clean and store them carefully in the protective case to prevent dulling. Lightly oil them to reduce corrosion.

Performing routine jigsaw maintenance drastically increases the tool’s longevity and safety.

Troubleshooting Problems

Some common jigsaw issues and solutions include:

Rough cut edges – A dull or wrong blade type is usually the culprit. Replace old blades and match your blade to the material.

Bad cut tracking – For wandering cuts increase blade tension, reduce speed, and ensure firm workpiece clamping. Also check blade squareness.

Blade bending and breakage – Ease up on cutting pressure and slow your speed. Use the proper blade for thick material. Make relief cuts when necessary.

Excessive vibration – First try adjusting your grip or workpiece to prevent binding. If it persists, blade damage or loose parts could be the cause.

Motor failure – Check that nothing is obstructing blade movement. For jams, unplug and carefully remove debris with pliers. Contact a repair shop for internal motor issues.

By regularly maintaining your jigsaw and addressing problems promptly, breakdowns and costly repairs can be avoided.

Advanced Jigsaw Techniques

Ready to take your jigsaw skills to the next level? Try these advanced cutting techniques:

Non-Tangent Cutting

Make curved cuts that don’t have a flat spot at the curve apex for smooth, uninterrupted edges:

Draw the curve on your workpiece so the jigsaw blade enters perpendicular to the curve rather than tangent to it.
Tilt your blade angle very slightly (just a few degrees) so that the blade arcs continuously along the curve line as you cut rather than straightening out.

It takes practice but the results are worth it for attractive curves without flat spots marring the flow.

Compound Angle Cutting

Cut complex multi-angled shapes combining straight, bevels, and curves together:

Plan all cuts in sequence and mark accordingly on the workpiece for reference.
Make relief cuts first where needed to allow space for tight turns and acute angles.
Cut all straight portions and standard bevels before adding any curves or irregular contours.
Continuously pivot and adjust both your workpiece orientation and jigsaw angle as you progress through the compound cuts.

While demanding, clean compound cuts demonstrate true jigsaw mastery and skills.

Plunge Cutting

Starting interior cuts without needing an edge or pilot hole:

Score the cut entry point with a knife to prevent splintering at insertion.
Brace the front shoe firmly against your workpiece and tilt the back end slightly up.
Start the jigsaw then slowly lower the back until the moving blade contacts your score mark.
Once engaged, level out the jigsaw and proceed with your cut. Apply downward pressure near the plunge point to prevent lifting.

With care, plunge cutting provides added flexibility for starting cuts in a wider range of scenarios.

Take your skills to the next level by mastering these more advanced jigsaw techniques as well as developing your own tricks through regular practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some common questions about using jigsaws:

Should I choose a cordless or corded jigsaw?

This often comes down to personal needs and preferences. Corded models provide continuous power but limit mobility. Cordless jigsaws allow complete freedom of movement but battery runtimes are limited. Assess your workspace and needs. Cordless works well for small jobs or remote areas while corded is better for extended use or stationary setups with available electrical outlets.

What materials can I cut with a jigsaw?

Jigsaws are very versatile for cutting:

Wood
Plywood
OSB and MDF
Laminates
Soft metals like aluminum
Plastics and acrylics
Tile, ceramic, and masonry (with appropriate blade)
Thin sheet metal (under about 18 gauge)

Ensure you have the proper blade inserted for your given material to cut effectively without damaging the jigsaw.

How thick of material can a jigsaw accommodate?

Most standard jigsaws can cut material up to around 1 1/2 inches thick depending on the density and hardness. Smaller jigsaw models may only cut up to 3/4 inch deep. For thicker materials, look for heavier duty jigsaws with more powerful motors and stiffer blades. Using an improper jigsaw for thick material risks blade bending, slow bogged cuts, and