Jigsaw – General Information, Operation, Tips

GENERAL INFORMATION

Jigsaw Construction

What is a Jigsaw Used For?

This tool is primarily used for cutting wood, but it can also cut soft metals and plastics. With a jigsaw, you can achieve straight cuts as well as irregular shapes (curves, zigzags). It’s also useful for cutting circular, rectangular, and irregular holes, making it essential in any DIY enthusiast’s workshop.

BLADES

A jigsaw can cut various materials, each requiring specific blades. You can buy blades individually or in special sets.

The sets usually contain several blades designed for metal, wood, and plastics of different sizes.

Each blade has a shank designed to fit into the tool’s clamp.

Blades for softwood and plywood have small, densely spaced teeth. For hardwood and fiberboard, blades with larger teeth are used. Metal and plastic require blades with special shapes. Spiral blades should be used for curves and intricate shapes.

To mount a blade, slightly loosen the clamp knob, insert the blade shank, and tighten the knob. It is advisable to perform a test cut before starting work.

In other jigsaw models, the blade is inserted by releasing a blade lock lever. In older types, blades are secured by tightening a small screw.

GENERAL CUTTING RULES

During cutting, the jigsaw’s base must be evenly pressed against the material. Avoid vibrations during operation, as they can cause the blade to break.

Hard materials should be cut at the lowest speed setting. Softer materials require higher speeds.

Move the jigsaw slowly and at a consistent pace.

Cutting Wood

You can use a jigsaw to cut irregular shapes in wood.

A special compass attachment can be bought separately (sometimes included with the jigsaw).

On the other end of this attachment is a pointed spike adjustable along the rod to set the radius of the hole to be cut.

The compass attaches to a special slot in the jigsaw’s base. To cut a perfect circle, insert the spike into the material, then rotate the jigsaw around it.

A jigsaw cannot make a 90-degree turn directly. To cut rectangular shapes in wood, make four separate straight cuts:

To start cutting from the middle of a board, use a drill with a large-diameter bit or a hole saw.

Draw the outline of the intended cut on the board.

Use a drill with a large bit or hole saw to create holes in the corners of the outlined shape.

Now insert the blade into one of the holes and cut along the marked lines.

This will create a hole with rounded corners. To achieve sharp corners, trim them afterward.

A jigsaw can also cut wood at angles other than 90 degrees (minimum 45 degrees), adjustable by tilting the base.

For angled cuts, secure the board with clamps, and attach a straight metal guide along the cutting line for accuracy.

A jigsaw can be fixed to a table for precise cuts.

Cutting Metals and Plastics

The method is similar to wood cutting. Lubricate the blade with technical oil when cutting soft steel, and with a mixture of oil and denatured alcohol for aluminum. Plastics cut better with a wet blade.

TIP

Always use caution when using a jigsaw due to the exposed blade. Wear protective goggles and a mask due to dust.