Jig Saws - A Complete Buying Guide - RS Components
The jigsaw is sometimes preferred to the circular saw for safety reasons. Additionally, jigsaws are better suited to precise applications, typically being used for cutting away wooden sections, repurposing, and upcycling. Adjustments can be made for cutting at different angles.
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The types of materials that can be cut with a jigsaw include:
Can You Use a Jigsaw to Cut Wood?
Wood cutting jigsaws are commonplace as this is one of the standard tasks where they are used. Therefore, cutting wood with a jigsaw is typically a simple task. However, there is some variation in the material thicknesses that jigsaws can cut safely and efficiently. The length of the blade, the saw base, the number of teeth and the tooth pitch, the softness of the wood, and the power of the jigsaw motor will all have a bearing on the suitability of the wood jigsaw.
Will a Jigsaw Cut Tiles?
Cutting tile with jigsaws is possible, if you have the right blade. A jigsaw blade for cutting ceramic tiles safely and efficiently will feature an abrasive diamond or carbide-grit edge. They can also be used for the precise insertion of notches, cuts, and openings.
Can a Jigsaw Cut PVC Pipe?
A high-powered jigsaw will be suitable for cutting tough and durable PVC piping. However, you should ensure that the piping is firmly secured on a worktop or other stable surface before undergoing the cutting process. There should also be minimal vibration to help prevent chipping.
Safety is key when learning how to use a jigsaw tool. You must ensure that you are wearing appropriate PPE and safety equipment including a face mask and goggles. You must also make sure that you have the correct blade fitted for the cutting application - the suitability of the blade may be specified on the packaging or label. The material that you are preparing to cut should be securely clamped to the work surface and you should also ensure that the cutting area does not extend beyond the edges of the work surface.
Whether you will be cutting straight with a jigsaw or you need curved cuts, it is important to take additional care over the pencilled drawing of the cutting line. This line will provide guidance, ensuring that you do not overcut the material. The greater the level of accuracy, the greater the chance of cutting precision. You should also ensure that the jigsaw settings are adjusted per the nature of the cutting application. This might involve making orbital and speed setting adjustments suited to the material. It should be possible to adjust the speed, depending on the type of cut that you are making. A slow speed will be suitable for highly accurate cuts, while a high speed will allow for low-vibration cutting of wood or laminate.
You should firmly grip the handle when preparing to cut and the base of the jigsaw should remain flat against the workpiece for the entirety of the cutting process. It might be necessary to adjust the setting depending on the level of resistance encountered. Once the necessary safety precautions are in place and you are confident to proceed, you simply have to squeeze the jigsaw trigger to set the blade into action. You might have to wait for a moment for the blade to start working at full speed.
Once the jigsaw is fully operational, you should position the base plate firmly and securely against the material. You may then guide the jigsaw along the cut line. If you feel a kickback or straining sensation, then you should reduce the cutting speed. The cut should continue until the end of the drawn line. Excess material should drop away freely, without any damage to you or contact with the power cord. Sandpaper may be used to smooth any rough edges after using the jigsaw.
How to Change a Jigsaw Blade
You will find a spring-loaded lock at the top of the jigsaw. The purpose of this lock is to keep the jigsaw blade secure during the cutting process. The first step in the attachment of the blade will be to position the spring-loaded lock so that it is parallel with the blade guide. You should then proceed to carefully insert the blade and release the lock. You can test the security of the blade by giving it a gentle tug.
You should ensure that the jigsaw blade has cooled before removing it. It will also be important to remove the battery from the jigsaw. Only then should you push the spring-loaded lock up to release the blade.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a jigsaw. You should account for the expected regularity of use, the merits of corded vs cordless models, and the suitability of the blade. The best jigsaw for you will depend on factors such as the material that you are planning to cut and the features that you consider essential. Additionally, it might be the case that you prefer a certain brand, for example.
Regardless of whether you are looking for the best cordless jigsaw or the best jigsaw for cutting metal, other key considerations should include:
Jigsaw Stroke Length
The stroke length is specific to the amount of distance that the blade covers in a vertical direction during the cutting process. The higher the stroke length, the greater the cutting efficiency. Tools with the longest stroke lengths are also suitable for cutting a diverse range of materials.
Jigsaw Power
The required power will depend on the cutting purposes and expected regularity of use. A jigsaw with motor power over 500w will be sufficient for most cutting tasks. However, you should invest in a jigsaw with over 700w of power if you are going to be using it regularly to cut hard materials. It is also worth remembering that the power of a cordless jigsaw is represented in Volts.
Jigsaw Speed
The cutting speed will have a bearing on the materials that can be cut:
- Slow – jigsaws with a slow cutting speed of between 500 and 1,000 strokes per minute are suitable for cutting ceramics, wall tiles, and glass
- Medium – a mid-range cutting speed of 1,500 to 2,000 strokes per minute makes the jig suitable for cutting plastics and non-ferrous materials
- Fast – jigsaws with a fast cut speed setting of over 2,000 strokes per minute are exclusively suited to cutting wood
Check out our handy comparison of popular jigsaws to help you decide on the most suitable model for your requirements.
It is important to choose a jigsaw with the appropriate type of blade and power for the safe, precise cutting of metal. A professional jigsaw with good specifications may reasonably be expected to cut through 10mm steel and non-ferrous metal with a thickness of up to 30mm.
How Long Do the Batteries Last on a Cordless Jigsaw?
The expected battery life of a cordless jigsaw will depend on the specific model and the different types of cutting tasks being carried out. It is always advisable to have a spare fully-charged battery and a mains connected battery charger within easy reach.
Voltage is the main indicator of a cordless jigsaw’s power. The Voltage level will vary between models, but most cordless jigsaws feature 12 or 18-Volt batteries. The Voltage directly relates to the power of the motor and the overall efficiency of the tool.
What is Jigsaw Speed?
Jigsaw speed can be measured in terms of either rotations per minute (RPM) or strokes per minute (SPM). Jigsaws can also be categorised by fixed or variable speed. Fixed speed jigsaws should be fine for occasional use, but variable speed jigsaws should be selected if you are going to be regularly cutting materials with different levels of resistance. The ability to set a low speed will be particularly important if you are going to be scrolling as you cut. The maximum speed setting of a typical corded jigsaw ranges from spm to spm.
How to Use a Jigsaw - The Home Depot
The parts of a jigsaw contribute to its versatility.
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The up-and-down motion of a jigsaw blade is activated by pulling a trigger on the saw’s handle. Most models are variable speed, meaning that the speed of the reciprocating action depends on how much pressure is placed on the trigger. Releasing the trigger will slow or stop the saw blade.
Some jigsaw models have settings for different cutting actions – straight and orbital. In orbital action, the blade moves forward during the cutting stroke in addition to the up-and-down movement. This more aggressive blade motion and is designed for cutting in soft materials like wood or plastic. The orbital movement provides a faster cut, but less smooth than a straight stroke.
The base of the jigsaw, called the shoe, rests on top of the material being cut. For a regular straight cut, the shoe and the blade are at 90-degrees. The angle of the shoe can be adjusted so that body and blade of the saw are tilted to make a bevel cut through material.
Jigsaws are best used for cutting shapes and curves in wood with its narrow blade, which is attached to the tool’s body by a spring-loaded clamp at the front. The blade’s sharp teeth are measured in TPI, or teeth per inch. A higher TPI gives a smoother cut that requires less sanding. Blades with a lower TPI produce faster cuts that are good for rough work. Multi-purpose blades are available but specially designed varieties should be used when cutting materials like metal, ceramic tile, glass and plastic.
Jigsaws are best used for cutting shapes and curves in wood. However, you can also cut metal, laminate, tile and other materials with them.
When choosing a jigsaw blade, pay attention to the teeth per inch or TPI. The TPI tells you how many teeth are on the saw blade. A higher TPI means a greater number of smaller teeth. Saw blades with high TPIs provide a smoother cut and usually need less sanding. Blades with a lower TPI produce faster cuts that are good for rough work.
Tip: When cutting materials other than wood, look for a specialty blade designed specifically for them.
Mark the material with a pencil. Use a measuring tape as needed to plan where to put the marks. A framing square can also help you create straight lines and precise right angles.
If you’re using a delicate material that could chip, cover the saw’s shoe with masking tape. The layer of tape will cut down on friction to protect the material.
Select the right saw blade and install it on the jigsaw. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to get the blade securely in place.
Tips: For safety, unplug the saw or remove the battery before installing a blade.
Once the saw is at full speed, ease it forward while you keep the shoe firmly on the cutting surface.
Press the shoe firmly on the surface and ease the saw forward to the cutting line while keeping the trigger engaged.
Guide the saw along the outside of the cutting line, keeping the shoe flat. Work slowly and stay just outside the line. You can trim more or sand with sandpaper for fine-tuning, but you can’t add back what you’ve cut.
Let the saw do its work. Pushing with too much force can strain the motor or cause the blade to break. To avoid unintended beveling, avoid applying side-to-side pressure.
When the cut is complete, release the trigger. Then, lift the saw and rest it on the workbench.
Safety: Keep your hands away from the saw blade while cutting.
If you need to make a cutout in your material, use a power drill to make a 1.5-inch hole along your marked line. Slide the jigsaw blade into the starter hole. Follow steps five and six to create the cutout.
An alternative to the starter hole method is the plunge or pocket cut. To make one, lean the saw forward onto the front lip of the shoe so that the blade is parallel to the wood. Start the saw. Once the blade is at full speed, tip the saw back to ease the blade into the wood. This method works best for rough work.
Keeping your jigsaw well-maintained can help it stand the test of time. Before you use a corded saw, check the cord for any fraying or damage. If you spot any problems, don’t use the saw. Inspect blades before installing them. Avoid using bent blades, as they could damage the tool.
After use, wipe your saw down with a cleaning cloth. Use a wire brush to remove any dust from the vents. Every few uses put a few drops of all-purpose lubricant on the blade roller guide. Only use battery chargers designed for your tool. Remove the battery from the charger once it reaches full power.
Tip: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific advice on how to care for your saw.
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