November 19, 2022
Unlike other conventional saws such as the traditional ones seeing with many carpenters and woodworkers, the jigsaw has the advantage of being able to cut through many types of materials. This power tool is employed in the cutting of shapes (a popular one is the jigsaw puzzles amongst others), and also in a straight line cutting depending on the model utilized. It is also employed in making holes in woods and other materials. If you are looking to work on some DIY woodworking projects yourself, after getting a drill, a jigsaw is the next tool to get. The functions jigsaw performs are second to none when compared to the other types of saw.
Before going to what these unique instruments are used for, let’s get to know why they are chosen in the first place by many people, either carpenter, woodworkers, or other projects.
Advantages & Applications of Jigsaw
Power Source
Nowadays, it is now common to see jigsaws that rely on a battery to power them rather than using power outlets. Jigsaws in these categories are called cordless jigsaws. They are slim and lightweight, making them portable with little interference with your work.
Materials That Can be Cut
Traditional saws are mostly made for cutting wood, but jigsaws come with a bit more. It can be used in cutting many types of materials ranging from steel to plastic to concrete. This is one of the reasons it is a very important seen with most people that engage in DIY (Do It Yourself). The type of material they are used to cut depends on the blade and the speed, which can be adjusted using a trigger. The blade can be removed using a removal blade system like a Tool-less blade system featured in many types of jigsaws.
Cutting Curve
This is arguably one of the most important characteristics the jigsaw possesses. With this tool, it is easier for a woodworker to cut a board into shapes than using a standard saw. Due to the portability, the ease of maneuvering is increased, which provides comfort and efficiency when being utilized. If you are looking for the most suitable jigsaws for cutting curve line on wood, go for are the cordless ones though if battery seems a problem, you can go for the corded one but will need experience for it not to interfere or disturb the work you are doing. They can be used in making curves on any type of material.
Bevel Cuts
When thinking of angled shapes, it is better to think of the jigsaws. Bevel cuts are angled cuts, which is hard to get right when using a standard traditional saw. Most jigsaws currently in the market can be used in making bevel curt. This can be done by triggering a lever present at the base of the saw, activate, and the lock after the jigsaw has tilted.
The uses of this power tool are common majorly to woodworkers. However, it can be used in cutting many other materials such as metals, concrete, etc.
What Can A Jigsaw Cut?
Wood Cutting
This is the most common application of jigsaws. They can be used with the right blade to cut woods of any type and thickness. Because of this, they can be used in cutting softwood and hardwoods even construction timbers can be cut with the right blade. Cutting wood with a jigsaw requires expertise. With the right experience, kids and adults can use this power tool. With bad handling, there can be damage to the wood. These damages can be burning of the wood or creating a bad cut.
Jigsaws are the right tool to go for in making holes and cutting woods into shapes and can be found nearly with most DIY enthusiasts. When applied with the right imagination and craftsmanship, it can lead to stunning designs.
Metal Cutting
A jigsaw can be used in cutting metals up to a thickness of 10 gauge. However, the blade must be taken to account when used for this action; it can also be used in making holes and cutting curves into metals needed for several uses. It must be noted that a jigsaw is not designed for cutting in a straight-line, although some models can be used for both cutting curves and straight lines. Most jigsaw, when used in cutting straight, does not complete the task successfully.
In metal cutting, the right blade must be chosen; most professionals choose blades having about 21/24 teeth in one inch. The metal is secure in between the plywood so that there will not be unevenness in the cutting. In cutting metals, a low speed is used. Therefore it will take some time before it accomplishes the task. There are some precautions you must take note of when cutting using the workbench, a rail must be utilized so that there is effective blade clearance.
Carpet Cutting
Jigsaws uses in this aspect is not that known. Nevertheless, they are efficient and effective in cutting carpets or thick mats. When utilized, they don’t leave unevenness with the carpet seen when some knives and even scissors or other tools are used. Jigsaws are the best to think of cutting carpets, and the blade utilized for this is made from a soft material. This blade is also ideal for cutting other types of soft materials such as cardboards and leathers.
Countertops
Many holes are needed when installing a countertop, and the ideal tool to help settle this is the jigsaw. The round and small holes that need to be made can be effectively and efficiently drilled using the tool. Downstroke blades are the specially designed required in making these holes. Without them, the job cannot be done efficiently and effectively.
Concrete Cutting
Although not recommended, a jigsaw can be used in cutting concretes. It is not recommended because it can lead to a short lifespan. The blades used are concrete and are ideal for both concrete and cement. Ideally, they are not used for concrete, but they can be necessary for making holes and opening pipes.
Ceramic Cutting
Cutting tile with a jigsaw can be very useful in many scenarios. An example is when trying to fit a tile in a place where there is a pipe, a curve will be required, and this cannot be achieved efficiently and effectively using a tile cutter. This is where a jigsaw comes in with its ability to make curves. The thickness of the tiles must actually be taken note of since the jigsaw is the only ideal for a tile having a thickness of 0.25 inches. Lubrication is also done concerning the thickness of the tile, for thin tile water is used while a thick one requires cutting oil. The blade must be toothless with carbide grits.
Jason is a 40-year-old woodworker, carpenter and author who have been involved in the woodworking and woodcraft industry with 17 years of experience. He is expertise in technical aspects, woodcraft and furniture building projects.
The jigsaw is probably the most underrated tool in the workshop. Not the speediest of saws, but very versatile. Rip, crosscut, bevel, mitre, and of course, cut curves/arcs, circles. Just choose the proper blade, clamp down a straightedge for the straight cuts and have at it. Finish work? Since these cut on the upstroke (unless you use a downward cutting blade) place your drawing or pattern or lines on the reverse/bad side of the board. You will get a good clean cut requiring little o no sanding on the good side.