When do you use a jigsaw

A jigsaw is really just a blade mounted to a reciprocating motor, which is a motor that pulls the blade up and then pushes it down.

Jigsaws are portable tools that you can either use at your workbench or take to where you need the work done. They used to all rely on power cords and wall power, but there is now a considerable market for cordless jigsaws, and some of them perform quite excellently. A key part of that is having the right blade. Your jigsaw can cut metal, fiberglass, drywall, laminate, and tile, but you need to get the right blade for that.

When buying jigsaw blades, check the packaging to make sure they are suitable for your intended use. Jigsaws are intended to cut wood, especially softwood. There is a lot more they can do when it comes to cutting wood, however. You can use them for cutting holes in countertops, and some of them even come with angling so you can use them to make beveled cuts. With the right kind of blade and set to one of the faster settings, a jigsaw is an ideal way to cut and shape tile. It can cut quick, precise angles and curves that would otherwise require a much larger, more expensive specialty saw.

It might sound strange, but a jigsaw is actually the recommended way to cut sheet metal. Those will be capable of snagging and cutting your skin. A jigsaw is a perfect way to make the curved cuts required when installing laminate flooring.

You can use a utility knife and change the blade a hundred times trying to install carpet , or you can take measurements, flip the carpet over, draw a pattern matching the shape and size you need, and use your jigsaw. If you do this, we recommend that you go slow and keep an eye on your blade.

If the blade is touching the wood when you turn the saw on, the blade can catch on the wood , jerking the saw and breaking the blade or cutting in the wrong spot. To cut a hole in the center of your material as opposed to curving the edge—such as for a sink opening in a countertop—drill a starter hole before using a jigsaw. Attempting to cut sheet metal or hard plastic sheeting without reinforcement can result in ragged edges and a bent product.

Secure the layers together with clamps, and then saw carefully through all three layers. Using the sandwich method will give you the cleanest cuts on thin sheet materials.

Laminated countertops , for example, can be scratched by the bottom of a jigsaw shoe that scrapes the surface during cutting. If your material comes with a protective film, leave it on during the cutting process. If you have to cut an unprotected material, cover the area to be cut with masking tape and draw your cutting guides on top of the tape.

This will protect the surface from scratches as you cut. Simply adjust the angle of the blade and follow the same cutting techniques as for vertical cuts. It's that simple. You might think you need a fancy adjustable table saw to make bevel cuts angled cuts rather than sawing through straight up and down. In fact, most jigsaws can be angled up to 45 degrees for bevel cuts.

Look for a lever just above the shoe of the saw that slides back and forth. When released the saw will tilt to one side and then pull the lever back to lock it in place. Cordless jigsaws are a dream to use because you can twist and turn the jigsaw to your heart's content, cutting elaborate curves without being impeded by a dangling cord or worrying about accidentally cutting it.

Jigsaws used to be a bit unwieldy but the newer generation, especially the battery-powered variety, are lightweight and slim. With the proper instruction and adult supervision, children of various ages can use a jigsaw safely.

The tool rests on the surface of what it is cutting, so it doesn't require a grown-up's strength to hold it in place.

Fingers and hands can be easily kept clear of the blade. Jigsaws, then, are a great first power tool to introduce to children. Out of the box, jigsaws are easy and straightforward to use regardless of your experience level. Insert the blade, plug in the tool or pop in the battery if it's cordless , and you are ready to start cutting.