Jigsaw is a popular power tool for contractors, handymen, and DIYers. There are very few tools that work as efficiently as this tool to make your cutting task easier. Jigsaws are an excellent choice for cutting woods from a variety of angles.
“There is no doubt that a jigsaw is a versatile tool for a woodworking project. If you are newbie, don’t worry in this article, we describe how to use a jigsaw with safety trips.”
As jigsaws are integral to the present-day woodwork or metalwork, it is essential to know the use and benefits. It is also necessary to use this tool safely, understanding some basic techniques and safety tips.
In this article, we will share with you what to follow when working with a jigsaw.
- What is a jigsaw?
- How does it work?
- How to use a jigsaw?
- What are the benefits it offers along with some safety tips?
Check out more: The Best Cordless Jigsaw.
Let’s now start exploring all these topics consecutively.
What is Jigsaw?
It is okay if you do not know what a jigsaw is. If you are a beginner in this field, you may not know what it is and how does a jigsaw works. Well, a jigsaw is a standard electrically powered tool we use to cut objects, especially wood, plastics, and metal. You may find them as either portable or handheld.
Some of the jigsaws are corded, while some are not. It features a narrow metal blade that goes up and down during the operation to cut the object you put under it. The way its blade works matches closely with the work of the needle of a sewing machine. Coming with a metal body, it contains a motor with a shaft below the front part of the main body.
Though the jigsaws are made to make intricate and curved cuts in the wood, you can use them also on a variety of other materials such as sheet metal, plastic, and ceramic tile. Usually, the weight of a jigsaw ranges from 3 to 6 pounds.
How Does A Jigsaw Work?
To let you know how jigsaw functions, here we will share with you the mechanism.
A jigsaw comes with a powerful motor that works to turn a shaft. The engine is usually connected with a set of off-centered eccentric gears. These are in the up’s control and down motion of the blade. Due to this reason, you can cut any material back and forth (as it is in a sewing machine) with a jigsaw with no difficulty. learn & earn
Most of the jigsaws feature speed dial that you can change as required. You can set as low as 0 and as high as 3200 strokes per minute (SPM) speed. 
When you work with woods, you need to use the higher speed settings. On the other hand, when you go for cutting plastic, metal, ceramic, or other materials, you should choose from lower-speed settings. However, some manufacturers are manufacture woodworking jigsaw that is made to work best for woods.
When you start working with a jigsaw, you will see how firmly the foot of the Jigsaw took a firm grip on the material you are going to cut. Your face and the face of the blade will be in the same direction.
You will get better and quick cuts on the upstroke due to the angle of the teeth. While working with the wood, splintering may occur though this happens only for some types of wood. In the case of splintering, it is a good idea to lay the face of the material down by turning that over. If you do so, the splintering may happen only on the back.
You can check out our expert review on The Best Reciprocating Saw.
Safety Tips for Using a Jigsaw
While working with a jigsaw, safety should be your first concern. Though jigsaws are kid-friendly and easy to use, it is crucial to know how to use a jigsaw safely. Here are some tips that we would suggest you follow when you use a jigsaw or supervise your kid in using a jigsaw:
While you cut materials, keep in mind to take a bunch of safety gear with you. Wear goggles on the eyes so that the dust cannot get into the eye. Wearing gloves will help to keep the hands safe. When it comes to keeping your ear safe from the sound a jigsaw creates, using earplugs can help.
- If you use a corded jigsaw, keep an eye on the wire. Check it regularly for any leakage. Moreover, always keep the wire away from the blade.
- There are different kinds of blades to cut different materials. The blade that cuts wood very well may not be an excellent pick to cut plastic or thin metal. So, go for specialized and different blades for different kinds of materials.
- You need to move gradually with the device to avoid jagged edges and to help ensure you ensue the lines you should follow.
- If you’re just a fantasy wonder with an incredibly steady hand, you’re going to need to have a type of manual for follow – for my undertaking, I followed the letters onto the wood with a Sharpie to assist me with remaining on track.
- You will most likely be unable to arrive at each segment of your structure with the Jigsaw alone. It’s entirely regular to need to break out a drill to make a little opening to kick you off in a hard-to-arrive at territory.
- Clamp the material you are going to cut if you want the most precise cuts out of it.
If you’re cutting tasks just in a straight line, you might find it useful to clamp a guide piece of wood to your workpiece. This is ordinarily a straightforward length of lumber clipped parallel to your cut line that the base plate can lean against as you cut.
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Check Out: The Best Miter Saw Blade.
The Benefits of Having a Jigsaw
You may ask us, “Why do I need a jigsaw?”
“A jigsaw is one of the most desired tools by DIYers due to its versatile nature and ease of use. On top of that, people of all ages can use it comfortably if they know how to use a jigsaw properly.”
It is the only portable power tool that works like magic when it comes to cutting curves. Any woodworker with a jigsaw can complete his or her job quicker than one who does not have one.
Here are some of the benefits that will let you understand why having a jigsaw set is so popular and effective.
Versatility
Though you might know about woodworking jigsaw earlier, a jigsaw’s power is not restricted to wood only. It works effectively on other kinds of materials, as well. Besides cutting wood of different densities and thicknesses, jigsaws can effectively cut drywall, steel, and fiberglass.
However, to work with those materials, you need to install the appropriate or suitable blade. Changing the battery is very easy too. Due to its versatility and added value, the woodworkers and DIYers keep it with them all the time.
Bevel Cuts
You need not go for table saws for Bevel cuts anymore. As you can set most of the jigsaws up to 45 degrees angle, you can comfortably make Bevel cuts with jigsaws.
Corded and Cordless
You may have known or seen corded Jigsaws before. But, in this age, cordless jigsaws are also available out there. So, you can go cordless, twist, and turn them to the point you like with no difficulty.
Making elegant curves was never as more comfortable as it is with the cordless jigsaws. On top of that, you need not worry about cutting the cord accidentally. These are very lightweight to carry anywhere.
Kids-Friendly
If you instruct a kid properly about how to use a jigsaw along with supervising him or her, you will find how easy it is for them to use a jigsaw. As a jigsaw does not require an extra push on the surface to cut, a kid can hold that in his or her hand, setting the right degree, and the Jigsaw will do the rest.
Ease to Use
No matter whether you are a professional or just a beginner, using a jigsaw is straightforward and easy.
Just two things you need to do to make a jigsaw ready to work. At first, you have to insert the blade where it is supposed to be, and secondly, plugin or pop in the battery (in case it is cordless), and you are done. It does not require you to free up much space to keep it, as it takes very little space on the shelf.
Final Thoughts
A jigsaw is a great tool to keep in your collection to make intricate and delicate cuts to your heart’s content. However, understanding how to use a jigsaw safely and adequately will help you get the most of it.
Hopefully, you understand Jigsaw is a tool used to cut thin material into shapes. You can use it for more complex projects than just cutting a straight line, and it’s excellent for cutting characters or other forms out of wood. Moreover that this article has helped you know the benefits, use, and safety tips that you need while working with a jigsaw.
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