How to Choose and Use a Jigsaw?

What is a Jigsaw?

A jigsaw power tool is a jigsaw made up of an electric motor and a reciprocating saw blade. It is a great tool for curved cuts, circle cuts and scribed cuts on walls.

A jigsaw with a bevel function on the sole plate allows cutting angles of typically up to 45 degrees relative to the normal vertical stroke for cutting miter joints.

In the past, what are now usually called scroll saws were often referred to as jigsaws.

A power jigsaw may also be referred to, by some manufacturers, as a “bayonet saw” or sabre saw.

5 Main Factors to Consider when Choosing a Jigsaw

1. Grip
2. Orbital Setting
3. Speed Setting
4. Bevel Setting
5. Type of Blade

1. Grip

Choose which type of grip suits you best. There is the barrel-handle jigsaw or the top-handle jigsaw. This is largely a comfort choice, so try out both.

2. Orbital Setting

The orbital setting is important when choosing a jigsaw. Jigsaws cut in an upstroke and the orbital setting controls how much the blade moves back and forth.

At zero, the blade moves straight up and down like a sewing needle.

For fine cuts, keep the orbital setting low. A higher setting is more powerful but less precise.

3. Speed setting

Make sure you also check the speed setting. The speed of the blade of the blade can impact the power of the blade. The thicker the wood, the more speed you may want. Use slower speeds to cut metals and plastic.

4. Bevel Setting

Look at the bevel setting. Lay the bevel flat for a zero-angle cut. Move the bevel for a more angled cut like a 45-degree.

5. Type of Blade

Choose a blade depending on what type of cut you want to make. If you want to cut something fine, like a veneer, use a blade with the teeth facing down, so the blade cuts down and not up.

For a more aggressive cut, use a blade with the teeth facing upward, so the blade cuts on the upswing.

There are blades with teeth both up and down for a moderate cut.

Be sure to look at how the blade connects to the saw. Some jigsaws accept “T” type shank while others accept a straight shank, so choose the one that matches your saw.

Conclusion

Choosing a jig saw is not very difficult. Always take into consideration the above factors before buying a jig saw. You should aim to buy a product that meet your project or task requirement and most importantly is the safety aspect of the tool.

If you want to make sure you are getting the right jigsaw machine, feel free to hit us up. Our professionals are more than happy to help you.

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Tips on Handling a Jig Saw

• When making a cut, make sure the shoe is level on the cutting surface. If it isn’t, it’s possible the blade could jump.
• Keep a firm grip on the saw to prevent the blade from jumping.
• Let the saw do the work. Do not push or pull the saw. This could drastically affect the cut.