Jigsaw tips step by step

There are no doubts on how versatile a jigsaw is when it comes to the wood game. Not only wood, it is great for metals and plastic too. And all in all, it is one of the best tools to have whether you are working on a DIY project or remodeling your bathroom or bedroom. The main reason for it is the obvious variations of cuts you can make. So in order to make sure you use your jigsaw to its full potential, we will be revealing some jigsaw tips today.

Let’s get started with the jigsaw tips

Tip#1 Why Jigsaw

Jigsaws are pretty easy to handle. Its job is to help you cut different materials. Yes! That’s right! The jigsaw does not only cut wood but also is a handy tool to cut metal, plastic, laminate, etc.

Like many bigger tools, the jigsaw can also make angled cuts. And if you are into making different attractive shapes, then this tool is your best friend.

If you don’t have a workplace or a garage then it’s no problem. Because you can easily get sawhorses and put a plywood over it and get working with your jigsaw.

If you are just starting out as a DIY worker, then the jigsaw is the perfect tool to get you started before moving on to the big tools like the table saw. So knowing how to use a jigsaw is essential to get you started! 

Tip#2 Types of Blades

A jigsaw has two types of blades that you can attach. They are:

U-Shank

T-Shank

There is a lot of jigsaw that allows for the U-shank installation, but these are the old ones now to be honest. I don’t even know if they make any new ones which allow U-shank installation. But if your one does allow then you need a screw driver or other tool to install them to your jigsaw.

The T-Shank blade is more advance. It does not need extra tool for you to install them. They can be installed directly to your jigsaw.

If you have the choice to choose from the two, then go with the T-Shank.

Tip#3 Know Your Blades

The jigsaw is that kind of cutter that allows you to cut more than one specific material, as mentioned before. But for this activity, it comes with different blades for those different materials. For example, the blade that is used to cut wood cannot help in cutting steel and might cause damage to your blade. Hence, it is absolutely crucial for you to know which blade is for which material. How do you know that? Simple. The blade has written on it the name of the material that it is capable of cutting.

Now, these blades also come in two shapes. One is the wide and another is the narrow. So this raises another query, which shape does what? Well the usage of these depends on what sort of cut you are making. If you want to cut curves then the narrow blade is a lot useful for you than others. And the wider blade is best for making long and much straighter cuts.

Tip#4 TPI

One more important thing to know about blades is the TPI system. TPI stands for the elaborated term teeth per inch. I am going to make it easy for you to understand without getting into much explanation. The basic thing you need to know here is:

• If a blade has more teeth then you will get smoother and finer cuts. But it will be of a slower speed.
• If a blade has fewer teeth then you will get rougher cuts. But the plus point is that it will be of faster speed.

Tip#5 Adjusting the Blade

Now depending on the blade, T or U shank, you will have to put it into your jigsaw. Before you put in the blade, consider the thickness of the material you are going to cut. And make sure that the blade remains at least an inch or so longer than the material’s thickness.

Tip#6 Trigger

Starting and stopping your jigsaw depends on the trigger. It handles on and off. Now after pressing the trigger, do not start cutting right away. Rather wait and let the jigsaw get to its top speed and then start cutting. This will ease your effort while cutting and also protect the motor from extra exhaustion.

One feature your jigsaw has is the lock-on switch. The lock-on switch allows you to stop holding the trigger as you cut along. This helps you especially when you have to cut for long periods of time. To use the lock-on feature, first you have to hold down the trigger. Then as you hold it down, press the lock-on. That’s it! Now you can release your fingers from the trigger and cut for a long time.

Tip#7 Variable Speed Dial

You have to be patient while cutting some specific material with the jigsaw. Because of the variable speed system, you might always want to quickly finish your work. But this feature is not for what you think it is. The variable speed is not used to quickly get the job over. Rather it has a bigger purpose.

The several speed settings are used for cutting different materials at different speeds. You cannot cut all material having the top speed. For some materials, you have to slow down. For example, wood can be cut with the top speed. But when you are cutting metal then you have to slow down to protect you blade from potential damage. This also goes for plastic materials too.

Tip#8 Marking

It is a super useful tip before you get to cutting. Mark out a cutline before you feed your blade some material. Having a marked cutline allows you to get much better cuts. The more accurate the marked line is, the better the chances are of getting the perfect cut.

Tip#9 Shape away

• Now you can make large holes using your jigsaw. First, drill a tiny hole, enough big to put the blade in. Then put the blade into the hole and start circling to make your desired hole.
• Making squares is also easy. Mark outline in a square. Then drill any two corners that are diagonals. Then put your blade in and start connecting the two drilled corners. And thus you have your square.

Tip#10 Get Cleaner Cuts

The tooth of your blade will most likely be oriented up. This will always interfere in getting the clean-cut. Turn your workpiece over and keep the main portion downwards. This will prevent the main side from any rough or leftover chips.

Tip#11 Tips for Base

The base of your jigsaw has to be connected to the material all the way as you cut. And you need to make sure that it stays connected to the material by applying enough pressure. So do not lift any part of the base while cutting.

With your jigsaw, you can also get angle cuts as mentioned earlier. The base also contributes to getting the desired angle cut. For this, your machine has a system of tilting. By tilting the base, you can now get better and easy angle cuts.

Tip#12 Orbital Action Jigsaw

Normally, the blade of your jigsaw will only move in an up-down motion. But with the orbital action, the blade along with up-down will slightly go forward and backward. This will allow you to saw faster. The less the orbital setting, the more accurate will be your cut.

Tip#13 Do not forget your jigsaw safety

Although the jigsaw is a tool of less danger, it is always better to keep these few things in mind when using this user friendly tool:

• Make sure the blade stops completely before putting it down anywhere.
• When changing the blade, unplug your jigsaw or remove the battery.
• Beware and do not touch the blade after you are finish cutting. Because that blade will be hot!
• Wear safety goggles. Also, keep your ears covered with something soft.

Conclusion

That will be all, remember to use these jigsaw tips and you will notice you have become much more efficient in using a best jigsaw. To finish it off, even though jigsaw is not that dangerous, look out for safety!