A jigsaw is a great tool for cutting patterns and precise cutouts. I have personally used a jigsaw for my job when I worked at a hardware store, doing craft projects, and even home construction projects. Jigsaws can be very useful if you know how to use them and can stay safe while using the tool. Due to the movement of the saw and free flow there are still safety concerns with using a jigsaw. This article will take a look at 10 tips for using a jigsaw that will look at safety and other helpful tips for using the tool.
1. Practice on scrap first
Using a jigsaw can be tricky when you first start out; it takes a steady hand and good hand eye coordination to stay safe. Practicing on a piece of scrap wood is a great way to avoid costly mistakes on the actual project and will also get you acquainted with using the saw and what to expect.
2. Draw pattern out first
Commonly when using a jigsaw you will be cutting out a precise pattern which takes a lot of patience and skill. I recommend drawing the pattern out first and make sure all the measurements are accurate. I recently did a craft project where the measurements were only a ¼ inch off due to poor line up of the saw to pattern which caused the entire project to be off.
3. Look out for wires
Wires are a hazard for almost any jigsaw user, even the cord of the saw. You must constantly be aware of your surroundings when using the saw and make sure it does not get near any sort of electrical wires.
Jigsaws are great because they can be used for a variety of different projects and can cut through many different materials. Before attempting any project you should check if the blade and the saw are capable of handling it.
The blade on a jigsaw is relatively flexible and can easily snap is the right amount of stress is applied. Whenever using any kind of saw you should wear eye protection, but it is very important that you do so while using a jigsaw as the blade can snap and cause damage.
6. Correct blade for the job surface
Hardware stores sell different style jigsaw blades for different surfaces. Make sure that you use the correct blade for the surface you are cutting; some blades have teeth wider apart or closer together. If you have questions about which blade to use for a certain job it would be best to ask a professional at a hardware store that you plan on purchasing the blades at.
7. Skinnier the blade the better it is for intricate patterns
If you plan on doing pattern cuts instead of basic curves you may want to use a skinny blade so that it is easy to maneuver around. The smaller the blade the easier it is to cut a specific pattern out while maintaining the intended result.
8. Changing blades
For a great clean cut every time you should keep up with blade changing as needed; when the blade seems worn down or is not cutting as well as it used to then you may want to change it. Changing the blade is a safety issue as well as a functionality one. The blades are not expensive and should be replaced as they dull down.
A jigsaw is not like a table saw where the wood will be cut very fast in one swipe. Cutting anything with a jigsaw takes patience and time as it can take a while for an elaborate design. Don’t rush any project with a jigsaw or else you will not get the desired results.
10. Cutting shapes out of solid wood
If you are looking to cut shapes out of solid wood with a jigsaw it is actually very easy. First you need to drill a hole that is wider than the jigsaw blade in the desired location of the cut. Then you must place the jigsaw place in the hole and start to cut from there. This will give you the desired cutout without damaging the entire piece.
