Every DIYer, contractor, or woodworker requires to have a power tool as it helps to make work easier. Power tools are either electrically powered or battery operated and could either be portable or handheld. Out of the many power tools in the market, this article focuses on a jigsaw. You might be asking yourself, how does a jigsaw work? Well, a jigsaw is a tool that is designed for cutting, with a motor that drives a narrow blade in a rapid up-and-down motion to make a straight cut. This reciprocating saw blade movement is similar to that of a sewing machine needle.
Now, what materials can a jigsaw cut and what kind of cuts can a jigsaw make? This power tool is best suited for cutting shapes and curves in wood. A jigsaw is made with a narrow saw blade, which is attached to the tool’s body by a spring-loaded clamp at the front. The jigsaw blade has sharp teeth, measured in TPI or teeth per inch. What type of cut is the jigsaw best at? The number of teeth per inch determines how smooth a cut will be. The higher the TPI, the smoother the cut is, and also less sanding is required.
Advantages of Using a Jigsaw
Safe and Comfortable
A jigsaw helps to maximize your energy when cutting through boards as it is comfortable to operate and very easy to handle regardless of your experience.
Reliability on Jigsaw
Jigsaws are designed to efficiently create curvy lines, make the curved cut, bevel cut, and plunge cut. They can also be used to make a starter hole and create complicated shapes as the tool can be angled up to 45 degrees.
Portability Opportunity
The new design jigsaw for regular use especially the battery-powered variety is lightweight and slim. Also, we have modern jigsaws that can be used cordless. This means that you can freely and easily twist and turn the tool to accommodate elaborate curves when making rough cuts or cutting through boards. Unlike a corded jigsaw, cordless jigsaws ensure that you don’t have to worry about accidentally cutting through dangling cords.
Can be Used as Cordless
Cordless jigsaws are the best to use because you can twist and turn the jigsaw to suit the angle you want depending on the cutting line. Multifunctional– you will be able to cut more than wood with a jigsaw. As long as you have the right blade for the right cutting material, you can make even the most intricate cuts. For example, tungsten carbide grit jigsaw blades can be used for cutting ceramic tiles, roof tiles, slate, fibreglass, and plastic. Jigsaws can also slice through harder surfaces like steel and drywall, making them a valuable asset in your workshop due to their versatility.
Disadvantages of Using a Jigsaw
Using a jigsaw is as dangerous as operating any other power machine
Not very durable. Some of the thin blades can crack easily Hard to get repaired
Use of Jigsaw/ What are Jigsaw Good for?
Cutting Wood
What is a jigsaw used for in woodwork? As I have mentioned earlier, a jigsaw is used mainly to cut wood. Like a circular saw, it is specialized and common among craftsmen and handymen for cutting curves on wood. We can also use a jigsaw for wood materials like hardboard, and melamine board, and cutting for vinyl plank.
Cutting Countertops
A jigsaw can cut various materials including a countertop. A jigsaw is used to cut through a countertop when installing a sink. Because a jigsaw comes with different types of blades, the power tool can cut even the sharpest of curves required for the proper installation of a sink.
Bevel Cutting
A jigsaw can also be used to cut at an angle. This is because most jigsaws can be tilted up to 45 degrees thus making the job quicker and easier than when using a band saw.
Making Flush Cuts
A flush-cut blade is a right blade for making holes in cabinets, drywall, and backsplash using a jigsaw. Using this specialized blade enables you to cut through any vertical surface. A jigsaw is as resourceful as a drill bit.
Cutting Concrete
You can use jigsaws to cut fibre cement and porous concrete. You will however need to use a metal-cutting blade or carbide-grit blade.
Cutting Metal Sheets
You will need a jigsaw if you make designs using metal sheets. You can use a thin blade to cut complicated designs and patterns on a metal sheet. You can also use a bi-metal blade for this exercise. However, you will need to clamp the metal sheet between thin pieces of plywood so that you can cut your design properly.
Get a guide to cut plywood: How to Cut Plywood with a Jigsaw without Splintering
Cutting Soft Materials
A jigsaw has a blade that will allow you to cut soft materials such as carpets. You will also be able to this powerful tool to cut cardboard and leather and will make a more accurate cut than when using a regular utility knife.
Carve a Pumpkin
Carving a pumpkin for Halloween can be challenging without using the right jigsaw tool. This is the perfect tool to use in making Jack O’ Lantern faces in a pumpkin.
Here is a tip to cut the curve with a jigsaw: How to Use a Jigsaw to Cut Curves Simply
Cutting Ceramic
A jigsaw can also be used to cut ceramic tile, which will be done using the carbide-grit ceramic blade. Using the correct blade to cut tiles is important, especially due to the delicate nature of the process. You should lubricate the tile with water and clamp it to minimize breakage.
What are The Different Types of Jigsaw Blade?
T-Shank Blades
These jigsaw blades have a tang at the top of their shank which fits into the tool-less blade clamp of the tool. They are easy to use and make it so much easier to change blades in and out or between different jigsaws.
Universal Shank Blades/ U Shank Blades
These blades are characterized by the U-shaped cut-out at the top of their shank.
High Carbon Steel (HCS)
These Blades are flexible and more inexpensive but tend to become dull more quickly than other types of blades.
Bi-Metal Blades
Bi-metal blades have bodies made out of carbon steel and high-speed steel teeth. They bear the advantageous properties of both flexibility and wear resistance due to their two-metal construction.
Tungsten Blades
These blades are ideal for cutting ceramics, steel, or fibreglass. They have the greatest heat resistance and are more durable than the other types of blades. Their cutting edge is coated in a tungsten carbide grit for a straight edge.
Reverse Tooth Blades
The teeth of reverse tooth blades point downwards rather than upwards so that they cut on the downstroke instead of the upstroke. They can cut through materials that are prone to splintering, such as laminate worktops, without damaging their surface.
You may need a flooring vinyl specialized blade for a mitre saw or table saw just go through the link: Best Saw Blade for Cutting Laminate Flooring
Plunge Cut Blades
These blades have a sharp tip allowing them to pierce a workpiece at the beginning of plunge cutting. They are used for cutting soft materials such as softwood and plasterboard.
Scrolling Blades
These blades are designed for scroll cutting and for delicate cutting for making good, clean, and controlled cuts. They are narrower than standard blades and hence can cut tight curves without bending or breaking. These blades are perfect.
Flush Cutting Blades
The saw shoe usually extends past the blade and this can prevent you from making a cut flush to a surface. Flush cutting blades have a wider body that extends their reach so that the jigsaw can cut up to a vertical surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Cut Straight with a Jigsaw?
Clamp a straight strip of wood to the piece of wood you want to saw using G-clamps or jointing clamps. Then guide the foot of the jigsaw along it to get the most perfect straight cut.
What is the Cutting Depth of a Jigsaw?
The cutting depth or cutting capacity refers to the maximum depth a jigsaw can cut. It is determined by the stroke length of the jigsaw as well as the length of the cutting edge of the blade.
Which Jigsaw Blade Should You Choose?
For metal cutting, use blades with 21 to 24 teeth per inch. With the right blade, jigsaws can cut through wood with embedded nails, 1/8-in.
What is the Best Jigsaw Blade to Cut Wood?
When cutting wood, choose a 6–10 TPI blade. Wider gullets help clear sawdust for smooth clean cuts. Cutting metal or plastic sheets requires having a higher tooth count and slower cut speed. A 6 TPI blade cuts faster and tracks truer in the thick material but produces more chip-out than a 10 TPI blade.
Conclusion
For the best performance, having the best jigsaw and most especially the most suitable jigsaw blade comes a long way.