If you’re going to describe jigsaw, it’s definitely the master of cutting shapes of wood, metal sheets, plywood, and many others. Shaping could be very difficult if you’ll use it with ordinary handsaws, but with Jigsaw, you’ll definitely make the most of your creativity.
Before I give you the tips on how to use your jigsaw, let’s get to know first this powerful tool!
Cutting Wood
When you cut wood and other material, always keep the shoe on the workpiece. Press the saw firmly on your workpiece. Be sure that the blade is slightly away from the edge.
After starting the motor, guide the blade outside of your cutting line, then move from curves to the corners. See to it that you are moving the saw forward and check on the pace that allows the blade to cut
Always move the saw at a pace that allows the blade to cut without deflecting. Guide your saw and avoid the saw blade to bind on tight curves so you won’t make waste.
Cutting Ceramic Tiles
Jigsaw is also good at cutting ceramic tiles by using a carbide-grit abrasive blade. Such blade is able to make curved cuts in tiles with a thickness up to ¼ inches. You can adjust the speed and reduce tile breakage by clamping the tile. How does it work? By lubricating the saw with a light mist of water.
When not handled properly, the tile gets broken. Well, there is a technique for that! It is best to clamp your tile down. Firmly hold the saw to control blade vibration.
Ceramic tiles could be tough and are not easy to cut. It is essential to lubricate the saw cut frequently by applying water. Ticker tiles need cutting oil to be lubricated too.
Cutting Metal
It’s quite impossible to shape on metal sheets without shredding it. But with a jigsaw, you can actually form your desired shape without shredding your metal sheet. Start drilling our saw blade starter holes inside all pattern circles. By the way, it is best to choose metal-cutting blades with 21 to 24 teeth per inch.
Cutting Countertops
A jigsaw is great in making curved cuts at the corners of your countertops. It is also best in making final long cut parallel to your backsplash. Then, using a circular saw, make the front and two side cuts in the countertop for your sink to be installed.
The jigsaw can work again with the narrow spaces between the sink cutting line and the backsplash which is not accommodated by a circular saw. This refines your countertops to make it look better.
If you do not have a circular saw, don’t worry! You can use a jigsaw for the whole job.
FAQs
Q. What type of material can I cut with a jigsaw?
A. You can cut wood, metal sheets, plywood, ceramic tiles, and laminate with a jigsaw.
Q. What are the different types of blades I can use with a jigsaw?
A. You can choose from Tile, Metal, Universal Style, Wood, Laminate, and Bayonet Style blades.
Q. What is the best way to cut wood with a jigsaw?
A. Keep the shoe on the workpiece, press the saw firmly on your workpiece, and be sure that the blade is slightly away from the edge. After starting the motor, guide the blade outside of your cutting line, then move from curves to the corners.
Q. How do I cut ceramic tiles with a jigsaw?
A. Use a carbide–grit abrasive blade and adjust the speed to reduce tile breakage. Clamp the tile and lubricate the saw with a light mist of water.
Q. What blade type should I use for cutting metal?
A. Use metal–cutting blades with 21 to 24 teeth per inch.
Q. How do I cut countertops with a jigsaw?
A. Use the jigsaw to make curved cuts at the corners of your countertops and for the final long cut parallel to your backsplash. If you don’t have a circular saw, use the jigsaw for the whole job.
Q. Is it possible to shape metal sheets with a jigsaw?
A. Yes, it is possible to shape metal sheets with a jigsaw. Start by drilling saw blade starter holes inside all pattern circles and use the appropriate blade type.
Q. Should I use water or cutting oil to lubricate my saw when cutting ceramic tiles?
A. For tiles with a thickness up to ¼ inches, it is best to lubricate the saw with a light mist of water. For thicker tiles, use cutting oil.
Q. How can I avoid tile breakage when using a jigsaw?
A. Clamp your tile down, firmly hold the saw to control blade vibration, and lubricate the saw cut frequently.
Q. What are the safety tips when using a jigsaw?
A. Always wear safety gear such as safety glasses and ear protection. Be sure to read the instructions in the manual and keep your hands away from the blade.