How To Use A Jigsaw?

Power tools are a great addition to anyone’s DIY arsenal, but there are so many of them that they can be confusing, and keeping track of how to use each one can be tough. And that is not even mentioning how intimidating some of them can look! It is worth learning how to use any dangerous, powerful, bladed tool properly before you give it a shot in order to minimize the risk of possible injury and accident, and here at Best of Tools we are here to help.

Today, we are going to introduce you to how to use a jigsaw safely, and how to get the most out of your jigsaw once you have got your head around the basics. Don’t worry, we will talk you through it step by step and introduce you to every aspect of the power jigsaw that you might need to know in order to use one safely.

Below, you will find an introduction to jigsaws, a guide to how to use a jigsaw, and some handy tips on making the most of your jigsaw by using it smartly and efficiently. If you have ever wondered how to use a jigsaw, read on below to find the answers to all of your questions!

Jigsaw User Guide

What is Jigsaw?

A jigsaw is a powerful tool that is used to cut sheets of relatively thin material into shapes. It is hard to cut a straight line with a jigsaw, but this tool is ideal for cutting more advanced and complex shapes out of wood or metal, as long as you are working with a thin enough sheet.

It is perfect for cutting letters or other complex shapes out of wood to use as decoration, or for cutting complex curved shapes when making shelves to fit into awkward corners or other lightweight furniture.

Once you have got your head around how to use a jigsaw effectively, you can cut pretty much any shape you could ever imagine out of a thin sheet of wood or metal, as long as you are patient and careful when dealing with small and complex corners.

How to use a Jigsaw – the basics

Jigsaws are fairly straightforward tools to get to grips with. They are made up of a big heavy handle, and a sharp blade. Unsurprisingly, you should hold the handle, not the blade. Inside the handle is where all of the machinery and the motor fits, which is why the tool can be surprisingly heavy if you have never used one before. There are controls on one side of the handle that allow you to control the speed at which the blade moves, speeding it up to cut through hard materials or slowing it down for more delicate tasks.

The basic process of using a jigsaw is remarkably simple. Just place the blade where you want to start cutting, pull the trigger, and get going! It really is that simple and requires no additional steps to get started. The first time you try it, you will probably struggle to cut precisely how you want, though, so expect to have to practice a bit before you see any good results from your work. If you are still nervous about using a jigsaw, though, we have put together some handy tips that might help you out a bit when it comes to learning to get the most out of your jigsaw when using it for home DIY projects.

Jigsaw tips

• When you first start using a jigsaw, do not expect great results right out of the gate. They take a little while to get used to, and you should expect your first few tries at cutting out shapes to just lead to broken messes. Make sure you have got some spare wood to practice on rather than just diving headfirst into a major project!
• It’s always worth taking the time to make yourself a guide. Draw the shape you are planning on putting on the wood or metal you are cutting, and use that as a guideline to follow. A sharpie is an excellent option for this! It doesn’t matter how steady you think your hand is, a guide is always going to make your job easier. At the very least, it will reduce the amount you have to think about when you are cutting!
• Don’t rush. If you move too quickly, you are more likely to cut in the wrong direction or get the blade stuck, potentially causing significant problems. Even in the best-case scenario, you will cut jagged edges if you go to fast. Instead, move the tool very slowly and carefully in order to get smooth, perfectly shaped results.
• If you force the blade of your jigsaw in the wrong direction, you run the risk of it snapping, which is a major problem. That being said, though, you are going to need to push it a little bit in order to cut any curved shapes. Move slowly and steadily, putting even pressure on your tool, and don’t be afraid to guide it determinedly. As long as you take things slowly, everything should be fine!
• If you are working on a particularly difficult design, there might be corners that you struggle to get the blade into comfortably. There is no reason you have to stick to purely using a jigsaw for any project, though, and additional tools can help you out here! It is common for jigsaw users to keep a small drill on hand just in case, as this can be extremely useful for cutting a small hole to get your saw blade started in a small and fiddly area.

Corded vs. Cordless jigsaws

Jigsaws are available in both corded and cordless styles. That means that there is something to fit whatever your personal needs may be, although there are a couple of things you should consider when trying to choose between the two.

Cordless jigsaws are a great choice if you are at all worried about getting the cord tangled up and causing problems while you are working. That being said, they tend to be heavier than corded models, as they also have to include their own power source inside the handle. Batteries can be heavy!

Conclusion

Jigsaws are easy to use, as long as you are patient and willing to spend a little bit of time practicing and getting your head around how they work properly. It won’t be long before you are achieving incredible results with your jigsaw, even if you are not an expert on power tools and DIY!

As long as you take things slowly and carefully, jigsaws are easy and fun to use and can create all sorts of interesting cuts and crafts. So remember, take it slowly, be careful, and don’t be impatient while you are learning!