A crafter requires several types of saws for cutting several materials, and a jigsaw is one of them. It is a versatile saw that offers amazing and smooth cuts. You can use this saw for making a curve cut, straight cut, circle cut, and a lot more cuts.
You can use it with ease to make your desire cuts. But do you know how to use a jigsaw? To get perfect curve cuts and to prevent mistakes, you need to know how to use it properly.
In this article, we have shared the details on how you can use it in the right way.
Why Use a Jigsaw to Cut Curve?
The advantages of using a jigsaw are more compare than using other saws. This tool is quite perfect, and you can use it without facing any obstacles. The best part of this tool is its weight.
A jigsaw is quite light-weight. It weighs around 5 to 7lbs, so using it is pretty easy and effortless.
The low weight of this handy tool makes it easy for you to control it when making different cuts. Moreover, it comes in a compact design, which enables you to take it anywhere for cutting materials. You can use it in remote places to cut wood.
It can cut different materials like wood, metal, plastic, laminates, and more. You can make angular cuts with ease with this efficient tool. But all the Jigsaws are not the same. We have discussed them below in detail.
Types of Jigsaw
You will find two types of Jigsaw in the market, one is a corded jigsaw and the other one is a cord-less jigsaw.
A Corded Jigsaw, also known as an electrical jigsaw, operates with the help of electricity, so it is quite powerful and works for a long duration. You can use it unlimitedly, without any restriction.
But, since it needs electricity to operate, you cannot use the tool in remote areas where there is no electricity. So it can be used in limited places.
On the other hand, a Cord-less Jigsaw is quite a convenient tool, which can be used anywhere,plus it doesn’t require electricity to operate. It is powered by a 20volt lithium-ion battery that helps in operating the tool.
How to Use a Jigsaw: Steps To Make a Curved Cut
We have already stated that by using a jigsaw, you can make detailed cuts. In comparison to other saws, this tool offers better results. But you should also know how to use it in the right way.
So, here we are with the instructions that you should follow while using a jigsaw. The steps are:
Select The Workpiece
First, you need to select the workpiece you want to cut for practice. It can be wood, metal, a poly-board, or plastic. The thickness of the material should also be considered while choosing it for cutting.
Some materials are soft and some hard, so you need to choose one according to your requirements.
Choosing the Type of Blade
Selecting the right blade type is quite essential in making clean curve cuts with a jigsaw. Two types of blades are used with a jigsaw, they are – U-shank jigsaw blade and a T-shank jigsaw blade.
You can use both blades for cutting the material, but I recommend using a T-shank blade. They are quite popular as they can be replaced quickly and easily. Most people prefer using the T-shank blades cause they work better than the traditional U-shaped blades.
While choosing a blade for making a curved cut, make sure it is thin and flexible enough to cut along the marked line. Blades with fewer TPI (Teeth Per Inch) provide quick and rough cuts, while blade with more TPI is slow but offers clean cuts.
Clamp the Workpiece
Before getting started, make sure to clamp the workpiece securely to the table with C-clamps so that it doesn’t move. Try using two C-clamps on both the edges of the workpiece or put two heavy objects on the opposite ends of the workpiece to make it stable.
The line of the cut should be drawn with a pencil beforehand. All you have to do is cut the material according to the line. This helps in cutting the material precisely and prevents accidental cuts.
If you want to cut in the middle of the material, then drill the starting point and make a hole. Insert the blade of the jigsaw through the drilled hole and start cutting the material smoothly.
Cut the Material
Lastly, place the blade securely into its slot, and then plug in the cord or insert the battery into the machine (depending on the jigsaw type). Next, place the jigsaw on the material (you want to cut) and press the trigger to cut the material.
Slowly guide the blade to cut through the material and follow the line you wish to cut. Push forward the tool slowly and hold its handle softly.
If you grip it firmly, then there are possibilities of making accidental cuts, so hold it softly. Increase the speed of the machine and calmly move it along the lines. Since the jigsaw’s blade is exposed, you need to be very careful and should place your fingers away from it.
If you make any mistake or destroy the cut, do not worry. Try cutting it again by repeating the above steps. There is another method you can follow to cut the material.
Here, you need to place the machine at a fixed place and move the material along the lines to cut it in the desired shape. This seems quite a hard method for beginners, so it is better to follow the first method to make a curved cut with a jigsaw.
Conclusion
Jigsaws are one of the most powerful and excellent tools for cutting different materials. It can be of great use if used correctly. Make sure to wear safety gear while using it and also use the right blade according to the material to make the cut smoother. I hope by reading this informative article, you have gained some ideas on how to use a jigsaw.