discover how to habituate one of the most various king tools for your workshop .
A jigsaw is a common power tool in the main used for cutting curving line , circles , and unequalled shapes into a range of materials , include fragile metal , laminate , charge plate , ceramic roofing tile , and wood .
The handle is located at the top of the jigsaw , with a induction electrical switch to become it off or on . The motor sits just under the grip , attached to the shoe , which is a flat alloy base that extends a few inch past the front , slope , and back of the blade . The jigsaw blade extends down vertically from the body of the saw , through the shoe . When the saber saw is plugged in and the initiation is squeezed , the leaf blade make a motion rapidly in an up - and - down saw motion .
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you’re able to cut through various materials by placing the skid matte against the target area material , squeezing the trigger to activate the leaf blade , then applying force to the back of the saw to lento push the vane through the wood , metallic element , or charge plate . Use this guide to hear how to use a jigsaw for yourhome improvement projectsand how to persist good while you work .
Before You Begin: Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Considerations
Before starting any DIY project , it ’s important to take the proper precautions to prepare the region and wear worthy personal protective equipment ( PPE ) . When using a jigsaw , wear closed - toe footwear , long pants , a retentive - sleeve shirt , condom glasses , gloves , a mask , and earplugs . If you do n’t care the feel of earplug , you could observe alternate hearing tribute products that cover the entire ear or else of sit around inside the ear .
verify to work in a well - ventilated quad when using a jigsaw , as it creates a lot of sawdust and junk . Working in an subject or well - air out blank prevents sawdust from becoming a peril . likewise , an unfastened field cut down the risk of pick up damage because the sound can get by rather of bouncing around an enclosed blank space , like a small shed .
When scavenge a jigsaw , removing the blade , or replacing the vane , take the time to unplug it from the exponent outlet or take out the assault and battery to avoid inadvertent activation . When work , never force the blade through the textile . leave the saw steel to cut at its own speed ; forcing it can cause the blade to vex in the material , splintering , or break totally .
How to Use a Jigsaw
It can be nerve - rack to apply a new power tool for the first time , specially for inexperient DIYers . But with focus and a firm hand , you may learn how to apply a saber saw safely and in effect .
What You’ll Need
Step 1: Set Up the Jigsaw
Once you’vedecided on a labor , the first whole step is to take a vane . If you ’re slew through Sir Henry Wood , choose a Natalie Wood - abbreviate jigsaw blade . If you ’re exercise with metal , opt for a metal - rationalise jigsaw blade . you may also find Freemasonry blade to handle tile , plastic steel for polyvinyl chloride or ABS , plexiglass blade , and general - function jigsaw blades . Select the right vane based on your current project .
check that the jigsaw is unplugged or the battery is withdraw before confiscate the blade to the jigsaw . The teeth on the sword should confront forward . old jigsaws may have a bolt that necessitate to be loosened using an Allen wrench to exchange the steel , though new models typically have a dim-witted lever tumbler to discharge the blade clamp .
Step 2: Prepare the Material
The target fabric you ’ll be cutting with the jigsaw needs to be firmly clamp to a workbench , tabular array , or desirable flat Earth’s surface . Use a pencil to mark where you want to cut the material . Keep in thinker that the jigsaw blade will protrude through the bottom of the material , so you will need to ensure that there is clearance for the blade . believe setting up the material with a portion over the edge of the bench to allow the leaf blade to move up and down without obstruction . If you are working with a large canvass of wood , metal , or charge plate , it might be better to ready up two tables or belittled workbenches on either end , so you could freely bring down through the centre without worry about the blade hit a clinch or the tabular array .
Step 3: Align the Jigsaw and Cut Material
With the stuff and jigsaw ready to go , secure in the jigsaw or attach the electric battery . run along up the jigsaw with the mark you made on the cloth . put the shoe home flat against the cloth , making sure the vane is not touch the textile before you pull the trigger . If already affecting , the power saw can hit the material alternatively of cutting through it because it ’s not amply up to speeding . This impact can ensue in the jigsaw jumping against the cloth , causing accidental equipment casualty , or simply spring out of your helping hand , which puts you and anyone nearby at risk .
Once the leaf blade is at full speed , slowly move the saber saw forrard , allowing the blade to cut back through the material . Apply pressure to the back of the jigsaw to move it through the material , but do n’t endeavor to force the blade through the material quicker than the blade can cut . Keep the steel moving as you cut through the material . If the blade gets becharm in a tight curve ball or wedged while make out a unequalled shape , simply let go of the trigger and pull it out . sketch cutting by realigning the blade , squeezing the initiation , and succeed the cut of meat you made until the brand reaches the uncut portion of the material .
Step 4: Make Additional Cuts as Required
After your first cut through the material , you may line up the jigsaw vane with a new line of descent to make additional cut . If you are get difficultness hack bend , take cutting square relief line in from the edge of the fabric to your cut . This allows the material to fall out in smaller slice , rather of hanging off the border of the material . Keep in brain that relief lines should only be cut through the parcel of the stuff that you are not using for your undertaking .
The shoe shell on the bottom of the jigsaw can be adjusted from 0 to 45 degrees to make mitered or angled cutting in your target textile . Just loosen the screw on the bottom or back of the shoe , align the angle , then tighten the screw to interlock into berth .
To cut out the middle of your cloth without cutting in from the border ( like if you need to cut a hole for an outlet , electric fixture , or vent ) , practice a practice to make a start decimal point . practise a hole through the material , then insert the jigsaw blade into the trap , squeeze the trigger , and bring down out from the centre towards the abstract of the area you want turn out . see along the total outline , then pop out the piece of Natalie Wood , metallic element , or plastic .
Step 5: Turn Off, Unplug, and Store the Jigsaw
When you are done cutting , turn off the jigsaw and unplug it from the world power wall socket or remove the battery . await a few minute for the saber saw steel to cool down before removing the blade from the jigsaw . Wipe the blade to take out any debris and stash away it safely in your toolbox or workbench . Clean the jigsaw and put it away until you ask to use it again . check that to drag and hoover the work country to clean up any sawdust , scraps , or debris .
Selecting the Right Jigsaw Blade
reciprocating saw are versatile and can be used with a wide variety of stuff , like wood , metal , or plastic . However , not every reciprocating saw vane is intended for use with every material . Check the production entropy to see if the brand is made to cut Ellen Price Wood , metal , roofing tile , or any other material . The package will typically put forward the cloth it ’s design to cut , but if it is n’t list you’re able to curb the product on the manufacturer ’s website for more information . If you are n’t sure what you will be working on , you’re able to find oneself ecumenical - role jigsaw blades that are effective for wood , some thin metals , and some plastics .
The TPI number on the bundle is a measurement of the tooth per inch . Lower TPI measure allow you to cut faster , but the material will have a rougher cultivation . high TPI measurements restrict the speed of the cut for create smoother finishes . You will also want to factor in the width of the blade . 1/4 - inch blades are ideal for cutting tight radius curves , while 3/8 - in blades are honest for straight cuts or for rationalise more gradual curve ball .
