Jigsaws

The circular saw might be the most popular type of saw among DIYers, but the jigsaw can’t be too far behind due to its many uses and affordability. The jig saw can be used for straight cuts on materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and sheetrock, but it really shines when doing curved or radius type sawing.

The jigsaw normally consists of a short housing containing a motor that’s about the length of most power drills and at one end a small blade is inserted at a 90 degree angle to the housing. The blade rotates up and down when the trigger is depressed with the teeth facing toward the front of the power tool. Some jigsaws feature a handle above and parallel to the housing to assist the user in guiding the saw while making cuts, but other models are designed to be guided by simply using the housing.

The most common types of jigsaws are portable handheld power tools, but if you do a lot of cabinet making or furniture building, bench top and floor standing models that can provide very accurate cuts are also available. Most jigsaws are electric powered, but quite a few manufacturers also offer the convenience of battery powered units.

Jigsaw Features

Basic jigsaws are good for many simple jobs, but with even the most high end models being very affordable, there’s no good reason for not purchasing a saw with many of the most desirable features. Better jigsaws offer variable cutting speeds so the blade motion can be matched to the type of material being cut – slower for metals and faster for many types of woods. Higher end models also offer blades with orbital action in addition to the up and down motion for faster cutting.

If you plan on cutting many different types of materials, the ease of blade change should be a consideration when selecting a jigsaw – many good saws feature the ability to switch blades by simply moving a lever – no tools required. Most good saws also allow you to angle the saw table for bevel cuts without a lot of effort.

Types of Jigsaws

These are the most common types of jigsaws normally found in DIYers’ workbenches:

• Corded jigsaws – these are more powerful than battery powered jigsaws with some having the ability to cut wood up to 2 ¾ inches thick and a variety of metals. These units offer numerous helpful features and many manufacturers have models at various price ranges.
• Battery powered jigsaws – these offer the convenience of taking on small jobs without having to worry about an outlet or stretching out an extension cord. The higher end models offer almost as many features as corded jigsaws and your only limitation is the length of time your battery lasts until recharging is required.
• Pneumatic jigsaws – these are relatively new and require the use of a compressor and an air hose, but they are lighter than most corded jigsaws and offer just as much power. A quick change connector allows you to alternate between your nail gun and these handy saws – an ideal situation for an interior or exterior trim project.

Jigsaw Safety

While jigsaws are small and light with a little blade, they are still power tools capable of causing injuries. Always unplug the tool before making adjustments or changing blades and know where all of your fingers are in relation to your sawing area. Eye and ear protection should be worn when using a jigsaw.