The jigsaw is a very handy tool, despite the small size it can be used for a wide variety of cutting tasks. Thanks to the narrow blade, you can make both straight and curved cuts fast and easily. Of course, in order to make precise and splinter-free cuts, you need to know how to use a jigsaw. But first of all you need a jigsaw. Fortunately, jigsaws are cheap power tools. But you may end up spending a fair bit of money on blades.
The jigsaw has improved a lot lately. The term saber saw is also used for power jigsaws. To keep things simple, in this article we are going to use the term jigsaw for a portable reciprocating saw. Most people use the terms jigsaw and saber saw interchangeable.
The basic function of a jigsaw is to convert the rotary movements of an electric motor into up and down movements of a blade. By changing blades you can cut different materials. Blades are available for cutting wood, metal, drywall and many other materials. Note that you also need to know what speed to use for materials, for example, ceramic tiles must be cut slowly. One popular feature of jigsaws is the ability to be able to start cutting in the middle of a work piece, also known as an interior cut. This can be done without drilling a hole first. It takes a little bit of practice but it is a useful skill, well worth learning.
Nowadays, a good jigsaw supports variable speed and orbital-blade action. These options make it easier to operate the jigsaw. You have both corded and cordless models. You can even get a pneumatic jigsaw, but they are meant for professional use. One nice feature is the quick-release blade change, which makes it easier and faster to change blades. It allows you to change blades without using any tools.
The jigsaw is a very versatile tool but the blades are also very important. The early blades were often of poor quality that tended to bend in the worst possible moment. But nowadays you can buy high quality blades without paying much. No matter how skillful you are, choosing the proper blade is very important. The Combination Blade is an all-purpose blade suitable for most straight and curved cuts. If you are going to cut very thin wood, you need a knife-edge blade.
Bimetal blades are generally more durable than HSS blades. Note that blades are available in a lot of different lengths but not all jigsaws accept every blade length. Make sure to check the manual before buying blades.
Needless to say, always be careful when using a powerful tool such as a jigsaw. You can create a lot of damage quickly if your attention wanders. Always wear safety glasses, a dust mask is also needed for many tasks. Always secure smaller workpieces to a work surface. Note that the blade will get very hot during cutting so don’t touch the blade immediately after using the saw. The blade should not make contact with the workpiece when you start the jigsaw. Let the blade come to full speed before starting to cut.