Jigsaw cutting techniques

This article is about jigsaw cutting techniques. The jigsaw is a very useful power tool for any home owner, as you you can cut different materials of various thicknesses and even curved or perfectly straight lines. Therefore, we recommend you to consider buying a jigsaw if you need a cheap, durable and most importantly versatile cutting tool. From our experience, we can assert that you can do many woodworking, ceramic tile and metal projects, by using a jigsaw and several basic cutting techniques. The key of this impressive versatility is the fact that you are able to interchange the blades, according to the material you are going to cut. As you probably know, a jigsaw is also handy when installing a kitchen sink in a countertop or when having to saw a complex curvy pattern.

It is essential to wear eye protection when using a jigsaw. Even if you might think that you don’t need the safety glasses, we strongly recommend you wearing it, as chips may fly up during the procedure. Establish from the very beginning the good side of the material you want to cut. After you have decided, make sure you place the blade of the jigsaw a little away from the cut line, towards the waste side of the board.

Before pressing the start button, you have to ensure the saw shoe (the metal base of the jigsaw) is set firmly and level on the material. Work with great care and hold the power tool strongly, otherwise you might obtain a poor cut. Under any circumstances you should not force the jigsaw nor push the blade too hard. The jigsaw should cut the material at its own pace, according to the type and thickness of the material. If you force the blade, you might suffer serious injuries, as the blade might snap.

If you want to cut metal with a jigsaw, you should shut the dust blower off to avoid spreading the chips on the floor. In addition, we recommend you to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer, as to use the best lubricants for cooling the blade. Set the speed of the jigsaw according to the material and its thickness. The new power tools come with this feature, so you should use it every time you have the opportunity. Therefore if you cut plywood, for example, you should set the speed at 1 or 0. On the other hand, when cutting metal or a thick wood, we usually set the speed at 2-3.

Made from this plan

In order to make cuts with a jigsaw, you need the following:

Materials

• Wood / metal / ceramic tile / plastic / laminate

Tools

• Jigsaw, Blades, C-clamps
• Straight edge / straight board
• Tape measure, pencil, L-square

Tips

• Do not force the blade of the jigsaw
• If you place the material with the finished face up, then use a blade with downward-oriented teeth
• Do not try to cut materials that are thicker than the jig saw’s capabilities

Time

• 5-10 minutes for a cut

Using a jigsaw

Jigsaw components

Jigsaws are one of the most versatile power tools, as you can cut virtually any shapes by using the appropriate blades. As you can see in the image, a jigsaw has several main components. Therefore,  a jigsaw should have a blade fitment where you can change easily the blades, a dust adapter to connect a dust bag or an extraction system for a cleaner, a start and a locking button, the metal shoe and a handle.

Buy a jigsaw with torque control, as to adjust the speed when cutting different materials or shapes.

Jigsaw blades

As we have already emphasized, the best part about cutting with a jigsaw it’s the ability to interchange the blades. Therefore, you can use a blade with fine or coarse teeth for wood, or blades for metal, drywall or even ceramic tiles. On the other hand, there are blades with downward or upward-oriented teeth, as to make accurate cuts, according to the material.

 Cutting a straight line with a jigsaw

Cutting a straight line with a jigsaw

Step 1: Draw the cut line on the material, using a carpentry square (or an L-square), a tape measure and a pencil. Check several times, as to make sure the line is perfectly straight and has the proper length.

Step 2: In order to make a perfectly straight cut, you should use a guide. Therefore, secure a straight edge or a straight piece of wood to the material, by using 2 C-clamps. Afterwards, make sure the blade of the jigsaw goes exactly over the cut line, at both ends.

Cutting a straight line with a jigsaw

Step 3: Secure the whole setup, before making the cut, otherwise you won’t have enough control over the jigsaw.

Step 4: Press the start button and cut the material, while holding firmly the jigsaw. Generally speaking, the jigsaw tends to wander due to its small blade, but if you guide it along the straight edge, you will obtain an accurate cut.

Step 5: Smoothen the edges and adjust them with a sand block, if necessary.

Cutting curved lines with a jigsaw

Cutting drywall with a jigsaw

Step 1: Draw the curved line using a pencil. In our case, we had to build a drywall arch, therefore we marked the ellipse on the board.

Step 2: Place the blade of the jigsaw slightly away from the line, towards the waste side of the drywall board. Start the power tool and cut along the line, adjusting the speed if necessary.

Installing the metal stud arch

Step 4: Evaluate the accuracy and the quality of the cut. If you have worked with patience and with great care, then your cut should be perfect. Next, finish the edges of the material, by using a sand block.

On the market there are blades for cutting wood, ceramic tiles, plastic, drywall or even metal. They aren’t expensive, therefore we recommend you to buy the ones which fit your needs best.

Jigsaw cutting techniques

Cutting laminate flooring with a jigsaw

Step 1: Draw the cut line on the laminate planks, by using a tape measure, an L-square and a carpentry pencil. Take accurate measurements, otherwise the planks won’t fit into place.

Step 2: Use another piece of laminate (with one straight edge) and lock it to your plank with several C-clamps. Before securing it, you should make sure the blade of the jigsaw goes exactly over the cut line, at both ends. If you place the laminate boards with the face up, use a blade with downward-oriented teeth.

Cutting laminate planks with a jigsaw

Step 3: Asses the cut, making sure the blade hasn’t chipped the laminate finish, otherwise you have to redo the whole procedure. If you don’t have a blade with downward-oriented teeth, then you should translate the cut line on the back of the laminate board and cut it with a regular blade for wood.

My best tips on jigsaw cutting techniques:

A jigsaw is one of the most versatile tools in any woodworker’s arsenal. It can handle straight cuts, curves, and intricate shapes on a variety of materials, from wood to metal. However, using a jigsaw effectively requires practice and technique to avoid jagged cuts, wandering blades, and rough edges. Here are my best tips for mastering jigsaw cutting techniques to achieve clean, professional results on your projects.

1. Choose the Right Blade for the Job

• Select the Proper Blade Type: Jigsaw blades come in various types designed for different materials. Use a fine-tooth blade for cutting wood, plywood, and laminate, while a coarse-tooth blade works well for faster, rougher cuts. For metal or plastic, choose a blade designed specifically for those materials.
• Consider TPI (Teeth Per Inch): The number of teeth per inch (TPI) on the blade determines the finish of the cut. Higher TPI blades (10-24 TPI) make smoother, slower cuts, while lower TPI blades (6-10 TPI) cut faster but leave rougher edges.
• Check the Blade Condition: Always use sharp blades to avoid splintering and inaccurate cuts. Dull blades can burn the wood and make it harder to control the jigsaw.

2. Secure the Material Before Cutting

• Use Clamps: Before starting, ensure your workpiece is securely clamped to a stable surface, such as a workbench. This will prevent the material from shifting while cutting and ensure safer, more accurate cuts.
• Support Both Sides of the Cut: If you’re cutting a large piece, use sawhorses or scrap wood underneath to prevent the material from sagging or breaking as you cut through it.

3. Draw Clear Cutting Lines

• Measure and Mark Accurately: Always measure twice and mark your cutting line clearly with a pencil or marker. For curved or intricate cuts, use a template or a flexible curve ruler to trace smooth lines.
• Use a Guide for Straight Cuts: To ensure perfectly straight lines, clamp a straightedge or guide to your workpiece. Run the jigsaw along the guide to keep the blade aligned.

4. Start with a Pilot Hole for Inside Cuts

• Drill a Pilot Hole: For interior cuts or cutouts (e.g., circles or squares), drill a pilot hole large enough to fit the jigsaw blade inside the marked area. This allows you to start the cut without damaging the edges.
• Position the Jigsaw in the Hole: Insert the jigsaw blade into the pilot hole, making sure the base plate (shoe) is flush with the surface before starting the cut.

5. Use the Right Cutting Speed

• Adjust Speed for Material: Most jigsaws have adjustable speed settings. For cutting wood, higher speeds work best, while slower speeds are ideal for metals, plastics, or intricate cuts in delicate materials.
• Let the Saw Do the Work: Avoid forcing the jigsaw through the material. Let the blade’s speed and sharpness guide the cut. Forcing the blade can lead to rough edges, burnt wood, or even blade breakage.

6. Control the Saw for Smooth Curves

• Make Slow, Controlled Cuts: For smooth curves, move the jigsaw slowly and steadily, especially when making tight turns. Sharp turns should be approached gradually to avoid the blade binding or bending.
• Use a Scroll or T-Shank Blade: Scroll blades, which are thinner and more flexible, are designed specifically for making tight, intricate cuts. For even greater control, use T-shank blades, which offer better stability during complex cuts.
• Cut on the Waste Side of the Line: Always cut slightly outside the cutting line, then sand or file down to the exact shape. This ensures that your final shape remains accurate and avoids cutting too much material.

7. Reduce Splintering with a Few Simple Tricks

• Use Masking Tape: Place masking tape over the cutting line to reduce tear-out and splintering on delicate wood surfaces like plywood or laminate. The tape holds the wood fibers together as the blade passes through.
• Cut with the Good Side Down: Most jigsaw blades cut on the upstroke, so the top surface of the wood may splinter. To minimize visible splintering, place the good (visible) side of the material facing down.
• Use a Downcut Blade for Clean Top Edges: For even cleaner cuts, use a downcut blade, which is designed to cut downward, leaving a smoother edge on the top surface.

8. Follow Through for a Clean Finish

• Avoid Tilting the Saw: Keep the jigsaw’s shoe flat on the work surface throughout the cut. Tilting the saw during cutting can result in angled or uneven cuts.
• Finish Cuts with Sanding: After cutting, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth rough edges or remove small splinters, especially on curves or intricate shapes. This ensures a professional finish.

9. Use Orbital Action for Faster Cutting

• Engage Orbital Action for Wood: Many jigsaws come with an orbital action setting, which makes the blade move in a slightly circular motion. This is great for cutting wood quickly. However, keep in mind that it may result in a rougher cut, so it’s best for cuts where precision is less critical.
• Turn Off for Fine or Delicate Cuts: When cutting metal, plastic, or making detailed cuts, switch off the orbital action for greater accuracy and a cleaner finish.

10. Use a Bevel Feature for Angled Cuts

• Adjust the Bevel Angle: Many jigsaws allow the shoe to be adjusted for bevel cuts, typically up to 45 degrees. Set the shoe to the desired angle, tighten it securely, and cut along your marked line.
• Practice on Scrap Material First: If you’re not familiar with making beveled cuts with a jigsaw, practice on a scrap piece first to perfect the technique and ensure accurate angles.

Mastering the jigsaw requires practice, patience, and using the right techniques for each type of cut. By following these tips—choosing the right blade, securing your material, using guides, and maintaining a steady hand—you’ll be able to make smooth, accurate cuts whether you’re working on straight lines, curves, or intricate designs. With a little practice, your jigsaw cuts will become cleaner and more precise, improving the quality of your woodworking projects.

Thank you for reading our guide on jigsaw cutting techniques and we recommend you to check the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

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