Q&A for How to Use a Jigsaw

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What are some tips for cutting curved lines with a jigsaw?

Garrett Faust
Designer & Fabricator of Custom Wood Wall Art & Signs
Garrett Faust is a Designer & Fabricator of Custom Wood Wall Art & Signs. He is also the Co-Founder of Uptown Woodworks based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With over seven years of professional experience, Garrett and co-founder, Harrison, specialize in creating custom wood wall art and signs. They use CNC lasers and routers to cut out or engrave detailed artwork. Garrett received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of St. Thomas.

Garrett Faust

Designer & Fabricator of Custom Wood Wall Art & Signs

Expert Answer

I'd recommend using a fine-toothed blade and setting the jigsaw speed to the lowest setting. Go slowly, turning the back of the saw in the opposite direction of the curve you want to cut. Using a compass to mark smooth curved lines on the material also helps guide clean curved cuts.

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Question

Any advice for making clean straight cuts with a jigsaw?

Garrett Faust
Designer & Fabricator of Custom Wood Wall Art & Signs
Garrett Faust is a Designer & Fabricator of Custom Wood Wall Art & Signs. He is also the Co-Founder of Uptown Woodworks based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With over seven years of professional experience, Garrett and co-founder, Harrison, specialize in creating custom wood wall art and signs. They use CNC lasers and routers to cut out or engrave detailed artwork. Garrett received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of St. Thomas.

Garrett Faust

Designer & Fabricator of Custom Wood Wall Art & Signs

Expert Answer

One tip is to clamp a straight piece of wood onto your work material as a guide. Run the jigsaw along that straight edge, keeping the jigsaw's base plate tight against the guide. This helps make straight cuts using a jigsaw blade. You can also drill starter holes to insert the blade into.

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Question

Where should the electrical cord be when using a jigsaw?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

The power cord should be behind the saw at all times while you're cutting. Wrap it around your arm if you want to make sure it doesn't fall out of place.

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Question

Can I avoid splintering by adding an extra layer of material (e.g. plywood) to act as a sacrificial board that gets "splintered" while protecting the main job? If so, what is the best way to fasten it to the job?

Community Answer

That may work, I've never tried it myself, but an easier and more efficient way to prevent the wood from splintering is to take a damp rag and rub the bottom area of where you're cutting. It also helps to use a fine-toothed blade.

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Question

With the jigsaw I have, when I pull the trigger, it sometimes starts then stops; sometimes it goes slow then speeds up. What could be causing this?

Community Answer

If you move your jigsaw, the blade can catch on the workpiece. That's why it helps to keep the jigsaw parallel to the cutting surface. Try clamping your piece down.

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Question

Can a jigsaw be used upside down?

Community Answer

Yes, it can be positioned upside down. Usually this will happen if you are making holes in the ceiling for pin lights.

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Can a jigsaw be used to prune trees?

Community Answer

Sure. If the limbs aren't too large. But it's not really designed for that, and you are more likely to damage the tool or yourself. Any limb small enough for a jigsaw would probably succumb quickly to a simple lopper. For bigger limbs, a Sawsall works nicely.

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Question

Does the jigsaw give a lot of vibration?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No. A good one shouldn't vibrate at all when held firmly against a solid work surface.

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