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    Home/DIY projects/Woodwork/How to use a jigsaw

    How to use a jigsaw

    Summary: Learn how to use a jigsaw, cut shapes in wood with a jigsaw and cut metal with a jigsaw.

    The jigsaw is an excellent power tool for cutting difficult shapes in various materials. So long as you have the correct blade for the job, cutting is made very simple. There are many jobs that require intricate shapes to be cut out of materials such as timber or plastic. It could be working on cupboards, cabinets, kitchen worktops and other home projects or hobbies.

    Using a jigsaw

    • You must firstly make sure the blade you are using is suitable for the material. Timber is perhaps the most commonly cut material using a jigsaw, and so you should also know the limits of a jigsaw blade on various types of timber. Softwood timber can be cut well if the thickness is no more than an inch thick, whereas hardwood should be limited to 3/4 of an inch in thickness.
    • A sharp blade is essential to ensure a straight edged cut. Another thing to remember is that jigsaws are not good at cutting long straight cuts; this should be done with a circular saw instead. Also note that most blades are designed to cut on the upstroke, however, for finer, neater cuts, use a blade that cuts on the down stroke.
    • In order to cut into the middle of a surface you will need to drill a hole at the desired start point so the blade can establish itself in the material.
    • When making cutting lines, mark them on masking tape applied to the surface.
    • For cutting through ceramic tiles, you will need a carbide-grit abrasive blade. The speed and quality of the cut can be increased if you clamp the tile and spray the cut area with a little water, or for thicker tiles, cutting oil.
    • To cut metal, you should sandwich the material between two sheets of thin plywood. The best blade to use is a finer one with 21 – 24 teeth per inch.

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