Using Jigsaws and Jigsaw Blades Video

In this video, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com shows how to use a jigsaw and discusses some of the key features to look for when buying a jigsaw and jigsaw blades.

Jigsaws are a handy tool to have around the house. Inevitably if you do enough projects around the home you will need to make some curve or arced cuts. Jigsaws are ideal for this situation

Jigsaws are available in corded and cordless models. The cordless jigsaws are excellent due to the fact that you do not have to drag an extension cord behind you, however they lack some power and they need to be regularly charged. Selecting a higher voltage rating cordless jigsaw model, for example an 18 volt model, will help to reduce the frequency of recharging.

Corded jigsaws our more powerful and do not need to be recharged. Corded jigsaws have motors ranging from 3.5 to 6 amps. Consequently they are better for bigger jobs that more continuous work.

Key Jigsaw Features When selecting a jigsaw there are a few key features to look for. Variable speed is an extremely important feature, as this allows you to adjust the speed of the material being cut with the jigsaw, which can help to ensure a better cut and extend the life of the jigsaw blade. Some jigsaw models offer an orbital cutting mode. An orbital cutting mode causes the jigsaw blade to move side to side as well as up and down. This mode allows you to cut through material quicker.

An adjustable foot or sole on the jigsaw is also an important feature to have, as this allows you to make angled cuts from 0o up to 45o degrees.

Jigsaws with fast jigsaw blade changing capabilities is also very helpful. Older jigsaw models required an Alan wrench, which is quite time consuming when having to change a jigsaw blade.

Also, look for jigsaw models with blade supports, as this will help to stabilize the jigsaw blade as it is cutting, and thus produce a cleaner cut. Finally, some jigsaw models include a fan or vacuum feature that removes sawdust from the front of the jigsaw so that you can see the line that you are cutting. Jigsaw blades There are numerous Jigsaw blade offerings and in general the more teeth per inch the more finer the cut. For faster, and rougher cuts, a jigsaw blade with fewer teeth per inch should be used.

There are narrower scrolling blades for making tighter radius curves.

Some jigsaw blades are designed specifically to cut wood, whereas others are designed specifically to cut metal. However, there are also bi-metal jigsaw blades for cutting both wood and light metal.

Finally, cobalt blades offer more blade durability.