A jigsaw is a handheld power saw with a narrow, reciprocating blade that lets you make straight and curved cuts in wood, sheet materials, plastic and thin metal. The narrow blade makes it possible to saw curves, circles and cutouts — something a circular saw cannot do.
What do you use a jigsaw for?
| Application | Example |
|---|---|
| Curved cuts | Round cutouts in worktops, decorative shapes |
| Cutouts | Hole for a socket, pipe pass-through |
| Cutting thin material to size | Thin boards, plywood, MDF |
| Laminate | Cutting floor planks to size (around obstacles) |
Blades
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Coarse (6 TPI) | Fast cutting in thick wood |
| Fine (10-12 TPI) | Clean cut, thinner material |
| Metal blade | Thin metal, aluminium |
| Ceramic blade | Tiles (special blades) |
TPI = Teeth Per Inch. More teeth = finer cut.
Limitations
- Not for thick structural timber — Maximum cutting depth around 60-80 mm, and the cut gets sloppy in thicker wood
- Less straight than a circular saw — The narrow blade can wander when making long straight cuts
- Slower — For repetitive straight cuts, a circular saw is faster
Tips
- Orbital action — Turn on orbital action for thick wood (faster, but rougher cut)
- Keep the blade cool — When cutting plastic or metal: go slowly, use lubricant if needed
- Plunge cutting — You can start a cut in the middle of a panel by slowly lowering the blade into the material
Related terms
- Circular saw
- Mitre saw
- Router