About:
Jigsaws have a wide range of uses. With a jigsaw, you can make straight cuts, beveled cuts, and (with practice) plunge cuts. However, where the jigsaw shines is curved cuts, like circles, arches and more intricate designs. The jigsaw's ability to cut tight curves and angles makes it similar to the bandsaw and the scroll saw. Jigsaws are best used for cutting shapes and curves in wood with its narrow blade, which is attached to the tool’s body by a spring-loaded clamp at the front. The blade’s sharp teeth are measured in TPI, or teeth per inch. A higher TPI gives a smoother cut that requires less sanding. Blades with a lower TPI produce faster cuts that are good for rough work. Multi-purpose blades are available but specially designed varieties should be used when cutting materials like metal, ceramic tile, glass and plastic.
This Unit:
Operation:
Clamp your material to your work surface so it doesn’t move around. Make sure the area where you plan on making your cuts extends over the edge of your work surface. Use at least 2 C-clamps on the edge of your work surface to hold the material sturdy. If it still moves around easily, use additional clamps or rest a heavy object on the opposite end of the material. If you need to cut a hole in the center of your material, balance it between 2 sawhorses so you can easily cut through it without damaging your work surface. You don’t need to use clamps if you’re making a vertical cut on a wall.
Squeeze the trigger on the handle to start your saw. Locate the power trigger underneath the handle on top of the saw. Pull the trigger to start the blade, and keep it held down until you’re finished with your cut. Most jigsaws have a lock switch next to the trigger. If your jigsaw has one, push it with your thumb to lock the trigger in place so you don’t have to hold it the whole time. Adjust the speed of your blade with the dial on the front of the machine. Some jigsaws have a dial on the front of the machine above the blade to adjust the speed. The blade moves faster when the dial is set to a higher number. Keep the speed slow at first until you get used to using your jigsaw. Use a slower speed when you need to make accurate cuts or when you’re cutting through metal. Some jigsaws have a variable-speed trigger, meaning the blade will move faster when you squeeze it harder.
Guide the blade through the material you’re cutting. Start at the edge of the material you’re cutting and slowly push the blade through it. Go slow at first, making sure to follow along with the line you want to cut. Keep the shoe (or the base plate) flat against the material you’re cutting to ensure you’re making a straight line. Continue guiding the saw until you completely cut through the material. Don’t force the machine through your material since you may break the blade if you push too hard. Let the machine do the work for you. Keep your fingers away from the saw while you’re cutting since the blade is exposed.
Safety:
Like any other power tool, before using a jigsaw, you want to make sure to read the manual and understand your tool well.
Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a respirator/ dust mask.
Make sure there is no loose clothing or jewelry hanging and long hair is tied up.
Secure the material before cutting. Jigsaws tend to move the workpiece more than other hand held saws, so it’s important to fasten your material while working with a jigsaw.
Do not plugin the saw or insert the battery while you insert the blade.
Keep the power cord out of the way of the blade and behind you as you cut.
Unplug or remove the battery of the jigsaw when not in use.
When you are done using the saw, and the blade has stopped, allow the blade to cool down before touching it to change it or put it away.
Loan Notes: