The jigsaw is sometimes preferred to the circular saw for safety reasons. Additionally, jigsaws are better suited to precise applications, typically being used for cutting away wooden sections, repurposing, and upcycling. Adjustments can be made for cutting at different angles.

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The types of materials that can be cut with a jigsaw include:

• Wood
• Plastic
• Metal
• Ceramic

Can You Use a Jigsaw to Cut Wood?

Wood cutting jigsaws are commonplace as this is one of the standard tasks where they are used. Therefore, cutting wood with a jigsaw is typically a simple task. However, there is some variation in the material thicknesses that jigsaws can cut safely and efficiently. The length of the blade, the saw base, the number of teeth and the tooth pitch, the softness of the wood, and the power of the jigsaw motor will all have a bearing on the suitability of the wood jigsaw.

Will a Jigsaw Cut Tiles?

Cutting tile with jigsaws is possible, if you have the right blade. A jigsaw blade for cutting ceramic tiles safely and efficiently will feature an abrasive diamond or carbide-grit edge. They can also be used for the precise insertion of notches, cuts, and openings.

Can a Jigsaw Cut PVC Pipe?

A high-powered jigsaw will be suitable for cutting tough and durable PVC piping. However, you should ensure that the piping is firmly secured on a worktop or other stable surface before undergoing the cutting process. There should also be minimal vibration to help prevent chipping.

Safety is key when learning how to use a jigsaw tool. You must ensure that you are wearing appropriate PPE and safety equipment including a face mask and goggles. You must also make sure that you have the correct blade fitted for the cutting application - the suitability of the blade may be specified on the packaging or label. The material that you are preparing to cut should be securely clamped to the work surface and you should also ensure that the cutting area does not extend beyond the edges of the work surface.

Whether you will be cutting straight with a jigsaw or you need curved cuts, it is important to take additional care over the pencilled drawing of the cutting line. This line will provide guidance, ensuring that you do not overcut the material. The greater the level of accuracy, the greater the chance of cutting precision. You should also ensure that the jigsaw settings are adjusted per the nature of the cutting application. This might involve making orbital and speed setting adjustments suited to the material. It should be possible to adjust the speed, depending on the type of cut that you are making. A slow speed will be suitable for highly accurate cuts, while a high speed will allow for low-vibration cutting of wood or laminate.

You should firmly grip the handle when preparing to cut and the base of the jigsaw should remain flat against the workpiece for the entirety of the cutting process. It might be necessary to adjust the setting depending on the level of resistance encountered. Once the necessary safety precautions are in place and you are confident to proceed, you simply have to squeeze the jigsaw trigger to set the blade into action. You might have to wait for a moment for the blade to start working at full speed.

Once the jigsaw is fully operational, you should position the base plate firmly and securely against the material. You may then guide the jigsaw along the cut line. If you feel a kickback or straining sensation, then you should reduce the cutting speed. The cut should continue until the end of the drawn line. Excess material should drop away freely, without any damage to you or contact with the power cord. Sandpaper may be used to smooth any rough edges after using the jigsaw.

How to Change a Jigsaw Blade

You will find a spring-loaded lock at the top of the jigsaw. The purpose of this lock is to keep the jigsaw blade secure during the cutting process. The first step in the attachment of the blade will be to position the spring-loaded lock so that it is parallel with the blade guide. You should then proceed to carefully insert the blade and release the lock. You can test the security of the blade by giving it a gentle tug.

You should ensure that the jigsaw blade has cooled before removing it. It will also be important to remove the battery from the jigsaw. Only then should you push the spring-loaded lock up to release the blade.

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a jigsaw. You should account for the expected regularity of use, the merits of corded vs cordless models, and the suitability of the blade. The best jigsaw for you will depend on factors such as the material that you are planning to cut and the features that you consider essential. Additionally, it might be the case that you prefer a certain brand, for example.

Regardless of whether you are looking for the best cordless jigsaw or the best jigsaw for cutting metal, other key considerations should include:

Jigsaw Stroke Length

The stroke length is specific to the amount of distance that the blade covers in a vertical direction during the cutting process. The higher the stroke length, the greater the cutting efficiency. Tools with the longest stroke lengths are also suitable for cutting a diverse range of materials.

Jigsaw Power

The required power will depend on the cutting purposes and expected regularity of use. A jigsaw with motor power over 500w will be sufficient for most cutting tasks. However, you should invest in a jigsaw with over 700w of power if you are going to be using it regularly to cut hard materials. It is also worth remembering that the power of a cordless jigsaw is represented in Volts.

Jigsaw Speed

The cutting speed will have a bearing on the materials that can be cut:

• Slow – jigsaws with a slow cutting speed of between 500 and 1,000 strokes per minute are suitable for cutting ceramics, wall tiles, and glass
• Medium – a mid-range cutting speed of 1,500 to 2,000 strokes per minute makes the jig suitable for cutting plastics and non-ferrous materials
• Fast – jigsaws with a fast cut speed setting of over 2,000 strokes per minute are exclusively suited to cutting wood

Check out our handy comparison of popular jigsaws to help you decide on the most suitable model for your requirements.

Can a Jigsaw Cut Metal?

It is important to choose a jigsaw with the appropriate type of blade and power for the safe, precise cutting of metal. A professional jigsaw with good specifications may reasonably be expected to cut through 10mm steel and non-ferrous metal with a thickness of up to 30mm.

How Long Do the Batteries Last on a Cordless Jigsaw?

The expected battery life of a cordless jigsaw will depend on the specific model and the different types of cutting tasks being carried out. It is always advisable to have a spare fully-charged battery and a mains connected battery charger within easy reach.

What Does Voltage Mean for a Cordless Jigsaw Tool?

Voltage is the main indicator of a cordless jigsaw’s power. The Voltage level will vary between models, but most cordless jigsaws feature 12 or 18-Volt batteries. The Voltage directly relates to the power of the motor and the overall efficiency of the tool.

What is Jigsaw Speed?

Jigsaw speed can be measured in terms of either rotations per minute (RPM) or strokes per minute (SPM). Jigsaws can also be categorised by fixed or variable speed. Fixed speed jigsaws should be fine for occasional use, but variable speed jigsaws should be selected if you are going to be regularly cutting materials with different levels of resistance. The ability to set a low speed will be particularly important if you are going to be scrolling as you cut. The maximum speed setting of a typical corded jigsaw ranges from spm to spm.

Best Jigsaws for Your Project

Last updated June 16,

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Jigsaws are at home with the DIYer and the construction professional alike. They’re an excellent first power tool while also being useful for the experienced carpenter.

The best jigsaw for you depends on several factors. Do you prefer a barrel grip or top handle design? Do you want the freedom of battery power or do you prefer a power cord? How does cost figure into your decision?

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Table of Contents

1. How Jigsaws Work

2. Features to Look For

3. Jigsaw Blade Selection

4. Battery or Corded Power

5. Tips for Using a Jigsaw

6. Jigsaw Safety

How Jigsaws Work

Jigsaws have great versatility that comes from a wide variety of blade options. They can be used to make complex shapes or cut materials that other saws can't. While they don't excel at jobs like ripping long, straight lines, they are among the most versatile power tools that are made today.

• A jigsaw cuts by moving the blade up and down through the material while the user propels and guides the saw.
• The cut is made perpendicular to the saw’s shoe.
• Jigsaws can follow curved lines. A regular blade can follow open curves but a scroll blade can cut tight curves.
• Wider blades are better for cutting straight lines.
• They are often used to cut notches. The leading edge of the cut is straight as opposed to the curved leading edge made by a circular saw. A jigsaw is easy to stop at a precise point and back the saw out of the cut.
• Inside cuts can be made by drilling a hole through the material, then putting the jigsaw blade through the hole to position the saw.
• Trim carpenters use jigsaws to make coping cuts for joints on crown and base moldings. A coping cut is where the detailed outline of the molding is followed and material is cut from the back so two pieces can be joined together seamlessly.
• Jigsaws aren’t best for long, straight cuts. Circular saws are better for that. But, they are sufficient for short straight cuts, like trimming lumber to length across the short dimension.
• Many jigsaws have an oscillating motion in addition to the reciprocating motion. This can make for faster or smoother results, depending on the material and blade being used. As with any tool, experiment with scrap material before moving on to the workpiece.
• There is another tool, the reciprocating saw, that uses a similar motion but the tools are set up differently and have different purposes. A reciprocating saw is more of a demolition and heavy construction tool while a jigsaw is more for carpentry.

Features to Look For

The best saw for you has the combination of features you need. No saw will have every feature, as some are either-or, like the style of grip or source of power.

Jigsaw features include:

• Light that shines directly on the cutting area
• Air blower to move dust away from the blade
• Adjustable foot for bevel cuts
• Tool-free bevel adjustments
• Oscillation adjustment
• Dust collection port
• Variable speed trigger
• Variable speed dial
• Top handle grip
• Barrel grip
• Anti-splinter or tearout reducing insert
• Battery power
• Corded power
• Tool-free blade changing
• Plastic shoe cover to prevent scratching material
• Ambidextrous controls
• Onboard storage for extra blades
• Laser line

Jigsaw Blade Selection

A jigsaw is a versatile tool due to the wide variety of blades that are available.

There are two types of shanks, T and U. The T shank attaches to the saw without tools and is the most widely used on current saws. With very few exceptions, any T-shank blade will work with any T-shank saw. You do not need to use blades that are the same brand as your jigsaw.

Many different materials can be cut with a jigsaw and various types of cuts can be made. For example, when cutting wood, there are blades that are optimized for cutting fast and blades that are designed to cut smoothly. You can pick between a blade that will hold a straight line easier or is better for cutting curves. Another option is there are blades that cut on the downward motion while most cut on the upward motion, and some blades cut from both directions to make a smooth surface on both sides of the material.

The blade’s packaging will tell what materials it was intended to cut and what quality of cut it should produce.

In general, finer teeth will produce a smoother cut, but only to a point. A fine-tooth blade intended for thin metal will not cut wood very well at all. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with different blade types and which material each blade cuts best.

Most blades used sharpened teeth to cut, but some use an abrasive compound or diamond grit. Some teeth are carbide.

With the right blade installed, one jigsaw can cut all these different materials:

• Wood
• Engineered wood
• Plastic, HDPE, plexiglass, laminate
• Fiberglass
• Foam and insulation
• Metal, sheet metal, thicker metal, cast iron
• Tile, ceramic and porcelain

Battery or Corded Power

Just like most power hand tools, many battery-powered jigsaws rival or exceed the power of corded saws. If you need help deciding between corded and battery, here are a few questions to help decide.

• Do you need a more maneuverable saw? The lack of a power cord makes the saw easier to turn while cutting. In general, a battery jigsaw is easier to maneuver, due to there being no cord in the way. Some manufacturers make compact battery saws that fit into tighter spaces.
• Is cost the main factor? Corded saws can be less expensive than battery saws, although there is more overlap as battery power gains preference among tool buyers.
• Are you already committed to a battery platform, and if so, does your tool company make the jigsaw you want? If yes, then buying another tool on your battery platform makes sense. If not, consider a corded model with the features you need.
• Will you be working in a workshop with easy access to a power outlet? If not, a battery saw offers more portability.

Tips for Using a Jigsaw

Here are a few cutting tips that may help you decide which saw is best for you.

• With standard jigsaw blades, the blade cuts on the upstroke, an action that keeps the saw tightly against the stock to minimize vibration. This also means that tearout will occur on the top of the cut, so keeping the good face of the material down when a clean cut occurs is important.
• With a reverse-tooth blade, the cutting action is on the downstroke, so position the good side up. Turn off orbiting action when using a reverse-tooth blade, and be aware that you'll have to supply downward pressure on the saw's body to reduce its tendency to jump.
• When precision really counts, saw just to the waste side of the marked cutline, then sand to the line for perfect results.
• Sideways pressure on the blade during a cut causes problems. With side pressure, your cut can go out of square and increased friction heats the blade, shortening its life and burning the cut.
• Guide the saw with a steady forward motion.

Jigsaw Safety

• Be aware that the blade protrudes through the other side of the material being cut. Keep yourself and everything you don’t want cut away from the protruding blade.
• Don’t push the saw too hard. Forcing the saw through the cut can break or bend the blade and makes a rougher cut.
• Remove the battery or disconnect from power before changing the blades, making adjustments or performing maintenance.
• Jigsaws are loud and cutting produces dust. PPE for ears, eyes and breathing are recommended.
• As with any power tool, don't wear jewelry while using it. Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing.
• It's helpful to clamp the workpiece to a workbench when using a jigsaw. This can result in a cleaner cut and safer operation.
• Read the operator’s manual and follow the instructions to operate a jigsaw.

We have the tools to make your job easier. For one-off projects and quick home renovations, consider our jigsaw rentals. You can also use The Home Depot Mobile App to find everything you need.

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