Jigsaws Explained: Blades, Orbital Action and Clean Cuts

A jigsaw is the most beginner-friendly power saw. It cuts curves and straight lines in wood, laminate, plywood, plastic, thin metal and even ceramic tiles with the right blade. It is compact, relatively safe and inexpensive. If you only buy one saw for home DIY, it will often be a jigsaw.

What a jigsaw can cut

• Curves, circles and cut-outs (sink holes in worktops, outlet boxes)
• Laminate flooring and skirting boards
• Plywood, MDF, chipboard and softwood/hardwood up to about 50–100 mm thick
• Plastic pipes and sheets, acrylic
• Thin metal (with metal blades and slow speed)
• Ceramic tiles (with carbide grit blades; slow)

Features to look for

• Orbital action (usually 3–4 settings): the blade moves forward on the upstroke, cutting faster in wood. Use 0 for metal, tiles and clean cuts.
• Variable speed dial plus trigger speed control.
• T-shank blade clamp: the modern standard; tool-free changes.
• Top handle vs barrel grip: top handle is most common and easiest for beginners.
• Blower and dust port: keeps the cut line visible.
• Anti-splinter insert: reduces chipping on laminate and veneer.
• Low vibration and a sturdy base plate (cast or steel rather than thin pressed metal).

Choosing jigsaw blades

TPI = teeth per inch. More teeth = smoother but slower cut.

How to make a straight cut

1. Mark the line with a pencil. On laminate or veneer, put masking tape over the line to reduce splintering.
2. Clamp the workpiece with the line overhanging the bench. Make sure nothing is under the cut path.
3. Clamp a straight edge (a level or straight board) as a guide, offset by the distance from blade to the edge of the base plate.
4. Rest the front of the base plate on the work with the blade not touching. Start the saw, then advance steadily.
5. Keep the base plate flat and let the blade cut at its own pace. Forcing it bends the blade and gives an angled cut.

Cutting curves and cut-outs

• Use a narrow scroll blade and orbital setting 0–1.
• Make relief cuts from the edge up to tight curves so waste falls away.
• For an internal cut-out (sink hole), drill a starter hole of 10–12 mm inside the waste area, insert the blade and cut.

Reducing splinters

A jigsaw cuts on the upstroke, so the top face chips more. Cut with the good face down, use tape over the line, use a fine or reverse-tooth blade, reduce orbital action and fit the anti-splinter insert.

Safety

• Remove the battery before changing blades; blades stay hot after cutting.
• Check below the work: the blade extends under the material.
• Wait for the blade to stop before lifting it from the cut.
• Wear eye protection and a mask for MDF and laminate.

Frequently asked questions