Jigsaws

Jigsaws, with the right blade attached, are capable of a variety of jobs in a wide range of materials from ripping and cross cutting in solid timber, man made materials and thin metals to intricate curves and internal shaped work in wood or similar material.
Traditionally, changing the blade on a jigsaw requires a screwdriver but increasingly more jigsaws come with a tool-less blade change option and a number of Jigsaws are now also equipped with a laser line for easier straight line cutting guidance.

Traditionally, changing the blade requires a screwdriver but increasingly more jigsaws come with a tool-less blade change option and a number of Jigsaws are now also equipped with a laser line for easier straight line cutting guidance. Some Black and Decker models have an easy-to-use AUTO-SELECT System which selects the optimum speed and pendulum blade action according to the application.

Jigsaws with an orbital or pendulum action speed up cutting by moving the blade in a slightly circular motion - when using a normal jigsaw blade it cuts on the upward movement by moving the blade forward and then back on the downward movement - this increased cutting speed will give you a coarser finish. When precision cutting, plunge cutting or cutting metal is required the orbital action should be turned off. When making a straight cut use a slower cutting speed and a wider blade to prevent the blade from bending or pulling the saw off course.

When cutting, the plate or sole of the jigsaw, must be kept firmly flat on the material being cut for safety and a better finish. It is easy to cut the electric cord on a Jigsaw (with the exception of cordless Jigsaws) as by its design there is no guard in front of the blade so care must be taken when using one.

A Jigsaw with a bevel function allows angles typically up to 45 degrees relative to the normal vertical stroke. Sometimes this functionality is implemented by loosening screws on the adjustable base plate, whereas more expensive models may have a quick release mechanism or even a quickly set angle dial.