What Is A Jigsaw Used For?


A jigsaw is the most versatile saw for cutting curves and will be used the most out of all the saws that can cut curves plus it is the most affordable. In the past a jigsaw was often called a saber saw, today a reciprocating saw is sometimes called a sabre saw. Today’s version of a scroll saw has been called a jigsaw in the past.

What is a jigsaw used for? Jigsaws are used to cut curves, circles, bevels, patterns, shapes, circular holes, square holes, straight lines and handles.  This saw is a great portable option that has many benefits over the stationary bandsaw. This jigsaw uses a small blades and cuts with an up and down motion the thin size of the blades make it easy for cutting tight radiuses. The biggest limitation is when trying to cut thick lumber.

Keep reading below to learn more about the Jigsaw and what it can be used for.

What Is A Jigsaw Used For?

Here is a list of what a jigsaw is used for:

– To make curved or irregular cuts in wood

– To cut out shapes in wood

– To cut notches or dadoes in wood

– To make rabbets or lap joints in wood

-To enlarge or elongate holes in wood

A Jigsaw is used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting curves in wood or metal. It can also be used to make precise cuts in a variety of materials, including plastics and fiberglass. The jigsaw is a versatile tool that can be used for both home improvement projects and professional applications.

Whether handling a new woodworking project or doing remodeling of the bathroom and kitchen, the jigsaw comes into play, especially where curves are involved. It is a crucial tool that is used to cut curved lines in various materials such as softwood, plastic, ceramic tiles, thin metal, and laminate.

This master tool is also used to make holes, stencils, and bevels on wood, carpet, tiles, and steel without a hassle.

Uses of a Jigsaw

  • Making Curved Cuts

The Jigsaw is a portable and delicate tool with thin blades that can be well fitted into tight spaces. This feature allows you to follow and make curved lines with ease.

The curved cuts can be made on various materials such as wood, ceramic, plastics among others. The portability aspect of the tool makes it even easier as it comes in both corded and cordless. The shape of the blade and its lightweight element enable maneuvering and guiding perfectly along with stencil designs. 

  • Making Straight Lines and Cuts

Straight cuts are cut across or along the grain of wooden material or laminate. The jigsaw is a perfect tool to carry out this task.

It has a short, sewing like machine action that allows it to make cuts into tight corners creating a straight line. Having a wider blade and straightedge as the cutting guide, it is easy to achieve straight cuts with the jigsaw.

  • Making Bevel Cuts

The blade of the jigsaw bends when making a cut leaving a beveled edge. It happens especially with the cuts made across thick boards. Most of the jigsaws have a pivoting shoe that allows them to make bevel cuts in boards and moldings.

The pivoting shoe can be positioned up to 45 degrees to achieve the bevel cuts. Some of the jigsaws have the pivoting shoe fitted in a way that allows the blade to be positioned at any given angle other than 90˚ to the surface.

  • Making Plunge Cuts

Jigsaws are unique power tools that can make plunge cuts with ease. Plunge cuts are done by cutting in the middle of a material instead of cutting on the edges. For you to achieve this type of cut, it is ideal to ensure that the blade has a pointed edge that is sharp and can pierce through the materials without any hassles or drill a hole to start your cut.

Plunge cuts are used when making slots for letterboxes, electrical fittings, and outlets. They are also useful when making a sink cut-out in a kitchen countertop.

A jigsaw is an important tool that is handy, versatile, and a master at cutting various shapes of different materials as needed. When fitted with the right blade, the jigsaw can cut through any given density and thickness of material.

Other than making intricate cuts in wood, it can also cut through other surfaces and materials such as sheet metal, ceramic tiles, plastic, fiberglass, drywall, and steel.

Subscribe to Steve Ramsey – Woodworking for Mere Mortals on Youtube

Click Here to browse Jigsaws on Amazon ranging from $40 – $300.

How To Cut A Square Hole In Wood Without A Jigsaw?

There are a few ways you can go about cutting a square hole in wood without using a jigsaw. You could use a hand saw, but that would take forever and would be very difficult to get a perfect square. You could also use a power drill with a spade bit, but that would also be very difficult to keep straight. The best way to cut a square hole in wood without a jigsaw is to use a router.

Routers are great for many different things, but they are especially good for cutting perfect squares. All you need is a straight edge and a router bit that is the same width as the square you want to cut. Place the straight edge on the wood and align it with the edges of the square. Then, simply rout around the perimeter of the square.

This may take a few passes to get all the way through, but it will be much faster than using a hand saw or drill. Plus, you won’t have to worry about keeping your lines straight because the router will do all the work for you. So, next time you need to cut a square hole in wood, reach for your router instead of your jigsaw. You’ll be glad you did!

How To Cut A Square Hole In Wood With A Jigsaw

Here are the steps to cut a square hole in wood with a jigsaw:

-First, you need to make sure that you have the right size and type of jigsaw blade.

-Next, mark the outline of the square onto the wood.

-Then, clamp the wood down so that it is secure.

-After that, drill a hole in your outline to place your blade through to start cutting along the marked line with your jigsaw.

-Finally, unclamp the wood and remove the cut piece.

That’s all there is to it! With these simple steps, you’ll be able to cut a square hole in wood with a jigsaw like a pro.

How To Cut Curves Using A Jigsaw

Here are the steps to cut curves using a jigsaw:

-Start by drawing the curve you want to cut out on a piece of plywood or another sturdy material.

-Use a pencil to lightly draw the line of the curve onto the wood.

-Next, use a sawtooth blade in your jigsaw and make sure it is tight before you start cutting.

-Drill a hole on the outside of your circle to place your blade through.

-Start cutting on the outside of the line you drew so that you can adjust if needed.

-Cut slowly and steadily following your line.

-Use a piece of sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges after cutting.

Now that you know how to cut curves using a jigsaw, you can create all sorts of custom woodworking projects. With a little practice, you’ll be able to cut any type of curve you need for your next project.

When cutting curves with a jigsaw, it’s important to go slowly and use a light touch. Pushing too hard will cause the blade to wander off course. And if you’re going too fast, you run the risk of breaking the blade. So take your time, use a sharp blade, and make sure the surface you’re cutting is well-secured.

Kevin Nelson

I will always have a special place in my heart for woodworking. I have such fond memories working on projects with my parents on the weekends in the garage growing up. We built tables, shelves, a backyard shed, 10' base for a water slide into the pool, 2 story fort playhouse with a fire pole, and so much more. This woodworking blog allows me to write helpful articles so others can enjoy woodworking as much as we have.

Recent Posts

STOP Making Out-Dated Table Saw Sleds, Do This Instead