A jig saw has a small, thin blade that is held in place by a clamp. The blade is moved up and down quickly by the motor, sawing the material in front of it. As the tool is turned, the blade moves in this new direction as well. This makes it super-easy to cut shapes and designs out of various types of material. And since it doesn't require a lot of experience or skill to operate, a jig saw can be a valuable tool for beginners or added to the collection of an experienced woodworker.
Here are six reasons why every DIYer should own one:
Reason #1: Making Curved or Irregular Cuts
A jig saw is perfect for making curved or irregular cuts. With the right blade, you can make intricate cuts that would be difficult to make with another type of power saw, such as a circular saw or reciprocating saw.
Reason # 2: Making Bevel Cuts
One of the great things about a jig saw is that you can make bevel cuts with it - that is, cuts that are angled up to 45 degrees. This is handy for making picture frames, molding, or other projects where you need to make angled cuts.
Reason #3: Cutting Circles
With a jig saw, it's easy to cut circles in wood, metal, or plastic. This is handy for making signs, clocks, or other circular projects.
Reason #4: Cutting Different Materials
A jig saw can be used to cut many different kinds of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, tile, and even stone. With the right blade, you can make straight cuts or curved cuts in any of these materials.
Reason #5 Great for Huge Projects
If you have a big project that requires a lot of cuts, a jig saw can be a great tool to use. With its long blade, you can make continuous cuts in materials like plywood or particleboard without having to stop and change blades.
Reason #6: Pumpkin Carving
You can use a jig saw for many different types of projects, but most would never guess that includes pumpkin carving! With the right blade, you can easily carve out a jack-o-lantern face or other design.
Different Kinds of Jig saw Blades
Now that we've gone over some of the reasons why you should own a jig saw, let's talk about the different kinds of blades that are available. Jig saw blades come in many different shapes and sizes, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. Here are some of the most common types of blades:
T-Shank Blades
These are the most common type of blade and will fit most jig saws. T-shank blades have a universal shank that fits into any jigsaw that uses T-shank blades.
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U-Shank Blades
U-shank blades are less common than T-shank blades but they can offer better performance in some cases. They're designed for use with specific models of jig saw that have a U-shaped slot for the blade.
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Bi-metal Blades
Bi-metal blades are made from two types of metal - usually high-speed steel and cobalt - bonded together. This makes them very tough and able to withstand heavy use.
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Carbide-Tipped Blades
Carbide-tipped blades are even tougher than bi-metal blades and can be used on materials like ceramic tile, stone, and cast iron.
Shop nowNow that you know about some of the different types of jig saw blades that are available, you can choose the right one for your next project. Whether you're making straight cuts or curved cuts, there's a blade that's perfect for the job!
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.
