Jigsaw Guide

Complete reference for jigsaw blade selection, orbital action settings, curved cuts, interior cutouts, bevel cuts, and technique tips. Essential for cutting curves and making interior cutouts.

When to Use a Jigsaw

The jigsaw excels at cuts other saws can't make:

  • Curved and irregular cuts
  • Interior cutouts (sink openings, electrical boxes)
  • Cutting shapes and patterns
  • Plunge cuts (starting in the middle of material)
  • Bevel cuts up to 45°
  • Scrollwork and intricate designs
  • Cutting materials too awkward for other saws

The jigsaw is the most versatile saw for DIY work - it can make any cut a circular saw or miter saw can make (though not as efficiently), plus curved cuts they can't make at all.

Orbital Action Settings

What is Orbital Action?

Orbital action moves the blade forward on the upstroke (cutting stroke), making cuts faster but rougher. Higher settings = more aggressive cut.

SettingCut SpeedCut QualityBest For
0 (No orbital)SlowestSmoothestMetal, plastic, finish cuts
1SlowSmoothHardwoods, tight curves
2ModerateBalancedGeneral purpose wood
3FastestRoughestFast cuts in softwood, demo
Blade Selection Guide

Blade Shank Types

  • T-shank: Most common, tool-free change, universal fit
  • U-shank: Older style, requires set screw, being phased out
TPICut TypeBest Materials
6 TPIVery fast, roughThick softwood, fast demo
8-10 TPIFast, moderateGeneral wood cutting
10-12 TPIBalancedPlywood, general purpose
14-18 TPISmoothThin materials, hardwood
20-24 TPIVery smoothMetal, plastics
32+ TPIUltra-fineThin sheet metal

Specialty Blades

  • Reverse tooth: Cuts on downstroke, reduces tearout on top surface
  • Bi-metal: Flexible body, hardened teeth - lasts longer in metal
  • Carbide grit: For tile, fiberglass, cement board
  • Scrolling: Narrow for tight curves
Cutting Techniques

Straight Cuts

  • Use a straight edge guide clamped to workpiece
  • Let the shoe ride against the guide
  • Not as accurate as circular saw but works in a pinch
  • Use higher orbital setting for faster cutting

Curved Cuts

  • Mark cut line clearly
  • Use lower orbital setting for control
  • For tight curves, use narrower (scrolling) blade
  • Don't force the blade - let it cut at its pace
  • Make relief cuts for tight inside curves

Interior Cutouts

  • Drill method: Drill starter hole inside waste area, insert blade
  • Plunge cut: Tilt saw forward on shoe tip, lower blade into material
  • Stay slightly inside cut line, then trim to exact size
  • For corners, cut past the corner and come back from other direction

Bevel Cuts

  • Adjust shoe angle (most saws go 0-45°)
  • Verify angle with protractor before cutting
  • More difficult to control - go slowly
  • Support workpiece well to prevent vibration
Reducing Tearout

Why Tearout Happens

Standard jigsaw blades cut on the upstroke, so tearout occurs on the top surface. The blade exits the material at the top, tearing fibers rather than cutting cleanly.

Solutions:

  • Cut good side down: Tearout on back surface instead
  • Use reverse tooth blade: Cuts on downstroke, tearout on bottom
  • Apply masking tape: Along cut line on top surface
  • Score the line: With utility knife before cutting
  • Use zero-clearance insert: If your jigsaw accepts them
  • Higher TPI blade: More teeth = cleaner cut
  • Reduce orbital action: Less aggressive = less tearout
Safety & Best Practices

Required PPE

  • Safety glasses: Flying chips and dust
  • Hearing protection: 90-95 dB
  • Dust mask: Especially for MDF, particleboard

Workpiece Support

  • Secure workpiece firmly - vibration is common
  • Support near the cut to minimize vibration
  • Keep blade clear of sawhorses/supports
  • Don't let cut-off piece pinch blade

Blade Care

  • Let blade stop before setting down saw
  • Replace bent or dull blades immediately
  • Match blade to material - wrong blade damages both
  • Keep spare blades on hand - they're consumables

Additional Information

About This Jigsaw Guide

The jigsaw is one of the most versatile saws available, capable of cutting curves, making interior cutouts, and handling materials that would be difficult with other saws. While it can technically make straight cuts (with a guide), its real strength is in cuts that other saws simply cannot make.

Understanding orbital action settings and blade selection is key to getting good results. Higher orbital settings cut faster but rougher - great for demolition or rough work, but poor for finish cuts. Lower orbital settings (or none) give smoother cuts but take longer. Similarly, blade TPI determines cut quality and speed.

For interior cutouts like sink openings or outlet boxes, the jigsaw is often the only practical tool. Learning to plunge cut (starting in the middle of material) or using drilled starter holes opens up possibilities that no other portable saw offers.

Why Use This Jigsaw Reference?

Quick reference for jigsaw settings and blade selection helps you get clean cuts efficiently.

  • Select the right orbital setting for each material
  • Choose appropriate blade TPI for the cut quality you need
  • Understand when to use specialty blades
  • Learn techniques for curves, cutouts, and bevels
  • Minimize tearout on finished surfaces
  • Work safely with this versatile tool
Frequently Asked Questions

Free Jigsaw Guide - Blade Selection, Orbital Action & Curved Cuts | DIYProject.ai