How To Use A Jigsaw | Tips & Tricks

Learn how to use a jigsaw, how it works, and some jigsaw tips and tricks!
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About this video:
I've had a rocky relationship with the old jigsaw from the 1980s-1990s that my dad gave me about 15 years ago. It vibrates horribly and uses u-shank blades. I didn't realize how bad it was, and how useful a jigsaw could be, until I bought a more modern jigsaw.

[@usaearthling]

As a young girl in my 20's I went to a garage sale once and found a jigsaw for $10, new in the box. My mom asked what I needed that for and I told her I didn't know, just curious and it's a good price I suppose. Fast forward 30 years. I still have it, learned how to use it and fell in love with it. I now have more tools than most men. Thanks for sharing your tips.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

I love hearing this. I have 3 daughters and they are all growing up in the shop

[@usaearthling]

@@OutoftheWoodwork That is so awesome. They will thank you for it. Happy Father's Day to you sir.

[@pauliomurphicus8484]

Perhaps by now you have invested in a wibbly wobbly vibrator designed for your requirements.

[@cactustactics]

@@pauliomurphicus8484 always gotta be someone being weird

[@aprildamski8365]

I'm a female & just got a jigsaw. Thanks for the info!

[@curateatimismo5988]

as a woman who has never even used a drill before because my dad is overprotective and he knows it all, I found your KZbin channel amazing!! My dad was so shocked that I own a Jigsaw and showed him how to use it... I feel so powerful now 😌 he also can’t believe I learn on KZbin 😂 you got a new subscriber now

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thank you for the wonderful comment! I have 3 daughters that are all empowered to build and fix things themselves, so I'm glad to hear I could contribute to that with you. KZbin is a great place to learn!

[@waynemakepeace5034]

A love story as old as time itself between a man and his Jigsaw, beautiful 😊

[@zoidmo3388]

I searched for hrs trying to get a comprehensive tutorial for my newly aquired jigsaw. I'm grateful to have found your channel. Big Thank You! You the best!

[@stillbee7222]

I just bought a jig saw. The same one in your video. This is the best video I have watched . Thank you so much. I'm a newbie. 😂. GOD bless you and your family.

[@Zone350z]

I was thinking about buying a jig saw soon and was watching various YT videos on what to look for and this has to be the best one I’ve seen so far. This guy knows his stuff and covers all the important points. Well done.

[@dermotmcglinchey282]

Such a clear professional explanation, thank you it’s nice to have a video that treats us like intelligent adult novices 👏👍

[@elberthardy961]

Instead of a sacrificial board, try using Blue Painter's tapejust to the right or left of your cut. Same result and no wasted wood.

[@AndrewSmith-dq7lh]

This was super helpful. I had a Black & Decker jig from around 20 years ago that I just upgraded so I can relate to what you said at the beginning. I’m just starting out on some more creative projects so I’ll take all the help I can get. Your videos break it down to simple terms without speeding thru the key points. Thanks a bunch.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

You're welcome, Andrew! I'm glad your finding value in these videos!

[@christopherzimmer]

This was so so so helpful- thank you! I lived in fear of this tool until necessity forced me to use it-- and I made almost all the mistakes that you describe (wrong blade for application; too thin blade resulting in bending and beveling)-- *now* I really understand what I did wrong. Truly excellent work- good length and very clear.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Very kind of you, Christopher! Sounds like we went down the same path.

[@jacobemmanuel7357]

Exactly the information I was looking for as a brand new Dewalt jigsaw owner and first time user. Thank you!

[@hkbondar]

Tommy I had the same rocky relationship you described. I was literally afraid to use my 30-year-old underpowered jittery Craftsman. It bounced all over the place, I had no control, the blade would bind when doing curves, and I was afraid it would bend or break, and I'd wind up injuring myself. I really needed to use a jigsaw on a recent project so I sprang for the DeWalt cordless 20V MAX XR (DCS344B) and a quality set of Bosch blades (variety pack). Oh wow -- it's like night and day! Now I look for excuses to use the thing because I love it. I have so much control and feel so confident using it. With the really narrow blade it's almost like taking a scroll saw to your workpiece. Thanks for this super helpful video, and all of your other content is great too. I'm a new subscriber.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

It's amazing how the right tool can change the whole experience!

[@johnmcnamara1561]

Nicely done 👍

[@marset.designsplus3813]

Thanks for such vital information. A tool is only efficient if we use the right attachments. Just bought a Dewalt Jigsaw in the Home Depot deal of a lifetime... all the way from Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹. My son will ship it to me.

[@ikoniqmusic]

First time seeing any of your videos. You're absolutely on point when you explain things. I subscribed right away after viewing. Definately gonna check out more later!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks so much, Christopher! Glad to have you!

[@ikoniqmusic]

@@OutoftheWoodwork you're welcome. Looking forward to seeing more of you

[@FinnbogiRagnarRagnarsson]

Just got my self a jigsaw with very low vibration and man, what a difference. It's so effortless to use.

[@jamespolucha6911]

I have a very old jigsaw also and it vibrates so bad I hate to use it but sometimes I need to I’m glad I watched your video, I’m going out and buy a new one tomorrow

[@welshdave5263]

Not long finished upgrading my Erbauer jigsaw with a dead 18V NiCd battery to use the 20V Active Energy 20V lithium packs. Glad I found this video to know get some good results with my first cordless jigsaw, unless you count the Black and Decker Quattro thing j had as a kid.

[@PhotographyByLenny]

Good job reviewing this Dewalt Jig Saw. I do have something to add. I have large hands, I wear XL gloves. This saw is a danger to me because I don't have enough space for my hand. If I pick up the plugged in saw by the handle with my hand it immediately activates the trigger. This is partly because of the weight of the tool and also because the trigger is so long. There is no way for me to avoid the trigger. It is only a matter of time before I get cut. I need to buy a saw that will have more space for my hand. I guess I will try to sell this Dewalt Jigsaw.

[@ElcioCafaro]

thank you for all!!!

[@Blue-Scorpion]

Excellent video. I usually don't like watching videos over 5 minutes. But in this specific 10 minute video every second is precious. I bought a Bosch GST 700 Jigsaw yesterday and i find this video amazingly useful for the beginners. Thanks alot!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Glad it helped!

[@nemo227]

This is one of the BEST "how to" videos. EXCELLENT information, really good pace that doesn't put us to sleep. I've been looking for my jigsaw in the garage. Have you seen it?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

😂 as my dad would say, "it's the last place you left it"

[@nemo227]

@@OutoftheWoodwork Our saying is slightly different: "It's at the last place you look."

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

@@nemo227 That one too 👍

[@nemo227]

@@OutoftheWoodwork I think I left it in the garage. It may be lost forever. Maybe I should just buy a new one?

[@AnishJohnThomas]

First video of your’s that I’m watching and you earned a subscriber. 👍👍

[@barry-cq4xg]

great video with no hidden sponsorship!

[@kerryfoster1]

TO get a clean cut on the top I score ever so slightly off mark with a stanley blade, deep enough to prevent splintering. Can also do the far upright edge.

[@poetri4173]

Clamping a piece of wood for a shoe guide has helped me get a straighter line… but your video was very informative, I see why I’m getting ruff cuts, too aggressive 😊

[@cpta03]

I had the same experience with an old, 30 plus year old jigsaw. I rarely used it for the same reason. I got a new Dewalt jigsaw and what a difference, smooth with little vibration. A great addition to my workshop.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

I was honestly surprised when I used the Dewalt for the first time. I was thinking, "oh, this is why this tool is a thing" 😂I use it all the time now!

[@evechavez6136]

Thank you for sharing this video. I recently purchased a jigsaw and was in need of this tutorial. Much appreciated.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sanjaydate]

great way to explain the Jig saw.. after seeing this i know mine is pretty bad and i think i need to replace it.

[@tomarmfield8093]

Awesome video. One of the best I've seen in terms of explaining and demonstrating. I, too, had one of those ancient jigsaws!

[@nancyjm79]

Thank you. Within the first five seconds I saw what my problem is - I have been using that old Skil saw that's probably 30 years old. It's horrible and vibrates so bad I can barely work. Your saw cuts like butter! I like how you demonstrate the different cuts and different blades. Thank you again.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

No problem...thank you

[@nancyjm79]

@@OutoftheWoodwork I got a new Bosch saw and the difference between it and my old one is night and day. The new one cuts smooth like yours.

[@stuffoflardohfortheloveof]

That was really good....I have inherited a few jigsaws over the years and I really dislike using them.....it seems obvious, now I’ve seen your vid, that I’m potentially using the wrong blade cut direction and putting too much force into my pushing. 👍

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Maybe you'll discover how useful it can be like I did!

[@siamaklighvani3951]

First of all thanking you very much for your teachings , Regarding the types of the blades another type is used for ceramic tiles which does not have a teeth and it is rough diamond coated, round rod as well. Second thing is that we see the cutting from above and very difficult angle to see the running blade unless we lean more .

[@Jamie-jz2ol]

Buying my first jigsaw tomorrow and your video was loaded with great information to get me started. I have had very limited use with one. I am buying a dewalt cordless so I very excited.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Great to hear this! Let me know how it goes!

[@Jamie-jz2ol]

@@OutoftheWoodwork I played around with it quite a bit. Where I am new to it I can't really compare it to others but it works amazing and feels very comfortable and balanced.

[@abner20bushi]

Nice video man. Objective and the music is not loud. Got a subscriber from Brazil :)

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks Abner, great to have you as a subscriber

[@gsftom]

I know 10x more abt my jigsaw after this video. Have never liked my jigsaw, bandsaw or saws all. Maybe I will use them more w better results now.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Great to hear this!

[@MaineCoonPride]

Great video! Thank you! I have an old jig saw, and have been looking into upgrading. I will do it this weekend, because I want to cut curves for my cat shelves, and my old jig saw is not happy about it. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Having trouble getting your jigsaw to cut straight? Here's why! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHSupq1vaJV5jLs

[@paul-ne1bh]

many thanks england

[@andilemaponya2311]

Thanks for the video and very helpful, from your own experience, what specific tips could you give to avoid deflection of the blade and have a 90 degree cut, similar to a circular saw cut? As a DIYer I struggle with that. Thanks

[@melstead7937]

Thank you for the great tips. I have been using jig saws all my life with bad results. Now I know why. You have a new subscriber because of your very clear deliberate way you did the presentation.

[@durbas]

Great explanations. Thank you

[@iamnegan1515]

Great job presenting all this info. Ive been woodworking for many years and I did learn a thing or two from this vid.

[@abhishekbhardwaj8624]

LoveU bro . I am Jig saw operator.

[@xof-woodworkinghobbyist]

Thanks for the video, very informative... My cut are always "bevelled" so I may try to change the blade quality to see the difference...

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

You're welcome!

[@drawingfranco7533]

I am so new , and it's so helpful.

[@joelm6551]

Excellent how to use jigsaw tips and tricks!

[@powerking1622]

Very educative video... Love from India...👍

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I need to buy a new jigsaw. Great upgrade! Great tips! Lots of information.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Btw, I bought a new jigsaw and did an overview on my channel! Check it out and tell me what you think!

[@dorcasowens1210]

Thank you for an excellent video. I must say that trying to do a plunge cut without a pilot hole is very dangerous. I'm a safety professional. A carpenter on our job tried to do plunge cut and ended up having six stitches where the broken blade cut him. The blade broke and struck him on the chest.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks for the comment! While a blade could potentially break during any jigsaw operation, a pocket/plunge cut, done incorrectly, is likely more dangerous. It has to be lowered straight and slow without bending the blade and applying shear force. It's not my preferred method....I drill a pilot hole and drop the jigsaw in.

[@JSolisHD]

Plunge cuts not worth it. Pilot holes is the way to go, professional or or amateur = safety first!

[@tjm3900]

Never use blade oscillation when using a down cutting blade. I mostly use down cutting blades for lamintated counter tops. Special blades can be bought that allow you to cut right up to a wall. The shoe on my Bosch can be slid back to allow this.

[@markforee7693]

Keep you the good work!

[@kamalhashmi9851]

Lovely overview. Bit disappointed you didn't cover tilting the plate to make e.g. 45° cuts. Also I recommend following your drawn line on the unwanted side - those mm can make quite a difference!

[@tigerbutterfly7784]

Thanks you teaching technique is awesome! 💄💖 I'm a beginner DIYer 💃💖💖💖💖. Thanks again for your time and patienc!🌞🌞🌞💃

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

You're welcome, I'm glad it helped!

[@Sn8keman7]

Good information presented in an order that makes sense, that's a sub every time. Thank you

[@rickeaston3228]

Excellent video with a lot of usable practical information. I wish all videos were like this one.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks, Rick...very kind of you!

[@astromaxx7771]

Great detail. Thanks!

[@meangreen7389]

Very good narration, learned something new from your easy to understand vid. Keep it up and thank you for sharing.

[@terrapreta1]

Wow. A lot of great and helpful info!!!

[@dufreebell]

Ton of information with sample applications. Nicely done. Thanks for the video. Didn’t want to leave without subscribing.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks so much!

[@paulcoletta3819]

Very nice explanations and demo - thanks.

[@Ch1mpyCh0mpy]

I use Starrett Dualcut blades, which cut on both the up and downstroke. Even with my cheap 750W Dexter jigsaw, I get very clean edges with almost no tear out. These blades also come in standard and scroll cut versions.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Great point. Those blades look amazing and I wish I would have at least mentioned them!

[@bhileshwartrilochun1062]

Great video. Thank you.

[@plunder1956]

I first encountered reverse Jigsaw blades with a shop fitter. They generally want the fine finish facing them. Used with a very low orbital rake and slowly, it's good for detail and laminate finishes. I confess to preferring a plunging cutting circular Track-Saw system with a quality blade, for sheet materials, with a sacrificial underlay board. But personal preferences vary a lot.

[@MrEyesthree]

🙏Thanks for the Valuable Demonstration and Guidance.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

You're welcome!

[@charlesmorel3176]

Very helpful thanks

[@devellwilson7099]

Thank you for the help

[@leonardnoel888]

Good teaching. Thank you.

[@drewnamic]

Maraming Salamat! Mabuhay! 🇵🇭

[@ernestojr.yasona3388]

very informative. thanks for the idea.

[@richardpharo2556]

If you want to make both sides smooth Scribe the side you expect to be rough with a sharp razor knife about a 16th of an inch deep

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Great tip!

[@MorrMedia1]

Found you on Instagram. Your videos are great because you show things like that shot of the orbital action in slow motion vs just saying what it is, or spending time explaining the physics of how the different blades work. Keep it up, we gotta get you some more subscribers!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

MorrMedia1 thanks for the very positive words!

[@dianes4858]

New to using power tools. Thanks or the good instructions and tips!👍

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

You're welcome Diane!

[@vendetta989]

Great video, time for a new jigsaw . you got yourself a new subscriber. Thank you

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks and glad to have you around!

[@golf4ubacknine768]

Great stuff, thanks 👍

[@CedricKarlFonk]

Thank you so much for making this video. I have 2 jigsaws and none of them cut the way I want then to. 1 wanders off in a direction and the other cuts at a bevel. 🤔🤔

[@Spiekerdude]

Great Video. I would like to hear you elaborate on the orbital selection feature more so. If you do this, show reasons for the various selections when working with various materials and techniques to consider with the various settings. Thanks

[@arminv8169]

Excellent. very good teacher. Thank you very much.

[@ljuarez714]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 lots of time and editing went into this so thank you

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnlloyd2642]

Clear well presented demonstration - just had to subscribe, thanks!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks!

[@gg48gg]

Thank you for the video! Be careful wearing your ring while working! There are silicone rings too which are much safer.

[@MsDunkin123]

Very helpful!!

[@ladykenja2700]

- Excellent presentation. Very helpful info.

[@williamgonsalves2467]

Excellent! Thanks for the tutorial it really was very helpful.

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks so much!

[@martinwarden9590]

A concise and useful explanation with good demos. I have subscribed and look forward to more.

[@tha2hander]

Thank you!

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

Thanks you very much, I learned quite a bit. you are a great teacher. 👍👍

[@UdayDesai]

Very useful and helpful. Thanks you!

[@monkeyman8265]

Putting masking tape over your cut line helps prevent blowout rough edges too

[@rrsharma3814]

You have clearly demonstrated the right ways to use jig saw with different blades. I have a trouble, I am diy type of person and uses it occasionally. Sometimes, for rip cuts. But a wood log of 2x4 inch does not cut square and the bottom edge gets slanted cut. The entire line cuts get swayed away from the straight line even in jigs made for straight cuts. Help !

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Try this video I made a video talking about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHSupq1vaJV5jLs

[@jacobw446]

I pretty much had to retire my u shank old jigsaw and went to T style because no one carries the U shanks in my area anymore!

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Same here! The jigsaw in the video can actually use u shank but I've never tried because they're not around much.

[@benpar8120]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks for taking the time to make it 👍

[@parkajonze8442]

A great video man you just got a subscriber. Do you have any videos on makeing a plunge cut? This tutorial was right on time!

[@bummers]

Think the blade that cuts down is used to cut planks with laminate to reduce tearout/breakage of laminate surface.

[@burningbernie]

As always, great content. Very informative.

[@jonescathie8479]

Thank you, this video is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. I’m buying my first jigsaw (dewalt )to use for crafting. No prior experience, but proficient with a drill. For now I’ll be making a series of semi circle wood cuts, largest cuts will be approx 36 “x 18”. I don’t have a workshop as such. What kind of work surface do I need...ie fold up preferably, before I start . Can I use workhorses, do I clamp always. Any info would be very useful.

[@PhotographyByLenny]

This is an excellent instructional video. Thank you for all of your efforts. I was so impressed I went out and purchased the same Dewalt jigsaw you use in the video. It is great!. The reviews on Amazon and Home Depot were excellent accept for a few reviews claimed that the blade wouldn't stay in the blade support which concerned me. I did further research and this was a common complaint among reviews of all the brands and models. I believe the complaint is due to user error. It is probably happening when using a regular blade for curve cuts instead of a scroll blade. What is your opinion?

[@OutoftheWoodwork]

Thanks Lenny! I agree 100%. Anytime you try to cut a curve that is too tight for the blade it will come out of the support....no matter what brand you use.

[@PhotographyByLenny]

@@OutoftheWoodwork Thanks for the reply. You "Rock"!!👍 Greetings from Sunny South Florida

[@danielrollins4315]

🤔when I seen your profile pic I didn't think I would learn anything from your video but I was surprised. Thanks.

[@raymondhill3]

Thanks it had what I first needed to know!! Plus a few extras!

[@robertpryor7225]

Ouch for the wasted Walnut demo, great info tho

[@marklennox2151]

I was hoping to see some angled cuts since that's what I need.

[@snoopu2601]

Thanks for sharing, I just bought me a brand new Dr Walt jig saw my old one the plate was bent and the blade held on by a screw and kept coming loose the blade would fall off all the time. It was time for a new one. I will make something else out of the old jig saw it still goes up and down. They say never through out the old tool it can be useful as another tool.