What Can You Do With a Jigsaw? A Lot! | WOODWORKING BASICS

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A lot of people think that they need a lot of big, expensive stationary tools for woodworking. If you don't have a lot of space or money, a jigsaw is an amazing tool that can make almost all the cuts you need.
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Howto & Style
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[@pbs1516]

Hello! Most blades cut on the upward stroke such that they tend to press the saw shoe against the board, whereas a downward-cutting blade will push the board off. Additionally, if the action is done upward, it pulls on the blade and straightens it (like a japanese handsaw). On the other hand, cutting downward means cutting while compressing the blade, and it has more chance to flex for a given thickness. By the way, circular saws also cut in the upward motion, as the blade goes up where it cuts, also pulling the board tightly against the shoe.

[@timofeifilippov9558]

This here is a really nice explanation. Good to know!

[@sajejekyllhyde4647]

Thank you, I just bought my first jigsaw and wasn’t sure where to begin, you answered about 90 % of my questions in under 10 mins, so Thank you.

[@matthewthompson555]

dito

[@ecgodsmack86]

Same

[@MrMisaKulicka]

Same!

[@SW-di5ky]

Melee tooo!!!!

[@lancevogel5153]

My words exactly.

[@brittanyknight3422]

Thank you for teaching me I don't have a dad to teach me these things so I appreciate you!

[@DanteLikesRock]

Oml, you're a snack

[@MrRojas-nc7lt]

😢

[@utubeape]

score your plywood when cutting across the grain for fewer splinters. glue sandpaper on old blades to make a smoothing tool or file when using wet and dry paper on metal

[@LFC-Star]

usually old blades snap or bend due to the heat.. so they end up in the bin.

[@JacqueBernadette]

I use Gorilla Tape to avoid splintering.

[@FlashPaperGrind]

A year after your comment and it is still valid (and something I have never thought of doing), thanks!

[@haddasancliffe9459]

How would you score your plywood first?

[@utubeape]

@@haddasancliffe9459 Usually 7 out of 10. only joking. with a stanley knife or similar

[@craftedworkshop]

Great video, Steve. It's amazing how easy it is to overlook some of these details and get frustrated with a tool. The tooth direction wasn't something I had even considered! Thanks again.

[@mikstr22]

Most blades cut on the upstroke to prevent kickback if the blade were to catch on the wood. If it caught on the wood with a downstroke blade, it might kick up into your face or something (dangerous!). If it caught on an upstroke blade, it would just pull against the wood.

[@Steve-hj6xv]

It's also deceptively safe in that dummies like me can move too quickly and it can catch/kick and smash your thumb harder than a hammer! Of course it had to happen to me twice before I learned to be a little less reckless.

[@madamkuring6218]

My God. I hate jigsaw if that is the case. I will use the manual thing from the saw of an iron. That was we used before in our project when we were in high school days. We cut the plywood with the iron saw itself.

[@anythingunderthesun9930]

Indeed!

[@childofakingcharity5597]

This man is a teacher, he got the gift I learned right away.

[@DoYouKnowGod]

You sir have just helped me save money, learn a skill & be even more self sufficient. Thanks for being informative & keeping it simple.

[@sarsoar]

I knew most of what you mentioned but learned a couple new things. As always, your videos are instructional and you are excellent at describing thing, no matter how complex. I love your style and always enjoy your content, thanks.

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you. I really appreciate that.

[@petercohen4641]

Thanks Steve, I haven't had anything to do with a jigsaw for over 30 years so your basic tips has helped me immensely.

[@00_Calcifer_00]

Thanks for the video! I took a woodshop class in high school but it's been over a decade since I've actually worked with these tools. I recently got into building some projects at home that required the use of power tools. This video was very informative and I love how you break everything down. Definitely what I needed

[@Appokalis]

Ever since I subscribed to your channel I been learning more and more and decided to take up woodworking. Thank for all your helpful videos!!

[@SteveRamsey]

A jigsaw is one of the most useful tools you can use for woodworking. And it's affordable! Here are the basics you need to know to get started. If you are interested, I use a DeWalt DW317 jigsaw: amzn.to/2e9V2j9

[@MrRendiz]

Steve Ramsey my jigsaw broke a few days ago.... :( love your videos. I'm trying to make the picture frame, the skill building one. Wish me luck! ps: I meant promo code from a company or something :)

[@MadixLP]

Heyho! I know why the saw-blade type with the teeth pointing updwards is the most offered one: When the saw pulls pulls up whilse cutting, the force is hold against the flat surface, so the line of force is closed within the tool. If the blade cuts downwards, the line of force is down through the workpiece, bench, floor, back into you, and thats why the saw is lifitng itself up if you don't press down hard enough :) I hope i could help with my explanation

[@toysoldier46552]

Actually I have a Black & Decker Jigsaw that I bought nearly 15 years ago, I would not trade it for the world I have a band saw and a scroll saw but most times, it is just easier to grab a cord and my old jigsaw. I am not sure about the quality of the newer Black & Decker jigsaws but I do know the Matrix has been very reliable, matter of fact I own 2 of the Matrix, 1 is corded the other is the Lipo battery and after a few years, they are still holding their own. Good luck on finding a good replacement and sorry to hear you lost one of the most useful tools in your shop area.

[@toysoldier46552]

Essentially you are saying that the upwards cut pulls the saw downwards to help keep it flatter against the work piece. We got that much but it would be nice for those situations when you need a down cut to find those blade more easily, I have to special order mine from Amazon or Ebay.

[@jerrykennedy3325]

Steve Ramsey

[@bast713]

I'm no expert, but when I bought my house the first two power tools I bought were a cordless drill and a jigsaw. Super excited to jump into some projects that are more for fun :)

[@zzing]

Out of all of the woodworking channels, yours has given me ideas to actually do some things!

[@danvogel5524]

I'm just getting started into woodcutting and I found this video to be perfect in a tremendous amount of knowledge conveyed in a very reasonable length of time. Narration was a very down-to-earth, person-to-person tutorial. Excellent.

[@j.m.5995]

Ok Mr Bird

[@Ramjetjetpilot]

I use my jigsaw with a little trigger action clamp (instead of the blade) to shake small bottles of model paint. I modified the clamp end to look like the T shank of the jigsaw blade. It does an excellent job of mixing up paint.

[@williambranham6249]

great suggestion

[@SteveRamsey]

What a great idea!

[@neildelacruz5729]

Wow - clever.

[@joeblogs8589]

Cool idea for shaking up some cocktails. Now, where's my Amaretto?

[@dweetsauce8513]

Ramjetjetpilot I used my Jigsaw to cut my Dead Silence DVD ;)

[@Sebastopolmark]

Hey Steve, that's all GREAT information. I had a "U" shank saw and yes, it was a pain to change the blades. When I got my new Bosch (T shank), I found it was SO easy to change the blades.

[@okkenp]

An advantage of mounting your jigsaw upside-down in a table is you are now using the saw so that it is cutting on the down stroke. Since you are almost always cutting with the better side up, you will now have a smoother cut on the good side!

[@bethharvey5137]

Thank you thank you thank you! This just solidified that this should be the first power cutting tool to buy for my custom sign business. Very informative and well explained.

[@petercollin5670]

I'm impressed at how tight a radius you can get with your saw, Steve. Haven't played around with my own enough to discover that. Alain Vaillancourt taught me that he will opt for a jigsaw instead of a circular for ordinary crosscutting. They won't kick back the way a circular saw does.

[@luvpatel4732]

Just remember wood thickness was less in which he easily made tight radius

[@mikebraziel5998]

Don't touch the blade after making a long cut. Also, don't ask how I know this. 😳

[@MadebyConstantin]

😀😁😂🤣😃

[@ManyaP64]

How do you know this? 😆😆😆

[@tommywright7196]

I know how you know I found out the same way

[@NNJPRGreg]

Glad I'm not alone on this one, lol

[@commentatron]

Also, don't use the blade as a Q-Tip unless it's first unplugged.

[@tomasgulas]

I just bough the same one this past Monday!! Used to have the U-shape, 3amp, real pain in a neck. Love the new one. Thanks for the tips

[@chillstep4life]

Thanks Steve Ramsey, I have been able to learn a lot about power tools and woodworking from your videos.

[@dawnawerbeski825]

Steve, you are a fantastic teacher. I am so glad I found your videos. I have been wanting to get into some basic wood projects and you are definitely helping with the confidence level. I actually binge watch your vids. :)

[@eddyoddrod]

The t-blades are a good recommendation. I have had the straight blades fly out of the saw before.

[@sarahdorsey3975]

Really fantastic intro to the jig saw. Exactly what I was looking for - can't wait to start using mine

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

This is great. I was thinking it was a jigsaw I needed to do a variety of different things as I am finishing and furnishing a cabin with mostly reclaimed, upcycled materials and this has proven me right and taught me a heap too!

[@MakeSomething]

Well done! A very under appreciated tool.

[@doncorleon9]

Your knowledge delivery is 100%! Subbed immediately!

[@saturdayonafa329]

im still in my mid early stages of using power tools and i knew i wanted a saw , but i didnt want to get a sawzal and this video really helped me narrow down that i need a jigsaw. thank you for this. now i just need to decide what brand and model.

[@Avari20]

Just bought my very first jigsaw and as a complete newbie, I found your video incredibly informative. Thanks!

[@evalenamarieactress]

This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!

[@JLo7575]

The jigsaw Is the first tool to start woodworking. We can do perhaps every cut with it. The blades quality is the most important thing to know, you're right ;o) Thanks for explanations.

[@angcrivellone]

This tutorial was frickin AWESOME! I recently bought the DeWalt DW331K. I haven't unboxed it yet. Every tutorial I've come across are just reviews of the tool. Not any "how to" videos out there. But your video is GREAT! I wish every power tool tutorial was just like this one! Extremely useful info, explanations are on point, and very easy to understand. You're a natural educator! TYFS!!! 💘💘💘

[@sylviacarey9575]

i'm starting to use all kind of tools my husband has in the shed & found his jigsaw. Found your video most informative.. Will go look for the blades & check the different features on the saw, The one he is a Makita

[@carrieamoreno]

This is exactly what i was looking for. I'm just getting into woodworking, so this information is invaluable. Thank you!

[@eli_worm4063]

Same

[@JamesTFaile]

+1 for the Undertale pieces alone.

[@JackRockBLC]

I'm glad you have that Dewalt jigsaw. That happened to be the exact model I bought when I was laying my flooring. Now I understand the more obscure points (such as the orbital cutting) features.

[@boomer7485]

I just bought my first Jigsaw and your video was extremely helpful . Thanks.

[@VampyrumFerox]

Pro tip: Don't use a jigsaw to cut wood resting on your lap.

[@derrickcurtis9567]

Lol

[@dimefever1006]

Yeah, did that the other day luck was with me.

[@graham6411]

The same goes for a router.

[@johnnysi6106]

Shit to late bro! I just cut my friend leg while resting it on he’s lap! Lol

[@rexoliver7780]

Also applys to circular and chain saws!

[@tylergordon696]

Using masking tape can help a bunch with chip out. I use my tilt more then I do square. Mainly for scribe cuts in trim.

[@davidtmiller56]

I use an X-ACTO® KNIFE to score my cut line and never have chip out... unless I don't follow the line. :-(

[@oqsy]

I like clear packing tape over the pencil line

[@PadawanRJ]

Bought my first jigsaw yesterday. THANKS for the buying tips, they're really helpful. Love your videos!

[@Sjrick]

Ive looked at dozens of jigsaw videos and this is BY FAR the BEST video Ive seen. Nice job !!!!!!!!!!

[@samadrid6321]

Holy crap! You are my hero I have the same kind of jigsaw. On those lonely, dark, scary nights I often will sleep with my jigsaw for comfort. The sawdust is annoying.

[@dancahill9122]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@billmorash3322]

@Just Cause That depends on what he means by "sleep with".

[@tassie7325]

The teeth on a standard Jigsaw blade point up so that it is pulling the wood into the shoe of the saw, just as the teeth on a band saw point down to push the wood down on to the table. Both are designed for stability and control. The teeth pointing down on a Jigsaw blade require the operator to apply downward pressure to stop the saw from jumping up when cutting.

[@rayc.1396]

Also the teeth pointing down work good when mounting the saw under a table. Try mounting your saw upside down for using it like an older jig saw.

[@karpenterken1]

Your theory is flawed or better, inaccurate. A jigsaw blade moves up and down no matter what direction the teeth are facing. As far as I'm aware, only Bosch makes the tooth pointing down blade since they have a patent on it. I was told by other companies that that is why they can't copy the tooth down design.

[@clementvansteenderen987]

the reason most point are facing upwards is because the thin blade is stronger in a pulling motion then pressing (more likely to bending)

[@karpenterken1]

That makes no sense. The only way the blade is likely to bend is from sideways force applied to it or the bottom free end of the blade hitting into an object. When you have shown actual engineering facts behind your supposition, I'll gladly admit you're right. I wish people would stop making non-factual based comments (suppositions or erroneous information) on the internet that other people blindly follow as fact.

[@modetallah]

Ken Nagrod It makes complete sense. Teeth *up* scenario: You lay the jigsaw's base (or as others call it the shoe) on the wood. The saw goes down with no friction due to the upward teeth (base stays down in place). Then the saw goes up, the teeth dig into the wood pulling toward the base which is still firmly against the wood. Repeat. Upward teeth has given no opportunity for the wood to separate from the base. Teeth *down* scenario: You lay the jigsaw's base on the wood. The saw goes down and the teeth dig into the wood pushing it away from the base forming a gap (base is off the wood, if only slightly at first). The saw goes up with no friction due to the downward teeth (base is currently off the wood). Repeat. Each successive downward stroke furthers increases the gap between base and wood. The operator is required to put constant downward force in order to push the base down to the wood on each upward saw stroke. If you don't believe it, try it yourself. Get one upward tooth blade and one downward tooth blade. Do not apply downward force to either, and see how each reacts. Also doing a quick look up of jigsaw blades at Home Depot you can find that Dewalt, Makita, Blu-Mol, and Vermont American all offer downward facing tooth blades.

[@danielbole6837]

I've been watching for a while now and really enjoy your videos. The main thing I wanted to say is that you have the most pleasent voice and demeanor of any other woodworking channels. (That I've seen) Keep up the good work with your down to earth videos. Thanks for what you do.

[@jjsmama401]

This video is awesome! Thank you! I've wanted a jigsaw forever, but didn't know anything about them other than they can cut curves.

[@CreatorShed]

Your videos are sooooo awesome that I can learn by spending on tools rather than giving that money to any woodworking schools. You are amazing Steve 🤘

[@harviecz]

Pro tip: You don't need to predrill big holes with most blades. Just lift the back of the jigsaw, start it and carefully tilt it back into the wood. I've found this trick in manual of my jigsaw when my cordless drill ran out of batteries and i needed to cut big holes in middle of piece.

[@ajsiemers]

I was waiting for this tip....my dad, a carpenter, used to do it like that all the time for big holes.

[@PetalPopCreationsBy_Kaur]

I was so confused and going through lots of videos to make my decision. Thank you so much. This video was a great help.

[@YanikFalardeau]

Great video! Thank you so much! I am just getting started with power tools and this was immensely helpful as I didn't know how far I could turn as I was cutting. THanks!!!

[@Phil_Goodman]

This video truely changed my life! I ended up following almost exactly except I just use normal blades with it instead of the reverse blades you prefer to use. IT ALSO helped me learn the reaction of a blade and tool from performing bad techniques and seeing how dangerous wood working can be at a small and controllable level.. After I got real comfortable cutting wood and realizing my limitations OF JUST the jigsaw...... I ended up getting a table saw and took the learning there slowly as well and I feel I have accomplished all of my woodworking goals in 1 year. AND STILL i have little experience at using a circular saw or a miter saw! and yet... the quality of work is something I feel could never be accomplished if I went with the typical Circular saw Miter saw purchases for a first timer... EVERY beginner in my opinion should start off with this tool for safety reasons as not many other wood cutting power tools are as forgiving to a beginner not understanding the reaction and causes of kickback yet.

[@darren4392]

Thanks Steve. I've been avoiding my jigsaws for years. I found that the blade flex I was getting during cutting did not make it suitable for serious work. But after watching your video, I think part of the problem might be a poor choice of jigsaw with U blades.

[@gfdriver]

Meh... The t shank has the same problem IMO. I dont know... Maybe I'm just a bad woodworker but every jigsaw I've ever used the blade pops out of the guide wheel and cuts at an angle

[@stinseythengampallil3026]

This is a great video Steve for the woodworking novices! I'm glad I found this video before I purchased my jig saw.

[@jimm3370]

The ad at the end is legit. I built Steve's Cali Queen Platform Bed w/ Storage and used their mattress. Fantastic!

[@Joe-dt7wp]

I'm 15 and bought a £22 jigsaw (Made by Apollo - I got it off Amazon) and I've been looking for good tutorial videos but couldn't find anything decentt. Thanks for this video! it's very helpful

[@dutchwoodwork]

he doing well?

[@Joe-dt7wp]

dutchwoodworking What do you mean "he doing well?"

[@MarkMcCluney]

Joe M I think he means is the saw working well for you.

[@Joe-dt7wp]

Mark McCluney Ah yes, it's great, however ive only been using scraps so far and so I think im going to buy a full sheet of plywood soon, so I think I'll still get a cheap circular saw for tipping that down and use the jigsaw for the detail work

[@tkrwlly1]

Joe M if you are going to buy a circular saw you may as well buy a decent one. Buy a cheap one and you will just be getting a better one down the road. Save the money on the cheap one and only buy one. You are further ahead that way.

[@nick3777]

Awesome video. I went from a jigsaw noob to a jigsaw novice after watching your vid

[@elizabethnorton5356]

Thank you for all the excellent info and great teaching!! You were so thorough I have no questions! Saving to watch again. I’ll be getting a jig saw instead of a mini circular saw now, thanks to you! Many thanks. Super helpful!

[@rachelquesada7185]

Just watched several videos on jigsaws. Yours was the best! Thanks so much.

[@BruceChastain]

Now I want to get my Jigsaw out and cut something.

[@SteveRamsey]

It's fun to just make random wavy cuts really fast.

[@emostorm7]

Bruce Chastain Steve Ramsey Lol

[@sirbadonk2727]

lmfao can't breathe

[@fingernailclipper2152]

Same

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Sausages

[@JackMW1992]

The reason most jig saw blades are designed to cut on the up stroke is so the shoe is pulled into the work piece as it's being cut. It's the same reason bandsaw blades spin down towards the table, creates a more stable cut

[@SteveRamsey]

That makes sense. Thanks!

[@karpenterken1]

Your theory is flawed or better, inaccurate. A jigsaw blade moves up and down no matter what direction the teeth are facing. As far as I'm aware, only Bosch makes the tooth pointing down blade since they have a patent on it. I was told by other companies that that is why they can't copy the tooth down design. A bandsaw blade ONLY travels in one direction, not a jigsaw blade.

[@JackMW1992]

Right, but there is significantly less resistance on the down stroke because it isn't removing nearly as much material. The majority of the work occurs on the up stroke when the teeth are biting into the material.

[@andrewford80]

Ken Nagrod he's right. Standard blades pull the saw into the wood for better stability. Teeth pointing down causes the saw to try to jump up. Try it, you'll see.

[@olga159]

andrewford80 makes sense

[@JoansJunkJournalsAndMore]

So happy I found this video. I'm ready to start a couple projects and you have me sold on this jigsaw now. TFS

[@mdhonze]

thank you for this video because i just purchased a dewalt max 20 jigsaw. my dad had given me a skil jigsaw with the u blades and it was not good at all like you stated. i have been to novato years back when i was following the grateful dead and what a beautiful town. thanks again.

[@Keronin]

I want a fun-size package of Microjigs.

[@froshmasta]

I wonder if most blades cut on the upstroke like that to make it easier for the user to keep the saw down against the work piece. Cutting on the upstroke would effectively 'suck' the saw down against the board instead of the blade pushing up against the saw to cut on the downstroke. Just a thought, I really don't know for sure. Keep up the great videos though, cheers!

[@G5rry]

That's my thought too. It works the same way on table saws, circular saws, band saws, pretty much any power saw cuts so that it pushes the material against the supporting surface of the saw. The exceptions are for when you are trying to make a cleaner cut.

[@jothain]

Yes, it also very effectively removes danger of kickback. For the cleaner cut problem. My new Hikoki has kind of an "zero" clearance plate for the shoe piece. It's really close to the blade and it should remove burrs effectively

[@mohankrishnasamy1456]

Yes. Bro. Have been watching you. You are a sincere human

[@nareshrs1]

Excellent video for beginners and advanced wood cutters. Thank you.

[@JimFancherDIY]

The jigsaw was the first tool I learned to use when I was about 6. Lots of fun.

[@pincircle649]

Same here.

[@NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore]

Jim Fancher how many tools did you learn to use while 6?

[@joshjohnson15]

Jim Fancher zghyhy

[@JimFancherDIY]

fcukthiscarp Pretty much everything in my Dad's shop except for the table saw.

[@danielscott4514]

Thanks to your avatar I've now got visions of a young Beaker running around a workshop with a Jigsaw on fire and stuff collapsing all around him ;)

[@lunardust201]

welp now I gotta go get a jigsaw, this video was so inspiring!

[@SteveRamsey]

Thanks. It's a good tool to have.

[@SonY_Kun]

Thanks. As a d.i.y beginner in wood working, I learnt a lot about jig saw from this.

[@SamPeabody]

My jigsaw was the first power tool I ever bought, after a drill. I was always disappointed with how rough it seemed to cut, and it has always felt jumpy. It wasn’t until I saw you talk about the orbital motion that I realized it was something I could turn off - I guess I should have read the manual! Mine has 2 dials with pictures indicating something like speed, and I never realized until now that one of them will dial back the orbital motion, with the lowest setting turning it off completely. That realization alone makes me glad I found your channel!

[@SpecificLove7]

There is a higher chance bending the blade on the versions that cut on the downward stroke.

[@johnnschroeder7424]

I just lay tape over the cut lines area and mark on the tape and cut, the tale helps the edges from fraying so much giving a cleaner cut when using the upward cutting blades. Also, the lines on the tape are clearer and easier to see.

[@olga159]

Johnn Schroeder great advice!

[@Tinker1950]

DOWN CUTTING BLADES These are designed specifically for laminates and thin material such as floor boards so that the upper cut surface is a neat line with little tear-out.

[@uglybobhere]

Thx

[@jasonbenjamin1464]

it's also to reduce the vibration in the workpiece by doing all the cutting on the up stroke where it's being supported by the shoe of the jigsaw

[@brokenwave6125]

Can't cut really thick lumber? Bosch's 10" jig saw blade might disagree with you on that. Also 6" or so jigsaw blades are common.

[@AdrianVann]

This jigsaw tool overview is simple yet brilliant. Thanks so much!

[@colinhoward9402]

Brilliant video - and I thought I knew a lot about woodworking! Thanks so much for putting your time into this. I am cutting some flooring around a service pipe for a friend next week and I haven't got the right size hole saw - never thought about using my jig saw with the narrow blade!

[@rayc.1396]

To start a cut without drilling a hole, tip the saw forward so the blade is above your work, start the blade moving somewhat slow and gently allow the blade to touch the material at the same time increase the blade speed, but don't push too hard. This will cut a slot and you can continue your cut from there. Hope that makes sense.

[@LFC-Star]

yes no need to drill a hole into the wood.. Use the blade on the jigsaw to do it.

[@gunnararndt4359]

I think you need a special blade with a sort of tooth at the tip.

[@ricardoaraoz717]

Small tip, hold the saw backwards. So the pivot point is towards you, makes it easier.

[@tyty2fly2]

It's called a "plunge cut" which can be also be done with a sawzall and a circular saw.

[@Barrysworkshop]

A tip for using a jigsaw is to make turns by rotating the tool rather than pushing it to the side. If you push it to the side, the blade will bend and you'll end up with an unwanted bevel angle on the cut. Rotate the tool and let the blade do the work.

[@christopmoore]

This is the tip I was searching for. I hope. I can't make a decent cut on my jigsaw. Maybe I should upgrade from Harbor Freight...

[@babounous]

I agree with you 100% on the orbital switch. My first time using my jigsaw, I read the instructions and set the orbital switch to the "most curved" setting, and was disappointed with the cut, because it wasn't square with the face of the board (this was a 3-inch radius cut). The top of the cut was fine, but the bottom edge was about 5, maybe 7 degrees out from the top portion of the cut. I now keep the orbital select switch in the "straight cut" position, and just move the jigsaw a bit slower through the wood (still at high cutting speed, though). Now I get perfect 90-degree cuts to the board face. :)

[@gringochucha]

Recently bought my first jigsaw. Made some ugly cuts at the beginning before getting the hang of it, but now I’m really enjoying it. I keep trying to find things to use it for.

[@mikedowns7650]

Can a gripper get wrinkles out of the sheets on a Casper mattress?

[@cperalta]

Mike Downs Only if you then give it a nice shave with Harry's while listening to an Audible audiobook.

[@NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore]

Carlos Peralta don't listen to the inaudible audio books, those my friend are a waste of time

[@ballsrawls]

Audible is a brand name service to purchase audiobooks, not an adjective. ;)

[@NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore]

ballsrawls it is actually both, this is why my statement is funny, I have taken the intended meaning and gone the other way

[@brw3079]

I can't believe you don't know why a jigsaw cuts on the upstroke. It pulls the wood into the base. Otherwise the saw keeps trying to push the saw up, away from the wood, and you have to consciously hold it down. It would be analogous to a radial arm saw rotating the blade towards you and you would have to hold the wood against the fence, or a table saw rotating the blade up, away from the table, and you would have to hold the wood down, as well as push it through the blade.

[@Blobjonblob]

Only tip I can give is dont buy super cheap blades they are the worst, best blades on the market for jigsaws are the Bosch.

[@gosonegr]

Yep, cheap blades usually bends really easy and the cut ends really bad.

[@nieikjeroen]

I feel the same about their chisels... One 4mm cost me enough already :p

[@ralphgarber738]

iShootBandits said

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

I've also learned not to buy cheap jigsaws. I had a cheap one and it was useless - cut wandered all over etc. Bought myself a Bosch professional model & the difference is amazing and it is far more useful. Well worth the extra money (like most things with tools you tend to get what you pay for). So brand name blades and a good brand name saw makes a huge difference.

[@Minmatar1337]

+1 on Bosch blades

[@inaba116]

Just added a jigsaw to my tool collection. This video helped a lot! Thanks!

[@shastastan1935]

I have an older Bosch jigsaw and I just got a Ryobi 18V battery jigsaw. The blade changes on the Ryobi are so much easier than the Bosch. I admit that I'm reluctant to replace my older tools with "upgrades", but some of the benefits are really helpful. Okay here's a use that I just stumbled on for a jigsaw. I had been using a cutter attachment for my multi-tool to cut thick cardboard to fit in the recycle can. I discovered that a jig saw with a medium wood blade cuts through the tough cardboard like butter. It was the box our treadmill came in. Yeah, I used the Ryobi rather than hassle with a cord. YMMV.

[@raymondmcgee4491]

Jigsaws are also capable of making plunge cuts if a drill/ home saw are not available. Just hold the saw at an angle resting the shoe (the end opposite the blade) against the material to be cut. You then slowly lower the blade, allowing the teeth to eat into the material until it makes a penetration, and then continue to cut as you normally would.

[@barabasszabo7279]

And what if my jigsaw doesn't cut square? Yes I tried to keep the base nice and flat on the board. Yes the board was a little thick but I don't think so that much. No, it is a good brand, it was not so cheap. What else should I look after if those thing are OK above? The wheel guides?

[@ForeverDIYorDIE]

You feed it too fast, let the up-down movement make the cut, not the forward pressure. Feed is not same for all types of wood, you kind of need to get the feeling for it. It is pretty much right when you feel almost no resistance when pushing forward, that means that the blade did it's job of removing material before you simply push it into empty space it left, and let it have some more to chew, rinse and repeat. It is good also to pause feeding for a moment while letting saw run in one spot for a moment, in order to let the blade cut material a bit wider around itself on some spots, that way it will have room to straighten itself before you continue your cut.

[@barabasszabo7279]

Hmm... I have never thought about this bit although it is really simple and reasonable. Thank you man, I will try it tomorrow as soon as I get up. :)

[@ForeverDIYorDIE]

I wish you straight cuts and a lot of fun with all of your projects.

[@barabasszabo7279]

:D Thank you so much. A lots of idea but not too much time and I just started out so not too much done pieces as well. Well, in time, in time...

[@randommcranderson5155]

I know this is an old comment, but 99% of the time its technique. How you hold your body, how you move the saw, etc. Keep your wrist and fingers steady, turn with your elbow, keep your body close to the workpiece, and keep your index finger to the front of the saw, not the trigger, and hold the trigger with your middle finger.

[@onebackzach]

Jigsaws really are great. It's absolutely worth practicing with them and getting really good with them. Sometimes I even use a jigsaw to breakdown plywood since I don't have a handheld circular saw

[@bbiermanster]

I built my first set of stairs last year. My t-shank jigsaw worked great for finishing stringer corner cuts.

[@bastianbrandsma2490]

most saws are pointing upwards otherwise the material you are cutting might jump up and down.

[@sarinhighwind]

only thing i hate about jigsaws is the dont always cut square on thicker woods.

[@JacqueBernadette]

You can clamp a straight edge (I use a metal 3' ruler) to your wood and put the jigsaw up against it while cutting. Straight every time.

[@sarinhighwind]

@@JacqueBernadette Square is more than 1 direction. Jigsaw blades can deflect easily.

[@b.healey1982]

I saw an ad for Casper on TSN Olympic Coverage the other night. Your a pretty good woodworker and I find your knowledge very helpful, Thanks for being on here.

[@radsan3006]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your videos, very informative!

[@viktornagy9465]

I tried to cut a straight line, with a jigsaw, but its never straight and never paralel with the side of the board that is cut. Do you have any tips to fix this problem, or is jut buy a tablesaw? Sorry if i misspelled something, i'm from hungary, and my english is not perfect, yet! :)

[@shanegordon1636]

you can set up a fence or even use another straight board to let the saw slide against.

[@besnikrudnick3781]

just clamp a straight piece of wood on the piece you want to cut and use it to guide the jigsaw.

[@brucelee3388]

Don't keep pushing the blade through the wood, this will cause the blade to bend, twist and wobble all over the place. Just use enough pressure to keep the blade making sawdust and take it slowly, the teeth on the blade will do almost all the work.

[@LFC-Star]

@@brucelee3388 agreed.. let the blades and jigsasw do the work.. I was bending a lot of blades thern through practice I learnt how to to do it..

[@Unclebuddy01]

Be sure to buy a good quality jigsaw, the cheap ones will not hold the blades correctly and your cuts will be of poor quality. A little more money will buy you a good quality jigsaw that will meet or exceed your expectations.

[@simonflr]

Ditto, at least on the cheap ones not performing well at all... Bought a Way-Mart brand for $18 the blade doesn't even stay within the guides...

[@augustasister6615]

I'm Simon You need to avoid anything walmart..EVER UNLESS IT ID DIRT AID SUPPLIES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.....EVEN THEN THERE ARE OTHER BOX STORES OPEN.

[@olga159]

I'm Simon oh wow I was just contemplating buying that one

[@felixf5211]

I've had that experience. The frustration, alone, with a POS jigsaw makes it worth it to spend more on a better tool. Even if you don't use it every day.

[@michaelstanco8508]

ive never heard of that Brand "Good One" where can I buy it (hint)(hint)

[@samsancheziii]

Wow man you really put in work in your videos. I like that you insert clips of problematic scenarios that way we visually understand. Awesome man.

[@aznibas]

Thank you for demonstrating use of jiz saw in a simple way, now I feel I can do it too. Great video.

[@98nchen]

where was this video when i bought my first jigsaw last week

[@Quokkat7]

I watch those ads just to look at her majesty

[@1clackerman]

Hey Steve. Thank You Very Much for your easy delivery of tons of wood working knowledge. Good Job. Great Delivery.

[@israeliguy7]

Your videos are pure gold for begginers like me, especially because you don't assume we have previous knowledge and cover all bases. I can't thank you enough! Cheers from Israel.