Jigsaws

Jigsaws cut curves and openings in wood, metal and laminate. The blade sticks out below the material, so you need to know what’s under the cut: your bench, your leg, a cord, or wiring and pipes behind a wall.

• Construction

Choosing a blade

TPI is teeth per inch. Make sure the blade shank matches your saw (most are T-shank) and is locked in.

Using a jigsaw safely

• Unplug the saw or remove the battery before changing blades. Blades get hot; let them cool.
• Clamp the work with the cut line hanging over the edge of the bench; nothing (including your legs, cords or the bench) under the blade path.
• Use the right blade for the material and lock it in.
• Hold the shoe flat against the work and let the blade reach full speed before it touches the material.
• Use less orbital action for metal, thin material and clean cuts.
• For plunge cuts, drill a starter hole if you’re not trained in plunge cutting.
• Wear safety glasses; use dust collection and a respirator for dusty materials. Use hearing protection on long cuts.
• Support the waste piece so it doesn’t pinch the blade or drop on your foot.

• Don’t force the saw around tight curves. Make relief cuts.
• Don’t lift the saw out of the cut while the blade is moving.
• Don’t put your hand under the work.
• Don’t use a bent or dull blade; it wanders and breaks.

Before you cut

• Right blade, locked in, not bent or dull
• Work clamped, cut line overhanging the bench
• Nothing under the blade path
• Cord routed away from the cut
• Safety glasses on; dust control ready

Last updated: October 2, 2026