Secrets and tricks of working with a jigsaw
A jigsaw is the most affordable tool for cutting wooden workpieces, and it is also the most compact and lightweight. In this regard, it is used even in cases where it is better to use a circular saw, band saw or reciprocating saw to solve the problem. Knowing some of the tricks of working with it, you can make many complex cuts with a jigsaw with fairly high quality.
1. Sawing in reverse direction
If you need to make a cut with a jigsaw in a hard-to-reach place where it is impossible for them to turn around, for example, in a corner, then you can move its saw blade backwards.
This will allow you to make a cut by moving the tool in the opposite direction.
2. Smooth radius cut
When trying to make a steep radius cut, the wide file is not able to rotate and move smoothly along the drawn contour. In this case, the cut turns out uneven. However, it is quite possible to make it perfect with a jigsaw if you first make cuts, as shown in the photo.
Thanks to the cuts, the segments will separate when cutting, thereby releasing the file.As a result, it will not jam and will be able to move exactly along the drawn contour.
3. Sawing an internal hole in sheet material
There are two ways to cut an internal hole in sheet material. If you apply the jigsaw to the work surface at an angle, touching it simultaneously with the edge of the sole and the file, then when starting, the latter will make a through cut. After this, it will be easy to saw in a circle, cutting out a hole.
The method is excellent, but sometimes the canvas hits at the wrong angle, which can cause it to break.
It is safer for the tool to first drill the part with a large drill, the hole from which fits the width of the jigsaw saw blade. Then we insert it and cut the workpiece.
4. Sawing at 45 degrees
If you need to cut the workpiece at 45 degrees, then you can press a Svenson carpenter's square to it with a clamp.
It will serve as a guide, guiding the sole of the jigsaw along which we will obtain a cut at 45 degrees.
You can also use a jigsaw to cut edges at 45 degrees. To do this, you need to loosen the screws securing its sole and turn it to the appropriate mark. The fastening is then tightened and sawing is performed.
5. Clean cut without chips
The jigsaw file leaves chips, so it is usually not used for finishing cuts. But this can be prevented. A blank equal in size to the sole of the jigsaw is cut out of sheet plastic or plexiglass. A longitudinal notch is made on it in the center.
After this, the overlay is glued under the sole with double-sided tape.It will press the surface near the teeth of the saw blade, so they will no longer cause chips and undermine the fibers.
6. Sawing on the back of the part
To ensure that the jigsaw cuts the finished side of the part without defects, it is better to turn it over. In this case, chips and tears will appear on the back, where their presence is not critical.
