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Choosing a Jigsaw: What to Look For in the Saw and the Blade
Choose a jigsaw based on what you are going to cut with it. Look for adjustable pendulum action, variable speed, enough cutting depth in wood and tool-free blade changes for T-shank blades. A cordless model gives you the most freedom, a corded one unlimited run time.
The blade matters just as much as the machine. When choosing a jigsaw, think about the blades too, because they decide how fast and how cleanly you cut.
What will you learn in this article?
What do you use a jigsaw for?
A jigsaw has a narrow blade that moves rapidly up and down. That lets you cut curves, rounded shapes and cut-outs, such as the opening for a sink, a rounded corner on a tabletop or a notch for a pipe in a skirting board. With the right blade it cuts wood, sheet material, plastic, aluminium and thin steel. For long straight cuts, a circular saw is faster and straighter.
What should you look for when choosing a jigsaw?
Cordless or corded?
A cordless jigsaw works away from the socket. That is handy in the loft, in the garden and on jobs where you move around a lot. If you already use cordless tools on one platform, such as the Batavia Maxxpack 18V, you can share the same batteries. A corded jigsaw delivers constant power and never runs flat, which helps during long sessions in thick material.
On a corded saw, the wattage gives you an idea of its power. On a cordless saw, look at the voltage and the battery capacity in Ah. The capacity mainly decides how long you can keep working.
Pendulum action
With pendulum action, the blade moves up and down and slightly forwards at the same time. That makes cutting wood faster. The downside is a rougher cut.
- High pendulum setting: fast cutting in softwood and construction timber.
- Low or medium setting: hardwood and sheet material.
- Pendulum off: metal, plastic, HPL, laminate, curves and clean cuts.
Variable speed
You need variable speed if you cut anything other than wood. Cut wood at high speed and metal and plastic at a lower speed. Too fast in plastic and the material melts. Too fast in metal and the blade overheats and goes blunt.
Cutting depth
The maximum cutting depth is listed in the specifications, usually separately for wood, aluminium and steel. Work out the thickest board or beam you want to cut and choose a saw with a comfortable margin above that. For Batavia models, check the product specifications for the exact figures.
Handle: top handle or barrel grip
Most jigsaws have a top handle: a D-shaped grip on top of the machine. It is easy to use with one hand and gives good control on straight cuts. A barrel grip jigsaw is held lower down, closer to the workpiece. That gives you more feel in tight curves but takes some getting used to. If you can, hold the saw in a shop before you buy and pay attention to its weight and balance.
Useful extra features
- Tool-free blade change: swap blades in a few seconds.
- Blower: clears sawdust so you can see your cutting line.
- Dust extraction port: connect a vacuum for cleaner work indoors.
- Tilting base plate: for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees.
- Work light: lights up the cutting line.
Which jigsaw blade should you choose?
The blade makes more difference than the machine. Look at four things.
Shank: T or U
Most jigsaws now use a T-shank. Older machines and some brands use a U-shank. Check which shank your saw needs before you buy blades.
Blade material
- HCS: softwood, chipboard, MDF and soft plastics.
- HSS: metal, aluminium and non-ferrous metals.
- BIM (bi-metal): wood with nails, metal and demolition work; lasts longer.
- HM (tungsten carbide): hard and abrasive materials such as laminate, HPL and fibre cement.
Tooth size and shape
Large, widely spaced teeth cut fast but rough. Small, closely spaced teeth cut slowly but cleanly. For thin metal, choose the finest teeth. Standard blades cut on the upstroke, so the top surface of the workpiece splinters. Reverse-tooth blades cut on the downstroke and leave a clean top surface, which is useful for melamine-faced boards and worktops.
Blade width
A wide blade stays straighter and suits straight cuts. A narrow blade turns more easily and is meant for tight curves and scroll work.
How do you prevent splintering and crooked cuts?
- Use a sharp blade that suits the material.
- Lower the pendulum setting or switch it off for a clean cut.
- Cover the cutting line with masking tape, or lay the good face down.
- Press the base plate firmly onto the workpiece and do not push forward too hard.
- A blade that wanders off line is often blunt or too narrow for the thickness. Replace it or choose a wider blade, and guide the saw along a clamped straight edge for straight cuts.
Using a jigsaw safely
Wear safety glasses and ear defenders, and a dust mask when there is dust. Clamp the workpiece and make sure there is clearance under the cutting line for the blade. Keep your fingers away from the blade, including underneath the workpiece. Wait until the blade has stopped before you put the saw down, and remove the battery or unplug the saw when you change the blade.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a jigsaw
Which jigsaw is good for a beginner?
One with variable speed, adjustable pendulum action and tool-free blade changes. A top handle is the easiest for most beginners. Choose cordless if you will mainly use the saw for small jobs in and around the house.
What is the difference between a T-shank and a U-shank?
It is the shape of the end of the blade that clamps into the saw. T-shank is now the most common standard. A blade with the wrong shank will not fit your saw.
Can you cut straight with a jigsaw?
Yes, with a wide blade, a low pendulum setting and a clamped straight edge as a guide. For long cuts in large sheets, a circular saw is faster and straighter.
Why does my jigsaw blade go blunt so quickly?
Usually the blade is not suited to the material, the speed is too high or you are pressing too hard. Use HSS or bi-metal for metal and tungsten carbide for abrasive boards, and let the saw work at its own pace.
In short: choosing a jigsaw
Look for pendulum action, variable speed, enough cutting depth and tool-free blade changes. Choose cordless for freedom or corded for long sessions. Then choose the blade by shank, material, tooth size and width, and switch off the pendulum action for clean cuts and for metal or plastic.
