How to Saw on a Jigsaw

How to Saw on a Jigsaw

Jigsaw is one of the most common hand-held electric tools. They can process a wide variety of materials: wood, plastic, ceramics, metal, etc. However, the main material that most jigsaw masters work with is plywood.

Using a narrow file, this tool allows you to carry out not only a direct cut, but also perform intricate patterns. And in this article we will consider some tips from specialists working with a jigsaw.

An example of drawings for sawing with a jigsaw.

Features of working with a jigsaw

An electric jigsaw for sawing plywood in appearance is a very simple tool and almost every beginner will be able to make an even cut with it. However, if we talk about beautiful curly patterns, then it is necessary not only to have certain skills, but also to choose the right file.

The main nuances

Carrying out electric sawing from plywood with your own hands, you should know the following:

  1. The main condition for obtaining an even cut is the correct choice of the file for the tool. In order for the cut to be on the front side without burrs, it is necessary to use a thin file, the teeth of which are directed downward.
  2. The workpiece needs to be firmly fixed, otherwise a smooth cut will not work

Jigsaw.

  1. A few words about the nail files. For jigsaws a large number of saws are produced, which differ from each other, both in thickness and design features.Depending on this, they distinguish:
    • Saw or side scam. The teeth are bent to the right and left in turn, as with hand saws. In this way, files with relatively large teeth are made. They are used for quick direct cutting. Propyl is obtained with rough edges, so it should be treated with sandpaper.
    • Canvas with undercut. In this case, the teeth do not have a divorce at all. Such files allow you to make very thin and clean cuts. Naturally, the speed of this drops. If such a file has a small divorce, then the work will go slightly faster. However, in this case, the main emphasis is not on speed, but on the quality of the cut.
    • Wave-like divorce. In order for very small and narrow files to be able to make wider cuts, the cutting edge of the blade is made wavy. For the most part, such files are used when working with metal, but are often used when working with plywood to produce narrow and clean cuts in a fairly short time.

    Types of files.

    Sawing patterns with a jigsaw

    Like a regular hand jigsaw, this power tool allows you to cut various curly patterns on the material. Most often, sketches are taken by masters from magazines. (see also the article Plywood do-it-yourself rocking chair: drawings to help)

    How to Saw on a Jigsaw

    Advice!You can use patterns from magazines for embroidery, knitting or paper cutting.

    In order to transfer the drawing to plywood, do the following:

    1. We translate the pattern onto thick paper.
    2. Using a sharp clerical knife or scalpel, we cut out the stencil.
    3. We apply the stencil to the surface of the material, circling it with a simple pencil.
    4. Now you can start cutting out the pattern.

    Drawing a picture on a material through a stencil.

    In contrast to the implementation of direct cut, sawing from plywood with a jigsaw has its own characteristics.

    This instruction will help you understand all the intricacies of the work:

    1. For cutting along a curve, use a file with a narrow blade.
    2. To cut a circle in plywood, you need to use a special nozzle. A circular cutter. The cutter is fixed in the center of the circle, after which you can begin to work.

    Krugorez.

    1. If you need to choose grooves in a wooden blank, then a rasp can be used instead of a saw. It is also used to strip uneven cuts.
    2. In order to achieve perfectly accurate and even cuts, use the parallel stop. It must be attached to the jigsaw with screws.On the “ski” can be installed a special guide line, thanks to which the cut is parallel to the straight edge. Before you begin, you must make sure that the ruler is firmly fixed and aligned with the canvas. Otherwise, the movement of the file will be incorrect, and it may break, or “burn” the processed material.

    Use of a parallel emphasis.

    1. If you need to make a straight long cut, you can use the auxiliary guide. In this case, the jigsaw will move along the firmly fixed strap.
    2. With the help of this tool it is possible to carry out cuts at an angle of up to 45 degrees. The angle of inclination is set on a scale.

    The implementation of an inclined cut.

    1. Sawing a hole. Very often, cutting ornaments, the master needs to make a hole in the plywood.There are two options for this:
      • The first option is the simplest. You need to drill a hole with a drill, after which you introduce a file into it and continue to cut out the necessary pattern.
      • The second option involves the use of mortise or plunger sawing technology. Do not drill the start hole. To do this, put the tool on the front edge of the “ski”, without touching the workpiece with the canvas.

      Next, turn on the engine and gradually lower the fork, smoothly introducing the saw into the material until the saw takes a vertical position, and the “ski” does not come into contact with the workpiece.

      Advice!Cutting should always start at the waste of the material.The saw should not enter the plywood too close to the cutting line so as not to spoil the material.

      1. In the event that you need to cut a board of large thickness and the file length is not enough for this. You need to use a file with a pointed end. First, we saw it with a workpiece on one side, then we turn it and saw it on the other.
      2. To cut a curly part, you can fix the tool from the bottom of the desktop. In the case of a uniform and smooth feeding of the workpiece, you can get a cut with clean, even edges.

      In the photo. A tool attached to the bottom of the desktop.

      Conclusion

      From this article, you learned how to saw plywood with a jigsaw. Here we examined the basic principles of working with this tool, which will help you in the implementation of various construction and design solutions.

      Having understood the features of the jigsaw, you will soon realize how simple and convenient the appliance is. And although its price is higher than a conventional jigsaw, you will not regret that you purchased such a tool. (see also the article Cutting with a jigsaw from plywood. Success drawings)

      In the presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.

      Source
      Electric Saws