Open Works has several jig saws. You must complete Wood Shop 1 before using these tools.
Jig saws are small handheld powered saws that have a vertical blade that protrudes from the bottom. They are very good for curved and interior cuts.
corded? | number available | model |
---|---|---|
yes | 2 | DW317 |
no | 1 | DCS331 |
no | 1 | CMCS650 |
Tool Name | Best For | Worst For |
---|---|---|
Band Saw | curved cuts and long cuts | interior cuts and really large pieces |
Scroll Saw | small pieces, sharp turns, and interior cuts | thick material |
Jig Saw | large panels and interior cuts | small panels and thick material |
Laser Cutter | making identical pieces | thick material |
¶ Acceptable Materials
Hardwoods.
Softwoods.
Plywood.
Slabs.
Green wood.
OSB.
Particle board.
MDF.
Hardboard.
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
Always check moisture levels with the moisture meter and look for nails with the metal detector.
Reclaimed lumber.
Logs.
¶ Forbidden Materials
DO NOT, under any circumstances, cut the following materials with the jig saw:
Pressure treated wood.
Materials containing or coated with lead or lead-based paint.
Any pre-finished woods (for example: finished flooring, old bar tops, etc.).
Safety Check:
Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back.
Safety glasses and earmuffs must be worn while machines are running.
A dust mask or a NIOSH certified respirator is recommended.
For more information on shop safety visit Wood Shop under "Safety."
The blade protrudes from the bottom of the material and can damage the worksurface below or get the operator's fingers unless the workpiece is properly elevated and secured.
If your material is warped in any way, consider processing it through the jointer and planer before using the router. Material with paralled faces will produce a cleaner cut and be safer to work with.
Mark the path of the cut. Be sure to mark which side of the line is the waste area and if there are any tight curves, make a reminder to do relief cuts.
These saws cut through the workpiece, so it is important to elevate the workpiece above any surface below to avoid damaging the surface or the saw. If the workpiece is not heavy enough to resist the force of the saw while cutting, it needs to be clamped down. Additionally, depending on how the workpiece was secured, the cut piece may fall off.
Letting the workpiece flex under the saw will cause the saw blade to bind and possibly kick back.
There are some blades available for use in the shop but to ensure that the blade you want to use is available, you should bring your own.
These jigsaws have a spring loaded lever on the shaft of the tool that releases the blade when turned.
Most jig saws are equipped with two types of cutting action: orbital and straight. Orbital action has a more aggressive blade motion and is designed for cutting in soft materials like wood or plastic. Orbital action provides a faster cut, but with a less smooth cut across the material. In orbital action, the blade moves forward during the cutting stroke in addition to the up and down motion.
Hold the tool firmly with both hands. The saw cuts on the upstroke which pulls the body of the saw down against the material, but this does not mean that the saw has no kickback. If the saw binds, it will throw itself upward, which can be very startling.
The jig saw may have a tilt shoe on it that can be used to make a bevel cut.
Support the workpiece adequately at all times. Use the higher speed setting for cutting wood. Do not attempt to turn the tool on when blade is against material to be cut. This could stall the motor.
A pocket cut is an easy method of making an inside cut. The saw can be inserted directly into a panel or board without first drilling a lead or pilot hole.
A flush cut is necessary when finishing off cuts up to an obstacle, such as back-splash. One of the easiest ways to accomplish the flush cut is to use a flush cutting blade. The flush cutting blade provides the reach necessary to cut right up to the front edge of the jig saw shoe. For the best cut quality the flush cutting blade should be used in the 0 or 1 orbital position.
Vacuum up your work area, the floor, and the jigsaw with any of the available shop vacs.
Instructions adapted from the manufactuer's manuals.
Product page for orbital jigsaw
Product page for battery jigsaw
Product page for battery jigsaw