Jigsaw vs. Sawzall: How to Use a Jigsaw Like a Pro for Woodworking

When shopping for a power saw, whether you are a builder or a home improvement DIYer, you may have a hard time deciding between a Jigsaw and a Sawzall. They are both used for cutting, but each one is better at a specific job.

In this guide, we will cover which tool is better for what job and provide benchmarks on their strengths and best uses. You will also learn how to handle a jigsaw safely, how to install a blade, and how to use these saws like a pro.

Jigsaw or Sawzall (Reciprocating Saw): What’s the Difference?

Knowing the basic difference between a jigsaw and a Sawzall ( a reciprocating saw) is essential before you begin cutting. They are both handheld power saws, but are not used for the same purposes.

Jigsaws

First, a jigsaw is perfect when you need precision and fine cuts. It’s the best saw when you are cutting intricate designs, curves, or when you need to make a finished edge.

Additionally, it is perfect for woodworking, trimming, and may be used to cut thin metal or plastic. It has a petite saw blade that is vertically reciprocating, so it may cut slowly but ensures optimum precision. Even better, it gives you more control when cutting a marked line, thereby being used often for finishing work.

Sawzall

On the other hand, the Sawzall is a powerful and aggressive tool. It’s mostly used for demolition and rough cutting. It has a longer and sturdier blade that works on a forward and backward stroke, allowing it to rip through the material in a speedy manner. It is often used for cutting posts, studs, branches, and nails embedded in wood.

It cuts very fast, so you may have very little control, but its raw power ensures finesse for any job. A Sawzall works perfectly for straight and rough cuts, allowing it to work at uncomfortable angles effectively.

Tip: When choosing between the two, choose a jigsaw for finer woodworking and precision work. When handling demolition or rough cuts in areas that are hard to reach, choose a Sawzall.

How to Use a Jigsaw Power Tool (Step-by-Step)

It’s easy to learn the safe and effective way to use a jigsaw power tool. Let’s look at each of these steps below.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

These include:

• Jigsaw
• safety glasses
• gloves
• clamps
• marking pencil
• blade

Step 2: Preparing The Material

Next, you must draw a line on the material to cut using the marking pencil. Once you are done, clamp the workpiece you are working on to a workbench or heavy table to secure it in place.

It will prevent vibration that may bring a lot of problems when you cut. If not secured properly, your blade may break or bind. When securing the workpiece, make sure it hangs over the edge with enough clearance underneath it.

Step 3: Prepare The Saw and Start Cutting

Make sure you choose the right blade for your jigsaw. Once you have it, plug it into the jigsaw and use the correct orbital action and blade speed to start. When cutting metal or tight curves, start with a lower speed. However, when cutting softer wood, you can increase the speed to get straighter cuts.

When gripping the jigsaw securely, make sure the cord doesn’t get in the way. The forward part of the jigsaw should be flat on the edge of the material so the blade is outside the cut line but doesn’t touch the workpiece. Start the saw and let it hit full speed before you start cutting.

Let the blade cut without forcing it, instead, it should maintain a nice glide along the marked line. Make sure both hands are on the tool and out of the trajectory. Once you are done cutting, release the trigger and allow the blade to stop completely before lifting the saw.

Tip: When cutting wood, plywood, or laminates, place the masking tape over your cut line before sawing. This prevents splintering, resulting in a smoother finish.

How to Install a Blade on a Jigsaw

Before installing a blade on a jigsaw, you need to learn the right process to ensure safe and effective operation. Before you begin, make sure the power tool is unplugged from the power or the battery is removed.

General New Blade Installation Steps

Start by looking for the blade clamp on the jigsaw. It’s a design feature that allows the blade to be released or locked quickly in place. For some saws, you may need a hex key or a allen wrench to tighten or loosen a screw.

Next, you can insert the new blade inside the blade clamp. Make sure the teeth of the universal blade are facing forward, in the opposite direction to the body of the saw. Now, you can push the blade into the slot slowly until you hear a click or snap when it locks into position. Try pulling gently on the blade to make sure it’s locked and will not slide out when in use.

Blade Shank Types: T-Shanks vs U-Shanks

There are two blades available, with the most common one being the t-shank blade, used for most newer jigsaws. Older and more affordable jigsaw models have a U-shank blade. Make sure you check the particular jigsaw’s manual for the approved blade types before installing one on your jigsaw.

Jigsaw Blade Guide: How to Choose the Right Blade

When working with different types of materials, you need to choose the right jigsaw blade for the best results. The configuration of the blades and the TPIs (teeth per inch) count will determine the speed and the finish of the cut you’re making.

What Do You Need To Know About TPI (Teeth Per Inch Count)

The higher the TPI, the more teeth there are packed into a blade per inch. Note that the more the blade’s teeth, the slower the cutting speed, but this guarantees a finer and cleaner finish. On the other hand, blades with lower TPI have fewer teeth but will have a quicker but rougher cut.

Choosing The Right Blade For Various Materials

If you are working with wood, choose a blade with a narrow profile and a higher TPI count to ensure smooth and fine cuts, especially in the middle. These two features ensure smooth contours and the most excellent finish. If you want to cut faster on wood, a lower TPI is ideal with a wide profile blade.

On the other hand, when cutting metal, use a blade with a 20-24 TPI count and with a lower speed. If the metal is larger, choose a blade with larger teeth to avoid getting the blade stuck. Choose a coarse bi-metal blade with the TPI count ranging from 14 to 18. Don’t forget to use a lubricant to avoid overheating and friction when cutting.

When cutting plastic, choose a blade with medium TPI to prevent melting. Be careful to avoid overheating the material when cutting, since it will melt. For materials that are prone to chipping, such as melamine or laminate, choose a reverse-tooth blade. These will cut on the downstroke, where the sliding action of the blade presses the material against the table to prevent tearing.

Tip: When making tight curves around corners or in a tight space, avoid aggressively flexing a long, thin blade since it may cause it to break.

How to Cut Wood with a Jigsaw (Without Splintering)

When cutting wood with a jigsaw, you must be careful to prevent splintering. First, make sure you choose the right blade for the job, such as a fine-tooth blade for smooth and filed edges. At this point, you can also place your wood so the visible side faces up when the saw cuts upstroke or down, if the saw cuts downstroke. Note that splintering happens on the backside of the blade.

Use a narrow blade with a higher TPI when cutting curves or near holes because it allows better maneuverability and precision cutting. Also, clamp down your workpiece tightly to avoid vibration that may cause worse splintering. Don’t force the saw when cutting; rather, let the blade’s speed determine the cutting rate.

If you have to push down too hard, you are likely going to increase the chances of splintering. Install a splinter guard on your jigsaw base plate to ensure more support to reduce splintering. If you are working with thicker wood, you need to pass more than once for the best cut.

Jigsaws & Blades: Common Mistakes To Avoid

Accidents might happen even if you are using the correct jigsaw and blade. By avoiding such common mistakes, you can improve your outcomes and also to enhance safety. Let’s look at what mistakes to avoid.

• Putting too much pressure on the saw: Jigsaws operate best when you don’t force them to cut into the material. Follow the speed of the blade to determine the cutting rate. Avoid pushing it too hard to avoid damaging your blade. Even worse, you may end up damaging the workpiece.
• Choosing the wrong blade: The blade for cutting wood is different from that for cutting plastic. Using the wrong blade can damage it and also the material you’re cutting through. Match the blade, the TPI, and the type of material for the best results.
• Not securing the workpiece properly: Failure to secure the workpiece results in a lot of vibration, causing the wrong cuts, a stuck blade, or damage to the overall material. Before you begin cutting, make sure the workpiece is securely clamped to the surface.

By realizing your mistakes early enough and being cautious, you will use your jigsaw effectively and safely, for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a jigsaw to cut curves?

Yes! A jigsaw is designed to cut curves. To achieve this accurately, use a narrow blade with higher TPI to allow easy steering around the curves.

What’s the difference between T-shank and U-shank blades?

They are similar, the only difference is the type of fastening used. T-shank blades are the current standard, offering quick and easy installation and removal in compatible jigsaws. U-shank blades are used in older jigsaws and need a wrench, screwdriver, or hex key for installation.

Can I cut metal with a jigsaw?

Yes! A jigsaw can cut metal, but make sure you are using the right blade, a bi-metal blade. Use a slow, consistent speed and consistent pressure for the best results.

Why is my jigsaw blade bending?

Bending happens when you press too hard on the blade, especially when cutting a tight curve. It may also happen if you are using a blade that is too wide or too long for the radius of the workpiece. Additionally, make sure you choose the right blade for the material to avoid damage to the blade.

Conclusion

Learning how to use a jigsaw is important, especially when working with different materials, cutting intricate designs, or shaping curves on walls. Choosing the right blade on your jigsaw depends on the material and the type of saw you are using. Once you learn the right way to use a jigsaw and how to choose a blade, you can always guarantee the best results. Shop for the top-rated jigsaws and blades for any cutting projects today!