A jigsaw is a handheld power tool that can make curved and straight cuts on different materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and tile. A jigsaw consists of a motor, a base, and a blade that moves up and down at high speed. A jigsaw is a versatile and useful tool for various woodworking and DIY projects, but is it worth having one? How often will you use it, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of owning a jigsaw?
The answer is yes, it is worth having a jigsaw, if you enjoy woodworking and DIY projects, and if you need a tool that can make intricate and precise cuts on different materials. A jigsaw can help you create various shapes and designs, and it can also cut through materials that other saws cannot. However, a jigsaw also has some limitations and challenges, and it may not be the best tool for every situation. In this article, we will explain why it is worth having a jigsaw, what you can do with it, and what factors you need to consider before buying one.
One of the main advantages of having a jigsaw is that it can make curved and irregular cuts that other saws cannot. A jigsaw can cut along any line or curve that you draw on the material, and it can also make plunge cuts, which are cuts that start from the middle of the material, without drilling a hole first. This makes a jigsaw ideal for creating patterns, shapes, and designs, such as circles, stars, letters, and more. You can also use a jigsaw to cut out holes and openings, such as for electrical outlets, pipes, or hinges.
Another advantage of having a jigsaw is that it can cut through different materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and tile. A jigsaw can handle thin and thick materials, as well as hard and soft materials, as long as you use the right blade for the job. A jigsaw can also cut through materials that have a veneer, laminate, or coating on the surface, without damaging or splintering them. This makes a jigsaw a versatile and handy tool for various woodworking and DIY projects, such as making furniture, cabinets, shelves, signs, toys, and more.
A third advantage of having a jigsaw is that it is easy to use and control. A jigsaw is a lightweight and compact tool that you can hold and maneuver with one hand. A jigsaw has a simple and ergonomic design, with a trigger, a handle, and a base. A jigsaw also has some features that make it more user-friendly, such as a variable speed control, an orbital action, a dust blower, a laser guide, and a LED light. These features allow you to adjust the speed and direction of the blade, to clear the dust and debris from the cut line, to align the blade with the cut line, and to illuminate the work area.
The Disadvantages of Having a Jigsaw
While having a jigsaw has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages that you need to be aware of. One of the disadvantages is that a jigsaw can produce rough and uneven cuts, especially on thick and hard materials. A jigsaw can cause splintering and tear-out, which is when the material breaks or tears along the cut edge, creating an uneven and rough surface. Splintering and tear-out can ruin the appearance and quality of your workpiece, and it can also cause injuries if you touch the sharp edges.
Another disadvantage of having a jigsaw is that a jigsaw can be inaccurate and inconsistent, especially on long and straight cuts. A jigsaw can wander off the cut line, or bend or break the blade, if you force the jigsaw or push it too hard. A jigsaw can also vibrate and bounce, if you use the wrong blade or speed, or if the material is not clamped or supported properly. These factors can affect the stability and alignment of the jigsaw, and result in a crooked or wavy cut.
A third disadvantage of having a jigsaw is that a jigsaw can be noisy and messy, especially on high speed and orbital settings. A jigsaw can generate a lot of noise and heat, which can be annoying and uncomfortable for you and others around you. A jigsaw can also create a lot of dust and debris, which can be harmful for your health and the environment. You need to wear ear and eye protection, and use a dust collector or a vacuum, to reduce the noise and dust levels.
If you decide to buy a jigsaw, you need to choose the right one for your needs and preferences. There are many types and models of jigsaws available on the market, and they vary in terms of power, performance, features, and price. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a jigsaw:
Power: The power of a jigsaw is measured in amps or volts, depending on whether it is a corded or a cordless jigsaw. A corded jigsaw is plugged into an electrical outlet, and it has a higher and more consistent power output. A cordless jigsaw is powered by a battery, and it has a lower and more variable power output. A corded jigsaw is more suitable for heavy-duty and continuous work, while a cordless jigsaw is more suitable for light-duty and occasional work. The power of a jigsaw ranges from 3 to 8 amps for corded jigsaws, and from 12 to 20 volts for cordless jigsaws.
Performance: The performance of a jigsaw is measured in strokes per minute (SPM) and orbital action. The SPM is the number of times the blade moves up and down per minute, and it determines how fast and smooth the jigsaw can cut. The orbital action is the degree of forward and backward movement of the blade, and it determines how aggressive and efficient the jigsaw can cut. The performance of a jigsaw ranges from 500 to 3500 SPM, and from 0 to 4 orbital settings.
Features: The features of a jigsaw are the additional functions and options that make the jigsaw more user-friendly and convenient. Some of the common features of a jigsaw are a variable speed control, a dust blower, a laser guide, a LED light, a tool-less blade change, a bevel adjustment, a soft grip, and a carrying case. These features allow you to adjust the speed and direction of the blade, to clear the dust and debris from the cut line, to align the blade with the cut line, to illuminate the work area, to change the blade quickly and easily, to tilt the base for angled cuts, to hold the jigsaw comfortably and securely, and to store and transport the jigsaw safely and conveniently.
Price: The price of a jigsaw is the amount of money you have to pay to buy the jigsaw. The price of a jigsaw depends on the type, model, brand, and quality of the jigsaw, as well as the power, performance, features, and accessories of the jigsaw. The price of a jigsaw ranges from $20 to $200, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Conclusion
Having a jigsaw is worth it, if you enjoy woodworking and DIY projects, and if you need a tool that can make intricate and precise cuts on different materials. A jigsaw can help you create various shapes and designs, and it can also cut through materials that other saws cannot. However, a jigsaw also has some limitations and challenges, and it may not be the best tool for every situation.
You need to weigh the pros and cons of having a jigsaw, and choose the right one for your needs and preferences. A jigsaw is a powerful and handy tool that can help you with various woodworking and DIY projects, but you also need to use it wisely and responsibly. We hope this article has helped you understand why it is worth having a jigsaw and how to choose one. Happy cutting!
