Although a jigsaw can be used for most of the tasks that a circular saw can perform, including straight cuts and cuts on a tilt, the jigsaw uses that really take advantage of the tool’s qualities are jobs such as kitchen fitting and joinery, with their frequent need for complex cuts.
What can I use instead of a circular saw?
Jigsaw. A jigsaw is a great alternative to a circular saw as it can perform many of the same cuts. However, they can wonder and not give a perfectly straight cut unless they are supported by a guide along an edge. A sander or hand planer can also be used to finish off a jigsaw cut.
Is it better to use a jigsaw or circular saw?
Jigsaws are less precise but can make a wider variety of cuts than circular saws. … Meanwhile, circular saws have a high degree of precision combined with much greater cutting power. Often used in lieu of a dedicated table saw, they’re specifically designed for making highly accurate straight-line cuts.
Is a jig saw safer than a circular saw?
Jigsaws are considered safer than circular saws – while you can still injure yourself with a jigsaw, there is less scope for causing serious damage since the blade is smaller. They create less dust than circular saws, and the blades are also less expensive than the blades for circular saws.
Can you use a jigsaw to cut MDF?
A jigsaw cuts MDF as easily as it cuts plywood, although you should keep in mind that the more teeth the blade has, the less chance there is of chipping the material around the edges of the cut. … You can also cut curves in MDF with a handheld multipurpose or rotary tool fitted with a multi-purpose cutting blade.
Can a jigsaw cut straight lines?
The jigsaw can be used to make both straight and curved cuts in a wide variety of materials, including wood, particleboard, plywood, plastic, metal, even ceramic tile.
Do I really need a jigsaw?
Jigsaws are the only portable power tool that can effectively cut curves. This makes them a must-have for any woodworker who wants to get the job done faster than with a hand-held coping saw. … This adds to the tool’s versatility and makes it more valuable in your workshop. Changing blades is easy.
Which saw to buy first?
A jigsaw is great for cutting curves and shapes, and it can also be used with a guide to make straight cuts, which is why this is the first power saw you should own. Unless you plan to rip long sheets of plywood, a jigsaw is preferable over a circular saw.
Can jigsaw cut 2×4?
A jigsaw is a precision tool with a thin blade, which makes them ideal at cutting intricate designs on thin material. If you ever had to cut a 2×4 piece of framing lumber with a jigsaw and thought to yourself… “there’s no way”, you might be surprised!
What PPE should you wear when using a jigsaw?
Before operating a jig saw, you should gear up in the appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes a pair of shatter-resistant goggles to protect from dust and chippings and a face mask to protect from breathing in particles.
What is the advantage of a jigsaw?
Studies have shown that doing jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. The act of putting the pieces of a puzzle together requires concentration and improves short-term memory and problem solving.
How safe is a jigsaw?
Electrical power tools such as jigsaws may shock the operator when exposed to water or even airborne moisture. This is why it’s critical that workers only operate a jigsaw in a dry, covered environment. In addition to shock, there’s also a risk of fire when operating a jigsaw.