How to make a curved cut with a jigsaw

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Step 1 – Mark cutting line

With a pencil, draw onto your workpiece the line you want to cut, either using a stencil or freehand.

Wonkee Donkee top tip:

If you are cutting a particularly intricate pattern, avoid starting a curved cut at the edge of the workpiece to ensure that the blade does not stray from the beginning of the cutting line.

Instead, drill a starter hole in the waste area of the material big enough to accommodate the width of the blade.

Step 2 – Position jigsaw

Position the blade on the waste side of the cutting line, with the front of the shoe resting on the edge of the workpiece.

Step 3 – Begin to cut

Turn on your jigsaw and wait for the blade to gather speed.

Then slowly start to follow the cutting line. Steer with your elbow, not your wrist and change your body position as you progress through the cut so that you are always behind the jigsaw.

Step 4 – Watch your speed

Regulate the rate of the jigsaw with the tightness of the curves it is cutting.

If you come to a tight curve, reduce the speed of the jigsaw using the variable speed dial. If you are cutting wood, you should cut especially slowly so that the blade is able to cut through the cross grain.

Step 5 – Make relief cuts

Following tight curves continuously with a jigsaw can be tricky.

Make relief cuts to remove waste and help to prevent the blade from binding in tight corners.

Step 6 – Complete cut

Continue to ease your jigsaw along the cutting line.

When you have completed the cut, evaluate your accuracy and, if necessary, tidy up the edges of your workpiece using a sanding block.