How to make a short cut with a jigsaw

Short cuts are the easiest type of cut to make with a jigsaw. 

They can be carried out freehand, without the aid of a guide or straight edge. However, as with other cuts, you should make sure that your workpiece is held securely in position with clamps or in a vice. 

Step 1 – Select and fit blade 

Choose your blade according to the material you are working with and the finish you require.

Install it in the blade clamp of your jigsaw. For more information, see Which jigsaw blade should you choose? and How to change the blade of a jigsaw.

Step 2 – Mark cutting line

With a pencil, mark on your workpiece the line you want to cut. 

Step 3 – Turn on jigsaw 

Line up the jigsaw blade with the line you have marked and position the front of the shoe on the edge of the workpiece.

Then, turn on your jigsaw. 

Step 4 – Make cut

Making sure the shoe of the jigsaw is horizontal with the workpiece, slowly move the tool forwards along the cutting line. 

Support the off-cut in your free hand and advance through the material. Increase the cutting speed if necessary. 

Continue until you reach the end of the cutting line. Then turn off your jigsaw.

Allow the blade to come to a complete stop before putting the tool down. 

How to make a short cut with a jigsaw

Short cuts are the easiest type of cut to make with a jigsaw. 

They can be carried out freehand, without the aid of a guide or straight edge. However, as with other cuts, you should make sure that your workpiece is held securely in position with clamps or in a vice. 

Step 1 – Select and fit blade 

Choose your blade according to the material you are working with and the finish you require.

Install it in the blade clamp of your jigsaw. For more information, see Which jigsaw blade should you choose? and How to change the blade of a jigsaw.

Step 2 – Mark cutting line

With a pencil, mark on your workpiece the line you want to cut. 

Step 3 – Turn on jigsaw 

Line up the jigsaw blade with the line you have marked and position the front of the shoe on the edge of the workpiece.

Then, turn on your jigsaw. 

Step 4 – Make cut

Making sure the shoe of the jigsaw is horizontal with the workpiece, slowly move the tool forwards along the cutting line. 

Support the off-cut in your free hand and advance through the material. Increase the cutting speed if necessary. 

Continue until you reach the end of the cutting line. Then turn off your jigsaw.

Allow the blade to come to a complete stop before putting the tool down.