What are the different types of jigsaw guide?

Some manufacturers produce guides to accompany their jigsaws and improve the accuracy of their cuts.

There are two types of jigsaw guide: circle-cutting guides and straight cutting guides. 

Circle-cutting guides

A circle cutting guide works in a similar way to a pair of compasses or trammel heads.

It consists of a guide rail which slots into the shoe of a jigsaw and a pivot point around which the saw travels in order to cut the circle.

For more information, see  How to make a circular cut with a jigsaw.

Straight edges

Because the blade of a jigsaw is only supported at one end, it can sometimes bend and wander off course, As a result, it can be difficult to effectively cut a straight line with the tool.

Using a straight edge when making linear cuts will give you an edge against which you can guide your jigsaw. 

Parallel guides

Parallel guides (sometimes called side fences) are a type of straight cutting guide that allows you to make cuts parallel to the edge of the material. 

The guide rail is fitted to the baseplate of the jigsaw and keeps the tool (and the blade) at a set distance from the edge of the workpiece during cutting.