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Wonkee Donkee’s Top Tips for using a jigsaw

Wonkee Donkee’s top tips for using a jigsaw

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Wonkee Donkee tools, DIY guide, Wonkee Donkee In order to get the most out of your jigsaw, it is essential that you know how to use it properly, safely and with the correct accessories.

Become familiar with your jigsaw

Instruction manual, tool specification, manufacturer's instructions All jigsaws are slightly different. Before using your tool for the first time, thoroughly read through the manual supplied by its manufacturer to make sure that you know exactly how it works.

Use the correct blade

Using correct jigsaw blade, holding jigsaw blade The performance of your jigsaw depends significantly on the type of blade you use. It is critical that you use a blade suitable for the material you are working with.

For more information, see Which jigsaw blade should you choose?

Use a sharp blade

Sharp jigsaw blade, jigsaw blade, wood cutting jigsaw blade Using a sharp blade will ensure your jigsaw works as accurately and efficiently as possible.

In addition, a sharp blade will lessen the load on the jigsaw so you won’t have to force your tool through the cut.

For accurate cuts, use a guide

Using jigsaw with straight guide Using a straight edge to guide your jigsaw will make your straight cuts a great deal more precise as it will help to stop the blade from wandering.

Similarly, a circle cutting guide will improve the accuracy of circular cut-outs.

Clamp your workpiece

Clamp workpiece when using a jigsaw Unless your workpiece is particularly heavy and unlikely to move, you should secure it in place with clamps.

This will prevent it from slipping out of place and causing an inaccurate cut.

Wonkee Donkee says: 'Position clamps so they don’t get in the way ofthe jigsaw or catch on the power cord.'

Turn over workpieces with a finished side

Cutting through the underside of a wooden workpiece with a jigsaw, using laser guide function of jigsaw, cutting wood with jigsaw To prevent splintering on the finished side of the material, turn over your workpiece so that you are cutting from the back.

This may not always be possible, for instance if you are making a sink cut-out in a kitchen worktop that has already been installed.

Cutting wood from underneath the workpiece with a jigsaw, using jigsaw upside down If this is the case, you can use your jigsaw upside down and cut from underneath the workpiece. However, this requires a great deal of skill and control and can be tricky with a top-handle jigsaw.

Alternatively, you could use a reverse tooth blade (one that cuts on the downstroke) that will not chip the surface of the material.

Take your time

Using cordless jigsaw to cut decking, take your time when using a jigsaw You should allow the jigsaw to cut at its own pace.

Be patient and, instead of pushing your tool along the cutting line, follow the blade.

Let your jigsaw gather speed

Cordless jigsaw cutting through wood, jigsaw making contact with the workpiece. Turn your jigsaw on and allow it to run freely before starting your cut.

If the blade makes contact with the workpiece before it is turned on, it may vibrate excessively, causing the machine to kick-back towards the user and damage the material being cut.

Allow the motor to cool down

Fan, cooling down, ventilation If you are using your jigsaw at a low speed for an extended period, increase the speed of the machine for a few minutes every so often.

This will allow air to travel through the tool and cool the motor.

After use

Jigsaw after use When you have finished making your cut, turn off your jigsaw and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before setting it down.

If you will no longer be using your tool, unplug it from the mains before storing it in an appropriate place. For more information, see Jigsaw maintenance and care.

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