What Is a Jig Saw?
A jig saw is a handheld cutting device that uses a thin, vertical blade to make curved, straight, or plunge cuts through wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. It’s the go-to when you need to cut shapes, not just straight lines. Unlike circular saws or table saws, a jig saw gives you flexibility and control in tight spaces or on intricate patterns.
You won’t use it for every job, but when you need precision and curves, this is what you reach for.
History of the Jig Saw
The jig saw was introduced in the 1940s by Scintilla, a Swiss company later acquired by Bosch, which still leads in jig saw innovation today. The design was inspired by a sewing machine, replacing the needle with a blade. That up-and-down motion made it ideal for controlled, detailed cuts in thinner materials, and it quickly became a standard for woodworking and general-purpose cutting.
What It’s Used For
A jig saw is built for finesse and control, not brute power. Common uses include:
What to Look for When Buying
- Corded or Cordless
- Corded: Consistent power, ideal for longer sessions
- Cordless: More portable, perfect for quick cuts and tight spaces
- Orbital Settings
- Adds forward movement to the blade
- Speeds up cuts on wood but reduces precision
- Look for multiple settings for better control
- Variable Speed
- Slower speeds for metal or fine cuts
- Faster speeds for wood and rough material
- Blade Type and Compatibility
- T-shank blades are the standard, easy to install and secure
- U-shank blades are older and less common
- Choose a saw that accepts T-shank for best blade variety
- Bevel Capacity
- Look for a base plate that tilts up to 45 degrees
- Great for angled cuts and trim work
- Dust Blower or Extraction Port
- Keeps your cut line visible
- Helps keep work areas clean
- Comfort and Visibility
- LED lights, rubber grips, and clear sightlines make a big difference
- Lighter models are easier to control, especially on curves
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Blade Compatibility
Jig saw blades are easy to swap, and using the right one matters:
- Wood blades: Coarse teeth for fast cuts, fine teeth for cleaner cuts
- Metal blades: Fine teeth, slower speeds
- Laminate or plastic blades: Down-cut blades reduce chipping
- Scrolling blades: Narrower for tighter curves
- Specialty blades: Reverse cut, plunge cut, or composite-rated options
Always match the blade to the material and cut type. Keep extras on hand—they wear out faster than circular blades.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Who This Is For
- Homeowners doing home improvement, flooring, or trim work
- DIYers building furniture, decorations, or cabinetry
- Pros who need quick, curved, or plunge cuts on the job
If you work with shapes, corners, or detail cuts, a jig saw gives you the control no other handheld device offers.
FAQ
Yes, with the right blade and slower speeds. Use fine-tooth metal blades and let it work slowly.
Absolutely. For smoother results, use a fine-tooth or laminate blade to reduce tear-out.
Not really. A jig saw is better for curves and plunge cuts. A circular saw is faster and cleaner for straight cuts.
Final Thoughts
A jig saw is all about precision and flexibility. It’s not your go-to for framing or ripping long boards, but when you need to cut out a shape, follow a line, or get into a tight spot, it’s the right device for the job. Light, easy to control, and capable of cutting through more materials than most people realize—once you own one, you’ll find more uses for it than you expected.