How to cut plywood with a jigsaw is not rocket science. It can be done in just a few steps. Let’s start by talking about how it’s done the wrong way first so you know what not to do.
There are many ways to cutting plywood with jigsaw. Some of them work better than others, but how do you know which one is best for your project? This post will give you tips and tricks so that you can get the job done quickly and efficiently!
Start by picking the right blade and cut method, then draw your line with a pencil. Put the jigsaw on it at an optimal speed and start cutting until you’re done!
With this guide, you’ll learn how to cut plywood using a jigsaw. You’ll also gain an understanding of the different types and techniques that can be used for better cutting accuracy and speed.
What is a Jigsaw?
The Jigsaw is a versatile cutting tool that can be used to cut many different materials. However, its function depends on the thickness of the material it’s being used for and isn’t suitable for anything over an inch thick.
With a Jigsaw, you can do straight, curved, and angled cuts. Most come with an electric cord but nowadays there are also battery-powered options (Li-ion or NiCad) and for better choice check here the best jigsaw.
How to Cut Plywood with a Jigsaw? Tips and Guide
Firstly need plywood for cutting. There are guidelines that most woodworkers use to cutting plywood with Jigsaw. The procedure for using this tool is simple regardless of the size or type of your project, and it should give you smooth edges.
Understand How the Teeth of The Blade Functions:
It can be difficult to know the difference between blades, but it all comes down to which side of your plywood is smoother. Blade orientation matters when choosing the best jigsaw blade for plywood.
The output should focus more on what you need in order for a smooth surface and less on different types of blades.
Using the right tooth orientation can save you a lot of time. You’ll want to make sure that it’s smooth and well-trimmed, which usually means having fewer teeth in each inch.
Of course, sometimes more TPI equals faster-cutting speed but less detailed edges.
Draw Your Cut Line:
When cutting plywood, always draw your cut line. Place the wood underneath a piece of plywood over your workbench and use either a pencil or marker to create an accurate guide for yourself as you go along using ruler measurements.
Adjust the Speed of Your Jigsaw:
If you’re cutting plywood, avoid setting your orbital jigsaw to more than 50%. It may take longer but it’s worth the effort. This helps cut down on vibrations and splintering of material when sawing.
As a rule of thumb, when cutting plywood go for slower speeds. Slower speeds reduce the chance that your blade will damage or tear up edges on the wood surface.
Don’t forget to change your Jigsaw pendulum motion degree! This improves both speeds and clears out sawdust more efficiently than any other option you have at hand while making cuts with this power tool.
Connect the Suction Tube:
A modern Jigsaw has a suction tube. It looks like a mini vacuum cleaner and sucks all the sawdust, giving you a clearer vision of your cutting line! This also eliminates the heating of the blade.
Make the First Cut:
The first step to cutting with a Jigsaw is by placing the blade along the line you wish cut before powering up. This way, it reduces your chance of sliding or missing where you want to cut. Once in place, hold onto either one hand on both hands and begin sawing!
What is Jigsaw Pendulum Motion?
With a Pendulum Motion, you can move the edge backward and forwards. There’s a switch of three or four positions in choosing the pendulum motion degree according to the material being cut.
It is a new built-in technology in modern Jigsaws that gives the ability to move the blade back and forth with circular motions called “pendulums”.
With different settings on how strong this effect will be from small cuts like paper to cutting through metal, it allows for more versatility as well as ease when working through tougher materials.
The smoother the surface, the less dramatic swing of your pendulum. So keep it slow for hard or thick woods and lumber sheets; remove it entirely from thin cuts in wood, steel, or fragile materials like tiles and polystyrene.
What are the Main Types of a Jigsaw?
The Top Handle Jigsaw and Barrel Grip Jigsaws are two types of electric power tools. They each have a specific use, as well as different designs that affect their intended purposes.
1. Top Handle Jigsaws
If you’re looking for a jigsaw to make straight cuts, the Top Handle Jigsaws is very convenient.
However, if you want to create bevel and curve cuts like those on furniture pieces or moldings without much practice first it might not be the best choice as it can often lead to inaccuracy when making curves and angles.
2. Barrel Grip Jigsaws
This type doesn’t have a separate handle, and you have the motor casing as the main handle. It gives you precise straight and curved cuts, which makes it good in furniture making.
However, if your hand circumference is bigger than that of its circumference then using this jigsaw would be harder to control because of how difficult it will be for you to grip onto both parts at once for more check best barrel grip jigsaw here!
Creating Different Cuts Using a Jigsaw
With a Jigsaw, you can make various cuts for materials no thicker than an inch. Find out how to do different types of cuts with this versatile tool!
Creating Bevel Cuts with Jigsaw
If you want to adjust the angle of your workpiece manually, use a protractor. If not, just remember that it’s important how sharp and angled the blade is in relation to the wood when cutting edges. Bevel cuts are useful for combining two blocks at 45 degrees or decorating pieces with decorative finishes on their edge!
Creating Straight Cuts with Jigsaw
Making straight cuts with jigsaw is as simple as one, two, three. In fact, it’s the most basic type of cut you will do in woodworking, and making a precise line and following it are sufficient enough to ensure success.
Following these general steps:
- Draw your cutting line
- Take note of where the blade enters
- Keep up with those measurements along their entire length
- And give attention to what you’re doing at all times
- You’ll have perfectly straight lines that can be used for furniture or other wooden projects!
Using step-by-step instructions may seem like an easy way out but when working on certain types of tasks such as creating straight angles they work best if followed carefully because there’s no margin for doing any wrong cut.
Creating Parallel Cuts with Jigsaw
Use a parallel guide for your jigsaw to get the best results. The cutting width of the guide depends on how long its sliding rod is so adjust accordingly.
Creating Circle Cuts with Jigsaw
You can use a jigsaw circle cutting guide to do it. To install the cutting guide on your Jigsaw, place its tip over the center of where you’re going to cut and turn around that spot slowly while taking care not to split any wood splinters or create uneven cuts along with doing this.
FAQs:
How To Cut Plywood With A Jigsaw Without Splintering?
Make sure to choose the appropriate blade. The new and clean blades will be easier for you to use in your next project, trust me! When sawing through each cut remember not to put too much pressure on yourself or it could lead to a bad outcome.
Why My Jigsaw is Not Cutting Straight?
Your Jigsaw might not be cutting straight because of a number of reasons. It could be that you didn’t do the cut line guide, wood dust covers up your lines, or possibly even an older saw with less advanced features can get in your way. Or it’s possible that one wrong blade is causing all these problems!
Can you use a jigsaw to cut plywood?
The jigsaw can make a variety of cuts in materials such as wood, particleboard, and metal. To avoid mistakes it is important to use the correct blade for your task at hand.
Final Notes of How to cut Plywood with a jigsaw:
We hope this article has helped you understand how to use a Jigsaw for cutting plywood. For best results, always remember to match blades with the material and adjust settings accordingly.
Use caution when using your Jigsaw on thicker materials like hardwoods or metal! If you want more information on how to use jigsaw check here.