Cutting Straight with a Jigsaw

[the_g_ster]

Hi,

On a few recent projects I have found that it has been quite hard, if not impossible to get a good straight line with a Jigsaw. I have used a guide for the cuts but I find that even under very gentle pressure the blade deviates in the material (ply and softwood) and so makes the edge non square and then pulls the cut line away or into the guide. I have been using new blades in my basic green bosch, and I only have had good cuts on 1 out of 4 attempts. I have now dusted of the table saw and used that.

If anybody has any tips on getting a good straight cut and no blade bending that would be appreciated.

Cheers, G.

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi G

Probably not the answer you want, but here goes.

Using the Festool guide rail and the Festool jigsaw fitted with a Lennox blade gives 100% cuts every time.

Cheers
Neil

 

[Paul Chapman]

Not the best tool for that sort of work as the blade is largely unsupported, although the better jigsaws and blades do work better. You would be better off using a router, table saw or circular saw in my view :wink:

Paul

 

[the_g_ster]

I knew somebody would answer with the F word!!!

Yes, a festool would be great, I am going to treat myself to one of their saw and rail kits.

Failing the Festool and resulting lack of cash route then any top tips would help.

G

 

[CYC]

Don't mind me saying but the problem seems to be more the wrong tool for the job. I'll agree with Paul in saying use you tablesaw or circular saw to make straight cuts, since you have one :wink:
If the problem is your trying to cut large sheets which won't fit on your tablesaw then make a jig to wall cut the sheet with a circular saw. Let me dig out the post I had on this...

... here it is https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1412&highlight=wall+jig

 

[gidon]

Try getting some decent blades. If you haven't already, give these blades a go:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/sessionID/PO ... -19685.htm
And don't force the jigsaw - let it cut at its own speed. Also if the jigsaw has pendulum - the biggest pendulum should give the straightest and fastest cut at the expense of splintering and a rougher finish.
I think this month's Pop Wood has a whole article on using a jigsaw if you're interested please PM me.
Cheers
Gidon

 

[the_g_ster]

Thanks All

I have been using just for short runs, the don't quite merit the full table saw approach. I will have a look at those blades and do as suggested and see how I get on. G

 

[Paul Chapman]

Try getting some decent blades. Also if the jigsaw has pendulum - the biggest pendulum should give the straightest and fastest cut at the expense of splintering and a rougher finish.

In my experience better blades will make only a marginal improvement and don't overcome the fundamental problem that the blade is unsupported for most of its travel. Also, I've found that I get better results with the pendulum action turned off. I still reckon you will be better off using a circular saw or router and keeping the jigsaw for thin stuff or where the quality of the cut is unimportant :wink:

Paul

 

[todd]

I agree with Paul Chapman,wrong tool for the job, a better quality jigsaw with quality blades would cut better .But at the end of the day a jigsaw blade can and will deviate of a straight line even with a straight edge.
If you are doing short runs a handsaw would do the job

 

[Paul Barrett]

Me too. Wrong tool for the job. Blades that are intended to support cutting curves have too much natural flexion (and lack of size) to allow them to do a good job of a straight cut. Tenon saws have a stiffened blade, compared to a normal hand saw, for the self same reason. If it can wobble it will.

 

[Anonymous]

Blade makes all the difference.

The Festool or Lenox blade in any jigsaw (mine is B&Q Performance Pro jobby) will make it cut loads better. However, accurate straight cutting is not the forte of the jigsaw

 

[Waka]

Neil

Where do you get the lennox blades from?