How easy is it to use an electric jig saw and to cut boards absolutely perpendicular?

Question

How easy is it to use an electric jig saw and to cut boards absolutely perpendicular?

Answer 1

Frankly, a jig saw is not the best type for cutting boards perfectly square.  Its best for cutting curves.  With some of the cheaper models its almost impossible to cut anything square no matter how careful you are .  You will be much better to use a circular saw for straight cuts, better still a chop saw for cutting boards to length.

Answer 2

A jig saw is not a good tool for that, but if you don't have an option you could clamp a piece of wood to the board that is perpendicular and us that as a guide.  Just make sure you clamp the board in a spot the correct distance down the board to run the metal plate guard of the jig saw beside it.

Answer 3

Better with a chop saw or a good quality hand saw depending on the width of wood to be cut.

Bit cruel there Friendly Alien eh! Might start getting called Unfriendly Alien if you don't watch out.

Answer 4

Not the best tool to use for the purpose you suggest. It would be better to use a table saw.

Answer 5

Clamp a straight piece of wood to the board parallel to where you want to cut it.  (Don't forget to allow for the cutting width of the blade)

Always cut from the "wrong" side of the board.  The cutting stroke on a jigsaw is upwards and it leaves a jagged edge - especially on laminated board.

Answer 6

if you want a good straight cut you need a table saw or set up a jig and use a circular saw... because a jigsaw blade has too much flex to it!

Answer 7

very easy to use but tend not to give a perfect cut, if you buying the wood etc from somewhere like B&Q then get them to cut it for you on their big saw for a perfect cut

Answer 8

A jig saw is not for cutting things perpendicular and you have little chance of achieving it.

Answer 9

With a jig saw you will need a guide to get your absolutely straight, you would be better off with a chop saw,

Answer 10

If you have a protractor it would be extremely easy.

Answer 11

It's quite difficult to get a good, true cut with a jigsaw.  One way is to clamp a straight piece of wood across the board and use that to guide the saw.

You may be better getting hold of a circular saw if you have lots of boards to cut, or most wood merchants will cut them to size for you, for a small fee.

Answer 12

depends how good you are holding the thing

regards x kitti x

Answer 13

Use a handsaw, it's the best way to cut a straight line than any power tool other than a properly mounted circular (chop) saw.

Answer 14

Jigsaws are not the best tools to use for straight cuts even with a guide, like a piece of baton clamped down to give you a straight guide the blades tend to wander. A better tool would be a trim saw (circular saw) or even a hand saw would give a better cut. You can still use a jigsaw just get a bit of practise in first on a piece of scrap.

Answer 15

It is easy but you must NOT force the saw through the timber in an effort to speed it up. Let the saw almost take you through and keep the flat piece of the saw pressed firmly down to the timber. Depends what the product you are cutting is. If it is a door bottom or top a good sharp cross cut saw is best. For just plain wood then the band saw at B&Q or some other suppliers is the best option.

Answer 16

Nearly impossible, the blades tend to wander as you cut rounded portions.  Use a band saw, that is what I use when wanting a nice cut.

Answer 17

For a woman it would be like trying to open a portal in space and time.

Answer 18

The best way to achieve straight cuts with a jig saw is to clamp a thick straight edge to the board that you wish to cut, then cut ensuring that the sole plate of the jig saw stays in contact with the straight edge. You should end up with perfect cuts.