What Can You Do With a Jigsaw? A Lot! | WOODWORKING BASICS

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  • čas přidán 20. 10. 2016
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    A lot of people think that they need a lot of big, expensive stationary tools for woodworking. If you don't have a lot of space or money, a jigsaw is an amazing tool that can make almost all the cuts you need.
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Komentáře • 1,6K

  • @pbs1516
    @pbs1516 Před 2 lety +41

    Hello! Most blades cut on the upward stroke such that they tend to press the saw shoe against the board, whereas a downward-cutting blade will push the board off. Additionally, if the action is done upward, it pulls on the blade and straightens it (like a japanese handsaw). On the other hand, cutting downward means cutting while compressing the blade, and it has more chance to flex for a given thickness.
    By the way, circular saws also cut in the upward motion, as the blade goes up where it cuts, also pulling the board tightly against the shoe.

  • @sajejekyllhyde4647
    @sajejekyllhyde4647 Před 4 lety +236

    Thank you, I just bought my first jigsaw and wasn’t sure where to begin, you answered about 90 % of my questions in under 10 mins, so Thank you.

  • @brittanyknight3422
    @brittanyknight3422 Před 3 lety +21

    Thank you for teaching me I don't have a dad to teach me these things so I appreciate you!

  • @utubeape
    @utubeape Před 5 lety +127

    score your plywood when cutting across the grain for fewer splinters.
    glue sandpaper on old blades to make a smoothing tool or file when using wet and dry paper on metal

    • @LFC-Star
      @LFC-Star Před 4 lety +3

      usually old blades snap or bend due to the heat.. so they end up in the bin.

    • @JacqueBernadette
      @JacqueBernadette Před 4 lety +6

      I use Gorilla Tape to avoid splintering.

    • @FlashPaperGrind
      @FlashPaperGrind Před 3 lety +3

      A year after your comment and it is still valid (and something I have never thought of doing), thanks!

    • @haddasancliffe9459
      @haddasancliffe9459 Před 3 lety

      How would you score your plywood first?

    • @utubeape
      @utubeape Před 3 lety +16

      @@haddasancliffe9459 Usually 7 out of 10.
      only joking. with a stanley knife or similar

  • @mikstr22
    @mikstr22 Před 7 lety +246

    Most blades cut on the upstroke to prevent kickback if the blade were to catch on the wood. If it caught on the wood with a downstroke blade, it might kick up into your face or something (dangerous!). If it caught on an upstroke blade, it would just pull against the wood.

    • @Steve-hj6xv
      @Steve-hj6xv Před 5 lety +15

      It's also deceptively safe in that dummies like me can move too quickly and it can catch/kick and smash your thumb harder than a hammer! Of course it had to happen to me twice before I learned to be a little less reckless.

    • @madamkuring6218
      @madamkuring6218 Před 4 lety

      My God. I hate jigsaw if that is the case. I will use the manual thing from the saw of an iron. That was we used before in our project when we were in high school days. We cut the plywood with the iron saw itself.

    • @anythingunderthesun9930
      @anythingunderthesun9930 Před 4 lety

      Indeed!

  • @mikebraziel5998
    @mikebraziel5998 Před 7 lety +637

    Don't touch the blade after making a long cut.
    Also, don't ask how I know this. 😳

    • @MadebyConstantin
      @MadebyConstantin Před 5 lety +3

      😀😁😂🤣😃

    • @ManyaP64
      @ManyaP64 Před 5 lety +10

      How do you know this? 😆😆😆

    • @tommywright7196
      @tommywright7196 Před 5 lety +38

      I know how you know I found out the same way

    • @NNJPRGreg
      @NNJPRGreg Před 4 lety +12

      Glad I'm not alone on this one, lol

    • @commentatron
      @commentatron Před 4 lety +25

      Also, don't use the blade as a Q-Tip unless it's first unplugged.

  • @childofakingcharity5597
    @childofakingcharity5597 Před 3 lety +9

    This man is a teacher, he got the gift I learned right away.

  • @DoYouKnowGod
    @DoYouKnowGod Před 5 lety +28

    You sir have just helped me save money, learn a skill & be even more self sufficient. Thanks for being informative & keeping it simple.

  • @craftedworkshop
    @craftedworkshop Před 7 lety +35

    Great video, Steve. It's amazing how easy it is to overlook some of these details and get frustrated with a tool. The tooth direction wasn't something I had even considered! Thanks again.

  • @petercohen4641
    @petercohen4641 Před 3 lety +4

    Thanks Steve, I haven't had anything to do with a jigsaw for over 30 years so your basic tips has helped me immensely.

  • @00_Calcifer_00
    @00_Calcifer_00 Před 6 lety +2

    Thanks for the video! I took a woodshop class in high school but it's been over a decade since I've actually worked with these tools. I recently got into building some projects at home that required the use of power tools. This video was very informative and I love how you break everything down. Definitely what I needed

  • @Appokalis
    @Appokalis Před 6 lety +7

    Ever since I subscribed to your channel I been learning more and more and decided to take up woodworking. Thank for all your helpful videos!!

  • @Ramjetjetpilot
    @Ramjetjetpilot Před 7 lety +81

    I use my jigsaw with a little trigger action clamp (instead of the blade) to shake small bottles of model paint. I modified the clamp end to look like the T shank of the jigsaw blade. It does an excellent job of mixing up paint.

  • @sarsoar
    @sarsoar Před 7 lety +136

    I knew most of what you mentioned but learned a couple new things. As always, your videos are instructional and you are excellent at describing thing, no matter how complex. I love your style and always enjoy your content, thanks.

    • @SteveRamsey
      @SteveRamsey  Před 7 lety +22

      Thank you. I really appreciate that.

  • @VampyrumFerox
    @VampyrumFerox Před 4 lety +397

    Pro tip: Don't use a jigsaw to cut wood resting on your lap.

  • @chillstep4life
    @chillstep4life Před 5 lety +4

    Thanks Steve Ramsey, I have been able to learn a lot about power tools and woodworking from your videos.

  • @zzing
    @zzing Před 7 lety +5

    Out of all of the woodworking channels, yours has given me ideas to actually do some things!

  • @dawnawerbeski825
    @dawnawerbeski825 Před 6 lety +4

    Steve, you are a fantastic teacher. I am so glad I found your videos. I have been wanting to get into some basic wood projects and you are definitely helping with the confidence level. I actually binge watch your vids. :)

  • @bast713
    @bast713 Před 5 lety +11

    I'm no expert, but when I bought my house the first two power tools I bought were a cordless drill and a jigsaw. Super excited to jump into some projects that are more for fun :)

  • @danvogel5524
    @danvogel5524 Před 4 lety +5

    I'm just getting started into woodcutting and I found this video to be perfect in a tremendous amount of knowledge conveyed in a very reasonable length of time. Narration was a very down-to-earth, person-to-person tutorial. Excellent.

  • @sarahdorsey3975
    @sarahdorsey3975 Před 4 lety +4

    Really fantastic intro to the jig saw. Exactly what I was looking for - can't wait to start using mine

  • @Sebastopolmark
    @Sebastopolmark Před 7 lety +3

    Hey Steve, that's all GREAT information. I had a "U" shank saw and yes, it was a pain to change the blades. When I got my new Bosch (T shank), I found it was SO easy to change the blades.

  • @bethharvey5137
    @bethharvey5137 Před 4 lety +4

    Thank you thank you thank you! This just solidified that this should be the first power cutting tool to buy for my custom sign business. Very informative and well explained.

  • @tomasgulas
    @tomasgulas Před 4 lety +1

    I just bough the same one this past Monday!! Used to have the U-shape, 3amp, real pain in a neck. Love the new one. Thanks for the tips

  • @okkenp
    @okkenp Před 7 lety +7

    An advantage of mounting your jigsaw upside-down in a table is you are now using the saw so that it is cutting on the down stroke. Since you are almost always cutting with the better side up, you will now have a smoother cut on the good side!

  • @eddyoddrod
    @eddyoddrod Před 5 lety +9

    The t-blades are a good recommendation. I have had the straight blades fly out of the saw before.

  • @Avari20
    @Avari20 Před 4 lety

    Just bought my very first jigsaw and as a complete newbie, I found your video incredibly informative. Thanks!

  • @Sjrick
    @Sjrick Před 4 lety

    Ive looked at dozens of jigsaw videos and this is BY FAR the BEST video Ive seen. Nice job !!!!!!!!!!

  • @samadrid6321
    @samadrid6321 Před 7 lety +79

    Holy crap! You are my hero I have the same kind of jigsaw. On those lonely, dark, scary nights I often will sleep with my jigsaw for comfort. The sawdust is annoying.

  • @MakeSomething
    @MakeSomething Před 7 lety +80

    Well done! A very under appreciated tool.

  • @PetalPopCreationsBy_Kaur

    I was so confused and going through lots of videos to make my decision. Thank you so much. This video was a great help.

  • @angcrivellone
    @angcrivellone Před 4 lety

    This tutorial was frickin AWESOME! I recently bought the DeWalt DW331K. I haven't unboxed it yet. Every tutorial I've come across are just reviews of the tool. Not any "how to" videos out there. But your video is GREAT! I wish every power tool tutorial was just like this one! Extremely useful info, explanations are on point, and very easy to understand. You're a natural educator! TYFS!!! 💘💘💘

  • @petercollin5670
    @petercollin5670 Před 7 lety +19

    I'm impressed at how tight a radius you can get with your saw, Steve. Haven't played around with my own enough to discover that. Alain Vaillancourt taught me that he will opt for a jigsaw instead of a circular for ordinary crosscutting. They won't kick back the way a circular saw does.

    • @luvpatel4732
      @luvpatel4732 Před 2 lety

      Just remember wood thickness was less in which he easily made tight radius

  • @Phil_Goodman
    @Phil_Goodman Před 4 lety +20

    This video truely changed my life! I ended up following almost exactly except I just use normal blades with it instead of the reverse blades you prefer to use. IT ALSO helped me learn the reaction of a blade and tool from performing bad techniques and seeing how dangerous wood working can be at a small and controllable level.. After I got real comfortable cutting wood and realizing my limitations OF JUST the jigsaw...... I ended up getting a table saw and took the learning there slowly as well and I feel I have accomplished all of my woodworking goals in 1 year. AND STILL i have little experience at using a circular saw or a miter saw! and yet... the quality of work is something I feel could never be accomplished if I went with the typical Circular saw Miter saw purchases for a first timer... EVERY beginner in my opinion should start off with this tool for safety reasons as not many other wood cutting power tools are as forgiving to a beginner not understanding the reaction and causes of kickback yet.

  • @danielbole6837
    @danielbole6837 Před 5 lety

    I've been watching for a while now and really enjoy your videos. The main thing I wanted to say is that you have the most pleasent voice and demeanor of any other woodworking channels. (That I've seen) Keep up the good work with your down to earth videos. Thanks for what you do.

  • @stinseythengampallil3026

    This is a great video Steve for the woodworking novices! I'm glad I found this video before I purchased my jig saw.

  • @tassie7325
    @tassie7325 Před 7 lety +55

    The teeth on a standard Jigsaw blade point up so that it is pulling the wood into the shoe of the saw, just as the teeth on a band saw point down to push the wood down on to the table. Both are designed for stability and control.
    The teeth pointing down on a Jigsaw blade require the operator to apply downward pressure to stop the saw from jumping up when cutting.

    • @rayc.1396
      @rayc.1396 Před 7 lety +2

      Also the teeth pointing down work good when mounting the saw under a table. Try mounting your saw upside down for using it like an older jig saw.

    • @karpenterken1
      @karpenterken1 Před 7 lety +2

      Your theory is flawed or better, inaccurate. A jigsaw blade moves up and down no matter what direction the teeth are facing. As far as I'm aware, only Bosch makes the tooth pointing down blade since they have a patent on it. I was told by other companies that that is why they can't copy the tooth down design.

    • @clementvansteenderen987
      @clementvansteenderen987 Před 7 lety +6

      the reason most point are facing upwards is because the thin blade is stronger in a pulling motion then pressing (more likely to bending)

    • @karpenterken1
      @karpenterken1 Před 7 lety +2

      That makes no sense. The only way the blade is likely to bend is from sideways force applied to it or the bottom free end of the blade hitting into an object. When you have shown actual engineering facts behind your supposition, I'll gladly admit you're right. I wish people would stop making non-factual based comments (suppositions or erroneous information) on the internet that other people blindly follow as fact.

    • @modetallah
      @modetallah Před 7 lety +8

      Ken Nagrod It makes complete sense.
      Teeth *up* scenario: You lay the jigsaw's base (or as others call it the shoe) on the wood. The saw goes down with no friction due to the upward teeth (base stays down in place). Then the saw goes up, the teeth dig into the wood pulling toward the base which is still firmly against the wood. Repeat. Upward teeth has given no opportunity for the wood to separate from the base.
      Teeth *down* scenario: You lay the jigsaw's base on the wood. The saw goes down and the teeth dig into the wood pushing it away from the base forming a gap (base is off the wood, if only slightly at first). The saw goes up with no friction due to the downward teeth (base is currently off the wood). Repeat. Each successive downward stroke furthers increases the gap between base and wood. The operator is required to put constant downward force in order to push the base down to the wood on each upward saw stroke.
      If you don't believe it, try it yourself. Get one upward tooth blade and one downward tooth blade. Do not apply downward force to either, and see how each reacts.
      Also doing a quick look up of jigsaw blades at Home Depot you can find that Dewalt, Makita, Blu-Mol, and Vermont American all offer downward facing tooth blades.

  • @doncorleon9
    @doncorleon9 Před 7 lety +7

    Your knowledge delivery is 100%!
    Subbed immediately!

  • @YanikFalardeau
    @YanikFalardeau Před 5 lety

    Great video! Thank you so much! I am just getting started with power tools and this was immensely helpful as I didn't know how far I could turn as I was cutting. THanks!!!

  • @saturdayonafa329
    @saturdayonafa329 Před 3 lety +1

    im still in my mid early stages of using power tools and i knew i wanted a saw , but i didnt want to get a sawzal and this video really helped me narrow down that i need a jigsaw. thank you for this.
    now i just need to decide what brand and model.

  • @evalenamarieactress
    @evalenamarieactress Před 5 lety +3

    This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!

  • @CreatorShed
    @CreatorShed Před 7 lety +9

    Your videos are sooooo awesome that I can learn by spending on tools rather than giving that money to any woodworking schools. You are amazing Steve 🤘

  • @JoansJunkJournalsAndMore

    So happy I found this video. I'm ready to start a couple projects and you have me sold on this jigsaw now. TFS

  • @AnneAndersonFoxiepaws
    @AnneAndersonFoxiepaws Před 5 lety +1

    This is great. I was thinking it was a jigsaw I needed to do a variety of different things as I am finishing and furnishing a cabin with mostly reclaimed, upcycled materials and this has proven me right and taught me a heap too!

  • @JackMW1992
    @JackMW1992 Před 7 lety +99

    The reason most jig saw blades are designed to cut on the up stroke is so the shoe is pulled into the work piece as it's being cut. It's the same reason bandsaw blades spin down towards the table, creates a more stable cut

    • @SteveRamsey
      @SteveRamsey  Před 7 lety +16

      That makes sense. Thanks!

    • @karpenterken1
      @karpenterken1 Před 7 lety +7

      Your theory is flawed or better, inaccurate. A jigsaw blade moves up and down no matter what direction the teeth are facing. As far as I'm aware, only Bosch makes the tooth pointing down blade since they have a patent on it. I was told by other companies that that is why they can't copy the tooth down design. A bandsaw blade ONLY travels in one direction, not a jigsaw blade.

    • @JackMW1992
      @JackMW1992 Před 7 lety +16

      Right, but there is significantly less resistance on the down stroke because it isn't removing nearly as much material. The majority of the work occurs on the up stroke when the teeth are biting into the material.

    • @andrewford80
      @andrewford80 Před 7 lety +13

      Ken Nagrod he's right. Standard blades pull the saw into the wood for better stability. Teeth pointing down causes the saw to try to jump up. Try it, you'll see.

    • @olga159
      @olga159 Před 6 lety +5

      andrewford80 makes sense

  • @JamesTFaile
    @JamesTFaile Před 4 lety +44

    +1 for the Undertale pieces alone.

  • @elizabethnorton5356
    @elizabethnorton5356 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for all the excellent info and great teaching!! You were so thorough I have no questions! Saving to watch again. I’ll be getting a jig saw instead of a mini circular saw now, thanks to you! Many thanks. Super helpful!

  • @rachelquesada7185
    @rachelquesada7185 Před 7 lety

    Just watched several videos on jigsaws. Yours was the best! Thanks so much.

  • @Joe-dt7wp
    @Joe-dt7wp Před 7 lety +28

    I'm 15 and bought a £22 jigsaw (Made by Apollo - I got it off Amazon) and I've been looking for good tutorial videos but couldn't find anything decentt. Thanks for this video! it's very helpful

    • @dutchwoodwork
      @dutchwoodwork Před 7 lety +1

      he doing well?

    • @Joe-dt7wp
      @Joe-dt7wp Před 7 lety +2

      dutchwoodworking What do you mean "he doing well?"

    • @MarkMcCluney
      @MarkMcCluney Před 7 lety +2

      Joe M I think he means is the saw working well for you.

    • @Joe-dt7wp
      @Joe-dt7wp Před 7 lety +2

      Mark McCluney Ah yes, it's great, however ive only been using scraps so far and so I think im going to buy a full sheet of plywood soon, so I think I'll still get a cheap circular saw for tipping that down and use the jigsaw for the detail work

    • @tkrwlly1
      @tkrwlly1 Před 7 lety +2

      Joe M if you are going to buy a circular saw you may as well buy a decent one. Buy a cheap one and you will just be getting a better one down the road. Save the money on the cheap one and only buy one. You are further ahead that way.

  • @carriemoreno5647
    @carriemoreno5647 Před 5 lety +10

    This is exactly what i was looking for. I'm just getting into woodworking, so this information is invaluable. Thank you!

  • @colinhoward9402
    @colinhoward9402 Před 5 lety

    Brilliant video - and I thought I knew a lot about woodworking! Thanks so much for putting your time into this. I am cutting some flooring around a service pipe for a friend next week and I haven't got the right size hole saw - never thought about using my jig saw with the narrow blade!

  • @jimm3370
    @jimm3370 Před 4 lety

    The ad at the end is legit. I built Steve's Cali Queen Platform Bed w/ Storage and used their mattress. Fantastic!

  • @rayc.1396
    @rayc.1396 Před 7 lety +37

    To start a cut without drilling a hole, tip the saw forward so the blade is above your work, start the blade moving somewhat slow and gently allow the blade to touch the material at the same time increase the blade speed, but don't push too hard. This will cut a slot and you can continue your cut from there. Hope that makes sense.

    • @LFC-Star
      @LFC-Star Před 5 lety +3

      yes no need to drill a hole into the wood.. Use the blade on the jigsaw to do it.

    • @gunnararndt4359
      @gunnararndt4359 Před 5 lety +4

      I think you need a special blade with a sort of tooth at the tip.

    • @ricardoaraoz717
      @ricardoaraoz717 Před 4 lety +1

      Small tip, hold the saw backwards. So the pivot point is towards you, makes it easier.

    • @tyty2fly2
      @tyty2fly2 Před 4 lety +4

      It's called a "plunge cut" which can be also be done with a sawzall and a circular saw.

  • @JLo7575
    @JLo7575 Před 7 lety +8

    The jigsaw Is the first tool to start woodworking. We can do perhaps every cut with it.
    The blades quality is the most important thing to know, you're right ;o)
    Thanks for explanations.

  • @PadawanRJ
    @PadawanRJ Před 6 lety

    Bought my first jigsaw yesterday. THANKS for the buying tips, they're really helpful. Love your videos!

  • @boomer7485
    @boomer7485 Před rokem

    I just bought my first Jigsaw and your video was extremely helpful .
    Thanks.

  • @harviecz
    @harviecz Před 6 lety +7

    Pro tip: You don't need to predrill big holes with most blades. Just lift the back of the jigsaw, start it and carefully tilt it back into the wood. I've found this trick in manual of my jigsaw when my cordless drill ran out of batteries and i needed to cut big holes in middle of piece.

    • @ajsiemers
      @ajsiemers Před 6 lety +2

      I was waiting for this tip....my dad, a carpenter, used to do it like that all the time for big holes.

  • @tylergordon696
    @tylergordon696 Před 7 lety +8

    Using masking tape can help a bunch with chip out. I use my tilt more then I do square. Mainly for scribe cuts in trim.

    • @davidtmiller56
      @davidtmiller56 Před 5 lety +2

      I use an X-ACTO® KNIFE to score my cut line and never have chip out... unless I don't follow the line. :-(

    • @oqsy
      @oqsy Před 5 lety +2

      I like clear packing tape over the pencil line

  • @sylviacarey9575
    @sylviacarey9575 Před 7 lety

    i'm starting to use all kind of tools my husband has in the shed & found his jigsaw. Found your video most informative.. Will go look for the blades & check the different features on the saw, The one he is a Makita

  • @AdrianVann
    @AdrianVann Před rokem

    This jigsaw tool overview is simple yet brilliant. Thanks so much!

  • @SteveRamsey
    @SteveRamsey  Před 7 lety +41

    A jigsaw is one of the most useful tools you can use for woodworking. And it's affordable! Here are the basics you need to know to get started. If you are interested, I use a DeWalt DW317 jigsaw: amzn.to/2e9V2j9

    • @MrRendiz
      @MrRendiz Před 7 lety +2

      Steve Ramsey my jigsaw broke a few days ago.... :(
      love your videos. I'm trying to make the picture frame, the skill building one. Wish me luck!
      ps: I meant promo code from a company or something :)

    • @MadixLP
      @MadixLP Před 7 lety +30

      Heyho! I know why the saw-blade type with the teeth pointing updwards is the most offered one: When the saw pulls pulls up whilse cutting, the force is hold against the flat surface, so the line of force is closed within the tool. If the blade cuts downwards, the line of force is down through the workpiece, bench, floor, back into you, and thats why the saw is lifitng itself up if you don't press down hard enough :) I hope i could help with my explanation

    • @toysoldier46552
      @toysoldier46552 Před 7 lety

      Actually I have a Black & Decker Jigsaw that I bought nearly 15 years ago, I would not trade it for the world I have a band saw and a scroll saw but most times, it is just easier to grab a cord and my old jigsaw. I am not sure about the quality of the newer Black & Decker jigsaws but I do know the Matrix has been very reliable, matter of fact I own 2 of the Matrix, 1 is corded the other is the Lipo battery and after a few years, they are still holding their own. Good luck on finding a good replacement and sorry to hear you lost one of the most useful tools in your shop area.

    • @toysoldier46552
      @toysoldier46552 Před 7 lety

      Essentially you are saying that the upwards cut pulls the saw downwards to help keep it flatter against the work piece. We got that much but it would be nice for those situations when you need a down cut to find those blade more easily, I have to special order mine from Amazon or Ebay.

    • @jerrykennedy3325
      @jerrykennedy3325 Před 7 lety

      Steve Ramsey

  • @BruceChastain
    @BruceChastain Před 7 lety +299

    Now I want to get my Jigsaw out and cut something.

  • @sharankumar2707
    @sharankumar2707 Před 5 lety

    I'm in love with jig saw...THANKS STEVE.

  • @aznibas
    @aznibas Před rokem

    Thank you for demonstrating use of jiz saw in a simple way, now I feel I can do it too. Great video.

  • @nick3777
    @nick3777 Před 4 lety +3

    Awesome video. I went from a jigsaw noob to a jigsaw novice after watching your vid

  • @JimFancherDIY
    @JimFancherDIY Před 7 lety +5

    The jigsaw was the first tool I learned to use when I was about 6. Lots of fun.

    • @pincircle649
      @pincircle649 Před 7 lety

      Same here.

    • @NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore
      @NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore Před 7 lety

      Jim Fancher how many tools did you learn to use while 6?

    • @joshjohnson15
      @joshjohnson15 Před 7 lety

      Jim Fancher zghyhy

    • @JimFancherDIY
      @JimFancherDIY Před 7 lety

      fcukthiscarp Pretty much everything in my Dad's shop except for the table saw.

    • @danielscott4514
      @danielscott4514 Před 7 lety +1

      Thanks to your avatar I've now got visions of a young Beaker running around a workshop with a Jigsaw on fire and stuff collapsing all around him ;)

  • @b.healey1982
    @b.healey1982 Před 6 lety

    I saw an ad for Casper on TSN Olympic Coverage the other night. Your a pretty good woodworker and I find your knowledge very helpful, Thanks for being on here.

  • @JackRockBLC
    @JackRockBLC Před 7 lety

    I'm glad you have that Dewalt jigsaw. That happened to be the exact model I bought when I was laying my flooring. Now I understand the more obscure points (such as the orbital cutting) features.

  • @darren4392
    @darren4392 Před 7 lety +3

    Thanks Steve. I've been avoiding my jigsaws for years. I found that the blade flex I was getting during cutting did not make it suitable for serious work. But after watching your video, I think part of the problem might be a poor choice of jigsaw with U blades.

    • @gfdriver
      @gfdriver Před 3 lety

      Meh... The t shank has the same problem IMO.
      I dont know... Maybe I'm just a bad woodworker but every jigsaw I've ever used the blade pops out of the guide wheel and cuts at an angle

  • @Keronin
    @Keronin Před 7 lety +48

    I want a fun-size package of Microjigs.

  • @RaphaelaLaurean
    @RaphaelaLaurean Před 5 lety +1

    This was very very helpful. Thank you for posting this. I have one of these, but had no idea how to use it.

  • @CTLamp
    @CTLamp Před 7 lety

    Thank you so much for showing me how to cut a handle with my jig saw! You helped me immensely!

  • @froshmasta
    @froshmasta Před 7 lety +15

    I wonder if most blades cut on the upstroke like that to make it easier for the user to keep the saw down against the work piece. Cutting on the upstroke would effectively 'suck' the saw down against the board instead of the blade pushing up against the saw to cut on the downstroke.
    Just a thought, I really don't know for sure. Keep up the great videos though, cheers!

    • @G5rry
      @G5rry Před 4 lety

      That's my thought too.
      It works the same way on table saws, circular saws, band saws, pretty much any power saw cuts so that it pushes the material against the supporting surface of the saw.
      The exceptions are for when you are trying to make a cleaner cut.

    • @jothain
      @jothain Před 4 lety

      Yes, it also very effectively removes danger of kickback. For the cleaner cut problem. My new Hikoki has kind of an "zero" clearance plate for the shoe piece. It's really close to the blade and it should remove burrs effectively

  • @brokenwave6125
    @brokenwave6125 Před 6 lety +8

    Can't cut really thick lumber?
    Bosch's 10" jig saw blade might disagree with you on that.
    Also 6" or so jigsaw blades are common.

  • @jjsmama401
    @jjsmama401 Před 4 lety

    This video is awesome! Thank you! I've wanted a jigsaw forever, but didn't know anything about them other than they can cut curves.

  • @SamPeabody
    @SamPeabody Před 3 lety

    My jigsaw was the first power tool I ever bought, after a drill. I was always disappointed with how rough it seemed to cut, and it has always felt jumpy. It wasn’t until I saw you talk about the orbital motion that I realized it was something I could turn off - I guess I should have read the manual! Mine has 2 dials with pictures indicating something like speed, and I never realized until now that one of them will dial back the orbital motion, with the lowest setting turning it off completely. That realization alone makes me glad I found your channel!

  • @lunardust201
    @lunardust201 Před 7 lety +3

    welp now I gotta go get a jigsaw, this video was so inspiring!

  • @Barrysworkshop
    @Barrysworkshop Před 7 lety +14

    A tip for using a jigsaw is to make turns by rotating the tool rather than pushing it to the side. If you push it to the side, the blade will bend and you'll end up with an unwanted bevel angle on the cut. Rotate the tool and let the blade do the work.

    • @christopmoore
      @christopmoore Před 6 lety +2

      This is the tip I was searching for. I hope. I can't make a decent cut on my jigsaw. Maybe I should upgrade from Harbor Freight...

  • @radsan3006
    @radsan3006 Před 4 lety

    I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your videos, very informative!

  • @samsancheziii
    @samsancheziii Před 4 lety

    Wow man you really put in work in your videos. I like that you insert clips of problematic scenarios that way we visually understand.
    Awesome man.

  • @SpecificLove7
    @SpecificLove7 Před 7 lety +68

    There is a higher chance bending the blade on the versions that cut on the downward stroke.

    • @johnnschroeder7424
      @johnnschroeder7424 Před 7 lety +43

      I just lay tape over the cut lines area and mark on the tape and cut, the tale helps the edges from fraying so much giving a cleaner cut when using the upward cutting blades. Also, the lines on the tape are clearer and easier to see.

    • @olga159
      @olga159 Před 6 lety +5

      Johnn Schroeder great advice!

    • @Tinker1950
      @Tinker1950 Před 6 lety +13

      DOWN CUTTING BLADES
      These are designed specifically for laminates and thin material such as floor boards so that the upper cut surface is a neat line with little tear-out.

    • @uglybobhere
      @uglybobhere Před 6 lety +2

      Thx

    • @jasonbenjamin1464
      @jasonbenjamin1464 Před 5 lety +4

      it's also to reduce the vibration in the workpiece by doing all the cutting on the up stroke where it's being supported by the shoe of the jigsaw

  • @Blobjonblob
    @Blobjonblob Před 7 lety +144

    Only tip I can give is dont buy super cheap blades they are the worst, best blades on the market for jigsaws are the Bosch.

    • @gosonegr
      @gosonegr Před 7 lety +4

      Yep, cheap blades usually bends really easy and the cut ends really bad.

    • @nieikjeroen
      @nieikjeroen Před 7 lety +1

      I feel the same about their chisels... One 4mm cost me enough already :p

    • @ralphgarber738
      @ralphgarber738 Před 7 lety

      iShootBandits said

    • @ChoppingtonOtter
      @ChoppingtonOtter Před 7 lety +9

      I've also learned not to buy cheap jigsaws. I had a cheap one and it was useless - cut wandered all over etc. Bought myself a Bosch professional model & the difference is amazing and it is far more useful. Well worth the extra money (like most things with tools you tend to get what you pay for). So brand name blades and a good brand name saw makes a huge difference.

    • @Minmatar1337
      @Minmatar1337 Před 7 lety +4

      +1 on Bosch blades

  • @Brentlythomas13
    @Brentlythomas13 Před 7 lety

    You are such a great instructor! I hope you teach groups of students as they would receive so much... Thank you!

  • @mdhonze
    @mdhonze Před 3 lety

    thank you for this video because i just purchased a dewalt max 20 jigsaw. my dad had given me a skil jigsaw with the u blades and it was not good at all like you stated. i have been to novato years back when i was following the grateful dead and what a beautiful town. thanks again.

  • @mikedowns7650
    @mikedowns7650 Před 7 lety +35

    Can a gripper get wrinkles out of the sheets on a Casper mattress?

    • @cperalta
      @cperalta Před 7 lety +12

      Mike Downs Only if you then give it a nice shave with Harry's while listening to an Audible audiobook.

    • @NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore
      @NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore Před 7 lety +5

      Carlos Peralta don't listen to the inaudible audio books, those my friend are a waste of time

    • @ballsrawls
      @ballsrawls Před 7 lety +1

      Audible is a brand name service to purchase audiobooks, not an adjective. ;)

    • @NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore
      @NoMusiciansInMusicAnymore Před 7 lety +6

      ballsrawls it is actually both, this is why my statement is funny, I have taken the intended meaning and gone the other way

    • @brw3079
      @brw3079 Před 6 lety +1

      I can't believe you don't know why a jigsaw cuts on the upstroke. It pulls the wood into the base. Otherwise the saw keeps trying to push the saw up, away from the wood, and you have to consciously hold it down. It would be analogous to a radial arm saw rotating the blade towards you and you would have to hold the wood against the fence, or a table saw rotating the blade up, away from the table, and you would have to hold the wood down, as well as push it through the blade.

  • @raymondmcgee4491
    @raymondmcgee4491 Před 6 lety +4

    Jigsaws are also capable of making plunge cuts if a drill/ home saw are not available. Just hold the saw at an angle resting the shoe (the end opposite the blade) against the material to be cut. You then slowly lower the blade, allowing the teeth to eat into the material until it makes a penetration, and then continue to cut as you normally would.

  • @bbiermanster
    @bbiermanster Před 2 lety

    I built my first set of stairs last year. My t-shank jigsaw worked great for finishing stringer corner cuts.

  • @israeliguy7
    @israeliguy7 Před 6 lety

    Your videos are pure gold for begginers like me, especially because you don't assume we have previous knowledge and cover all bases. I can't thank you enough!
    Cheers from Israel.

  • @barabasszabo7279
    @barabasszabo7279 Před 7 lety +4

    And what if my jigsaw doesn't cut square? Yes I tried to keep the base nice and flat on the board. Yes the board was a little thick but I don't think so that much. No, it is a good brand, it was not so cheap.
    What else should I look after if those thing are OK above? The wheel guides?

    • @ForeverDIYorDIE
      @ForeverDIYorDIE Před 7 lety +8

      You feed it too fast, let the up-down movement make the cut, not the forward pressure. Feed is not same for all types of wood, you kind of need to get the feeling for it. It is pretty much right when you feel almost no resistance when pushing forward, that means that the blade did it's job of removing material before you simply push it into empty space it left, and let it have some more to chew, rinse and repeat. It is good also to pause feeding for a moment while letting saw run in one spot for a moment, in order to let the blade cut material a bit wider around itself on some spots, that way it will have room to straighten itself before you continue your cut.

    • @barabasszabo7279
      @barabasszabo7279 Před 7 lety +1

      Hmm... I have never thought about this bit although it is really simple and reasonable. Thank you man, I will try it tomorrow as soon as I get up. :)

    • @ForeverDIYorDIE
      @ForeverDIYorDIE Před 7 lety +3

      I wish you straight cuts and a lot of fun with all of your projects.

    • @barabasszabo7279
      @barabasszabo7279 Před 7 lety +2

      :D Thank you so much. A lots of idea but not too much time and I just started out so not too much done pieces as well. Well, in time, in time...

    • @randommcranderson5155
      @randommcranderson5155 Před 7 lety +6

      I know this is an old comment, but 99% of the time its technique. How you hold your body, how you move the saw, etc. Keep your wrist and fingers steady, turn with your elbow, keep your body close to the workpiece, and keep your index finger to the front of the saw, not the trigger, and hold the trigger with your middle finger.

  • @sarinhighwind
    @sarinhighwind Před 7 lety +18

    only thing i hate about jigsaws is the dont always cut square on thicker woods.

    • @JacqueBernadette
      @JacqueBernadette Před 4 lety

      You can clamp a straight edge (I use a metal 3' ruler) to your wood and put the jigsaw up against it while cutting. Straight every time.

    • @sarinhighwind
      @sarinhighwind Před 4 lety

      @@JacqueBernadette Square is more than 1 direction.
      Jigsaw blades can deflect easily.

  • @michaelfessenden1146
    @michaelfessenden1146 Před 4 lety

    i've been watching quite a few of your videos the last couple of days. Very informative, easy to understand. thanks for not having music.

  • @mohankrishnasamy1456
    @mohankrishnasamy1456 Před 2 lety

    Yes. Bro. Have been watching you. You are a sincere human

  • @bastianbrandsma2490
    @bastianbrandsma2490 Před 7 lety +3

    most saws are pointing upwards otherwise the material you are cutting might jump up and down.

  • @Unclebuddy01
    @Unclebuddy01 Před 7 lety +16

    Be sure to buy a good quality jigsaw, the cheap ones will not hold the blades correctly and your cuts will be of poor quality. A little more money will buy you a good quality jigsaw that will meet or exceed your expectations.

    • @simonflr
      @simonflr Před 7 lety

      Ditto, at least on the cheap ones not performing well at all... Bought a Way-Mart brand for $18 the blade doesn't even stay within the guides...

    • @augustasister6615
      @augustasister6615 Před 7 lety

      I'm Simon You need to avoid anything walmart..EVER UNLESS IT ID DIRT AID SUPPLIES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.....EVEN THEN THERE ARE OTHER BOX STORES OPEN.

    • @olga159
      @olga159 Před 6 lety

      I'm Simon oh wow I was just contemplating buying that one

    • @felixf5211
      @felixf5211 Před 5 lety

      I've had that experience. The frustration, alone, with a POS jigsaw makes it worth it to spend more on a better tool. Even if you don't use it every day.

    • @michaelstanco8508
      @michaelstanco8508 Před 5 lety +1

      ive never heard of that Brand "Good One" where can I buy it (hint)(hint)

  • @SonY_Kun
    @SonY_Kun Před 3 lety

    Thanks. As a d.i.y beginner in wood working, I learnt a lot about jig saw from this.

  • @marilynrobinson6910
    @marilynrobinson6910 Před rokem

    Perfect! I'm looking to purchase my 1st jigsaw and wanted to get some basic knowledge before heading out and buying one that just look pretty! haha. You addressed, I think, all of my concerns...thank you!

  • @viktornagy9465
    @viktornagy9465 Před 7 lety +3

    I tried to cut a straight line, with a jigsaw, but its never straight and never paralel with the side of the board that is cut. Do you have any tips to fix this problem, or is jut buy a tablesaw?
    Sorry if i misspelled something, i'm from hungary, and my english is not perfect, yet! :)

    • @shanegordon1636
      @shanegordon1636 Před 7 lety

      you can set up a fence or even use another straight board to let the saw slide against.

    • @besnikrudnick3781
      @besnikrudnick3781 Před 7 lety

      just clamp a straight piece of wood on the piece you want to cut and use it to guide the jigsaw.

    • @brucelee3388
      @brucelee3388 Před 7 lety +1

      Don't keep pushing the blade through the wood, this will cause the blade to bend, twist and wobble all over the place. Just use enough pressure to keep the blade making sawdust and take it slowly, the teeth on the blade will do almost all the work.

    • @LFC-Star
      @LFC-Star Před 5 lety

      @@brucelee3388 agreed.. let the blades and jigsasw do the work.. I was bending a lot of blades thern through practice I learnt how to to do it..

  • @big1finger
    @big1finger Před 7 lety +15

    I was disappointed that you didn't show everyone how to cut circles without a drill and bit. I am amazed at the number of users that don't know how to stand the saw on the nose and slowly return to saw to horizontal. I use the saw to do free hand cuts in panels.

    • @SteveRamsey
      @SteveRamsey  Před 7 lety +12

      Sorry to disappoint!

    • @Rohanivey
      @Rohanivey Před 7 lety +22

      I was disappointed that you didn't tell everyone how to cut circles without a drill and bit in your comment. I am amazed at the number of commenters that don't know how to talk about something they just chastised the video maker about. I use comments to talk about this.

    • @ansiaaa
      @ansiaaa Před 7 lety +2

      I agree he was rude, but he did explain how to do it in his comment :P

    • @big1finger
      @big1finger Před 7 lety +2

      Damn people are you for real? You don't know how to do a plunge cut? Read what my first post said, it is very simple.

    • @amirhouseingholinia2023
      @amirhouseingholinia2023 Před 7 lety +3

      +Gary Finger please make a video, I am too green for this technique you just mentioned.

  • @wa9kzy326
    @wa9kzy326 Před 5 lety

    Love my Riobi jigsaw. Something about it that makes it read my mind. It's that amazing.

  • @shannonhentschell3548
    @shannonhentschell3548 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for this video! I've had a jigsaw for a while but have barely used it. Your video makes me less intimidated to try it out!