TIPS FOR USING YOUR PXC JIGSAW
Let’s take you through everything you need to know about using a Jigsaw. If you’ve never used one before, or you just need some handy tips – you’re in the right place! Jigsaws are easy and versatile for achieving intricate, curved or straight rip cuts in timber and with the right blades can cut plastic, mild steel and aluminium. With pendulum action settings and the ability to adjust the speed, you will always have accuracy and control over your work piece.
The first task with any project is to prepare.
You need to wear protective clothing, so have gloves and goggles at the ready.
For a precise cut, it is also essential to have the right tools to help you: a long ruler, a sharp pencil and some clamps.
MARK IT UP!
You should draw exactly where you want to cut. Once you mark everything up, it is important to clamp your workpiece onto a work bench or a steady table with clamps. We recommend clamping two points on the workpiece if you can to prevent it from moving around. This will prevent it from slipping out of place and causing an inaccurate cut.
By using straight edges to guide your jigsaw, you’ll achieve straight cuts that are much more precise and it will help to stop the blade from wandering. Similarly, a circle cutting guide will improve the accuracy of circular cut-outs.
To prevent splintering on the finished side of the material, turn over your workpiece so that you are cutting from the back and add some masking tape both sides along your cutting line. It’s also important to take your time! You don’t need to force the jigsaw along the cutting line, keep a gentle amount of forwards pressure and slowly let the tool do the work.
CUTTING TIPS WHEN USING YOUR JIGSAW.
1. Before turning your jigsaw on make sure the blade is not touching the material. Press the trigger and when the saw is up to speed slowly move into the material to begin cutting.
2. Gently guide your jigsaw along your markings with light pressure. Use one hand to guide the saw forwards with the handle, and the other to gently push downwards on top of the tool. This makes the jigsaw more stable and gives you the best control over the tool.
3. Make sure that the base plate of the saw rests completely on the workpiece and try to keep this flat and level.
4. If you are going outside the lines you have drawn its best to stop the tool, re-assess and start again to get back on track. Rotate and adjust your workpiece as needed to keep cutting
5. The blade type is super important – make sure you select the right blade for the material and the type of cut you are doing. Check the information on the blade or blade packaging to ensure you have the right one.
6. When cutting, make sure you can always clearly see your markings and wear safety glasses.
When you have finished making your cut, turn off your jigsaw and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before setting it down on your bench.
To get started, our PXC 18V Jigsaw will give you a clean, accurate and effortless cut every time. This tool has 4 pendulum cutting settings with variable speed control, LED worklight and a splinter guard. It’s part of Ozito’s PXC 18V range with over 85 power tool and garden products – available at your local Bunnings.
Check out some more handy jigsaw tips from Andrew below with another Ozito jigsaw!
