What jigsaw blade should I use for wood?

Use a 6 TPI (teeth per inch) blade for fast rough cuts and a 10-12 TPI blade for smoother finish cuts. T-shank blades are the industry standard and fit most modern jigsaws.

How do I cut a perfect circle with a jigsaw?

Use a circle-cutting jig that attaches to the saw's shoe plate. Set the pivot point at your circle's center, and the jig guides the saw in a perfect arc.

Can a jigsaw cut metal?

Yes. Use a fine-tooth metal-cutting blade (14-24 TPI), set the orbital action to zero, use a slower speed, and apply cutting lubricant to reduce heat and extend blade life.

Power Saws

$30-$80 for entry-level corded, $80-$150 for mid-range corded, $100-$200 for cordless, $150-$300 for premium barrel-grip models.

The Complete Guide to Jigsaws (2026)

Reviewed by Lumberama's Tools & Equipment Team

|Last updated June 6, 2026

A jigsaw is the go-to power tool for cutting curves, circles, and intricate shapes in wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. Its thin, reciprocating blade moves up and down rapidly, allowing you to follow curved lines that no other portable saw can match. Jigsaws are lightweight, easy to control, and one of the safest power saws for beginners.

Key Takeaways

A jigsaw is the go-to power tool for cutting curves, circles, and intricate shapes in wood, metal, plastic, and other materials.
Its thin, reciprocating blade moves up and down rapidly, allowing you to follow curved lines that no other portable saw can match.
Jigsaws are lightweight, easy to control, and one of the safest power saws for beginners.
Jigsaws are used for cutting curves and irregular shapes, making interior cutouts (like sink openings in countertops), scrollwork and decorative patterns, cutting circles, trimming laminate flooring, cutting metal and plastic with specialty blades, and plunge cuts in sheet material.
Orbital action settings (0-3 levels), variable speed control (500-3,100 SPM), tool-free blade change, blade guide type (roller vs anti-vibration), dust blower, LED work light, low vibration design, soft-grip handle, bevel capacity (0-45 degrees), shoe material (stamped steel vs cast), and battery platform compatibility for cordless.

What It's Used For

Jigsaws are used for cutting curves and irregular shapes, making interior cutouts (like sink openings in countertops), scrollwork and decorative patterns, cutting circles, trimming laminate flooring, cutting metal and plastic with specialty blades, and plunge cuts in sheet material.

Types & Variations

Top-Handle (D-handle, most common), Barrel-Grip (body-grip for better control on intricate cuts), Corded (constant power), Cordless (battery-powered portability), and Pendulum/Orbital Action models with adjustable orbital settings for faster cutting in wood.

Key Features to Look For

Orbital action settings (0-3 levels)
variable speed control (500-3
100 SPM)
tool-free blade change
blade guide type (roller vs anti-vibration)
dust blower
LED work light
low vibration design
soft-grip handle
bevel capacity (0-45 degrees)
shoe material (stamped steel vs cast)
and battery platform compatibility for cordless.

How to Use

1) Select the correct blade for your material (fine-tooth for metal, coarse for wood). 2) Mark your cut line clearly on the workpiece. 3) Secure the material with clamps. 4) Set the orbital action — lower settings for metal and curves, higher for fast straight cuts in wood. 5) Start the saw and let it reach speed before contacting the material. 6) Guide the saw along the line, letting the blade do the work. 7) For interior cutouts, drill a starter hole and insert the blade. 8) Move slowly on tight curves to avoid blade deflection.

⚠️ Safety Tips

Wear safety glasses as jigsaw cuts produce fine dust and chips that fly upward. Clamp your workpiece securely to prevent vibration. Keep hands away from the underside of the material where the blade exits. Unplug or remove the battery before changing blades. Use the correct blade for the material to prevent breakage. Let the blade stop completely before setting the saw down.

Maintenance

Keep the shoe plate clean and scratch-free. Check the blade guide rollers for wear and replace if needed. Clean sawdust from the motor vents and gear housing. Inspect the cord for damage on corded models. Lubricate the blade clamp mechanism periodically. Replace the shoe plate if it becomes bent or scored. Store with no blade installed.

Price Range & Recommendations

Price Range: $30-$80 for entry-level corded, $80-$150 for mid-range corded, $100-$200 for cordless, $150-$300 for premium barrel-grip models.

Beginners should start with the Bosch JS470E top-handle — it offers excellent control, variable speed, and tool-free blade changes for under $120. Pros will love the Bosch JS572EBK barrel-grip for precision scroll work, the Festool Carvex PSB 420 for near-zero vibration, or the Milwaukee M18 FUEL for cordless power on the job site.