I've been noticing a lot of negativity surrounding jigsaws on the internet lately. It seems like many YouTube creators and commenters are quick to criticize them without much context. Personally, I've found jigsaws to be quite handy and have had no issues cutting straight and square with mine. While I haven't ventured into bevel cuts yet, I've been able to achieve good results with the aid of a simple guide. So, I wonder, is this negative perception just a case of people echoing the same opinions, or do jigsaws genuinely struggle in performance?
3 Answers
Honestly, jigsaws are my last resort. If I'm using one, I'm usually in a bit of a bind. They struggle with producing straight cuts compared to other saws. For cutting curves or interior shapes, sure, they can work okay, but if you're aiming for precision, table saws or bandsaws will always do a better job.
A lot of the negativity comes from jigsaws often causing tear out during cuts, leading to rough edges. It's true that if you're getting straight cuts regularly, you might just be lucky. Jigsaws work better for rough cuts and curves when more precise tools like circular saws or bandsaws aren't an option. They're definitely not the best choice for fine woodworking.
I've heard about that laminate blade that reduces tear out. Have you tried it? It sounds interesting!
I actually appreciate my jigsaw for rough work, especially when breaking down lumber. That said, if you want clean, high-quality cuts, it's usually overkill and definitely not my go-to for fine projects. Just remember, they're intended for specific tasks and not all-rounders. So if you find them useful for your projects, that's what matters!
Interesting take! I've had some success with mine for DIY projects, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything too precise.
Totally agree! I switched to a circular saw for most cuts because I got frustrated with the jigsaw’s blade deflection issues. It's way harder to get square cuts with a jigsaw.