5 Everyday Jigsaw Uses for Woodworking Projects
The jigsaw doesn't always get the attention it deserves in a woodworking shop. Most of us think of it as a tool for construction work or rough cutting, while the band saw, table saw, and scroll saw handle the more precise operations.
But I've found that a jigsaw is one of the handiest tools for preparing woodworking project parts.
With the right blade, it can make quick work of breaking down lumber, cutting large curves, creating notches, and preparing parts for template routing.
And because the saw is portable, you can bring it to the workpiece rather than trying to maneuver a large board or plywood panel through a stationary machine.
Here are five everyday jigsaw uses that can make your woodworking projects easier.
1. Rough-Cut Lumber into Project Parts
Nearly every woodworking project begins with boards that need to be cut into smaller, more manageable pieces.
You can certainly use a table saw to break down lumber, but sometimes a jigsaw is a more practical choice.
For example, imagine finding a wide board with attractive grain that would be perfect for a set of drawer fronts, cabinet rails, or matching stiles.
Rather than immediately ripping and crosscutting the board at the table saw, I like to lay out the individual parts first.
Lay Out Parts Before Cutting
Use chalk or a pencil to mark the location of each part on the board.
This allows you to plan around knots, defects, and changes in grain direction while keeping related parts together.
Then use the jigsaw to cut the individual pieces free.
Stay slightly outside the layout lines so there's enough material remaining to straighten the edges and trim the parts to their final dimensions.
Once the rough-cut pieces are more manageable, you can use the jointer, planer, and table saw as appropriate to bring them to final size.
This approach is especially helpful when working with large, awkward boards that are difficult to handle safely on a table saw.
2. Cut Large Curves in Plywood and Panels
A band saw is usually my first choice for cutting curves in smaller woodworking parts.
But what happens when the workpiece is too large to fit comfortably on the band saw?
That's where a jigsaw really shines.
Because the saw moves across the workpiece, you can cut large curves in plywood panels, tabletops, cabinet components, and other oversized parts.
Follow the Layout Line
Start by drawing the curve on the workpiece.
Support the panel securely, making sure the blade has clearance below the cut.
Then guide the jigsaw along the outside of the layout line.
Don't try to make the finished cut in a single pass. Leave a small amount of waste material so you can sand or shape the curve to its final dimension afterward.
A jigsaw makes it much easier to cut large or irregular shapes without wrestling a bulky panel through a stationary saw.
3. Make Accurate Corner Notches
Corner notches are common in woodworking projects.
You might need to notch a shelf to fit around a workbench leg, cut clearance around a cabinet support, or shape a panel to fit an existing structure.
These cuts can be awkward to make with other tools, but they're straightforward with a jigsaw.
Use a Speed Square as a Guide
Start by laying out the two sides of the notch.
Then position a speed square against the edge of the workpiece to guide the base of the jigsaw.
Make the first cut along one side of the notch.
Reposition the square and make the second cut to remove the waste.
Using the square as a guide helps keep the cuts straight and makes the operation easier to control.
For a precise fit, leave a little material for final cleanup with a chisel or other hand tool.
4. Cut Edge Notches Without Drilling Starter Holes
A jigsaw is also useful for cutting notches along the edge of a board or panel.
When cutting an opening in the middle of a panel, you often need to drill a starter hole so the blade can enter the workpiece.
But an edge notch can be cut without drilling any holes.
The trick is to make the cuts in the right sequence.
Step 1: Cut the Shoulders
Start by cutting the two sides, or shoulders, of the notch.
Follow the layout lines carefully, stopping at the back edge of the notch.
Step 2: Make a Curved Relief Cut
Next, start at the outside edge of the workpiece and make a curved cut toward the back corner of one shoulder.
This removes most of the waste and creates clearance for the final cut.
Step 3: Remove the Remaining Waste
With most of the material removed, make a final cut across the back of the notch.
This removes the small remaining waste piece and completes the opening.
The result is a cleanly defined notch without the extra step of drilling starter holes.
5. Rough-Cut Parts for Template Routing
One of my favorite ways to use a jigsaw is preparing parts for template routing.
When you're making several identical curved or irregularly shaped pieces, a router and template provide a reliable way to get consistent results.
But before routing, you need to remove most of the waste material from each blank.
That's an ideal job for a jigsaw.
Cut Close to the Finished Shape
Start by tracing the template or marking the finished profile on the workpiece.
Then use the jigsaw to rough-cut the part, staying slightly outside the layout line.
You don't need to make a perfectly smooth cut at this stage.
The goal is simply to remove most of the waste so the router bit has less material to cut.
Once the parts are rough-cut, secure the template and use an appropriate flush-trim or pattern-routing bit to bring each piece to its final shape.
This technique is especially useful when making matching furniture legs, curved rails, and other repeated components.
Just be sure to leave enough material for the router to trim without forcing the bit to remove an excessive amount in one pass.
Tips for Getting Better Jigsaw Cuts
Although many of these tasks involve rough cutting, a few simple habits will make the jigsaw easier to use and improve the results.
Choose the right blade. Use a blade suited to the material and type of cut. Fine-tooth blades generally produce smoother edges, while coarser blades remove material more quickly.
Turn off orbital action for cleaner cuts. A less aggressive cutting action can reduce splintering and improve control when following curves.
Let the blade do the cutting. Avoid forcing the saw through the workpiece. Excessive pressure can cause the blade to flex and wander.
Support the workpiece securely. Clamp boards and panels in place, and make sure the blade won't contact your bench or supporting surface.
Leave material for cleanup. When rough-cutting project parts, stay outside the layout lines so you can trim or sand to the finished dimensions.
Make the Jigsaw Part of Your Everyday Woodworking
The jigsaw may not replace your table saw, band saw, or router, but it can make many everyday woodworking tasks faster and easier.
From breaking down large boards to cutting curves, making notches, and preparing parts for template routing, it's a tool that deserves a place in your regular workflow.
The next time you're faced with an awkward cutting operation, consider reaching for the jigsaw.
It might be the simplest way to get the job done.
Jigsaw Secrets
A jigsaw is one of the handiest tools for cutting curves, notches, and irregular shapes. But getting a smooth cut without splintering takes a little know-how.
Learn five simple techniques for choosing the right blade, adjusting orbital action, controlling the saw, and reducing tearout in plywood and hardwood.
EXPLORE JIGSAW CUTTING TIPS → Get Cleaner, More Accurate Cuts with Your Jigsaw
