7 Reasons Why You Need a Jigsaw

Jigsaws excel at cutting curves in wood and metal—but there's plenty more in their repertoire. If you don't have a jigsaw yet, here are seven reasons we think you should add one to your toolbox, stat.

Jigsaws are the only portable power tool that can effectively cut curves. This makes them a must-have for any woodworker who wants to get the job done faster than with a hand-held coping saw.

Jigsaws can cut cut wood of varying thickness and density, and when fitted with the correct blade, they can also cut steel, fiberglass, and drywall. This adds to the tool's versatility and makes it more valuable in your workshop.

Changing blades is easy. First unplug the saw or remove the battery and find the dial where the blade connects to the saw. Turning the dial counter-clockwise should release the blade and allow you to insert a new one. When the dial is released it locks the blade in place. It's that simple.

You might think you need a fancy adjustable table saw to make bevel cuts (angled cuts rather than sawing through straight up and down). In fact, most jigsaws can be angled up to 45 degrees for bevel cuts.

Look for a lever just above the shoe of the saw that slides back and forth. When released the saw will tilt to one side and then pull the lever back to lock it in place.

Cordless jigsaws are a dream to use because you can twist and turn the jigsaw to your heart's content, cutting elaborate curves without being impeded by a dangling cord or worrying about accidentally cutting it. Jigsaws used to be a bit unwieldy but the newer generation, especially the battery-powered variety, are lightweight and slim.

Out of the box, jigsaws are easy and straightforward to use regardless of your experience level. Insert the blade, plug in the tool (or pop in the battery if it's cordless), and you are ready to start cutting. Jigsaws can be used in a workshop of any size and don't take up much space on your shelf