When you are faced with the task of cutting out curves on any material, be it on plywood, metal, plastics, particleboard, or even ceramic tiles, you will agree with us that your next line of thought is what best jigsaw is perfect for cutting your desired curves.
Cutting curves requires an accurate level of precision not to have to do much work in the finishing. For this reason, you don’t just use any model of the jigsaw. Several factors, such as variable speed and orbital action, you consider before choosing what jigsaw to use when you are faced with deciding on the best jigsaw for cutting curves.
A good jigsaw with the right features is a quick go-to when it comes to cutting curves. Scrolling blades, motor power, cord versus cordless, depth of cut, laser guideline, dust blower, dust collection bag, shoe bevel, splinter control shoe; are features, among others, that are well worth the extra cost for some people.
Therefore, this article is more of a beginners’ guide that has been written to help you decide and choose from the varieties of jigsaws by assessing their features, pros, and cons. You will also know from this article how to cut plywood with a jigsaw without splintering. We have also explained a simple step-by-step way to use a jigsaw to cut curves.
All at a Glance
Choose From Our Top 3 Picks
Last update on 2024-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Choosing the Best Jigsaw for Cutting Curves: Buyer’s Guide
In choosing the best jigsaw for cutting curves, there are quite many features you need to consider, as we earlier introduced. This article will guide you on what things you need to consider, so when you go shopping for your jigsaw, you are sure to get the best jigsaw for your curves.
The first thing you need to be on the lookout for in your jigsaw is a good set of scrolling blades. They are the most preferred type of jigsaw blades you will need to get good curves. This is because they are flexible and slim.
These blades’ flexibility and slimness allow you to change your cut’s direction easier than the thicker and much stiffer ones. In addition to this, you don’t risk your blades snapping.
How to Cut Plywood with a Jigsaw without Splintering
Encountering splinters or chips when cutting plywood is a common issue for both beginners and professionals. To avoid splintering, you should know a few tips. Some are machine-related. Others are what you should. So, let’s look at each of these tips:
Ensure you choose the right blade: Choosing the right blade is essential for a fine cut without splinters. Usually, a thin blade is considered appropriate for cutting plywood.
Blade Teeth: It is often better to use a new upward teeth blade for plywood to avowing splinters.
Machine Speed: Average to high speed is especially good for plywood
Splinter Guards: As a beginner, if you like to have a precise cut without chips, splints, or tear, a splinter guard is an excellent tool for you.
Masking Tape: You can also paste a transparent tape along your masked line on both sides. Remove tape after cutting plywood. This is a cheap alternative for a splinter guard.
How to Use Jigsaw to Cut Curves.
If you have gotten all your necessary materials such and of course, you can then follow through with the step-by-step guide below to use a jigsaw to cut curves.
Mark out Your Cutting Line: This step is essential if you are not confident about free handing your outline. You can make use of a template to make your work easier and, of course, neater.
First, draw out the cutting line with a pencil on your workpiece. Your workpiece can be wood or metal.
Mark out the side you will be cutting away (the waste side) with an alphabet, say X or Y. This is important if you are working on an intricate design.
Using the Blade: We have earlier pointed out the importance of using the right blade. Put your blade on the jigsaw and position your tool on the cutting line such that the kerf of the blade is on the waste side. Ensure also that the shoe of the jigsaw is flat and in contact with your workpiece.
Be sure also that your workpiece is placed in such a manner that there is enough space from the floor or bench for the jigsaw blade while it works.
Secure your tool: Secure your jigsaw with clamps. This safety precaution is essential.
Set Out to Cut: Bring your blade in contact with your workpiece and then pull the trigger. This way, it has a little more bite and less slippage when starting to cut. However, some people prefer to turn on the jigsaw first and wait for the blade to pick up speed before easing it into their workpiece.
Either way, your cut turns out well if you know what you are doing. In the cutting process, you can steer the jigsaw with both hands. However, you can put one hand somewhere away from the blade to guide the path a little better. You can choose to adjust the speed of the jigsaw as needed. Ensure to go slow down on the tighter curves. Here you have your curves neatly cut out!
How to cut Consistent Curves using a Template
To continually achieve precise curves, you can use anything as a template or guide. However, bear in mind that your template or guide needs to be perfect because you will model all of your cuts after it. To this end, we advise that you take extra time to ensure that the edges are smooth, error-free, cleanly-cut, and even. You can use a hard and easy material to cut out as a template, such as wood, plastic, plastic, etc.
If you want to use the same measurement for your radius or curve from the template, mark out a point as the reference points that you will use for the same cut out at all the areas you want to cut out.
Having marked out your curved cutting line, you can cut out your template in two ways: either cut out freely with your hand or make another template as a guide for your jigsaw when cutting out the curve. Either way, ensure you go slowly and keep your eyes on the blade and cutting line.
Top 5 Best Jigsaw for Cutting Curves (Reviews)
1. Bosch Power Tools Jigsaws-JS470E
Special Features: Dimension 15.8 x 14.4 x 4.6 inches, Cutting capacity (Wood of 5-⅞ inch), Corded Electric Jigsaw (10ft), 7.0 Amp Motor, Variable Speed Dial, Foot Plate, Variable Speed Trigger, Blade Orbit Selector, Dust Blower Lever, ⅜ inch on steel for Counter Top, Voltage Power of 120V, Low-Vibration, Woodworking, Weighs 5.6 Pounds, Easy to Maneuverer, Easy to Use, Lightweight handling, 4-in-1 orbit Action, and Accuracy.
Bosch Power Tools Jigsaws are one unique brand of jigsaws with unique features. This jigsaw has a 4-in-1 tool setting that provides different blade strokes for cuts ranging from smooth to rough cuts for carrying out challenging cutting tasks.
It features a lightweight top handle that makes it easy to maneuver during usage. The soft-grip handle allows for a steady hold and reduces fatigue.
In addition to this, Bosch jigsaws have a variable speed dial set to the user’s desire. The accelerator trigger controls the speed while in operation, regulating the speed. It also has an ambidextrous lock-on button for steadiness and user’s comfort.
What’s a jigsaw with no accuracy? The beauty of every jigsaw is its ability to produce accurate cuts with smooth fine edges. The Bosch power tools jigsaw has an internal precision-machined plunging system that enhances its accuracy. It also has a low-vibration design that permits a smooth jigsaw operation.
Another outstanding feature that would convince you to invest in this product is the lifetime and runtime. This jigsaw has a 7.0 amp motor, and the no-load SMP (motor speed) ranges from 500 to 3,100. Its frequency is up to 60 hertz.
Choosing to invest in this jigsaw affords you the privilege of changing your blade easily and quickly for replacement and removals should in case your blade snaps out.
- ERGONOMIC TOP-HANDLE: soft-grip areas supply a solid, comfortable grip
- CONVENIENT: featuring a tool-less blade change system and fast insertion with a blade ejection lever that eliminates need to touch hot saw blade
- 4-IN-1: 4 orbital action tool settings provide different blade strokes for smooth to aggressive cuts for taking on the toughest cutting tasks
- CONTROL: variable speed dial sets maximum speed and accelerator trigger controls operating speed; Features an ambidextrous lock on button for steadiness and user comfor
- SECURE: includes a large, sturdy die cast foot with steel insert and on board bevel wrench; multidirectional blade clamp delivers superior grip of T-shank blades
Last update on 2024-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Furthermore, Bosch Jigsaws also have a footplate change for stable and precise cuts. The blade orbit selector, which is another feature, helps you as a user to adjust the blade orbit for maximum cutting efficiency. It also features a dust blower lever for wood and sawdust work that produces a huge amount of dust.
Pros
- Variable speed dial
- 4-in-1 working action
- Variable speed trigger
- East to use
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Accurate
- Lightweight handling
- Anti-Splinter Insert
- Carrying case
Cons
- Too dangerous to install under a table
- No LED light
2. Dewalt Bare-Tool DC330B
Special Features: Dimension: 11.23 x 11 x 3.88 inches, Weighs 5.14 Pounds, Plastic Made, Voltage is 18V, Cordless, Cutting Capacity (Solid Wood, Plywood, Laminate Countertops, Plastic, Metals) Keyless Blade Change, 4-Orbital Action, Adjustable Dust Blower, Speed Range of 0-3,000 SPM (stroke per minute), Stroke Length of 1 inch, All-metal Keyless Shoe Bevel with Detents, Anti-Slip Comfort Grip.
Dewalt Bare-Tool, DC330B jigsaw, features a keyless metal blade that permits easy and change of blade in no time. Its 4-position orbital action allows control of cut and speed. It has a variable speed and a motor with high performance driven by a battery, so you do not have to rely on any power source other than your battery at your convenience.
For its power and performance, this jigsaw brand has a speed range of 0-3000 SPM. It can cut through various materials such as solid wood, plywood, laminate countertops, and even metals and nail-embedded wood! It has a variable speed for versatility in the multitudes of materials you can use it on.
It is packed with features any professional users will desire, including an all-metal keyless beveling shoe with detents of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° that provides versatility for easy bevel cutting, full 1-inch blade stroke length, top-handle design for comfort and easy control, an adjustable dust blower that keeps your cut line free of material chips and a 4-orbital action switch that allows you to control cut quality and speed.
Dewalt Bare-Tool jigsaw is comfortable and convenient to use. It has a top-handle design complemented by an anti-slip comfort grip and an adjustable blower that keeps the cut line clear of annoying chips as you work on your material.
- All-metal lever-action keyless blade change allows for quick and easy blade changes
- All-metal keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0 degree, 15 degree, 30 degree and 45 degree provides versatility for easy bevel cutting
- 4-position orbital action provides control of cut quality and speed
- Adjustable dust blower, anti-slip comfort grip, variable speed
- Tool only, no battery included
Last update on 2024-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You are assured using Dewalt Bare-Tool jigsaw because it is backed by a 3-year limited warranty covering any fault your product may develop due to material or workmanship, a one-year free service contract Dewalt maintains the tool and replaces worn-out parts caused by regular use.
Pros
- Variable Speed
- Battery-powered
- All-metal lever-action keyless blade change
- Keyless shoe bevel with detents
- Wide cutting capacity
- East to use
- Ergonomic
- Maneuverability
- Comfort and convenient
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- No battery included
- No charger included
- Battery and charger sold separately.
- No light
3. Portable Cable Orbital Jigsaw
Special Features: Dimension: 9.5 x 3.25 x 8.5 inches, Weighs 6 pounds, Corded Electric, One wood blade included, One wrench, 4-Orbital settings, 7-position Speed Dial, Long-on Button, 3200 RPM, 6.0 Amp, 0 Watts, 110Volts, Lock-on button, Tool-free Blade Change, Adjustable Trigger Speed Button.
Portable Cable Orbital Jigsaw features a PCE345 jigsaw, one wood cutting blade, and one wrench. It is a corded jigsaw powered by electricity. It uses a current of 6.0 amps that delivers excellent power as demanded; however, it is not compatible with a voltage higher than 110volts. Its 4-orbital settings enable its users to cut different materials like steel and wood except for plastics.
This brand also features a lock-on button that allows its usage over a long period. It offers you a tool-free blade change for quick and easy blade replacement.
This brand product accepts the standard U-shank or T-shank blades; however, you cannot set the blade cutting depth. Depending on the blade used, you can cut a thickness up to 3 inches; however, it will cut crack plastics.
- 7 Position Speed Dial (0-3200 Spm) Integrated Into Trigger Of The Jigsaw Tool Provides Multiple Speed Settings For Optimal Cutting Results
- 6 Amp Motor Of The Jig Saw Delivers Power In Demanding Applications
- 4 Orbital Settings Provides Best Cutting Performance In A Variety Of Materials
- Lock-On Button Provides Easier Control During Prolonged Use
Last update on 2024-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you deal with both hard and softwood, this portable cable orbital jigsaw will be just appropriate with the right blade. Its handle is built to provide easy control and comfort.
Pros
- Accuracy
- Easy to use
- Sheerness
- Value for money
- One-wood blade included
- 1 Wrench
- Accepts standard T-Shank blades up to 4inche.
Cons
- Cutting depth cannot be set.
- No Cover case
- It cracks plastics
- Not compatible with voltage over 110volts
4. Bosch 7.2 Amp Barrel-Grip JS572EB Jigsaw
Special Features: Dimension 9.93x4x7.2 inches, Weighs 4.9 pounds, 1 Barrel-Grip Saw including 1-Non-Marring Overshoe 1-Anti-Splinter Insert, 3-Jigsaw Blades, 1-Bench Wrench, 1- Carrying case., Bright LEDs, Blower for visibility, Variable Speed Dial, Barrel grip style, 7.2 Amp, 0 Watts, 120Volts, Tool-free adjustment, Multidirectional Blade Clamp, Variable Cutting Capacity, Counterbalance Mechanism, Dust collector.
Bosch 7.2 Amp Barrel-Grip Jigsaw is another brand of a jigsaw that provides cut precision. It has a Precision Control II double-roller system that reduces deflection for cut precision. The first roller system is a self-adjusting guidance system located laterally that fine-tunes themselves to various blade thickness.
The second maintains blade flexing. This jigsaw brand also affords comfort and control with its upfront soft-grip area; it has the smallest circumference in its class. It has 7.2amps, Constant Response circuitry for consistent speed under load, and a variable speed dial.
Investing in Bosch 7.2 Amp Barrel-Grip Jigsaw implies investing in convenience. It features bright LEDs and a blower so users can see the cut-line as they work. It also features a one-touch system that permits one-handed blade insertion and lever blade ejection, so you do not need to touch a hot blade.
It has a counterbalancing system that produces low-vibration strokes for smooth operation. JS572EB jigsaw is also designed with an aluminium gearbox and a large die-cast aluminium footplate that includes tool-free adjustments for fast and easy bevel adjustment. Hence it is a durable product.
- COMFORT: The Bosch JS572EBK Jig Saw features an upgraded soft-grip area upfront to provide additional user comfort. It also offers the smallest barrel-grip area circumference in class for maximum user control
- PRECISION: With a Bosch’s Precision Control II double-roller system, the JS572EBK minimizes blade deflection for excellent cut precision and accuracy.
- VISIBILITY: Featuring bright LED lighting with on/off switch for enhanced visibility of cutting area, the jig saw also offers a dust blower to keep cut line clear
- EFFICIENT: With its One-Touch blade-change system, the JS572EBK allows for fast blade insertion and ejection lever and eliminates the need to touch the hot blade.No Load SPM:800-3,000
- EFFICIENT: With its One-Touch blade-change system, the JS572EBK allows for fast blade insertion and ejection lever and eliminates the need to touch the hot blade.No Load SPM:800-3,000
Last update on 2024-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It has a multidirectional blade clamp that provides superior grip of T-shank blades only as it is not compatible with U-shank blades. This jigsaw has a variable cutting capacity. It can cut wood materials up to 5.5 inches, aluminium materials up to 0.875 inch and mild steel up to 0.375 inches.
Pros
- Bright LEDs
- Sheerness
- Maneuverability
- Easy to use
- Accuracy
- Ergonomic
- Value for money
- Durable
- Cut precision
- Comfort and control
- Convenience
- Counterbalance mechanism for low vibration
Cons
- Not compatible with U-Shank Blades
- It has a limited cutting capacity.
- The bevel range angle is only 45°
- Lubricant smells when it heats up.
5. Festool 561593 Carvex PS 4B Jigsaw
Special Features: Dimension 4.33 x 11.61 x 15.55inches, Weighs 8.7Ibs, Voltage of 120 volts, Corded Electric Power Source, Variable Blade Speed, LEDs, Carbide Guidance System, 4-LED Stroboscopic Light, Multiple Base Plates, Triple Blade Guidance, Zero Clearance Splinter guard, Variable cutting capacity, Tool-less Base Change System
Festool Carvex Jigsaw is another jigsaw brand that includes a 2-piece T-Shank Jigsaw Blades for Wood, Chip Catcher, Splinter guard, Plug-It power cord a Systainer. Dust contains toxins and is hazardous to your health. Leaving clouds of dust particles hanging in the air for the house and in your client’s home can portray you to be unprofessional.
Hence, Festool Carvex Jigsaw allows you to have a safer and cleaner environment with its duct extractors that are HEPA-certified and traps dust at the source, thus enhancing your health and time.
Other features you would expect to get from Festool Carvex Jigsaw include variable blade speed, which is extremely fast with 3,800 SPM. It has a variable cutting capacity with different materials. The cutting depth is 120mm, 10mm in steel, and in NF metals, 20mm in woods.
Festool Carvex Jigsaw features a tool-free base and base insert platform for expended capacities. The splinter guards enhance splinter-free actions with precise zero-clearance for an ultra-clean cut with no splinter or tear-out.
Another remarkable feature of Festool Carvex Jigsaw is the tripe blade guidance for perfectly perpendicular cut and splinter guards for tear-free cuts. With your Festool Carvex Jigsaw, the cut line’s perfect visibility is enhanced by the stroboscopic high-intensity LED, and these lights penetrate through dust and darkness.
- Variable speed blade speed with extremely fast max 3,800 strokes per minute. Cutting depth in wood: 4-3/4 inches (120 mm). Cutting depth in steel (soft): 3/8 inches (10 mm). Cutting depth in NF metals: 3/4 inches (20 mm)
- Tool-free base and base insert platform for expanded capabilities
- Triple blade guidance for perfectly perpendicular cuts and splinter guards for tear-free cuts
- Stroboscopic high-intensity LEDs for high blade visibility
- Brushless motor technology for light weight, more power and longer service life
Last update on 2024-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finally, Festool Carvex Jigsaw features a revolutionary tool-less base change system that delivers the most versatile, adaptable jigsaw cutting system you have ever experienced!
Pros
- Comfort
- Accuracy
- Durable
- Versatile
- Value for money
- LEDs for visibility
- Dust Extractor
- Splinter-free action
- Variable cutting capacity
- Portable for use and storage
- Unmatched precision and performance
Cons
- Obscured cut line caused by strobe light and dust.
- Obscured cut-line caused by the plastic cover
- Cutting depth is not adjustable.
Final Verdict: Best Jigsaw for Cutting Curves
Of the five jigsaws, we have rated Bosch 7.2 Amp Barrel-Grip JS572EB Jigsaw as the first because of its highest motor power. This jigsaw rate is more elevated than others, and it’s the upgraded version of Bosch Power Tools Jigsaws-JS470E regarding its motor capacity.
A higher amperage rating indicates jigsaws that have more cutting power. Other features the Bosch 7.2 Amp Barrel-Grip Jigsaw possesses, such as orbital action, variable speed, depth of cutting, is good that this jigsaw stands out among others.
The Festool 561593 Carvex PS 4B Jigsaw is the second leading jigsaw. This jigsaw has a 7.0 motor capacity. It also has a brushless motor technology for lightweight, more power, and more extended service. Among others, it features a LED light, which is a helpful feature for maintaining a straight cutting line with a jigsaw that is naturally prone to twisting as you try to follow a straight line. This feature alone puts it above the Bosch Power Tools Jigsaws.
The Bosch Power Tools Jigsaws-JS470E ranks third in position. It has a motor capacity of 7.0Amp, 120V, among its other unique features such as 4-orbital action, shoe bevel, an anti-splinter control shoe. It is also a tool-free jigsaw with a lever-action blade change feature that requires no extra tool.
Portable Cable Orbital Jigsaw is the fourth in position. This jigsaw has a 6amp motor capacity. It has a voltage of 110 volts; however, it is not compatible with a voltage over 110volts. Also, it is the only jigsaw among the five that accepts both T-shank blades and U-shank blades.
The Dewalt Bare-Tool, DC330B jigsaw, is the ranked least. It is the only jigsaw powered by a motor with high performance that is driven by a battery. However, it has an all-metal keyless beveling shoe with detents of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° that provides versatility for easy bevel cutting.
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