As an experienced construction professional, chances are you have worked your whole entire life around either jigsaws or circulating saws. Of course, one of the best ways to quell the debate between jigsaw vs. circular saw would simply be knowledge. The more you understand the differences between the two, the better you will be able to make an informed decision regarding which one is best to use.
In that regard, you probably have a lot of questions regarding these two types of saws. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the jigsaw? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the circular saw? What woodworking and construction situations work best for each type? And on and on we could go with the questions.
Here is more information regarding these two important saw types:
When using one of these saws, it depends on what your goals are.
Jigsaw vs Circular Saw: What You Can Achieve with Jig Saw
Basics Of Jig Saw
A jigsaw uses a thin and small blade that cuts up and down motion like we previously discussed in the reciprocating saw vs jigsaw article. For the thin and small blades, it is handy and comfortable to cuts at pretty tight radiuses. You can check some of the best reciprocating saw rulings in the market
Also, it is capable to cut holes or other inside shapes where a band saw can’t and a circular saw is obviously NOT.
Just drill and cut with the jigsaw. And cut the hole shape. you can use Kreg k4 or k5 pocket hole jigsaw
If you need to cut a square hole drill two holes and cut and connect them with the cuts.
What You Can Do With Jigsaw
First of all, a jigsaw is a solid choice if you are trying to work with a wide variety of materials. Jigsaws can function well in mediums such as plywood, wood, particleboard, ceramic tile, metal, and even plastic. Moreover, if you are a newly-minted do-it-yourselfer, perhaps one of the best things about a jigsaw is that it is a safe option that is not difficult to use. Of course, the next question you might have is, “how do I get the most out of my jigsaw?” Here are some tips to consider:
Know The Right Time To Use Your Jigsaw And Not to Use
Here are some situations where you can make the best use of your jigsaw:
- When you need to make a curved cut.
- When you are working with a variety of different materials.
- If you are a do-it-yourselfer looking to buy your first saw.
Alternately, there are times when using this saw is probably not for the best. You probably shouldn’t use the jigsaw when you are:
- trying to cut thick lumber because it is the only major disadvantages of jigsaw
- Trying to make long, fast, or lean cuts.
- You want to cut a straight line.
Choose The Right Blade (and keep in mind your materials as well!)
Choosing the wrong jigsaw blade is not a difficult thing to do. This is because jigsaw blades have many different lengths, widths, and teeth designs.
However, although choosing the right blade can be hard, it can be accomplished with an understanding of the general rules. When it comes to wood, wider blades will usually be sufficient for making cuts that are long and straight.
Blades with smaller teeth will take a longer time to do the job, but they will produce a smoother cut. Checking the packaging to see what type of teeth you are getting is a critical first step.
Now, when it comes to cutting metal, different rules will apply. First of all, you want to make sure that the blade will have at least three of the teeth be able to contact the edge of the metal being cut.
Pro tips: use T-shank blades for better performance.
Make Sure You Can Cut Things In An Effective Manner
Practice makes perfect. Ideally, you will want to ensure your cuts are perfectly straight, but this can be difficult because the blade has a tendency to wander off course. In this regard, acquiring a clamped-down straight-edge guide will work wonders on giving you as straight a cut as possible.
If you want to make flush cuts, you will have to invest in a flush-cut blade. Finally, you will also need a circle-cutting jig if you are going to use this tool for making circles, and you will need a steady supply of reverse-tooth blades if you want to ensure a splinter-free cut each and every time.
Jigsaw vs Circular Saw: What You Can Achieve With Circular Saw
Basics of Circular Saw
A circular saw is one of the most useful handheld power tools for any woodworker. It is a perfect machine if you don’t have the table saw, or limited space to work for your woodworking projects.
Since it is a portable saw you can work and do your project anywhere from the driveway to your balcony.
Circular Saw is kind of similar to the table saw where you feed the lumber through the table saw but in the circular saw you move the saw to cut the stationary board. Learn more about the circular saw vs table saw from our previous article.
Do Everything You Can To Practice With Your Circular Saw Too!
Circular saws are an entirely animal altogether. One of the things you need to understand regarding these saws is that you simply cannot push them too hard.
I have created all kinds of masterpieces with my circular saw, even making a nice backyard deck. However, I have also wasted a lot of money, replacing some of these saws because I would get too rough with them when I was younger.
But I digress, of course. Here are some of the most important things you need to know regarding your circular saw:
Timing And Practice Is Everything
There are certain people who should use a circular saw, and there are certain times when a circular saw would be better than a jigsaw. Consider these situations:
Understand the characteristics of making a smooth cut with your circular saw
First of all, you should familiarize yourself with the “good side” of your circular blade. Putting the good side of the blade on a face-down basis is an effective way to ensure that the side of the blade goes into will remain as smooth as possible.
One good life hack to avoid a splintered cut would be to put some masking tape on the cut line.
When To Use Circular Saw : Understand the different types of cuts made by a circular saw
One of the things you will quickly figure out is that there are many different types of cuts made by a circular saw. Here are a few to consider:
Crosscuts
Are you looking to perform a crosscut with your circular saw? It really isn’t difficult to achieve. All you have to do is hold a square to help to guide the base of the saw. Make sure the base is held as firmly as possible because you wouldn’t want the saw to slip.
Rip Cuts
Another type of cut you can make would be rip cuts. You can utilize a rip fence and slide it into the foot of the saw. Hold the rip fence tight with a screw.
Plunge Cuts
You may have to resort to a plunge cut if your blade is having difficulty starting at the edge of the board. Making this cut means you will have to place the shoe against your workpiece. After that is done, you will have to turn on the saw and lower the blade slowly back into the material that is to be cut.
Sizes:
There are many types and sizes available for the circular saws from 5/12 to 7/14 inches and so on. The most common circular saw size is 7 1/4 inches. Which means, this saw uses a 7 1/4 inches blade. These blades AKA size are recommended for any kind of woodworking done around the house and also recommended for DIY projects.
Corded or Cordless:
There are some of the best battery-operated / Rechargeable circular saws available as well as Corded circular saws. Corded circular saws are less expensive than cordless saws. If you don’t want to have messed up with the cord try cordless saws unless sticking with the corded saws. Learn more about corded vs cordless circular saws.
Conclusion
So do you need a jigsaw or a circulating saw? It’s all depends on just what you are looking for. Both of these are definitely useful saws for you to get a lot of work done.