When it comes to cutting curves on a wide variety of materials, few power tools compare to the versatile jigsaw. Just like the hand jigsaw, an electric jigsaw can cut precise curves on wood, plastic, metal, and even ceramic tile.
To use a jigsaw to cut curves, you can start with a freehand cutting line and carefully follow that with the jigsaw. This simple approach will already get you accurate results that do not need much in the way of finishing – and the more experience you gain with your tool, the more intricate and precise the curves you can cut.
In this guide, we will also cover the different ways that you can improve the precision of your curves – from the marking to the cut itself.
Whats Needed To Cut Curves:
The first thing that you will need when you want to cut curves is, of course, your jigsaw. Any model of jigsaw will do for the most part, but you will want a jigsaw with a high RPM for this kind of work and having a variable speed trigger option is also ideal and will give you much more control.
Orbital action is not recommended for curve cutting – you will not be turning that on if you want clean, accurate curves.
Another thing that is essential for doing curved cuts is a good set of scrolling blades. Scrolling blades are the preferred type of jigsaw blade whenever you use a jigsaw to cut curves. The slim profile and flexibility of scrolling blades allows you to make curved cuts and follow cutting lines more easily compared to a stiffer and thicker blade.
The flexible body of your scrolling blade allows you to change the direction of your cut much easier, and with less risk of the blade snapping.
For starting pilot holes, though, a power drill fitted with the right drill bit (size varies on your need) can be a more versatile alternative.
Finally, you need a way to mark out your cutting line. If you are not confident about free handing your outline, there are a lot of ways to draw your outline on a variety of materials using templates, online software and curve guides.
Marking and Cutting Curves Freehand
To start a freehand cut, first, take a pencil and draw the cutting line on your workpiece. A template or stencil makes this a lot easier. It also helps if you mark the waste side of the cut with an X, especially if you are working with an intricate design
Put on the right type of blade on the jigsaw and position the tool on the cutting line, with the kerf of the blade on the waste side of it. Make sure that the shoe of the jigsaw is flat and in contact with the workpiece.
Also, make sure that the piece is well secured and has enough clearance off the floor or bench for the jigsaw blade.
Using clamps is very helpful and probably the most common tools used to secure materials when using a jigsaw.
Turn the jigsaw on and wait for the blade to pick up speed, then gently ease it into the material. Some people like to start with the blade in contact with the piece first and then pull the trigger, it tends to have a little more bite and less slippage when starting your cut.
Steering the jigsaw with both hands is a good tip when making these types of cuts. I like to put one hand somewhere on the shoe (away from the blade) to guide the path a little better.
Adjust the speed of the saw as needed using the trigger, if a variable speed trigger is equipped – be sure to go a bit slower on tighter curves, and when cutting across the grain.
How to Cut Consistent Curves Using a Template or Guide:
For making precise gradual curves, you can use just about anything that is rigid and easy to cut as a template. This can be cardboard, wood, plastic, etc. and you want to make sure that the edges are smooth and error-free.
TIP!
If you are using a template or guide it needs to be perfect because all of your other cuts will be modeled after it. So taking extra time to make sure the edges are sanded/cut evenly and cleanly will save you a lot of frustration.
If you are going for a uniform measurement and want the same radius or curve from the template, then you need to have some sort of reference marks that will give you the same cut out at every area you want to cut out.
Now that you have your curved cutting line mark out, you can cut it out freehand and then touch up the areas with a bit of sanding (if you need to) or you can make another template to use as a guide for your jigsaw when cutting the curve out.
Either way you choose, be sure to go slowly and watch the blade on the cutting line. You can always stop and back the blade up a tad bit if you need to make the turn tighter.
How to Draw and Cut Curves Using A Trammel or A Circular Jigsaw Jig
Cutting perfect circular arcs or circles is hard to do freehand, especially if they have to be aligned or centered on the workpiece. To cut out a perfect circle with a jigsaw, you will need a trammel or a circular jig.
Marking a cutting line is strictly optional if you have a circular jig, but it pays to have a guide that you can follow while making the cut. Using a trammel with a pencil on one end, draw the arc or the circle that will make up your cutting line.
Use a drill to make a starter hole on the waste side of the cutting line – inside the circle for cutting out holes, or outside the circle for making a circular piece. Make sure that the bit is large enough so that you have a hole that the jigsaw blade can easily fit through.
Secure the circular jig to the jigsaw shoe. Check that the jig is set at the right radius such that the blade sits on the waste side of the line.
Turn on the jigsaw and wait for the blade to get up to speed. Gently guide the jigsaw along the line, while letting the blade do the work of cutting. I wrote a post in more detail about cutting out circles using a jigsaw that you can check out, if you're interested.
Tips on Cutting Intricate Curves With a Jigsaw
A jigsaw blade can follow the curves of your cutting line to a certain extent, but following tight curves can be a challenge. The wood grain may be causing the blade to veer off the cutting line, or the curves are just too tight.
To cut out tight turns with a jigsaw, make relief cuts on the waste side of the cutting line. The tighter the curve or the circle, the more relief cuts are needed. You can also use the blade and make small sweeping motions left to right and slowly chip away at the wood too. Both are good tactics to use.
Make sure that the relief cuts are just within a blade’s width of the cutting line, not taking out too much material in the process.
