Jigsaw Operation, Parts, and Safety

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the components, blade mechanics, adjustments, and safety procedures for using a jigsaw (saber saw).

Jigsaw

Also called a saber saw, a versatile cutting tool with a reciprocating blade capable of straight cuts, rip cuts, cross cuts, curves, bevels, and interior cutouts, typically ranging in cost from $\\text{\$}40$ up to $\\text{\$}150$ to $\\text{\$}200$.

Reciprocating Motion

The straight up-and-down movement of the jigsaw blade that allows it to cut through material and perform tasks a band saw cannot, such as cutting out interior sections.

Locking Trigger Button

A red button located on the side of the handle that keeps the saw running continuously; its use is not recommended because the saw may not stop when expected.

Barrel Grip

A jigsaw handle design that does not feature an upper handle loop, chosen based on user personal preference while performing the same function as a standard handle grip.

Shoe (Base)

The flat bottom plate of the jigsaw that rests firmly on the workpiece during operation to control vibration and can be beveled to make angled cuts.

Orbital Adjustment

A setting on the jigsaw that adds a forward and backward motion to the blade in addition to the standard up-and-down reciprocation, creating a more aggressive cut.

Blade Guides

Two wheels or guides at the front of the saw that keep the blade running straight up and down, requiring the blade to remain centered between them during cuts.

T-shank Blade

A specific blade mount configuration with small tangs that must correspond to the jigsaw's mounting mechanism, alongside other variations such as hook, hole, or pin blades.

Safety Glasses

The personal protective equipment emphasized as the single most important safety rule to follow when using the jigsaw.

Diving Board Effect

Excessive spring action and vibration that occurs when a board is clamped too far away from the workbench rather than close to it.

Plunge Cut

An interior cutting technique where the front tip of the saw base is rested on the wood and the running blade is forced down into the workpiece; not recommended in woodworking because it is hard to control and tends to bend the blade.

Corner Relief Hole Drilling

The recommended approach for cutting an interior shape, where a hole is drilled into each corner beforehand to allow the jigsaw to transition cleanly around corners without forcing the blade.

Floor Scraps

Waste cutoffs dropped on the shop floor beneath the operator's feet, recognized as the second most dangerous hazard because they create slipping and tripping risks.