Wood – Tips on cutting curves with a jigsaw

cuttingholesawwoodworking

I recently needed to cut a hole in a 3/4 inch pine wood board. The hole was supposed to be about 6 inches in diameter. I drilled a hole near the edge and used my corded Makita jigsaw. I had used the jigsaw before, but only to cut straight. I used a 10 teeth per inch blade that cuts on the up stroke. When I did this and tried to curve, the jigsaw wobbled a lot. It felt like the saw wasn't wanting to do what I wanted it to and I think I must be doing something wrong. I have watched a bunch of videos and it looks so easy to make curved cuts.

I was hoping that someone would be able to give my concrete tips on how to cut curves with a jigsaw. In articular I would like to know how to do this in 3/4 inch thick pinewood (hardwood?). I have looked this up, but I only find very general guides. Do I go fast or slow? What blade is best for curves? What speed setting should the jig saw be set at? etc.

I am a complete noob, so please don't assume that I know much already.

Best Answer

I own hole saws for this very reason; completely perfect circular holes every time.

BUT, if you need to use a jigsaw, the best thing is to use a narrower blade they make for jigsaws (example). The "normal" blades bind a bit when curving a cut.

As far as technique,

  1. draw my circle in pencil with either a compass or a can.
  2. drill a hole near an edge, but not on the edge (maybe 1/2" in)
  3. do not muscle the jigsaw, let the teeth of the blade do their job; this will deliver a smoother cut.
  4. saw towards the perimeter at a slanted angle
  5. When you get near the perimeter, maneuver the blade to follow the curvature of the design. If you can't follow, stop sawing, back it up, and try a new approach on your angle.
  6. If you need a perfect circle that is smooth, you will need to sand the hole (especially where you made first contact with the perimeter as there is almost always a small bit of wood there that the saw can't easily get).
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