Jigsaw

The jigsaw is the most versatile saw for curves, cutouts, and sheet goods. This section covers blades, blade changing, and clean cuts in plywood, melamine, and laminate.

Blades: U-shank vs T-shank, blades for laminate countertops, and change a jigsaw blade.

Clean cuts: plywood without splintering, cut melamine, and how thick a jigsaw cuts.

Jigsaw vs other tools: router vs jigsaw, jigsaw vs oscillating tool, and jigsaw vs bandsaw.

For the full saw lineup, see our tools & saws guide.

How do you cut plywood with a jigsaw without splintering? Use a fine down-cut blade, painter’s tape on the cut line, and cut with the good face down.

U-shank vs T-shank jigsaw blades? T-shank fits most modern tool-less jigsaws and is the easier, more secure standard; U-shank suits older saws.