Jigsaw blades that cut on the downstroke,WHY? ?

[jerrytug]

Jigsaw blades which cut on the downstroke. I just bought some by accident, didn't look while putting them in the jigsaw, and it all went wrong, cutting a scaffolding board. Machine jumping out of the wood no matter how hard I hold it down. I just couldn't work out why, had the same machine 20yrs no problems before. Eventually twigged and put the 'wrong end' in the machine, fine after that.
But why do they even make them, how could they ever possibly work?

I am convinced that B and Q paid in advance for a million, and the inscrutable Chinese sent upside down ones, just to annoy the roundeyes, and they didn't want to waste them so put them on the shelves anyway..

is there a real reason for their existence because I cant think of it!

 

[the snooper]

For worktops so you don't chip the laminate also if it's jumping out while cutting you are forcing it into the timber rather then letting it cut

 

[Paul99]

Their for cutting laminated worktops which can chip badly with conventional blades.

 

[Paul99]

Ha beaten to it by seconds...

 

[cumbriasteve]

I use them a lot where quality of finish is essential, the trick is slow and gentle with them.

 

[the snooper]

Ha beaten to it by seconds...

 

[Kent]

as said but why are you using a jigsaw to cut scaffold board? Jig saws are a very tiresome way over even a hand saw if your only shortening them

 

[jerrytug]

Cutting laminates without splitting the surface, I get it.. thanks gents!
To Kent, yes I agree about the handsaw, but the jigsaw was the only wood cutting saw of any description on the premises..

 

[cumbriasteve]

Next time you are cutting some plywood or similar, try them again and see how nice they are to use, I prefer them in that sort of use to 'normal' blades.

 

[pedrobedro]

as said but why are you using a jigsaw to cut scaffold board? Jig saws are a very tiresome way over even a hand saw if your only shortening them

You must have a crap jigsaw or you are using the wrong blades. Mine eats them and 4x2 with good quality blades fitted. I do tend to use cheap hardpoint saws for rough jobs but the jigsaw still comes out if there's a lot to do and if cutting thicker stuff with a rough blade that's when the pendulum action is good to have.

 

[Kent]

You must have a crap jigsaw or you are using the wrong blades. Mine eats them and 4x2 with good quality blades fitted. I do tend to use cheap hardpoint saws for rough jobs but the jigsaw still comes out if there's a lot to do and if cutting thicker stuff with a rough blade that's when the pendulum action is good to have.

actually I have a very good jigsaw, but cutting ends of things like planks? better tools for the job circular saw on hand saw all the way

 

[cr500dom]

The Proper way to use a Jigsaw on Laminate is upside down

You can use a proper blade with decent tooth form, as its still pulling against the foot and you can follow the line perfectly on the top with just the blade.
Takes a bit of getting used to, operating the trigger with your thumb while the jigsaw is upside down but once you have the knack its great.

 

[DanielW]

I find that using a jigsaw on laminate worktops cumbersome,I use the router with a good cutter to cut the laminate at that depth and then cut the worktop with a circular saw about 2mm away from the required cut then use the router to give me the clean edge of that 2mm requirement.

Jiggy is fine for sink jobs but cutting to size with a jiggy annoys me.

 

[MattF]

actually I have a very good jigsaw, but cutting ends of things like planks? better tools for the job circular saw on hand saw all the way

I'd have to agree. A jigsaw has its place, but straight or rough cutting like that isn't really one of them, IMHO.

 

[pedrobedro]

I'd have to agree. A jigsaw has its place, but straight or rough cutting like that isn't really one of them, IMHO.

Each to their own opinion, my circular saw makes too much mess sometimes and I have a good assortment of jigsaw blades that work for me. Shoulder problem sometimes puts me off using the hand saw if there's much to do. I was cutting to length and rounding the tops of fence palings last week and it was a pleasure to do.

 

[MattF]

Each to their own opinion, my circular saw makes too much mess sometimes and I have a good assortment of jigsaw blades that work for me. Shoulder problem sometimes puts me off using the hand saw if there's much to do. I was cutting to length and rounding the tops of fence palings last week and it was a pleasure to do.

A dodgy shoulder does throw the handsaw option out. I do have to say that I personally detest using circular saws at all, unless I have no choice. I'd always go with the handsaw over anything else myself, but as you say, each to their own.

 

[Kent]

Hey I am no stranger to bad shoulders myself had one operation last summer and two painkillers every night at present, regular at the physiotherapist and daily dumb looking limbering exercises at home. The radiographer said my shoulders look like a dogs been chewing on them, I still only use jigsaws for curves and detail work.