How to Fix a Jigsaw That Won’t Cut Straight?

Why does my jigsaw not cut straight?

Your jigsaw doesn’t cut straight because you are using the wrong type of blade, or there is an imbalanced force on the jigsaw. Outdated guide bearings, or a low-quality blade are other reasons your jigsaw doesn’t cut straight.

 

 

A wrong blade

There are a surprisingly large number of different kinds of jigsaw blades. A blade is designed specifically for each type of material, including plastic, metal, laminate, light wood, dense wood, etc. Some blades are designed to cut on the upstroke, the downstroke, or both the upstroke and the downstroke simultaneously.

It’s common for people who have just bought their first jigsaw to think that any blade will do. Just pop one into the machine, and get to work. However, doing so is a surefire way to provoke wrath and dissatisfaction. Be sure to select the appropriate blade for the task at hand, and just as critically, familiarize yourself with the effect that the blade will have on the jigsaw’s operation so that you can be prepared.

 

An imbalance force

In the same way that a lamp would be unable to illuminate without a bulb, a jigsaw would be unable to work without its blade. A thick, long, and sharp blade composed of strong metals may go deeper into the wood and other hard materials than a thinner, shorter blade would be able to. Check to see if you can use the blade with your jigsaw. In addition, the blade needs to be guided by a reliable system so that it does not sway in any direction but moves in a direct line.

Be careful not to apply excessive force to the jigsaw. The jigsaw blade moves at its rate throughout the cutting process. It’s possible to bend the jigsaw blade if you apply enough pressure when pushing it. It is a key factor contributing to the jigsaw’s inability to cut in a straight line. Allow the tool to move by itself so that you may perform the task like a professional.

 

Outdated guide bearings

Jigsaws have a second support point known as guide bearings, which virtually entirely halt any blade movement. It is sometimes absent from older jigsaws from the 1990s and the early 2000s. If you want to get a highly inaccurate idea of what a modern jigsaw is capable of when employed in the manner it was designed—that is, without a guide bearing—try using one without one. Old jigsaws tend to deviate in the middle of cuts, which may be very frustrating for the user.

 

Low-quality blades

It is always worth buying good-quality blades because cheaper ones do not cut nearly as effectively as more costly ones. This is because more expensive ones are built to better standards, have much thicker blades, keep their sharpness for a longer period, and are significantly stronger.

Cheaper blades are typically fabricated from alloys of substantially lower grade, which are not as durable, bend readily, and do not stay sharp for as long or cut as well as more expensive ones. Always search for blades that have at least twelve teeth since this will result in a much more exact cut.

 

How to fix a jigsaw that won’t cut straight?

You can fix your jigsaw that won’t cut straight by changing the guide bearings, replacing the clamp, or replacing the base. Changing the blade support can also fix the jigsaw that won’t cut straight.

 

Changing the bearings

If you want your jigsaw to cut straight, you need to change your outdated bearings. These are steps to follow when changing.

1. Remove the bottom of the jigsaw and examine the control bearing.
2. Taking off the screws will allow you to open up the casing of the jigsaw.
3. To remove the assembly from the casing, loosen any hold-down clamps that may be present.
4. Take the yoke, also known as the reciprocating shaft, off the jigsaw.
5. Examine the control bearing carefully. You should switch it out for a brand-new control bearing if it is damaged.
6. Remove the O ring from the worn-out control bearing and place it on the freshly manufactured bearing.
7. Replace the shaft that moves in a reciprocating motion (yoke). Replace everything within the case; if your device has clamps, make sure they are all securely fastened.
8. Put the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle back together again. Reattach the base to the table.

 

Replacing the clamp

If the clamp on the blade is broken, the blade won’t be able to cut in a straight line. Here are steps to replace your clamp.

1. To change the blade clamp, remove the blade from the jigsaw, remove the screws that hold it in place, and take out the blade clamp.
2. Install the new blade clamp and ensure it is secure by screwing it.
3. Replace the blade in its slot.

 

Replacing the base

Depending on the manufacturer, the same component can be referred to by various names. The jigsaw cannot make straight cuts if the base is distorted or bent. Replace your base with these steps below.

• Check your base to make sure it’s in good shape.
• The majority of bases that are out of shape will be readily apparent. If it is somewhat warped or bent, you can set it on a flat surface and make sure that the entire base is in contact with the level surface. This will allow it to return to its original shape.
• To change out a base, first, remove the screws that are holding it onto the jigsaw, and then take it off.
• Install the new one and then fasten it in place using the screws.

 

Changing the blade support

When cutting wood, the blade support prevents the blade from moving either backward or to the side, providing support. The support for the blade ought to make light contact with the back of the blade. To change your blade support, follow these steps.

1. If it is worn, it will make the blade to travel in both a forward and a backward direction.
2. Use a punch and hammer to drive out the pin holding the worn blade support to the jigsaw. This will allow you to replace the worn blade support.
3. After extracting the pin, you can take off the blade support.
4. Install the replacement blade support, and then use a hammer and punch to reinstall the pin.

 

Why won’t my Ryobi jigsaw not cut straight?

The reason your Ryobi jigsaw won’t cut straight is because you are cutting too fast or your blade is too faulty to make correct cuts. Too much pressure on the blade is another reason your Ryobi jigsaw won’t cut straight.

Here are steps to fix your Ryobi jigsaw not cutting straight.

1. Prepare yourself with blades that are up-to-date and of high quality.
2. You can select the appropriate blade for the material you wish to cut from the available options.
3. Take frequent rests to keep the jigsaw from overheating, especially when you are cutting through materials that are difficult to cut.
4. When cutting, you should use both hands to grip the jigsaw.
5. Don’t go too fast, and don’t try to force the cut; just let the jigsaw move at a natural pace.
6. Making use of a guide may end up being of tremendous assistance. To achieve the straightest possible fit, you can secure a piece of wood to the ground and lean on it.

 

The “orbit” function found on some jig saws causes the blade to move in all directions, not just forward and backward and left and right. This function used to be exclusive to higher-end tools but has since been spotted in models from lower and even middle-tier price points.

The faster the cut will be, yet the more uneven it will be, the bigger the amount of orbit. The amount of orbit can typically be adjusted from “lots” to “none” in most cases. In order to achieve a more consistent cut, check to see that the orbit function is not active.

 

Why won’t my Black and Decker jigsaw not cut straight?

The reason your Black and Decker jigsaw won’t cut straight is because you are using a dull blade or the wrong type of blade for your cutting. A damaged or faulty blade clamp is another reason your Black and Decker jigsaw won’t cut straight. Below are steps to fix your Black and Decker jigsaw that won’t cut straight.

1. Make a mark in the form of a straight line using the marker. First, you must make sure that you mark where you want to cut, and then you can start working with the jigsaw.
2. Make use of a vertical fence constructed of thick plastic or metal. This will allow you to make accurate cuts.
3. You will not be able to successfully hold the jigsaw and the fence simultaneously. You must check that the clamp’s screw is secure and tight. To prevent injury caused by an accident, make sure that everything is clamped before you start using the saw.
4. You need to ensure that the surface you are cutting against is larger than the barrier when cutting against a fence. By doing so, the precise alignment of the jigsaw will be ensured from the very beginning, and the possibility of tilt will be eliminated automatically.
5. If you do not correctly install the high-quality blade in the jigsaw and instead drive it in a lateral direction, the blade will shatter, and you will be helpless in the situation.
6. If you want a cut that is both clean and straight, you should always position the surface such that your jigsaw operates in an inverted position. By doing it this way, the wood dust will fall to the ground, and neither you nor the machine will experience any blurring of the image. Second, it will make it possible for you to cut in a straight line while ensuring that the force of your hands is distributed evenly.
7. Simply said, the orbit function of a jigsaw is the characteristic that enables the blade to travel in any of the four directions (up, down, backward, and forward). Turn off the orbit function of your jigsaw if it has that option so you can make straight and precise cuts.
8. When you take up a jigsaw for the first time, you shouldn’t expect to make a clean, straight cut. Before using the jigsaw to make straight cuts in your finished items, you should practice using the scrap wood in your garden using those scraps.

 

It is hard to make straight cuts with a jigsaw as it is not the best tool for the job. You can improve the quality of your experience with straight cutting by using the appropriate blades, ensuring the guiding mechanism is in working order and clamping the straight fence. In addition, making progress downhill, exerting an appropriate amount of pressure, and practicing will finally secure your achievement.

 

Why won’t my Dewalt jigsaw not cut straight?

The reason your Dewalt jigsaw won’t cut straight is because you are using a slightly bent shaft or your base isn’t locked in place at an angle square to the blade. A dull blade is another reason your Dewalt jigsaw won’t cut straight.

You can fix your Dewalt jigsaw with these steps.

1. Checking the materials that the jigsaw is cutting through is the first step that has to be taken.
2. Check that the jigsaw is placed properly.
3. You can find a black lever on the front of the base of the jigsaw if you look there.
4. Raise it so you can insert the blade, and when you do, make sure the pointy side of the blade is facing outward.

 

The quality of the blades you intend to get is the most crucial issue to consider. If you’re going to a store to buy those low-quality jigsaw blades, you’ve already admitted defeat. Look for blades of higher quality at your neighborhood hardware or home improvement store on Amazon.com and Dewalt itself.

Not only are blades of higher quality thicker, but they are also composed of more rigid alloys that maintain their shape for a significantly longer period of time. The investment in high-quality blades will ultimately result in cost and time savings. When you have a good quality jigsaw with a good quality guide bearing and a good quality blade, you will be well on your way to making the ideal cut with your jigsaw every time.

 

Why won’t my Makita jigsaw not cut straight?

Your Makita jigsaw won’t cut straight because your line is too thin and light or you are using a broken guide bearing. A wrong blade type is another reason your Makita jigsaw won’t cut straight. Use these steps below to fix your Makita jigsaw that won’t cut straight.

1. Ensure your Makita jigsaw features guide bearings.
2. Choose a high-quality blade with a wide cutting edge, sturdy and suited to the material being cut.
3. Put a mark on the wood.
4. Always make sure you follow the markings and never try to force the jigsaw to cut.
5. Remember the importance of protective equipment such as earplugs and safety eyewear.

When using a jigsaw, a helpful piece of advice is to spin the saw frequently so that you may maximize its effectiveness. You risk missing the designated line if you maintain your hands in the same position the entire time; if you go outside your line, it is quite difficult to produce a straight cut.