Why does the jigsaw move to the side? DIY jigsaw repair

If the jigsaw moves to the side, this is often due to excessive pressure and high speed. But there may be another reason, for example, a low-quality tool or the file itself. The most effective jigsaw repair involves installing a guide. This and other ways to solve the problem are described in the article.

Why does the jigsaw move to the side?

Before you start repairing a jigsaw, it is important to understand why exactly the deviation occurs. This phenomenon is observed even in quite high-quality models, if the user applies too much pressure on the tool while sawing. This usually happens at those moments when the operator strives to complete the job as quickly as possible.

But along with this obvious reason, other factors may also appear:

1. Poor quality tool - if a model costs less than 3,000 rubles, it is probably not made well enough. Therefore, after just a few cuts, the jigsaw may move to the side.
2. Even many branded devices do not have a saw guide. But this reason can be completely eliminated if you gain enough work experience.
3. Part too thick. If the workpiece is thin, sawing is almost perfect, but if the “depth” is large, the work is much more difficult. In this case, even a slight deviation from the perpendicular leads to the formation of an independent guide groove in the thickness.It is along this line that the cutting element will go, which is why the cut will be uneven.
4. Another reason why a jigsaw moves to the side is the properties of the wood or other material itself. The part may be heterogeneous, in places too hard and curled, that is, with tortuous fibers arranged randomly. In this case, even the most powerful jigsaws can malfunction and go sideways.
5. Even if the model is good enough, but the saw blade is of poor quality, the tool will periodically move to the side. Therefore, when choosing a file, you need to pay attention to the composition, geometry of the teeth, their sharpness and other indicators. You can navigate by labeling, brand and customer reviews.

How to solve a problem

One solution is to cut more gently, with less pressure and without trying to move too fast. This gradually comes with experience and will help in the future.

On the other hand, if the wood has defects, the part is too thick, and even a professional’s saw may begin to move to the side. Therefore, the main method is to purchase a jigsaw with a guide, for example, the Festool PS 300 EQ-Plus.

You may also need to completely replace the saw blade - repair the jigsaw yourself and install a mechanism to hold the blade. For example, you can purchase a universal Line Master guide, which is suitable even for non-branded models. If the tool has a guide, you should purchase a new one and install it instead of the old one according to the instructions.

You can also assemble it from improvised means, for example:

• metal ruler;
• straight rail;
• piece of plywood.

In this case, repairing a Makita jigsaw or other models can also be done with your own hands:

1. Draw a straight line.
2. A distance recedes from it that corresponds to the interval between the edge of the sole and the file.
3. Using clamps, attach the guide to the material.
4. Start sawing, holding the jigsaw firmly so that vibration does not affect the direction of movement of the saw.

Thus, even a high-quality jigsaw can slip to the side from time to time. Moreover, the main, most effective way to solve the problem is to use a guide. It is also recommended to use a higher-quality canvas, and not to make unnecessary efforts during work.