OK, this is another edition of me begging and pleading with you fellow DIYers to get into the jig saw game. I know, I know, it has a motor and it makes a relatively loud noise, so you’re convinced that it’s too terrifying or assume it’s too expensive to go near. Well, I’m here to swear to you that you are wrong. First of all, you can get a jig saw for under $25. TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS! That coffee phrase sweatshirt you just bought from Etsy cost almost double that, didn’t it? Of course they range up to higher prices (like this one) for added speed, etc., but I’ve been using that inexpensive one for the last two years, and it’s gotten all the jobs done. Second, I’ll agree with you for a moment and concur that it IS a little scary the first time you use one, but it literally took two cuts to realize that it’s pretty much just noisy and that’s really the scariest part about it. Trust me on that one.
Why on earth am I so adamant about you guys overcoming a jig saw fear you ask? Well, it’s simply because I have been thrilled with how much wider my DIY options have become since I learned to use one, and I want the same for you! They are small and inexpensive compared to a larger power saw (and way less scary), can do curves and shapes instead of just straight lines, and there are so many things you can do with it. To prove my point, I’ll show you 15 projects that you can make with the help of a handy dandy jig saw, and I think the projects will do the convincing for me.
First is this adorable mid-century plant stand that Mandi made. She’s been using a jig saw for longer than I have and was definitely part of the reason I wanted to learn to use one—I was totally jealous of all the things she was making with it!
This leather magazine rack is actually the first project that I learned to use the jig saw on. Our profesh builder, Josh, was on our team at the time, and he convinced me to give it a try. So we made this project together, and I’m so glad he talked me into it!
Now, Elsie’s dining room table DIY wasn’t made with a jig saw, but it could have been pretty easily. The whole thing is just a series of small straight cuts—perfect for a jig saw!
Not every project has to be on a large scale. I made these hanging planter boxes out of small wooden jewelry boxes, but I needed an easy way to cut the boxes in half. Jig saw to the rescue!
This wooden cutting board DIY is another great small project for a jig saw. And since a jig saw can do curves, you can do whatever shape you want!
This DIY metal edge marquee would have been completely impossible without a jig saw. But with one, I could make whatever phrase or font I wanted!
How cute is this mini horse bookshelf?? Whether you are making it for a kiddo’s room (or just one for yourself!), you’ll need a jigsaw to get the job done. And, I just realized that all you have to do is cut out a horn for the forehead and you’ve got yourself a unicorn shelf instead!
This jewelry storage mirror is another project that only needs a few small straight cuts to complete. I still absolutely LOVE this in my bedroom. So helpful for organizing everything!
This adorable house-shaped shelf can also be done with a jig saw and would look cute in any kitchen. You could also make it to store nail polish or makeup in a bathroom instead. Love it!
Using a jig saw to add trim to closet doors takes the custom look factor to a completely different planet. These doors are totally one of my favorite things in our house!
Using the jig saw’s ability to cut curves came in handy when I made this plant chandelier for our backyard a few summers ago. The plants grew to hang beautifully by the end of summer, and it was one of my favorite outdoor features for sure.
Give your speakers a clean look with these speaker covers (you can make them whatever size you need). It’s the perfect solution to blend unsightly electronics into your space.
OK, this is probably my favorite use for a jig saw at the moment—a Palm Springs kitty scratch house! For me, this alone is worth the jig saw investment.
Making your own custom shape is what a jig saw is all about, so this starburst ceiling medallion DIY is easily done with the right tool (spoiler alert: the right tool is a jig saw). Love it!
And just to remind you that a jig saw isn’t just useful for wood-related projects, I’ve included this hanging flower heart decoration. Jig saws are also useful for cutting other types of material like dense foam or styrofoam (it can even cut sheet metal!). It took me only seconds to cut out this giant heart with the saw. I would have been hacking away at it forever with a hand saw or bread knife.
It is true that you can ask some home improvement places to make cuts for you (which will work in a pinch), but to be honest, since I have a jig saw, I usually do it myself so I can be in control of the cuts and make sure they are right (it really sucks to get home and find out they aren’t…). A few other tips—sawhorses are really helpful to set your wood on when using a jig saw. (You can get foldable sawhorses that take up way less space.) I use them for lots of outdoor projects, so they are just generally handy to have. Clamps also keep the wood secured to the sawhorse while you cut so it doesn’t wiggle around (again, you’ll find lots of other uses for those too). Make sure to use eye protection and the right blade for whatever you are cutting (buy a variety pack). If you want a more general beginner’s guide to using a jig saw, watch this video to get started! Like I said, the DIY options really open up once you can use a saw that does straight and curved cuts easily—don’t be afraid! So, what do you think? Did I convince you to give it a try? xo. Laura
45 Comments
these projects are great!
lunjasky.wordpress.com
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Oh thank you for reminding about that cutting board DIY! I’ve been on the hunt for a way to make a HUGE platter for charcuterie and cheese that runs the length of our dining table and makes a big statement. Off to the lumber yard!
I don’t actually think I’m allowed to have a jigsaw in my dorm, but that hanging planter is tempting me to be a rebel <33
xx
Ella
http://www.thirteenoctobers.com
That marquee sign alone has me convinced that in investment in a jig saw is probably a good idea, however I am still looking for a place to work with that thing!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
My husband won’t letme get power tools because accordibg to him I’ll “cut my hand off” or “get myself killed”.
I still might get one.
I just use it outside in my driveway. Not too fancy but it works!
Laura 🙂
Try it! Like I said, it’s not as scary as it seems 🙂
Laura
I would like to design my own wooden earrings. Can a jigsaw handle small projects like that?
Probably not, that would likely be too small for a jigsaw to be useful. I would check out a jewelry making store to see if they have some kind of wood carving tool that could better handle that size project.
I love love love all thee setups involving plants. My boyfriend would definitely love the excuse to get a jigsaw haha. Thanks for sharing these awesome projects!
elainea
toast the girl almighty
Thanks for posting this! It makes me want to try! Love the guy’s accent too!
i have a bad story bcuz of jig saw, never going to use it anymore. let other people do hehe
http://ibranesa.blogspot.co.id/
All of these look so cool! http://www.hannamarielei.com
so many great projects! wouldn’t know where to start =o)
http://dreamofadventures.blogspot.com/
Your enthusiasm is contagious!!! You’re an adorable genius Laura. That scratch pad is like next level awesome
The most important accessory for you to purchase when you buy a jig saw are quality clamps. It’s good idea to have a pair. Clamping the piece of wood you are cutting to a stable surface makes it not only easier to work with, but infinitely more safe. Safety first! 🙂 And then get cutting!
Thanks for sharing! Hubby is just starting to get into woodworking and this will give him/me fun projects!
I love all of the pieces you showed up here. I wish I had the time to make some of my own.
http://ayellowrain.blogspot.com/
i am getting my sibling and I a jig saw for our birthday! Liking all of these projects!!
Good job guys;)
The little house-shaped mug holder is just so cute!
Right there with you! After getting wood home that a (very nice) Home Depot employee didn’t cut *just right* I am totally on board to just start doing it myself!
That looks cool but I don’t know if I’m gonna get a jigsaw yet….
http://launch.yesiyoga.com/ref/S1365136
http://www.jenesseandfreestuff.blogspot.com
Yes! The clamps are so helpful 🙂
Laura
YAY!
Laura 🙂
Great post! I babe been thiiiiiiiis close to getting a jig saw since I moved into my apartment in November. I think tomorrow might be the day!
Okay- you’ve convinced me. Those curved cuts look amazing. It seems totally intimidating, but the results speak for themselves! I’ve been wanting to make a curved bookshelf… I think I may have to get one of these!
Jigsaw sold!!!
These are some of my favorite projects! A jigsaw is number one on my wishlist right now, it would really up my craft game
I already have a jigsaw and it is my saving grace!! But I love the variety of adorable projects you show here to use it for!!!
Once me and my boyfriend buy our own place I am totally amped to get one!
I love all these projects! I think you’re right I do need one!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Great projects. After investing in a jigsaw and doing a few projects myself I would also add invest in a work bench too, as the holes I put ontop of my esky will confirm, it definitely is a worthy investment
I bought a jigsaw to make my headboard. I had no idea what I was doing, but it was easy once I got used to the hand vibrations! The headboard is still one of my favorite DIYs, and it’s moved with me to three different houses.
Heads up for any other Canadians out there, it isn’t quite so affordable for us: the cheapest I found at Home Depot was about $75. Amazon Canada has one for about $35, but then with $30 shipping it’s about the same. Sigh! (Still probably worth it, but a bit more of an investment.)
Any Canadians find a better deal?
Great projects! Jigsaws are great for fine work, but for straight cut-offs I wouldn’t throw away my miter saw yet 😉
My husband bought me a jigsaw for Christmas and I love it. I got it to save time on my art creations but every time I pick it up I just want to spend all my time cutting things into shapes.
Wow, these are awesome. My wife will love these, but I still prefer the raw power of my miter saw.
Keep up the great work!
Wow, these DIY products are amazing! thank you for sharing.
I love the leather magazine rack! I can’t believe you made that on your first jigsaw use since it looks so professionally-made! Very inspiring and creatively unique woodworking projects you’ve shared, Laura! Kudos and thanks for sharing this post!
I would love to try these out!
Hello…a jigsaw is an awesome piece of tool but I would recommend you learn more about a reciprocating saw. Love this tool!!!
Nice presentation, Jigsaw is really a nice tool to get lots of advantage in some projects but in some case I prefer reciprocating and miter saw.
5 days ago, I decided to buy a jigsaw. I was 80% sure. But now, after seeing these awesome projects I am 110% sure. Thanks 🙂
I am on the fence about buying a new jig saw or getting new blades. Mine vibrates SO much and despite how many times I’ve used it, it’s still a little scary… and not that easy to control. Any idea why? I always clamp my wood down too.
Amazing! My wife and children love the creations! These are pretty cool ideas, but I think few of them are harder to do than the others, like the kitty scratch house one, but the rest of them are cool and easy to do.