Once the cut is underway, pause the saw and add a few drops of tapping and cutting fluid to the cut to reduce heat at the blade then continue. Apply cutting fluidas required. You definitely need specific, potentially expensive blades for metal, all-purpose blades won’t work. You can use a jigsaw to cut sheet metal and metal pipes made of cast iron, steel, copper, aluminum, brass, etc. Like most saws, jigsaws can also cut through other common building materials, including metal, with the right blade. Use a bi-metal blade with 21-24 TPI on mild steel and softer metals such as aluminum, and use a carbide grit blade on tough alloy steels for best results.

For cutting metal with a jigsaw, a blade with 21-24 TPI (teeth per inch) is strongly recommended. This will help avoid shredding the material and keep your cut edges smoother. Securely clamp the workpiece to the work bench. If there will not be sufficient depth clearance for the blade, the metal can be placed on rails and then clamped to ensure blade clearance. Some metalworkers ‘sandwich’ the metal sheet between two thin sheets of wood to add support while cutting- this technique will take longer but will help minimise distortion on soft or thin metal. This combination of a flexible body and hard cutting teeth makes them last almost ten times longer than blades made from high-carbon steel and 2 to 5 times higher blade life compared to regular HSS blades. Tungsten Carbide BladeWhen switching your blade to a metal-specific one, make sure that your tool is set for the blade to cut straight and not angled from a previous project. Additionally, make sure your speed is set to slow. You will get the best results from your jigsaw and blades by cutting metal slowly and steadily. Limitations of Jigsaw

As with most cutting tools, the type of blade you use is possibly the most important factor in how efficient your cuts will be. Whether cutting curves or lines with a jigsaw, ensuring you have the right blade for the application is essential for making clean, safe, and effective cuts. Specific materials require different types of jigsaw blades, including those with varying tooth pitches, sizes, and orientations. For example, blades with fine teeth are ideal for cutting metal, while those with larger teeth are more suitable for wood. Having the right blade for the material you’re working on will always ensure for maximum cutting performance. ALWAYS make sure your power source is removed when switching blades. Either unplug your corded saw or remove the battery from your cordless saw. Never replace a blade while power is connected, no matter how confident you are. If starting the cut at the edge, press the saw shoe firmly on the surface of the workpiece without the blade touching the metal. Slowly depress the trigger and once the blade is moving, glide it into the workpiece. It is important not to force the speed of the cut and just let the blade do the work. If starting the cut away from the edge of the workpiece, simply drill a hole large enough to insert the blade in and continue as above.Wear appropriate PPE, this should include eye and ear protection and good quality gloves. The cut off metal will fall, it is prudent to wear sturdy, reinforced toe work shoes or boots. Jigsaws are awesome, versatile tools. They can make tight, precise cuts, and long straight runs with no distinction from a circular saw’s cut.