What is an electric jigsaw used for?

	Jigsaws are primarily used for making curved, complex cuts in wood, but can also cut a range of other materials such as plastic, sheet metal, and ceramic tiles. While jigsaws are great for curved cuts, they can also be used for plunge, straight, and bevel cuts.
Curved cuts
	Jigsaws are much thinner than other electric saws and their thin blades can be inserted into hard to reach places and follow a curved line with ease. Aside from the shape of the blade, jigsaws are not very heavy, so they are easy to maneuver and guide through stencil designs.
	Circles of almost any size can be accurately cut with a jigsaw either by hand or with a circle cutting guide. For more information on jigsaw guides, see  What are the types of jigsaw guides?
Straight cuts
	With a slightly wider blade fitted, the jigsaw can also be guided along the ruler to make straight cuts. Straight cuts can be made along or across the grain of a piece of wood or other material such as laminate.
Plunging cuts
	Jigsaws are quite unique in that they can plunge cut. The plunge cut starts from the middle, and not from the edge of the workpiece.
	This is a useful technique for making holes in wood or drywall for electrical outlets or mailboxes. However, perhaps one of the most common uses for this type of cutout is the sink cutout in a new kitchen countertop.
Cutting at an angle
	Most jigsaws have a pivot shoe that allows them to make bevel cuts in moldings and boards. The shoe can be angled up to 45 degrees to allow the jigsaw to cut along the bevel.