Jigsaw 101: How to Make a Plunge Cut | Tool School | This Old House

Jigsaw 101: How to Make a Plunge Cut | Tool School | This Old House

This Old House contributor Mark Clement demonstrates how to use a jigsaw to easily cut into the center of a board without drilling pilot holes for the blade. Plunge-cutting is tricky, but if you master the technique, it’s a fast and efficient option.
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Jigsaw 101: How to Make a Plunge Cut | Tool School | This Old House
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19 Comments

  1. heystarfish100 on May 28, 2022 at 8:17 pm

    You need the right style blade like the one Mark used or you wind up damaging the workpiece. Weird he never mentioned it?



  2. Leonel Ramirez on May 28, 2022 at 8:20 pm

    alot of videos on making plunge cut with circular saws. i think the way to go is pilot hole then jigsaw for my application which are vents holes for hvac cool vid



  3. Maxid1 on May 28, 2022 at 8:21 pm

    The drill isn’t dangerous enough for safety glasses, but the saw is? I bet I’d make twice as many mistakes as this trying to make these videos, but the inconsistencies are still fun to point out.



  4. t Fo on May 28, 2022 at 8:21 pm

    Sweet…I read it did this in directions but wasn’t sure how to do it. Gracias.



  5. Dwight Bennett on May 28, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    I wouldn’t have my hand/fingers anywhere near that blade when doing a plunge cut. In real life it can jump, especially if it hits something unplanned in a wall or floor. Not everything takes place on a workbench (in a film studio) where the material has no defects and work position is easy.



  6. dviii on May 28, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    not going to mention you need a plunge blade?



  7. kirk kopak on May 28, 2022 at 8:37 pm

    never shows how many times the saw bounced back at him when he started the hole.  That always happens to me.



  8. MaghoxFr on May 28, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    I always go for the drill then saw technique unless I plan to fit the piece back again. Like in a door.



  9. SuZett Estell on May 28, 2022 at 8:42 pm

    Thanks. Never having had access to shop classes (girls not allowed when I was in HS), I was mystified. I appreciate the tip.



  10. 4x4 Moses on May 28, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    Never even thought of trying that!



  11. MarzNet256 on May 28, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    Good luck trying to do this with hardwoods. Just drill a pilot hole. If you plunge cut too fast or incorrectly you will bend the blade. It can of course be done, but why take the risk.



  12. Thomas Ralfenson on May 28, 2022 at 8:47 pm

    I will try to do it with Woodglut plans.



  13. junky9 on May 28, 2022 at 8:47 pm

    great for firing of fingers and kick back



  14. waspinator on May 28, 2022 at 8:54 pm

    How do you plunge cut at a 45 degree angle?



  15. krisvitak on May 28, 2022 at 8:59 pm

    the drawing on the greenboard is amazing.



  16. Superdud1214 on May 28, 2022 at 9:00 pm

    I’d be interested to see how well this works for circular holes.



  17. Allan Docater on May 28, 2022 at 9:09 pm

    Go to Woodglut if you want to know how to make it easier. This is a good solution for every woodworker.



  18. Janko Martin on May 28, 2022 at 9:10 pm

    Splendidly to see Woodglut have new plans which helped me save some money and energy for this construction.



  19. Chewning Witmer on May 28, 2022 at 9:13 pm

    Find all the information you need on the Woodglut website.