Jigsaws and routers are two completely different tools that do different jobs. A router uses a spinning bit for cutting slots, grooves, or finishing edges. For example, tabletops often have their edges finished. A jigsaw uses a blade to cut through wood and can cut out different shapes.Keep reading Router vs Jigsaw to find everything you need to know!
You may be wondering what tools are needed if you’re new to woodworking. This is especially true if youre working with a limited budget since youll need to prioritize which tools you buy now and which tools to buy later.
Two very important tools for woodworking are jigsaws and routers but again, if youre new to woodworking then you may not know what these tools are, what are the main differences are between them, and if you had to choose one to purchase which should it be.
Before we begin, are you looking for some general information on tools like miters saws, chainsaws, table saws, etc.? You can find our complete resource guide on Miter Saws and Table Saws as well as Chainsaws, Table Saws and Band Saws.
What Is A Router?
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Wood routers are a powerful power tool. It can be defined by a rotating cutting bit that extends downward from the base and the flat base. A pneumatic and electric motor drive the router bit and the spindle which routs a shape into the wood. Routers are most often used with wood, although they can be used for other materials like plastic.
Youll find that woodworkers often use routers for decorative work, which also makes them a popular choice for those completing cabinetry. Although routers are capable of cutting wood into pieces, their primary job is to make lines, slots, shapes or patterns in the wood to accomplish a decorative function.
What Is A Jigsaw?
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A jigsaw is a cutting power tool that uses a reciprocating blade. It can move up and down and has a thin design that allows you to cut straight and curved lines in metal, wood, or other materials. Jigsaw is named for its ability to cut materials into unusual shapes. It’s similar to a jigsaw puzzle. Router vs Jigsaw How Do They Compare?
Cutting Tool
There is quite a difference between the router and jigsaw when it comes to the type of cutting the tool can do.
A jigsaw uses a reciprocating blade while a router uses an oscillating bit. This is the most obvious visual difference between these tools. This is what makes them complementary and different in certain ways, but very different in other.
Types Of Cuts
There are many different types of cuts between the two tools. A router can cut slots and steps into the wood pretty easily. While a router cannot cut as deep as a jigsaw, you can have greater control over how deep the cut will be. This results in you being able to create different shapes easier.
Safety
Power tools are pretty dangerous, so you always need to be careful when using them. You should wear safety glasses or goggles when using power tools. The router, however, is more dangerous than the jigsaw due to its reciprocating blade.
The router is more dangerous because of the bit. It spins at a speed of 24,000 revolutions per hour. This means it creates both a loud noise as well as sawdust. While eye and ear protection are recommended, the most important thing to remember is that you must maintain tight control. The router can easily get away if you don’t have firm control.
Set-Up
Although both tools are easy to set up, the jigsaw is probably the easiest. All you need to do is draw a line that you want the jigsaw to follow and you can begin cutting. You may only need to clamp the wood so that it doesn’t move.
For the router, its a little more complicated. You will need a separate guide to keep the tool on track. This is because the design of the router can make cutting along lines difficult depending on the circumstances.
A jigsaw is designed to cut through most types of wood. The main purpose is to separate the pieces with a precision cut as opposed to cutting into the wood to create steps or slots.
Which One Should You Choose?
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Deciding between a router and a jigsaw should be a relatively easy option because they differ quite dramatically. Each tool is capable of doing the job of the other, so your choice between the two tools should be easy.
If you need to cut slots, joinery, beautiful bevels on edges, or recesses then you should instead choose the router. However, if you need to cut curves through large, thick pieces of wood or for example, cut a hole for a sink in a thick plywood countertop, then the jigsaw is the way to go.
Wrapping Up
Router vs Jigsaw: What are the Differences? This article should have helped you to understand the differences between a router vs a jigsaw. Which do you prefer? Are you a jigsaw or router user? If not, are you considering purchasing one now? Please feel free to leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!
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