A jigsaw is a versatile power tool that can make curved cuts and intricate shapes. One of its lesser-known but highly useful features is the ability to make beveled cuts along curved edges. This technique is particularly valuable when matching a piece of wood to an irregular surface, such as a stone wall or a wavy plaster surface. In the video above, This Old House contributor Mark Clement shows how to use a jigsaw’s beveling shoe to create precise, curved cuts that seamlessly blend with uneven surfaces.
What Is a Bevel Cut?
A bevel cut is an angled cut made along the edge of a material, typically at an angle other than 90 degrees. This type of cut creates a sloping edge, which can be useful for both functional and decorative purposes. In the context of scribing—the process of fitting a material to an irregular surface—beveled cuts help create a tighter, more seamless fit.
Preparing Your Jigsaw for Beveled Cuts
Before you begin cutting beveled curves, set up your jigsaw. This ensures accuracy and safety during the cutting process.
Adjusting the Beveling Shoe
Most jigsaws feature a beveling shoe that you can adjust to create angled cuts. To set up your jigsaw for beveled cuts, follow these steps:
- Locate the bevel adjustment mechanism on your jigsaw.
- Loosen the locking mechanism, which is usually a lever or screw.
- Tilt the shoe to the desired angle (typically 15 degrees for scribe cuts).
- Securely tighten the locking mechanism.
Selecting the Right Blade
Choosing the appropriate blade can help you create clean, accurate beveled cuts. Use a fine-toothed blade for smoother cuts. Check that the blade is sharp and in good condition before using the jigsaw.
Select a blade suitable for the material you’re cutting, whether it’s wood, laminate, or another material. If you’re cutting materials, such as metal or aluminum, use a harder blade with a higher TPI (the number of teeth the blade has per inch). For softer materials, such as softwood or wood fiber boards, consider choosing a more flexible blade option.
Making Beveled Curve Cuts With Your Jigsaw
With your jigsaw properly set up, you’re ready to start cutting beveled curves.
Marking Your Cut Line
Before cutting, mark your cut line. Use a pencil or marking tool to trace the contour of the irregular surface onto your material. Make sure your marking is clear and visible, and double-check your measurements and markings for accuracy.
Executing the Cut
When making the beveled curve cut, follow these steps:
- Position the jigsaw with the beveled shoe flat against your material.
- Align the blade with your cut line.
- Start the saw and slowly guide it along the marked line.
- Maintain a steady pace and consistent pressure.
- Allow the saw to do the work—don’t force it through the material.
Clement emphasizes the importance of setting the jigsaw’s shoe to a 15-degree angle, which creates a sharp leading edge that minimizes the amount of sanding required later.
Finishing and Fitting the Beveled Curve Cut
After making your beveled curve cut, you may need to refine the edge for a perfect fit.
Sanding the Edge
To smooth out any imperfections and achieve a precise fit, use progressively finer grits of sandpaper. Focus on the beveled edge, working carefully to maintain the angle, and test the fit frequently to avoid over-sanding.
Fine-Tuning the Fit
For a seamless fit, use a block plane or rasp for minor adjustments. Test the fit against the irregular surface, making small, incremental changes rather than removing too much material at once. This careful approach helps the material fit perfectly against the irregular surface.
Applications for Beveled Curve Cuts
You can make beveled curve cuts for various woodworking and home improvement projects, such as the following:
- Adjusting deck boards against curved house foundations
- Creating custom shelving for stone fireplaces
- Fitting baseboards to uneven floors
- Installing cabinet fillers in kitchen remodels
- Moving countertops against irregular walls
Practical Examples and Additional Uses of a Beveled Curve Cut
Beveled curve cuts are useful in various scenarios, especially situations that require precise fitting. For example, when installing baseboards, beveled cuts can accommodate uneven floors and create a smooth transition between the board and the flooring. This makes the baseboards sit flush against the floor, reducing gaps and enhancing the room’s overall look.
When fitting deck boards against a curved house foundation, beveled cuts provide a tight fit and prevent unsightly gaps that can accumulate debris and moisture. This also makes deck maintenance easier, since fewer gaps reduce the risk of pest intrusion and wood decay.
Creating custom shelving for stone fireplaces is another great way to use beveled curve cuts. Stone surfaces are rarely perfectly flat, and using beveled cuts allows the shelves to fit snugly against the stone, providing both stability and a polished appearance. You can also use beveled cuts in other custom carpentry projects where materials need to fit against irregular surfaces, such as built-in cabinetry and custom furniture pieces.
Additionally, kitchen remodels often require meticulous attention to detail, especially when fitting cabinet fillers. Using beveled curve cuts allows for precise adjustments to the fillers, helping them blend seamlessly with the existing cabinetry and walls and creating a cohesive look throughout the kitchen.
Safety Considerations When Using a Jigsaw
When using a jigsaw for beveled curve cuts, make safety a top priority. Follow these jigsaw safety practices to prevent accidents:
- Allow the blade to come to a complete stop before setting the tool down.
- Keep your fingers away from the blade at all times.
- Secure your workpiece to prevent movement during cutting.
- Unplug the jigsaw when changing blades or making adjustments.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and hearing protection.
Tips for Beveled Curve Cuts
To achieve the best results when making beveled curve cuts, follow these tips:
- Create firm base plate contact: Keep the jigsaw’s base plate firmly against the material throughout the cut. This stability helps maintain the angle and gives you a precise cut.
- Invest in high-quality blades: High-quality blades make a significant difference in the cleanliness and precision of your cuts. Investing in good blades leads to better results and reduces the need for excessive sanding and adjustments.
- Make multiple passes for complex curves: For complex curves, take your time and make multiple passes, gradually increasing the depth of the cut. This reduces the risk of mistakes and creates a cleaner finish.
- Practice on scrap material: Before cutting your final piece, practice on scrap material to get a feel for the jigsaw and the beveling process. This can help you fine-tune your technique during a project.
- Regularly clean the beveling mechanism: Dust and debris can accumulate on the beveling mechanism, making it harder to adjust the angle accurately. Clean the bevel mechanism with a damp cloth for smoother adjustments.
