If you have a jigsaw at home, you can easily turn it into a jigsaw table. A jigsaw table is primarily used when you need to make neat and precise cuts. The build and use are very similar to a scroll saw or a band saw, but it is important to note that an “inverted” jigsaw behaves differently. And that is also how the tool needs to be approached.
Using the jigsaw upside down offers options that are not available through classic use. You will be able to cut smaller pieces, make straight cuts, make more delicate and finer cuts, or cut shapes that otherwise would have been too difficult.
To get the best result you need to use the right type of blade for the job. Not every blade is suitable for every cut. This is very important not only from the point of view of work quality but also from the point of view of work safety.
Having the jigsaw inverted leaves the blade exposed and extra caution is needed during work. When making a jigsaw table I advise adding additional safety features. The main ones include: the build must be solid, the attachment of the jigsaw to the table firm, and the blade should run in blade guides. For more, check the other features below.
The jigsaw table I am building can be easily mounted on a benchtop using clamps which gives the build better stability and reduces vibrations. The bigger size of the table allows for the accommodating of larger pieces of wood. The arm with the blade guides can be mounted both from the back and from the side, which also makes it possible to cut long pieces of wood. And besides everything, the jigsaw table is easily portable.
I was a bit skeptical at the beginning, but working with a jigsaw upside down revealed many benefits I wasn’t aware of. Mounting and attaching a jigsaw to a table can easily turn your jigsaw into a precision jigsaw table.
All the material needed for the build is readily available in any local store. The table is made of plywood and spruce wood prisms. The adjustable arm from plywood and aluminum L angles. See the complete list of materials below.
RELATED: Check these jigsaw guides and circular saw guides that could come in handy while building this jigsaw table. Also, you can find all the woodworking jigs I used for this build at the end of the blog post.
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Table of Contents
- The Material you will need
- General Questions
- Is jigsaw the same as scroll saw?
- How to change a blade on a jigsaw table?
- How much blade above table when using a jigsaw?
- Safety precautions while working on a jigsaw table
- How to make a jigsaw table step by step
- Step 1: Build the table desk
- Step 2: Attach the table legs
- Step 3: Make the arm attachment
- Jigsaw Table Arm – Rear Attachment
- Jigsaw Table Arm – Side Attachment
- Step 4: Make a simple jigsaw table fence
- How to set and use a jigsaw table
- Jigsaw Table Video
- Woodworking Jigs Used
*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools. Safety comes first!
You might want to check these circular saw safety tips before jumping on the jigsaw table.
What you'll need to build a table for a jigsaw
Jigsaw Table Saw:
Plywood – 40 x 50 x 2,1cm (15,7 x 19,7 0,8”)
Spruce Wood (4x) – 24 x 4 x 4cm (9,44 x 1,57 x 1,57”)
Plywood (2x) – 40 x 13 x 1,2cm (15,7 x 5,1 x 0,47”)
Plywood – 46 x 12 x 1,2cm (18,1 x 4,72 x 1,47”)
Plywood – 12 x 13 x 0,9 cm (4,72 x 5,11 x 0,35”)
Jigsaw Table -Arm attachment, Adjustable Arms, Bearing Guides:
Plywood (2x) – 10 x 11 x 1,2cm (3,93 x 4,33 x 0,47”)
Plywood (1x) – 10 x 11 x 0,9cm (3,93 x 4,33 x 0,35”)
Aluminum L angle (2x) – 10 x 1,5 x 1,5cm (3,93 x 0,59 x 0,59”)
Plywood (2x) – 38 x 5 x 1,2 (14,96 x 1,96 x 1,47”)
Plywood (2x) – 19 x 5 x 1,2cm (7,48 x 1,96 x 0,47”)
Plywood – 11 x 5 x 1,2 (4,33 x 1,96 x 0,47”)
Plywood (2x) – 8 x 5 x 1,2 (3,14 x 1,96 x 0,47”)
Plywood – 6 x 6 x 1,2cm + 6 x 3 x 1,2cm (2,36 x 2,36 (1,18)x 0,47”)
Jigsaw Table – Cutting Fence:
Aluminum L angle – 54cm (1,5cm x 1,5cm x 2mm)
Plywood – 1,2cm thickness
Other:
Drill bit – 6mm
Forstner bit – 15mm
Wood Screws (longer, shorter)
Wood Glue, M4 Bolts
M6 Bolts, M6 T-nuts, M6 Washers
Bearings for M6 bolts
Star Knobs
Tools (Not all the tools are necessary):
Jigsaw
Trimming Router
Hand Drill
Circular Saw
Chisel
Is jigsaw the same as scroll saw?
There are many similarities between a jigsaw and a scroll saw, and these two types of saws are often confused. They work on a similar principle, nevertheless, they are two different tools whose uses are also different.
A jigsaw is a handheld portable power tool that is often used for all sorts of different curved and intricate cuts. And although a jigsaw can be also used for straight cuts, its advantage is mainly found in cutting irregular shapes. A Jigsaw is equipped with quite a narrow blade, that can cut through a wide range of materials. When operating a jigsaw the reciprocating blade is pushed into the workpiece.
A scroll saw is a fixed stationary power tool. The blade is usually smaller and narrower than in the case of a jigsaw and is gripped by the machine from both ends. Such a thin blade allows for more delicate and intricate designs without breaking or binding. The kerf is very narrow and cutting interlocking pieces like a puzzle is very easy. When using a scroll saw the workpiece is pushed into the blade.
A jigsaw table is very close to a scroll saw, nevertheless, a jigsaw is more powerful and uses different types of blades.
How to change a blade on a jigsaw table?
Changing a blade on a jigsaw table happens quite frequently and having good access to the release lever is one of the essential prerequisites to quickly, easily, and securely change the blade.
The process of changing a blade on a jigsaw varies between jigsaws. You will either be able to change the blade manually (without the need for the use of the tool, or for some jigsaws tools will be necessary -make sure to check the manual of your jigsaw model.
When converting a jigsaw into a jigsaw table it is much easier and more convenient to use a jigsaw with a tool-less system.
Changing a blade on a jigsaw table:
- Make sure the jigsaw table is turned off and unplugged
- Make sure you have easy access to the blade release lever
- Disengage the blade release lever and remove the blade
- Insert the new blade and make sure it is well positioned in the blade (roller) guide
- Secure the blade in position
RELATED: How to Change a Jigsaw Blade
How much blade above table when using a jigsaw?
The blade height above the table must be sufficient to fully cover the thickness of the cut material. More precisely, at the lowest point of the cut (the moment the jigsaw blade is inside the jigsaw), the jigsaw blade must be higher than the thickness of the material being cut.
This is important for 2 main reasons:
- The precision of cut – If the height of the material is higher than the blade it will not be possible to cut through the material cleanly.
- Safety – a short blade will be pushing the material away from the table, making it impossible to hold the material firmly, and may result in injury.
Safety precautions while working on a jigsaw table
Generally, a jigsaw is safer in comparison to other saws. Nevertheless, using a jigsaw as a standalone tool or in a table setup requires following all the necessary safety precautions such as wearing safety glasses or goggles (full-face mask), hearing protection, or wearing adequate clothes.
Apart from standard safety precautions, there are a few areas to watch out for specifically when using a jigsaw table.
- The hole for the blade in the table should be large enough to keep the blade free and not be squeezed by the table. If the blade does not move freely, there is a higher risk of blade breakage
- The jigsaw needs to be firmly attached to the table
- The entire build needs to be solid and firm. Mounting the jigsaw table on a bench top gives the jigsaw table better stability and reduces vibrations
- The jigsaw blade should be running between blade guide bearings all the time, even in the lowest position of the blade
- An easily accessible switch should be in place in case of need in order to quickly turn off the jigsaw
- Use the right jigsaw blade for the job. A jigsaw blade that cuts on the upstroke is a better option
Let's Build It
The jigsaw table desk is made of 12mm and 9mm plywood and the table legs of spruce wood prisms. All the material I used for the build is easily available at any local hardware store.
The table can be used separately or it can be clamped down to a workbench. That is actually the setup I prefer. Simple clamps will do the job. The table is much more stable, and there is almost no vibration at all.
The larger surface of the table (40 x 50cm) can accommodate longer pieces of wood, making work more convenient.
The jigsaw table also contains an adjustable arm, that holds the blade in position while cutting. The blade oscillates between two adjustable bearings, which can hold different types of blades.
There are two setups for the adjustable arm:
- Rear attachment – the extension is mounted on the back of the table and allows the arm to move to forward and backward. The height of the arm is fixed. Such a setting is suitable for cross cuts.
- Side attachment – the extension is mounted from the side of the table and allows the arm to move from side to side. The height of the arm is adjustable. This setting allows cutting longer pieces of wood.
Jigsaw Table saw parameters:
- Table dimensions: 40 x 50cm
- Table height: 27cm
- Adjustable Arm:
- rear attachment: workpieces up to a height of 3cm
- side attachment: workpieces up to a height of 7cm
- Portable, can be easily clamped to a workbench
I have used multiple tools to build the jigsaw table, but not all of them are necessary. They make the work easier and more precise. A jigsaw should be enough. Though having and using some of the woodworking jigs would be definitely useful.
How to Make a Jigsaw Table Step-by-Step
Step 1: Build the jigsaw table desk
For the table desk you will need a 1,2cm and 0,9cm thick plywood board (in total 40 x 50 x 2,1cm). Start with the 0,9cm thick board.
Place the jigsaw on the board and outline the outer shape of the jigsaw base (without the jigsaw shoe).
NOTE: Take into account the length of the jigsaw and whether you have a jigsaw with/without a cord.
Cut out the drawn area. I am using a router jig for precise cuts but using a jigsaw together with sandpapers or a chisel would work as well. The goal is to cut out a rectangle in which the jigsaw base will fit.
Glue the two boards together (0,9 + 1,2cm) and additionally fix them with screws to avoid any wobbling.
Unscrew the bolts from the base plate shoe, tape a double-sided tape on it, and insert the jigsaw in the cut area. Then mark the holes for the screws on the board and remove the plate shoe.
Drill all 4 holes for the screws (I am using a 4mm drill bit) and a larger hole (15mm) for the jigsaw blade. Insert the jigsaw in and attach it with screws. Make sure the screws are flush with the table.
NOTE: The hole for the jigsaw blade should be wide enough so the blade is free and does not touch the outer edge of the circle in any way. Also, you should be able to insert blades of different sizes.
Step 2: Attach the table legs
Cut 4 table legs, each 24cm long. You can use a jigsaw crosscut jig or a circular saw guide (if you don’t have a table saw) to end up with clean perpendicular cuts.
Attach the legs to a base (40 x 13 x 1,2cm) with glue and screws. The position of the legs is 2 cm from the edge of the base. Use corner clamps to make sure the legs are perpendicular to the base.
Mark the position of the legs on the jigsaw table. I routed a 0,5cm deep square in the table, added glue, and pushed the legs in. Additionally, I secured the legs with screws from the other side of the table (make sure the screws are flush with the table).
NOTE: You can use an adjustable router template guide to cut squares that precisely copy the shape of the leg. If you don’t have a router or don’t want to sink the leg in, you can always attach the leg directly to the table.
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Step 3: Make the arm attachment
Cut the plywood pieces to size (10 x 11cm) and glue them together. They don’t need to be necessarily square. (I am using 3 pieces, two of them 12mm thick, one 0,9mm thick – in the same way, you can add more to make them stand higher).
Add aluminum guide rails on top (10 x 1,5 x 1,5cm), leaving a 5cm distance between them. They serve as guiding rails for the adjustable arm. Position the rails in the center of the stand and attach them so that they point to the place where the jigsaw blade is.
I am using double-sided tape to first attach the rails on the stand and then fix them with screws.
Drill 4 ø6mm holes in the corners of the stand and cut a hexagon for a screw head.
Drill 2 ø6mm holes on the center line (between the aluminum guide rails) and insert a t-nut on the opposite (bottom) side. Use a Forstner bit to make them flush with the surface.
1. Jigsaw Table Arm – Rear Attachment
Place the arm attachment on the center line of the back of the table and make sure the center line of the aluminum rails points towards the jigsaw blade. Fix the attachment with clamps and drill 4 holes through the jigsaw table. Then fix the attachment to the table with screws and nuts.
To make the adjustable arm cut 2 plywood pieces (38 x 5 x 1,2cm), glue them together, and cut a slot on the center line of the piece. I used a router dado jig to cut the slot but you can use a jigsaw as well (drill a hole on each side of the slot and then cut the slot with a jigsaw).
Sand the outer sides of the arm and make sure it fits and slides nicely in the guide rails. Fix the arm to the attachment with wooden knobs. You can make those with a star knob jig. Use epoxy to fix the screws in the star knobs.
Build bearing guides for the blade
Cut a plywood piece (5 x 3 x 1,2cm) drill in 2 ø6mm holes in 2 cm apart. Insert t-nuts and make them flush with the surface.
Attach the bearings and adjust them as necessary to easily fit the jigsaw blade between them.
TIP: I am using bearings with an inner diameter of 8mm. Thus, the 6mm bolt has space for adjustments.
Cut a plywood piece (5 x 3 x 1,2cm) drill in 2 ø6mm holes in 2 cm apart. Insert t-nuts and make them flush with the surface.
Attach the bearings and adjust them as necessary to easily fit the jigsaw blade between them.
2. Jigsaw Table Arm - Side attachment
To mount the adjustable arm from the side of the jigsaw table you need to add a plywood desk on one of the sides of the table to which the arm attachment can be mounted. I am reusing the already created attachment from the previous build.
Cut 2 plywood pieces (46 x 12 x 1,2cm; 12 x 13 x 0,9) and fix the pieces together with glue and screws. Then attach the board on side of the jigsaw table. It is important that the board is firmly attached to the table in order to prevent any vibration and shaking.
Fix the attachment to the board in the same way as in the case of the rear attachment.
Make a wooden support for the adjustable arm. The support will be fixed to the side attachment and the adjustable arm will be fixed on top of the wooden support.
Glue 2 plywood pieces together (19 x 5 x 1,2cm) and cut a slot along the centerline. Attach it to a plywood piece with 2 inserted t-nuts (11 x 5 x 1,2). Use corner supports and screws to increase the strength of the connection.
Attach the support on the table and set the desired height. Mount the arm on the support and adjust it so that the bearings surround the blade.
Step 4: Make a simple jigsaw table fence
I made a table fence using an aluminum L-angle and plywood. It has a simple locking mechanism at one of the ends. Nevertheless, you could as easily clamp a straight edge guide on the table and use it as a fence.
And this is what the finished jigsaw table looks like.
If you want to build a similar alternative to a scroll saw then this jigsaw table can do the job. There are a few setups of the adjustable arm that will allow you to cut both short and long workpieces. Together with the right type of blade, you’ll be able to make different types of cuts and cut through different types of materials, such as wood, plastic, and even ceramic or metal.
How to set up and use a jigsaw table
The following steps describe how to set up and use a jigsaw table. Keep in mind to use the right jigsaw blade for the job. Different types of materials and different types of cuts require a matching blade. Using the right blade is one of the most important things when using a jigsaw, both in terms of quality and safety.
When operating a jigsaw upside down for every upstroke the jigsaw is pushing the workpiece away from the table. For that reason, it is better to use a standard jigsaw blade since the jigsaw will naturally be pulling the blade against the table. A reverse tooth blade for fine cuts can be used as well but keep in mind how the blade behaves.
Cutting with a jigsaw table
- Place the jigsaw table on the workbench and secure it with clamps
- Make sure nothing is wobbling and everything is fixed
- Insert the blade in the jigsaw and make sure it is well positioned in the jigsaw roller guide
- Secure the blade in position
- Mount the adjustable arm on the back or the side of the jigsaw table depending on the size of the stock and the cut
- Adjust the height of the arm so the jigsaw blade is well positioned between the guiding bearings and stays between the bearings even in its lowest position
- Turn on the jigsaw table
- Slowly make the cut and let the jigsaw do the work
Cut slowly and steadily to get the best result, there is no need to rush. Let the jigsaw do the work and follow its rhythm.
How to Mount a Jigsaw to a Table Video
If you want to see how to build a jigsaw table saw, watch the video below for a step-by-step guide.
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I hope the information was helpful and you can start with your jigsaw table endeavors. 😉
