Wood burns when cutting with RYOBI Jigsaw

Why Does Wood Burn When Cutting with a Jigsaw? 

Wood burning during cutting is usually caused by excessive friction and heat build-up. This can happen for several reasons: 

Common Causes 

• Blunt or worn blade: A dull blade struggles to cut efficiently, generating heat. 
• Incorrect blade type: Using a fine-tooth blade designed for metal on wood can cause overheating. 
• Slow feed rate: Moving the jigsaw too slowly allows heat to concentrate in one spot. 
• High speed setting: Running at maximum speed on hardwood without proper cooling can scorch the material. 
• Dust build-up: Accumulated sawdust around the cut can trap heat. 

How to Prevent Burning 

• Use the correct blade: For wood, choose a blade with a more aggressive tooth profile (coarse teeth) for faster cutting. 
• Check blade condition: Replace worn or damaged blades promptly. 
• Adjust speed settings: Use a moderate speed for hardwood and avoid prolonged cutting in one area. 
• Keep the shoe in contact with the material: This stabilises the saw and reduces vibration, improving cutting efficiency. 
• Clear dust regularly: Use the blower function or pause to remove sawdust from the cut line. 

Extra Tip 

Ryobi jigsaws are designed for cutting wood, metal, plastic, and drywall, but blade selection is key. Fine-tooth blades are for metal; coarse-tooth blades are for wood. Always check the blade packaging for material compatibility.