Why is my Ryobi Jigsaw bouncing?

How to Stop Blade Chatter 

Blade chatter happens when the jigsaw blade vibrates excessively during cutting, causing rough edges, inaccurate cuts and premature blade wear. It is usually the result of incorrect blade choice, settings or technique. Here’s how to minimise it:

1. Choose the Right Blade Thickness 

• Thicker blades are more rigid and resist flexing, better for straight cuts 
• Thinner blades turn easier and are more flexible, better for curves 
• Use thicker blades for straight cuts and thinner blades for tight curves, but always ensure the blade suits the material. Use metal blades for metal, timber blades for timber etc. 

2. Adjust Pendulum (Orbital) Settings 

• High orbital settings make the blade cut more aggressively, which can increase chatter on hard or delicate materials. 
• For smoother cuts:
  - Use lower orbital settings (or zero) for metal, plastics and fine woodworking.
  - Reserve higher settings for fast cuts in softwood where finish quality is less critical. 

3. Control Cutting Speed 

• Excessive speed can cause the blade to deflect and chatter. 
• Reduce speed when cutting harder materials or intricate curves. 
• Use variable speed control to match the material and blade type. 

4. Technique Tip: Relief Cuts 

• When cutting long curves, make relief cuts, these are small straight cuts into the waste side of the curve, essentially turning a long cut into a series of smaller cuts. 
• This relieves pressure on the blade, preventing binding and reducing chatter. 

Additional Tips 

• Ensure the blade is sharp and properly secured. 
• Support the workpiece firmly to prevent vibration. 
• Avoid forcing the jigsaw—let the blade do the work.