Choosing Jigsaw Blades for DIY Door Hangers
My jigsaw is one of the tools that I use all the time for making door hangers! Learning how to DIY my own wood cuts has made it so much easier to get creative with my painting (and save some money, too!). And one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that when it comes to cutting your own door hangers with a jigsaw, choosing the right blade can make all the difference!
(And don’t you love my “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” t-shirt? You can grab one right here!)
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Cutting out your own door hangers does not have to be a painstaking task! If you have been purchasing blanks up until now, simply because you are scared to use a jigsaw, let me help you! I have been cutting my own door hangers with a jigsaw for more than four years! My dad taught me how to use the jigsaw and I’ve learned a lot since then that has made the process much easier.
First of all let me say if you are using a jigsaw that used to belong to your grandfather from 40 years ago, it’s time to purchase a newer model! I can’t tell you how many people have told me that switching to a newer a jigsaw has made such a huge difference! Some of those older jigsaws are heavy, hard to manage and will make your arm ache! But the Skil jigsaw that I use is lightweight, easy to use and won’t break the bank!
The next thing I get asked most is what jigsaw blade is best to use. If you’ve ever been to the hardware store, you will notice that there are multiple different blades, it can be quite overwhelming!
Find the Blade You Need!
What you should know is, there are two different kinds of blades, U Shank and T Shank. If you purchase the Skil Jigsaw I recommended, you will always buy U Shank blades. There are also different blades for different kinds of projects. There are some made for cutting metal, wood and other types of materials. So find the section that says “Wood”. Now for something as delicate as a door hanger with lots of intricate curves and small areas to cut, you are going to need a blade that is made for scroll cuts. These blades are quite narrow and can be almost 3” long. They come with different TPI options. TPI means “tips per inch”. I recommend a Scroll blade with 20 TPI for the smoothest cuts and getting in tight corners.
What a Difference Choosing the Right Jigsaw Blade Can Make!
If you already follow my Facebook page, you might remember the Facebook Live Video that I did to show what a difference that choosing the right jigsaw blade can make!
Of course I always recommend that you wear personal protective gear, and as you can see in this video I don’t always remember to follow my own advice! But in this video I demonstrate what it’s like to cut with the wrong kind of blade and then how much better it is with the right blade!
Set It Up and Go For It!
If you’ve never cut a DIY door hanger before, expect to go slow and make mistakes. It’s all part of the learning process! If you feel like you’re in a tight spot and can’t make the turn with the jigsaw, back up just a bit and then proceed forward.
If you’re a beginner, you can always practice first with some wood scraps. Try drawing different practice patterns and designs, and getting the feel of how the saw handles around the shape.
Getting the set-up right helps, too. I prefer to place my wood on top of two sawhorses. But you can also use a table top and let the wood hang over the edge.
Now You're Ready to
Cut Your Own Wooden Door Hangers!
Once you’ve got your tools and your work area set up, you’re ready to DIY your own painted door hangers!
In my online shop, I have a huge selection of designs that are available in printable templates (with digital cut files). You can print them at home, trace them onto your wood, cut them with your jigsaw, and get ready to paint! Take a look at this Facebook live video that I did to show you what the template looks like when you print it.
Next, make sure you’ve signed up for access to my free template library – it’s a great place to start!
Take a look at this pineapple door hanger from the free library that one of our Painters’ Clubhouse members did for the first time! Like she said – you’d got to just go for it and do it!
You've Got This!
Are you ready to go for it? I can’t wait to see what you make!
If you’re just getting started, check out some of my other favorite supplies, like paints and tools, in my online shop or Amazon storefront.
Make sure you pin this on Pinterest, too, so that you can remember it for later:
If you’re ready to find even more DIY painting tips and door hanger tutorials, check out my Painters’ Clubhouse! It’s a monthly membership club where we “meet up” online to paint, craft, learn, and chat together! I’d love to have you join us – get on the waitlist now so you’ll find out as soon as it opens for new members!
5 Responses
I really want to do this!!
I want to try.. Do you have a horse head pattern
Hi Barbara! We do in fact have a horse head. Here is a link to it: https://shopdoorhangers.com/products/blank-floral-horse-ornament-attachment-or-door-hanger?_pos=3&_sid=596d0dc4e&_ss=r
Thank you! Sara
Would love to meet you I live in Winchester KY
Have you checked out our LIVE event happening in Dallas this summer?