Jigsaw problem

[Idrisdraig]

I rarely use a jigsaw, but I've just been using one to cut some 1/4" OSB.
I'Ve been using anothe piece of board as a guide to run the base plate of the jigsaw along, but the blade keeps pulling / bending towards the guide. As much as 1/4" over a 8" cut.

I've checked I'm using an appropriate blade.
I've tried different blade speeds.
I've tried pushing more or less hard.
All with the same result.

Any thoughts / solutions?

 

[catlad]

Is this a cheap jigsaw because the cheap ones are very inaccurate.

 

[big-all]

most jigsaws arn't accurate enough for a guided cut you need a circular saw or do it freehand
in general the problem is the blade will be cutting perhaps 1-2 degrees off strait so the blade goes one way and the machine goes a different route
the easiest way it to line up the blade and follow the blade ignoring what the machine body is doing
it wont be dead strait but it will be more predictable
what blade are you using and how old is it ??

 

[gregers]

buy a cheap skill saw,much better finish then faffing about with a jiggy.

 

[r896neo]

also don't push to hard as it will just exacerbate the problem

 

[Idrisdraig]

It is a cheap jigsaw.
I can't really justify a circular saw considering how often it'll get used.

I can't remember what blade it is, but I checked the number and it was listed as for medium to course wood cuts. I don't think it's been used more than a handful of times so ought to be reasonably sharp.

I did end up cutting without a guide and was surprised how much more accurate I could cut. Lesson learned.