A jigsaw is every woodworker’s friend. It not only allows you to cut smooth curves easily but it helps you cut lumber and create different plywood and plastic shapes.
But with so many producers in the market, it can be hard to determine which is the right jigsaw for you. In this post, our team of experts will help you find the best jigsaw in the market.
Review of the Top Jigsaws
1. Bosch JS470E Corded Top-Handle Jigsaw
Having been in the market for several years, like porter cable, Bosch has become an authority in the power tool business. Especially when to comes to tool like this; circular saw or table saw, you name it and they got it. This incredibly powerful corded jigsaw from the brand has a 7.0-amp with an no splinter feature. This engine has variable speed. It provides increased control for users as they explore the saw blade capacity for cutting wood through 5/8″ inches.
What’s even more impressive to our experts is the saw’s ability to get through 3/8″ of steel. When compared to porter cable products, the Bosch Top-Handle Jigsaw can do all these at impressive speeds of up to 3100SPM. Finally, the ambidextrous trigger button guarantees comfort and steadiness for users.
What We Like
- Tool-less quick blade changing system makes it incredibly convenient for users.
- Ambidextrous trigger lock button that helps the tool to remain steady and comfortable while cutting
- 7.0-amp capable of cutting metal all throughout
- High speeds of up to 3100 strokes in one minute (w/ reasonable stroke span)
- 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty
- Sleek and appealing design
What We Don't Like
- 10.4 pounds of weight might be too heavy for some
- Amateurs might find it difficult to utilize its 7.0amp engine effectively
2. TACKLIFE PJS02A Jigsaw
Our experts took a liking to this product for the visibility it offers. It achieves such high amounts of visibility with an onboard laser and LED lights. Another useful feature is its variable speed that works to give you more control while cutting.
The Tacklife PJS02 is a corded chainsaw, and its cord extends of up 10 feet long which gives a lot of space for movement. To make things even better, it can control the speed and easily hit speeds of 3000 SPM at different speed settings with its 6.7 amp motor (pure copper). When you’re done using the tool, you can put it right back in its custom carrying case.
What We Like
- Protective carrying case offers a reasonable level of protection
- 10 feet power cord allows you to move around easily while cutting
- Powerful 6.7-amp motor (pure copper) that's better than most
- Laser and LED light to guide your cutting.
- Six different speed settings to better control the speed
- Adjustable aluminum footplate that allows for 45° bevels
- 3000 SPM
What We Don't Like
- The dust blower could use a little more strength for efficiency
- Creates slight kicks and bounces while cutting
3. WEN 33606 Jigsaw
The WEN 3306 Jigsaw is another tool that’s packed with useful features. One of them is the 6.7amp motor that can deliver speeds of up to 3,000 SPM.
It has an efficient dust port in addition to a dust blower that helps to keep all the dirt out of your way while cutting. Another notable feature is a 4-position orbital setting/orbital action selection that allows you to easily change your blade’s position. Also, the WEN 33606 Jigsaw comes with onboard laser and LED lights. These help improve visibility when you’re cutting. Finally, the tool can bevel cut 45 degrees in either direction.
(For other options, here is a complete review of Porter Cable PCE345, as well)
What We Like
- Lightweight and compact
- Powerful engine of 6.7 amp
- Cutting metal saw
- Very fast speeds of 3000 SPM
- 45 degree bevel cut capacity in both directions
- Efficient dust blower and dust port for increased cleanliness during work
- Clear visibility with onboard laser and LED lights
What We Don't Like
- High possibility of melting plastic while cutting through plastic materials
- High noise profile
4. DEWALT DW331K Jigsaw
The Dewalt DW331K Jigsaw is what some might call a beast in the world of jigsaws. It sports a 6.5amp, enabling it to provide of up to 3100 strokes every minute.
Besides this, it also has all the required standard features. One of them is the 4-position orbital action. Our experts find that this four-position orbital adds to its ability to make faster, more aggressive cuts as required.
The blade also has a flush cutting system in place. It makes it much easier to make flush cuts without the fear of up-cutting.
What We Like
- Powerful 6.5-amp motor for making clean cuts
- High speeds of up to 3100 strokes in one minute for better cutting
capacity (w/ reasonable stroke span) - Easier angled cuts with 3 orbital settings
- You can use the blade to make easy flush cuts without up-cutting
- Keyless lever-action hot blade clamp enables easy blade changes
- Integrated dust blower allows for better visibility
What We Don't Like
- Its engine power might be a bit too much for non-professionals to handle
- Significantly heavier than others in the market.
- No soft start mechanism
5. Black + Decker BDEJS600C Jigsaw
Black + Decker is a leading producer of power tools in the American hardware store. This 4.6-pound corded electric jigsaw is one of their many impressive power tools.
The Black Decker BDEJS600C machine has curve control tech. Our experts found that you can use the Black Decker BDEJS600C to control your saw’s orbit. It’s also possible to use the saw to make bevel cuts at 40°. Its adjustable shoe really comes in handy when you’re looking for stability.
Finally, this 5-amp variable speed motor jigsaw has a dust blower. Our experts find that this helps you to keep things tidy in the workshop.
What We Like
- Easy saw orbit adjustment with curve control technology
- Excellent wire shield that assists in making clean, smooth cuts
- Blade clamp feature that works without a key for tool-free blade replacement
- Lightweight and compact for better maneuverability
- 2-year limited manufacturer's warranty
- Supports t-shank and u-shank blades
- Can saw to make bevel cuts
- 5-amp variable speed
What We Don't Like
- There's no off button. You have to turn it off at the plug when necessary.
- You might need to change the hot blade soon after purchase
6. Black + Decker BDEJS300C 4.5amp Jigsaw
The Black + Decker BDEJS300C is a small stepdown from the BDEJS600C, but our experts still find its features quite impressive.
For starters, there’s the 4.5amp motor that can do 45 degrees of bevel cuts. This gives you a lot of cutting power for completing multiple tasks. The 3,000SPM cut limit lets you speed cutting wood and material cuts in no time.
For accuracy, there’s a wire guard sightline channel. The handle is compact and lightweight, further boosting user experience. In addition, its adjustable shoe gives you a lot of stability while you’re cutting.
What We Like
- Lightweight and compact design for increased maneuverability while cutting
- Increased stability while making cuts
- It has variable speeds and can hit 3,000SPM to make fast, clean cuts
- 2-year warranty on the product
- Special quick clamp feature for changing your blades with zero tools
- 45 degree bevel cuts
What We Don't Like
- Fairly short limit to the thickness of wood its jigsaw edges can go through
- It cannot handle tough projects efficiently
7. DEWALT 20v Max DCS331B Jigsaw
The Dewalt DCS331B is another brand that our experts have found very impressive in the market. This tool is one of their many creations. Our experts took a liking to it for its strong and sturdy design.
Despite this design structure, this DEWALT DCS331B 20v Max saw still has a fairly impressive amount of maneuverability. Batteries power this machine instead of cords, which gives you room for a lot of movement while cutting.
This Dewalt DCS331B also has a lever-action, all-metal keyless blade that functions excellently for making cuts. Besides all these, our experts found the 3-year warranty very appealing.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly 3-year limited warranty
- 4-position orbital action for better efficiency while making angled cuts
- Sturdy design capable of withstanding the test of time
- Long-lasting battery
- Changing a blade on this tool is very easy
- Excellent adjustable speed control for better cuts
- All metal keyless blade
What We Don't Like
- It's comparatively heavier than its counterparts in the market
- Dust blower is not that efficient
8. Black + Decker (BDCJS20C) Jigsaw
Making another appearance on our list is Black Decker. This tool one of the best cordless saw, the Black + Decker BDCJS20C Cordless Jigsaw blades with a long-lasting battery that will to get you through several hours of work.
It has a variable speed trigger, which makes it easy to increase your control over the cordless jigsaw blades while using it. The tool-free blade ejection / blade changing means you’ll hardly need tools like an allen wrench to change your jigsaw blades.
For cleanliness, the tool comes with a built-in dust blower. Finally, this jigsaw blade can offer up to 2500 strokes in one minute.
What We Like
- Long-lasting battery
- Better device control with the variable speed trigger/accelerator trigger
- Tool-free blade change system (no need for allen wrench)
- Effective dust blower that helps ensure the dust control
- Compatible with U and T shank blades
- 2-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- A bit heavier than its counterparts
- 2500SPM puts it behind other tools in terms of speed
9. CRAFTSMAN (CMES610) Jigsaw
The Craftsman CMES610 Jigsaw comes with a variable speed trigger. It can provide you with speeds of up to 3,000 SPM. It has four orbital settings that allow you to control aggressiveness while cutting. This makes it suitable for various materials with different densities.
It is compatible with T and U shank blades. Combined with that, the tool has an over-molded angle that’s contoured for increased comfort while using it. Finally, the product allows you the grace of a 3-year warranty.
What We Like
- 3-year warranty
- Delivers up to 3,000(SPM) strokes in one minute
- Better control to cut through different materials without damaging them.
- Versatility and compatibility with T and U shank blades
- Its contoured handle is designed specifically to provide comfort during use
- Extended cord length provides a lot of movement allowance
What We Don't Like
- No storage case
- High vibration
10. Hammerhead HAJS048 Jigsaw
The final tool on our list is the Hammerhead HAJS048. It has a variable speed control. It also provides you with 3000 strokes per minute when you cut through wood.
It can give you smooth and aggressive cuts with its 4-stage orbital setting. Additionally, you can adjust its base to get that nice 45 degree bevel cutting.
Finally, the dust port helps to keep your work environment tidy and dust-free.
What We Like
- It allows for smooth bevel cuts
- You can hook up the dust port to a vacuum for better sucking power
- It cuts with impressive speed
- The product comes with a variable speed dial for speed control
- Lightweight and compact
- 2-year warranty
- 45° bevel cutting
What We Don't Like
- Inaccessible and unclear instructions on usage
- You could get the angles wrong without care
Jigsaws Buyer's Guide
When you want to buy a jigsaw, you might be tempted to go for the one with the biggest numbers in your preferred category. If you’re not a specifications junkie,” you might simply try to get something that’s very cheap. However, this isn’t the best thing to do if you really want the best jigsaw. So, before going ahead to get your jigsaw, you should consider a few things from our buying guide. They are:
Power and Speed
There are two types of woodworkers. Some do the job professionally as a means to earn money while others do it simply as a hobby.
Professional woodworkers often have to deal with a varying amount of complex work. Today, you might be working on a simple table. Tomorrow, a client might ask you to work on a huge bookshelf with multiple stylized compartments. This type of work routine requires tools that can get through easy and tough tasks with equal ease.
Hobbyists merely do what they do for the fun of it. There’s not a lot of pressure, and you’ll only handle as much as you’re equipped to handle. After all, there’s no client asking you to deliver at a set time.
If you belong to the second group, the chances are that you might not need overly powerful tools. Our experts believe that a simple 4+ motor amp with 3 orbital setting action should do. It should also have a cutting speed of about 2500 strokes per minute with a reasonable stroke length.
However, if you’re a professional or you simply have bigger fish to fry, you might want to be a bit more careful in your selection process. More specifically, you should look for tools with no less than a powerful 6.0-amp motor. Our experts also believe that you should balance a 6 amp motor with no less than 3000 SPM of variable speed.
Corded or Cordless Jigsaw
Before, corded jigsaws weren’t particularly popular, but today the tables have turned. For that reason, it’s imperative that you think about the type you want before getting one. Let’s weigh in both options.
With a corded chainsaw, you are rest assured that you’ll get excellent work rates as long as you’re connected to a steady source of power supply. This means your tool won’t get slower as the battery lowers. After all, there’s really no need for a battery. However, the cord might limit your movement. With limited motion comes a lower ability to cut effectively.
With a cordless jigsaw, such as the Dewalt DCS331B model, you’ll be primarily dependent on the battery. On the one hand, it’ll grant you total freedom of movement. With no cords in place, there’s also no limit to your maneuverability. On the other hand, however, it might be a bit heavier. This is mostly because of the included battery.
Blade
Some jigsaws such as the SKIL 4495-02 power tool support T shank blades. Some jigsaws support u shank blades. Some support both. Going for one that supports only one type of saw blade limits your options. So, it’s best to go for a saw type that allows you more flexibility in blade changes. That is, it should allow tool-less blade changing between u shank and T shank blades at will.
That way, you’ll be able to use and able to pick the most suitable alternative for your blade changes.
Handle
A jigsaw is a power tool. It is designed to use a lot of energy to get certain tasks done. These tasks would be otherwise impossible with mere human hands.
For this reason, like any other power tool, jigsaws are power intensive. This causes them to shake and vibrate during use. Sadly, you can’t just let go of your power tool and hope for the best. You still need to hold it down with or without a grip.
This is where a well-designed handle comes in. It helps to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the process. When buying a jigsaw, you should look for something with a well-rounded contoured handle or a barrel grip handle.
Ease of Use
If it’s a power tool, you might be wondering just how easy it can be to use. However, certain tools are overly complicated, even for power tools.
So, before buying these power tools, make sure that you can use the product efficiently. At the very least, it should come with a manual. This will provide instructions on things like tool-less blade changing.
Speaking of which, your tool should come with tool-less change blade functions. The tool-less blade change feature helps you to make changes without needing any special tools (ex: allen wrench, bevel wrench). It could also come with a barrel grip for better usability.
Laser Guide
When cutting through wood and other materials, the chances are that your visibility will be obstructed. Any number of things can cause this. Two examples are dust and poor lighting. This is when a laser guide comes in handy.
Under these circumstances, you need a way to ensure that you are cutting properly. You can’t simply use a pencil to draw guide-lines for your saw. It will either get covered in dust or obscured by dim lighting. So, it’s better to have a laser guide and LED light.
While cutting, a laser guide will keep a constantly light on your work. That way, you’ll get even more accuracy.
Dust Collection
When you’re cutting metal, wood, or plastic, there will definitely be dust flying around. This could get into your eyes, nostrils, or even land on your skin. Regardless of where it ends, it will not good for you.
And if it simply lands on the floor, it still leaves quite a mess to clean up. After a long day’s work at the shop, we won’t imagine you’d want to pick up a broom again. So, a dust collector or adjustable dust blower for your cutting line is very important in a jigsaw. If it comes with an anti-splinter insert, it’s even better as it keeps your cutting line cleaner.
It should be able to keep debris away from your line of sight and cut line while the quick blade works.
Durability
Among other things, your jigsaw could be made of plastic or metal. With the former, you’ll get a lightweight product that’s easy to handle. With the latter, you’ll get something that’s very sturdy and can get you through several years of work.
You can go for metal saws if you want durability. However, you must note that the metal counterparts are usually heavier.
If you can handle the extra weight, you can go for it. However, our experts note that you can get plastic that combines durability with lightness. These types of plastic are often high-density plastic[1].
Price and Warranty
Above everything else, you must ensure that you’re getting a good deal. Even if your preferred tool has all the features in the world, it should be cost-effective.
So, always check for price. But, when you do, make sure that you’re not merely looking for the cheapest available. Our experts believe the best way to go about it is to strike a balance. That is, find a meeting point for price and value offered.
When that’s done, make sure you have some sort of warranty. Some companies offer a money-back guarantee. Other companies offer warranties that last for different periods. Pick one that works best for you.
What is a Jigsaw?
A jigsaw is a specialized cutting tool for cutting curves. This is often possible with its keyless shoe bevel. Beyond curves, it can also help you make straight cuts on lumber to length with the right orbital settings.
Jigsaw blades are alternately referred to as sabre saws. As described earlier jigsaw blade is incredibly versatile and can help make a series of precision control – straight cuts. What’s more is that they can make these straight cuts on a number of different materials. Examples include plastic, wood, metal, steel, etc.
Even though many people use it for woodworking some jigsaws can function as ceramic cutters. We can credit this to their ability to accommodate different types of blades with varying levels of strength for straight cuts.
The best Cordless jigsaw designs are pretty simple with three main components. The first element is the jigsaw handle with a comfortable grip for ease of use while working. The second is the motor, which drives the blade and makes the saw more automatic than manual.
The third is the blade itself. Except where orbital jigsaws are concerned, these blades often move up and down to cut. This action is known as reciprocation.
Jigsaws are usually powered by electricity, which are referred to as corded jigsaws. They often offer excellent cutting experience, depending on your skill level and consistency of electricity. However, other types of jigsaw are powered by 18v lithium ion batteries. These 18v lithium ion batteries are indeed long lasting compared to normal batteries. These lithium-ion batteries cater to the possibility of power outages and foster mobility while working.
(If you are tight on budget but want to invest in a high-quality power tool, we have a list of top-rated budget jigsaws here)
FAQ
What is the best jigsaw for home use?
The best jigsaw for home use is generally one that has a low vibration and noise profile. Besides having low vibration, it should be able to handle moderately difficult tasks with ease. Its speed should be no less than 2500RPM.
What is the best corded jigsaw?
The best corded jigsaw is the TACKLIFE PJS02A Jigsaw. This tool has an incredible cutting power of 6.7amp like a circular saw. But, what’s particularly impressive is the 10-feet power cord that allows for a wide range of materials and movement.
What's the difference between a jigsaw and an orbital jigsaw?
The difference between a jigsaw and an orbital jigsaw is that the former moves the blade up and down. However, an orbital jigsaw moves the jigsaw blade slightly forward and slightly backward.
Our Top Pick For a Jigsaw: JS470E from BOSCH
Our experts carefully tested and reviewed different best jigsaws to find out which is the best. None came close to the Bosch Corded Top-Handle Jigsaw. This has a 7.0-amp, and the speed of the blade is 3100SPM.
In addition, this top-handle jigsaw boasts budget-friendliness with an impressive 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty. To top it all off, the design is sleek with an ambidextrous lock on button for increased convenience.
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