The Best Jigsaw For Every Budget
The Best Jigsaw For Every Budget
Jigsaws should be in every toolbox because they are portable, versatile, and straightforward. While some models are easy to use and produce smooth cuts without causing your arms to shake, others are prone to heavy vibration and jumpy cuts. Before you click “purchase” on any jigsaw, read the reviews comparing the ten best jigsaws available.
Do you prefer a variable speed trigger, dial, or both? How easy will it be to use a specific saw? We must ensure that it cuts straight. Is the sawdust blown away from the cut line or into our faces by the dust port?
While there are many factors to consider, we’ve already tested and compared the best models on the market to narrow the field down to these top ten options.
Product Name | Product Image | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Bosch JS470E Jigsaw | ||
Jigsaw BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C | ||
DEWALT DCS331B Jigsaw – The Best Cordless Jigsaw | ||
Jigsaw Makita JV0600K |
The Top 10 Jigsaws
1. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw
It’s not surprising that the Bosch JS470E is this year’s best overall jigsaw. There is no doubt that this saw is the best in terms of smoothness and accuracy. In addition to its high performance, the Bosch jigsaw has some fantastic features that woodworkers of all levels will notice and appreciate.
The tool-free blade change system is one of our favorite features of this powerful saw. To complete a blade ejection, you will not need to get your hands near the blade, nor will you need to pull out your toolbox. It is a fantastic feature, especially when the saw’s blade is still hot.
On this jigsaw, you have four orbital action tool settings to choose from. Depending on the material you’re working with, the settings allow you to find a sweet spot for speed and precision.
The Bosch is one of the more precise jigsaws available. The Bosch JS470E is a 7-amp variable-speed tool that can cut through wood, steel, and other materials. The Bosch jigsaw can cut up to 6 inches of wood and 12 inches of steel.
Overall, we believe this is the best jigsaw of the year.
Pros
Cons
2. Jigsaw BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C
Because of its fantastic features and unbeatable price, the BLACK+DECKER Smart Select Jigsaw is easily the best jigsaw for the money. When looking for a low-cost jigsaw, you should expect to give up quite a few features. It is not the case.
The 5-amp motor isn’t the most powerful in the class, but the Smart Select feature allows you to select one of the four-orbit settings. It can cut through various materials at 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM) and a 34-inch stroke length. You can program this unit to cut a 45-degree angle.
The Smart Select jigsaw includes a dust blower and a keyless blade clamp for tool-free changes. The speed of the trigger is variable, but there is no speed dial or ability to lock the speed. This jigsaw should also not be used with U-shank blades. The blade-lock mechanism is incapable of holding U-shank blades for an extended period. It still worked fine with T-shank blades, so be aware.
With a weight of only 4.6 pounds, it’s a very manageable saw. Even though it’s light, the vibration wasn’t too bad because the handle seemed to dampen it while in use. Finally, it is backed by a two-year warranty. It won’t be as smooth or powerful as the first option, but it’s still a great option.
Pros
Cons
3. DEWALT DCS331B Jigsaw – The Best Cordless Jigsaw
Cordless fans, hopefully, we didn’t keep you waiting too long. The DeWalt DCS331B Jigsaw is the third option on our list, and it is the best cordless jigsaw this year. When it comes to cordless tools, DeWalt knows what they’re doing, and this jigsaw is no exception.
The DS331B has four positions of orbital action and no annoying cord obstructing your work. Cordless jigsaws make the job much easier, but they are generally underpowered. The cordless DeWalt offers the same blade speed and cutting power as the corded version, with a maximum speed of 3,000 SPM. We only had one complaint about this unit.
A blower fan is standard on most jigsaws. As you cut and sawdust accumulates, the blower will push it away from your line of sight. Although the Dewalt has this blower capability, it is insufficient. The line is constantly covered, and it can be difficult to see, especially on longer cuts where dust accumulates. The DeWalt has a blower, but it is entirely ineffective. It makes seeing your line and making straight cuts difficult. Nonetheless, we believe this is one of the best cordless jigsaws on the market.
Pros
Cons
4. Jigsaw Makita JV0600K
The Makita JV0600K Jigsaw is a 6.5-amp saw with three orbital settings that uphold Makita’s high-quality tool tradition. The Makita can be used in various materials and has excellent power and control. Capable of producing 3,100 SPM with a 34-inch stroke length. Despite its high strength, the internal counterbalance system keeps it surprisingly vibration-free.
The Makita features a tool-free blade release, as we reviewed many other jigsaws. A dust port for an attachable vacuum is one of our favorite features of this saw. It takes the blower concept to a new level by allowing you to vacuum as you go. Makita’s dust management system outperforms some of the other models on the market.
The Makita has speed settings, but you must choose one and stick with it. The setting rather than the trigger determines the speed. Depending on your work type, it may not be an issue, but if you like to control the speed with your finger, this is not the jigsaw for you.
The Makita Jigsaw is reasonably priced, falling between a premium and a value model. Still, it is recommended that Makita replacement blades be used. The Makita blades are of high quality, but they are more expensive than other options on the market. If you know, you’ll go through many jigsaw blades in a year. You might want to consider another option.
Pros
Cons
5. Jigsaw Festool 561608 – Premium Choice
We are not kidding when we say that this is our top pick. This Festool 561608 Jigsaw costs nearly three times as much as some of our other options. Festool manufactures high-quality tools that are used by professionals daily. These tools are intended to make the professional’s job more accessible and complete.
The Festool Jigsaw has a high-speed 3,800 SPM variable speed blade. The Bosch, our top pick, came with a base plate that can be removed when working on a smooth surface you don’t want to damage. The Festool comes with a variety of base plates.
It is the first jigsaw we’ve reviewed with an LED feature. The Festool provides excellent visibility thanks to an LED light installed at the blade. As previously stated, Festool designs products for professionals; this is a very lightweight but sturdy unit for the worker who will be holding it for most of the day.
The main issue we had with the Festool was its high price. Even though this tool is excellent, the price difference is difficult to justify. The jigsaw does wear and break over time in professional applications. It isn’t easy to justify the high starting price unless this thing lasts a lifetime.
Pros
Cons
6. Jigsaw PORTER-CABLE PCE345
This Porter-Cable jigsaw weighs in at 6 pounds. It’s also quite powerful at six amps. With a stroke length of 13/16″ and a maximum speed of 3,200 SPM, this is one of the faster saws available. The trigger dial controls speed. The trigger is fixed. Given this saw’s low price, the three-year warranty is excellent. Unfortunately, some disadvantages should be mentioned.
The most obvious flaw was that the blade was not square. It made getting a perfectly straight cut difficult. Aside from that, it cut very smoothly and cleanly, but it just wouldn’t stay straight. Another obvious flaw is the lack of a dust port. This saw seemed to be blowing sawdust right into our faces, which made it difficult to see what we were cutting.
Pros
Cons
7. Jigsaw SKIL 4495-02
The SKIL 4495-02 is another powerful saw with a 6-amp motor with a built-in laser guide to help you get the accuracy you need. It also has a four-position orbital option, like most saws we’ve reviewed. Because this is a variable-speed saw, you can change the speed with the trigger rather than just setting it and leaving it at that speed. Jigsaw enthusiasts appreciate the ability to change the speed with the trigger.
Although this saw has many great features, it is on the lower price spectrum. You might be thinking, “Isn’t this a good thing?” It is possible. The issue with some of the lower-cost saws is that they jump around. This saw isn’t the smoothest option available.
While this saw performs admirably and comes with a one-year warranty, it falls short of some of the higher-end options on this list.
Pros
Cons
8. TACKLIFE Advanced Jigsaw
The TACKLIFE Advanced is a rough work saw, in our opinion. Tacklife does not advertise it, but in our experience, this jigsaw is not the best choice for high-end, intricate finish work.
The TACKLIFE saw it has a lot of power at 6.7 amps and is also quite heavy. The weight contributes to a fairly stable cut, but it will tire you out if you use this saw for extended periods.
Even if your workplace doesn’t have the best lighting, the LED light on the front ensures visibility. There is a variable speed option and six different speeds to choose from. On the other hand, the trigger does not have a variable speed.
On this model, you can set the lock button, so you don’t have to keep your finger on the trigger the entire time you’re cutting. The TACKLIFE set’s case and accessories are appealing to us. It even includes your first six blades.
The main disadvantage of this saw is that it is not intended for finishing work. The baseplate is rough, heavy, and jumps around far too much for the precision required by some woodworkers. The TACKLIFE jigsaw will do the job if you need a saw to cut through some thinner wood with mostly straight or angled cuts.
Pros
Cons
9. Jigsaws BLACK+DECKER JS670V
The BLACK+DECKER JS670V Jigsaw is near the bottom of our list. It is a lightweight, low-cost model that is simple to use. At 3.75 pounds, it is unquestionably one of the lightest available. Unfortunately, this resulted in a slightly jerky operation that wasn’t as stable as other models higher on this list. The 6-amp motor’s 3,000 SPM is comparable to competitors.
The variable speed trigger allows you to be more precise with your cuts. The two-year warranty ensures that its saw will last you through many projects. The Smart Select feature on this saw is notable for the low price. Because it allows you to set your optimal orbital pattern by selecting the material you’re cutting with a knob. It is a disadvantage for us because we would prefer to be able to set this ourselves.
Although it has some great features, it does have some drawbacks, such as the “line finder.” This odd little light only illuminates lines drawn with their special marker, which is attached to the cord. It seemed like another thing to lose and more of an advertising gimmick than a useful feature. Furthermore, the base loosened several times during the operation, causing the bevel to shift and the cut to become misaligned.
Pros
Cons
10. Jigsaw Ridgid R8832B
Another cordless model rounds out our list. As you may recall, the DeWalt is our favorite cordless model, but you should have something to compare it to. The Rigid R8832B Jigsaw has an 18V lithium-ion battery that is not included. Because the battery must be purchased separately, the Rigid is one of the more expensive options on the list.
One advantage of Rigid is that this tool comes with a lifetime service agreement. If you have any problems with the manufacturing process of this saw, you should contact Rigid for assistance.
Aside from the price, another disadvantage is the dust blower feature. While the dust blower is supposed to blow dust away from the cut line, it appears to blow everywhere. It will occasionally blow it back at the user. We believe it would be superior if this unit did not have a dust blower.
Pros
Cons
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Jigsaw
How will you know which one is right for you now that you have a hand-picked list of the top ten jigsaws to choose from? Your budget, woodworking skills, and the task at hand will influence much of your decision. When comparing actual jigsaw tools, there are a few things to remember before making your final decision.
Power
Most corded jigsaws we tested were rated at 5 to 7 amps. It may not appear to be a significant difference, but it is. Although seven-amp jigsaws are more expensive, they are also more stable when cutting through difficult or thick material.
If you choose a cordless jigsaw, the power will be measured in volts rather than amps. Cordless jigsaws are known for being less powerful and having issues with variable speeds. The Dewalt model we recommend works perfectly and handles like a corded jigsaw.
Weight
If you’re a weekend warrior who occasionally needs a jigsaw for a project, the weight won’t matter. The weight becomes more important as you use the jigsaw. Weight has two meanings. A heavier saw will often jump around less and provide more stability. On the other hand, if you work with a heavy saw for an extended period, you will become fatigued.
One word of caution: cordless jigsaws can appear lightweight until the battery is added. Don’t be surprised if the battery adds several pounds to the total weight of the saw.
Speed Control
A jigsaw with variable speed is a fantastic feature. Speed is sometimes controlled by itself and other times by the user. If you want to be able to change the speed of your jigsaw with the trigger, make sure it has a variable speed. Some jigsaws have speed settings that cannot be changed with your finger. The variable speed trigger is purely a personal preference. Some experienced woodworkers believe they must be able to control the tool in their hands to maintain a consistent cut. Remember that not all variable speed products are created equal; look into the trigger features.
Release of the Blade
The majority of jigsaws have a tool-free blade release. It protects your hands from the blade and the heat generated after cutting. Some blade releases are simple to use and will drop the blade out with the press of a button. Others can be a little sticky, requiring you to grab the blade and wiggle it out. You may notice the blade loosening or releasing when cutting with a less expensive jigsaw. It is a major issue, but it does occur. The jigsaw blade release on the Bosch JS470E is the best we’ve seen on the market.
Reciprocating vs. Orbital
The jigsaws we looked at were all orbital saws with various orbital settings. At the very least, it is critical to understand the distinction between orbital and reciprocating. Orbital saws are used for more complex cuts like turns and twists—a reciprocating saw cuts in a straight back-and-forth push-pull motion. Reciprocating saws are great for demolition or pipe cutting, but they don’t work as well for woodworking projects.
Blower of Dust
The dust blower is intended to keep your line clean and visible. Some dust blowers are more effective than others. The Makita jigsaw has a vacuum attachment that will collect dust from your work surface rather than simply blowing it around your shop. Sometimes the jigsaw’s blower is insufficiently powerful, and the dust blows directly into your line. Higher power units are usually more successful with dust blowers than smaller, less powerful models.
Laser Guidance
A few of the jigsaw puzzles in our review included an LED or laser light to help you stay on track. It is a useful feature, especially if your workspace is dim. Some of these LED lights work better than others, and it doesn’t matter how bright the setup is if the dust blower isn’t properly clearing the line.
The Best Jigsaws
The jigsaw is a saw that is not as powerful or fast as the circular saw. It can be tricky, but it is helpful for many cutting tasks. People who know how to use it well find it easy to cut different materials.
The jigsaw is used to cut curves in materials. It can also be used to cut lumber and make holes in other materials. Today’s models are lighter, stronger, and more adaptable than ever.
With this guide, you’ll be able to choose the suitable jigsaw for your business or home improvement needs. We tested some of the most popular brands, evaluating corded and cordless saws.
Our Top Picks:
Bosch Barrel-Grip Jigsaw Kit JS572EBK
The Bosch Barrel Grip jigsaw is the perfect choice for accuracy and control. This jigsaw has a grip close to the workpiece, which helps avoid tipping like other top-handle jigsaws. The slimmer grip provides better control and comfort than most barrel-style grips.
The saw has the most power out of all the saws we tested. It has a speed range of 800 to 3,000 SPM. You can control the speed by turning a dial on the back of the barrel. The speed is probably good for most jobs. This Bosch came with three blades, the most of any jigsaw we tested. It also has a three-position orbital cutting setting, a thumb-activated on/off switch, and a bright LED light. The toolless design and blade ejection make blade changes simple.
This tool has a lot of buttons and switches. You will get to know them better over time. This model did well in our tests for speed, maneuverability, and how little it chips when you use it at an angle.
Product Specs
- Power: 7.2-amp corded
- Speed: Up to 3,000 SPM
- Stroke type: Straight with three orbital setting
- Stroke length: 1 inch
Pros
Cons
Ryobi PBLJS01B jigsaw
Some DIYers might not like that a saw is sold without batteries. But if you already have a Ryobi 18-volt battery, you don’t need to buy another charger. Purchasing a bare tool also lowers the cost of the saw. The Ryobi PBLJS01B is a budget-friendly brushless jigsaw with a digital motor. It means that it uses less battery power and lasts longer.
The handle on this saw is roomier than the handles on other beginner saws. It means that it will fit a range of users. It also has a 1-inch stroke length, the same as the most expensive saws in our test group. Plus, DIYers will appreciate that the tool sits upright on its battery rather than on its side, which could cause the blade to scratch surfaces.
The Ryobi felt fast and agile when I tested it, but it had a lot of chips out at 90 degrees when set to max orbital. Additionally, Sawdust gathered next to the blade, making it harder to see the cut line.
Product Specs
- Cordless 18-volt power
- Maximum speed: 3,400 SPM
- Straight stroke with three orbital settings
- 1-inch stroke length
Pros
Cons
Milwaukee 2737B-20 Jigsaw
The Milwaukee 2737B-20 is a robust saw that is more than 4.5 pounds and nearly 12 inches long. It has a brain (meaning the electronics are well-engineered) which allows it to be just as powerful as a corded tool. This saw can cut through most materials at 3,500 strokes per minute.
When you line up the beginning of a cut, the variable speed dial’s helpful feature lowers the speed so you can concentrate on accuracy. They also saw quickly and aggressively cut through our work during our tests. It had excellent visibility of the blades as well. Warning: Although both lefties and righties can easily reach the power switch, it does require a 1-second hold to turn off the power, which takes some getting used to.
Product Specs
- Power: 18-volt cordless
- Speed: Up to 3,500 SPM
- Stroke type: Straight with three orbital setting
- Stroke length: 1 inch
Pros
Cons
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw (DCS334B)
This jigsaw is a perfect addition if you already own one of DeWalt’s 20-volt tools. It is excellent when you buy it as a bare tool. Out of all the saws we tested, this one had the best grip because it was narrow and felt almost like a drill/driver–very comfortable. When set to the maximum orbital setting, the maximum speed of 3,200 strokes per minute was quick enough to rip through the wood. However, we did experience some splintering during tests.
The lower speed and vibration, plus the comfortable grip, help reduce hand fatigue. We significantly appreciated the clear blade visibility when cutting at a 45-degree angle and the sawdust-clearing blower feature. The bevel adjustment’s lock-in mechanism is toolless.
The downside of the DeWalt is that it is not vacuumed-compatible and does not have a lock-on button. It can be hard to hold the saw in place during long cuts. Even though it has detents that lock in at 0, 15, and 45 degrees, only the 45-degree mark is marked with numbers.
Product Specs
- 20-volt cordless power
- Speed: 3,200 SPM or more
- Straight with three orbital settings is the type of stroke.
- Length of stroke: 1 inch
Pros
Cons
Makita 4329K Top Handle Jig Saw
This jigsaw is not as heavy as some other ones on the market. It is easy to work with because it only weighs 4 pounds. It also has a 3.9 amp motor, making it easier to cut through things.
Although professional users may be familiar with the Makita name, the 4329K Jig Saw is more suited for novice users. The slide-down dust cover protects the user’s hands and keeps the Sawdust from flying around. Plus, the counterbalanced design reduces vibration, which makes it easier to control and reduces how tired your hands get.
This saw is fast and smooth when you cut at 90 degrees or 45 degrees. It works well on most materials. However, changing the blade can be a little slower, and it’s not as good for thicker pieces of wood.
Product Specs
- Power: 3.9-amp corded
- Speed: Up to 3,100 SPM
- Stroke type: Straight with two orbital settings
- Stroke length: 11/16 inch
Pros
Cons
Types of Jigsaws
Jigsaws come in different handles and shapes, so it’s good to know the variety available before choosing which features to look for. Corded or cordless power is the most popular type among users.
D-handled Jigsaw
D-grip jigsaws are the most prevalent type of electric hand saw. As the name implies, the handle is closed and curved like the letter “D” with a center opening.
Barrel Grip Jigsaws
Barrel grip jigsaws have a bar-like handle. It can sometimes give you more control when sawing at weird angles than other types of jigsaws.
Jigsaw Features
Some features to consider when picking a jig saw are the types of blades and how they’re clamped in place and keyless details like a shoe bevel or blade clamp.
Jigsaw Blades
There are different types of blades you can use in a jigsaw. These include T- and U-shaped blades, as well as keyless blades. They can be made of different materials.
T-shank Blades
Tang shank blades, T-shank blades, and T-shaped blades are all the same. They got their name from the T-shape of their blade and have become increasingly popular because they’re easy to switch out and mount.
U-shank Blades
U-shaped blades have been around for a long time. People used to use tools to change them out. But newer jigsaws don’t use that type of blade. They use tang shanks which are more straightforward and more versatile.
When using a jigsaw for a long time, it’s normal for the blade to get hot. Be careful not to touch the blade when it’s hot because it can burn you. It’s also essential to wear protective gear, like goggles and gloves, when using a jigsaw. Let the blade cool down when the project is done before putting the saw away.
Tool-Less Blade Changes
More and more jigsaw puzzles are coming with a tool-free blade change. You can switch out saw blades without using a unique tool. A keyless blade change is similar because you don’t need a wrench to switch it out with a different blade. These typically rely on a clamping system to hold the blades in place.
Settings
There are many different settings on jigsaws. It includes newer models that continue to become more advanced. One unique feature is BLACK+DECKER’s curve control, allowing users to easily make angled cuts and create curves by tweaking the orbit and four different settings.
Some jigsaws have variable speed options, which let the customer adjust the speed at which the material is cut. It includes the operating speed and blade speed. Additionally, some jigsaws can be changed depending on the material cut. For example, if it is a thin or thick material. Moreover, many jigsaw operators can change the adjustable shoe on most jigsaws and set different blade strokes.
Integrated Dust Blower
Jigsaws with built-in dust blowers help you stay organized and make your work easier. A dust blower blows away the debris, meaning there is less chance for mistakes, and you can see better. If you have to choose between a jigsaw with a dust blower or without one, choose the one with the dust blower. Setting up a vacuum or a similar device to remove the shavings will save you time.
Trigger-Lock System
Trigger locks keep the trigger held down instead of needing an operator’s thumb. This feature is helpful when cutting many things or if the material you are working with is heavy and thick.
Battery Life
There are two power sources for jigsaws- corded electric and cordless. A battery-operated cordless tool has more freedom of movement and no cords to get wrapped up in or trip over. However, the battery might need to be replaced or recharged during a lengthy project.
Corded jigsaws provide a lot of power. They are more potent than cordless jigsaws but must be plugged into a power source the whole time.
Ease of Use
The rubber grip, the handle’s shape, and the machine’s weight all help you have more control over it. It makes the product easier to use. It is a personal decision about which machine is simpler for you to operate, depending on your skills and what you need it for. Look for the essential things, and try a few different puzzles if necessary.
Extras
These saws may have other features, such as an LED light or a carrying case. While they’re not as essential as the power source or blade type, they can come in handy.
Tips and Safety Precautions:
Jigsaw saws can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Before using them on any project, learning how to use them safely would be beneficial. Here are some safety tips and precautions to help you stay safe while using a jigsaw saw.
- Most jigsaw models run on electricity. You can plug them into an outlet in a dry place to keep yourself safe. Ensure you use the tool in the right environment, so you don’t get shocked.
- You should always use a dedicated circuit to plug in the device. It will help avoid sharing the circuit with other power tools or using extension cords. Extension cords can damage the motor due to overheating.
- When using this jigsaw, it is essential to wear protective equipment like goggles, gloves, and a shirt. Make sure your hair is tied back if it is long. It will help prevent any accidental injuries.
- Before you try to use the thing, make sure you know how to do it right. Each device is different and has its way of working. So, it’s essential to read the instructions carefully before you start using them.
- The jigsaw comes with different blades and speed ranges. You should use the right blade and speed range for your cutting material. For example, you will need 1500 strokes per minute for harder materials. Still, for softer materials, up to 3000 strokes per minute (SPM) may be required.
- Taking care of your tools is essential so they will last longer. You must regularly lubricate the chuck system and blade to keep them working smoothly.
- You should replace your blades when worn out because a blunt blade won’t produce a good cut.
- You can usually change the speed of a saw blade on most modern jigsaws.
Conclusion
With all this jigsaw knowledge, you’re probably eager to get your hands on one and start cutting. If you want a dependable model with all the features, the Bosch JS470E is the only choice. This model is slightly more expensive than others on our list. Still, the quality of the cut, the amount of power, and the orbital and tilt feature truly distinguish it. If woodworking becomes you18r new favorite hobby, this jigsaw will last a long time.
If you need a low-cost model that does the job, the BLACK+DECKER Smart Select 5.0 amp saw is an excellent choice. This model is less expensive than most on the market and performs admirably when all factors are considered.
