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The jigsaw is a single-motor electric tool that is useful in both DIY and professional activities. It comes with a blade used as a small electric saw. It has a connecting rod mechanism inserted to allow a cut with forwarding and backward movement. Usually, the jigsaw has an ergonomic handle. To improve the grip of the tool, there is also 45-degree tilting support.
The aspects that make this product popular are high-quality cuts, compact shape, a comfortable handle, and precision in the work’s execution. The best jigsaw can cut wood, plywood, plastic, and metals. The difference between models lies in the type of blade and the power of the electric motor. In this article, we come up with the seven best jigsaws from multiple brands.
Top 7 Best Jigsaws for The Workshops 2021 Reviews
#1 Best Jigsaw for Woodworking – Bosch JSH180 Cordless Jigsaw
[amazon box=”B07B3KK8Y7″]Bosch JSH180 Cordless Jigsaw is our best jigsaw for many reasons. It comes with 650W of power and is capable of making cuts on soft and hard materials without problems. It has the SDS system for one-handed blade change, electronic change, and preselection of the number of strokes.
It also offers an aspirator that is a device that eliminates cutting residues. It comes with perfect performance, equipped with every tool to make precise cuts. Its set of blades allows you to work safely on any material and change the blade quickly. The power supply is by cable, but this element does not affect the easy handling of the tool.
Pros
- One of the highest performing products
- SDS system for quick blade change, electronic change, and preselection of strokes
- Removes the cutting residues
Cons
- Batteries are not available in the package
They aim the Bosch JSH180 Cordless Jigsaw towards professionals and people who are planning to work on woodworking.
#2 Best Jigsaw for Cutting Metal – Makita JV0600K Jigsaw
[amazon box=”B00608ZSI0″]For Makita, we are talking about a company that places on the market tools of construction quality and uses excellent materials. The Makita JV0600K Jigsaw has a nominal power of 720W and that is not a small figure. It allows you to make precise cuts in wood, aluminum, ceramic, and artificial materials with no effort.
The unit comes with an ergonomic handle and an external system for attaching an aspirator. However, you will need the security area to perform with this jigsaw.
Pros
- Comes with a professional plastic case
- Precise cuts in all materials
- Ergonomic handle with an external system for attaching an aspirator
Cons
- Safety issues
By choosing Makita JV0600K Jigsaw, this product is the most appreciated by those who work on a professional level and DIY work. You need not change tools to cut original materials.
#3 Best Jigsaw for Cutting Curves – Bosch JS260 Jigsaw
[amazon box=”B004323NQY”]Bosch JS260 Jigsaw comes with 500W power. It cuts wood with a thickness of 65mm, steel with a thickness of 4mm, and aluminum with a thickness of 10mm. Equipped with a particular counterweight system called Low Vibration, the unit can reduce vibrations and facilitate the cutting operation. Bosch has included this tool in its blue band. In this category, these products have a nominal power that could mislead.
Pros
- Can handle many thick materials
- Low Vibration system
- Affordable price
Cons
- Nominal power misleading
Bosch JS260 Jigsaw is suitable for the professional and for people who love DIY or want to do housework without having to worry about not being able to cut original materials.
#4 Best Jigsaw for Laminate Flooring – DEWALT DC330B Jigsaw
[amazon box=”B002VWK5S2″]DEWALT DC330B Jigsaw boasts incredible handling. It comes with a special vibration counterbalancing system and a rubberized handle that reduces the operator’s effort. Its 701W power can cut various materials such as wood, plastic, steel, or ferrous materials.
It is an ideal jigsaw for both amateurs and professionals. The powerful motor with the Low Vibration system allows precise cuts on all materials up to a depth of 90mm. The integrated PowerLight LED together with the switchable chip blowing function ensures a better view of the cutting line.
Pros
- Vibration balance system
- Rubber handle for high comfort
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Expensive price
DEWALT DC330B Jigsaw is a professional product that is suitable for making precise cuts in laminate flooring.
#5 Best Jigsaw for Coping – Milwaukee 6268-21 Jigsaw
[amazon box=”B000EQAY6K”]Milwaukee 6268-21 Jigsaw is equipped with a 710W electric motor, manual pendulum change, and suitable for cutting wood, boards, and tubular. The unit is ideal for copying and cutting very thick materials with electronically-controlled blade speed variation. It is safe to prevent any involuntary breakage. This tool has enjoyed some success in the DIY sector. Milwaukee 6268-21 Jigsaw is appreciated by many professionals who rate it positively thanks to its easy handling and cutting precision.
Pros
- High versatility and productivity
- Ideal for both coping and cutting
- Against all sudden breakage
Cons
- Expensive price
Milwaukee 6268-21 Jigsaw is supplied with a set of five blades for different types of material. So this makes it a pretty good choice for value.
#6 Best Jigsaw for Beginners – Makita Barrel Grip Jigsaw
[amazon box=”B07DFWK4RX”]Makita Barrel Grip is a high power device of 720W with a balanced mechanism to reduce noise and vibrations. The cutting change is three notches besides the straight cut. The base panel can be tilted bilaterally at 45 degrees for greater comfort while working.
However, the price is a bit high compared to other tools, but the quality is undeniable. The added value of this tool is the curved and oblique cuts. And it is perfect for cuts in shelves, skirting boards, PVC panels, aluminum works, and parquet.
Pros
- Easy to adjust and operate
- Great comfort for holding
- High versatility and efficient functions
Cons
- Expensive price
Among nine products on our list, Makita Barrel Grip is the most manageable tool for novices and DIY workers with high precision. It is also the best Jigsaw for home use.
#7 Best Budget Jigsaw – BLACK+DECKER BDEJS300C Jigsaw
[amazon box=”B00OJ72L84″]For the best jigsaw for DIY projects, we find the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS300C Jigsaw with 800W of power and six adjustable speeds from 800RPM to 3000RPM. The case contains six blades, one parallel guide, one Allen key, and one suction adapter. The base is adjustable from 0 degrees to 45 degrees on both sides. The cutting depth is 100mm for wood and 10mm for metal.
BLACK+DECKER BDEJS300C Jigsaw offers excellent quality and price ratio with the most affordable price. However, it is a bit heavy in the long run and the quality of the materials is not considered by everyone to be excellent.
Pros
- Powerful motor with six adjustable speeds
- Comes with a full package
- Excellent quality and price ratio
Cons
- Heavyweight and low-quality materials
According to users, BLACK+DECKER BDEJS300C Jigsaw is precise and powerful with little vibration.
Types of Jigsaws
According to Mechanism
Straight-Reciprocating Jigsaws
For any work, straight-reciprocating jigsaws always offer the strongest power of cutting objects. The unit is extremely versatile in cutting, ripping, and beveling even the ceramic materials.
Orbital-Reciprocating Jigsaws
Orbital-reciprocating jigsaws are perfect for plumbing and electric works on construction sites.
According to Power
Corded Jigsaw
The internal electric motor of the corded jigsaw will need more power to cut stronger and thicker materials, obviously avoiding the risk of overheating. To carry out DIY or less hard jobs, a 400W electric jigsaw is sufficient.
It does not imply that all tools boasting this power prove unsuitable for working on tougher materials. Some brands provide products that have a much higher yield even at this strength than others, allowing cuts that would not normally be possible.
Cordless Jigsaw
A few years ago, there were mainly jigsaws equipped with an electric cable on the market. But today, they equip many jigsaws with batteries. These things prove to be advantageous in a variety of jobs, leaving the performer greater maneuverability without having to worry about the power cord.
It is reasonable to make the introduction of new high-performance batteries that can give the jigsaw the energy it needs to do its job. The power of jigsaws usually varies from 300W to 800W. The difference mainly lies in the type of use.
Pneumatic Jigsaw
It is not always possible to use power tools. Their use depends on electricity. Without power, they are only useful as props. And since it is not always possible to use electricity as a power source, then the need to use a pneumatic tool comes into play.
According to Design
Top Handle
Top handle design offers trigger control since the machines always have multiple trigger speeds. With it, it can be easier to control the speed during cutting and even sudden stopping.
Barrel Grip
Barrel grip design only offers an on and off switch for controlling. But with it, you can cut upside down effortlessly.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Jigsaw
Motor Amps
Power is a key aspect of a jigsaw. Keep in mind that more energy is needed to cut harder materials. Also, the higher the power, the faster the blades are. The normal power levels of these instruments are typically between 300 and 800 watts.
If you are a DIY enthusiast and will not use the jigsaw for very complicated jobs, a jigsaw with up to 400W of power will suffice. However, for more demanding jobs. People recommend buying a jigsaw with a power greater than 500W. Do not forget that power and price usually go hand in hand.
Stroke Rate (Cutting Speed)
When choosing a jigsaw, it is important to opt for one with different speed levels. It will allow you to work on multiple different materials. Also, it will add versatility to the tool. We must bear in mind that the maximum speed is determined by the maximum power of the engine.
The most modern machines incorporate an electronic system for controlling the cutting speed. This system will allow you to change the speed simply and comfortably. You will adapt much better to the fresh materials you work with. Unfortunately, low-end equipment rarely has this system.
Corded vs Cordless
Regarding the battery factor, there are models with lithium ions or nickel-cadmium, although the first type is preferable. It allows a better yield in terms of performance and duration. Charging usually takes place within 30 minutes, unlike with a Nickel-Cadmium battery that it takes almost three hours. Therefore, this factor already becomes relevant for the choice of the jigsaw.
If you want better maneuverability without the presence of the cable, a lithium-ion battery allows you to work quietly without worrying about the time lost for recharging. Otherwise, the Nickel-Cadmium battery could become a problem, since its recharging takes a much longer time.
Blades: T-Shank vs U-Shank
Currently, there are two fastening systems for the blades. They are the U-shank system and the T-shank system. In principle, there is no big difference between them apart from the mounting shape. Both offer a similar level of efficiency. However, the type of system must be taken into account when purchasing the blades.
An important element for the jigsaw is the blade. Some products have several blades as accessories that differ according to the material to be cut. Others have a single universal blade. However, the blades can be purchased separately, to be chosen to accord to the potential of the jigsaw. It is useless to buy a blade for metal if the tool does not have the power to cut it.
Straight vs Orbital Cutting
Most basic jigsaws use straight cutting. It means that the saw only moves straight in and out. Straight cutting is ideal for wood and steel materials. Otherwise, orbital cuttings are created by circular actions on softer materials.
FAQs
What is the best jigsaw brand?
You can choose to buy a machine from a prestigious manufacturer or choose to buy one from any manufacturer. Surely, the choice of the brand is often linked to the price of the product. Our recommendation, as far as possible, is to choose a jigsaw from Bosch and Makita.
Top brands usually offer higher quality products. They have much more efficient customer service. Likewise, it is important to make sure that the manufacturer offers a warranty of at least two years. In this way, it will always cover you against any unforeseen events or failures.
What’s the difference between a jigsaw and an orbital jigsaw?
First, we can use this jigsaw as a demolition saw, although it is of lighter construction. It is more suitable for woodworking rather than construction.
An orbital hacksaw is useful when cutting melamine laminate panels or lumber in workplaces such as wardrobes and kitchen installations.
Which is the best DeWalt jigsaw?
DEWALT DC330B Jigsaw is a high power device with a balanced mechanism to reduce noise and vibrations.
How do I choose a jigsaw?
The choice of the best product depends mainly on the type of material you want to cut for professional use or for do-it-yourself. The tool must be able to carry out its work regardless of the force exerted by the user. This element is fundamental.
It means that there is no need to fatigue with pressure as it would be useless to use a jigsaw suitable for wood to cut metal. The result would be very poor, with the risk of damaging the tool or even damaging yourself. Therefore, the power and the materials to be cut are the main indicators for the correct choice. Besides, the type of battery supplied and the accessories are further elements that can guide the choice of a specific product.
Final Words
Jigsaws are essential tools for do-it-yourself lovers and professionals. They offer magnificent performance, allowing precise cuts on fresh materials. They can work with wood, plastic, aluminum, vinyl, and steel.
To choose the best jigsaw, it is important to know some aspects such as the different saws, their operation, their advantages, and disadvantages. It is convenient to consider some criteria such as price, power, brand, and accessories included. The best way to make a good purchase is to be well informed.
Bosch JSH180 Cordless Jigsaw is our winner thanks to its excellent performance and optimal utilities. We also recommend Makita Barrel Grip Jigsaw for any novice who wants to begin DIY work.
We hope this guide is useful to you. If so, we would be grateful if you share it with friends and acquaintances by leaving us a comment. In the meantime, we hope you make a good purchase and enjoy your jigsaw.
