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How does it feel when your wood furniture breaks and you are too busy to call an expert to give it a check-up? This is a mere inconvenience when you want to perform some DIY projects for your household items, but the lack of equipment doesn’t allow you to.
Let’s make it easy!
All you need is simply a go-to jigsaw. Forget the daunting image of a cumbersome saw packed with wires and power cords. These products are far too bulky to handle.
But a cordless jigsaw and a corded jigsaw with a compact design will solve your problem. Keep reading for the best jigsaw reviews in which you will find your ideal friend.
The jigsaw – the one saw that rules cuts of all sorts. Why is that?
Jigsaw (so-called saber saw) comes across as a go-to tool to help with different cuts in a broad range of materials, using its small blade working on a tandem with an up-and-down motion.
Jigsaw consists of an ergonomic handle, an appropriate blade which takes charge of most of the cuts, from simple to intricate ones, that the saw encounters.
A handy jigsaw can accommodate not only woodcutting but also deal with plastic, metal, aluminum, and other materials.
Types Of Jigsaw
Users will be bombarded with various models coming from the cord-free jigsaws to battery-powered ones, to those running on compressed air. But generally, there are three main types of electric jigsaws, named according to their characteristics.
Cordless Jigsaw
Modern users tend to prefer jigsaws with no hassle wires, so this model is ubiquitous.
That said, the cord-free jigsaw will be perfect for constant use without interruptions and stops.
Plus, these devices can also function well away from the electricity supply as long as they have their battery fully charged.
The battery-powered feature is a double-edged sword since the battery drains quickly and ends up leaving users with no cutting power when they are halfway through the experience.
Also, the model of this kind tends to be heavier as it packs battery.
Corded Jigsaw
It runs on electricity; thus, to power the device, there should be a nearby power supply connected to it. Thanks to this factor, the corded jigsaw will offer an unlimited runtime, which is convenient.
With the cords by its side, there is no need to stop halfway to change their battery. It works continuously without interruptions.
Despite being messy with wires and power cords, this jigsaw will showcase its incredible ability to cut through hardened metals effectively.
The greatest thing about corded jigsaw is that it is lightweight, so it is a favorable tool for indoor workers who have to work for an extended period.
Pneumatic Jigsaw
This kind of jigsaw works best for professional use, accompanied by an air compressor to cut heavy-duty materials.
How To Choose The Best Jigsaw?
You may feel lost in the world of jigsaws as there are many things to contemplate before buying.
However, we will make it simple for your choice by offering a roundup of the criteria we believe are going to lead you to an ultimate wise selection of the best jigsaw.
Power
Does it make sense when people say, “Why not pick the jigsaw with the maximum power to increase productivity?”?
We think the answer depends, so judge it yourself. The matter is that the more powerful the jigsaw is, the heavier it becomes. Is it sensible to sacrifice the lightweight model for the most powerful one? Probably not.
Power indicates the cutting speed as well as the ability of your jigsaw to cut certain types of material.
The thickness of the material that your jigsaw can cut is worth considering. For example, 2.7 inches is a generous thickness for a DIY jigsaw, while other models can handle up to 5.5 inches.
DIYers will prefer the power of their saw to range from 350 to 700 watts, while professionals can push this number up to 1000 watts and 1500 maximum. For thicker stuff like sheet metal or thick wood, below 700 W in power will serve well.
Stroke rate
This might be an unfamiliar concept for newbies, so take time to discover it.
Having a jigsaw that allows you to cut only a specific type of material, wood, for example, is not an excellent choice. That’s why we suggest picking a saw with an adjustable stroke rate so that cutting whether wood or thick metal would be no problem.
Having an adjustable stroke rate allows easy changes to the most suitable mode. The fixed stroke rate, by contrast, can be achieved by pressing the switch lying on the jigsaw casing. This ensures your favorite cutting mode will remain unchanged as the saw slides from pieces to pieces.
When sawing, if the speed is too slow or too fast, you simply hit the start button and solve this problem. Hit harder to obtain higher speed.
State-of-the-art jigsaw blade stroke rate can deliver up to 3500 strokes per minute. When not used, the blade will stop working to avoid unexpected problems.
The base plate
The first and foremost requirement in a suitable base plate is stability. To achieve this, the material should best be cast metal. If it is deformed or skewed, it cannot withstand the force when making aggressive cuts and fails to guarantee the final accuracy.
The platform’s working surface should also be smooth so that it doesn’t scratch your object material. Some models will offer a plastic cover to fold over the surface.
Choosing an option with an anti-slip liner is advisable.
Cord Length
Don’t let the messy wires fool you into thinking that short electric cord will be easier to handle. It can limit your freedom to move around 120 to 160 inches in length is enough for complete autonomy.
1 – PORTER CABLE PCC650B 20-volt MAX Lithium Bare Jigsaw
When you are low on budget, a machine like this is a fair bargain. It is best cordless jigsaw under $100, it will provide pretty serious performance enhancements.
You can use it for both straight and curved cuts, bevel cuts for wood, sink cutouts, cutting pipe, laminated material, etc.
At first, we thought we shouldn’t expect much from the cutting speed offered at such an affordable price. But we were wrong. The PORTER CABLE PCC650B features variable speed trigger which can reach up to 2,500 SPM beyond expectations. This allows for efficient sawing with perfectly accurate cuts.
For more mileage out of the offering of 2500 SPM, this model features three orbital settings to serve you with intensely cutting through a wide range of materials.
With a stand-by dust blower and LED lights ready to wipe out all the debris and dirt, what you have to do is focus entirely on your task with nothing obscuring your visibility. We do not doubt the beveling capabilities of this jigsaw as it will level up to 45 degrees.
The contoured over-molded handle comes in handy to offer a firm and comfortable gripping during sawing.
There is still room for improvement, and we are still waiting till the day this Porter-Cable PCC650B can extend itself to professional use, instead of being constrained to household use only.
Pros
Affordable price
Specializing in household use
A contoured handle on optimizing comfort
Can change the blade easily
Cons
Limited to DIY use only
2 – DEWALT DCS331B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Jig Saw
You will know it is totally understandable why we choose to put in the right word for Dewalt, a prestigious brand who has faithfully delivered the top woodworking products to our door. And this time, it is no exception with the Dewalt DCS331B Jigsaw.
Find no further for a jigsaw that can balance between “specialized” use and “everyday” use as this cordless model will fit well with virtually any DIY wood projects of yours. It runs on the 20V Max Li-Ion platform which gives out plenty of stout power to handle not only wood but also aluminum, metal, and other objects.
The product is easy to maneuver on your needs, simply press the trigger harder if you crave more cutting power. Its variable speed control system will allow up to 3,000 SPM, with four-position orbital settings for the versatility of rougher cuts and curve cuts as well.
Besides, what we want to introduce you is the all metal lever action keyless blade with detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° to help with easy bevel cutting while the keyless feature allows you to lock and unlock it at will.
Most people go for this DCS331B Jigsaw because of its portability and the anti-grip comfort grip for added comfort and control. Also, dust blower is a useful feature when you need to focus solely on the cutting instead of stopping halfway to clear up the dirt.
A big flaw to notice from the jigsaw is that it accepts only T-shank blades but not any others, but we suppose this only one option is enough to deliver optimal holding power and quality of cuts.
Pros
Four orbital setting
All metal lever keyless blade
Adjustable blower to keep the working environment dust-free
Convenient to use and control
Cordless feature
Anti-grip design
Cons
Limited to T-shank blades use
Battery and charger not available out of the package
No light laser
3 – DEWALT DCS334B 20V Max Brushless Jig Saw – I Highly Recommended
Like his previous cousin, the Dewalt DCS334B deserves our sincere appreciation for its packs of high-end features.
The jigsaw features a robust brushless motor ready to deliver efficient performance for extended runtime. Specifically, this guy comes with a slightly higher blade speed (3200 SPM) compared to its DCS331B counterpart (3000 SPM); thus, this power indicates better performance with outstanding output.
With three-position orbital action modes to choose from, you can fine-tune the settings for optimal cutting of various types of materials. As long as the aggressive cut is concerned, a faster cutting speed will do, but when there’s no need to optimize the capacity, the Dewalt DCS334B’s slower rate wouldn’t be an issue.
Accuracy is not a concern as well. Being compact in design, with a barrel grip version, Dewalt jigsaw makes allowances for maximum control and comfortable grip when holding the item. It hits the proverbial point with the ergonomic handle and the curved design, which is extremely convenient to carry around as you may need a focus point to hold to.
The side-to-side dial action is another plus. In some low-quality models, adjusting blades are a real pain in the neck. But it is not the case in this device as the lever action keyless blade is super easy to use and control.
To make up for the lack of cutline indicator, there is a bright LED light to help brighten up the dimly lit working area; thus, precision is guaranteed. In such an advanced model, we do expect to see a built-in dust port, but so far there is still no sign of this improvement yet.
Pros
Brushless motor
Tool-less bevel adjustment
Variable speed dial
LED light added
Relatively lightweight
Cons
Lacking in features like a cutline indicator and a dust port
Rather pricey
4 – Bosch JSH180B Cordless Jig Saw Bare Tool
Bosch JSH180B 18V Cordless Jigsaw is another finest machine that you may want to explore. It is hard-pressed to find a better high-end wood-cutter in this size.
Believe me or not, see it for yourself!
Statistics never lie. This design is unrivaled in performance, and it is also loveable in that it’s 30% lighter and 10% smaller than the other of its counterparts. You will no longer have to endure body ache or fatigue after extended use. Great choice, isn’t it?
It has a tool-less blade change system which eliminates the need to touch the hot blade. Everything is simplified to use, so you need to hit the ejection button to stop the blade. Additionally, there is an adjustable footplate to support bevel cuts up to 45 degrees.
Like the two contenders that go first, this contestant provides four orbital-action settings so that users can take a tour around different blade strokes to discover each inside out. This capability is useful in application, especially when you are working with different types of materials.
We are sure that you would love to see the jigsaw illuminating your working space in dark lighting using its LED light, plus an always-on dust blower to wipe out all the dirt for you – no stops or interruptions to shatter your concentration span.
Besides the convenience of use, security and portability come second. With electronic motor protection and electrical cell protection, the engine will be sheltered against getting too hot or overloaded. The on-board bevel wrench storage is for easy transportation.
On the flip side, the protection against recoil when working on hard material is not excellent.
Pros
Highly portable design
Increased visibility
Precision guaranteed
Extended battery backup time
Electronic protection features
Cons
Poor protection against recoil
5 – Makita XVJ03Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Jig Saw
It is a pleasure to work with a brand that knows the meaning of efficiency. That said, this is the top pick for most professionals who are looking for accuracy and precision in a trustable set.
What makes Makita XVJ03Z so unique?
A useful tool must go with a smooth flow of operation. This holds true for Makita since it accompanies variable speed motor which offers a speed range from 0 to 2600 SPM for fast and efficient cutting. It delivers straight cuts with perfect accuracy. Bear in mind that the set is cordless, so using it requires no messy and long wires.
We rate it as the best cordless jigsaw under $200 because it is not only functional but also very convenient to control. The Makita XVJ03Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Jig Saw has a large 2-finger variable speed trigger to add to the ease and comfort for long-term usage.
The tool-less blade change system makes blade installation and removal of a simple plug-and-play experience. Apart from the soft rubber grip for a comfortable hold, the jigsaw promises to bring to life a precise, smooth cutting and extreme durability thanks to the heavy gauge.
The Makita offers three orbital settings which are not as impressive as its competitors. However, to make up for this feature, there are LED lights for increased visibility during cutline and a cutting capacity reaching up to 90° for aluminum.
There are hardly any issues in such a flawless jigsaw, except for the price it charges which can be quite prohibitive. But we shouldn’t ask for a better price in return for the incredible performance.
If you are scrolling all the way for the best corded jigsaw under $50, this sturdy black is the right choice to stop by.
BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C packs a 5-amp variable speed motor and generates up to 3,000 SPM of cutting capacity, which are all impressive features to offer you utmost accuracy and comfort even when working with hard materials. Typically, jigsaws of universal type will offer lesser amp variable speed motor; thus, the productivity is lower, with more time and effort needed for each accomplishment.
As this brand is intended to surprise users, many valuable characteristics follow.
45-degree bevel cuts will foster versatile cutting in different directions while the bevel shoe indicates a more sturdy and stable sole base.
The convenience of use is a point not to miss. Its keyless blade clamp feature, together with the curve control technology, will allow easy customization between the one to four settings and support up and down movement at your will.
Watch out for the trigger as it is super sensitive, which can be dangerous when the blade is activated without you knowing.
Pros
Customized settings
Keyless blade clamp
5-amp motor
Increased stability
Cons
Over-sensitive trigger
2 – GALAX PRO Jigsaw 6.7 Amp 3000 SPM Jig Saw with Laser & LED
For the third place in the review, we pick the GALAX PRO Jigsaw. Let’s see how it manages to sell us on!
This black orange guy works powerfully with switchable laser and a 6.7-amp motor providing up to 3,000 strokes per minute at a fraction of heat emitted. There is no need to question the longevity of this model as it is built to work a lifetime.
The use of pure copper motor increases the efficiency of the whole system, while the built-in laser guide and LED light ensure you get enough light for an accurate cutting task. Variable speed control dial from one to six means no matter which application you focus on; there is always a speeding mode that suits well.
Sadly, the jigsaw is cumbersome in design, and the speed dial is located far away from your reach, which makes it an incompletely player.
Pros
Increased conductivity
Stable and clean cutline
Versatile usage
Powerful 6.7-amp motor
Cons
Heavy design
Inconvenient-to-reach speed dial
3 – WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw
Dear friends, it is hard to believe.
This WEN 33606 jigsaw charges you under 50 dollars without sacrificing any essential features. It still includes the fundamental dust blower, LED light, a powerful 6.6-amp speed motor, and 4-orbital settings.
What’s more to expect from this low-budget performer?
The 4-position orbital selection knob makes it possible to change the movement of the blade as you want. There is an onboard laser besides LED light to offer increased visibility.
One big plus point is the dust port and the front-mounted dust blower to wipe out saw debris from your cutline. There are a lock-on trigger switch and a parallel fence bracket to add to the convenience of use.
We find it reasonable for this budget-friendly jigsaw to have several mistakes – the first being its bulky design and the other coming from the poor durability.
Pros
Can cut bevel
The clean line of cut
Four-orbital settings
Easy to use
Cons
Heavy design
Less durable product
4 – Bosch JS260 120-Volt Top-Handle Jigsaw
A man’s tool determines his success. For a wood-cutter, Bosch JS260 is an essential accessory that helps streamline every exhausting step involved in woodworks.
Most experts love it. How about you?
Bosch is a world-renowned brand when it comes to a reliable woodwork tool. The JS260 features a 6-amp motor for maximum speed and an accelerator trigger to provide you with full control over the operating speed.
It keeps pace with most of the rest of its competitors by the insertion of the toolless blade change system with a blade ejection lever for easy control and comfort to carry thanks to the built-in ergonomic top handle.
Smooth operation is a must, and thankfully, Bosch generously offers four orbital-action settings with different blade strokes to handle even the most aggressive cuts.
If it were not for the plastic material of the quick release blade, the whole set would be without mistakes. This flaw makes the jigsaw susceptible to quick breaking.
Pros
Easy to use
Deliver smooth operation
Adjustable dust blower
Four orbital-action settings
Cons
The release blade may not last long
5 – PORTER-CABLE PCE345 6-Amp Orbital Jig Saw
This is the last product to unfold the curtain for the review of the best corded jigsaw under $100 and is ready to impress you.
It comes with an exceptionally versatile 7-position speed dial which allows you to move the saw up and down, from left to right with ease. Its 6-amp motor comes in handy to extend the cutting power of the jigsaw.
Portability is the unique feature of the Porter-Cable PCE345. Unlike the previous products in this cord-dependent group, this friend is very lightweight, enabling it to move comfortably with no hassle.
As far as safety is concerned, the lock-on button will promise you a solid hold of the saw for extended use. Again, there is a tool-free blade change for easy customization.
The only thing we are not pleased is that the minimum-speed mode fails to come up to our expectations. It works poorly.
Pros
Powerful cutting capacity
Support quick and easy changes
Safe and durable
Lightweight
Cons
Ineffective minimum speed operation
Bottom line
Looking for the right jigsaw to serve your needs is not an easy-breezy task.
Probably the most persuasively high-performance tool is the Dewalt DCS334B. Dewalt is among the leading brands in the jigsaw world, but it is not because of such popularity that we decide to give a high rating for its products. The Dewalt DCS334B stands out with a compelling offer of 3200 strokes per minute and safety features in mind.
If you are getting confused with the various models and brands, take a deep breath to remind yourself of what we have offered in the buying guide. Then just go ahead with the best.
PORTER CABLE PCC650B
DEWALT DCS331B
DEWALT DCS334B
Bosch JSH180B
Makita XVJ03Z
BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C
GALAX PRO Jigsaw
WEN 33606
Bosch JS260
PORTER-CABLE PCE345
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