Whether you’re planning a new home improvement project, replacing an aging tool, or just beginning to build up a power tool collection, a jigsaw can be a very wise investment.
These small, hand-held saws feature reciprocating blades that allow for easy, fast cuts of almost any material – wood, plastics, and light metals included. It’s much easier than using a hand-held saw, hacksaw, or pretty much any other non-powered saw, which allows for less stress on the material, quicker and cleaner cuts, and increased ease of use.
But what’s the best jigsaw on the market for you? Well, there are a few main factors that come into account when considering the purchase of a new jigsaw. Let’s take a look at them now.
Table of Contents
What to Consider When Buying a Jigsaw
- POWER. Power is one major factor when it comes to jigsaws. Typically, this is measured in amps, and consumer jigsaws generally range from 3-8 amps in power. The higher the amperage, the more power the motor can develop.
Typically, consumer models come in around the 5-amp mark. This target gives you plenty of power, as well as a long motor life, and an easy-to-control cutting experience.
- ORBITAL ACTION. Jigsaws are reciprocating saws – that is, the blades move forward and backward, just like a normal handsaw, but orbital action incorporates an up-and-down action, which allows for faster, more aggressive cuts, but requires greater finesse for delicate operation and precise cuts.
Corded vs. Cordless
- Cordless Jigsaws. Give you a better range of motion, but at the cost of heavy batteries which can increase user fatigue and make jigsaws harder to operate. You’ll also need to recharge often, especially if you’re working on a bigger project.
- Corded Jigsaws. Are lighter, easier to operate for extended periods of time, and usually more reliable, and fit for heavier-duty projects.
The choice mostly depends on what you plan to use your saw for – infrequent, hard-to-reach spaces? A cordless may be right for you. Consistent, the daily operation for long periods of time? It’s probably better to go corded.
Top 10 Jigsaws Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Power (Amps) | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DEWALT DCS331M1 20V Jig Saw | 4.0 | $$$$ | 4.8 |
| 2. PORTER-CABLE PCE345 6-Amp Orbital Jig Saw | 6.0 | $ | 4.7 |
| 3. DEWALT Bare-Tool DC330B 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw with Keyless Blade Change | 6.5 | $$$$ | 4.6 |
| 4. Bosch JS470E 120-Volt 7.0-Amp Top-Handle Jigsaw | 7.0 | $$$ | 4.7 |
| 5. Makita 4350FCT Top Handle Jig Saw with L.E.D.Light | 6.3 | $$$ | 4.7 |
| 6. SKIL 4495-02 6.0 Amp Orbital Action Laser Jigsaw | 6.0 | $$$ | 4.6 |
  | 7. Milwaukee 6268-21 6.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw | 6.5 | $$$ | 4.3 |
 | 8. DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 6.5-Amp (DW331K) | 6.5 | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 9. Bosch 7.2 Amp Barrel-Grip Jig Saw Kit JS572EBK | 7.2 | $$$$ | 4.8 |
| 10. DEWALT DW317K 5.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw Kit | 5.5 | $ | 4.7 |
Helpful Extra Features
- Anti-Vibration Settings. Anti-vibration options can be very handy when it comes to jigsaws – these designs use various shock-absorbing methods to reduce hand-strain and impact on the user, and allow for more precise cuts, and longer, easier operation.
- Dust Collectors and Blowers. Dust collectors function slightly differently than dust blowers – capturing and keeping sawdust, metal dust, or whatever’s flying off the object you are cutting.
Dust blowers, on the other hand, move material away from where you’re cutting, allowing unobstructed vision, but often causing a bit of a mess.
Either way, both of these are very useful features to have in a jigsaw, as they allow for easier operation and cleanup.
- Built-In Lights. Built-in lights can be a godsend for a jigsaw if you’re operating it in an area with less-than-ideal lighting – these bright, usually LED-based lights allow you to get a clear view of what you’re doing, no matter how poor lighting conditions may be, and allowing you to work without extra work lights.
- Quick-Change Blades. Some jigsaws offer keyless/tool-less “quick-change” blades, which allow you to snap in fresh saw blades without using any extra tools, making it quick and easy to replace a rapidly-dulling blade with a fresh, new one.
- Comfort Grips. This may seem obvious, but just like any tool you’ll be working with, you’ll want a comfortable, easy-to-use grip. A cushioned handle and a good grip shape – either barrel-style or D-shape – can work wonders when it comes to comfort. Remember – after everything else is said and done, the best jigsaw is the one that you’ll love using, time and time again.
Top 3 Best Jigsaw Reviews
1. DEWALT DCS331M1 20V Jig Saw
The DEWALT DCS331M1 20V Jig Saw is a powerful tool that provides versatility in numerous materials and applications. Its lever-action, keyless blade change allows for quick and easy blade changes.
The all-metal, keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees provides versatility in cutting materials. The DEWALT DCS331M1’s orbital action provides control of cut quality and speed for the jigsaw tool.
An adjustable dust blower keeps line of cut clear of chips, and variable speed controlled trigger makes this simple but effective tool a versatile one, especially in commercial work settings where more than one person will be using the same piece of equipment and where quick blade changes are essential for increased productivity.
Another great feature that DEWALT incorporated into this jigsaw is a comfortable grip handle. Now just like a carpenter’s belt, the more comfortable your grip handle is, the longer you can work without having to stop or rest.
2. PORTER-CABLE PCE345 6-Amp Orbital
The Porter-Cable PCE345 is a slight step up from the Tacklife, incorporating more premium features that users who are seeking a more powerful, versatile jigsaw will certainly appreciate.
Not only does it pack 6 amps of power, but it also has a variable-speed, 0-3200SPM (strokes per minute) control function, allowing you slow and precise cutting when you need it, and maximum power when you’ve got to really bear down on what you’re working on, and a 7-position speed dial integrated into the trigger.
In addition, it incorporates orbital action, with a 4-position orbital lever allowing you to adjust the aggressiveness of the cutting action, depending on what material you’re using it for.
Its design also features a keyless blade-changing technology that makes it a snap to replace a dulled blade and requires no additional hardware.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive step-up from our #1 ranked jigsaw, this is the right tool for you.
3. DEWALT Bare-Tool DC330B 18-Volt Cordless
Cordless jigsaws aren’t for everyone, but if you’re in the market, the Dewalt DC330B is top-of-the-line, featuring a 3000SPM, 6.5 amp motor that can cut through just about anything – including plywood, laminate, countertops, plastic, metals, and even nail-embedded wood that would trip up a less powerful saw.
It’s got top of the line features, too, including keyless blade changes, a 4-slot bevel selector to adjust the baseplate for beveled cuts, and a four-position orbital switch that controls the intensity of the orbital action of the tool and a blower that keeps material from gumming up the blade.
Even though it’s heavier than a corded tool, it weighs in at only 5.1 pounds and has a comfortable, cushioned handle that’s easy to grip and easy to move.
If you need a cordless jigsaw and are willing to pay for top quality, this DeWalt DC330B won’t disappoint.
Conclusion
The jigsaw is one of the most versatile power tools for home improvement projects and other DIY ventures because it’s so easy to use and offers a wider range of cutting capabilities than any non-powered saw that you can find in your local hardware store or tool shop.
If you want to get started with this handy hand saw before tackling bigger tasks like building an addition onto your house or making repairs on the roof, be sure to pick up one today!
