A good handyman, whether amateur or professional must have a jigsaw in his kit. It is very important for a person carrying out carpentry work to have the right set of tools. There are different types of saws available at the disposal of carpenters, which include chainsaws that are used for maintaining lawns and gardens, scroll saws for making a wood piece plain and smooth, circular saws to make straight cuts in a straight line on a piece of lumbar.
Then, there are table saws that are used by carpenters to cut wood for complex applications. Just like all these power tools, a jigsaw is used by a carpenter for some specific applications. If you are looking to buy an efficient jigsaw for personal or professional use, then you should check out consumer reports jigsaw reviews. The reviews are followed by a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right jigsaw for your needs.
Reviews Of 5 Best Jigsaws
1. BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw Smart Select With IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps
This is a highly versatile jigsaw whose orbit can be fully adjusted in 4 different settings, thanks to the inclusion of Curve Control Technology. Besides being versatile, this jigsaw is quite powerful, courtesy of a 5-amp variable-speed motor, which helps produce up to 3,000 SPM of cutting power. You can use this jigsaw to make bevel cuts at an angle of 45 degrees. The jigsaw remains stable throughout the time you’re using it due to an adjustable shoe.
The jigsaw features non-marring pads, which help the machine keep a firm grip over the surface to protect your workpiece from scuffs and scratches. The durable clamps on this jigsaw can be quickly released, courtesy of one-handed triggers. You will like the sturdy construction of the power tool, which constitutes of resin along with hardened steel bars to prevent bending and flexing.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw DCS335B
Check out this powerful jigsaw from Dewalt, which comes with a brushless motor that helps deliver exceptional performance with the same consistency. The compact size of this jigsaw will help you grip it easily along with providing maximum control. You can use this power tool at night as well, thanks to the bright LED light installed on the jigsaw that illuminates poorly lit work areas.
You can control the speed of this jigsaw in a precise manner, courtesy of a variable speed dial. The company has added a lever-action keyless blade change that is made entirely of metal. This feature allows for quick and effortless T-shank blade changes. The jigsaw features an integrated dust blower that helps keep the line of sight clear at the time of cutting.
The keyless shoe bevel is entirely made of metal, plus it features detents at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees for easy adjustment. Other features of the jigsaw include a 4-position orbital action that provides complete control over the speed and quality of cut, the inclusion of a non-marring shoe cover that helps protect the work surface from scuffs and scratches. This jigsaw accepts T-shank jigsaw blades for optimal holding power.
3. PORTER-CABLE Orbital Jig Saw PCE345
Here is another high-quality orbital jigsaw, which comes with a 7-position speed dial that allows a maximum speed of 3,200 SPM for optimal cutting results. This is among the most powerful jigsaw that features a 6-amp motor that allows you to carry out a wide range of cutting jobs with ease. The jigsaw is equipped with 4 orbital settings that provide incredible cutting performance in a wide range of materials.
This jigsaw is very easy to control even after hours of usage, thanks to the lock-on button incorporated into the power tool. The front and handle of the jigsaw feature an oversized over-mold that offers much better control and comfort during use. The inclusion of a keyless blade change clamp allows fast and easy replacements of the blade.
4. BOSCH 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw Bare Tool JSH180B
Bosch has made it to the list with its cordless jigsaw that is compact and lightweight, thus letting you carry out a variety of jobs with ease. The jigsaw is 10% smaller and 30% lighter than the leading jigsaw available on the market. You won’t experience fatigue while using this jigsaw for prolonged periods.
The company has added a unique T-shank blade change system in this jigsaw that allows you to make tool-less blade changes, eliminating the need to touch the hot blade to replace it. The footplate of this jigsaw is fully adjustable, allowing for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees. The motor and battery in this jigsaw stay protected against overheating and overloading, thanks to Electronic Cell and Motor Protection.
You will get a bevel wrench storage in the package, which allows you to conveniently store the jigsaw in one corner of your workplace. This jigsaw is up to 10% smaller and 30% lighter than the leading jigsaw available on the market. The compact and lightweight design of the jigsaw helps you in more than one way.
You can insert and eject the blade with one hand, which will definitely add to your convenience. You can get the best cutting performance as per the application, thanks to the presence of a 4-stage orbital action. The inclusion of an LED light at the front of the power tool allows you to work in low light conditions.
5. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Jig Saw CMCS600B
Ending my list with a Craftsman V20 Cordless Jig Saw, which comes with a variable speed trigger whose range starts from 0 and goes up to 2,500 SPM. This comes along with precise control to obtain clean and accurate cuts. The jigsaw features 3 orbital settings that can be used to adjust the aggressiveness of the cut according to different materials and applications.
The inclusion of a beveling shoe allows you to cut up to 45 degrees for angled cuts. The jigsaw is highly versatile, as it accepts both T and U blades. While working on this jigsaw, you don’t have to worry about debris, as the integrated dust blower takes care of it.
You will like using this jigsaw, as it is extremely comfortable, thanks to the inclusion of a contoured over-molded handle. You can use the jigsaw with VERSATRACK Wall Organization System as well. The company provides 3-year limited warranty on the power tool that covers all manufacturing defects. The only downside to this unit is that you will have to buy its charger and battery separately.
What Criteria To Choose The Right Jigsaw?
A jigsaw is an essential element for cutting a worktop, plastic, wood, or even steel, but what are the criteria to take into account to choose the right jigsaw? Well, there are a few things that you need to consider when buying a jigsaw, such as power, voltage, reliability of the brand, and the quality/price ratio. I recommend that you read the below-mentioned 7 criteria to choose your next jigsaw.
The type of jigsaw- For more maneuverability, I recommend that you choose a cordless jigsaw. If you want more power, the wired jigsaw may be for you but will be less convenient.
Voltage - For precision and a qualitative cut, I advise you to choose a jigsaw with a minimum voltage of 120V for the corded and a minimum voltage of 18V for the cordless.
Weight - Most jigsaws weigh between 1.5kg and 3kg (with battery) depending on the model. For working at heights and arm's length, be sure to take a jigsaw with less weight for more comfort.
Power - Most jigsaws have a power ranging from 350 to 850W. For an average cutting depth, I recommend a power of at least 500W.
Speed - Make sure that your jigsaw has a speed controller, this will allow you to adjust the cutting speed depending on the material that you cut.
The ergonomics - For more comfort and a better grip of the camera, I recommend that you choose a handlebar and a compact size.
How Powerful Should A Jigsaw Be And What Is Its Use?
Whether you are a hobbyist, occasional user, or a DIY expert, the choice of power for your jigsaw will depend on your use, the jobs you have to do, and the depth of cut:
If you are an occasional user and want a shallow cutting depth, between 60 to 70mm in wood, I recommend using a jigsaw having a minimum power of 350W up to 500W.
If you are going to carry out several different supported jobs such as moving in, or have parquet to cut, a chest of drawers to lay, I recommend a jigsaw with a power of 700W, which will allow you a cutting depth of 100mm in the wood.
If you are a regular user and want more comfort, I recommend a power between 700W and 850W.
Final Verdict
A jigsaw consists of a narrow blade that is capable of cutting shapes and curves in wood. So, if you are a carpenter who carries out jobs where the wood is cut precisely into complex shapes with beautiful curves, then you should get yourself a top-quality jigsaw. Choose the best tool from the list of best jigsaws and enjoy the precise cutting of the lumbar without experiencing fatigue. So, add the best jigsaw to your cart and complete your carpentry kit with a highly powerful and capable tool.