Best cordless jigsaw 2020

What is the best cordless jigsaw? When it comes to making sophisticated shaped or curved cuts in wood, laminate, metal or ceramic in the absence or due to remoteness of a standard power outlet, there is nothing better than an advanced cordless jigsaw. This tool will be highly helpful in a confined space, at your garage or tiny workshop when the power cord is more an obstacle than a handy appliance. Nowadays the state-of-the-art battery powered options are highly competitive with the corded jigsaws, demonstrating similar or even higher performance. And the DEWALT DCS334B with its features justifies the above-stated.

Why have I chosen this model? The DEWALT DCS334B 20-Volt cordless jigsaw is at the forefront of innovations. With the brushless motor that delivers up to 3,200 SPM, it's definitely one of the most powerful and reliable tools in its class. The speed can be adjusted by means of the trigger and dial to obtain the desired precision of the cut. Its 4-position orbital motion function allows performing even the most intricate cuts.

Moreover, the manufacturer has equipped this model with the most advanced and useful accessories like tool-free blade change clamp, bright LED lights, the dust blower and removable shoe cover which protects materials to be processed from scratches and other related damages. All the above-mentioned features facilitate the process and contribute to the successful results of any cutting job.

The design of this model is excellent, and the convenience of its use is great. Besides it is smaller than many of its current counterparts on the market. Overall, it deserves the highest estimation and closer look when searching for an advanced jigsaw.

Corded vs. Cordless jigsaws

Nowadays there are plenty of powerful corded jigsaws available on the market, but the battery-powered saws are much preferable due to their user-friendliness and convenience in use.

It wasn’t that long ago when battery-powered tools (and the jigsaws are not an exception) were commonly assumed as less powerful in comparison with their traditional corded counterparts. Nowadays, the advanced battery technology is constantly forging ahead (for instance, lithium-ion batteries). Thus, there’s no doubt that the current battery-powered jigsaws demonstrate similar performance and, in some cases, outreach the corded options. The advanced cordless jigsaws with the features similar to DEWALT DCS334B are highly competitive with their corded counterparts.

The convenience of the operation, which is one of the key features leading to successful result, may be disturbed by the power cable of the corded models. The cable trails behind the tool, thus getting in a way of an operator and imposing the risk to safety, especially when working outside or under conditions of a high humidity. In the case of battery-powered jigsaws, there is no need in any cables or extension cords thus making the working space clear and facilitating the whole process.

However, one of the most significant advantages of the cordless models is in their portability that is they can be used at any locations or jobsites both inside and outside. But, to be on the safe side, I would recommend having two batteries with you to get one in stand-by or recharged while you’re using another.

Nowadays the majority of manufacturers offer batteries which are shareable with other tools from their range. That is, if you have any tool of a particular brand, you may have an opportunity to buy a jigsaw of the same brand and switch the battery from one tool to another.

In general, the design and the principle of operation of the battery-powered jigsaw are very similar to the traditional ones of the corded model. It has a similar shoe, pendulum motion mechanism, guides, etc. The main difference is in the motor.

The cordless jigsaw is equipped with a DC motor run by the battery. Thus the user has an opportunity to adjust shaft rotation of the motor without any power losses. Absence of the frequency converter, being an essential part of all AC motors, is another benefit. For instance, the BOSCH JSH180B with its durable DC motor is additionally equipped with an electric protection system designed to ensure a reliable operation of both motor and battery.

Besides, there are some benefits related to the operation itself, in particular, the mobility and safety enhancement. Thus, if you are striving for a cordless jigsaw for residential use, you should primarily focus on the type and capacity of a battery it comes with.

Taking into consideration the above-mentioned advantages of the cordless jigsaws, let’s get a deeper knowledge of their main peculiarities like batteries, being the exclusive energy source.

Batteries | Main Features

Due to restriction of the battery capacity, the manufacturers do not strive for the highest speed rates. In this case, the versatility of the tool for multiple applications is achieved. The average speed of the battery-powered jigsaws is in the range of 3000 up to 3500 SPM. The latter is mostly applicable for professional-grade projects.

In order to provide the motor operation stability when cutting different types of materials, the supply voltage should not be less or equal to 12 V. In case of bigger jigsaws the value should be within 18 V.

The best suited battery for a cordless option should meet the following requirements:

• Sufficient capacity. With a use of the jigsaw on a constant basis, it should be not less than 2 Ah. If you are going to use it for smaller occasional jobs, than the capacity should be at least 1.2 Ah.
• Battery type. Only lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries are the best options to retain the charge to maintain a continuous motor operation. The self-discharge rate (no-load) of these batteries is close to zero. They are most suitable for a continuous operation at low ambient temperatures. Besides the number of times they can be recharged effectively is impressive, in particular, not less than 1000 for lithium-ion, and not less than 500 for lithium-polymer batteries.

However, currently there are plenty of cordless options on the market that are offered without battery at all. You get the "bare" tool and have to buy a battery and charger additionally. To be on the safe side, don’t forget to purchase a spare battery in case you're going to perform a lot of cutting.

Best cordless jigsaws

1. DEWALT DCS334B | Best overall

DEWALT is the US based and one of the leading manufacturers of the power tools and hand tools worldwide. Dewalt is a part of Black & Decker Inc., the global leader in supplying tools and services.

Dewalt DCS334B comes with the brushless motor which contributes significantly to higher efficiency and durability of the tool. The maximum lithium-ion battery voltage without a workload is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18. This model features the accurate control of blade speed up to 3200 SPM for different types of materials. This model is capable of a 4-position orbital motion, for various even the most intricate curved cuts. It is equipped with an upgraded tool-free blade change mechanism that allows you to switch from one blade to another quickly and safely. This jigsaw has an adjustable shoe level to select a required cutting angle.

It includes a bright LED light to make the cutting line visible even on a dim surface of the workpiece.

Moreover, the jigsaw comes with an integrated dust blower, designed to remove dirt and debris which are accumulated during the cutting process.

Features

• Battery voltage: 18 V
• Blade speed (SPM): 3200
• Weight (lbs): 4.2
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 8.2 x 1.8 x 6.4

This model is perfect for both residential and professional purposes as it does not compromise with user-friendly or professional-grade features.

DEWALT: Check the current price

2. BOSCH JSH180B | Best value

The Power Tools Division of the Bosch Group is one of the leading manufacturers of power tools and accessories on the international market. The Company comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and more than 350 other subsidiaries in more than 60 countries. Robert Bosch Tool Corporation was formed in January 2003 in the US.

The Bosch JSH180B 18-Volt lithium-ion jigsaw is a versatile and reliable tool which can be used for various cutting jobs like carpentry finishing stages, various contractors' projects and DIY home-based tasks. This can be proved by its lightweight and ergonomic design with a small grip in diameter, which facilitates the work of the operator, especially during the extended periods of operation. This model is equipped with the electronic motor and cell protection system, which saves the battery and the motor from overload and overheating.

This jigsaw features 4-orbital action, which makes it capable to cut through wood, aluminum and steel.

It comes with useful accessories like the dust blower and LED light, which contribute to improvement of the accuracy of cut.

Besides, the JSH180B is very convenient for storage and transferring as it comes with an on-board bevel wrench compartment.

Features

• Battery voltage: 18 V
• Blade speed (SPM): 2700
• Weight (lbs): 4.8
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 10 x 8.7 x 3.7

The Bosch JSH180B is a perfect device for a continuous cutting of different shapes through various materials. It comes with all the necessary features of an advanced jigsaw. This jigsaw is absolutely one of the best among other options to be considered as a future purchase.

BOSCH: Check the current price

3. WORX WX550L | Best cheap

The Worx WX550L is a combination of a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw, delivering versatility and high performance for getting fast and accurate cuts. This model comes in an innovative design with its motor located on the side of the body, thus simultaneous rotation of the motor and gear is ensured. This minimizes the risk of slippage or misalignment and contributes to a smooth and uninterrupted transfer of power and gains process efficiency. The tool is powered by the 20V lithium-ion battery which is suitable for any 20V WORX tools.

Its tool-free blade change system enables you to install a variety of standard blades to cut different types of materials like wood, plastic and soft metals.

This model features a built-in dust blower which serves to increase visibility during the cutting process.

Worx is a brand name of the Positec Tool Corporation, a manufacturing company based in Suzhou, China with North American headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Worx is known for its wide range of garden equipment and power tools. The products are also sold on the European market.

Features

• Battery voltage: 20 V
• Blade speed max (SPM): 3000
• Weight (lbs): 4.2
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 9 x 5 x 6.5

According to the manufacturer this model is capable of tackling the widest variety of cutting tasks due to its two-in-one set of tools. Besides, this model is less expensive in comparison with its advanced counterparts in its class. I would recommend it for light and medium-duty cutting jobs around the house as well as for the DIY projects.

WORX: Check the current price