What is the best jigsaw? The advanced jigsaw is a highly useful tool in the arsenal of any craftsman both professional and enthusiast. It is primarily connected with a great number of applications it can be used for. In particular, it is essential for creation of any shapes in any materials and finishing projects which standard saws are not capable to handle.
Another outstanding benefit of this tool is the simplicity of its use which contributes to safety during its operation. Jigsaws are considered to be the safest tools which, at the same time, demonstrate enough capacity and high performance to deal with multiple, sometimes challenging, cutting tasks. According to my survey, the Dewalt DCS335B will handle easily even most challenging and intricate cuts.
This cordless model is a comparatively new and upgraded tool in comparison with its previous versions in the wide range of DEWALT power tools. The first amazing feature which stands it out from the counterparts is the powerful brushless motor serving for higher performance and longer lifetime.
This jigsaw features the blade speed control, thus it can be varied up to 3200 SPM. It is also equipped with an improved tool-free blade change mechanism to install and remove it fast with no extra efforts from an operator.
The DCS335B is offered with 4-orbital action settings to perform the most complicated curved cuts regardless the type of material you are going to deal with.
The integrated bright LED light makes the cutting line visible, thus contributing to the accuracy of the desired result, especially at a low light. Moreover, the jigsaw is equipped with the dust blower, to remove debris and dust in front of the blade during the cutting process.
Finally, in addition to its multiple applicable features, the Dewalt DCS335B is a highly portable tool with no cords attached. And all this makes it a fantastic tool for professional and residential applications.
CONTENT
- 1 What is a jigsaw? | The basics
- 2 Types of jig saws, which one to choose?
- 3 What to look for when buying a jigsaw? | Buyer's Guide
- 4 Best jigsaws
What is a jigsaw? | The basics
A jigsaw is a highly versatile tool with a reciprocating blade to perform shaped cuts in different materials. Such saw is in the forefront of the most frequently used tools of any contractor or DIY-enthusiast. The jigsaw has to be ready at hand at any household as it is very easy to operate and useful. However, it is in power to handle various materials like timber, plywood, plastics, ceramic tiles, rubber, glass, and even thin cement slabs, non-ferrous metals, steel, etc.
The jig saws are quite powerful but at the same time lightweight and compact in comparison with the standard saws. They are capable of more than a simple sawing, like ripping or cross cutting, but of an accurate and intricate profile cutting. Thus the portable, versatile, and easy to use jigsaws deserve a rightful place in every tool collection of any DIY enthusiast or contractor.
Differently from a saber, circular or chain saw, a jigsaw can be hold with one hand, allowing a proper fixation of a workpiece. Due to this feature, an accurate cut is possible at a considerably high rate, as there's no necessity to fix a workpiece each time. You need just a thorough marking and a firm hand to complete the work.
And now, let’s learn about this handy tool in more details.
Types of jig saws, which one to choose?
To add to its versatility, you can select a jigsaw that is operated by household power supply, batteries, or with compressed air.
Corded jigsaws
The corded jigsaw is a sophisticated tool with a variety of features that enable it to accomplish all kinds of cuts in different types of materials. These corded tools mainly differ in their grip design. They generally come in D-handle and barrel-grip designs. Grips are designed for maintaining straightness of the blade during the cutting process.
The D-handle grips are considered to be easier in maneuvering. However, the beginners or those who use this type for a casual work are feel uncertainty during its handling.
According to some users, the barrel-grip design is more ergonomic and ensures the required controllability. Its design allows you to get closer to the work piece, which contributes to more accurate cuts. Besides, the jigsaw with a barrel-grip enables upside down cutting in an easier way, which might be useful for fulfillment of specific jobs. For instance, Bosch JS470EB is a highly demanded barrel-grip corded option.
Corded jigsaws typically run on 120 alternating current of a regular power outlet. As a rule, the corded jigsaws are more powerful than their cordless counterparts. For this reason, they are typically preferred for the heavy-duty applications.
The corded electric jigsaws are capable to run for a long time. As long as you have power supply, the jigsaw will be continuously running apart from the breaks to prevent overheating. The flip side of it is in the power cable that comes as an essential part of corded models. And this can be a limitation factor in terms of your mobility while accomplishing some intricate cut at a certain angle or working for some project outside.
Thus, if you’re dealing with thicker and harder materials which require longer processing, I would recommend picking up one of the corded jigsaws.
Cordless jigsaws
This type of the jigsaws is a truly portable tool. You can use it at any location with no extension cords or risk of electric shock. However, the duration of its battery is limited, thus you will have to make long breaks each time it needs to be recharged. This could be highly inconvenient, especially when dealing with bigger projects or in case if you are restricted in time.
Although the cordless jigsaws are less powerful than corded counterparts and need recharging, the models like the Dewalt DCS335B, will grant you with some impressive features. If you are after the cordless option, than find more detailed description of this handy tool in our Best Cordless Jigsaw review.
Pneumatic jigsaws
These tools are considered to be a new concept among professional grade jigsaws. They are powered by an air compressor, and come with the similar features of the corded models but weigh less. Absence of a power cord makes it safe to use at locations with the humid environment.
The pneumatic jigsaw is also used to make curved and shaped cuts. But it may come with both straight blade which moves in a reciprocating and a pendulum motion which enables quicker cutting into thicker and harder materials. This type of jigsaws are not so widely used like their corded or battery-powered counterparts, but they deserve specific attention from the contractors or professionals as it may be successfully used at any job sites.
What to look for when buying a jigsaw? | Buyer's Guide
As I’ve mentioned before the jigsaw is a highly versatile cutting tool which should be an indispensable part of a tool box of any craftsman. However, there are two main issues which may occur while dealing with the jigsaw.
In particular, a user may face chipping and irregular cut. In majority of cases, these issues can be solved by choosing an appropriate blade and operation mode, depending on the material stock you are going to process. However, skills of an operator and jigsaw design peculiarities are also highly important to achieve the desired result. Let's consider the most important features of the best jigsaw to suit the majority of specific applications.
- Orbital Action
It is one of the essential features which contributes significantly to the multifunctionality of the tool. However, this function is not available on every saw. A straight action jigsaw moves the blade in an up-and-down motion. Due to the orbital motion function, and as the name says, the jigsaw is capable of orbital motion cutting. It becomes possible due to an integrated oscillating mechanism which moves the blade in a circular motion while reciprocating.
Such movement minimizes the wear of the blade and eliminates excessive vibration. The angle of the action depends on the material you are cutting and can be adjusted accordingly. As the rule, the orbital-action jigsaw will result in smoother cut than the straight-action saws. For instance, the DEWALT DCS335B features 4-orbital action settings to make the most sophisticated shaped and curved cuts through number of various materials.
- Adjustable stroke rate
The state-of-the-art jigsaws will feature variable speed rates. High speed is applicable for soft wood. Mid-speed should be set for thicker wooden materials, plastics and soft metals like aluminum. The Porter-Cable PCE345 features the 7 position speed dial which allows cutting even harder materials.
The lower speed rates should be selected for metal processing like steel, etc. Slower speeds can also enhance the accuracy when making intricate curved cuts.
- Motor power
The motor speed of a jigsaw is determined as strokes per minute. Faster speeds allow quicker and smoother cuts depending on the material you are going to deal with. Like the BOSCH JS470EB, equipped with the impressively powerful 7-Amp motor, which is capable of creating high-speed rates.
The powerful motor will lead to higher efficiency of the tool. The efficiency implies the maximum cutting depth, speed, and the duration of a continuous operation.
- Weight
As the jigsaw is designed to be a portable tool, its weight should be light enough to carry it from one location to another or to maneuver it easily during the cutting process. However, a heavier jigsaw has its benefit. Lighter saws are more awkward during the cutting action of the blade, especially in the unskilled hands. On the contrary, a heavier saw will ensure a smoother cutting operation, especially if you are going to cut harder or thicker materials.
- Dust blower
Some models are equipped with an air blowing system. It ejects a stream of air over the work piece in front of the blade. This keeps the cutting line free of chips and dust, to ensure that the cutting line is visible for the operator. More than that, the premium jigsaws are offered now with a dust collection system.
- Laser guide
You will be happy about this feature if you have to perform straight cutting lines on a constant basis and want to save time which has been usually spent for old-fashioned pencil marking.
The built-in laser can be highly helpful for maintaining a straight cutting line with a jigsaw, which naturally tends to deviate.
This feature is not an essential but a nice option to have, especially for a beginner, as it improves the accuracy of your cut.
- Quick blade change
Nowadays the advanced jigsaws come with a quick blade changing device, which allows effortless switch from one blade to another fast and easy without any extra tool. For this reason, many models feature a lever or a flange located on the end of the blade carrier. Previous jigsaws required the use of a wrench or similar tool in order to replace the blades.
Best jigsaws
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw DCS335B | Best cordless
DEWALT is one of the most popular manufacturers of power tools on the US market. Their product range includes multiple types of saws, both corded and cordless. The main advantage of this brand is the affordable price and the reliability of their products.
DEWALT cordless jig saw features a powerful brushless motor allowing the improved performance and a continuous and uninterrupted runtime. The speed of this model can be adjusted up to 3,200 SPM. Its function of 4-position orbital motion suits the most intricate cutting through the variety of materials.
The bright LED lights are installed to illuminate the cutline in case of a low light. It comes with the all-metal design of the lever-action clamp for tool-free blade change and the bevel for cutting at different angles.
Features
- Power source: Battery
- Blade speed (SPM): 3200
- Weight (lbs): 4.2
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 8.2 x 1.8 x 6.4
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2. Bosch 7.0 Amp Corded Variable Speed Barrel-Grip Jig Saw JS470EB | Best corded
Bosch is one of the most well-known brands worldwide. The company produces the widest range of power tools that are highly reliable and capable to serve you for many years ahead. The Bosch Group has deserved its reputation as the leading global supplier of technology and services.
The Bosch JS470EB barrel-grip jigsaw is the corded tool which can boast about its powerful 7.0-amp motor and variable-speed dial. The speed can be adjusted from 500 up to 3,100 SPM. These features allow implementation of multiple tasks including shaped and curved cutting.
This model comes with a counterbalancing mechanism which reduces vibration during the operation and thus improving the accuracy of the cut. It is equipped with a tool-free blade replacement system and the blade-ejection lever which excludes the risk of contact with hot blades.
Besides this jigsaw comes with a dust blower which helps to follow the cutting line during the process.
Features
- Power source: Electric
- Blade speed (SPM): 3100
- Weight (lbs): 5.9
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 15 x 13.75 x 4.5
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3. Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw | Best value
Makita Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of power tools. Nowadays it is a global brand which presents in more than 40 countries and has 10 production facilities located in 8 countries. Their tools are highly demanded due to their durability and accuracy.
The Makita JV0600K is offered with a die-cast aluminum housing base which demonstrates its durability in use. Its powerful 6.5 amp motor and combination of orbital and straight motion settings ensure fast and accurate cuts in various materials. This jigsaw features the variable speed control dial from 500 up to 3, 100 SPM depending on the application. The counterbalance system serves to reduce excessive vibration thus enhancing stability of the process.
The saw also comes with the tool-free blade change system which helps to mount and remove blades easily depending on the material or type of cut.
More than that, the model is equipped with a dust collection system which makes the work more comfortable for the operator. The JV0600K is delivered with a tool case which is very convenient for storage.
Features
- Power source: Electric
- Blade speed (SPM): 3100
- Weight (lbs): 5.2
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 4.3 x 14.6 x 13
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