There are many jigsaw brands on the market that offer different features to consumers.? Most of these brands claim to have one of the best products around and it is hard for buyers to identify the best one to buy. The most confusing thing about buying jigsaws is that there are manufacturers who have top products in other categories but when it comes to jigsaws, their products are wanting.

To save time, this guide provides you with honest opinions and views about different products on the market. As a result, you will not have to cut through crap while in order to find the best tool for your project. After reading this guide, you will be able to make a good jigsaw buying decision.??

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Best Woodworking Jigsaw Tool

1. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw?

Bosch, a German engineering company has been in business since 1886. For this long, they have perfected the art of making the best electrical tools possible. It is no wonder that the JS470E jigsaw has made it to the list of the best jigsaws on our list.?

Bosch has earned a number of customer satisfaction awards both in Europe and across America with some of their products. Therefore, it is no surprise that they were able to make such a great product in the JS470E.?

Bosch JS470E jigsaw weighs about 4.5kgs and has a dimension of 15.8 x 14.4 x 4.6 inches. The JS470E has some good features that make it an ideal jigsaw to use in your projects. First, the unit comes with a toolless blade change system that allows you to switch blades without needing any additional tools.

That makes it easy for you to continue with you woodwork projects. Also, this piece is compatible with the universal blades and this makes owning the unit simple to manage.??

The Bosch JS470E also comes with four orbital blade actions that enable you to achieve different blade strokes. This feature is very important especially when working with thicker wood that requires more aggressive cuts.??

Superior speed control system is also another feature to look at when it comes to the JS470E.? You can use the dial pad to set the maximum amount of speed that the saw can reach before using the accelerator button to regulate it as needed. When working with wood, you will need high blade speeds.

To the contrary you are dealing with metal, you may want to minimize the speed as low as you can get. The JS470E is also the most stable jigsaw available as it is fitted with a vibration reduction mechanism.??

The only downside with the JS470E is that it does not come with an LED light. In its place, is fitted with a highly precision mechanism that works as well.?

Features:

• Toolless? blade system?
• Four orbital action? settings
• Variable dial speed setting system
• Sturdy die cast foot that reduces vibrations.
• Internal precision mechanism
• Weighs 5.9 pounds?
• 7 amp motor

Pros:

• auto ejection system for the blade
• lightweight
• easy to use
• compact design
• low vibration

Cons:

• lacks an LED light

Check out the price of the Bosch JS470E

2. Porter Cable PCE345

Just like purchasing other power tools, you may be looking for a jigsaw on a budget. As a result, you want to get the most value for money. The good thing is that, you can get a jigsaw that offers great value at a minimal price. That is what the Porter Cable PCE345 is all about.?

The PCE345 weighs about 2.9 kgs and has a dimension of 9.5 by 3.2 by 8.5 inches. That is a good size as it makes the jigsaw very portable.??

Another interesting thing about the PCE345 is that it comes with a 7 amp motor that can easily produce about 3200 strokes per minute. This is ideal for cutting through thick wood above 2 inches.? In fact, that is why many professional woodworkers prefer corded jigsaws as they can produce more power even with less capable features.?

The porter cable also consists of a 7 position dial system that enables users to work with a wide range of materials such as wood, ceramic and metal. You just have to adjust the speed to meet the needs of your project. For the best cutting performance, the porter cable has 4 orbital settings.?

Experience has shown that the wrong jigsaw can cause your hands to sweat and while at the same time promoting fatigue. The unit comes with a protracted grip on the handle that enables your hands and fingers to remain comfortable even after using the PCE345 for many hours.??

The porter cable PCE345 also comes with a LED light that guides the user along the cutting line. The only weakness with the PCE345 is that its speed switch located close to the trigger thereby giving you a hard time when controlling the speed of the saw.?

In addition, the unit lacks a blade storage system which might be a safety concern for you.?

Features:

• 7 speed dial on the trigger
• 6 amp motor that produces more power
• 4 orbital settings for better performance
• Locked on button for extended use
• Tool free blade change.?
• Weighs 6 pounds
• LED light

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Easy blade change
• Wrench for fast adjustments
• High power delivery

Cons:

• Lacks a blade storage
• Trigger and speed control in close proximity

Check out the price of the Porter Cable PCE345

3. DEWALT DCS331B Jigsaw?

Dewalt DCS331B comes from an American company that has been in business for almost a century. The DCS331B is just like many other products from Dewalt that boosts of superior quality and great design. However, it is important to note that the DCS331B is a cordless product that is designed with both performance and ease of use in mind.?

To ensure that the Dewalt DCS331B is portable, the manufacturer ensured that it weighs only 13 pounds. Also, the unit comes in the size of 11.2 by 11 by 3.9 inches. This is important for it makes the DCS331B compact so that it can be easily portable.

If you need to use the device in a distant location, you will find the unit convenient as you can easily carry it in a bag.?

The Dewalt DCS331B is also one of the easiest jigsaws to use for it comes with a keyless blade change system that enables you to switch blades in a blink of an eye. This can be helpful especially when handling a demanding project that requires you to use multiple blades.?

This is because you will not have to go through the hassle of finding tools to loosen bolts so as to change the blade. However, you need to make sure that you get the right blade for your Dewalt jigsaw to avoid ruining the tool.?

Similar to the Bosch jigsaw tool, the Dewalt DCS331B comes with a variable speed control system that sets the maximum amount of speed that your unit can run at. However, this is dependent on the type of material that you want to cut with the saw.? Impressively, the DCS331B has a variable speed of between 0 and 3000 strokes per second.??

Working with the Dewalt DCS331B will generate a lot of particles in the cutting area. Unfortunately, such particles can dirtify your cutting line, impair your vision and possibly affect your lungs. As a result, the manufacturers of Dewalt jigsaw installed an inbuilt dust blower that removes all particles generated by the saw.??

Quality construction is another feature of the DCS331B. The jigsaw is made of quality materials that ensure that the unit lasts for a long time. You will find that the Dewalt has a predominant steel construction that holds together even when subjected to very stressing tasks.

The only shortcoming on the Dewalt DCS331B is that it works on T-Shank blades that do not come with a wide range of choices for users.?

Features:

• Keyless blade
• Metal shoe bevel
• Charger and battery sold separately
• 5.7 weight
• 20 watts motor
• 3 year warranty

?Pros:

• 4 position orbital action
• Comfortable grip
• High precision
• Lightweight
• Durable steel construction

Cons:

• No battery and charger in the package
• No light
• Uses only T-shank blades

Check out the price of the Dewalt DCS331B

4. SKIL 4230-01 Jigsaw

The 4230-01 is manufactured by Skil power tools. The company is known for the other notable power tools on the market that are leading in terms of quality performance.??

This particular model weighs 3.9 pounds and comes with a dimension of 3.4 by 9.7 by 11.7 inches. This is very important for it transforms this corded jigsaw into a portable unit. The 4230 is also packed with some other good features that make it suitable for making intricate cuts on both wood and other materials.

First, the unit comes with an onboard blade storage system where you can conveniently store your spare blades.??

Additionally, the Skil 4230 is easy to use even for a beginner as it has simple controls that anyone can understand.??

Unfortunately, this jigsaw has some flaws that make it a poor contender when compared to the other products on our list. First, the blade is not firmly attached and thus may fall out when working. This can be risky especially considering that the blade works at a very high speed.?

On the other hand, the Skil comes with a 3.2 amp motor that produces less power. This can prove challenging especially when working on a big project. Although the motor is fine to make curved lines, it does not perform as good when cutting straight lines.??

Features:

• 3.2 amp motor
• Onboard tool storage
• Cuts both straight and curved lines on different materials
• Cord attached to the back for convenience
• Foot tilts 45 degrees for a beveled cut
• 3.9 pounds

Pros:

• Convenient blade storage system
• Lightweight
• Easy to use?
• Affordable

Cons:

• Low power output
• Performs poorly when cutting metals
• Weakly attached blades
• Poor with straight lines
• Slow delivery on long projects

Check out the price of the SKIL 4230-01

5. Black & Decker BDEJS300C Jigsaw

You may be looking for a jigsaw tool that can handle all the projects that you are having but at an affordable price.? The good thing is that the Black and Decker fits this bill as it comes with great features that set it ahead of competition.

First, the BDEJS300C is manufactured by a reputable company that has been in operating for over a century and therefore, you can rest assured that they can come up with a good jigsaw.??

The black and Decker BDEJS300C has a weight of 4.3 pounds and a dimension of 11.5 by 3.4 by 9.2 inches. This makes the unit one of the most portable products on the market as it has a low weight and can fit in small packages. You get all this at a fraction of the cost of the other jigsaws on the list.

BDEJS300C is fitted with a 4.5 amp motor that is able to deliver impressive cutting abilities on wood. This jigsaw also has 3000 blade strokes per minute which is impressive for a jigsaw with a 4.5 amp motor. The blade of the BDEJS300C has a cut length of about ? inches and this produces a very sharp and visible cutline.

With the sightline precision system, you can be able to get the accurate cuts that you need.?

You will also find that the unit is very easy to use as it comes with a magnetic blade storage system that keeps your blades safely. In addition, if you have to change the blade, you do not need any tool to complete the process. The process is simple and straight forward. This can save a lot of your time especially when working on a complicated project.?

The BDEJS300C is also very durable. As a result, you shouldn’t worry about using it to cut metal and thick wood. Unfortunately, you have a limited option when it comes to the types of blades that you can use with the unit. This is because the system only accepts ether U or T-Shank blades.?

Features:

• 4.5 amp motor
• 3000 blade strokes per minute
• Wire guard straight line for straight cuts
• Base plate tilts at 45 degrees
• Dust blower
• 4.4 pounds

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• High precision cut
• Variable speed setting
• 2 year limited warranty

Cons:

• Has no casing
• Compatible with limited blades

Check out the price of the Black & Decker BDEJS300C

6. Makita JV0600K

The Makita is a viable option to the more mainstream Bosch and Dewalt jigsaws available on the market. The Makita brand is popularly known for developing high quality products at a lower price point. The JV0600K is fitted with a wide range of blade stroke speeds and a strong motor.?

This motor has 6.5 amp of power and thus, you can cut through a 4 inch wood with ease. Add power to that to the 3100 strokes per minute, you have a very powerful jigsaw at an affordable price.??

The Makita JV0600K is also fitted with a very effective vibration reduction mechanism that eliminates all shakings on the saw. This enables one to make clear and accurate cuts on wood.? In addition, it has an easy to reach trigger that simplifies the process of cutting through wood and other materials. If you are working for long periods of time, you can trigger a lock-on button to prevent your fingers from getting tired.??

The Makita also has a high quality construction that makes the unit very durable.? This is because, the die cast aluminum casing can withstand the high pressure involved in cutting wood.? In addition, the tool can cut wood to a depth of three and a half inches.

Similarly, this device is fitted with a tool-less blade change design that enables you to switch the blades fast when working on a heavy project. Unfortunately, you are only limited to T-shank blades when working with this tool.??

For a more precise cut, you will notice that the JV0600K has a 4 orbital setting. This makes the unit easy to use even for someone with little experience on how jigsaws operate. You will also notice that the jigsaw does not have a long cut depth.

This is because the unit has a maximum of 3? inches on wood and this may bring challenges when you need to cut wood thicker than this.? Overall, the Makita JV0600K is a great product that is worth trying.

Features:

• 6.5 Amp Motor
• ?3 Orbital Action Settings
• ?500 to 3100 SPM options
• ?Max Cut Depth of 3.5 inches

Pros:

• Adjustable Dust Blower
• ?Cordless
• ?Bevel Adjustment (45°)
• No battery/charger included
• ?Tool-less blade change

Cons:

• ?Blade Ejection Lever not easily reachable
• Trigger lock hard to set
• ?No LED light

Check out the price of the Makita JV0600K

Buying guide

Above, we have covered some of the best jigsaw tool products available on the market. However, it is important to note that the best jigsaw is all about features and performance. Although you have seen many features in the above review, you may still not be sure of the most important factors to consider when buying a jigsaw.??

If you want to make curved cuts on particle boards and plywood, it is recommended that you get a quality jigsaw. And although there is a risk of the saw bending, a good craftsman should be able to make straight cuts on wood using this saw.? Therefore, a great jigsaw will add a lot of benefits to your workshop.??

Below, we will look at the top factors that you need to consider when buying a jigsaw.? This will not only help in understanding the tool better but also identify the one that best suits your woodworking project.?

What are jigsaws used for?

Jigsaws are used for cutting special curves, making bevels and creating designs on wood that would be hard to make with other types of saws. In addition, these saws are used for cutting woods. The good thing is that there are cordless jigsaws that can be used anywhere.??

Orbital jigsaws

An orbital jigsaw is a jigsaw that not only moves up and down on wood, but also can go forward and backwards. This feature enables the saw to make better cuts on wood and thus, the user is able to achieve better results when compared to using an ordinary jigsaw.

The primary role of using an orbital jigsaw is to get a more accurate and aggressive cut. That is why most professionals prefer using it in complex projects. And by changing the blade, you can use this saw to cut other types of materials such as metals and plastic.??

How do you use a jigsaw?

One of the things that you need to know about the jigsaw tool is that you must use the right blade for the right job. There are different jigsaw blades that are designed for different materials. In addition, you need to wear the right gear including safety glasses and a mask before working with the equipment.

After that, lock the material that you want to cut on a clamp in order to prevent it from moving during the cutting process. Then, start the saw before beginning to make the desired cut. If you need to adjust the speed of the saw, you can use the knob on the front side of the device.

Orbital action

A good jigsaw should have an orbital action. Such a jigsaw is different from an ordinary jigsaw that just moves the saw up and down.? In an orbital jigsaw, the saw moves slightly forward during upstroke and slightly backward during backstroke.

This elliptical movement reduces wear and tear on the blade and at the same time eliminating chattering action that is synonymous with some types of blades.?

Also, it is possible to adjust orbital angle depending on the type of material that you are cutting. Normally, cuts made by an orbital jigsaw are smoother than those of the standard jigsaws.?

Variable speed

A variable speed is the next feature that you should look at when buying a jigsaw. While this function is not important in cutting wood, makes for a lower speed that helps when cutting through metal. The slower speed can also come handy when making complex curved cuts on wood.

Therefore, the best jigsaw should come with this feature.?

The power of the motor

Like most other power tools on the market, the most powerful jigsaws should have motor amperage of about 7 amps. Unfortunately, you will find that the most affordable jigsaws will come with amperage of less than 5 amps.?

Depth of cut

The best jigsaws should be able to meet a cutting depth of 2 inch and above on wood and 1/2 inch on metal.? There are those products that come with a slightly deeper depth of cut but this is not entirely necessary for most household applications.? Many experts avoid the deeper cutting saws because they increase the chances for bending or breaking of the blade.??

Since jigsaw blades have a tendency to bend, they are worse at making angled cuts on wood.? To avoid this, you need to refrain from cutting above the cutline and instead, keep the blade lower.? You can then use another saw to clear the cutline.

Corded vs. cordless

The choice of corded or cordless jigsaws depends on the kind of woodworking projects that you are looking to undertake.? If you will be operating the device in a place where you have no access to power, you should consider going cordless.

However, it is important to note that the corded version of the same model is more powerful than their cordless counterparts. Therefore, a corded version should be appropriate in handling heavy projects.?

Scrolling saw

A jigsaw with a scrolling ability has a blade that can be rotated using a knob on top of the blade. This feature is desirable if you plan on making some tight curves on wood.? However, this is best done by a professional because the pressure behind the blade must be kept constant so as to get an even result.

Unfortunately, many woodworkers do not find this feature useful and thus, it is not a must t put it into consideration.??

Laser guided line

There are jigsaws that come with a laser guided line that illuminates the line through which the saw is supposed to pass. This is important for it helps you maintain a straight line when cutting with a jigsaw, especially considering that jigsaws have a natural tendency to curve when cutting through.??

Dust blower

Another feature that you may want to consider when buying a jigsaw is a dust blower. The blower brings a stream of air in the area ahead of the blade thereby maintaining a clear cutting line that s free of sawdust and other debris.? Although this feature is very helpful, it is not a must have for your projects.

However, there are models that can allow you to adjust the intensity if the stream of air.??

Toolless blade change

Jigsaws come with a range of blades that are designed for different functions. When handling a heavy project, you may find that you need to use different blades in order to achieve the best results. A toolless blade change would be helpful for it would enable you to change the blade in the middle of a project without needing any tool for the job.

This would save a lot of your time since you will not have to halt working in order to change the blade.?

Shoe bevel??

Shoe bevel is the stand that holds the jigsaw in place. You need to ensure that the saw has an adjustable shoe bevel that allows you to make beveled cuts with ease. That’s why you will find some high end jigsaws coming with bevels that can be preset at 22.5, 45 and sixty degrees.

In addition, the shoe bevel of your choice should be able to absorb vibrations so that the jigsaw will not shake while in action. That way, you will be able to make some straight and clean cuts.??

Other features

• You may consider getting a jigsaw with a splinter control system that helps keep splintering at a minimum. With it, you will get clean and sharp looking cuts.
• A trigger can help you lock the jigsaw at a particular speed. As a result, you will get consistent cuts that will bring a better finish to your project.??
• If you are affected by dust, you should consider getting a model with a dust collection system. Such a unit is usually connected to a vacuum that collects all sawdust generated in the cutting process.? The good thing is that, there are models that have large dust bags that can hold a considerable amount of dust.??

Conclusion

From the above guide, we hope that you are now in a better position to choose a jigsaw that meets your needs and budget. Amongst the features we covered, variable speed and orbital action will make the biggest difference in your projects.?

If you are not hampered by the budget and are looking for the best performing jigsaw on the market, you can go for the Bosch JS470E. This unit comes with amazing features as well as a quality construction that makes for a durable product.? To add icing to the cake, the Bosch is ideal for cutting though metals.?

If you are conscious about budget however, you may want to consider Porter Cable PCE345 that offers superior features at a more reasonable price point.??

The biggest tip in buying the right jigsaw is to identify the features that you need most before zeroing in on the product that ticks on most of those features.??