Jigsaws are incredibly versatile power tools. Even though the name is associated to multiple industries, jigsaw saws are one of the most important and common power tools out there.
Whether you’re looking for straight or curved cuts, rips, plunge cuts or bevels, you’re in safe hands if you invest in the best jigsaw you can afford. As with all woodworking tools, you are better to focus on quality and build up your collection over time. Buy cheap, buy twice!
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to jigsaws. We’ll show you what to look out for when you are on the buying trail.
Let’s glance first at 5 of the best jigsaws you can buy…
If you are looking for a truly top-notch tool that’s a strong contender for the very best jigsaw on the market, you know exactly where you stand with Festool. A family business founded back in 1925, this German outfit puts quality front and center.
For serious home woodworkers and contractors alike, the PS 420 is an established market-leading jigsaw. It’s not cheap but then not everyone is looking for the cheapest jigsaw. If you are constrained by budget, check out one of the other jigsaws below. If, on the other hand, you want uncompromising performance and have the cash to spare, read on…
Festool’s PS 420 is more than just a regular production line jigsaw. You get a sense of craftsmanship along with outstanding performance.
With the option of attaching 4 special bases for assorted cutting projects, you’ve got advanced motor technology to deliver first-rate cutting across a broad spread of applications.
The base supplied is good for most cutting tasks. You can buy the 4 extra bases if you want a bit more latitude…
A phenolic resin base is slippery and low friction. It works well wood or plastic. The dimpled base is perfect for rough lumber. If you are working with metal, consider the steel base. A nifty Velcro base comes with felt-pad covers. Work on pre-finished surfaces like plastic without scratching them.
You can make all the cuts you need quickly and easily. The triple blade carbide guidance gives you a winning combination of safety and accuracy. You’ll be able to make your perpendicular cuts with total precision.
Variable speed allows you to tweak the pace of this jigsaw up to an extremely impressive 3800RPM. Most jigsaws can’t deliver this kind of raw cutting power. By matching the speed to the application, you’ll enjoy superior cutting results every time.
Speed alone is no use if the effect is ragged. The neat splinter guard makes absolutely certain that your workpiece remains tear-free even if you are working at full clip.
Pioneering brushless technology means there are no carbon strips involved leading to increased power. You’ll get prize-winning speed with none of the friction that is otherwise evident.
The strobe effect of the 4 LED lights blinks so the blade seems stationary. You will be able to follow your line very easily even if you’re pressing your jigsaw into commission in a darkened space. It’s this type of attention to detail and cutting-edge technology that separates Festool from the pack.
You can purchase a comprehensive accessory kit separately. This comes packed with goodies and is well worth checking out.
Another solid option is to invest in one of Festool’s highly efficient CT dust extractors. All Festool equipment slots together like a dream. With so much sawdust and debris in the workshop, getting the best dust extraction system is a must. Think long and hard about investing in the CT extractor to really ramp up your woodworking experience.
If you don’t fancy spending out more cash on a dust extractor, Festool have you covered… There’s a vacuum adapter sitting under the handle of this jigsaw. Simply hook up your tool to your favorite shop vac and make sure your workspace is blissfully dust-free.
Although it’s a corded tool, you can actually detach the power cable when it’s not in use which is a fantastic touch simplifying storage and keeping your workshop free of trailing cables.
The standard Festool SYSTAINER comes included. This storage solution is another great reason to stick with Festool.
You’ll get the standard 3-year fully inclusive warranty giving you total peace of mind. There’s also a 30-day money back guarantee which shows how this German outfit stands behind their products. Essentially, you have nothing to lose!
We’ll take a quick look now at the chief advantages and drawbacks of this outstanding jigsaw before delivering our verdict…
Although it’s by no means cheap, the best things in life seldom are. If money is not your prime driver and you want an unparalleled jigsaw that’s packed with technology yet surprisingly user-friendly, the Festool PS420 deserves to top any list of the best jigsaws.
Whether it’s for your home workshop or professional use, test out this awesome Festool jigsaw at your earliest opportunity. You can thank us later!
Next up is a much more affordable mainstream jigsaw from the industry heavyweight BLACK+DECKER. This company has a reputation for producing rugged and high-performing power tools at a surprisingly modest price-point. They’ve been in business for over a century now and their popularity is not waning with just cause.
With a 5-amp motor and the capability of making 45 degree bevel cuts, this no-nonsense jigsaw punches above its weight. It might be cheap, but don’t let that trick you into thinking it’s sub-par.
We’ll give you a glance at the main features before probing into the functionality of this neat little black and orange beauty…
You’ll have a choice off the bat whether to buy the bare tool or, for a small premium, to roll with a package that included some blades. If you go for the cheaper option, you will get one blade included to ensure you can get going right out the box.
The potent 5-amp motor on the BDEJS600C generates a maximum cutting power of 3000SPM. This should be more than enough to cope with most standard cutting duties. You might not have quite the top-end grunt of the Festool, but the speed is more than fit for purpose.
Not only is the motor sufficiently powerful, it’s also variable speed. This is crucial with a jigsaw and affords you the flexibility to ratchet the pace up or down according to the application and material.
It’s a corded model so you will restricted to a power outlet of 120 volts but the cable is lengthy enough that you’ll still get plenty of freedom of movement without the loss of power that accompanies most cordless tools.
This jigsaw is designed to feel great in your hand as you take care of business. There’s an arched handle which is comfortable enough to wield for extended periods without leaving you blistered. The controls are all easily accessible and the whole unit feels solid, something lacking in many cheaper jigsaws.
You have 4 orbital settings with BLACK+DECKER’S patented CurveControl. These customized settings are optimized to make your life straightforward. Whatever the project, make these tweaks to the saw’s orbit and you’ll get better results without any fanfare even if you want to rip your way through rougher, more demanding materials. This is labelled CurveControl and, even if you’re a beginner and just starting out on your woodworking journey, you’ll find this straightforward to use.
As mentioned, the basic bare tool comes with just a single blade so you’ll either need to invest in the package or some separate blades, whatever works best for you. This jigsaw will happily accept U and T shank blades. Changing these blades is a breeze. There’s a keyless blade clamp so you don’t need any tools to swap them out on demand. The last thing you need when you’re focused on the job at hand is to start fumbling around for your toolbox.
You’ll be able to make precise bevel cuts at angles up to 45 degrees in either direction giving you all the freedom you need to undertake a range of applications. The beveling shoe is very stable and you can also make adjustments to it.
BLACK+DECKER’s patented Wire Guard is a great addition to the jigsaw. You’ll be able to get the most accurate cuts fuss-free.
For any home woodworker, DIY hobbyist or contractor, this BLACK+DECKER is an outstanding jigsaw at a very keen price. As long as you keep your expectations pegged and don’t expect to punish it continuously on the job site, this jigsaw should give you many years of happy service across a wide variety of cutting tasks.
You’ll get power, performance and extreme accuracy with the BDEJS600C. You’re covered by a 2-year limited warranty so you can buy with complete confidence. If you’re on the trail of a cheap jigsaw that won’t leave you compromised in terms of build quality or cutting results, why not pop the BLACK+DECKER on your shortlist? It will not disappoint.
DeWalt have a highly deserved reputation for offering performance power tools without charging a fortune. The familiar black-and-yellow accented equipment is a common sight across job sites the world over. They are also extremely popular with home woodworkers looking for a bargain without dipping out on performance or build quality.
The DCS311B is a remarkably versatile and able cordless jigsaw worth a place in any home woodworking shop. The majority of cordless tools offer a great deal of convenience at the expense of power but, if you read on, you’ll find that’s not the case with the DeWalt.
With great orbital action, super-simple blade changing and a dust blower to keep things shipshape, the DeWalt is a wonderful mid-range option if you’re looking for the best jigsaw at an affordable price-point.
A quick snapshot of the principal features before we drill down further on this top-notch jigsaw…
If you want the freedom of movement and maneuverability that comes with a cordless jigsaw, the DCS331B is a smart choice. Many of the jobs you need to carry out with a jigsaw are in cramped spots where there won’t necessarily be a handy power outlet. Be aware before purchasing that this jigsaw is sold as a bare tool. Invest in any DeWalt 20V battery and charger and you’ll be up and running. While this may seem like an added expense, if you build up an arsenal of DeWalt tools then you’ll save in the long run.
The variable speed motor tops out at 3000SPM. This range of speed allows you to work with any material you want and achieve the very best cutting results. While it might not be the fastest strokes per minute rating, you’ll get more than adequate pace for most reasonable purposes.
A dust blower means no more wood chips menacing you or fine particles irritating your eyes and nose. Keeping your working environment free of mess and sawdust is not just essential for a clear line of sight… These irritants and contaminants can cause respiratory problems and even diseases so be thankful DeWalt has you covered.
Changing blades couldn’t be much easier. This jigsaw accepts T-shank blades. A basic lever-action means you don’t need any tools to effortlessly swap out these blades. This saves you plenty of time and effort while making this jigsaw ideal for woodworking beginners and more experienced craftsmen alike.
A benchmark of the best jigsaw is being able to tweak the orbital settings. The DeWalt has 4 positions to choose from for your total control. You’ll be able to make precise and rapid cuts in all directions without needing a PhD to operate it.
Cutting bevels is a dream with the DeWalt. Detents at 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees gives you great scope for beveling. It’s a keyless shoe bevel. This is made from metal so it’s not just precise but will also last the distance.
It’s not just about performance with a jigsaw… Comfort is also key. The anti-slip handle is nice to hold and you’ll be able to beaver away for lengthy spells without dropping your tool or feeling fatigued. The DeWalt weighs in at a lightweight 6 pounds so you won’t feel burdened.
On the downside, you’ll have to make sure to factor in the battery and charger when you’re budgeting. Don’t be sucked in by the advertised price and think that’s where your expenditure ends. That said, you’ll be able to make use of the battery and charger with any other DeWalt cordless tools so it’s an incentive to buy more from their capable range.
There’s also no light built in so think about where you’ll be working and make your decision accordingly. This is certainly no deal-breaker and you can’t expect everything with a mid-range jigsaw but it’s something to be aware of before committing yourself.
Overall, as the below summary will show, the shower of benefits more than outweighs the minimal drawbacks…
For anyone who wants a rugged but lightweight cordless jigsaw, the DeWalt is well worth popping on the shortlist. It’s a strong contender for the best jigsaw in its class.
You’ll be able to enjoy professional results without needing to take out a bank loan if you opt for the DeWalt. Give it a try and see how it feels. You’re covered with a class-leading 3-year limited warranty for your peace of mind.
For a jigsaw ideal for the home workshop and also suitable for light site work, you can’t go far wrong with the DCS331B.
Makita make some outstanding power tools at very cost-effective prices. While they might not last the test of time after prolonged and heavy use on site, for most normal cutting jobs, the 4329K will perform admirably. With any lower-end equipment like this, you need to be realistic with your expectations and think seriously about your intended usage.
This 3.9-amp variable speed jigsaw has a top-handle design and is designed to feel as good as it looks.
We’ll summarize the main features before exploring this solid little jigsaw in more detail…
You can fine-tune the powerful 3.9-amp motor. Using a clear dial, you can go from 500-3100SPM. This lets you marry the speed to the application for most efficient, effective cutting. Whatever material you’re working with, you’ll get quick and accurate cuts without any splintering or tear-out. All you need to do is fine-tune the user-friendly dial and you’re good to go.
The top-handle design and comfy rubberized grip mean you can work with precision for extended periods without feeling strained. Makita have rolled out a counterweight balancing system to keep everything feeling as it should. Measuring just under 9 inches long and weighing in at a mere 4.2 pounds, you’ll get heavyweight performance without a hulking jigsaw.
Using the Makita is a very rewarding experience. You’ll notice very little vibration due to the patented counterweight balancing system. You can flick the lock-on button if you’re working on intensive projects and the big trigger switch is easy on your fingers. This kind of attention to ergonomics is unexpected on a cheaper jigsaw but obviously extremely welcome.
A combination of comfort and safety, there’s a dust port available so you can connect the jigsaw to your shop vac. There’s simply no excuse for dust and debris being left unchecked. Not only does it mar your line of sight when you’re working, it plays havoc with your eyes, nose and throat as well as leading to diseases in the worst scenario.
With 3 orbital settings to go alongside the straight cutting, you can make a diverse range of cuts in all directions with the Makita. Jigsaws come into play for such a wide variety of projects that this adaptability is what sets apart the best jigsaws from the also-rans.
Maximum length of stroke is a more than respectable 11/16 inch. Capacity is equally confidence-inspiring. With wood, you’ll get a maximum cutting capacity of 2 9/16 inches at 90 degrees. If you plan to work with steel, this is reduced to ¼ inch.
The base is fashioned from die-cast aluminum which is rugged and durable while also extremely light. You’ll be able to adjust this up to 45 degrees to both right and left.
When it’s time to change the blade, you’ll be able to make use of the onboard hex wrench. This helps you to make bevel adjustments or change the blade without breaking your stride. One thing to be aware of… When you are tightening up the blade, this can cause it to be knocked off of 90 degrees so make sure you work slowly and methodically so as not to compromise the accuracy of your cutting.
The jigsaw comes with a blade and wrench thrown in along with a handy carrying case to keep things protected if you need to venture out onto the job site.
Take a glimpse at the main advantages and downsides of the Makita before we move on to our final jigsaw review…
If you want the power of a corded jigsaw and you plan to work on smaller woodworking projects at home, the Makita 4329K is a wise choice.
You will get an extremely affordable tool that looks the part but also holds it end up in terms of power, versatility and durability.
Only you can decide what you’ll be using your power tools for and how much of a concern price is. If you are operating on a tighter budget and you just want something well-made and basic to get the job done accurately, we can’t recommend the Makita highly enough. Check one out today!
Rounding out our look at the best jigsaw reviews is the JS470E from the well-respected Bosch. This brand offers an ideal mix of high-performance tools at a price you’ll love.
With a 7-amp motor for fast, clean cuts, the Bosch is perfect for woodworking at home or for undertaking small commercial carpentry jobs. While it won’t stand up to being endlessly hammered out on site, the performance is more than sufficient for smaller professional projects.
We’ll briefly outline the key features before expanding on what makes this one of the best jigsaws you can get for your money…
The 120-volt motor is powerful enough at 7 amps to deal with most reasonable cutting projects you throw its way. As long as you don’t expect to be putting it through its paces day in and day out on site, you’ll be more than satisfied with the grunt of this nifty motor.
You will get 4 orbital settings which is fairly standard for jigsaws in this class. You’ll be able to cope with a wide range of strokes in all directions whether it’s slow and smooth or quick and aggressive.
Bevel cutting is a cinch and you can cut at 45 degrees in either direction. You will need an additional tool to bevel, though. Most competing jigsaws don’t require this so have a good think about your ability level and ask yourself whether this will be an issue. We can’t answer that for you but we can make you aware in advance of what you’ll need.
The variable trigger allows you to kick off slowly, establish your cut line and then work up to speed gradually. It’s comfy to use but has a tendency to dig into your finger if you spend too long cutting in one session. At the low end, the jigsaw runs at 500SPM. If you need to ramp things up, it maxes out at 3100SPM which is pretty decent for a jigsaw in this price range. Constant Response Circuitry makes sure you get consistency not just raw pace and power.
Maximum cutting capacity on wood is 5 7/8 inches. This is reduced to 3/8 inch of inch if you’re cutting steel.
If you need to make a series of cuts and want to avoid your fingers being clawed up, focus on the job at hand and hit the lock-on button which is designed for ease-of-use whether you’re right-handed or a southpaw.
Changing blades is a cakewalk with no need for tools. Keep your hand safely away from the hot blade and eject it for a fresh one whenever you need without breaking your stride.
A fully adjustable dust blower makes sure that no irritating sawdust and contaminants are blown back into your face as you cut away.
You’ll get a blade, a bevel wrench, an overshoe perfect for not marring your workpiece, an anti-splinter insert and a neat little carrying case thrown in serving up plenty of bang for your buck.
You’ll also be protected by the standard Bosch 1-year limited warranty. This is no more or less than you’d expect for a lower-end jigsaw and at least you know you’re covered in the event of any unlikely mishap.
The drawbacks with this jigsaw are pretty mild really. There’s no LED light which is to be expected for a saw at this price. You’ll also need an extra tool if you want to start beveling. That aside, we’ll present now the series of advantages that more than compensate then you can decide if it’s the right jigsaw for your needs…
For a solid top-handle jigsaw that combines power, accuracy and ease of use, you can’t go far wrong with this Bosch.
You’ll get a class-leading jigsaw without needing to overspend. If you compare it to similar tools price-wise, it acquits itself admirably. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, we’d recommend the Festool instead.
For durability and performance at a reasonable price-point, check out the JS470E today. It delivers all you’d expect from a Bosch tool and you’ll be left smiling at the price tag for the double-win.
Check one out today and start cutting with confidence tomorrow!
Interested to learn more in-depth details about selecting the right tool for your needs? Read our Informational Buyer Guide and Frequently Asked Questions sections on this topic for more details.
JIG SAW AS THE MULTIPURPOSE POWER TOOL FOR EVERY DIY-ER In the home or shop, you can use your jigsaw
Whether you want to use it for small projects at home or for extended use on the construction site, a jigsaw is highly adaptable power tool.
We hope that we’ve helped you out here with our jigsaw reviews and also with the buying guide.
Choosing the right jigsaw for your intended purpose is not rocket science. It is worth taking your time, though. The last thing you want is to rush out and get something unsuited to the jobs you have in mind.
Please feel free to contact us at any time. We are currently expanding our site to give you as much information as possible about a raft of power tools. Let us know if there’s anything you’d like covered.
Coming up in our series of power saws will be look at circulating saws, reciprocating saws and band saws.
Now grab yourself a jigsaw and get down to work!
3 thoughts on “Best Jigsaw Reviews”
Insane….there is only 1 best jigsaw , that is the Mafell P1CC period. No one is even close.
Well that’s 1400+ USD…