Power tools can be confusing. There are power tools that share many similarities to the point that you get extremely confused when you try to buy just one of them.
However, this is not the case with the “jigsaw vs. circular saw” situation. Their differences are more than their similarities.
Read this article to know their features, differences, pros, cons, and more.
Short Answer:
Get a jigsaw if you want to make curved cuts. It will also be better for you if you are still a beginner.
A circular saw is more suited for professionals. It is the perfect tool for making straight-line cuts and building stuff.
What Is a Jigsaw?
A jigsaw is a hand-held power tool. It cuts with a blade perpendicular to the saw. It is excellent at making curved cuts. It is also suitable if you want to start your cut at the middle of the material.
It is a versatile tool that can make straight, miter, bevel, complex, and compound cuts thanks to its beveling shoe.
Moreover, thanks to its lightweight, it is portable. You can take it with you wherever you want.
It also comes in corded and cordless models so that you can choose the most suitable model for you.
What Is a Circular Saw?
A circular saw is a power tool that can be hand-held or put on a table. It is the perfect tool if you want to produce straight-line cuts.
It cuts wood quickly and correctly using a toothed cutting disk or blade. Its blade varies in size but is usually 7 inches.
It is portable and comes in corded and cordless models so you can choose whatever you need.
Jigsaw vs. Circular Saw – Full Comparison:
Design
The jigsaw’s blade is perpendicular to the saw and works in an up and down motion.
Thanks to the shoe that the saw rests on, it can bevel and pivot at different angles to make intricate cuts.
On the other hand, the blade of the circular saw rotates around an axis. It rotates with high speed to make long and straight cuts.
A circular saw usually has a blade guard and a laser guide to help users follow the line they are cutting.
Moreover, it has its circular disk protruding downwards from the base.
Operation
The jigsaw is easy to use. For this very reason, I recommend amateurs and beginners to start with it before trying to use any other power tool.
Moreover, it is small enough to be held with one hand. Also, its blades are small and not exposed.
Conversely, a circular saw requires a professional. It is relatively heavy and more dangerous.
Before using it, you need to make sure that you know how to handle it. You should also take the necessary safety precautions.
Power
The circular saw is more potent than a jigsaw.
Thanks to its powerful motor and fast-spinning blade, it can cut through piles and piles of wood in seconds. So, if you need to finish the task quickly, go for a circular saw because its power helps with that.
And since nothing comes at no cost, the power of a circular saw makes it very noisy.
Blades
The blades of the circular saw are more durable than those of a jigsaw.
A circular saw usually uses a 24-tooth blade. However, for more precise cuts, you will probably need a 50-60 blade disk. For masonry and other sturdy materials, it is better to use diamond-tipped blades.
On the other hand, a jigsaw uses fine delicate blades. That is great because of the finer the blade, the more precise the cut. Yet, given that the jigsaw makes curves, the blades are prone to bend and get broken.
In the long run, this process can prove to be truly expensive.
You can use T-shank, U-shank blades, or both depending on the jigsaw. The T-shank blades are more flexible and more popular. The difference between them and the U-shank lies in the mechanism with which they are attached to the saw.
Dust
If you hate working in dusty places, then steer away from working with a circular saw.
The strong power of circular saws makes dust fly everywhere. Moreover, the cut pieces fall on the ground. So, if you are sharing a garage with other people, they will not love any of this.
On the other hand, a jigsaw does not produce nearly as much dust.
Use and Versatility
A jigsaw can cut curves and patterns, make straight, bevel, miter, compound cuts, plunge cuts, carvings, curves, and other delicate and intricate cuts.
It is very crafty. For example, if you want to cut out a snowman, or if you’re going to make letters out of plywood, a jigsaw is your tool.
Like I stated above, it can cut from the middle of a sheet; therefore, if you want to hollow out the letter B, for example, you can easily do that with a jigsaw.
Moreover, you can use a jigsaw to make small cuts in tight places.
However, you can use a jigsaw to make straight-line cuts, if you do not necessarily want them to be 100% straight.
As long as you have the suitable blade, a jigsaw can cut through various materials ranging from softwood, plaster, laminate, drywall, plastic, ceramic, metal sheets to PVC.
On the other hand, a circular saw can cut through several materials, including wood, metal, plastic, masonry, pipes, and roofing.
A circular saw can only cut in straight lines. It is also ideal for many other cuts such as bevel cuts and smooth angle cuts.
Safety:
A jigsaw is way safer than a circular saw. A circular saw can cut off one of your limbs if you misuse it; however, jigsaws are not that powerful.
The design of the jigsaw shields the blade from the operator. However, take care that the blade’s motion may cut the work surface underneath your work material.
If you are still an amateur who is just starting his/her way into carpentry, it is better to start with a jigsaw for that reason.
What We Like And Do Not Like About Jigsaws And Circular Saws:
Jigsaw:
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Safe
- Compact
- portable
Cons:
- Less powerful
- Not very precise
Circular Saw:
Pros:
- Portable
- Perfect for straight cutting
- Makes different cuts
- versatile
Cons:
- Does not make curved cuts
- Dangerous
Jigsaw vs. Circular Saw: How To Choose Between Them?
You can choose a jigsaw if you are going to make curved cuts. A jigsaw is excellent if you are going to make some crafts or holiday gifts with your kids at home.
They are also great for making small cuts at tight spots where other saws cannot fit.
A jigsaw is suitable for delicate tasks and not hard work.
On the other hand, a circular saw is great if you want to build something. For example, it is your tool if you want to frame a house or a garage.
It is great for making cabinets, boxes, and so on.
Bottom Line:
You have probably already realized that they are two different tools. Each one of them is more suitable for specific tasks.
So, if you have enough money, you should buy both.
However, if you don’t, then think wisely about your needs and get the one that is more suitable for you.