9 Best Jigsaws in 2020 [The Complete Guide]

Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, a good jigsaw is a must-have tool. It is excellent for its ease of use and versatility, as you can use it to make straight cuts or angled ones. It is also great for helping you finish your task quickly and efficiently. 

Because we know that choosing a jigsaw is not easy, we compiled a number of the best jigsaws on the market so you can choose from them.  

Our Top Picks

Bosch JS470E

Motor : 7 amperes  

SPM: .3.100 

Weight: 5.9 pounds

BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C 

Motor: 5 amperes 

SPM: 3.000 SPM 

Weight: 4.6 pounds

DEWALT DCS331M1

Motor: 20 Volts
SPM: 3.0000
Weight: 6 pounds 

Makita JV0600K

Motor: 6.5 amperes 

SPM: 3.100
Weight: 5.2 pounds

DEWALT DCS331B

Motor: 20 volts
SPM: 3.000
Weight: 5 pounds (without battery)- 7 pounds (with battery)

SKIL 4495-02

Motor: 6 amperes
SPM: 3.200
Weight: 5 pounds

 

TACKLIFE Advanced

Motor: 6.7 amperes
SPM: 3000
Weight: 7.7 pounds

PORTER-CABLE PCE345

Motor: 6 amperes
SPM: 3.200
Weight: 6 pounds 

Makita 4329K

Motor: 3.9 ampere
SPM: 500-3.100
Weight: 4.2 pounds 

The 9 Best Jigsaws in 2020

1. Bosch JS470E – Best Overall 

This 7-amp motor capable of up to 3,100 SPM can make straight and smooth cuts. It does not vibrate -so it is comfortable to use, it does not jump around, and the blade does not grab. 

It is incredibly durable thanks to its solid die-cast aluminum footplate and industrial design that enables it to withstand harsh conditions.  

Moreover, it has a variable speed dial to set the top speed, and a variable speed trigger within the range you set. What is even greater is that the trigger can be locked to the top of the range so that you won’t have variability from it. Sadly though, the trigger can only be locked to six speeds, so it will not be able to lock it at a very low speed. 

Pros:

• Durable 
• Ergonomic handle
• Almost no vibration
• Variable speed trigger 
• The trigger can be locked at the top of the range 
• Smooth operation
• Makes accurate straight cuts 

Cons:

• Can’t lock the trigger to very low speeds
• Extremely expensive 

Bottom Line 

Buy Bosch JS470E if you need to make precise straight cuts using a smooth jigsaw that does not vibrate. It is especially great for professionals because its durable body will make it last even in harsh conditions. 

The only thing that may stand in your way is how expensive it is; however, if you have the money, it is worth it. 

2. BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C – Runner Up 

Indeed, a 5-ampere motor that reaches up to 3.000 SPM with a stroke length of 0.75 inches is not an appealing feature; however, it still produces clean and accurate cuts. 

At 4.6 pounds, this jigsaw can easily be controlled and maneuvered. Moreover, despite its lightweight, it doesn’t vibrate much because its handle dampens it during operation. 

The trigger is variable speed, but sadly, it has no speed dial or the ability to lock the speed, so the only way to adjust it is with the trigger, which can be cumbersome. 

Moreover, make sure not to use it with U-shank blades. It is excellent to work with T-shank ones. 

Pros:

• Lightweight 
• Affordable
• No much vibration  
• 4-orbital adjustments and variable speed setting allow for fine-tuning in any application
• 45-degree bevel cutting ability

Cons:

• Not used with U-shank blades
• Has no speed dial or the ability to lock the speed

Bottom Line

This is an affordable jigsaw that can make accurate, smooth cuts. It is suitable for beginners and professionals alike. 

3. DEWALT DCS331M1 – Best Cordless Jigsaw

DeWalt DCS331M1 defied the concept that says that cordless power tools are less powerful than corded ones because even though it is cordless, its 20-volt battery can reach up to 3.000 SPM. This way, it combines the flexibility of cordless jigsaw and impressive power.

Besides, it is great because of its excellent bevel features that enable it to cut at 15, 30, and 45 degrees. 

Pros:

• Durable
• Stable
• Powerful
• 4-orbital adjustments and variable speed setting allow for fine-tuning in any application
• Ergonomic handle

Cons:

• Blade gets hot if you use it for a long time 
• Difficult to install or remove blade if it is not in a straight position

Bottom Line 

A highly recommended jigsaw for its ease of use, durability, and power. Its combination of flexibility and power is an exquisite feature that offers a lot of comfort to its users. 

4. Makita JV0600K – Excellent Counterbalance System 

With a 6.5-ampere motor, this jigsaw can produce 3.100 SPM at a stroke length of 0.75 inches. Moreover, its weight (5.2 pounds) is very well balanced; it is not too heavy so as not to strain your hands; it is not too light so as not to bounce all over the place.  

Its low profile makes it suitable for use in small areas. And its rubber handle with a 2-finger trigger makes it very comfy to use for long periods. 

Although Makita JV0600K is very powerful, it does not vibrate at all because of its excellent counterbalance system. Moreover, it has a through-body dust port that allows for a vacuum hookup. Once the vacuum is attached, it sucks all the dust, giving the user a clear view of the cutline. 

However, Makita JV0600K has its flaws. Although it is variable speed, the trigger is not, so you can only set the speed by dial. Moreover, it is only compatible with Makita type-B blades, which are not very available on the market, so this is something to consider before buying it. 

Pros:

• Powerful 
• Lightweight
• Does not vibrate 
• Through-body dust port with vacuum attachment
• 3-orbital adjustments and variable speed control dial allow for fine-tuning in any application
• Lock-on feature for improved performance while making long or intricate cuts

Cons:

• 1-year warranty 
• Only compatible with the no-so-readily-available Makita type-B blades

Bottom Line

This is a great jigsaw to get for its lightweight, ergonomic handle, vacuum attachment, and variable speed control. It allows you to make long and intricate cuts with efficiency and comfort.

5. DEWALT DCS331B – Variable Speed Trigger

Cordless jigsaws are lighter than corded ones, so they are more suitable for over-the-head tasks. Also, they provide users with maneuverability. This jigsaw is specifically great because it has the same power as its corded competitors. 

With 20 volts and 3.000 SPM, DeWalt DCS331B gets clean and smooth cuts delivered with 1-inch stroke length from a variable speed trigger. 

Sadly though, this jigsaw is not very lightweight. It is 5 pounds without battery and 7 with it, so it will cause fatigue if you use it in tight or high places. Moreover, since you should buy the battery separately, it will cause you more money. 

Pros:

• Cordless
• Three-year warranty 
• Smooth and clean cuts
• 3.000 SPM 

Cons:

• The battery is sold separately
• Gets very heavy when you add battery 

Bottom Line

DeWalt DCS331B is an excellent jigsaw to buy if you do not need to use it for over-the-head tasks because it is extra heavy for a cordless jigsaw. It is excellent for how powerful it is. 

6. SKIL 4495-02 – Adjustable Orbital Setting

This modestly priced tool comes with a 6-ampere motor and delivers up to 3.200 SPM. It is also suitable for long projects due to its lightweight, 5 pounds. 

You can use it to make smooth cuts with ease with its 13/16” stroke length and variable speed trigger. It is also great for any woodworking or metal project because the user can set the type of cut desired from fast to smooth thanks to its adjustable orbital setting.  

Also, you can rest assured that the cut produced will be smooth and clean due to its stable foot design that gives you control upon starting a cut. 

Sadly, it has some negative points as well. It comes with a laser guideline that is not as beneficial as it should have been. In daylight, it is barely seen at all. It even tends to drift from its proper path, so following it will do you no good.

Moreover, the tension knob on the base gets loose during use, so the base moves, and your cut will be on an angle. Besides, the blades wobble and are not fully secure. One more drawback is that some brands will not even lock in fully, even though it supposedly accepts U-shank and T-shank. 

Pros:

• Affordable 
• Lightweight
• Powerful 

Cons:

• The laser is not reliable 
• Some brands of blades do not fit
• Blades tend to wobble 
• Base tension knob gets loose 

Bottom Line  

Get this jigsaw if you want to do some projects around the house. However, if you need it for heavy-duty tasks, you would get disappointed. 

7. TACKLIFE Advanced – Dust Port With a Connection For a Vacuum

At a lightweight of 7.7 pounds, 6.7 amperes and 3000 SPM, this jigsaw is one of the best ones on the market nowadays. It can cut through a variety of materials thanks to its powerful motor, high SPM and its stroke length of 0.75 inches. The user can also select the cutting speed using the six-position knob; the trigger is not variable, though. 

Another great thing about it is its LED light that makes it easier for the user to see in case you are working in dim light. Tired of having to sniff dust and clear it out of your way by yourself, worry no more! TACKLIFE Advanced has a dust port with a connection for a vacuum, so the place will always be clean for you. So, you will always see where you are cutting because of these two great features. 

It has two drawbacks. First, its blades tend to pop out of the guide, so it does not produce an accurate straight line. Second, the base leaves scratches, so it is not the greatest out there for finish work. 

Pros:

• Affordable
• Powerful 
• LED Light 
• Dust port with vacuum connect

Cons:

• Blades tend to pop out of the guide
• Difficult to make a very straight cut
• Base scratches the surface you’re cutting

Bottom Line

TACKLIFE Advanced is perfect for those who hate working in the dust because it has a dust port that connects to a vacuum. It is also great for people who may face operating in dark places because the LED light will make up for the darkness. Also, its lightweight makes it really comfy for anyone who finds it challenging to work with heavy stuff. 

8. PORTER-CABLE PCE345 – Affordable

This is one of the fastest jigsaws available today. At 6 pounds and with 6 amperes, it can reach up to 3.200 SPM. It also has a stroke length of 13/16”. 

Moreover, it has a variable speed that you can control with a dial built into the trigger. The trigger itself is not variable, though. 

However, it does not come without drawbacks. You cannot get a completely straight cut because its blades are not square. Yet it produces clean and smooth not-really-straight cuts. Moreover, it does not have a dut port, so you will need to wash off the dust out of your face and clean it out of your way, and that will definitely make the process of cutting more complicated than it needs to be. 

Pros:

• Lightweight 
• Powerful 
• Variable speed
• Affordable 
• Three-year warranty

Cons:

• No dust port, so the dust is all over the place
• The trigger is not variable 
• The blade is not square

Bottom Line

PORTER-CABLE PCE345 is an excellent jigsaw for its powerful motor and excellent speed. However, its blade is not square, so do not get it if you are keen on producing straight cuts. Also, it does not have any dust ports, so be ready for dust flying all over the place. 

9. Makita 4329K – Ergonomic Rubberized Handle

Makita 4329K is a durable jigsaw with a motor of 3.9 amperes that can deliver from 500 to 3.100 SPM. 

It is also comfortable to use thanks to its ergonomic handle and rubberized grip. Moreover, thanks to its lightweight and compact size, it can be used for the most tedious projects. 

Indeed, its motor is not that powerful, but it delivers enough power for working with the most tedious projects without causing fatigue, but you better use it for DIY and home projects. 

Pros:

• Delivers up to 3.100 SPM
• Durable 
• Stable
• Ergonomic rubberized handle and lock-on feature for extended use without fatigue
• Variable speed setting and 3-orbital adjustments allow for precise results in any application

Cons:

• Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks 

Bottom Line

This is an excellent jigsaw for DIY and home projects. It will enable you to work for an extended period with minimal fatigue. 

How to Pick a Jigsaw?

Orbital Action 

The blade of a standard-action jigsaw moves up and down; whereas, that of an orbital-action jigsaw moves slightly forward and into the workpiece on the upswing, then slightly backward on the downstroke as the blade resets for the next cutting stroke. 

Orbital movement makes more accurate cuts, extracts more dust, and reduces blade wear. 

Note, though, that the orbital-action jigsaw is not recommended if you are working on fragile material because it causes splintering. 

Variable Speeds

Most high-end jigsaws have variable speeds. This feature may not be necessary if you are working on wood, but it proves to be handy if you are cutting metals because the slower the speed, the better the cut. The slower speed is always better when you are making intricate cuts. 

Motor Power 

As usual, the higher the motor amperage is, the better it can cut. Motor ratings of the best jigsaws ranges between 6.5 to 7 amperes. 

Depth Of Cut 

Most jigsaws can cut up to 2 inches deep if you are working on wood and about 1/2 inch on metal. I should tell you that the deeper the depth of the cut, the more the chances of the blade breaking or bending, so making a deep cut with a jigsaw is not recommended. 

Shoe Bevel 

Having a bevel shoe allows you to angle the tool for bevel cuts. Most jigsaws come with bevel shoe, but the best ones have preset stops at the common angles, such as 22 1/2, 45, and 60 degrees. 

Steer away from saws with stamped aluminum shoes and get tools that have steel bases.  

Straight Reciprocating Jigsaws vs. Orbital Jigsaws:

Reciprocating Jigsaw

You can get this saw in corded or cordless models. They cut in backward and forward motion, so they are only capable of doing straight cuts. 

They are mainly used for their power, so you may have to compromise the finish of your work as it won’t be so smooth. 

In some high-end reciprocating saws, you can find a feature called a four-position blade clamp. This feature allows users to attach blades into the clamp in four separate positions – upside down, normal insert, and in both left and right directions. 

In the presence of this feature, users can cut from more sides, and are allowed to make flush cuts, all while retaining the straight cutting motion. 

This is a versatile tool for you can use it for various projects. You can use it if you need to tear down windows, walls, plumbing, doors, etc. it is also rapid, so the task you do with it won’t take a lot of time, as it would with other saws. 

Orbital Jigsaw

An orbital jigsaw is capable of an orbital swinging action as it cuts through the materials, so it does not use a straight cutting pattern. It comes in corded and cordless models.

With each stroke, the blade is slightly angled forward into the workpiece as it is pulled up, and as it is brought back down, it gets angled slightly backward on the downstroke, before it is reset to be perfectly straight down just in time for the next pulling stroke.

An orbital jigsaw is used for making curved intricate scroll cuts in wood and other materials. It is suitable for aggressive cutting, and you better use it if you want to cut faster. 

It can be used for cutting softwoods, plastic, plasterboard, and other similar materials. 

Corded vs. Cordless Jigsaws:

A corded jigsaw is more potent than a cordless one because it is always connected to a power supply. Moreover, it will work with the same efficiency for as long as you need it to.

On the other hand, since s cordless jigsaw works with a battery, then the battery may get depleted in the middle of your task, so if you do not have a charger or another charged battery, you will not be able to finish the job at hand. This should not be much of a concern, though, because new battery technology has resulted in improving the power of cordless jigsaws, but they are not very powerful, still. 

A cordless jigsaw allows you to accept jobs at any place because it does not limit you to a place that has an electric output, which is great for your productivity and mobility. 

Corded jigsaws are great if you are working in a workshop because there is always a power outlet within reach. They are also better suited for heavy-duty tasks and tougher material.  

On the other hand, cordless ones are better suited for outdoor tasks, elevated jobs, and occasional home use.

Read Also : Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saw

How To Choose a Jigsaw Blade? 

If you tried to cut a certain kind of material with your jigsaw and failed, the problem is not in the jigsaw; it is the blade that is not suitable for the job. Before starting to work on anything, make sure that the blade you are using is the right one for the task at hand. 

There are certain things that you need to consider to use the right blade and do your job correctly.

1. Shank Type

You should know that not every jigsaw blade fits in all jigsaws. To make sure that the blade you want to buy fits your jigsaw, examine the shank type of your jigsaw. Some jigsaws have T-shanks; others have U-shanks. 

2. Amount and Size of Teeth

If you need to finish your job quickly and you are okay with having rough cuts, then get a blade with large teeth. Conversely, if you need to take your time in cutting to get a smooth fine cut at the end, then get a blade that has smaller teeth. It is your choice. 

3. Narrow Blades vs. Wide Blades

Wide blades are better suited for making straight and long cuts; whereas, thin blades are better for making curved cuts. 

Anyways, at least four teeth should be touching your workpiece at all times during your cuts.

Read Also : How to Sharpen Circular Saw Blades

Jigsaw Safety Tips:

• Wear eye-protective goggles and earmuffs 
• Wear a dust mask to protect you from the huge amount of dust that you will otherwise inhale
• Wear a steel toe boot to protect your toes if a heavy piece of wood or metal, or whatever it is the material that you are cutting falls on your toes
• Do not wear loose clothes, or jewelry 
• Tie your hair up
• Use it in a dry area to avoid electrocution 
• Use sharp blades
• Make sure that the material you are cutting is adequately clamped before you start cutting to prevent it from slipping 
• Read the manufacturer’s manual

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, things are clearer now. At least, you now know what you should be looking for when you are shopping for the best jigsaw. 

It all depends on your needs and whether you need cords or not. 

For example, if you need a cordless one, I would recommend DEWALT DCS331M1 because it combines lightweight and power. It is also great for its ergonomic handle, stability, and excellent bevel features that enable it to cut at 15, 30, and 45 degrees. 

For a corded jigsaw, and if you have its money, get Bosch JS470E for its power, durability, and speed. Moreover, its variable speed trigger, smooth operation, and no vibration are genuinely appealing. 

In case you need a good corded jigsaw that is not very expensive, BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C would be a nice choice for it is powerful, maneuverable and lightweight. It also has a 45-degree bevel cutting ability and works with almost no vibration at all. 

Read Also : Jigsaw vs. Circular Saw