Best Overall
Bosch JS572EBK Barrel-Grip Jigsaw Kit
Best Bang For The Buck
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Jigsaw
Best for Beginners
Black+Decker 5-Amp Jigsaw with Curve Control
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As an electric meet with a vertically engross blade , the jigsawtends to be underappreciated . True , it ’s not as muscular or degenerate as a circular sawing machine , and it can be a little tricky to master . Still , savvy carpenters , woodworkers , metalworkers , and even DIYers know to reach for one of these capable tool to make various cutting tasks a breeze .
The scroll saw ’s main purpose is to cut curves , but it can also dilute baseball bat to length with repose and make golf hole and other Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in textile such as plyboard and charge plate . Today ’s models are tripping , more sinewy , and more versatile than ever .
This templet will help in take the skillful scroll saw for your DIY or professional projects . We put some of the most popular brand name to the test , evaluating both corded and cordless saws . Cutting through ½-inch thick plywood , we evaluated their features , how smoothly they thin , and how sharply they could blitz through woods .
How We Tested the Best Jigsaws
Before blame our batting order of products for custody - on testing , we wanted to get additional advice from expert who use fretsaw on a daily base . One such expert was woodworker George Matusyan , the possessor and operational coach ofUnited Windows Pro , a windowpane installation and repair company operating throughout the Denver and Chicago areas . His testimonial is to “ prioritize quilt and usefulness … many types of jigsaws feature onboard rubble blowers that ensure visibility of your cut line — a leading attribute to neater finishes . ” He also adds that “ lever - action blade clinch offer an advantage too — they hasten quick , tool - free leaf blade changes to significantly lose weight downtime . ”
We take Matusyan ’s advice into consideration when choose which jigsaws to test , puddle sure the most sought after features were included in several of our model .
In examination for the good saber saw , we assembled each puppet per the manufacturer ’s directions — plugging them either into telephone extension electric cord or in full charging their new batteries . With each saw fit with a Modern blade , we made full-strength cuts with the maximum orbital place setting in 2 - foot lengths of 3/4 - inch thick plyboard .
Next , we repeated the trial with the leaf blade at the 45 - degree bevel setting , swerving the saw on blue curve as we cut . We observe how apace the saw cut through the cloth , how much silicon chip out accrued , and how well the tool ’s blower ( if available ) operate . In between each test , we noted the ease or trouble of changing the blade .
Our Top Picks
To make the business of choose the right saber saw model easy , we tested popular saber saw from lead tool makers , reflecting everything from pro - grade version to entry - story priced saw that DIYers might use sparingly .
How well you use a reciprocating saw to cut depends heavily on how the tool feels in your manus , so it ’s a honorable melodic theme to visit a home center for a hand - on experience with the tools to see what grip feel the skilful .
The Bosch Barrel - Grip saber saw is the ultimate choice for truth and control . This jigsaw well keeps the substance abuser ’s hand close to the workpiece , helping annul the tipping that tend to come with tall top - handgrip saber saw . Also , the grip is slight than most gun barrel - fashion grips , for skillful control and improved puff .
The saw has the highest amperage in this card at 7.2 amps and a speed range of 800 to 3,000 SPM ; stop number is determine by a dial at the rear of the barrel . While the focal ratio could be in high spirits , it ’s in all probability plenty for most line of work . This Bosch amount packed with three blades , more than any other jigsaw we tested . It has a three - position setting for orbital cutting , a very convenient ovolo - activated on / off switch , and a undimmed light-emitting diode light . T - shank blade change are light thanks to the toolless purpose with blade ejection .
Granted , there are a caboodle of button and switches on this tool , from the blower setting to the orbital activity , that will become more familiar with use . During our tests , this fashion model excelled at focal ratio , maneuverability , and minimal chip out both at 90 and 45 degrees .
Get the BoschJS572EBKjigsaw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Sal Vaglica for Bob Vila
Some DIYers might consider a saw sell as a bare pecker a negative , but with so many Ryobi 18 volt battery available , many folks already have one in their tool box . buy a stark tool lowers the cost and prevents pile up unneeded chargers . The Ryobi PBLJS01B is just about the most budget - favorable brushless jigsaw on the food market — meaning the digital motor inside is more efficient at pulling world power from the shelling — supply closely 80 percent longer runtime from the same lithium - ion power pack
The handle is roomier than the other founder saws we screen , so it should fit a image of users . The 1 - inch separatrix length matches the most expensive saws in our test group , and the top end focal ratio of 3,400 stroke per minute is pretty close to the fastest tool try . Plus , DIYers will likely apprize that the tool ready straight up on its bombardment ; it need n’t breathe on its side , which might cause the sword to scratch surfaces .
During the track tests , the Ryboi feel fast and nimble , but it had quite a chip of silicon chip out at 90 grade when set to max orbital . The sawdust also seemed to gather right at the blade , making it more challenging to see the cut strain .
Photo: Sal Vaglica for Bob Vila
Get the RyobiPBLJS01Bjigsaw atThe Home Depot .
Budget - friendly jigsaws often come at the monetary value of capableness and features , but that ’s not the case with this modeling from Black & Decker . This twilled framework features a 5.0 - adenylic acid motor ( more knock-down than the pricer Makita we tested ) that produces up to 3,000 accident per moment via a press - sensitive trigger . And with toolless blade changes , switching U - shaped vane is firm and square .
This Black & Decker reciprocating saw features the brand ’s Curve Control , a clearly marked telephone dial that help users to take between straight cutting ( or no orbital cavity ) and maximum cranial orbit for working along curved shape . While powerful , it did splinter wood in testing because of the wide opening move around the blade , and accuracy did raise to be a bit of an issue . When beveled to the max , the saw ’s king felt sulky , but that would belike improve with a good lineament jigsaw blade . Those points aside , for the price , this is a right proverb for beginners to learn with .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Black+Decker BDEJS600C jigsaw atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Best for Max Power
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Barrel Grip Jigsaw
Yes , it ’s big — closely 12 in long and more than 4.5 pounds before add the battery — but the Milwaukee 2737B-20 is a beastly see with Einstein as well as brown . The brushless saw ’s magnate is tantamount to a 7 amp twilled putz , thanks to the electronics ’ technology — so it cuts faster than every corded proverb in our trial run chemical group . That crank the blade at 3,500 strokes per minute at a full 1 - inch depth , intend this saw is capable of cutting all day , through just about any material .
A helpful feature article on the variable upper telephone dial helps the wheeler dealer melodic phrase up the start of a cut , lowering the speed to focalise on accuracy without ingest the tool bounce around ; it then smell out the load and adjusts the rationalise swiftness automatically . During our tests , the saw cut cursorily and aggressively , nearly pulling itself through the body of work . It also proved to have heavy brand visibility . Caveat : While the power switch is well approachable by both lefties and righties , the switch requires 1 - moment hold to power down , which takes some getting used to .
Get the Milwaukee2737B-20jigsaw atThe Home DepotorAce Hardware .
Photo: homedepot.com
Best Ergonomic Handle
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Jigsaw
For those who already own another of DeWalt ’s 20 - volt tool , this saber saw is a very good addition , particularly when purchase as a naked puppet . Of all the byword we tested , the grip on this one fit best because it ’s narrow and felt almost like a drill / driver — very comfortable . The max speed of 3,200 separatrix per minute was riotous enough to smash through the wood when mark to the max orbital setting , though we did live some chipping in tests . That moderately lower speed and vibration , along with the comfy grip , helps stave off manus fatigue . We like the excellent brand visibility , peculiarly when abridge at 45 degrees , and the electric fan feature of speech that maintain sawdust out from the blade . The cock - less bevel adjustment locks in securely .
On the downside , the DeWalt is not vacuum - compatible , and it does not have a lock - on button , which would act like a cruise control during longer slice . Also , while the brake shoe has detents that lock up in at 0 , 15 , 30 , and 45 degrees , only the 45 - academic degree mark is clearly identified with number .
Get the DeWalt DCS334B scroll saw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Lightweight Saw
Makita 4329K Top Handle Jigsaw
Not everyone needs the burliest , heavy - responsibility fretsaw on the market . At just over 4 pounds , this saw is easy to work with and the 3.9 - adenylic acid motor produces up to 3,100 strokes per minute , with speed adjustments coming via the variable speed gun trigger . It also features a through - the - body vacuum port to improve dust collection , do it easier to see the blade while cutting .
Despite the Makita name intimate to pro users , the 4329 K Jigsaw is more of a tiro ’s model . The slide - down debris cover version features a see - through conception that minimizes chips and protects the drug user ’s hands , while the counterbalanced design reduce vibration to minimize fatigue and improve restraint . Cutting at 90 level was loyal and politic , even when the orbital was switched to the max , and the same was lawful for cut at 45 degrees . Our only peeves : This see requires a wrench to attach the brand , which slows down vane changes , and its somewhat short stroke length means it is n’t ideal for thick fabric .
Get the Makita 4329 K jigsaw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: homedepot.com
Best for Fast Cutting
Porter-Cable 6-Amp Orbital Jigsaw
Orbital strokes allow jigsaws to work quicker and more sharply , and like a lot of the better saws , this Porter - Cable Orbital jigsaw offers four context . well yet , it does n’t have a premium price shred . Beyond the orbital context , this saw features a heavy - responsibility 6 - adenylic acid motor for arduous work and prolonged exercise . For those long cuts , there ’s a lock - on replacement to oblige the gun trigger in place and do as a sail control .
The overmolded rubberized handgrip is comfortable , while the big rubberized section on the front of the adage makes for a commodious place for the second hand to guide the byword along cut line . We liked the variable speed dial mount on the trigger but , while operation proved similar to the Makita , the Porter - Cable is nearly a full pound heavier and a bit bulker . Also , this jigsaw does n’t come with a employment light , dust control condition , or any additional features — it ’s a honest saw , though fairly bare bones .
Get the Porter - Cable PCE345 jigsaw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Jigsaw
Today ’s jigsaws run to be far more feature - rich than the models of the past , offering deviate cut speeds , different floor when it comes to aggressive cutting , amperage , and power supply pick . Some choice make sentiency , while others might be an unneeded Melville Bell or whistle a DIY in all likelihood does n’t need .
Type
Jigsaw puzzled ? No surprisal ! Here ’s the penury - to - know information about how different models stack up .
Older framework and new low - terminal pick are typically straight - reciprocating jigsaws . This means the blade merely journey up and down with no variance in its path . Though these jigsaws skip slowly , they ’re able to make very tight turns and create curve , unlike a tabular array or a orbitual saw . All modern scroll saw have a zero orbital option and all the version we tested have selectable switching to increase the field — or aggressiveness — of the cut .
These fretsaw have a slightly forward motion to their steel slash . The blade tilt forward on the upstroke , sack up wood more quickly than a straight - reciprocate jigsaw . To activate orbital - reciprocation , the user typically flips a switch on the side of the saw into one of ( usually ) four positions . These saws cut faster but with less truth and maneuverability than straight - reciprocate models . There will also be more bust - out ( splinter Sir Henry Wood that chips up along the cutline ) on the top of the Grant Wood .
Photo: amazon.com
Traditional jigsaws have a tall , large grip shape like the letter D with a basic finger gun trigger inside the bridge player closed circuit to start the saw . This hold is easy to roll a helping hand around , but the height increase sidelong purchase , which can tip the power saw and lead to less accuracy . While handle type is a affair of preference , those with smaller workforce will usually have an easier time controlling top - handle saws .
A newer form , barrelful - grip jigsaw let exploiter to keep their hand lower to the fabric they ’re working on . This can increase control , minimizing the disposition to tip the proverb and skew the blade ’s path . These models usually have thumb transposition instead of finger spark off . Often DIYers and professional who do a lot of “ under the table ” cutting , where the blade face up while following a line , will find these tasks easier using a barrel bag .
Most tool producer offer both versions of this puppet , and some even offer cordless versions of unlike voltages ( i.e. , 18- and 12 - volt ) . Typically , a corded jigsaw be quite a routine less than a cordless variant . Most Maker offer cordless saws both as kits , paired with a barrage fire and a charger , and as a bare tool without a battery or charger . The latter makes it easy to weave the tool into an existing cordless instrument kit , using the same battery and charger that ’s already possess .
Photo: amazon.com
cut extremely thick wood like oak or walnut can chew through electric battery life history fairly apace , so woodman should check into corded alternative . For site work like decks and pergolas , battery - power models are the way to go .
Amperage and Cutting Speed
Amp ratings on world power tools refer to the amount of power they can draw without compromise the motor or internal constituent . Generally , the higher the amperage , the more heavy - duty the tool . Most modern scroll saw rove between 5.0 and 7.0 amps .
All jigsaws have varied cut swiftness , operated by either a insistency - sensitive trigger or an adjustable dial . These major power tools also have adjustable speed range , starting at around 500 strokes per bit ( SPM ) and up to 3,000 to 4,000 strokes per minute at the top end .
Cabinetmakers , woodworkers , and metalworkers will most probably enjoy dialed speed control that provides coherent results . For the multipurpose DIY workshop , a do - it - all jigsaw with a insistency - sensible trigger might be a better choice , as it can easily bound from job to job without much fuss .
Blade Type and Material
There are two type of jigsaw blade choice : T - waist and atomic number 92 - shank . Many of the best reciprocating saw use T - shank vane , which shut away in well ( usually without the use of puppet ) and continue good during cockeyed curved shape anddecorative cutting . U - shank - style saws sometimes involve tools for blade changes , make them far less popular since the design of T - waist blades .
Also , there are three dissimilar materials used to makejigsaw brand :
Safety
In the lordly dodge of mogul tool , scroll saw are relatively low risk for hurt , but there are some built - in feature article that make them safer to palm . For case , many jigsaws have onboard LED light that enlighten the cutline and assure the user can see where they ’re cutting — one of the most critical aspects of power tool safe .
There are also safeties that the user must press down before squeezing the induction , forestall inadvertent activating from hap . These push button are typically mounted on the handle where the user can reach them with a thumb , and a flying printing press allows the user to set off the saw .
Additional Features
Beyond amperage , hurrying , and rubber features , there are additional features that can make a jigsaw more operative , convenient , and/or well-to-do to expend .
FAQs
Even with ample background on the best jigsaws , some extra question might be crop up up . This section , a collection of some of the most frequently ask questions about jigsaws , aim to answer those queries , so check out for the info you ask below .
Q. What is a jigsaw best used for?
scroll saw excel at making circular or rounded cuts for decorative woodwork and cunning . However , they ’re also ready to hand for create square cuts where a circular proverb might not mold , such as toe - kick for console and stringer for stairs .
Q. Can you cut straight with a jigsaw?
you could , but straight cutting off are not as easy as they are with a circular adage . The skinny sword is more likely to crook , but clamp a straightedge to the workpiece will aid reserve the user to cut straight .
Q. What is the difference between a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw?
Both jigsaws and reciprocate saws have reciprocate motility , but they are dissimilar types of saws . Jigsaws utilise little , sparse blades with short strokes , whilereciprocating sawshave with child , thicker vane with longer stroke . Reciprocating proverb are profound obligation , so they ’re often used for demolition , slue pipes , and other knotty materials .
Q. How do I choose a jigsaw?
Choosing a reciprocating saw comes down to a few factors :
Meet the Tester
Sal Vaglica has cover tools and DIY undertaking since 2006 for such sites as Better Homes & Gardens , Wired , This Old House , and Fine Homebuilding . A former hardwood shock declarer , he prefer to test shaft hands - on whenever possible by replicate scenarios readers might confront at their own rest home .
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