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The Best Jigsaws 2022 [The Complete Guide]

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A good jigsaw is a must-have around your workshop, whether you’re a DIY hobbyist or experienced woodworker.

These versatile tools are easy to use and can cut straight lines or curves.

If you want to finish your projects with speed and ease, here is a list of the best jigsaws on the market that will help you do exactly that.

The 8 Best Jigsaws for 2022

If you’re looking for a jigsaw with a high degree of maneuverability, you should opt for this cordless option. Being cordless doesn’t make this saw any less powerful as it’s equipped with a 5-amp motor that’s capable of delivering 3,000 SPM, which is as much as its corded counterparts.

It also gives you control of your cut’s quality and speed thanks to the 4-position orbital action.

Moreover, its cuts are clean and smooth, reaching a 1” stroke length from a variable speed trigger. It also has positive bevel detents at the most common angles 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°.

It’s not too light but not too heavy at 5.4 pounds, but when you add the battery, it reaches 7 pounds. If you’re going to work for an extended period of time, you’ll need a few breaks.

Having to purchase the charger and battery separately raises the price of this unit, but the three-year warranty guarantees that it’s a worthy investment.

However, the biggest drawback of this jigsaw is that its blower is more or less useless. Although it does exist, it doesn’t keep sawdust away from your cut line, making it harder to see the straight cuts you want to make.

That doesn’t mean it’s worthless in terms of ergonomics as the DCS331B comes with a lever-action blade clamp for quick blade changes and an extra-large rubber grip that softens vibrations and provides you with a comfortable grip.

Pros:

Cons:

Our Rating

5/5

Bottom Line:

Apart from the ineffective blower and the higher cost and weight than I had initially planned, the DCS331B definitely gained my approval. It’s easy to maneuver, delivers amazingly accurate cuts, and ample stroke rate.

Looking for a powerful, precise, and lightweight jigsaw to finish your woodworking projects? Look no further than the SKIL 4495-02.

Its 6 amp motor delivers variable speeds to adjust the cuts according to your projects’ needs.

It’s equipped with a 4-position orbital cut control that allows you to set the type of cut you want, whether fast or smooth.

The built-in laser guide helps you make more accurate cuts with cut lines that are on point.

What sets the SKIL 4495-02 apart from other jigsaws is its unique stable foot design that provides you with enhanced control when you start a cut, so you can be sure that you won’t have to deal with ragged cuts anymore.

Additionally, it has a custom-molded tool rest that works on preventing the blade from damaging the material you’re working on.

Pros:

Cons:

Our Rating

5/5

Bottom Line:

This low-budget jigsaw comes with an impressive motor that delivers ample speeds. Although it’s not that expensive, it packs more power than some of the pricier models out there. If you’re looking to finish small or medium projects, it’s the best option yet.

The Porter-Cable PCE345 runs on a 6-amp and delivers up to 3,200 SPM that you can control using the 7-position speed dial to get the optimal cutting results.

In addition, it comes with four orbital settings to give you the best cutting performance working with various materials.

Moreover, the lock-on button gives you easier control over the unit during extended use as well as minimizes fatigue. The over-size over-mold handle also gives you a high degree of comfort and control during operation.

As for ergonomics, the Porter-Cable PCE345 comes with tool-free blade changes to deliver fast and easy blade replacements.

Pros:

Cons:

Our Rating

5/5

Bottom Line:

All-in-all, the Porter-Cable PCE345 is a very capable jigsaw that comes at an affordable price. Whether you’re looking to finish home or professional projects, if you don’t mind missing out on some extras, this is the best choice you can make.

The Tacklife PJS02A runs on a 6.7-amp motor that’s equipped with a constant response circuitry for precise and consistent performance.

It has a low vibration and low dust design that make your operation seamless as it provides you with stability as well as clarity of workspace.

The six different speed dial settings allow you to cut plastic, steel plates, stainless steel, aluminum, and wood. It also comes with six blades and a carrying case.

It enables you to make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees in both directions while the adjustable shoe keeps your cuts stable and precise.

Moreover, it has a 4-position orbital operation that enables you to cut through a variety of materials.

Its sturdy design, however, sacrifices lightness as this unit weighs a rather hefty 7.75 pounds, which means that it causes fatigue and strain on your hand.

To make your cuts more precise, the Tacklife PJS02A comes with a laser guide and LED lights that you can switch on and off according to your need for visibility.

Pros:

Cons:

Our Rating

5/5

Bottom Line:

The Tacklife PJS02A provides you with great value for the money. It’s quite affordable, yet has a lot to offer. It’s a little heavy, but it packs a lot of power and ample speed and lots of extras. However, you must work near a power outlet.

Bosch are well-known for their commercial saws, especially ones that are used professionally for the best results, and the JS470E is no exception.

Running on a 7-amp motor, it delivers 3,100 SPM that makes it suitable for a huge variety of materials. It can cut wood up to 5-7/8”, aluminum up to 7/8”, and mild steel up to 3/8” and has a 45-degree maximum bevel cut angle.

Its performance is as smooth as silk with no jumping around, no blade grabbing, and it makes the smoothest straight cuts.

Moreover, the low-vibration design gives you more control over the tool and prevents the arm from shaking or suffering wear and tear.

To control the speed, you get both a dial and a trigger that allows you to select a speed setting in the range that you set. The trigger can also be locked to the top of the range, but not at lower speeds.

Additionally, you can choose between four orbital action settings to get the right blade strokes that suit how smooth or aggressive you want your cuts to be.

As for blade changes and removals, the tool-less blade ejection lever spares you the need for complications or touching hot blades during ejection.

Pros:

Cons:

Our Rating

5/5

Bottom Line:

It’s pretty tough to beat the set of features the JS470E has to offer, but its price can easily be beaten. Although you can’t lock the speed trigger at lower speeds, there’s still plenty of control over the speed variability.

At the same motor power as the Black+Decker BDEJS600C, the DCS334B has a higher stroke rate of 3,200 SPM and is lighter at 4.2 pounds.

It’s ready to use out of the box, which is pretty awesome considering the fact that it uses a keyless blade perfectly. Being an all-metal level keyless blade model means that blade changes are going to be seamless.

Furthermore, this model is equipped with three cutting modes –a straight one and three orbitals ones. This allows you to make both straight and curved cuts as precisely as ever.

It’s pretty compact, beating competitors in terms of how easy it is to handle — just another reason why I consider it the best cordless option on the market.

As for ergonomics, I did expect a little more. I still liked the D-shaped handle with its anti-slip rubber that makes the grip on the jigsaw a lot stronger. It’s also equipped with a dust blower that keeps the area around you clear from any dust particles.

Moreover, the DeWalt DCS334B comes with LED lights that increase visibility over your working area and allows entry-level users to have a clearer view and avoid any mistakes.

Pros:

Cons:

Our Rating

5/5

Bottom Line:

Sure, no one expects a tool that has no drawbacks, but at the price of the DeWalt DCS334B, I did expect better ergonomics. Generally, however, it’s a great model that combines power, reliable performance, and doesn’t weigh too much.

I would have pushed the Makita XVJ03Z up the list a little if it weren’t for its relatively hefty price.

That doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy its overall smooth operation. The Makita XVJ03Z reaches a stroke rate of 2,700 SPM and can cut through 25/32 inches of aluminum at a 90-degree angle position.

The two-finger variable speed trigger enables you to choose the stroke rate that best suits the project you’re working on and provides you with a high degree of versatility.

However, at 6.1 pounds, this model is a bit heavy, so you would probably need a couple of breaks during extended use.

Moreover, the Makita XVJ03Z features three orbital settings that allow you to make curved cuts. 

Pros:

Cons:

Our Rating

5/5

Bottom Line:

The Makita XVJ03Z comes packed with many advantages, the best of which is its performance and ability to cut through most materials. Perhaps the only disadvantage is that it’s a little pricey for what it has to offer.

The Black+Decker BDEJS600C is a very affordable jigsaw that runs on a 5-amp motor. While it’s not the best in its class, it’s still quite the performer.

It reaches 3,000 SPM with a stroke length of 0.75 inches, which gives it plenty of room to work a variety of materials. Its cuts are accurate, smooth, and clean.

Moreover, it allows you to adjust the orbit in 1 of 4 customized settings to fit specific projects while the adjustable shoe gives you a stable cutting platform. It can also make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees.

While it does have a variable speed trigger, there is no dial or an ability to lock the speed. All the adjustability depends on the trigger.

If you’re going to use the BDEJS600C for holding T-shank blades, you’re good to go. However, you should steer away from U-shank blades as the blade-lock mechanism loses tension and, consequently, the capability of holding them properly.

At 4.6 pounds, this jigsaw is pretty light and manageable. Especially when you consider the fact that its vibration is minimal and the handle dampens it during operation.

Pros:

Cons:

Our Rating

5/5

Bottom Line:

Coming with two years of warranty, you can rest assured that the BDEJS600C will delight you with its performance at a highly affordable price.

How to Use a Jigsaw and What to Use it For?

Operating a jigsaw isn’t complicated at all, which makes it ideal for anyone, even if you’re an inexperienced DIYer.

Being easy to use doesn’t mean that it isn’t efficient, however. When you use the right blade, you can cut through a wide range of materials, including plywood, lumber, metal, and tile.

Jigsaws are also used for countertops, wood, concrete, and carpet, although most people wouldn’t think of a jigsaw to cut carpet.

How to Pick a Good Jigsaw?

When you’re in the market for a jigsaw, there are a couple of things that you should consider before settling on a particular choice.

Power

Generally, you’ll find the power rating of a jigsaw noted in amps. Cordless models, however, may be rated in volts since they run on batteries.

Although the difference between motor powers of different jigsaws on the list may seem little, there’s a lot more power to a 7-amp saw than a 5-amp one. Higher power ratings make your tool more efficient and affect the thickness of the materials that you cut.

Weight

The lighter your jigsaw is, the less fatigue you’ll feel, and less strain there will be on your wrist –especially after extended periods of work.

Admittedly, heavier saws do have an advantage in that they don’t jump around during the cutting action of the blade and are able to make smoother cuts more easily.

Weights usually vary between a 1-pound saw and around 8 pounds.

Motor Speed

The speed of a jigsaw is measured in SPM or strokes per minute. Faster speeds enable you to make quicker and smoother cuts. Around 2,500 SPM and above would be pretty sufficient for almost all basic jobs.

Variable Speed

When it comes to power saws, having variable speed options is always the better as this would allow you to make more precise cuts according to the material you’re working on.

Some models come with variable speed triggers that enable you to adjust the speed by pressing the trigger further. On the other hand, some models have a speed select knob that lets you select an exact speed that the trigger engages.

Certain models combine the two approaches to give you the most flexible speed variability and come with a trigger that locks to the top speed of the range you choose.

Blade Change

Blade changes are inevitable when you operate a power saw, which is why you should opt for a tool-free blade changing device rather than one that uses an Allen wrench. This is to enable you to make quick changes without the hassle of interacting with many parts.

Straight Reciprocating Jigsaw vs. Orbital Jigsaw

Orbital jigsaws are more efficient than straight up and down cutting patterns. This makes them more superior for cutting thicker pieces as well as makes them faster on any medium.

Reciprocating jigsaws, on the other hand, are great for construction, plumbing, and electrical work. They’re the ideal choice for demolition work and cutting down materials.

Final Thoughts

While each of the eight options I’ve mentioned above can easily be considered the best jigsaw on the market, some are just better at combining a higher number of pros or are much superior in a certain aspect.

The DeWalt DCS331B is the best option you can get overall. Whether it’s speed, power, or affordability that you’re looking for, it does well with all. But if you want the most affordable option that still performs well, you should go for the SKIL 4495-02 or the TACKLIFE PJS02A.

Finally, if you’re going to be working with tough materials, you should go for the Porter-Cable PCE345 for its high motor power and stokes rate. 

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