The Best Jigsaws for 2022
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Best Jigsaw
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These versatile saws are a must-have for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best jigsaws currently available.
UPDATED: July 20, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the DEWALT DCS334B because it is powered by a 20-Volt Max lithium-ion battery for cordless versatility, features a variable speed of up to 3,200 SPM, and has keyless blade changes.
What is a jigsaw?
A standard jigsaw power tool is made up of an electric motor with a reciprocating (up and down motion) small thin saw blade. It is essentially a hand-held version of a band saw or scroll saw. Jigsaws are most often used for detail cutting, versus a standard reciprocating saw, which offers larger, faster cuts.
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Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a model of jigsaw:
Corded vs. Cordless
Thanks to the advancement of battery technology you can now get the equivalent of plug-in power along with the flexibility of a cordless design.
Depending on your portability requirements you may want to go with a cordless option. If you are typically working away from an available outlet or are bothered by the cord being in the way cordless is the way to go.
Also, if you already have a cordless drill you may want to pair it with the same brand of saw so they can share battery packs. Check to make sure it is indeed the same battery, as it can differ even within the same brand.
On the other hand, you may not want to deal with recharging batteries and prefer uninterrupted plug-in power. I have included selections of both cordless and corded tools below.
Variable Speed
Depending on the model, most saws have a variable speed that is controlled through either the trigger or a dial on the side of the unit. This allows for greater flexibility when working on a range of applications.
Strokes per Minute (SPM)
As the name implies, it is the number of times the blade moves in one minute. Generally speaking, the higher the number the faster the cuts. The standard speed is around 3,000 SPM.
Orbital Action
Another feature that may be included is orbital action, which moves the blade in an elliptical motion, allowing for faster cuts. Although this makes for a faster cut it can create a rougher edge, so it will depend on the project if speed is more important than a clean edge.
Grip Types
The most common grip type is known as the D-Grip, which comes from the shape of the handle in the form of the letter D. There are allow Barrel Grip options available which offer a lower profile that makes it easier to work on narrow projects or in confined areas.
Blade Clamp
The blade clamp is what locks the blade in place when in operation. Look out for saws with keyless/tool-less clamps. As the name implies, it does not require a wrench or tool to change blades. This makes it faster and easier to swap out saw blades while working.
Bevel Cuts
Some jigsaws feature a bevel function on the sole plate. This allows cutting angles typically up to 45 degrees relative to the normal vertical stroke for cutting miter joints.
Lights
Some models include an onboard light that can help to provide illumination of the cutting area in low-light work areas.
Integrated Dust Blower
The more advanced models include an integrated dust blower that removes dust as it accumulates making it easier to see the cut line.
Weight
Since you are often holding these saws in awkward positions it is important to note the weight of the tool, as working with a heavy tool can quickly cause fatigue. For cordless saws, the weight provided by the manufacturer will often exclude the battery weight. So take into consideration the additional weight of the battery you will be using. Keep in mind that typically a higher voltage battery does mean a longer run time but at an increased weight.
Blade Options
The most common jigsaw blade used today is the T-Shank blade. As the name implies, the top portion of the blade that locks into the clamp has a T-shaped profile. This shape allows the blade to be held in place with the popular tool-less clamps which allow for fast changes.
There are also the less common U-Shank blades that are not compatible with saws that accept T-shank blades unless specifically noted.
Depending on what you are cutting, there are a wide variety of blade types available:
“Blade edge” for cutting soft materials.
Cranked blades to overcome the setback of the blade and allow flush cutting.
Thin blades to allow tighter curves to be cut.
Push stroke cutting blades to avoid damage to the top surface.
The TPI (Teeth Per Inch) of these blades also varies depending on the intended material to be cut.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including DEWALT, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Jigsaws for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS334B 20V MAX XR Cordless Jigsaw
The DEWALT DCS334B 20-Volt MAX XR jigsaw features a variable speed of up to 3,200 SPM for fast and efficient cuts.
Features an orbital action with four positions for high-speed cuts and working with a range of materials.
Includes an onboard blower to clear dust from the cut line making it easier to see the work area.
Equipped with an onboard LED light to provide illumination of the cut area in low-light conditions.
Equipped with a keyless blade clamp for fast T-shank blade changes.
Features an adjustable shoe bevel with set degrees of 0, 15, 30, and 45.
Equipped with a removable shoe cover to prevent scratching on the workpiece.
Note: the battery and charger are not included.
Runner-up: Bosch JS470E 7.0 Amp Variable Speed Jigsaw
The Bosch JS470E features an aluminum footplate with a bevel cut angle of up to 45 degrees.
Features a variable speed setting up to 3100 SPM.
Includes a four-position orbital operation for different blade strokes.
Equipped with an accelerator trigger for control over the operating speed.
Offers a tool-less blade change system.
Includes an adjustable dust blower to help keep the cutting line clear of sawdust.
Features a tool-less blade ejection lever so as to not require touching hot blades after use.
Includes onboard storage for the bevel wrench.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the blades:
Best Corded Option: DEWALT DW331K 6.5 Amp Jigsaw
The DEWALT DW331K features a keyless, lever-action blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes.
Features a four-position orbital action to control the quality of the cut.
Equipped with a variable speed system that provides 500 to 3,100 strokes per minute.
Features a counter-balance mechanism and a rubber grip to reduce vibration and user fatigue.
Includes a non-marring plastic shoe cover to protect materials from scratches.
Features positive bevel detents at angles 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°.
Includes an integrated dust blower that maintains visibility of the cut line.
Accepts T-shank blades.
Best Lightweight Design: Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jigsaw
The Makita JV0600K features a lightweight design at only 5.2 pounds.
Features a low-profile design for work in compact areas.
Equipped with a die-cast aluminum housing base for durability.
Includes a dust blower to keep the cut line clear.
Features an ergonomic rubberized grip and 2-finger trigger.
Includes an adjustable base that tilts from 0 to 45 degrees.
Includes a lock-on button for continuous operation.
Uses Tang shank blades.
Best High SPM Option: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Jigsaw
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL provides variable speed control for up to 3,500 strokes per minute for ultra-fast cuts.
Features an orbital action with four positions for high-speed cuts and working with a range of materials.
Equipped with a keyless blade clamp for fast T-shank blade changes.
Includes an onboard blower to clear dust from the cut line that can be shut off to allow for dust extraction through the tube.
Equipped with an onboard LED light to provide illumination of the cut area in low-light conditions.
Features an adjustable shoe bevel with set degrees of 0, 15, 30, and 45.
Equipped with a removable shoe cover to prevent scratching on the workpiece.
Powered by Milwaukee’s 18-Volt REDLITHIUM battery system.
Best Value: PORTER-CABLE PCE345 6 Amp Orbital Jigsaw
The PORTER-CABLE PCE345 features a seven-position speed dial integrated into the trigger that operates up to 3,200 SPM.
Features four orbital settings to quickly cut a range of materials.
Equipped with a lock-on button for long periods of cut time.
Features tool-free blade changes to make blade swaps fast.
Includes an oversized front and handle overmold for comfort while working.
Powered by a 6 Amp motor.
Best Budget Corded: BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Jigsaw
The Black & Decker BDEJS600C features Curve Control that has four setting options to control the blade orbit.
Equipped with a 5 Amp variable-speed motor.
Features an adjustable shoe for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees.
Comes with a wire guard to maintain a clear view of the cut.
Includes a dust blower to keep the cut line free of debris.
Offers a 3/4 inch stroke length.
Includes variable speed control from 0 to 3,000 SPM.
Best Budget Cordless: Ryobi One+ P523 18-Volt Cordless Jigsaw
The Ryobi One+ features an orbiting motor that can produce up to 3,000 strokes per minute.
Includes a variable speed switch to control the SPM.
Features a trigger lock system to reduce user fatigue.
Works with most T-shaped blades.
Designed for use with Ryobi 18V batteries.
Note: it is not compatible with U-shaped blades.
Best Onboard Light: SKIL JS314901 6 Amp Jigsaw
The SKIL JS314901 is equipped with a bright onboard LED light to provide illumination of the cut area in low-light conditions.
Equipped with a variable speed trigger for control while cutting.
Features an orbital action with four positions for high-speed cuts and working with a range of materials.
Equipped with a keyless blade clamp for fast blade changes.
Includes an onboard blower to clear dust from the cut line that can be shut off to allow for dust extraction through the tube.
Features an adjustable shoe bevel that can be moved without the need for a tool.
Barrel Grip: DEWALT DCS335B 20V MAX Jigsaw
The DEWALT DCS335B features a barrel grip for a compact design that allows for working in confined areas.
Features a variable speed dial for up to 3,200 SPM for fast and efficient cuts.
Equipped with an orbital action with four positions for high-speed cuts and working with a range of materials.
Includes an onboard blower to clear dust from the cut line making it easier to see the work area.
Features an adjustable shoe bevel with set degrees of 0, 15, 30, and 45.
Equipped with an onboard LED light to provide illumination of the cut area in low-light conditions.
Equipped with a keyless blade clamp for fast T-shank blade changes.
Equipped with a removable shoe cover to prevent scratching on the workpiece.
Note: the battery and charger are not included.
I hope this list of the jigsaws was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
