Woodworking projects require a range of tools to get everything just right. If you need to cut shapes or curves into the wood then a jigsaw is the tool for you. Like with all tools there are certain features you should look out for in a good jigsaw. Things like motor power, depth of cut, corded vs cordless, laser guideline, dust blower, toolless blade change, and shoe bevel to name a few.
Having a powerful motor will enable your project to be completed with ease. A cordless option gives you added portability. Variable speed control will help you select the ideal one with ease. A feature of 4-position orbital action allows for cutting a variety of materials. Basically the more helpful features the easier you will be able to complete your woodwork projects.
We have found the top jigsaws on the market that incorporate various levels of these features so you can choose your best choice.
COMPARISON CHART
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DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw (DCS334B)
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BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw 5.0-Amp (BDEJS600C)
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BOSCH Power Tools Jig Saws
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Makita 4329K Top Handle Jig Saw
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PORTER-CABLE PCE345 Orbital Jig Saw
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Features
- Compact size for easy grip and maximum control of the jigsaw
- Bright LED on the jigsaw tool helps illuminate dimly lit work surfaces
- Variable speed trigger and dial provide precise speed control
- All-metal, lever-action keyless blade change allows for quick and easy t-shank blade changes
Our 20V MAX* XR Cordless Jig Saw features an efficient motor for powerful performance and extreme runtime. Precisely control blade speed up to 3,200 spm with the variable speed trigger and dial, for professional results no matter what you’re cutting. 4-position orbital action lets you adjust for optimal cutting of a variety of materials. A bright LED light illuminates dim work surfaces and makes it easy to follow cut lines. The updated all-metal, lever-action keyless blade clamp is designed for quick and easy blade changes of t-shank jigsaw blades. Also keyless, the shoe bevel is easy to adjust with detents at 0 degree, 15 degree, 30 degree, and a positive stop at 45 degree. A removable shoe cover helps protect materials from scratches, and an integrated dust blower helps remove dust and debris from your line of sight as you cut. Battery and charger are sold separately.
WHAT WE LIKE
The fact this is a cordless jigsaw adds to its portability. It has plenty of power to make any project successful. Ease of swapping out blades saves time. Ease of following lines and general ease of use. Variable power switch is functional. Excellent ergonomics make this jigsaw fit like a glove and make it comfortable to use. Automatic light helps you to work in all light conditions.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The battery consumption is high and will cut out in the middle of a cut instead of slowing to a stall. It can be difficult to see where you’re cutting, depending on the material because the LED light is at an angle where there is a glare. No allen wrench to adjust foot plate screws, no edge guide either.
PROS
- Cordless and portable
- Plenty of power
- Easy to swap blades
- Ease of following lines
- Ergonomic and comfortable
CONS
- Battery doesn’t last long
- Difficult to see where you are cutting at times
- Certain accessories could be useful to come included
2. BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw 5.0-Amp (BDEJS600C) – Best Budget
Features
- 5 amp electric jig saw with a 3⁄4” blade orbital action for increased precision
- Four curve settings for maximum control over rounded cuts
- Makes beveled cuts up to 45 degrees
- Variable-speed motor generates up to 3,000 SPM of cutting power
Precision cutting gets a high-power boost with the BLACK+DECKER Smart Select 5.0 Amp Electric Jig Saw. New Curve Control technology lets you adjust the saw’s orbit in one of four customized settings for your specific projects while the variable-speed motor generates up to 3,000 SPM (strokes per minute) of cutting power. The adjustable shoe provides a stable cutting platform and can be adjusted to make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees. The new and improved Wire Guard provides a clear line of site for precise cuts from beginning to end. Cut without fatigue thanks to this saw’s compact handle with rubber over old and work cleanly with a built-in dust blower. For a broad range of precise cutting applications, look no further than the Smart Select Electric Jig Saw.
WHAT WE LIKE
It doesn’t vibrate much at all, it’s easy to change blades (it accepts both types), and the dial to adjust the ‘aggressiveness’ of the blade does make a difference. It has plenty of power. The variable-speed function works great. The trigger sensitivity was spot-on. It’s rather light, easy to use, and easy to modify for bevel cuts. Fairly quiet jigsaw that is accurate.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The ‘lock on’ button is a bit difficult to engage but I’d prefer that as opposed to a button that’s too easy to lock into the on position. It can be difficult to eye-ball the cut (keeping in mind it’s a jigsaw so none of them are very difficult) but some of the other brands that do this better do so at a cost 3-4-5x more money for equivalent amperage etc. It needs a safety feature of some kind for the trigger.
PROS
- Low vibration
- Easy to change blades
- Variable speed function is great
- Trigger sensitivity is perfect
- Easy to use and modify
CONS
- Lock-on button difficult to use
- Difficult to judge cut
- Needs safety feature on trigger
3. BOSCH Power Tools Jig Saws – Premium Choice
Features
- Featuring a tool-less blade change system and fast insertion with a blade ejection lever that eliminates the need to touch the hot saw blade
- 4 orbital action tool settings provide different blade strokes for smooth to aggressive cuts for taking on the toughest cutting tasks
- Variable speed dial sets a maximum speed and the accelerator trigger controls operating speed; Features an ambidextrous lock-on button for steadiness and user comfort
- This Bosch tool includes a large, sturdy die-cast foot with a steel insert and on-board bevel wrench; The JS470E’s multidirectional blade clamp delivers a superior grip of T shank blades
Bosch’s 7.0-amp top-handle jigsaw has a toolless blade-change system, an ambidextrous lock-on button, a variable speed-dial, a large, sturdy die-cast foot with steel insert, an exclusive multi-directional blade clamp, an internal precision control, constant response circuitry, four orbital-action settings, an adjustable dust blower, an ergonomic top handle, and includes a non-marring overshoe, an anti-splinter insert, a blade, a bevel wrench, and a carrying case.
WHAT WE LIKE
The base plate is solid. The blade changes are simple. The motor has plenty of power, it cuts through thick wood easily there will be no worries about burning out the motor. The saw runs very smoothly with little vibration. It doesn’t jump out of your hands the way that some of the cheaper ones do. Comes with a hard plastic case, including a separate area for the blades which is useful for storage.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Generic saw guides do not work with this saw because it has a different foot structure than some of the other saws out there. It doesn’t have a laser light that previews where the cuts are going, this feature would be nice. Only one cheap blade is included which is not ideal.
PROS
- Solid base plate
- Powerful motor
- Runs smoothly with minimal vibration
- Blade changes are easy
- Useful storage case
CONS
- Generic saw guides won’t work with it
- No laser light
- Only one blade included
4. Makita 4329K Top Handle Jig Saw – Best for Beginners
Features
- Variable speed control dial (500-3,100 SPM) enables user to match the speed to the application for optimal cutting performance in a variety of materials
- Ergonomically designed rubberized grip for increased comfort and control
- Sliding dust cover for use during vertical cutting helps prevent chips from flying
- Through-the-body dust port provides optimal dust management with the use of a clear dust cover and vacuum
The Makita Top Handle Jigsaw (model 4329K) combines power with a compact design and ease-of-use features for a range of cutting applications. The 4329K has three orbital settings plus straight cutting and features an ergonomically designed rubberized grip to provide more comfort and control. A through-the-body dust port provides optimal dust management with the use of a clear dust cover and vacuum. The counterweight balancing system is engineered for reduced vibration and improved comfort. The saw also features a large trigger switch for easy operation and a lock-on button for extended use.
WHAT WE LIKE
The counterweight system works very well to minimize vibration. The variable speed and lock-on is great. The jigsaw is easy to manipulate as you’re cutting. This jig saw is easy to handle in view of its lighter weight. It cuts as straight a line as any good jigsaw. The cuts are quite smooth. The saw has plenty of power for woodcrafting projects.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The shoe is mediocre at best. It’s rigid and flat, but it is very hard to get it lined up just right before you tighten down the set screw. It would be great if the dust port would be usable. This saw lacks an easy snap-in blade changing mechanism.
PROS
- Counterweight system works well
- Variable speed and lock-on is great
- Easy to manipulate
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Smooth cuts
CONS
- Shoe is mediocre
- Dust port is not functional
- Blade change is not so easy
5. PORTER-CABLE PCE345 Orbital Jig Saw – Best Orbital Jigsaw
Features
- 7 Position speed dial (0-3200 spm) integrated into the trigger of the jigsaw tool provides multiple speed settings for optimal cutting results
- 6 amp motor of the jigsaw delivers power in demanding applications
- 4 orbital settings provide the best cutting performance in a variety of materials
- Lock-on button provides easier control during prolonged use
Our Amp Orbital Jig Saw is designed with a 7-position speed dial integrated into the trigger, providing multiple speed settings for optimal cutting results. The powerful motor and 4 orbital settings allow for optimized cutting performance in a wide variety of materials. It has a lock-on button that provides easier control during prolonged use and helps diminish user fatigue. This jig saw also offers tool-free blade change to make blade replacements fast and easy, minimizing downtime.
WHAT WE LIKE
Easy to change the blade, just lift the lock and insert the blade. If you are looking for a jigsaw at a low price and works well for small/quick projects, this is your saw. It cuts smooth and straight. This tool has four orbital settings. This means that as you are cutting difficult materials you can set the blade tip to angle back and forth into the cut to cut into the material easier. Works great when cutting tight circles or arcs.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
It vibrates too much compared to other jig saws. Does not come (or have available) a fence. Also, an LED light for the blade would have been nice. There is no dust control port. The lock-on button is hard to use.
PROS
- Easy blade change
- Low price
- 4 orbital settings works great
- Great for small projects
CONS
- Vibrates more than other units
- No fence or LED lights included
- No dust control port
Conclusion
If your wood projects require a jigsaw then any of our above options will be great selections to get the job done. If you want the top choice though with the best all-round features then the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw (DCS334B) is the best choice. A cordless jigsaw that allows you to work wherever the project takes you without worrying about the nearest plug point. A powerful jigsaw that allows for easy blade changes. It is easy to use and allows you to follow the lines effortlessly. The variable power switch is functional and the automatic light is helpful too. The ergonomics of this jigsaw allow for comfortable operation and you will be able to cut from dusk until dawn.
If you liked this article about the best jigsaw for woodworking, consider checking out these other articles below —
- Best Folding Saw Horses
- Best Worm Drive Saw
- Best Cordless Jigsaw
- Best Japanese Pull Saw
- Best Aftermarket Bandsaw Fence
I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
