1. BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Jigsaw Review
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3kC7Y2z” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]Check Price Here![/su_button]
The Black+Decker BDEJS600C jigsaw is built with new improved technology that makes it a user-friendly jigsaw.
It’s a powerful jigsaw with advanced features which every professional will love to have in a jigsaw.
This machine is well designed to give you better results than any other jigsaw you can think of. It’s a perfect tool for DIYers and professional woodworkers.
The Black+Decker jigsaw comes with a powerful 5-amps motor and also comes with variable speed controls that allow the user to choose the right speed for their project. This powerful motor drives the device at 3000 strokes per minute; this speed is enough to deal with any heavy-duty tasks you can think of.
The Black+Decker BDEJS600C jigsaw is a highly functional jigsaw that comes with an excellent curve control feature, this allows the user to adjust the orbital action of the saw. It can be adjusted from 1-4 to give you the freedom to cut different shapes and curves with ease.
This Black+Decker jigsaw can definitely satisfy all your cutting needs. It has the capacity of making bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees in both left and right direction.
The shoe of this model can be adjusted to give a more stable cutting platform, you can bevel a curved cut or join 2 pieces together in order to make a miter joint.
It comes with a keyless blade clamp to allow users to change the blades easily. The Black+Decker jigsaw can use both T&U shank blades.
It has a good ergonomic design, the handle is well designed for comfortable use, it’s made with a good rubber material which provides an easier grip and allows you to fully control the device.
The wire guide it comes with help the user to make precisions cuts.
It comes with it a dust blower that helps you clear your working area.
The Black+Decker BDEJS600C jigsaw also comes with a 2-year warranty.
The Pros
- It’s cheap when compared to most products within its category.
- It’s a durable and high-quality product.
- It comes with a powerful 5-amp motor.
- The Black+Decker BDEJS600C jigsaw can make curved cuts than most other jigsaws.
- It produces up to 3000 strokes per minute.
- It has multiple adjustable orbital-action settings.
- It can make bevel cuts at up 45 degrees on both left and right directions.
- The beveling shoe is adjustable.
- Keyless blade clamp for easier replacements of blades.
- 2-year warranty.
Cons
- Doesn’t perform well on hardwood.
- The device can shift to higher speeds that are not the ones you set.
2. Bosch JS572EBK Jigsaw Review
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3qICNqc” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]Check Price Here![/su_button]
Any DIY enthusiast should definitely try out the Bosch JS572EBK jigsaw. This is definitely among the league of best jigsaws that are currently available.
The Bosch family are well known for producing high quality products for decades and this Bosch JS572EBK jigsaw provides the user with an excellent cutting performance. Whatever cutting projects you want to execute, whether it’s installation, home remodeling or woodworking this saw has got it all for you. It has an increased cutting power and it comes with variable speed control that gives you the flexibility to work on different materials.
It’s equipped with a powerful 7.2-amp motor and a strong gearbox made from aluminum, the cove is also insulated.
This Bosch JS572EBK jigsaw is designed to deal with even the toughest job in the construction site because it comes with a powerful T-shank blade. This model is designed to produce less vibration so that you can enjoy working with it smoothly without any disturbances.
The Bosch JS572EBK jigsaw can cut through different materials like hardwood, laminated sheets, and plywood. Variable speed controls are located at the front of the jigsaw for easier accessibility.
The accuracy and performance of this tool are outstanding.
It is capable of making angle cuts at 45 degrees, the precision control is also very innovative. You’ll hardly find a jigsaw with this type of precision control.
The roller is designed in such a way that blades with different thickness can fit in with the device and also help reduce blade deflection.
Bosch JS572EBK jigsaw also comes with powerful accessories such as the LED light that can illuminate your working space when working in a dim environment. It doesn’t matter if you’re working in the night, the LED light equipped in this model is enough to allow you to see everything clearly so that you can make accurate cuts.
It comes with a good ergonomic design allowing the user to work comfortably with the device. The handle is easier to hold because of the soft grip it has.
Pros
- It has good money value ration.
- Can make angle cuts at 45 degrees.
- Excellent and good ergonomic design.
- Comes with a powerful motor of 7.2-amp.
- Variable speed controls.
- Excellent cutting precision
Cons
- U-shank blades can’t be used with this model.
- Setting up the base angle can be somewhat difficult from the beginning.
- Not good when it comes to cutting ½” steel.
3. Makita 4351FCT Jigsaw Review
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3HnCLdj” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]Check Price Here![/su_button]
The Makita 4351FCT jigsaw is built with powerful cutting-edge technology and great features that will help any user get full control of the machine and obtain accurate results.
It’s a good versatile machine that can be used in various cutting projects whether at home or in the construction site.
This powerful device comes with a powerful 6.3-amp motor. This power makes the device eligible for even industrial use, and the Makita 4351FCT jigsaw can deal with any heavy duty task in the construction site.
The stroke length is 1” and can handle any wood that’s up to 5-5/16” at 90 degrees; it can cut metal sheets that are up to 3/8” at 90 degrees. This makes the tool more versatile and can cut any material with ease.
The Makita 4351FCT jigsaw comes with adjustable speed control and has three orbital settings. The variable speed ranges from 800 to 2800 strokes per minute. The speed is maintained throughout your cutting speed. this helps the user attain superior results from this great saw.
The saw is good at making both angle and straight cuts.
The Makita 4351FCT jigsaw produces less vibration because it’s a solid and stable device.
The handle is well designed to give the user maximum comfort allowing him to fully control the device during operation, the handle is designed from a good rubber material to provide a comfortable grip and give the user the ability to maneuver the tool and obtain accurate precision cuts. The Makita 4351FCT jigsaw can be used to make tight curves because of its excellent ergonomic design.
The Pros
- It has an excellent cutting performance.
- It offers good value for the money spent on it.
- It’s equipped with a 6.3-amp motor.
- It has three orbital settings that help users obtain straight cuts.
- Can cut different materials with ease.
- It produces smooth and clean workpieces.
- It comes with variable speed controls that range from 800-2800 strokes per minute.
- Doesn’t make too much noise.
- It runs at a uniform speed.
- The aluminum base it has can be adjusted from 45-90 degrees.
- Comes with LED light for more visibility.
- It’s easy to maneuver.
- Comes with 6 blades.
The Cons
- The Makita 4351FCT jig saw only accept T-shank blades.
- The device is not easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Does not come with a dust blower.
4. DEWALT DC330K Jigsaw Review
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3oxsHFY” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]Check Price Here![/su_button]
This DEWALT DC330K jigsaw also comes with its own unique design and that’s why it stands among the top jigsaws.
It’s a highly recommended jigsaw with versatile cutting capacity, this model is a great choice for DIY or any remodeling projects.
This saw is capable of cutting any building material with ease. It can make both straight and curved shapes, and you can handle a wide range of materials like plywood, hardwood, metal sheets, plastic, or laminate countertops.
The tool has great maneuverability due to the fact that it isn’t connected to the power cord. This means it’s a cordless device.
It comes with 18 V Ni-Cad Battery that can last for long hours before been exhausted, it also comes with variable speed controls at up to 3000 strokes per minute. The user can adjust the speed at different levels when dealing with different materials.
The DEWALT DC330K jigsaw is a good versatile saw that comes with keyless shoe bevel and has a wide range of orbital adjustments. It can be changed to four different positions. It gives the user better control to make precision cuts smoothly, and the shoe bevel can be set at 0-15-30-45 degrees.
With its 1” blade stroke length, it can cut larger pieces of materials with ease.
The blade changing system is easy to use because the device features keyless-lever action blade-clamp. The blades can be changed within a few minutes and the saw can be operated either with one hand or two hands. This depends on the type of material you’re working on.
Another interesting feature of this DEWALT DC330K jigsaw is that the handle comes with a curved design and has a trigger attached to it at the top to make it easier for you to reach.
The Pros
- Buying this jigsaw offers the best value for your money.
- It has a good ergonomic design.
- It’s a highly versatile machine.
- It is compact in nature.
- Offer a high level of maneuverability.
- Variable speed control.
- It comes with a powerful motor.
- Excellent cutting performance.
- Has a wide range of bevel adjustments.
- It has four orbital settings.
- Speed ranges from 0-3000 strokes per minute.
- It has less noise than other devices.
- It comes with a dust blower that’s adjustable.
- 1 year of free service after purchase.
- Battery and charger are included in the package.
The Cons
- Doesn’t come with a LED light.
- It’s a heavy duty device.
- The battery might not last long when working on heavy-duty projects.
5. Porter-Cable PCC650B Jigsaw Review
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/31W98PM” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]Check Price Here![/su_button]
The Porter-Cable PCC650B jigsaw is a powerful cutting machine that comes with powerful features.
The device is also very affordable, and it’s a good option for a newbie or DIYers who’re not ready to invest a lot in power tools.
This saw can be used in a wide range of applications in the construction site or in the workshop.
It’s capable of cutting various materials like plastic, hardwood and metal sheets.
The Porter-Cable PCC650B jigsaw is a portable device that can be mounted on a flat and stable surface if you want to make vertical cuts. This jigsaw can make curved cuts, straight cuts, and bevels very smoothly.
The Porter-Cable PCC650B jigsaw is a saw with powerful performance. The device comes as a cordless device, it comes with a good lithium-ion battery that can hold the charge for many hours. It has a better battery life than most other jigsaws within its category.
Stroke length is ¾ and this means it can make large cutting depth and cut materials of different sizes. It comes with three orbital action adjustments and variable speed controls that allow the user to make different types of cuts. The speed adjustments range from 0-2500 strokes per minute.
The beveling shoe can be adjusted from 0-45 degrees. This is enough to allow the user to make the most common bevel cuts that arise in the workshop.
It accepts t-shank blades, and they’re easier to manage when it comes to blade replacement.
The Porter-Cable PCC650B jigsaw is equipped with 4” wood blade.
This great tool also comes with a 3-year warranty.
The Pros
- It’s a powerful saw and has a great value for the money spent.
- Very affordable.
- Three different orbital settings.
- Can be used in multiple applications
- It’s good for making precision cuts.
- Can cut different materials with ease.
- Bevel range is from 0-45 degrees and can make straight cuts.
- The saw can be used on a vertical and horizontal surface.
- It comes with a powerful battery.
- It’s a high-performance cordless device.
- It’s equipped with a dust blower.
- It’s a compact device that isn’t too heavy.
- It has a good handle.
The Cons
The package doesn’t come with a battery. You have to buy it separately.
Best Rated Jigsaw
DEWALT DC330K Jigsaw Review
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3oxsHFY” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]Check Price Here![/su_button]
The DEWALT DC330K jigsaw is so far the best rated jigsaw.
It’s an 18 V jigsaw that comes with exceptional performance.
It has a good ergonomic design that offers more comfort and also provides more user control.
It’s a versatile saw that can be used in various applications, it can be used by both DIYers and professionals from different fields.
It’s loaded with smart features which are not really found in other jigsaws.
It comes as a cordless device, this makes the device very portable and handy, and it can be moved to different job sites with ease.
Anyone that’s looking for exceptional quality and durability should really check out the DEWALT DC330K jig saw.
It’s the best-rated jigsaw when it comes to performance and handling different kinds of cutting jobs in the workshop.
Best Budget Jigsaw
Bosch JS260 Jigsaw Review
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3cdPIIe” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]Check Price Here![/su_button]
The Bosch JS260 jig saw is the top pick when it comes to budget and performance.
This jigsaw is capable of producing great results and it allows the user to swap blades with little effort.
The Bosch JS260 jigsaw is the best budget saw so far available. It’s a good option for both beginners and professionals that are looking for a handy tool and at the same time without spending much out of their pocket.
This jigsaw is easy to use and comes with excellent safety features, it offers the best value for the money.
It offers more precision than most other jigsaws, swapping the blades is a straightforward process. The blade-changing system is better than most jigsaws out there.
It comes with a wide stand that provides a stable working environment with the saw. Most jigsaws on a budget aren’t solid and stable but this one stays right on track during operation.
The Bosch JS260 jigsaw also comes with a long extension cord that allows you to plug and move around with the tool within your working area without the need to get an extra extension cord.
The Pros
- It has a good cutting performance despite its affordability; it can be used in various applications in the construction site.
- It’s a good versatile saw and comes with a long extension cord.
- It offers the best value for the money when it comes to the budget.
- The blade changing system is easier to use and it’s a fast and safe machine to work with.
- It doesn’t produce much noise and it produces clean and smooth results for your cutting projects.
The Cons
- Mounting the blades can tricky before getting used to it.
Makita 4329K Jig Saw Review
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3DlVeUV” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]Check Price Here![/su_button]
The next saw that comes into our list when it comes to budget is the Makita 4329K jigsaw.
When it comes to the world of jigsaws this Makita model is a queen. It’s a sturdy saw that offers one of the best cutting performances.
A lot of jigsaws are not good at making straight line cuts, but this Makita model offers perfect straight line cuts with ease.
It’s very affordable for anyone whether a beginner or a professional. Its good ergonomic design makes the device comfortable to use. The user can have more control over the device in order to obtain accurate cuts.
It’s equipped with a remarkable 3.9-amp motor that drives the machine to cut through different materials with ease.
The Pros
- It’s a lightweight device and is stable enough to deal with your cutting needs.
- It can cut any hardwood that comes into its way.
- Perfect for making straight line cuts.
- It’s a very durable device that can last for years without breaking down.
Cons
- Sometimes making sharp angle cuts can challenging.
- Changing the blades isn’t easy.
- It cost more than other budget saws.
Jigsaw Comparison: Cordless Vs Corded
A jigsaw is the most favorite cutting tool for any DIY enthusiast because it’s easier to use and maintain, but the question is should you choose a corded or a cordless device.
Cordless jigsaws come with some advantages that aren’t present in corded versions.
Cordless jigsaws are more versatile and are capable of making different curves with much more ease. Cordless jigsaws are ready to be used whenever you need them without the need of power source since you already have your battery in place.
With the right cordless jigsaw, you’ll save more time in your cutting projects, and you’ll be able to cut different materials with ease just like cutting bread and butter.
Some people believe cordless saws are only capable of cutting conventional wood. That’s not true because cordless jigsaws are capable of cutting different materials like metal sheets, plastics, and some glass pieces.
They can be operated with real ease and can handle a lot of cuttings tasks in the workshop.
Cordless saws are really amazing, you just need to look out for the right one in the market.
Choose a cordless jigsaw with powerful features and good cutting capabilities, and choose the one that comes with a strong battery and the one that can last for many hours. Search for the best features that are expected to be present in any jigsaw and then find a handy cordless saw that has such features.
On the other hand, corded jigsaws are very strong. Majority of the jigsaws that are available come as corded versions. They’re powerful devices because they use a direct power source.
Most of the heavy-duty jigsaws which are more effective than any other jigsaw come as corded saws. The only downside of a corded jigsaw is that you have to look for the power source all the time. For contractors that move to different job sites every day, they might prefer to go with a cordless saw.
The downside of the cordless jigsaw is that most of them come with a weak battery. They don’t last for many hours before exhausting the battery charge.
You should keep your eyes open when buying a cordless saw, choose the one that comes with a powerful lithium-ion battery which is currently the most effective battery, it’s durable and can last for many hours before the charge is exhausted.
What is a Jigsaw?
Jigsaws were invented many decades ago. It was first made back in 1947 and at that time the design was derived from the sewing machine. The needle in the sewing machine was replaced with a blade and the results turned out to be good.
Jigsaws are very lightweight and portable power tools that come with an oscillating blade. They’re specifically designed to make curved cuts on different materials such as wood, plastic, and metals.
They’re also capable of making straight line cuts as well. Jigsaws can perform most crosscuts and rip cuts in the workshop. They’re not also left behind when it comes to making bevel cuts, even though circular saws are better when it comes to bevel cuts, but a jigsaw isn’t bad either.
When it comes to plunging cuts, there is no better tool than a jigsaw. Plunge cuts involve cutting a soft material like wood from the middle and without the need of making an initial hole. When the blades are in a horizontal position, you can start running the jigsaw, you then place the saw gently on the material you’re working on and you’ll get the perfect plunge cut. You should, however, note that there are specific blades designed for this purpose only.
A jigsaw can perform different types of cuts, right from curves, straight-line cuts, plunge cuts, ripping, crosscuts and any other shape you can think of.
It can also cut different types of materials apart from wooden materials, this includes plastic materials, metal sheets, ceramic material and other things you can think of. A jigsaw can execute different cutting tasks that are done by a band saw, scroll saw, circular saw, and a router.
Now that you’ve understood what a jigsaw is capable of it’s now time to know how to choose the right jigsaw and the various types that are available so that it can be easier for you to choose the right one that will help you a lot in your cutting tasks.
There are a lot of things to consider before buying any scroll saw right from blades to motor. They play a vital role when it comes to the performance of a jigsaw.
Choosing the right jigsaw isn’t an easy process because you have to carefully consider a lot of important factors.
In this guide, we’ll discover the most important features you need to look for in any jigsaw before investing your money in it.
Is A Jigsaw Right For You?
This is an important question you should ask yourself before you start hunting for any jigsaw.
No matter the good features a jigsaw has, if you’re not comfortable with it, it’s of no value to you.
You can hardly find a professional woodworker or craftsman that has no jigsaw included in his workshop or toolbox. Unless you hate jigsaws in general, there is no way you can’t benefit from using them.
We’ve already mentioned its benefits earlier in this article, there is no need to repeat them again. A jigsaw is a versatile machine that’s capable of making different cuts in the workshop without the need to strain yourself.
Anyone can benefit from a jigsaw, right from DIYers that deal with small remodeling jobs at home to professionals that deal with multiple cuttings every day.
Since you already landed on this article you’re definitely interested to learn more about a jigsaw and that’s exactly the information you’ll get.
After reading this whole article you’ll fully understand the value of jigsaws and what they’re capable of, we’ll also review some of the best jigsaws that are currently available in the market so that it’s easier for you to decide on the right one.
Types Of Jigsaws
Just like any other power tool out there you’ll find different types of jigsaws, so much that you’ll get confused about choosing the best type.
Cordless And Corded Jigsaws
No power tool can work without power source unless if it’s a local or manual type that requires using your energy to operate the device continuously. The power source is an important aspect to consider before buying any jigsaw.
The most popular ones are the corded types and they’re more powerful and reliable since they’re directly connected to a stable power source. As long as you’re connected to a power source you can work for longer hours without the need to keep recharging the battery which can consume much of your valuable time.
The corded jigsaws are more comfortable to work with since they don’t have any batteries in them. They’re very portable and can be carried to different working sites with ease.
The cordless devices aren’t left behind when it comes to portability, sometimes they can even be a better option than the corded types.
The cordless jigsaws, on the other hand, are also very powerful and have their own advantages over the corded jigsaws.
The cordless versions are good for contractors that move to different job sites daily, and if there is no good power source they can use their cordless jigsaw that comes with a battery.
When it comes to choosing either a corded or a cordless jigsaw it all comes down to the various cutting tasks you want to execute.
It’s always a good idea to work with a cordless jigsaw because you don’t know when it might be handy, and the good news is that even if you exhaust the charge in your cordless saw you can always plug-in the device to continue using it as a corded saw. You can see that you have nothing to lose.
Features To Look For In Any Jigsaw
Motor
The motor of any power tool plays an important role in the performance of the device. A typical powerful motor should have between 4 to 7-amps. Any jigsaw that has power within this range can do a good job for you.
The more powerful the motor, the better it is to deal with any material you’re working on. A powerful motor will also help you finish your cutting tasks faster. Unless you’re dealing with heavy duty cutting jobs, a 5-amps motor should be OK to work with.
While the motor is a very important factor it’s also important for the jigsaw to have adjustable speed, because if it only comes with one speed, it will end up damaging soft materials.
It should also have a good orbital and bevel settings, and any other controls that will help the user utilize the speed properly.
Speed
Speed in jigsaws is measured in strokes per minute (RPM).
This is different from other cutting tools which most of the times are expressed in revolution per minute (RPM).
You should aim for a jigsaw that has a minimum of 3000 strokes per minute. This speed is enough to take care of all your cutting needs in the workshop.
The jigsaw should come with different speed controls. A jigsaw with variable speed controls and has lesser speed is better than a jigsaw with higher speed but has only one control.
You should aim at a jigsaw that has about 5-7 adjustable speeds. If you’re on a budget and you’re dealing with smaller jobs, you can go with 2-speed controls.
When cutting a hardwood you need higher speed and when cutting other hard materials like metals or ceramics you need to set the saw at a lower speed level.
Buying a jigsaw with variable speed controls isn’t a must especially to professional workers, but for beginners, it’s going to help them a lot in dealing with a jigsaw.
Orbital Setting
Another important factor to consider before making any buying decision on a jigsaw is the orbital setting.
The jigsaw moves up and down, but with a good orbital setting the user can move the saw forward and backward, or it can also be moved sideways in a circular motion.
These movements help users get more control over the device. You’ll get more precision and help in removing the chips. It will help you cut faster and aggressively and will prevent the teeth from wear and tear.
Each material you’ll be working on will require a different degree of orbit.
You should choose a decent jigsaw that has a selection lever which allows you to adjust the orbit according to the material needs.
You should increase the orbit when making straight and fast cuts on the material you’re working on and should be reduced when making tight scroll work or making curved cuts. The orbit should also be reduced when cutting metal sheets since the speed is expected to be slower at this point.
The better the orbital setting, the better and more flexible the jigsaw will be. The orbital setting is an important factor to consider if you’re dealing with different materials. If you’re dealing with the same material all the time, then this isn’t something you must stress yourself on.
Bevel
Most jigsaws will have beveling capabilities that are similar to other cutting saws. By loosening one single screw you can make a bevel cut of up to 45-degrees.
Most of the projects you will be dealing with will require angle and bevel cuts, and a jigsaw is a good option to go along with as long as it has a wide range of bevel adjustments, sometimes the bevel capability can be increased from 45-90 degrees.
The saw you should choose should allow the user to make bevel adjustments, this will make the jigsaw more flexible and versatile, and there are better jigsaws that give the user an increment of 15-30 degrees.
If you can find a jigsaw with beveling capacity that’s greater than 45-degrees, it’s much better, but even 45-degrees isn’t bad. You can make a wide range of bevel cuts using a jigsaw.
The Type Of Material A Jigsaw Can Cut
You can hear a lot of good things about a jigsaw and later after buying the saw you find out that the saw doesn’t work well on the material you intend to use the saw.
Before buying any saw you should understand the materials it’s good at cutting, a lot of jigsaws are only good at cutting wooden materials. When it comes to metal and plastic they produce disgusting results.
Orbital settings and speed will determine the type of material a jigsaw can handle. If you don’t understand the cutting capacity of any saw, you’ll end up making the wrong choice.
Can It Deal With Curved Cuts?
Every cutting saw out there can make straight cuts but the challenge is when it comes to making curved cuts.
Jigsaws are specifically designed to make curved cuts, but not every jigsaw can make curves the way you want them to.
You should search for a good jigsaw with excellent orbital settings because they’re responsible for making accurate curved shapes.
Any jigsaw that has good adjustable orbital settings can give the perfect cut because you have the freedom to set the orbit that makes the specific curved shape you want.
Blade Changing System
The blade changing system also plays an important when it comes to performance and time management.
Sometime you’ll be dealing with projects that require using multiple blades, so the issue is that if you choose a jigsaw that takes a lot of hours to replace the blades, you will be wasting a lot of time when dealing with a project that requires replacement of blades.
You should go for a jigsaw that has simple blade changing system, changing the blades should be something you can get through in a matter of seconds.
The best jigsaw to work with when it comes to blade set-up are the ones that come with quick blade release that can simply be removed by pulling or pressing the lever which holds the blades.
LED Light
Even if you’re working in the daylight you can sometimes find it difficult to view your cut lines, but with the help of LED light that comes with most power tools, you can see everything clearly.
Choose a jigsaw that comes with a built-in LED light to give you more visibility. With the LED light you’ll get more accuracy since you can see everything clearly.
You also need a LED light that can be adjusted so that you can position it the way you want.
Dust Blower
Considering a dust blower is a must in any power tool.
Inhaling debris and flying dust is annoying, and these dust particles can interfere with your cutting path when you’re cutting the material. There is a need to find a way to get rid of it for better accuracy. Hence most jigsaws are equipped with a dust blower to send particles away from your cutting line.
When it comes to the dust collection system, you can find either a dust blower equipped in the device or a dust port or collector attached to any jigsaw.
To most people the dust blower suck because despite being present in the device there is still too much flying dust within the surrounding, but with a large dust collection port that can be attached to a shop vac, most of the dust particles can be collected easily.
The problem is that most saws don’t come with the dust collector in the package; you have to buy that separately.
To summarize things up – the dust collector is more effective and that’s something you should be looking for any jigsaw.
Vibration Absorption Mechanism
High vibrations from any device will not allow you to work comfortably and will make you get tired after working with it for a few hours. You want a jigsaw that produces less vibration.
We know that vibrations cannot be completely eliminated in power tools, but it should be at a minimum so that you can work comfortably with the machine and at the same time achieve accurate and smooth results.
A jigsaw with less vibration will place you at lower risk of having fatigue.
Switch
The switch also is an important aspect. You want a switch that’s easier to reach and the one that doesn’t switch ON itself accidentally.
The switch control should be placed in such a way that it’s easier for you to reach when you’re holding the device.
For safety reasons some saws come with double switch button, this prevents unwanted accidents.
Some saws also come with a sliding switch so that you have to move it forward before activating the device. This is similar to the double switch feature because you have to perform 2 actions before activating the blades. You have to slide the control and then press the switch-ON button.
Lock-On Feature
We already know that the best saw to work with is the one that comes with adjustable features like speed and other alignments. Even with these adjustments, a saw isn’t complete unless it has a lock-on feature that allows users to lock the machine at the specified measurements.
This feature is more important when it comes to speed control if you set the saw at a certain speed and it’s not locked at that position, it can be displaced to another speed which isn’t to your satisfaction.
Transmission
This is the gearbox we are talking about here. The gearbox will determine the speed range, oscillations and the power your jigsaw will produce.
You should choose a jigsaw that has a longer stroke and that can’t be achieved with a bad gearbox.
Blade Clamp
If the working blades aren’t held tightly you cannot achieve the accuracy you want. The blade clamp helps secure the blade in position so that it won’t shake or damage your working material.
You should choose a jigsaw that comes with a keyless system. It favors changing the blades easily without the need to go through a very lengthy process.
Casing
The casing of any power tool is important as well because a strong and durable casing will make the machine last longer because all the internal components are secured.
Most jigsaws come with either jampot or clamshell casing.
The jampot housing is mostly used for casing a lot of power tools because it’s more durable and effective when it comes to protecting the saw components from getting damaged, while the clamshell is made in 2 plastic halves and this is used to house the internal components.
A jigsaw with poor housing or casing will not last for long, but the one with strong casing can be used for many years without a breakdown.
Handle
How can you achieve accurate results if you’re not comfortable holding the device?
Finding a jigsaw with a comfortable handle grip is a must. If you hold and operate the jigsaw uncomfortably there is no way you’ll enjoy working with the device. The hand should have a good ergonomic design and should be sturdy.
You should choose a jigsaw that comes with either D-handle design or barrel grip handle. These type of handle give the user more control when making curves, a good handle is useful when it comes to cutting different shapes.
Safety Tips For Using Jigsaws
Let us now share some tips that will help you preserve the lifespan of your jigsaw, improve its efficiency and also ensure you’re working with your jigsaw safely.
- If you’re dealing with hard materials like ceramic, aluminum, and metals, you should set the speed at lower levels. When working with soft materials such as wood, you should set the speed at a high level.
- Do not exert too much pressure on the jigsaw; let the blades act on the material with its natural force.
- For better performance always check the sharpness of the blades from time to time to make sure they’re sharp enough to produce better results.
- Some harder materials might require cutting oil in order to ease the cutting process.
- If you notice overheating of the blades, always allow it to cool naturally without the addition of any liquid such as water.
- Use 2 hands to operate the jigsaw and make sure it’s well tight.
- Allow the blades to run freely before you place the jigsaw on the material you wish to cut, and always do some test cutting on a rough material similar the one you will be working on to make sure that the speed can work well on the material, this will help you avoid damages.
- Always use gloves and glasses to protect yourself from unexpected accidents.