Jig saws are essential for those passionate about woodworking. Their versatility, maneuverability, and ability to make any type of cut – be it straight, curved, or beveled, make them a necessary tool. The appropriate jig saw can elevate your woodworking endeavors, offering precise, neat cuts and enabling you to effortlessly construct complex designs and corners. Nevertheless, the wide variety of available choices can make it hard to select the most suitable one for your particular requirements.
The best jig saws for woodworking are those that offer a combination of power, precision, and convenience. They should ideally have variable speed controls, a powerful motor, flexible bevel and speed selections, and a comfortable, anti-vibrational handle. Moreover, the quality of the blade and how easily they can be changed, the efficiency of the dust extraction system, and the light source are also essential factors.
When selecting a jig saw for your woodworking, pay close attention to the specifications. The best jig saw usually has a powerful motor, durable cutting blades, and various settings for speed and bevel angle. Bonus features, such as LED lighting, dust management systems, and quick blade change mechanisms, are always a plus.
In this article, we aim to assist you in your search for the perfect jig saw for woodworking. Drawing from our first-hand experience and extensive research, we have tested and analyzed various models to identify the ones that can deliver ultimate performance. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the essential knowledge you need to choose the best jig saw for your woodworking needs.
Best Jig Saws for Woodworking
Choosing the right jig saw is a critical decision for any woodworker. The right one will not only enhance your woodworking performance but also make the process a lot more enjoyable. We understand that the plethora of options available on the market can be overwhelming when trying to find the perfect match for you. Therefore, in this article, we have meticulously selected a list of the best jig saws for woodworking to streamline your decision-making process and ensure you find the perfect tool to accommodate your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Stay tuned to the article to make your informed choice.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, 3,200 Blade Speed, Cordless, Brushless Motor, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS334B)
If you’re looking for a cordless jigsaw that offers a blend of power, speed, and precision, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw (DCS334B) is a solid choice.
Pros
- The brushless motor provides longer motor life, while also delivering longer run time and more power for faster cutting.
- The variable speed trigger and 4-position orbital adjustment dial allow for precise control and versatility in a range of applications.
- The compact and lightweight design of the tool (weighing just 3.8 pounds with battery) makes it easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces.
Cons
- The bare tool only package does not include a battery or charger, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you don’t already have them.
- Some users have reported issues with the tool’s plastic parts feeling a bit flimsy or cheap.
- While the 3,200 blade speed is respectable, it may not be quite enough for some heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Overall, we’ve found the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw (DCS334B) to be a reliable and efficient tool for a variety of cutting tasks. The brushless motor provides plenty of power, while the variable speed trigger and orbital adjustment dial allow for precise control and versatility. The compact and lightweight design make it easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces, and the LED light helps to illuminate your work area for added convenience.
If you’re in the market for a cordless jigsaw and are looking for a tool that offers a good balance of power, speed, and precision, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw (DCS334B) is definitely worth considering.
WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw with Laser and LED Light,Black, Silver
If you’re looking for a jigsaw that can handle a variety of materials and provide you with a high level of precision, the WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw with Laser and LED Light is a great option.
Pros
- The 6.6-amp motor provides you with plenty of power to cut through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
- The variable speed dial allows you to adjust the speed of the blade from 500 to 3,000 strokes per minute, which gives you a lot of control over the cutting process.
- The orbital action provides you with a high level of precision and allows you to make beveled cuts at an angle of up to 45 degrees.
Cons
- The blade changes can be a bit difficult, and you may need to use a mallet to tap the blade into place.
- The jigsaw is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- The dust collection system is not very effective, so you may end up with a lot of dust and debris on your workpiece.
We’ve used the WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw with Laser and LED Light to cut a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. The 6.6-amp motor provides you with plenty of power to get the job done, and the variable speed dial allows you to adjust the speed of the blade to match the material you’re cutting. The orbital action provides you with a high level of precision, and the beveled cuts at an angle of up to 45 degrees are a nice touch.
One downside of the jigsaw is that the blade changes can be a bit difficult, and you may need to use a mallet to tap the blade into place. Additionally, the jigsaw is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. Finally, the dust collection system is not very effective, so you may end up with a lot of dust and debris on your workpiece.
Overall, if you’re looking for a jigsaw that can handle a variety of materials and provide you with a high level of precision, the WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw with Laser and LED Light is a great option.
Hammerhead 4.8-Amp 3/4 Inch Jig Saw with 2pcs Wood Cutting Blades, Variable Speed and Orbital Function – HAJS048
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile jigsaw, the Hammerhead 4.8-Amp 3/4 Inch Jig Saw with 2pcs Wood Cutting Blades, Variable Speed and Orbital Function – HAJS048 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 4.8-amp powerful motor can cut through wood, plastic, and steel with ease.
- The 4-position orbital action allows for more precise cuts in a variety of materials.
- The adjustable speed dial with 7-speed settings allows for more efficient cutting and greater control over the cut.
Cons
- The 3/4 inch blade length may be limiting for some larger projects.
- The plastic blade guard may not be as durable as a metal one.
- The tool may be heavier than some other jigsaws on the market.
We’ve used this jigsaw for a variety of projects, and it has consistently performed well. The 4.8-amp motor is powerful enough to cut through even the toughest materials with ease, and the 4-position orbital action allows for more precise cuts in a variety of materials. The adjustable speed dial with 7-speed settings also allows for more efficient cutting and greater control over the cut.
One potential downside to this jigsaw is the 3/4 inch blade length, which may be limiting for some larger projects. Additionally, the plastic blade guard may not be as durable as a metal one, and the tool may be heavier than some other jigsaws on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile jigsaw that can handle a variety of projects, the Hammerhead 4.8-Amp 3/4 Inch Jig Saw with 2pcs Wood Cutting Blades, Variable Speed and Orbital Function – HAJS048 is definitely worth considering.
SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile jigsaw that can handle a variety of materials, the SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901 is a great option.
Pros
- The 6 amp motor provides the power needed to cut through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
- The keyless blade changing system allows for quick and easy blade changes without the need for a wrench.
- The variable speed trigger and dial allow for precise speed control, making it easier to cut through different materials.
Cons
- The jigsaw is corded, which may limit its portability.
- Some users may find the 4-pound weight to be a bit heavy.
- The jigsaw may not be as durable as some of the more expensive models on the market.
We’ve used the SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901 for a variety of projects, and it has performed well each time. The 6 amp motor provides plenty of power to cut through even the toughest materials, and the keyless blade changing system makes it quick and easy to switch out blades as needed.
The variable speed trigger and dial are also a great feature, as they allow for precise speed control when cutting through different materials. We’ve found that this makes it easier to achieve clean, accurate cuts without damaging the material.
One potential downside to the jigsaw is its corded design, which may limit its portability. However, we’ve found that this isn’t too much of an issue, as the long power cord allows for a good range of motion.
Overall, we would recommend the SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901 to anyone in need of a powerful and versatile jigsaw for their DIY projects.
BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 4.5 -Amp (BDEJS300C)
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use jigsaw, the BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 4.5 -Amp (BDEJS300C) is a great option.
Pros
- The 4-1/8-inch orbital-action blade pivots up and down for easy blade changes, making it quick and simple to switch between blades.
- The compact and lightweight design of the jigsaw makes it easy to control and maneuver, especially in tight spaces.
- The variable speed trigger and speed dial allow for precise speed control, making it easy to match the speed to the material being cut.
Cons
- The jigsaw is not as powerful as some other models on the market, which may make it difficult to cut through thicker materials.
- The built-in dust blower can be helpful, but it may not be as effective as a dedicated dust extractor.
- The jigsaw may not be as durable as some other models, especially with frequent use.
We’ve found that the BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 4.5 -Amp (BDEJS300C) is a great option for those who need a versatile and easy-to-use jigsaw. The 4-1/8-inch orbital-action blade pivots up and down for easy blade changes, making it quick and simple to switch between blades. The compact and lightweight design of the jigsaw makes it easy to control and maneuver, especially in tight spaces. The variable speed trigger and speed dial allow for precise speed control, making it easy to match the speed to the material being cut.
However, we’ve also found that the jigsaw is not as powerful as some other models on the market, which may make it difficult to cut through thicker materials. The built-in dust blower can be helpful, but it may not be as effective as a dedicated dust extractor. Additionally, the jigsaw may not be as durable as some other models, especially with frequent use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a jigsaw that is easy to use and versatile, the BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 4.5 -Amp (BDEJS300C) is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best jig saw for woodworking, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Blade Length
The length of the blade is an important factor to consider. Longer blades provide more stability and allow for faster cutting. However, shorter blades are more maneuverable and can be used for more intricate cuts.
Orthodox or Reversible
Orthodox jig saws have the motor located below the blade, while reversible models have the motor located above the blade. Orthodox models are more common and are generally easier to use. Reversible models are more versatile and can be used in tight spaces.
Variable Speed
Variable speed jig saws allow the user to adjust the speed of the blade. This is especially useful when cutting different types of wood. A higher speed is needed for softer woods, while a lower speed is needed for harder woods.
Bezel Type
The bezel is the part of the jig saw that holds the blade in place. There are two main types of bezel: keyless and keyed. Keyless bezels are easier to use, as they do not require a key to be removed. Keyed bezels are more secure and prevent the blade from coming loose.
Weight
The weight of the jig saw is also an important factor to consider. A lighter saw is easier to maneuver and can be used for longer periods of time without causing fatigue. However, a heavier saw may be more stable and provide more power.
By considering these key features, you can find the best jig saw for your woodworking needs.
