Top 10 best jigsaws and tool selection criteria

The jigsaw is designed for straight and curved sawing of various materials

Types and design of jigsaws

There are a huge number of models of jigsaws on the modern market. In order to simplify the choice, you can divide them into groups according to a number of distinctive features.

Classification of instruments

This tool can be classified according to a number of different parameters. Let's start with the type of food. According to this criterion, the tool can be:

• network;
• rechargeable.

Corded jigsaws are powerful, but less mobile than cordless models

The features of each type are clear from the name. Networked models of jigsaws are powered by a standard electrical network and have a higher power than battery models. On the other hand, the cordless jigsaw is more mobile and can be used away from power sources. If you are often involved in cutting building materials indoors and out, then the best option is to buy both a network and a battery tool.

The next parameter is the target. Jigsaws are distinguished according to it:

• professional;
• industrial;
• household.

A professional jigsaw can work up to 8 hours without interruption

The first category boasts advantages such as high power and durability. A professional jigsaw is designed for many hours (up to 8 hours a day) work without interruption, and is designed to perform large amounts of work.

An industrial jigsaw is essentially a machine that is used in the woodworking industry.

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A household jigsaw is the cheapest model for home workshops. It is easy to operate, has a sufficiently high power, and is the best option for a home craftsman.

Useful advice! If you are thinking about how to choose a jigsaw for your home, but are planning large-scale repair work, the construction of a private house or other structure, then it is better to stop at buying a professional, not a household model. In addition to the long runtime, it boasts an extended package that will make it easier for you to complete many tasks.

Household and semi-professional jigsaw models are great for home use

Tool design

Now every tool manufacturing company strives to ensure that its jigsaws are as easy to use as possible. All elements of the tool structure are designed for this:

• body - the shape of the handle is important here. Most manufacturers provide a rubber gasket for ease of use;
• saw blade - this can be either a metal file for jigsaws, or cutting blades for other materials;
• file holder - a cutting blade is attached to it;

The cutting blade (file) is fixed with a special holder

• support sole - serves to support the tool;
• jigsaw on and off button;
• speed regulator - allows you to increase or decrease the number of revolutions for more efficient work with different materials;
• dust collector nozzle - a dust collector connected to the jigsaw will help you get rid of excess dust during operation.

All elements of the construction of the tool that you are going to buy should be as appropriate as possible for the tasks set. For example, such a question as the choice of a file for a jigsaw is carried out taking into account what materials you plan to work with.

The support sole can be equipped with additional attachments to make it easier to work with the tool

Additional features

Some models of jigsaws are equipped with additional functions to simplify the work. Below are the options for such functions:

• laser pointer for more accurate cutting of material;
• electronic adjustment of the frequency of strokes and cutting depth - facilitates work with various materials, increases the accuracy of cutting;
• the ability to connect the tool to a vacuum cleaner or dust collector;
• function of automatic blowing of sawdust;
• the ability to adjust the pendulum mechanism.

Useful advice! All these features make the tool more efficient, but also increase its cost. So if you only need a jigsaw for sawing wooden planks once a month in the garage, then features such as blowing off sawdust or adjusting the cutting depth are unlikely to be useful to you.

Diagram of the internal structure of an electric jigsaw

How to choose a jigsaw: criteria for choosing a tool

There are a number of properties and characteristics that should be considered when choosing:

• type of power supply of the tool (battery or network);
• engine power and type (open or closed);
• method of fastening the canvas (screws or pressure device);
• device class (professional, household, industrial);
• ease of use;
• availability of additional functions;
• manufacturing firm;
• tool price.

The speed of cutting the material is affected by the number of strokes per minute

The main parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing is the number of moves per minute. It directly affects the speed of cutting the material and its accuracy. Usually, this figure is in the range from 0 to 3100 strokes / min, but some especially powerful models can reach 3200 strokes / min.

Useful advice! If you are going to work with different materials, then you need a jigsaw with the ability to adjust the number of strokes per minute, since some materials may be demanding on this parameter.

To cut different materials, use different files that come with a jigsaw or are purchased separately

Also an important point is the system for replacing files in the tool. Fastening can take place using a clamping device or screws.The first method is simpler, faster and does not require the use of auxiliary tools. And the presence in the kit of various files and oils for their lubrication is a pleasant, but not obligatory bonus. By the way, it is best to take care of buying spare parts for a jigsaw right away when buying a tool, otherwise at the most crucial moment you may not have the right part at hand. And this entails an indefinite suspension of work.

Of course, each customer may have their own specific requirements for the tool. It all depends on the planned scale of work, the type of materials to be worked with, and other factors. For some, the price is most important when buying, while others prefer models exclusively with a screw-mounted blade or an open engine. Next, we will look at the best jigsaws according to the professionals.

Shape sawing of plywood with a jigsaw

Top 10 best jigsaws

The top jigsaws include models that have proven themselves in terms of power, ease of use and other parameters.

Bosch GST 65B

The Bosch jigsaw tops the list. Its main advantages are a small degree of vibration, reliable fastening of the sole, low weight and dimensions. All this makes it very convenient for household chores. Hand fatigue during work is minimized, thanks to the structure of the body and the fastening of the sole, and the blowing function allows you to follow the cutting line. The model performs well when working with wood, plywood and metal, so it can be considered versatile.

The Bosch GST 65B electric jigsaw is suitable for sawing various building materials

Bosch PST 10.8 LI

Another model from the same manufacturer. Its main advantage is that it runs on battery power. Other advantages follow from this - low weight, smooth acceleration of the engine, adjustable sole. An interesting additional feature of this model is LED backlighting. In combination with battery power, this allows you to work outdoors in poor lighting. And if you need to replace, for example, a jigsaw blade for wood with a blade for metal, then this can be easily done using the quick fix mechanism.

Cordless jigsaw Bosch PST 10.8 LI with built-in LED light

Makita 4329

The Makita electric jigsaw is distinguished from other models by its minimal vibration. After using this model, you will not want to pick up another jigsaw. Among other advantages, it is worth noting the presence of three modes of pendulum movement, a rubberized handle and the ability to adjust the base plane. The minus of the tool is the long-term replacement of the blade.

The Makita 4329 jigsaw is equipped with three pendulum modes

AEG BST 18X

Cordless jigsaw with very extensive functionality. Nice bonuses of the model are the presence of a screen to protect the operator's face and eyes, an electronic brake and a cast aluminum sole. At the same time, the model is relatively inexpensive, and the only thing that can be attributed to its disadvantages is its large weight compared to other cordless jigsaws. So for a more comfortable use, you may need a jigsaw table.

Cordless jigsaw AEG BST 18X ​​with electronic brake function

Dewalt DW 349

Powerful tool with convenient manual platform adjustment. The speed is regulated with a simple switch, there is an LED light and a sawdust blowing function. The jigsaw also comes with a special soleplate to protect the material being cut.

Useful advice! The presence of such an overlay in the jigsaw configuration is a very important point if you need not to scratch the material when cutting it. Therefore, if you plan to work with just such materials, take care to have this spare part on hand.

Dewalt DW 349 jigsaw with built-in sawdust blow-off function

Dewalt 331K

A very reliable jigsaw with a closed motor, a lot of settings and the ability to adjust the blade tilt without a key.Like the previous model, the outsole is equipped with a special soft overlay.

Dewalt 331K Jigsaw with Closed Motor

Ryobi CJS 180L

A jigsaw with a lot of features, but unfortunately not very powerful. Differs in light weight, the presence of a laser pointer and a protective fence. The battery and charger for this model will have to be purchased separately. Can be used as a tabletop jigsaw.

The Ryobi CJS 180L jigsaw features low power and light weight

Interskol MP-100E

The Interskol jigsaw is interesting because it is a domestic model. The main advantage is the low price. Other advantages include high resistance to loads, cast gear housing, hinged engine cover for more convenient cleaning.

Electric jigsaw of domestic production Interskol MP-100E

Bosch GST 14.4 V-LI Professional

An excellent representative of cordless jigsaws. In this model, the jigsaw holder is designed in such a way that the blade can be replaced in one motion. There is a backlight, sawdust blowing function. The main advantage is the long battery life.

The Bosch GST 14.4 V-LI Professional jigsaw has a long operating time without recharging

Makita JV100DWE

Very compact jigsaw with the ability to adjust the pendulum stroke. An excellent household jigsaw with low power, but great efficiency.

Makita JV100DWE jigsaw - compact model for home use

Jigsaw Price Review

Comparative table of manufacturers, prices and warranty period of the top 10 best jigsaws:

After reviewing the quality rating of jigsaws, and taking into account your own preferences, you can choose a reliable and functional tool for yourself. When choosing, it is advisable to focus on prices and customer reviews, which can be found on manufacturers' websites. In this case, you are guaranteed to make not only a practical, but also an economical purchase.