Jig Saw Reviews – Your Guide for Locating the Top Units
Are you looking for a power tool that cuts with more precision? If so then you should consider a jig saw like a cordless jigsaw. You can find them evaluated in jig saw reviews. It’s important to read them to help determine which model is the best choice for your work or home projects.
This type of tool has a blade that uses a push and pull motion for cutting irregular curves. Power jigsaws are also called scroll saws and have mostly been replaced by portable versions.
If you’re in the market for a new jig saw model there’s many options. They include the brand, variable speeds, shoe bevel, dust blower, and others. This can make it nearly impossible to pick the right unit for your needs. It’s about considering the various features, pros, and cons of different jigsaw units/kits.
We completely understand your situation. That’s why we’ve combined a list of some of the top jigsaw models on the market. This will help you pick a unit that will be ideal for your preferences and applications.
You can find all the information you need at one place. We’ll carefully evaluate some of the top power jigsaws on the market. This can help you determine which one has all the features and benefits you need for your work/home tasks.
The main benefit is you can save time and effort. Do you want to avoid spending many hours surfing the web to find your next jig saw? If so you can do that by reading our reviews in one place. This can free up time that you can spend on important jobs like projects requiring a jigsaw unit. This will make your projects more efficient, which is always a plus.
DCS331M1 20V Lithium Ion Jigsaw Kit by Dewalt
This power tool found in jig saw reviews includes blade changes that’s keyless and lever-action. It includes detents of different degrees including 0/15/30/45 degree. There’s variable speeds ranging from 0 to 3000 spm. The DCS331M1 unit also includes an orbital action with 4 positions. It has a dust blower that’s adjustable in order to keep a clear line of cut.
PC600JS 6-Amp Orbital Jigsaw by Porter-Cable
This unit includes a 6-amp motor that’s heavy duty. It can be used for tough jobs. The jigsaw works for speeds ranging from 0 to 3200 spm, which provides top cutting for different applications. There’s an orbital level with 4 positions that provide top performance when cutting different materials. The blade change is also keyless and makes the replacement of blades quick and easy.
JS470E 120V 7-Amp Top-Handle Jigsaw by Bosch
The Bosch jigsaw includes a blade-change method that’s tool-less. That allows you to insert new blades quickly and a lever for blade ejections ends the need to contact hot blades. A dial is used to set the max. speed and a trigger changes the operating speed. The settings for orbital action offer 4 blade strokes to provide different kinds of cuts. The accuracy is improved via design with low vibration and a plunging system that’s machined. The unit has a big foot that’s die-cast w/ steel insert. There’s also an on-board clamping system and bevel wrench
4350FCT Top Handle Jigsaw by Makita
The Makita jig saw has 3 orbital settings and 6.3-amp motor that provides powerful cutting for many kinds of materials. There’s also 40% lower tool vibration and super-low noise level. The dial for speed control offers a range of 800 to 2,800 spm so you can match the speed to your application. A built-in LED light lights up the line of cut to provide more accuracy. The speed control is electronic to keep a constant speed. Start-ups are smooth due to the soft start system. The system for blade changes is tool-less and quick/easy for installing/removing blades
Smart Select 5-amp Orbital Jigsaw by Black & Decker
The Black & Decker jigsaw has a motor with 5 amps that’s powerful. Blade changes don’t require any tools. The unit includes Smart Select tech that sets the jigsaw automatically in order to optimize cutting. It cuts various types of materials with straight/curved cuts including wood, plastic, and metal. A speed dial offers 7 different speed settings ranging from 800 to 3000 rpm.
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Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Price | Product Dimensions | Total Reviews | Product Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
DCS331M1 20V Lithium Ion Jigsaw Kit by Dewalt | 16” x 14.2” x 5.2 | 6 pounds | ||
PC600JS 6-Amp Orbital Jigsaw by Porter-Cable | 13 x 10 x 4 inches | 7 pounds | ||
JS470E 120V 7-Amp Top-Handle Jigsaw by Bosch | 15.8 x 14.4 x 4.6 inches | 10.1 pounds | ||
4350FCT Top Handle Jigsaw by Makita | 8.5 x 3 x 7.8 inches | 5.73 pounds | ||
Smart Select 5-amp Orbital Jigsaw by Black & Decker | 8.5 x 3 x 7.8 inches | 6.25 pounds |
DCS331M1 20V Lithium Ion Jigsaw Kit by Dewalt
Short review
DeWalt is a brand of hand tools and power tools for various industries including construction and manufacturing. It’s a brand of Black & Decker and is under the umbrella company Stanley Black & Decker. DeWalt was founded over 9 decades ago in 1924 and is headquartered in the US state of Maryland.
The founder Raymond E. DeWalt invented the world’s first radial arm saw. The company was relaunched in 1947 under the name DeWalt Inc. This business has many factories throughout the US including the states of Maryland, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The DCS331M1 is a jigsaw kit that includes a 20V lithium-ion unit. The saw includes a key-less blade change with a lever that’s all-metal. This makes blade changes fast and easy. There’s also a key-less metal shoe bevel with detents of 0/15/30/45 degrees. This provides more flexibility when doing bevel cutting.
The orbital action has 4 positions. This provides more control of the quality/speed of cuts. The unit includes speeds ranging from 0 to 3000 spm so you can use the jigsaw for various materials/applications.
The DCS331M1 also accepts T-shank blades for jigsaws. Why is it a plus? This helps to provide results that are more professional, which is certainly something you’ll want from a power tool.
The DeWalt tool also includes a comfort grip that’s anti-slip. This offers more comfort as well as control for better results when operating the jigsaw.
Another feature is a dust blower that’s adjustable. This helps to provide a clear line of cut to produce better results when operating the DeWalt jigsaw. That in turn will allow the user to complete projects more quickly and easily.
This kit includes various items. They include the DCS331M1 jigsaw, 4.0 Ah Li-Ion Battery, quick charger, Kit box, and jig saw blade. The unit uses any 20V DeWalt battery while the kit holds the tool and 2 batteries.
Things We Liked
- Low vibration
- Easy blade change
- Easy to use
- Reliable
- Dust blower
Things We Didn't Like
- Cutting metal
- Blades
- Quality
PC600JS 6-Amp Orbital Jigsaw by Porter-Cable
Short review
Porter-Cable is the manufacturer of the PC600JS. The USA company manufactures various power tools including circular saws, band saws, and belt sanders. It’s under the parent company Stanley Black & Decker. Porter-Cable was founded over a century ago in 1906 and is headquartered in the US state of Tennessee. The company was originally founded in the US state of New York and was bought by Black & Decker in 2004.
Porter-Cable was founded by RE Porter, GG Porter, and EE Cable. They made an investment over $2,000 to purchase a tool shop and jobbing press then operated the company from a garage. Porter-Cable started to focus its business on power tools starting in 1914.
The PC600JS is a sturdy jig saw with a 6-amp motor. It also includes a speed dial with 7 speeds and an orbital lever with 4 positions. The jig saw offers quality performance/versatility for cutting. It offers speeds that vary from 0 strokes per minute (spm) to 3200 spm. This makes it a good option for different materials and applications.
The Porter-Cable unit can be used for various applications including scrollwork, sink cutouts, shelving, art projects, dimensional lumber, and art projects. The PC600JS includes a bevel adjustment that’s tool-free for 0/15/30/45-degree bevel adjustments. This allows the user to change the cutting performance for a particular material.
The jigsaw also includes a shoe kit that has nothing to do with footwear. This helps to safeguard the tool’s shoe when it’s not being used. It also protects delicate surfaces when using the jig saw for work/home projects.
The PC600JS also includes a limited warranty that’s valid for 3 years. It covers all defects that result from materials/workmanship that’s faulty. There’s also a 1-year service contract by which Porter-Cable maintains the power tool and replaces any worn parts that result from normal use at no charge.
Things We Liked
- Value
- Precision
- Efficient
- Weight
- Speed control position
Things We Didn't Like
- Plastic parts
- Quality
- Durability
JS470E 120V 7-Amp Top-Handle Jigsaw by Bosch
Short review
Here’s another Makita jigsaw you could consider. The Japanese tool company was founded in 1915. The Makita 4329K is a top-handle jigsaw that offers a powerful/compact jig saw that’s easy to use for a wide range of applications.
The 4329K weighs just 4.2 pounds and is has a length of 8 7/8 inches. It’s a good option for cabinetry makers, pro wood-workers, and home construction workers. The unit is a compact jig saw that shows the commitment of Makita to game-changing technology/engineering.
The 4329K includes a powerful motor with 3.9 amps. The control dial allows the operator to change the speed from 500 spm to 100 spm. It provides high cutting performance for various types of materials.
The base bevel is made of aluminum that is die cast. It cuts right/eft at 45 degrees and a 90-degree positive stop. This provides an excellent cutting performance.
The balance system for counter-weight is designed to reduce vibration and boost user comfort. There’s also a big trigger switch to provide ease of operation. The button for lock-on provides extended use.
The 4329K includes 3 orbital settings and straight cutting. There’s also a rubberized grip that’s ergonomic. This offers more comfort/control. The dust port is through-the-body and provides the best dust management via a vacuum/cover. It’s a great dust-buster!
This unit includes the 4329K jigsaw, wrench, blade, and tool case. It also features a manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re not happy with the tool you can return it within 30 days for a refund/replacement.
There’s also a 1-year warranty that guarantees the unit is free of defects via materials/workmanship. If there’s any problems within 1 year the unit can be returned to a Makita service center or factory.
Things We Liked
- Lightweight
- Value
- Case
- Easy to operate
- Performance
Things We Didn't Like
- Precision
- Blade change needs tools
- Quality
4350FCT Top Handle Jigsaw by Makita
Short review
Makita is a Japanese company that produces power tools. The company was founded over a century ago in 1915 and is headquartered in Anjo, Japan. It operates in various companies throughout the world including Japan, China, UK, Germany, and US.
Mosaburo Makita founded the company as Makita Electric Works. It then started selling/repairing various items like transformers and motors. The company later introduced the first power tool that was rechargeable (1969), first power tool powered by nickel-cadmium battery (1978), first tool powered by nickel hydride battery (1997), and first tool powered by lithium-ion battery (2005).
The 4350FCT is a Makita jig saw that combines power/comfort with less much less vibration/noise. This provides better cutting performance. The tool can be used for various applications including cabinet makers, wood-workers, general contractors, and remodelers. It’s an example of Makita’s dedication to providing game-changing technology/engineering.
This tool includes a Makita 6.3-amp motor. It provides cutting including straight and 3 orbital settings. The electronic speed control offers speeds ranging from 800 spm to 2800 spm. The unit is designed to maintain speed that’s consistent during the cutting to provide better results.
The 4350FCT’s motor is balanced for tool vibration that’s 40% lower and less noisy than similar models. There’s a stroke of 1-inch and a capacity for wood cutting of 5 5/16-inches at 90 degrees. The capacity for steel cutting is 3/8-inches at 90 degrees.
The 4350FCT includes various features for comfort and ease of use. It weighs only 5.7 pounds. A LED light lights up the cutting surface. A dust blower is built in to keep the line of cut clear for more visibility. The Makita unit’s rubberized grip is ergonomically designed and located on the top handle. This provides more comfort/control.
The 4350FCT’s aluminum base is die cast. It can be changed to 45-degrees right/left with a 90-degree positive stop for good cutting performance. There’s also a hex wrench that’s on-board for bevel adjustments that are fast and precise.
This unit’s system for blade changes is tool-less. This provides quick and easy installation/removal of the Tang shank blades.
Things We Liked
- Value
- Quiet
- Powerful
- Steady
- Ergonomic
Things We Didn't Like
- Reliability
- Precision
- Shipping
Smart Select 5-amp Orbital Jigsaw by Black & Decker
Short review
Black & Decker is a US company that produces products like power tools, hardware, and accessories. The company is headquartered in the US state of Maryland and was founded over a century ago in 1910. Black & Decker merged with Stanley Works in 2010 to form the new company named Stanley Black & Decker. It is a subsidiary of that company.
Black & Decker was founded by S. Duncan Black as well as Alonzo G. Decker. It started out as a machine shop in the city of Baltimore. The business partners met in 1906 when they were working at Rowland Telegraph Co. About a decade later the company received a patent for a portable electric drill in 1917.
The Black & Decker JS660 jigsaw includes a Smart Select dial. That sets optimal orbital settings automatically. It includes 7 settings that are pre-programmed. The unit includes various other features that make it a good option for cutting different materials like wood, plastic, and metal, as well as straight/curved cuts. The JS660 includes a 5-amp motor that provides 800 spm to 3000 spm.
The lever for Accu-Bevel provides adjustments for bevel angles that are faster and more precise. There’s also other features including blade changes that are tool-free, and on-board blade storage. The JS660 accepts blade types U/T shank.
The Black & Decker JS660 includes a lever for Accu-Bevel that provides faster and more precise adjustments up to 45 degrees for bevel angles. There’s also an indicator window and lever for quick action.
If you have to change blades the unit also includes a blade change method that’s tool free. This makes the process easier and saves time/effort for projects. The on-board storage for blades prevents the hassles of finding the right blade.
The unit has various other features. There’s sight line channel so you can see cuts more easily. There’s also an adjustable shoe for a cutting platform that’s more stable. The JS660’s blower for saw dust keeps the cutting space cleaner.
The dial for Smart Select provides 7 settings. After it’s been set it sets the best orbital setting automatically for the particular task the operator is doing. When combined with the motor and 3000 spm the jigsaw can handle many types of cutting applications.
The JS660 includes a 2-year warranty, which helps to protect your investment. It’s important to read the terms & conditions.
Things We Liked
- Home projects
- Easy to control
- Reliable
- Weight
- Shipping
Things We Didn't Like
- Plate isn’t flat
- Precision
- Quality
4329K 3.9-Amp Variable-Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw by Makita
Short review
Here’s another Makita jigsaw you could consider. The Japanese tool company was founded in 1915. The Makita 4329K is a top-handle jigsaw that offers a powerful/compact jig saw that’s easy to use for a wide range of applications.
The 4329K weighs just 4.2 pounds and is has a length of 8 7/8 inches. It’s a good option for cabinetry makers, pro wood-workers, and home construction workers. The unit is a compact jig saw that shows the commitment of Makita to game-changing technology/engineering.
The 4329K includes a powerful motor with 3.9 amps. The control dial allows the operator to change the speed from 500 spm to 100 spm. It provides high cutting performance for various types of materials.
The base bevel is made of aluminum that is die cast. It cuts right/eft at 45 degrees and a 90-degree positive stop. This provides an excellent cutting performance.
The balance system for counter-weight is designed to reduce vibration and boost user comfort. There’s also a big trigger switch to provide ease of operation. The button for lock-on provides extended use.
The 4329K includes 3 orbital settings and straight cutting. There’s also a rubberized grip that’s ergonomic. This offers more comfort/control. The dust port is through-the-body and provides the best dust management via a vacuum/cover. It’s a great dust-buster!
This unit includes the 4329K jigsaw, wrench, blade, and tool case. It also features a manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re not happy with the tool you can return it within 30 days for a refund/replacement.
There’s also a 1-year warranty that guarantees the unit is free of defects via materials/workmanship. If there’s any problems within 1 year the unit can be returned to a Makita service center or factory.
Things We Liked
- Lightweight
- Value
- Case
- Easy to operate
- Performance
Things We Didn't Like
- Precision
- Blade change needs tools
- Quality
Bare-Tool DC330B 18V Cordless Jig Saw by Dewalt
Short review
This is another jigsaw from DeWalt. The US company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in the US state of Maryland. It’s a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker.
The DEWALT DC330B is an 18V cordless power tool. The jigsaw provides performance/convenience even though it’s a cordless unit. The DC330B offers a high-end motor powered by an 18V battery and variable speeds.
The DC330B offers speeds ranging from 0 strokes per minute (spm) to 3000 spm. It can cut straight/curves through many kinds of building materials. That includes wood, plastic, wood that’s nail-embedded, and laminate countertops.
The shoe bevel is metal and keyless. It includes detents of 0/15/30/45 degrees. That provides flexibility for bevel cutting that’s easy.
The unit also includes various features for professional use. There’s easy blade changes via the blade clamp that includes key-less lever-action. Other features include the blade stroke with a 1-inch length. There’s also a switch for 4-position orbital action for matching up the speed/cut quality to the material.
The DC330B weighs 5.1 pounds. It offers comfort/control via the top-handle design. There’s also a comfort grip that’s anti-slip. The unit also includes a blower that’s adjustable to keep the chips out of the cut line.
The DC330B isn’t bundled with a battery/charger. It works with the company’s DW9117 charger and DC9096 18V XRP battery pack. The product includes the 18V cordless jig saw and owner’s manual.
The DeWalt unit is also covered by the company’s limited warranty that’s valid for 3 years. It covers defects that result from faulty craftsmanship/materials. The DeWalt 1-year service contract also covers the jigsaw. The company maintains the unit and replaces parts worn by normal use.
Things We Liked
- Well-balanced
- Durable
- Quality
- Powerful
- Customer support
Things We Didn't Like
- Durability
- Quality
- Blade lock
VALUE SECTION

Top Benefits of Power Jigsaws
Here are some of the top benefits of power jigsaws found in jig saw reviews:
Cordless Models
Jigsaws are available in cordless versions, which are a plus. That’s because you twist/turn the tool as much as possible. This allows you to make complex curves while not being worried about a bird’s nest of cord or cutting it by accident.
In recent years jigsaw units have become much more streamlined and lightweight. This includes battery-powered units, which makes it easier to maneuver the tools when doing woodworking.
Pumpkin-carving
You probably won’t buy a jigsaw to carve Jack-o’-lanterns during Halloween but they’re a great tool to do that. The tool is designed to easily cut through a pumpkin to create an unlimited number of designs.
Cuts Materials
A major benefit of power jigsaws is you can use them to cut various types of materials of different thicknesses/densities including wood. If you use the right blade you can cut other materials including steel, drywall, and fiberglass. This makes the unit more flexible and adds value to your workshop/toolbox.
The process of changing the blades is quite easy. The power tools include a dial that connects the blade to the saw. All you have to do is turn the dial to release the current blade. The next step is to remove the old blade and swap in the new one.
Then you have to release the dial in order to lock the new blade into place. This process is very simple and allows you to start using the power jigsaw again quickly. It helps to save you time and effort.
Newbie-friendly
When starting out with a new tool and especially a power tool it might seem tough for newbie woodworkers to handle them effectively. There’s good news! There’s power jigsaws on the market that can be easy to use even for newbies. This includes issues like the unit’s complexity and weight.
Another issue is there’s also many safety features to make the power tools even safer for novice woodworkers to use. This is important to keep the operator as safe as possible even if they’re new to power jig saws or even power tools in general.
In fact, many jigsaws are very easy to use right out of the box. This is regardless of the user’s experience level. All you have to do is insert the unit’s blade, add the battery/plug in the unit, then start making complex cutting.
There’s a few plusses that newbies/pros can enjoy. Jigsaws take up little space on a shelf and can be used in any sized workshop.
Cutting Curves
This is the only portable power tool that can cut curves effectively. If you’re a woodworker then it’s a key tool to have in your toolbox. The reason is it can complete the task much faster than by using a hand-held saw.
Bevel Cuts
In order to make bevel cuts you don’t have to use a fancy table saw. This type of cut involves angled cuts instead of sawing up/down. The majority of jigsaws can make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees. Find the lever located a little above the saw’s shoe that slides from side to side. After the lever is released the saw then tilts toward one side. Then lock it into place by pulling the lever lock.
Key Features of Power Jigsaws
When picking a power jig saw there’s many issues to consider including the following ones:
Splinter-control Shoe
the shoe is a small insert that’s located on the jigsaw’s shoe. This particular feature helps to minimize the amount of splintering that takes place. That’s a helpful feature when you want to make your cuts as crisp and clean as 7 Up.
Dust Collection
A vacuum is sometimes bundled with a jigsaw unit. The dust extraction kit can be purchased for your particular jigsaw make/model. It’s very effective in helping to keep your workplace as tidy as possible. They can be connected to a vacuum cleaner and then pick up all the dust and debris in your workspace after using the jigsaw unit.
These units provide many benefits. Besides keeping the work surface clean these dust-collecting systems can also help to keep sawdust far from the tool’s motors. This helps to extend the lifespan of the power tools, which is always a plus.
However, your workspace might be too small for a full-scale system for dust collection. If that’s the case then consider the portable vacuum for wood shops. These are very flexible since they often can pick up various dust, debris, and liquids. That includes fine sawdust and wood chunks around your workspace.
There are various issues to take up when picking a wood-working vacuum. There should be enough air flow to pick up most of the sawdust the jig saw produces. The hose should also be big enough to handle large wood-working tools like jigsaws and other power tools. The unit should also have a portable base and center of gravity that’s low. It’s also good if the dust collection system isn’t too loud.
Corded/Cordless
Here’s another issue to consider when picking a power jigsaw. The main drawback of cordless units is they’re much less powerful than corded units. This difference can be easily noticed since cordless jigsaws cut slower and handle stock that’s less thick than corded units.
If you pick a cordless unit it’s important to check out a few issues. How long does a single charge take? How long will the unit’s power last? Is the battery bundled with the kit? These are all critical issues to take up. These units generally provide more convenience but you have to learn how often you’ll need to juice up the power tool, for example.
Orbital Action/Variable Speed
When selecting a new jigsaw these are some of the most common features of high-end units. A basic jigsaw blade only works in an up/down motion. Meanwhile, a jigsaw with orbital action angles its blade by moving a little forward into the stock during the up-swing.
You can usually adjust the angle for various materials, which will help to reduce the wear/tear on the saw’s blade. This provides a smoother cut for several materials.
High-quality jigsaws also include variable speeds. You won’t always need this feature when doing woodworking. However, it’s very helpful if you use the jigsaw to cut different metals. This feature will boost the cost of the jigsaw. However, it’s sometimes worthwhile if you have to make complex cuts.
On the other hand, if you’re using the jigsaw for more basic cuts then you won’t really need to have access to different cutting speeds. In that case a single-speed model is good enough.
Scroll Saws
Some jigsaws are known as “scroll saws.” They include a knob for blade steering at the top of the unit. This lets the blade turn while it cuts instead of turning the whole jigsaw. One issue to watch out for is the terminology companies use to categorize their jig saws. This will help to guide you about whether you’re getting a jigsaw, scroll saw, and so on. In fact, sometimes scroll saws might not be classified as such.
The main issue related to scroll saws is the operator must keep putting pressure behind the unit’s blade. This is required in order to maintain a consistent cut but it can make the unit difficult to control in the case the knob is rotated to a sharp angle. Why is it a big deal? This kind of control could be considered an unnecessary one or even one that can cause negative results in particular situations when scroll saws are used.
Depth of Cut
The majority of jigsaw units cut a depth of up to 2 inches when doing woodworking and about 0.5-inch on metal. Some saws produce a deeper cut. However, this isn’t always a benefit and especially when using thicker stock since it could result in an unwanted angled cut.
You can avoid this problem by not cutting up to the cut line directly. A better option is to leave a little material by the line such as 1/8-inch. Then you can use a drum sander to complete the line. Taking this approach will reduce the risk of having jigsaw cuts that are less than what you expect and deserve.
Materials
It’s important to consider how well the jig saw performs cutting various kinds of materials. They include wood, plastic, metal, and others. Make sure to consider the amount of speed and number of orbital settings. This will determine how effective the unit can cut various materials. If these figures aren’t high enough the saw could be too slow/fast for particular materials.
Vibration
This factor can affect your unit’s accuracy/precision. Consider jigsaw units that include various features for vibration-reduction. There’s always going to be a certain amount of vibration when operating power tools. However, the problem is when it significantly affects your comfort level.
The situation can become worse if you use the saw for several hours per day. When that’s the case it can cause various unwanted results like arm/hand fatigue. The situation can become even worse over time and even result in sore or injured arms.
Warranty
The main types of warranties offered are limited and comprehensive. When considering a jigsaw model make sure to find out which type of warranty is offered. What does the warranty cover and not cover? How long is it valid? Do you want to return units to authorized dealers or factories? These are important issues to find out about. The top power tool companies usually offer warranties that are unlimited/forever and/or long-term.
One thing to look for is a money-back guarantee. The best companies offer this feature since it shows a dedication to customer service. Usually these guarantees are offered for shorter periods like 30 days. Is it worth it? You’ll likely know within a few sawing sessions whether or not the jigsaw is a model you’ll want to keep in your toolbox. This highlights the need to test out the unit as soon as possible so you’ll know whether the unit is a keeper.
Motor/Speed
Here’s another key feature to look for when picking a jig saw model. More powerful motors will make it easier to cut through hard materials like metal. However, the average power for jigsaw motors is about 5 amps/18V. This is enough juice for most users if they’re not doing projects that are heavy-duty.
The motor’s power is certainly an issue to consider when picking a unit. However, you should still consider various other features including bevel settings, orbital settings, and variable speed.
Do you have the need for speed? When picking a jigsaw make sure to consider the strokes per minute (SPM), which differs from the RPMs of other power tools. Many units on the market have a 3000 spm top speed. This is usually enough for most projects requiring a jigsaw.
A more important issue is settings for various speeds. Most high-end models have 4-7 speed settings, which can provide lots of flexibility/precision. Cutting through hardwood needs high speeds but slower speeds are required for steel.
LED Light
This light can help to help see the cutting line better. This feature can be especially helpful when operating the saw in low-light areas. Another related feature is a dust blower. This helps to provide a clear view of the cutting line.
Straight/Curved Cuts
Most jigsaws can make good straight cuts. However, some low-end models can have problems making curved cuts. This will mostly be based on orbital settings. Curved cuts need fewer orbits than straight cuts. So it’s generally better to look for more orbit settings for good performance with straight/curved cuts.
Brand
It’s generally a good idea to pick an established brand like Bosch, DeWalt, Black & Decker, Porter-Cable and Makita. These companies have been around for a long time and sometimes a century or more.
Why is this a key feature? It will help to make sure the product/service of the company will likely be top-notch. This will help to produce the best results when operating the jigsaw. It’s less likely when you pick a startup company or off brand. In that case the company’s inexperience would likely result in a worse experience, which is something you’ll likely want to avoid.
Trigger Lock
This allows the user to lock the power tool to a certain speed. It’s important if you want to maintain a uniform cutting speed when operating the jigsaw. On the other hand, that result will be less likely if you don’t have this feature.
CONCLUSION

We’ve just reviewed some of the best jigsaw models on the market. They’re all easily among the best of the best in terms of issues like quality, reliability, precision, comfort, features, and value. All of these units are from some of the industry leaders in power tools including DeWalt, Bosch, Black & Decker, Porter-Cable, and Makita.
In fact, it’s quite tough to pick the best unit. All of the units have pros and cons so in a sense there’s no “perfect” unit. In addition, many of the features are shared among multiple jigsaw models. So in some cases it’s a matter of which company provided slightly better performance than the competitors.
After carefully considering all these models we’ve concluded the best option is the
JS470E 120V 7-Amp Top-Handle Jigsaw by Bosch. It starts with the manufacturer. All these brands have been around quite a while but it’s quite impressive Bosch was founded over 130 years ago in 1886. In fact, the company’s history dates back to a German backyard on a November day. It’s been a corporation for about a century and launched its first power tool in 1945.
That’s just the start. The JS470E is loaded with a wide range of features. The kit includes a cornucopia of items including the jigsaw itself, anti-splinter part, overshoe, blade, wrench, and carrying case. This adds extra value since many jigsaw models only include the power tool.
The JS470E also offers tons of versatility. There’s 4 settings for orbital action, and operating/maximum speed controls. The system for blade-changing requires no tools so you can quickly eject the old blade then swap in the new one.
The unit also provides high levels of comfort. That’s due to the low-vibration construction and precise plunging system. There’s also other key features like a big/sturdy foot that includes a steel insert to provide stability. The JS470E also includes a solid clamping system and bevel wrench.
All of these features help to make the Bosch JS470E our choice for the top prize among our jig saw reviews. There’s no question it’s a cut above the rest!
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