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1. The Best Jigsaw Options for Your
Workshop
Types of Jigsaws
Here’s what you need to know about how the different types of jigsaws stack up against
each other.
Straight-Reciprocating Jigsaws
Older models and newer low-end models are typically straight-reciprocating jigsaws.
This means the blade simply travels up and down with no variance in its path. Though
these jigsaws cut slowly, they’re able to make very tight turns and create curves, unlike a
table or circular saw.
Orbital-Reciprocating Jigsaws
Orbital-reciprocating jigsaws have a slightly forward motion to their blade stroke. This
means the blade tilts forward on the upstroke, clearing more wood more quickly than a
straight-reciprocating jigsaw. To activate orbital-reciprocation, the user typically flips a
switch on the side of the saw into one of (usually) four positions. These saws will cut
faster but with less accuracy and maneuverability than straight reciprocating models.
There will also be more tear-out (splintered wood that chips up along the cutline) on the
top of the wood.
Top Handle
Traditional jigsaws have a tall, large handle shaped like a D with a basic finger trigger
inside the hand loop to operate the saw. This grip is easy to wrap your hand around, but
the height increases lateral leverage, which can tip the saw and lead to less accuracy.
Barrel Grip
A newer design, barrel-grip jigsaws allow you to keep your hand lower to the material
you’re working on. This can increase control, minimizing the tendency to tip the saw and
skew the blade’s path. These models usually have thumb switches instead of finger
triggers.
Key Shopping Considerations
Today’s jigsaws offer varying cutting speed, amperage, and power supply options.

2. Cutting Speed
All jigsaws have varied cutting speeds, operated by either a pressure-sensitive trigger or
an adjustable dial. All jigsaws also have adjustable speed ranges, starting at around 500
strokes per minute (SPM) and up to 3,000 to 4,000 strokes per minute at the top end.
Cabinetmakers, woodworkers, and metalworkers will most likely enjoy dialed speed
control that provides consistent results. For the multi-purpose DIY workshop, a do-it-all
jigsaw with a pressure-sensitive trigger might be a better choice, as it can easily bounce
from job to job without much fuss.
Amperage
Amp-ratings on power tools refer to the amount of power they can draw without
compromising the motor or internal components. Generally, the higher the amperage, the
more heavy duty the tool. Most modern jigsaws range between 6.0 and 7.0 amps.
Corded vs. Battery
The age-old battle between corded and battery-powered tools extends to jigsaws. Cutting
extremely dense woods like oak or walnut can chew through battery life pretty quickly,
so woodworkers should check into corded options. For site-work like decks and pergolas,
battery-powered models are the way to go.
Dust Management
Jigsaws don’t kick up nearly the amount of sawdust as a table saw, miter saw, or circular
saw, because instead of turning wood to dust, these tools take chunks out of the material.
These chunks can land on the cutline, however, challenging visibility, so some models
include dust blowers that fan small chunks off the cutline. Although jigsaws create
minimal mess, if you wish to keep your workspace sawdust-free, look for a model that
attaches to a shop vac.
Blade Style
There are two types of jigsaw blades: T-shank and U-shank. The best jigsaws typically
use T-shank blades, which lock in easily (usually without the use of tools) and stay secure
while cutting tight curves. U-shank-style saws sometimes require tools for blade changes
and blade retention is a well-known issue.
How Much to Spend on a Jigsaw

3. Jigsaw prices range widely. Low-end models can be had for as little as $50, while high-
end hotrod models run as much at $600 when kitted out with all the available fittings and
fixtures.
 The less-expensive models usually lack convenient features as tool-less blade
changes, dust collection hookups, and easily adjusted baseplates. They also use
less expensive materials and older technology, but they’re still capable saws.
 Top-of-the-line models include features like job-specific swappable baseplates and
brushless motors. They’re built with lighter and stronger materials designed with
accuracy and durability in mind.
If you want truly dialed-in performance for a variety of projects, the higher the price tag,
the more satisfaction you’re likely to get. If this is a project-specific purchase, a budget-
friendly version should be more than capable.
Our Top Picks

4. Photo: amazon.com
1. BEST ALL AROUND: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw
For overall capability, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw serves up both speed and
accuracy without tethering you to an electoral outlet. This model’s T-shank blades stay
locked in place during tight curves and while running at its 3,200 strokes-per-minute top
speed. It features a speed control dial in the back of the handle, an LED light for
increased visibility, and an adjustable shoe that positively locks at 45 degrees. A 5ah 20V

5. battery is included, so run time shouldn’t be an issue, especially coupled with
DEWALT’s highly efficient brushless motor. The four-position orbital setting will let
you dial in the aggressiveness of the cut.
The dust blower doesn’t do a great job of keeping the cut line clear, so users may find
themselves pausing to sweep the line clear. If you already own several DEWALT 20V
batteries, they’ll be compatible with this jigsaw. However, spare DEWALT batteries are
pretty expensive, so keep that in mind if you’re not already invested in the 20V lineup.

6. Photo: amazon.com
2. UPGRADE PICK: Festool Carvex PS 420 EBQ Jigsaw
Festool makes premium tools for serious woodworkers and contractors, and their Carvex
Jigsaw is a prime example. The barrel-grip Carvex is the hotrod of the jigsaw category,
with a top run speed of 3,800 SPM thanks to its brushless technology. It has thumb-
activated switches on either side of the saw so both right- and left-handed users can reach
them with ease. Its detachable power cord is a nice feature that makes packing up easier.
It also has excellent dust collection and a four-position orbital-reciprocating setting.
Yet the overwhelming benefit of the Carvex is the system that supports it. The number of
jigs and adjustable shoes that easily attach to this jigsaw take its versatility to the next
level. Unfortunately, this system is sold separately, and both the saw and the extras carry
a premium price tag.

7. Photo: amazon.com
MOST PRECISE: Bosch Barrel-Grip Jig Saw Kit
The Bosch Barrel-Grip Jig Saw Kit is great for accuracy and control. This jigsaw
comfortably keeps your hand close to the workpiece, helping avoid the tipping that tends
to occur with taller, top-handle models. The saw has the highest amperage on this list at
7.2 amps, and a speed range of 800 to 3,000 SPM—the speed regulated by a dial at the
rear of the barrel. This Bosch has a four-position setting for orbital cutting, a very

8. convenient thumb-activated on/off switch, and a bright LED light. T-shank blade changes
are easy thanks to the tool-less design.
All that said, the Bosch isn’t 100% perfect. It has a slightly slower top speed, and it’s
necessary to separately purchase plastic bits for the dust collection feature.
Photo: amazon.com
BEST VALUE: SKIL Orbital Action Laser Jigsaw

9. Cutting tools are SKIL’s bread and butter—which means their budget-friendly jigsaw has
some big shoes to fill. While not as burly and heavy-duty as some of the company’s
famous circular saws, it features a 6.0 amp motor with a variable speed trigger and a top
speed of 3,200 SPM. Like the other saws on the list, it has four settings for orbital cuts,
and also boasts a bright LED and a laser cutline indicator.
At lower price points, durability may be an issue, so this tool is most suitable for a DIYer
making occasional passes through plywood or lumber. This saw also uses U-shank blades
and, while blade changes are tool-less, hot blades tend to get stuck in the old-school
mechanism; you’ll want to wait until they cool down before pulling them out.

10. Photo: amazon.com
ALSO CONSIDER: DEWALT Top-Handle Jig Saw
Yes, you can get a corded jigsaw with premium features at a reasonable price! The
DEWALT Top-Handle Jig Saw has a D-grip with a speed setting knob in the trigger, a
6.5 amp motor, and a top running speed of 3,100 SPM. The adjustable shoe has detents
(positive “catches” that hold the base in place) at several positions, making finding the

11. perfect angle a snap. Like the other quality jigsaws on this list, this model uses T-shank
blades that lock into place, no tools required.
Be aware that sometimes the shoe plate works itself loose after a while under consistent
vibration. This doesn’t seem to be a problem when it’s locked in at 0-degrees but may be
a problem at other angles.