This jigsaw is highly efficient and powerful enough to cut even thick wood and tough steel. The front housing of this saw is made of aluminum, which makes it more durable. This model is featured with a fan-cooled motor and a quick and easy keyless blade change system (which eases access to T-shank blades).
The ability to saw various types of materials makes this jig saw an optimal solution for people who work on construction sites and/or are involved in repair work. Being one of the most powerful tools out there, this tool will let you work in any conditions. With a robust engine, heavy-duty sole, and durable aluminum parts, the DeWalt DCV331N-XL will serve you for a long while.
18V XR Li-Ion, up to 3000 spm
Wood, Metal, Laminate
0-45°
Three-position pendulum action
Adjustable by pressing the start button
1 Lithium ion battery
Keyless blade replacement system
Possibility to connect a dust extractor
Ergonomic handle with soft lining
Trigger lock
1 year
This saw is featured with a tool-less blade change system and its lithium-ion batteries have a greater lifespan than their Ni-MH or Ni-Cad counterparts, giving 430% longer run time. Accidental starting blocking system makes this tool safer in usage.
The blade change system is quite tight.
This Makita jigsaw is a professional grade tool which will cut tough and soft metals as good as wood. The combination of convenience features and modern technology provide a high level of comfort and accuracy during operation.
Up to 2600 spm
Wood, Metal
0-45°
No
Variable speed control trigger
18 V Lithium ion battery required
LED job light
Rubberized grip
Dust nozzle
3 years
The Bosch SDS System makes it simple to change worn blades in one quick movement. A comfortable sawing experience is achieved thanks to the lock on the switch. "Low Vibration" system enables reduction of vibrations when sawing some tough materials.
This tool is not so good when it comes to steel sawing.
The distinguishing feature of this Bosch jigsaw is that it combines lightweight design and immense efficiency. Modern control system and vibration reduction mechanism guarantee accurate and highly-efficient operation.
500 W, up to 3000 spm
Wood, Chipboards, Wood core plywood, Fibre boards, Thin Metal Plate
0-45°
No
Adjustable
Corded-electric
Rubberized grip
"Low Vibration" system
Keyless blade replacement system
Allows for attaching a vacuum cleaner
2 years
This tool is supplied with a high-performance bare unit, compatible with all Ryobi One+ batteries. By utilising intelligent charging system, the tool boasts longer operation and increased power capacity than many other tools.
LED work light is not very bright.
This jigsaw is very popular among constructors and DIYers due to the fact that it combines great power with a portable design of a cordless tool. Furthermore, this tool is very easy to adjust to different types of material, which greatly expands its scope of application.
18V, up to 3000 spm
Wood, Metal, Plastic
0-45°
Four-stage pendulum action
Adjustable
Battery-powered
Keyless blade replacement system
LED work light
Dust blower
2 years
Overall compact dimensions and lightweight design make this jigsaw one of the easiest-to-operate tools on the market. With the weight of a little bit bigger than 1 kilo, it's easy to manage and manoeuvre even in awkward spaces. The lock-on switch increases comfort during prolonged cutting.
The blade change system requires extra tools.
If you are looking out for a subsidiary tool that would allow you to carve in wood as well as processing thin metal sheets, the Black&Decker KS501GB will be the right choice for you. Being one of the most lightweight and compact tools, it offers an exceptional level of comfort.
400 W, up to 3000 spm
Wood, Plastic, Metal
0-45°
No
Adjustable
Corded-electric
Conveniently located start button
Rubberized grip
Lock-on switch
Dust blower
2 years
For All Types of Fitting Tasks
DeWALT is an American brand of innovative high-tech power tools, construction and woodworking industry appliances and hand tools. Currently, more than 300 power tools models and more than 1,100 kinds of accessories, protective equipment, clothes, and shoes are manufactured by DeWALT brand. Thanks to its worldwide recognition, over the past four years, DeWALT has become one of the most selling brands in the market of professional electric power tools in North America and one of the fastest growing brands of power tools in the world.
The DeWALT DCS331N-XJ is the latest generation premium jigsaw, featured with new XR Lithium Ion technology. It's an efficient and reliable power tool of pro-grade quality, designed to cater to the needs of both professional constructors and DIYers and to suit any kind of processing tasks.
Compared to the previous models of jigsaws from the same line, the DeWALT DCS331N-XJ has been enhanced with an improved ergonomic modular component design ensuring a trouble-free tool servicing. The front housing of the DeWALT DCS331N-XJ is made of aluminum to provide a more efficient heat dispersion and ensure a longer service life of the motor. The grip of the tool has been rubber-coated in order to provide a firmer grip and prevent vibrations during operation easing the working process and making it possible to operate the jigsaw for a longer time. In spite of a seemingly bulky design, the construction of the DeWALT DCS331N-XJ is quite lightweight allowing for the tool use even in confined spaces without straining hands. All of this allows maximising convenience for the user.
A Tool That's Made to Last
Let's take a closer look at the performance characteristics of the DeWALT jigsaw. The tool is featured with a powerful and highly-efficient DeWALT PM47 fan-cooled motor which allows it to yield the cutting action of up to 3,000 strokes per minute. It has a variable speed trigger for increasing/decreasing the cutting speed of the tool and a lock-off switch for working at a set speed. One of the greater features of the DeWALT jigsaw is that it has a tool-free adjustable shoe which makes it easy to bevel the tool in all directions with minimum effort. Another benefit of the DeWALT PM47 is a patented keyless blade change system which allows replacing blades in a few quick movements. The fact that the DeWALT PM47 is compatible with all T-shank blades further enhances the tool convenience, making it easier to find a new blade when the need arises. As with any DeWALT tools, the DeWALT PM47 is maximally geared towards users' convenience. When in use, it doesn't produce as much noise as many other jigsaws and the vibrations are maximally dampened thanks to the rubber grip and anti-vibration counter-balance mechanism used. All shavings, dust and debris leftover after work are easy to collect with the included dust blower.
It won't be an exaggeration to say that the DeWALT DCS331N-XJ is one of the most powerful and efficient cordless jigsaws available on the market of power tools today. Also, it doesn't seem to lack in any of the convenience features that are expected of a power tool, making it a solid choice for all people seeking a reliable jigsaw to serve them for a long while.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £99.98 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B006WXBD1O |
Performance of Pro-Grade Tools
For anyone looking for a cordless jigsaw for jobs around the house and outside of it, we'd recommend paying attention to a new generation, and one of the best-selling, cordless jig saws produced by Makita - the Makita DJV180Z. Since the appearance of this tool in the market, it has become the favourite for most; we like it very much too, which is why we couldn't but include it in this review.
Like all DJV180 models, the DJV180Z is powered by a 3.0Ah Li-ion battery which allows for considerably longer operation time than many rivals powered by Ni-MH or Ni-Cad technology. The tool is lightweight and compact and weighs 40% less than most 18V jigsaws. With that, it doesn't lack the performance of professional-grade tools, yielding the stroke speed of 2,600 spm. Fitted with an improved Makita patented engine, the DJV180Z is able to cut steel up to 10 mm and wood up to 135 mm, making it suited for a wide variety of fitting and processing jobs. Furthermore, the DJV180Z has several cutting modes and can be adjusted to cut at different angles, allowing for performing all sorts of cuts and jobs on sites and around your home. The best thing is, using it is very simple and even those who are absolutely new to carpentry and DIY field can handle it no time.
Closer Look At Performance Specs
As we've said, the tool is very easy to use. It comes with a handy manual to help you figure out how to use the tool. However, we doubt you'll need it considering that all you'll ever need to do is fit in the battery and start to cut. As simple as that. The DJV180Z has an onboard hex wrench and a LED allowing you to make accurate cuts and see the line of cut clearly in all lighting conditions. On top of that, it features a quick blade change system making it very easy to replace blades without exposing your hands to any hazards. In view of rather high performance specs, the safety features of the tool are essential. In this regard, the DJV180Z has everything needed to provide the convenience of use. Like most jigsaws, it has a lock-off switch so that you could use the tool at the desired speed and a variable speed trigger for boosting or slowing down the cutting speed. It also includes a blower for clearing the line of cut of dust and debris. What sets the DJV180Z apart from many similar jigsaws, though, is its charging system allowing for super fast recharging in 22 minutes. Thus, instead of wasting your time waiting hours for the tool to recharge, you'll be able to operate the tool virtually continuously.
All things considered, the DJV180Z will be suitable for anyone who needs a compact, lightweight, yet powerful cordless jigsaw for household and construction jobs. It is very easy to use and control, and it doesn't require any particular skills; after you practice a bit, you'll be able to use it as a pro.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £112.50 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00IILRQBY |
German Precision
What do we know about Bosch? Robert Bosch GmbH is a German multinational engineering and electronics company that remains one of the most successful companies, developing and producing goods and power tools for a wide range of industry branches. The company has set a high level of standards and keeps up with them to provide customers with the products they will use with the maximum comfort and efficiency.
The PST 700 E corded jigsaw is a compact tool that is convenient to grip and operate at different angles. Compared to the previous models produced by Bosch, the dimensions of the PST 700 E have been reduced by 20% making it one of the most lightweight and small jigsaws out there. With that, performance-wise, the tool excels many jigsaws of bigger sizes owing to its corded design. It features a powerful 500-watt motor which boasts the no-load stroke rate from 500 to 3000 strokes per minute. This makes it suitable for cutting all kinds of materials, including delicate and brittle. Using the PST 700 E corded jigsaw, you can cut wood, chipboards, wood core plywood, fibre boards or even thin metal plates with no effort. The jigsaw won't let you down whatever job you throw at it.
The Most Lightweight Jig Saw
When it comes to convenience of use, the Bosch PST 700 E is packed with the features facilitating its use. For one, it is very light in weight. With 1.1 kilograms of weight, holding it in hands feels even more lightweight than holding a steam iron, while the overall dimensions of 29 x 33.5 x 10 cm make it very convenient to store and transport. For two, the tool has an adjustable footplate which makes it easy to bevel the jigsaw 45 degrees for making accurate cuts. The cutting speed is adjustable with a special trigger on the tool and there's a lock-off switch for controlled cutting at a set speed. Although the Bosch PST 700 E doesn't include a blower, it allows for attaching a regular vacuum cleaner for removing excess dust when making cuts. And for three, it comes bundled with a hard storage case and has a cable sleeve with a hanger making it convenient to store it on a wall or packed away when not in use.
Anyone who is looking for a portable and efficient jig saw for occasional jobs around the house should consider this corded jigsaw from Bosch. Produced by one of the most authoritative brands in the market of power tools, this jigsaw will cope with any task you throw its way and serve you for a long while. The only thing you will ever need to worry about is replacing blades.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £47.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B003UES794 |
Simple and Efficient
Ryobi is a well-known Japanese manufacturer of components for automobile, electronics, telecommunications industries as well as printing equipment and power tools, distributing and selling appliances in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Most people around the world recognize the company by its motto "Ryobi making life comfortable" and that's exactly what the company does.
The Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ is one of the brighter examples of the company's striving to revolutionize cordless tools and make them combine portability with the performance of corded rivals. Even though we wouldn't classify this jigsaw exactly as a professional tool, we consider it a perfect solution for most DIYers and carpenters needing a tool for light and medium-duty fitting jobs. The Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ boasts very good cutting capabilities and will suit most tasks you may encounter on small and mid-sized job sites. It's designed to perform all types of cuts (intricate, bevel, straight and pocket), has a handy speed control for adjusting cutting performance, and includes a switch lock for cutting at a constant speed. All adjustments are easy to do with one quick hand movement owing to the convenient arrangement of controls on the tool. Performance-wise, the Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ doesn't fall behind electric products. With a stroke length of 25 mm and cutting speed reaching 3,000 strokes per minute, it will cope with any type of materials in a short amount of time, be it wood, plastic, or thin metal. All of this makes it a perfect fit for a variety of applications.
Class Leading Capabilities
With the Ryobi cordless jigsaw, all your cuts will be accurate and smooth owing to the number of convenience features employed in the tool. First of all, the tool has a bright LED and a blower function allowing you to clearly see the line of cut in dim and poorly-lit conditions. Furthermore, it features a unique Blade Save function which allows the jigsaw to be raised or lowered utilizing more of the blade area. Other features that add to the usability of the Ryobi cordless jigsaw include a 4-stage pendulum action allowing for increasing the cutting performance of the tool and a tool-less blade clamp making it much easier to replace old and new blades. The blower is included and there's nothing for you to purchase additionally, unless you ponder an idea of stocking up on a few new blades in advance. The Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ is suitable for left- and right-handed users and will fit a variety of tasks. However, the biggest advantage of the Ryobi jigsaw is that it is compatible with all ONE+ batteries, making it a good acquisition to people who already own a few power tools of this series.
If you aren't looking for some particular brand and you do not have any special requirements, the Ryobi R18JS-0 is one of those power tools that will not disappoint you. At a fraction of the cost, it delivers on a par with electric products and includes all conveniences you'd expect a cordless tool to have.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £79.95 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00HZRXPQM |
Versatile Jigsaw for Maintenance Tasks
The KS501-GB jigsaw is specifically designed for DIYers that need an ergonomic and powerful tool for light-duty jobs and applications. The tool is lightweight, compact and versatile enough to be used with wood, plastic, and even metal. Although the KS501-GB might not cope with hard metals, it will surely cut through most thin sheets of steel and aluminium as well as pipes. Its cutting capacity allows it to cut steel at depth of 5 mm and aluminium at depth of 10 mm. When it comes to woodcutting, the KS501-GB won't let you down. It is suitable for all sorts of cuts, including bevel (45 degrees) and curved. For greater convenience of use, the blade of the jigsaw is placed so that it is visible to a user, which allows for making more accurate cuts. Furthermore, the KS501-GB has a blower and a lock-on switch allowing for a less tiresome cutting. Instead of holding the trigger, you can "lock" the tool and focus on the job. Even though design is probably the last thing people usually worry about when selecting power tools, we like that the KS501-GB jigsaw looks pretty special. If you had, say, like a dozen tools before you all produced by different brands, you would not confuse the KS501-GB with any of them. It has a peculiar orange body with the brand name engraved in black. Handy for carpenters who have tons of tools that tend to get lost.
For Light-Duty Applications
Speaking of performance, the KS501-GB doesn't tail the rest of cordless jigsaws we reviewed here. Though small, this jigsaw is efficient and has a sufficient amount of power to let you achieve smooth and accurate cuts. Due to a light weight of 1.3 kg and firm rubber grip, the tool is very convenient to hold in hand and operate at different angles. It feels stable, thanks to its low profile, and it doesn't tend to kick back, owing to the well-balanced vibration mechanism employed. All of this makes it ideal for prolonged use. When it comes to disadvantages, one of the key features the KS501-GB doesn't have is a quick blade replacement system. However, in view of a low price tag of the tool, we do not consider it as a big issue. Moreover, most customers say it's very easy to change blades using a simple screwdriver. So if you need an inexpensive and efficient jigsaw for performing light maintenance tasks around the house, the KS501-GB will fit the bill.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £25.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00TICQK00 |
What Is a Jig Saw?
A jigsaw is an indispensable instrument for figured and other types of carving. Having a jigsaw, you will be able to save on carpenters and woodworkers' services and do all the cutwork yourself. And though this tool incorporates a reciprocating saw blade, using it is pretty simple and shouldn't present any challenge even to those who've never used any type of saw before. Read our jig saw reviews to find the model that is best suited to your needs and the types of tasks you've got at hand. We've made a selection of the best 5 available out there.
While jigsaws are great for small sawing tasks requiring accurate bevelling, electric chainsaws will prove helpful for pruning, bucking, tree felling, and even crushing ice. On the other hand, if your work requires that you often move from one place to another and you can't rely on a constant power supply, read our reviews on gas chainsaws that will suit you much better.
What Features to Compare
Cutting Performance and Settings
Power is the first thing to consider when you’re choosing a jigsaw — power directly affects the performance of a jigsaw. The higher it is, the more efficient the jigsaw is and the denser materials it can handle. The jigsaw with a speed control feature must be used for making accurate cuts and working with a variety of materials. For example, cutting wooden workpieces requires higher speeds, while working with metal requires fewer strokes per minute to reduce the load on the cutting blade. When dealing with plastic, it’s also better to select the low speed, because plastic may melt at high speeds. Combined with orbital action, a variable speed motor jigsaw provides you with high cutting quality. Orbital jigsaws (also referred to as pendulum action jigsaws) feature a very useful advanced function for straight cuts that allows you to save time and physical effort when sawing thicker materials. With an orbital action, the blade goes up and down, but it also swings forward and back, providing faster, yet a little bit coarser cut without overheating. Cutting angle adjustment is another option you can benefit of. Modern jigsaws allow you to make bevel cuts at the desired angles. Bevel cuts are necessary for furniture crafting, fine blanking or board slitting. To cut your workpiece at any angle, you only need to set the needed bevel. Jigsaw bevel settings usually allow for 15°, 30° and 45° bevel cuts. To set the angle, you'll need a special wrench, but some jigsaws allow using a simple crosshead screwdriver. There are jigsaws with an inbuilt wrench, where bevels can be adjusted in a few touches, such jig saws are usually more expensive.
Convenience and Power Supply
The convenience of a jigsaw also depends on its design, ergonomic layout of buttons, control knobs, weight, and, of course, its safety. To ensure comfortable work with a jigsaw, consider models that have not only the needed technical specification but also a comfortable weight. Mains-powered models usually weigh less than cordless jigsaws. Cordless models have a battery, so they are heavier but far more maneuverable. Because of their weight, you might quickly get tired cutting with a cordless jigsaw. If your chosen jigsaw has a rubberized handle, the grip allows for holding the tool firmly and comfortably and reduces the frictions. Power supply and connection type are also worth paying attention to. Corded jigsaws have power cords up to 12 feet long. The benefit of using a corded jigsaw is that they can operate continuously and they are more powerful, unlike cordless jig saws. But if you need to work at height or in the areas where there is no access to the mains, a cordless jigsaw will come in handy. Just pay attention to the fact that cordless jig saws require regular recharging.
Safety
Safety of a jigsaw is another important feature to pay attention to. Jigsaws can have such handy features as a lock button against unintended start, and safety shutters that cover the blade during cutting and protect your fingers. Some models have a metal protection at the front of the jigsaw, which also protects your hands and auxiliary tools from getting under the cutting parts.
Did you know?
The first jigsaw.
First jigsaws emerged 60 years ago when Albert Kaufmann, a scientist working in the Swiss company Scintilla AG, devised the principle of an electric jigsaw. He was inspired by his wife's sewing machine and the fast action of the needle. By clamping a saw blade to the sewing machine, Albert Kaufmann managed to produce extreme attractive curved cuts in wood. This was how the new tool emerged. In 1947, Scintilla company launched a series production of what they called the "Lesto jigsaw", the first electric jigsaws in the world.
Little nugget from 1933.
"Primitive hand scroll-saws can be purchased for as little as fifty cents. Those of better quality cost a dollar or two. Old-style jigsaws that run on the foot power as old sewing machines can have varying prices but on average, you'll be able to get one for around twelve or fifteen dollars. You find fewer and fewer of these, however, as modern jigsaws are nearly all electric now".
Not only does this article tell us that by the end of 1933 electric jigsaws became far more common than non-electric one, it also makes an interesting comparison between jig saws and sewing machines, which further proves the idea that the first jigsaw emerged in the result of merging a saw blade with a sewing machine. During the late 1920s through the mid-1930s, which we know as the Age of Electricity, there were a number of patents filed for electrifying scroll saws and stationary jigsaws. However, the most interesting fact about jigsaws which you might not have known is that a motor and batteries of a jigsaw are completely compatible with sewing machines. Knowing this, next time when you think about ditching your old tool in a bin, read this and think how you can make use out of it.
Older than we thought.
But what about the biggest claim that the production of first electric Lesto jigsaws goes back to 1947? According to research, it was not in 1947 but in 1931 when the patent for a first motor-operating jigsaw was issued. Though the operating principle of that jigsaw was very basic, it was adapted to cope with all materials including metal. The tool had a base with a flat supporting surface which allowed for its smooth movement. The drawing below this patent shows the tool which is very reminiscent of an electric handheld jigsaw that we know today.
Some tips from an experienced user.
As with any power tools, it's crucial to wear safety garments when operating a jigsaw. Firstly, you ought to wear goggles or safety glasses to shield your eyes from wood or metal chippings. Secondly, it's important that you read the manual before you start using the tool. Even if you have a similar tool in your shed and you do not think it's much different from the new one, we highly recommend you not to neglect reading instructions. Thirdly, you should wear some hearing protection, especially when operating gas-powered tools that tend to produce a lot of noise and vibration. In addition to wearing a protective outfit, it's important to be very careful and attentive on a construction site. Even small chips of wood may cause serious damage and injury.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best jig saw for household applications?
A: It depends on the type of work you need to do. If you do not plan to process thick wood or heavy-duty metal, a jigsaw with a 400-500-watt motor will suit you just fine. With this tool, you'll be able to perform a whole variety of fitting, decorative, and maintenance tasks around your house. For applications on construction sites, we'd recommend you to opt for a more powerful tool, though. Anyway, what you should consider when selecting a jigsaw is its cutting capacity. This parameter will tell you a lot about the tool performance.
Q: I need to cut metal plates. What model should I choose?
A: If you mostly process metal, there are several things to consider. First of all, you should make sure that the tool you buy has a good anti-vibration mechanism. This will help dampen vibrations and minimise kickback during operation. You should also pay attention to the quality of a blade. Although, if the quality of the original blade leaves something to be desired, you should be able to solve this issue by purchasing a special blade for metal. We would also recommend you to go for a tool that has a quick blade change system and a blade guard for more comfortable and safe operation. Most jigsaws offered on the market can cut metal at depth of 5 to 10 mm, depending on the type of metal.
Q: What are the advantages of corded jigsaws over cordless ones? Which one is better?
A: The obvious advantage of corded jigsaws is the power. Another advantage of corded jigsaws is that they offer continuous operation, unlike battery-operated models that tend to discharge. With that, corded models restrict the radius of movement bounding an operator to a power outlet. In this regard, cordless tools offer more convenience as you can simply carry it anyplace you need. As a rule cordless jigsaws are also more lightweight and easier to hold in hand. Since more and more DIYers switch to using cordless models, leading manufacturers of power tools start to pack them with more powerful motors and performance characteristics making them decent rivals to electric models. Today, you can find a cordless jigsaw that can recharge in less than half an hour and give you several hours of continuous operation. Which of the two is better is mostly the matter of personal preferences.
Q: What type of blades do I need and what is T-shank blade?
A: T-shanks and U-shanks are the most common types of blades; however, some brands may only use shanks specific to their jigsaw models, and older models may require discontinued blades, such as the bayonet. To know for sure which one to choose, the best thing to do is consult the manual that usually comes together with the tool. T-shank blades are a popular type of blades which can be safely used with jig saws of all classes that feature a quick changing blade system. T-shank blades can also be used in U-shank jigsaws. Unlike T-shank blades, U-shanks are designed for jigsaws that do not have a blade change system and require using a screw to replace the blade.
Sources:
1. Brett Dvoretz The 7 Best Electric Jigsaws, Wiki.ezvid. October 02, 2017.
2. Sandor Nagyszalanczy Jigsaw Review: Woodworking expert tests seven, Rockler. .June 30, 2011.
3. Jigsaw (tool), Wikipedia.
4. Roy Berendsohn 6 Jigsaws Face-Off: Tool Comparison Test, Popular Mechanics. April 12, 2010.
5. Your Guide to Buying Jig Saw Blades, eBay. September 28, 2016.