The best jigsaws - comparisons, reviews, ratings

Jigsaw for professional work

In domestic conditions, electrical appliances are used extremely rarely, and therefore have low power. For professional purposes, the tools are used constantly, and therefore their service life and engine power should be uniquely higher.

Professional tools are capable of processing wood cloth with a thickness of up to 14 cm, steel - up to 1 cm and aluminum up to 2 cm.Therefore, ideally, you should know what thickness materials you will work with in order to correctly calculate the power and choose a jigsaw model.

Professional jigsaws can handle thicker materials

Home tools are often made in China or Poland. Good, high-quality devices are produced by Germany, Japan and Sweden. The most popular of these was the German electrical appliance firm Bosch.

More expensive professional tools are made to withstand the stresses of daily work. Household models are usually used much less often, and some may not be used at all for years, waiting for their time.

The jigsaw for the pros is not limited to a specific number of operating hours. The engine power of these models can be from 700 to 1000 watts. These tools are used when working with thick materials.

Functions of professional models

Professional jigsaws, as noted earlier, have many additional functions. These include the following:

• pendulum mechanism. The essence of this function has already been described above. In this class of tools, this is a practically necessary indicator, since its presence reduces the operating time and increases the service life, protecting the jigsaw from premature wear. But with hard materials or finishing cuts, as mentioned, this function is not recommended;
• adjustment of the frequency of the file. This function allows you to set the frequency yourself when working with different materials. But the lower the frequency, the lower the performance. But this way the tool wears out much more slowly;
• blowing off dust. After cutting, a large amount of sawdust and dust remains on the cut, which interfere with the work. Professional jigsaws are equipped with a function that allows you to blow off dust. It also helps a more accurate cut.

Table 1. The best jigsaws of different classes.

Now let's talk in more detail about the two highest quality models according to professional craftsmen - Bort BPS-500-P and Metabo STEB 140 Plus.

1. Bort BPS-500-P.

Prices for popular models of Bort jigsaws

Jigsaw Bort

Bort BPS-500-P - the best jigsaw among household tools

This is a convenient and compact jigsaw among all models of this manufacturer. It is of high quality and, despite this, has the lowest price.

Among the main qualities of this model stand out its rubber grip with which it is easy to operate the tool, the engine that can last you years, and the improved grip. It is also a great option for those who are worried about strong vibration, as this model has reduced it. Thanks to the motor, it is able to cut materials up to seven centimeters wide.

This model has only one drawback - it makes a lot of noise during operation. But in comparison with the rest of the advantages, this disadvantage is unlikely to bother anyone.

1. Metabo STEB 140 Plus.

Prices for popular models of Metabo jigsaws

Electric jigsaw Metabo

This jigsaw has a chic package

The Metabo STEB 140 Plus was voted Best Electric Jigsaw of 2018. It works on a standalone launch basis.It is possible to choose the angle of inclination of the tool sole.

From the functions there is an additional lighting and a function of blowing off dust and sawdust. Thanks to all its qualities, it is able to serve for many years with constant use. In addition, there is a special plate inside that protects the tool from damage.

In addition to the jigsaw itself, it comes with a good suitcase, protective glass and a pipe that helps to connect the vacuum cleaner. The disadvantages of this model have not yet been revealed.

Design features of the jigsaw

Basic tips for choosing a tool

Now it's worth talking about how to choose a good electric jigsaw. The market for tools for processing various types of materials is large. It will be difficult for beginners to decide on a specific model. The wrong choice can lead to the fact that the tool will eventually fail after a short period of use, or it will be simply uncomfortable for them to work.

Basic rules for the selection of an electric jigsaw:

1. The article presents the best manufacturers of such tools. When choosing, be guided by these brands.
2. A cheap Chinese tool can work well after purchase. However, its main problem is that in the first month of use, it can completely fail.
3. If you need to make cuts not only on wooden blanks, choose models with an engine power of 5 A.
4. It is advisable that the jigsaw has an air blower and radiators. This reduces the heating of moving parts and increases the service life of the device.
5. Select models with fuse only. This will protect against accidental pressing and starting of the instrument. Remember that saws are very sharp and can cause serious injury.

In most reviews of electric jigsaws, it is noted that the most high-quality devices with a long service life are German models from Bosch. However, the price of such instruments is high. Alternatively, jigsaws from Makita and DEWALT can be considered. They, judging by the reviews, have proven themselves well.

Peculiarities

Traditionally, cordless tools are used when work is performed directly on a construction site, where electricity has not yet been supplied. In the case of an electric jigsaw, the creation of such models does not seem entirely justified, since they are almost always used in an equipped workshop. However, with jigsaws, not everything is so simple.

In particular, while other battery-powered tools have been criticized for the extra weight due to the "extra" mass of the battery, it is often considered a plus in the design of jigsaws.

On the one hand, modern manufacturers are working intensively to reduce the weight of their models, on the other hand, the added weight is usually relatively small and even useful, since the body allows you to act as a stabilizer for a smoother cut.

Both in functions and in performance, the battery jigsaw is practically no different from the network ones. Most materials are available for cutting with such a tool, there are many positive reviews about cutting wood of any kind, gypsum and even plastic.

On the other hand, a quality tool is capable of cutting even steel.

If we talk about the key difference between the battery models and their network "counterparts", then it lies in the duration of battery life. Jigsaws powered by an outlet are completely unable to work in its absence, and even basic batteries can successfully cut materials for several hours.

These capabilities allow you to use the device in any conditions, for example, during a power outage in the workshop or even outside of it during the whole working day.

Choosing the right one

There are several criteria for choosing a reliable jigsaw:

1. The purpose of the acquisition, it should be determined first of all.According to their intended purpose, professional (aimed at continuous work in large volumes up to 8 hours daily), industrial (used mainly in the woodworking industry) and household (for home use) tools are allocated.
2. Power type (mains or battery). The first is powered by the electrical network and wins in terms of power. A rechargeable battery, in turn, is more mobile than a network one; it can work in places where there are no power sources.
3. The number of strokes per minute, the speed and accuracy of cutting the material depends on it.
4. Engine type (open-closed) and its power.
5. Jigsaw body and handle shape. It is better to take a jigsaw with a handle equipped with a rubber gasket.
6. Saw blade (saw blade for metal work or blade for cutting other materials).
7. Blade fastening option (by means of a clamping device or screws).
8. The presence of a speed controller for manually changing the number of revolutions up or down.
9. The presence of a number of additional features (a laser pointer, a branch pipe for connecting to a vacuum cleaner and a dust collector, electronic control of the cutting depth and frequency of strokes, automatic blowing off of sawdust, adjustment of the pendulum mechanism).
10. Usability, manufacturer and cost.

The electric jigsaw carries out both shaped and straight cutting of profiles or sheet materials. To make a rating of the best jigsaws, representatives of different manufacturers were studied, videos were watched, consumer reviews were taken into account. And here we present the top 10 of the best quality jigsaws according to the version of the portal Marka.guru. The rating includes tools from different manufacturers and price categories, and thanks to it, each person will be able to choose for himself an unmistakably jigsaw that meets his needs.

Which jigsaw should you choose?

So, we've covered three main types of jigsaws. However, these data are not enough to choose the right tool for yourself.

What else you need to pay attention to when choosing a jigsaw:

1. Blade Direction - Some jigsaw models only allow up and down movements. If you are going to use the tool in a wider range, we recommend choosing a jigsaw, the blade of which can also be moved longitudinally;
2. Blade drawing. It also differs in different types of jigsaws. Most of the tool models are sold with classic blades that are suitable for most types of wood and metal cutting jobs. However, there are also jigsaws with other blades, for example, with a special pin for the so-called roughing. Of course, you shouldn't forget about the saw blades for specific materials. There are products on the market with different applications, which are indicated by the corresponding symbols. Saws for wood and plastic are CV or HSC, metal blades are HSS, and for stainless steel, brick and ceramics, they are HM and TTC;
3. Blade holder - we are talking about the handles of the cutting elements, which are of three types: 1T jigsaws are considered the most convenient and comfortable, 2T type handles have two tabs and are designed for a more comfortable grip, but at the same time they are slightly inferior in accuracy to 1T handles. There are also jigsaws on the market with a universal U-shaped handle. Any type of blade can be attached to it;
4. Worktop - stationary jigsaw models can be installed on a carpentry table. But more often than not, they are already sold together with the countertop. As a rule, they are made of wood, although jigsaws with a steel table are considered more reliable. It is believed that such a table top (base of the machine) is heavier, which means that the tool will not "run away" during operation. Plus the same vibrations (if using jigsaws that are too light) can lead to surface instability, which definitely makes it difficult to cut accurately;
5. Power.The power of this type of tool determines the depth and length of cut and, of course, productivity. Keep in mind that weak and cheap jigsaws often overheat, which means that you often have to take breaks and stop working with them;
6. The depth of cut is an extremely important parameter as it determines how thick the material the tool can cut. As a rule, on the packaging of jigsaws, all values ​​of the cutting depth are already indicated in relation to specific materials;
7. Battery Type - If you are considering purchasing a cordless jigsaw, it is recommended that you choose models equipped with a lithium-ion battery (Li-On). They are the most efficient and long-lasting batteries on the market, which are also lighter and can be recharged at any time. Older jigsaws use nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, which are much heavier and can only be charged when the battery is completely discharged. There are also jigsaws with nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. They are slightly more effective than cadmium ones, but they are very expensive;
8. RPM- in fact, this is the speed of the device, therefore, the more movements per minute, the better. The weakest and cheapest jigsaws have less than 500 RPM. If you want to do more complex work, you must have a device that runs over 1000 RPM. In specialized devices, this value fluctuates around 3000 RPM.
9. Additional features - good jigsaw models often come with additional options, such as a laser to show the cutting line or tilt adjustment of the cutting element, and a guide for leveling the material.

Jigsaws and jigsaws. Manufacturers and prices

Jigsaws are inexpensive tools. The most ordinary, cheap mechanical jigsaws can be bought for only 500 rubles. Electronic automatic tools will naturally cost more. The most inexpensive jigsaws will cost at least 5,000 rubles. The price of jigsaws for stationary placement and special purposes is even higher. Such models are sold in stores at a cost of 15,000 rubles.

As for manufacturers, we recommend paying attention to jigsaws from well-known manufacturers: Bosch, DeWalt, Black & Decker, Makita, Einhell and Stanley

Buy a jigsaw, jigsaw

The best tabletop jigsaws

The rating of electric jigsaws is closed by 2 tabletop models necessary for carpentry shops and people who often make curly cuts in metal and wood. A thin file, high productivity and no need to clamp the workpiece make tabletop options indispensable for most production areas.

JET JSS-16

The machine from the well-known manufacturer JET JSS-16 is intended for metal and woodworking. The model is used mainly in small and medium-sized workshops, as it is characterized by high productivity. The jigsaw allows you to make straight cuts and curved cuts. Large machine, weighing 15 kg, can change the position of the work table up to an angle of 45 °. It is suitable for wood workpieces up to 400 mm thick. Of the useful features, there is speed control, automatic change in the tension force of the web, dust removal, blowing of the working surface and a protective structure.

Dignity

• Adjustable speed relay;
• Virtually silent device;
• Precise cut;
• Handles complex shapes well;
• Easily control the movement of the blade while cutting.

disadvantages

• It is better to replace the nut for fixing the file, sometimes it unwinds;
• Medium power blowing.

If you plan to buy a jigsaw for a workshop or areas where accuracy is important and there is a need for curly cutting, then this model will be an excellent solution.

Dremel Moto-Saw MS20-1 / 5

This is a compact jigsaw for stationary installation with a quick-change saw.The device is designed for high-precision and difficult cuts in most modern materials. To move on to work with another material, you just need to replace the file. The model supports smooth speed control in the range from 1500 to 2250 rpm. To increase the accuracy of cuts, a pressure leg is used, which also reduces the amount of vibration. The metal case is intended for industrial use, so the device is resistant to mechanical damage.

Dignity

• A branch pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner;
• Power 70 W;
• Maximum cutting depth - 18 mm;
• Compactness and lightness - 1.1 kg;
• Supplied with a carrying case.

disadvantages

• The price for files is slightly higher than average;
• Not well suited for perfectly straight cuts.

How to choose?

Household jigsaws will not be able to boast of the same power and performance - as a rule, they are designed for sawing plywood, chipboard and thin boards. However, such jigsaws can be equipped with different types of saw blades, which will somewhat expand their scope and strengthen the Makita cordless jigsaw tool due to the reinforced teeth.

On our website, you will not only choose, but you will also be able to buy Makita cordless jigsaws of both household class (pay attention to models with a power of less than 580 W) and professional (720 W and even more). Remember: if a model is rated for less than a thousand strokes per minute, it is unlikely to cope with plastic or non-ferrous metals.

The choice in all cases depends on the needs of each individual master, so it is impossible to say with certainty which model is uniquely best for everyone. For this reason, you should approach the issue of choice as responsibly as possible, because even a good, vaunted by many model may not be suitable for you.

Another thing is that, unlike lithium, it can be repaired, and even the latter can be discharged faster and deteriorate at low temperatures, not be charged from "foreign" chargers, or even explode. However, the responsible observance of the operating instructions easily solves these problems.

Other important criteria for evaluating a battery are its capacity and output voltage. On average, these indicators are 2.5 A / h and 18 V. For domestic use, it will not be entirely logical to chase the maximum indicators, for example, even a 1.3 A / h battery cuts 3 meters of boards, whose thickness is 2.5 cm. the same material or its replacement with a denser and more durable plastic or metal will discharge the tool faster, but we took an example with a rather modest amount of charge.
The battery is also often evaluated in terms of size, weight and cost (in most cases it even outperforms the device's body in all these indicators), but we must not forget about several important criteria. So, if it is supposed to work in conditions of significant temperature drops, this should be spelled out in the technical specifications, because usually the range fluctuates within 20 degrees, which for our regions is not an indicator

In order not to wait too long for a hundred percent charge, pay attention to quick chargers.

• The number of sawing strokes indicates the number of reciprocating movements per minute, and the unit with the higher one will complete the task faster. On the other hand, some materials, such as metal and plastic, do not allow the cutting speed to be too high, otherwise the edges will be sloppy. For domestic use, the normal average number of strokes is considered to be 2400, but professional expensive models can reach almost twice as high.
• The main selection criterion will be the maximum cutting thickness, unless you plan to work exclusively with thin plywood.For each material, this indicator differs, but if it is exceeded, you can simply break a file or a jigsaw. Home models are, on average, designed for a cutting depth of about 6 cm in the case of wood and 6 mm in the case of metal, but for professional models this figure can be two to three times higher.

There are a few other useful features that are desirable but not common. Let's put them in order of usefulness - from most important to minor:

• having the ability to adjust the stroke rate at will, you get the opportunity to accurately cut different materials;
• models with a pendulum stroke cut more roughly and unevenly, but much faster;
• the ability to tilt the sole allows you to more accurately set the cutting angle;
• thanks to the smooth start-up, the wear of all the main units of the unit is significantly reduced;
• the presence of a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner will limit the possibilities of movement with a jigsaw, but it will keep the workshop clean and will help preserve the health of the master;
• built-in backlight is a good bonus if you sometimes have to work in the dark;
• the presence of a laser guide helps to cut complex shapes more accurately.

The best professional jigsaws

Professional models of jigsaws differ from household tools in that they can be operated at higher loads and for a longer time. They are distinguished by increased power and increased operating parameters.

With the help of such tools, it is allowed to cut material from wood 80 ... 120 mm, and from metal 5 ... 30 mm. In the next section, we will present you the best jigsaws for professional use and review the most popular and successful models.

Jigsaw Makita 4351 FCT

+ Pros of the Makita 4351 FCT jigsaw

1. High power of the instrument - 720 W.
2. The presence of a circuit breaker fixation system.
3. Smooth start at the start of work.
4. The pendulum can be installed in 4 positions.
5. There is an illumination of the work site of the saw and the removal of sawdust from the working area.
6. Silumin body.
7. It is allowed to operate in any spatial position.
8. Cuts without chips.
9. There is a system that provides constant speed when the load changes.
10. Convenient for work, ergonomic, handle.

- Cons of the Makita 4351 FCT jigsaw

1. Jigsaws made in Romania have poor build quality.
2. The included files leave a lot to be desired. It is recommended to purchase higher quality consumables.
3. The power cord is not long enough.
4. Lack of blowing off sawdust, as a result of which the marking line is not visible.
5. Poor quality dust extractor.
6. There is no lock button from unexpected inclusion.

Jigsaw DeWALT DW 333 K

+ Pros of the DeWALT DW 333 K jigsaw

1. Very fast and accurate cutting along the marking line.
2. Ergonomic design, comfortable to work with.
3. Convenient speed control.
4. The high power allows the use of long saws.
5. The presence of blowing.
6. Long rubberized cable.
7. Adjustable sole on both sides up to 45 degrees.
8. Keeps the set speed perfectly even under load.

- Cons of the jigsaw DeWALT DW 333 K

1. Lack of illumination of the working area.
2. Insufficient blowing off of sawdust.

Jigsaw Makita 4350 CT

+ Pros jigsaw Makita 4350 CT

1. Simple enough to use, it allows you to perform operations without preliminary preparation.
2. Fast and accurate cutting of any material.
3. Quick and convenient change of cutting elements without the use of any tools.
4. There is a special case for storing and transporting the jigsaw, in which it is convenient to carry the tool and store various parts.
5. Lack of high noise level during operation.
6. Excellent build quality.
7. The presence of an electronic speed controller that maintains a certain speed regardless of the thickness of the material and the load.
8. Smooth start when starting work.
9. It is possible to cut the material at different angles.

- Cons of the Makita 4350 CT jigsaw

1. Ill-considered change of the angle of the saw cut.
2. There is no connection system to the vacuum cleaner. The problem is resolved by purchasing additional required parts.
3. Some users complain that the jigsaw is "too high" and for this reason it is not possible to use it everywhere.

Jigsaw Bosch GST 850 BE

+ Pros of the Bosch GST 850 BE jigsaw

1. The high quality of parts and workmanship that distinguishes Bosch products.
2. High power - 600 watts.
3. Long cable for connecting to the mains.
4. Very soft sawing, no vibration or unnecessary annoying noise.
5. The speed is adjusted by pressing the button.
6. Smooth, without sideways, cutting line in any position.
7. Convenient, quick-clamping mechanism for changing the cutting file.
8. There is no dust when working with a connected vacuum cleaner. This factor is especially important if you want to perform work in cramped conditions or in a residential area.

- Cons of the Bosch GST 850 BE jigsaw

1. Lack of a case for storing and carrying the tool.
2. Inconvenient system for changing the angle of inclination, especially when it is necessary to frequently perform this operation.
3. Lack of illumination of the cutting line.
4. To work in a vertical or overhead position, the hand quickly gets tired due to the large mass of the tool (2.3 kg).