Popularly called a jigsaw, it is a tool needed in every household. Its main task is cutting wood, metal, plastic, and tiles. Choosing a jigsaw is always a difficult task of choosing among the richest variety of trading companies, technical characteristics, various designs and complete sets. Insufficient qualifications of sales consultants complicate the purchasing process. Let's look at the most popular and reliable jigsaws that are worthy of purchase and are in demand even among professionals.
How to choose a jigsaw
How well a jigsaw will cope with the task depends on several factors:
- power indicator;
- the presence of a pendulum stroke;
- number of revolutions;
- trademark.
It should be noted that what is needed is based on the needs and planned work. It would be a mistake to focus on only one factor; in addition, you should pay attention to various additional options.
To understand which jigsaw is best to choose, you need to understand its main functions and additional options:
- Power. As mentioned above, the power parameter is important; it determines the performance of the tool.
- Number of revolutions and their adjustment. The more revolutions, the faster and smoother the cut. But it should be remembered that at high speeds the saw blade can become very hot and burn the material being processed. Speed adjustment and the presence of a pendulum stroke will allow you to control the process when working with various materials.
- Key or quick-release chuck for saw blades. The choice here is subjective; both options have their pros and cons. Most attention Here it is worth paying attention to the manufacturing quality of this unit.
- Availability laser pointer, blowing the working surface, the ability to cut at an angle and connect an industrial vacuum cleaner are not mandatory functions, but will greatly facilitate the work. Good manual jigsaw must have at least two of the options listed.
- The sole of the tool can be stamped or cast. Naturally, the cast sole will be more durable and resistant to deformation.
- Maintains power under high loads. Many tools have been damaged by overload when working at low speeds, where the power is not maintained, but is evenly distributed relative to the number of revolutions.
Review of popular models
Below is a review of the best electric jigsaws in the middle class, which will help you make your choice suitable model for home or work.
Metabo steb 70 quick
The German company Metabo produces products professional class for long-term operation in various conditions. The Steb70 Quick model is notable not only for its quick saw blade replacement system, but also for its cutting speed. The tool produces 3,300 rpm at idle, and speed control from 900 rpm is also provided. In addition, the jigsaw is equipped with a system for maintaining power at high loads.
The angle of the jigsaw sole is adjustable up to 45° using a hex key. This makes it possible to cut at an angle without any problems, resulting in flat angle and a clean cut. A separate function can be noted: airflow working area, which has a separate button on the body and the ability to connect to an industrial vacuum cleaner,
Among the additional “nice” details of the tool, one can note a comfortable and ergonomic handle with rubber pads, which allows you to securely hold the tool while working. The start button can be locked in the working position. The model also has automatic shutdown when the brushes wear out, a stamped sole and a special liner to prevent chipping on the material.
The manufacturer has done a good job of creating a convenient and reliable jigsaw. Cutting performance in wood/steel/metal – 70/6/20 mm, tool power 570 W, cable 2.4 m long. Four-stage pendulum adjustment. Supplied in a convenient case.
The disadvantages of the model include the plastic case. Although the manufacturer equipped the model with ventilation holes in areas of increased overheating, a metal gearbox would be more reliable. The speed control roller is located on the button itself, which is not very convenient in practice.
Expert opinion: This best jigsaw for home. This Metabo brand model is multifunctional; the tool can handle straight and curved cuts well. A lightweight, convenient jigsaw is designed for large but short-term loads, for example, for one-time country construction.
Makita JV 0600k
The Japanese brand Makita has gained its popularity due to the consistently high quality of its tools. The JV0600k jigsaw model comes in a case and is equipped with a reliable 650W motor. The main options include three-stage pendulum adjustment and electronic speed control from 500 to 3100 rpm. The chuck lock is locked in the open position, making it easy to change blades with one hand. Easily cuts through wood up to 90 mm, and metal up to 10 mm.
The body of the model is made of durable plastic, this has a positive effect on the weight of the tool, but somewhat reduces heat dissipation and, accordingly, the time of continuous operation. Manufacturers also took care of such a detail as a frost-resistant durable cord 2.5 m long - with such a tool you can work without fear in cold weather.
The maximum inclination angle of the cast sole is standard - 45°, adjustable in both directions. The low location of the guide rollers minimizes deviation from a straight path.
Among the disadvantages of the model, it should be noted the lack of a soft start, the lack of maintaining power at low speeds and the roller play, which in turn does not interfere even sawing. There is also a slight vibration on idle speed, absent from its younger brothers.
Expert opinion: Thinking about which jigsaw is better to buy, you can safely opt for the JV 0060 k model. The simple and unpretentious design easily withstands various overloads and overheating. The limited functionality is compensated by a durable and reliable mechanism. The tool is suitable for both work in the workshop and for home use.
Bosch gst 850 be professional
Speaking about which jigsaws are the most reliable, it would be a crime not to evaluate the GST 850 be professional model from the German manufacturer Bosch. The company has firmly established its professional line as a reliable and high-quality power tool for working in the harshest conditions.
A powerful 600 W motor allows you to work even with materials such as brick, using special equipment, but the pendulum stroke is too small, which will not allow you to do such work quickly. Lightweight tool weighing 2.3 kg, it quickly and without flaws copes with straight and curved cuts, and when sawing at an angle, it holds the cut line quite well.
The model is supplemented with useful features such as smooth start, a key for turning on the airflow of the working surface and a system for quickly changing the saw blade. Stamped sole with chip protection and convenient 45° tilt adjustment. When the brushes wear out, an automatic shutdown is triggered.
Cutting parameters in wood/steel/aluminum – 85/10/20 mm. Four positions of the pendulum stroke and electronic adjustment of rotation from 500 to 3100 strokes per minute. The ergonomic rubberized handle prevents the tool from slipping during operation. The tool can be connected to an industrial vacuum cleaner.
Expert's opinion: It is difficult to find any technical flaws in this model; it copes brilliantly with straight and curved cuts, and also cuts perfectly at an angle. Its purpose is a production workshop or long-term private construction. The only minus of the model is high price. You can purchase such an instrument for rare home use, but these will be unjustified expenses.
Black & Decker KSTR 8k zenith
One of the largest American manufacturers, Black & Decker, does not give a clear category to its power tool, but the practice of users itself qualifies it as professional, or “very good semi-professional.”
The jigsaw has a fairly good power reserve of 600 W and the largest range of speed adjustment - from 0 to 3200 strokes per minute, which not every tool in its class can boast of. The stated cut for wood/metal is 85/5 mm. The speed is controlled by a rheostat button.
The model is supplied in a convenient case. The design features a rubberized handle and an additional handle on the top of the body, which allows you to hold the tool with two hands. Additional options include a storage compartment for saw blades, a long three-meter cord, a guide for straight cutting and no vibration during operation.
With all its advantages, this model has its drawbacks. The design features do not imply sawing at an angle; there is no possibility to connect the tool to an industrial vacuum cleaner.
Expert opinion: This model stands out from the usual understanding of jigsaws; it is a kind of alternative circular saw. Its key purpose is straight and precise cuts at an angle of 90°. A rare design does not allow sawing at an angle and connecting a vacuum cleaner. Limited functionality tool will fit only for short loads household plan or rare use for production purposes.
A jigsaw has universal capabilities for processing any materials at home. Any craftsman engaged in construction, repair, wood carving, carpentry, has this type tool. To know how to choose an electric jigsaw from the wide range offered in specialized stores, you need to understand the basic technical characteristics. Manufacturers provide their models with various additional functions, which is reflected in the price of the tool. However, these functions are not always in demand in practice. This means that when choosing, you cannot focus only on the cost of the model, thinking that the more expensive the instrument, the better. Then what criteria should be used to select a jigsaw?
A jigsaw, or jigsaw for short, refers to hand tools equipped with an electric drive. The small dimensions of this instrument affect its weight, which is practically not felt. Using a jigsaw you can quickly and efficiently perform the following types of work:
- straight cuts in materials such as wood, plastic, drywall. a metal sheet, laminate, ceramic tiles, etc.;
- curved cut of any of the above materials;
- cutting round holes the required diameter;
- cutting rectangular holes.
The purpose of a jigsaw is to perform large quantity operations both for longitudinal and transverse cutting of sheet material, and for figured ones.
Example: an electric jigsaw produced in Holland by the Skil company is used in everyday life to perform straight cut parts made of wood and other materials
Design features of a jigsaw electric saw
Cutting of the material is carried out using a special saw, driven by an electric motor. The frequency of reciprocating movements made by the saw vertically reaches 3500 strokes per minute. To install the mechanism, a support platform is used, which is otherwise called a plate or sole. The base plate is used as a guide and provides high accuracy cutting the material by maintaining a constant distance to the surface being processed.
The ability to rotate the support platform at an angle of up to 45 degrees allows you to change the inclination of the cut. The material used to make the platform is usually steel, aluminum or high-strength plastic. Manufacturers cover the file with a transparent protective screen made of plexiglass (organic glass), which ensures the safety of work.
Jigsaws also differ in the type of handle design, which can be:
- staple-shaped, allowing you to clearly view the cutting line;
- mushroom-shaped, facilitating work on inclined planes.
The type of handle does not affect the quality of work, and therefore a tool is chosen according to this criterion based only on personal preferences.
The design of an electric jigsaw designed for professional use, equipped with many additional functions that facilitate the operation of this type of hand tool
The Hitachi cordless jigsaw, produced by a well-known Japanese company, is designed to work in places inaccessible for connecting the tool to an electrical outlet.
If you plan to use a jigsaw without connecting to a power supply, then purchase cordless models. Just keep in mind that the operation of this tool is limited in time. The power of battery models is usually low.
Additional power tool functions
Here's what can be included in a jigsaw design:
- Speed adjustment function used when working with different types materials. The stroke frequency can be selected not only before the start of the operation, but also during it by firmly pressing the start lock button. At the same time, it is possible to increase work productivity. True, this mode of operation of a power tool results in rapid wear of the working blade.
- Presence of a multi-stage pendulum mechanism, typical for everyone modern models jigsaws, allows the saw to make additional horizontal movements (both towards sawing and back) and to cut the material only when moving “up”. This function increases productivity without reducing the service life of the saw, but contributes to the deterioration of the quality of the cutting surface. Therefore, when making a finishing cut, it is recommended to disable this function. This recommendation should be followed when working with sheet steel and hardwood.
- Function of illuminating the working area with a lamp, built into the design of the jigsaw, increases the degree of convenience when working in conditions of low natural light.
- Availability of a quick blade replacement system facilitates the process of removing worn cutting blades by pressing a special lever.
- Automatic sawdust blowing function A fan that cools the engine allows you to free the cutting line from the resulting sawdust and settling dust.
- Possibility of connecting power tools to a vacuum cleaner through a special pipe ensures quick cleaning of the working surface from waste, which helps improve the visibility of the cutting line.
- Availability of saw blade rotation device, thanks to which the working blade can rotate 360 degrees, allows you to cut circles of different diameters in the material.
- Angle lock necessary to secure the position of the tool at an angle from zero degrees to 45.
Which of these you need is up to you to choose.
Professional or household unit?
Electric jigsaws, like all power tools, are produced for both professional and household use. In everyday life, the equipment is not used so intensively, so its power is inferior to professional models designed for constant use. It is typical for a household tool to have a small number of additional functions, as well as a minimum working resource, which is quite enough for a one-time use of the jigsaw for its intended purpose. Prices for household models of electric jigsaws are 2-3 times lower than for professional models.
When choosing, keep in mind that household low-power jigsaws can cut wood parts with a thickness of no more than 70 mm, and steel parts no more than 2-4 mm thick. Professional models with high power and productivity, it can cut wood up to 135 mm thick, aluminum sheets up to 20 mm, steel sheets up to 10 mm. Knowing the thickness of the material you will be cutting, it is easy to determine which jigsaw is best to choose for this operation. Power tools intended for household use are produced in China and Poland. High-quality tools for professionals are produced in Germany, Japan, and Sweden.
Round hole cut various diameters with an electric jigsaw in wood, steel and other sheet materials is performed quickly and smoothly
Model of electric jigsaw (electric jigsaw), intended for professional use, produced by a well-known power tool market German company Bosch
Basic criteria for choosing a specific model
The main indicator that you should immediately pay attention to is the power of the tool. Remember that for household models this figure ranges from 350 to 500 W, and for professional models - from 700 W. The depth of cut, the duration of uninterrupted operation, and the service life of the tool depend on the power of the jigsaw.
Important! Powerful models are also characterized by greater weight, which is important when working with hand-held power tools.
No less important criterion is also the number of strokes per minute. After all, the speed of work, as well as the cleanliness of the cut, depend on the value of this indicator. For most models, the number of strokes per minute varies from 0 to 2700-3100. Although there are jigsaws in which this figure reaches 3500 strokes/min.
The comfort of using a power tool depends on the saw blade replacement system, which can be secured either with screws or a clamping device. In the latter case, the blade is replaced in an accelerated manner without the use of special tools.
Please note that it is possible to adjust the stroke rate only if you are going to use the jigsaw to process different building materials. Some sheet materials are cut at certain values of this indicator.
If your health is important, then buy models that can be connected to a vacuum cleaner. This function will protect your eyes and respiratory organs from fine dust generated while working with the tool, and will also allow you to keep workplace clean.
The presence of replaceable saw blades, special oils for lubricating working surfaces, screwdrivers and other small items in the kit is a pleasant addition to the product. However, all this can be bought, if necessary, in the same specialized stores and service centers opened by the manufacturers.
Lightweight and silent Makita jigsaws are distinguished by high quality workmanship and a large number of additional functions. The tool is produced at the company’s own factories located in Japan, USA, UK, China, Romania
Such well-known companies as Bosch, Makita, Meister, Hitachi, Metabo, Skil produce jigsaws. Before choosing a jigsaw from a specific manufacturer, pay attention to the technical characteristics of similar models sold under other brands. With this approach you can purchase the right tool for less money.
A jigsaw is an excellent assistant for any repair, necessary to speed up and improve the quality of work. Jigsaw having electric drive, is universal device with low weight and dimensions. This device is very convenient for not only direct cutting of sheets and profiles, but also for any figure cutting. To purchase quality instrument You need to know exactly how and which jigsaw to choose for certain jobs.
A jigsaw can perform the following tasks:
- make any cut other than a straight one;
- cut holes various shapes(rectangular, circular, etc.);
- make straight cutting of various types of material.
How to choose a good jigsaw from the variety of models offered by manufacturers? This is the question every average craftsman asks himself when preparing for a repair. To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the determining factors.
Advantages of an electric jigsaw
- The tool is convenient at home, since there is no need for a saw, hacksaw or similar devices. With a jigsaw you can make any cutting much faster, and most importantly with low cost strength
- Thanks to this device, you can easily perform figure cutting.
- Every professional appreciates the convenience, speed and quality of operation of this device.
- Very convenient for wood carving.
Differences between a number of models that differ in their technical characteristics, as well as a set of various additional functions influence the choice of a good jigsaw.
Household jigsaw
Household devices, or jigsaws for the home, are suitable for sawing wood with a thickness of about 70-80 mm, and metal - about 2-5 mm. They have less power and shorter working life.
Professional jigsaw
Professional jigsaws, unlike household ones, are necessary to perform various works under heavy loads. They have a longer service life and higher performance parameters. With this jigsaw, cutting is carried out within the thickness range: for wood - 80-120 mm, for metal - 5-20 mm.
Jigsaw design
The choice of a good jigsaw is also influenced by its design features.
The body has a built-in saw that is driven by an electric motor. Such a file makes reciprocating movements within 3.5 - 4 thousand strokes in one minute. The support platform, installed on the work surface, allows for precise sawing of the product in in the right place. The platform has the ability to rotate to the required angle, allowing you to create the desired cutting angle. To maintain the safety of the process, the file is hidden under protective plexiglass.
Additional functions of electric jigsaws
Each model is equipped with a multi-level mechanism with a pendulum that informs the saw about displacements away from the cutting direction. Thus, the safety of the file itself is ensured and its service life is extended, and a more even and high-quality cut is produced.
Speed adjustment
This parameter is simply necessary for working with various materials. There are two frequency selection modes:
- Select the mode immediately before turning on.
- Frequency adjustment by pressing force on the support part.
Consequently, the higher the speed of movement of the file is set, the higher the productivity of the device, but at the same time more wear occurs on the file itself. For additional convenience, many manufacturing companies have filled the power tool market with the necessary modifications:
- backlight on the handle, which allows you to illuminate the work surface in low general lighting;
- automatic sawdust blowing function;
- connection to a vacuum cleaner, which will allow you to immediately collect waste sawdust;
- the ability to rotate the saw 360⁰ (very convenient when cutting circles).
The most common devices
- A fastening device that secures a device to a work surface. Thus, when cutting, it is not the jigsaw itself that moves, but the cutting material. This device is effective for working with small parts.
- A replaceable plate that allows for better gliding of the jigsaw on the working surface.
- Convenient suitcase for storage. This suitcase allows you to stow your device with all its accessories, without fear of damage during transportation.
Electric jigsaw blades
Files are the most basic element of a jigsaw. They differ in configuration, material of manufacture, color options, as well as the shape of the shank. The most common file materials are bimetal and steel. The files for these devices, based on the material of manufacture, are used for the following work:
- Carbon steel is used for cutting soft types of wood; in addition, it is also used for processing artificial materials.
- High-speed steel is used for cutting metal, as well as for processing hard materials, such as plastic, non-ferrous metal, aluminum, etc.
- Bimetal blade has high ductility and a longer service life.
Saw blade tail
The tail is the final part that directly cuts the material. The tails differ in the shape of the end on the canvas itself. This parameter is important when purchasing a new blade, which must be compatible with your model of electric jigsaw.
Jigsaw blade shape
On the building materials market, the following types of tails are found:
- Cross is the most common. Produced by many construction companies, among which is Makita, which has established itself as a reliable and high-quality brand.
- Having two stops, it is often found in Bosch models.
- Universal, having a semicircular recess, produced by Dewalt and Skil.
- Smooth, typical for companies – Defort and Hander.
- The mold with circular holes is a product of Makita.
Saw blade size
One of the most common varieties are files with a length of 50-105 mm, as well as 155-160 mm.
Files are used for:
- straight cut;
- crooked cut.
A curved cut is made with a narrower blade, providing a more fine cut. For many manufacturers, the color of the blades indicates the area of application of the cutting elements.
Saw blade teeth on a jigsaw
The types of teeth in blades differ depending on their area of application. The teeth have a variety of shapes, sizes and pitches. When using teeth with a larger set, productivity increases, but the cutting quality decreases.
Coated files
When working with fragile materials, such as glass or ceramic tiles, blades that do not have teeth are used. These files are equipped diamond coating or sprayed hard alloy, which allows for extremely accurate cutting.
Device power
Along with the choice of blade, power is of decisive importance when choosing the right jigsaw. The amount of power directly affects the performance of the device, but it also consumes more electricity and carries more weight. Among other things, power affects the speed of the cutting blades.
Blade replacement system
Replacing files is very necessary when working with different materials. All blades in a jigsaw are clamped special clamps, or with working screws through the holes. When changing blades, it is important to have a mechanism that allows you to easily, quickly and safely make such a change. All of the above characteristics will help everyone make the right choice of a good jigsaw.
Duration of work with certain materials with increased strength and hardness. At long work, the tails of the files heat up, become soft and can become deformed or simply break. It is necessary to provide additional cooling of the working elements. This can be done with water, machine oil, or any other soap solutions.
It is recommended to cut steel at a higher speed of the cutting elements. For plastic, it is recommended to use a speed of no more than 1000 strokes per minute. When operating at low speeds, frequent breaks and cooling are necessary. cutting blades. When working with thin material, experts recommend placing a sheet of plywood under the work surface.
The mechanisms and parts of the jigsaw should be kept in proper condition and lubricated in a timely manner. If they fail, replace them in a timely manner.
Among household (and industrial) power tools, the jigsaw ranks place of honor. After purchasing an electric drill, a jigsaw is the next most popular.
Its capabilities are difficult to overestimate: without unnecessary physical effort, you can cut any products from wood, plastic, and even ceramic tiles. Non-ferrous metals can be processed by any model; more powerful specimens are able to cut even steel structures.
Of course, it won’t replace a grinder, but a good jigsaw can make curved cuts. Many owners are faced with the problem of poor cutting quality (compared to a circular saw).
Perhaps the reason for this was the incorrect selection of replacement nozzles. But most likely, when purchasing, you simply did not know which jigsaw to choose for your tasks.
The best jigsaws, price and quality
To the question: “Which jigsaw is better to choose?” There is no universal answer. The range of price offers is the same as the difference in capabilities and quality of application. To understand how to choose a jigsaw for your home, you need to set four main criteria:
- Maximum budget for purchase.
- Types of work performed.
- Intensity of use.
- Terms of use (stationary, linked to electrical outlet, or portable with battery).
Additional criteria that will help you choose the optimal electric jigsaw:
- Versatility of use. There are two sides of the coin: on the one hand, you get an “all in one” tool, on the other hand, a profiled product will have a higher quality of work.
- Availability Supplies. Despite a certain standardization of attachments, it is still better to take consumables from the same company that produces power tools.
- Remoteness service center. If it breaks down, you are unlikely to want to take your jigsaw to a neighboring city for repairs.
The main problem of choice: price and quality
Despite popular belief, you can buy a high-quality jigsaw inexpensively. The secret is localization of production.
- Many manufacturers have subsidiaries acquired during difficult recent times. This is a normal phenomenon of the strong absorbing the weak.
- As part of marketing tricks, famous and expensive brands They produce some products for markets in developing countries. These are the same quality models, but with a different product index. Perhaps the assembly has been established in the importer’s country. Such jigsaws can cost 2-3 times less.
- The emergence of many Chinese brands on the market. The technology is as follows: a large concern is building a plant in China. The agreement provides for additional production for the Chinese market under a different brand. At the same time, jigsaws are produced on the same conveyor.
All that remains is to find an analogue, for example - an inexpensive professional jigsaw Bosch GST 65b, the price starts from 2800 rubles. 
Another important point– household or professional tool. Often the functionality will be the same, it’s just that the workshop models have an order of magnitude longer resource. If the task is to process material daily for several hours continuously, it makes sense to take an expensive jigsaw, like the Makita 4350CT, its price starts from 8,200 rubles 
And when the tool is used maximum once a month, or to carry out one or two apartment repairs, a household model at a low price is quite enough for you.
This does not mean that an economy class model will necessarily cut crookedly and spoil the workpiece.
The modern market offers big choice power tools not only for professionals, but also for use in the home workshop. If you need to cut a sheet of plywood, OSB, make a complex cut, or cut off an aluminum profile, a jigsaw will help you do it quickly and accurately. This tool versatile and has a wide range of capabilities. But how to choose a good electric jigsaw for your home among the abundance of offers in stores? To answer this question, we have compiled a rating best jigsaws, based on feedback from participants in various construction forums and various categories of purposes for this type of power tool.
Classification of jigsaws
There are several criteria by which the classification of electric jigsaws can be determined: the intended purpose of the power tool, the power source used and design features.
According to their purpose, jigsaws are divided into:
- Professional, characterized by increased reliability, functionality and ability for long-term and intense use;
- Household, less powerful, but easy to use. In terms of price and quality ratio, jigsaws are the optimal solution for equipping a home workshop;
- There are also industrial ones, which are designed for long-term operation in a small woodworking enterprise.
Power type:
- network (electric);
- rechargeable.
Design features (type of saw blade movement):
- reciprocating mechanism;
- pendulum mechanism (pumping).
When purchasing a power tool, it is worth considering that the presence of a pendulum motion increases the productivity and service life of the saws. However, in some cases it can deteriorate the quality of the cut, make sure that it is possible to turn it off and adjust the amplitude!
What to look for when choosing a jigsaw
Tool power
The capabilities of a jigsaw directly depend on the power of its electric motor. The power of manufactured jigsaws ranges from 350 to 1000 W. A tool with an average power of 500-600 W is capable, for example, of sawing a wooden workpiece 80-85 mm thick, and is quite capable of coping with an 8 mm sheet of steel.
Maximum stroke rate
The sawing speed of a jigsaw is assessed by such a parameter as the frequency of the stroke of the rod - the more often the saw blade moves, the faster the cut is made. The most popular models have a maximum stroke rate of 2700-3100 strokes/min. Frequency adjustment is provided for cutting materials of different hardness.
Cutting depth
This parameter determines the maximum thickness of workpieces that this jigsaw can cut. This parameter is related to the power of the device. For jigsaws intended for household use, the cutting depth ranges from 50 to 120 mm for wood and from 5 to 10 mm for soft metal. Professional units can cut similar material up to 150-160 mm and 30-35 mm, respectively.
Of the auxiliary, but no less important functions of jigsaws, it is worth paying attention to:
- pendulum stroke;
- sole angle;
- smooth descent;
- speed support function under load;
- blowing off chips;
- backlight;
- laser pointer.
We will review jigsaws of each class and make a rating of the best models, according to user reviews.
The best inexpensive jigsaws
Household electric jigsaws are designed for small amounts of work over a short period of time. Although they have little power and a relatively limited resource, they will help make smooth or figured cut at home. Household electric jigs easily cope with cutting wood up to 70 mm thick and 4 mm steel sheets. Low price compared to professional tools, simplicity and ease of use are the most optimal solution for the home workshop.
1. Interskol MP-55/500E
The budget jigsaw of the Russian brand Interskol MP-55/500E, despite its modest price (around 2000 rubles), is equipped with a fairly reliable 500 W motor, a stamped sole, pumping and a pipe for working with a vacuum cleaner. Thanks to the rich equipment for an instrument of this class and low price, it fully deserves positive praise from its owners. From user reviews we can conclude that Interskol MP-55/500E is the best of the inexpensive jigsaws for home and garden, which will definitely please you with its reliability.
Advantages:
- pendulum mechanism;
- good power reserve;
- versatility of fastenings;
- sophisticated dust removal system;
- excellent package.
Flaws:
- Sometimes it is impossible to adjust the straight saw.
2. Bort BPS-710U-QL
In second position of the best inexpensive electric jigsaws is household jigsaw Bort BPS-710U-QL has a good power reserve of 710 W and a considerable weight of 2.4 kg. The model has an adjustable stroke rate, a laser pointer, a quick-release mechanism for fastening the file and a 4-step pendulum stroke. The power of the electric motor is sufficient to cut wood up to 80 mm deep and steel up to 10 mm deep. Convenient controls and a squeak-free body make this a good jigsaw ideal option losing their money.
Advantages:
- high power;
- comfortable rubberized handle;
- high-quality assembly;
- availability of various adjustments.
Flaws:
- the laser marker “squints” a little to the side;
- If it breaks, it is very difficult to find replacement parts.
3. DeFort DJS-625N-Q
The cheapest jigsaw we are considering in this segment, DeFort DJS-625N-Q, with a power of 570 W, is equipped with a four-stage pendulum stroke, a quick-release fastener for the file, an adapter for a vacuum cleaner and a protective shield. Wood cutting depth 65 mm, steel sheet- 8 mm. The power tool does not have any special bells and whistles, but it copes with its direct responsibilities well, after purchasing you will definitely not regret purchasing it.
Advantages:
- possibility of cutting at an angle;
- saw speed;
- fits comfortably in the hand;
- Availability of spare brushes included.
Flaws:
- not always high-quality assembly.
The best jigsaws in terms of quality and reliability
When choosing jigsaws that are rightfully considered the best, we will focus on well-known manufacturers Bosch and Makita power tools. The range of electric jigsaws from both companies is wide and varied. If Bosch divides its products into household and professional, the Japanese corporation produces only professional power tools. But both manufacturers’ products are of excellent quality. Let's make a comparison using an example Bosch models GST 850 BE and Makita 4329K, which firmly took their place in the TOP 9 best models of jigsaws.
1. Bosch GST 850 BE
The Bosch GST 850 BE jigsaw belongs to the class of semi-professional tool. The electric motor power is 600 W, the cutting depth of wood is 85 mm, aluminum and steel are 20 and 10 mm, respectively. There is a pendulum stroke, sawdust blowing, smooth descent, electronic adjustment of the saw stroke frequency. High-quality and reliable assembly of the jigsaw guarantees comfort and safety when working with the tool. Some may not like the lack of backlight, laser mark and cast tabletop, but it cuts perfectly. A reliable workhorse with an adequate price that will definitely not let you down.
Advantages:
Power;
complete absence of vibration;
long power cord;
build quality and operational reliability.
Flaws:
- too heavy for working in a vertical plane.
2. Makita 4329K
The lightweight and compact Makita 4329K jigsaw is less powerful than the Bosch GST 850 BE, but its price is an order of magnitude lower. Light weight (1.9 kg), maneuverability and the ability to adjust the sawing speed allow you to make high-quality cuts. The maximum cutting depth for wood for this jigsaw is 65 mm, for steel - 6 mm. The tool, like its German counterpart, is ascetic, characterized by high performance and excellent ergonomics.
Advantages:
- optimal balance of reliability and ergonomics;
- light weight;
- quiet operation;
- case included in delivery.
Flaws:
- lack of a quick blade replacement mechanism;
- It is difficult to set the angle of inclination of the platform.
The best cordless jigsaws
When working in places where there is no access to an electrical network, jigsaws with a battery are often used. However, due to the low power and speed of the saw compared to network models, they are used mainly for processing materials of small thickness. But it is worth noting that this type of power tool is simply irreplaceable if there is no electrical network at the workplace.
1. Bosch GST 10.8 V-LI 0
The Bosch GST 10.8 V-LI 0 cordless jigsaw is a professional-grade tool. Equipped with built-in lighting, stroke frequency adjustment and quick-release fastening of the file, 3-stage pendulum stroke, and battery charging indicator. It copes well with cutting wood up to 70 mm thick and steel up to 3 mm thick. The rubberized jigsaw fits comfortably in the hand and provides a secure grip. With a battery voltage of 10.8 V, it has quite a lot of power and is light in weight.
Advantages:
- excellent ergonomics;
- battery overheat indicator;
- presence of automatic blocking;
- a light weight.
Flaws:
- supplied without batteries or charger;
- lack of airflow into the working area.
2. RYOBI R18JS
The leading position in this rating category is occupied by one of the best cordless jigsaws, the RYOBI R18JS. The model is distinguished by an even cut, has illumination of the work area, a quick-release fastening of the saw, and a pendulum stroke. It perfectly cuts sheet steel up to 6 mm thick, and the saw depth of wood was 101 mm, while battery consumption is quite economical. It has an adjustable pendulum stroke and convenient speed control located under the thumb. According to reviews from owners, RYOBI R18JS will become excellent choice for those buyers who do not have the opportunity to work from the network, but who need good performance.
Advantages:
- smooth saw;
- high work efficiency;
- simple and easy tilt angle adjustment;
- excellent build quality.
Flaws:
- no sawdust blowing;
- weight and dimensions.
The best professional jigsaws
Professional-grade jigsaws are distinguished by high power and productivity. As a rule, such a tool can easily cope with high, prolonged loads, therefore it is used by builders and in the production of furniture products. If you are planning a permanent larger volume of work, then be sure to take a closer look at the jigsaws from this category of our rating.
1. DeWALT DW333K
Professional jigsaw DeWALT DW333K, thanks to powerful engine(701 W), can be easily used for figure cutting of small parts and cutting materials of various thicknesses and densities. The model has an adjustable saw speed, a quick-release mechanism, a soft start and a three-stage pendulum stroke. A plus to all the advantages is good equipment. According to the owners, this is the best electric jigsaw in the rating, which, in terms of functionality and reliability, is really worth the money.
Advantages:
- smooth running and sawing speed;
- powerful electric motor;
- excellent equipment;
- electronic adjustment of saw blade frequency;
- lower location of the guide roller.
Flaws:
- lack of illumination of the working area.
2. Makita 4351FCT
One of the best popular jigsaws designed for heavy loads, Makita 4351FCT, easily copes with cutting 10 mm steel and wood up to 135 mm thick. The most powerful jigsaw and at the same time the most expensive of the models presented in the rating. A powerful electric motor (720 W), electronic adjustment and additional functions guarantee high productivity and quality cuts. The model has excellent ergonomics and a rich set of equipment.
Advantages:
- electric motor with a large power reserve;
- LED lights;
- the ability to quickly replace the file;
- low vibration and noise.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Which jigsaw is best to buy?
As you can see, for the right choice jigsaw must be taken into account whole line factors affecting both the performance of the tool and its cost. First, decide on the type of work in which the power tool will be used. For home use, a tool with a lot of additional functions is not the best best option. In practice, many functions remain unclaimed, and the cost of a jigsaw sometimes increases significantly. Before purchasing, be sure to read the characteristics of the product and check its ergonomics (how it fits in your hand). If you can test the power tool in the store, be sure to do so. We hope that our recommendations and review of the best models of jigsaws will help you when choosing a reliable and high-quality assistant for your home.