This buying guide for jig saws will help you make an informed decision when deciding what to buy for your purpose as a professional or home user.

A jig saw, or jigsaw, sometimes called a saber saw is a small machine with a fine blade to cut curved lines in wood sheets, plastic, ceramic tile, plywood, particleboard, or metal. They are battery-powered or corded electric-powered. Jig saws are handheld tools to get the job done.

Professionals love jig saws and home owners seem to have one in their workshops.

1. What a Jig Saw Does

For cutting shapes in a variety of materials, a jig saw is the forerunner in saws. It is versatile and can cut wood, metal, ceramic and more to also cut at many different angles.

The blade is key for complex shape cutting to include making bevel, compound, curves, and straight cuts.

You might be pondering which jig saw to buy. Let my electric-powered reviews assist you with that question. Read my cordless jig saw reviews below if you prefer using a battery-operated model.

There are many jig saws from which to choose and it can become overwhelming. Take a look at my jig saw reviews here to have a better understanding of the different features and performance of the countless models available.

2. Jig Saw Blades

Each blade will show on it what it’s used for. It will show wood or metal on the side, fiber cement, ceramic, and others.

The blade bottoms are U-Shank or T-Shank. U means it’s a universal blade. Some jig saws use both blade types while other brands use only one type.

Jig saws are perfect for making short crosscuts on boards. For finishing the inside corner cuts, start out with a circular saw for long, fast, straight cuts, since jig saws don’t do this task well.

The Allen wrench is simply a hex-shaped small tool for removing the blade.

A router for woodworking will give you another tool for making decorative edges, cutting slots, carving signs, cutting grooves, creating moldings, laminating veneers, and milling joints such as for dovetails and mortises.

You can do a lot with a router. Carpenters and woodworkers are familiar with the router’s multi-functional abilities and can’t be without one.

3. Cutting Wood Guidelines

Jig saws are best for cutting softwood such as pine that’s about 1.5-inches thick while cutting hardwood such as oak that’s about 0.74-inches thick.

• The blades on jig saws are apt to bend when you cut thick board curves that will leave a beveled edge not the square edge you want.

• Be sure your blade is sharp and do not force it to cut to keep the square cut.

• To make a plunge cut, make a cut to enter in the middle of the wood and tip the jig saw to have the blade parallel to the wood with the weight of the saw resting on the front of the shoe’s lip. Start off at a maximum speed and tilt the shoe lowering it into the wood.

• Use a coarse blade for quick cutting. The coarser the blade the more you will need to sand later on.

• Remember that most jig saw blades for cutting wood have the teeth cut on the upstroke.

4. Cost and Warranties

The cost of a quality jig saw can run from $30 up to a few hundred dollars depending on the brand and all the bells and whistles.

Most brands offer a good Warranty usually from 1- to 3-years and some provide money back guarantees.

Read your User’s Manual/Instructions from beginning to end!

Top 10 Best Jig Saws

1. BLACK+DECKER^™ BDEJS600C Smart Select Jig Saw, Electric, 5.0-Amp

The 5-Amp jig saw with CurveControl^™ is the perfect choice for cutting a variety of materials. It is a #1 best jig saw seller on Amazon.com with countless features at an affordable price. You can also purchase it with 24 blades at about $17 more. It uses U- and T-shank blades.

The corded-electric jig saw makes 45-degree bevel cuts and the shoe is adjustable for stability. The shoe is about 3- to 3-1/16-inch wide.

The wire guard is new and improved to have more precision cuts coming with a dust blower.

The blade clamp is keyless for using no tools when changing blades. Set the orbit to 1 of 4 customized settings that has a variable-speed motor up to 3000 SPM (Strokes per Minute) cutting power.

Its wire guard gives you a clear line of sight for precision cuts.

It has a dust blower and keyless blade clamp using orbital action. The stroke length is 3/4-inch.

It is lightweight at just 4.6-pounds and includes the jig saw with 1 jig saw blade.

The beveling shoe lets you do angled cuts in both directions.

Plug the UL^® listed 6-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered. It has 600-Watts output power.

California residents Click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive a User’s Manual and 1 each T-shank blade, and a 2-year Limited Warranty against defects in material and/or workmanship. It is made in China.

BLACK+DECKER^™ jig saw review video (new curve control) by Home Repair Tutor.

2. DEWALT^® MAX DCS331B, Jig Saw, Cordless, Tool Only, 20-Volt

This best cordless jig saw is the bare tool only needing a battery, charger, and blades. It has an all metal lever action with a keyless chuck for blades and an all metal keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0-, 15-, 30-, and 45-degrees that provides versatility for easy bevel cutting. The battery and charger are sold separately on Amazon.com if you need those. This jig saw is not brushless.

It has a 4-position all-metal orbital action for you to have the control of speed for quality of cuts, and keyless efficient blade changing with the keyless blade clamp.

The dust blower is adjustable to keep wood chips from your line of cut.

For a variety of materials and applications, the variable motor speed is from 0- to 3000 SPM (Strokes per Minute).

You’ll appreciate the comfort gripping the handle that will not slip in your hand to have better control of your actions.

This jig saw is made for the T-shank blades for your professional results and has great holding power. The standard blades work well too. It will not hold the U-shank blade.

The stroke length is 1-inch and the jig saw weighs 5.4-pounds. It does not have a light to see your working area nor an edge guide. It does not come with a carrying case; it’s just the bare saw.

You will receive the DCS331B (“B” at the end of the number means Bare Tool that it is the saw only with no battery, charger, blades, or any other accessories), 20-Volt MAX Jig Saw, User’s Manual, and Warranty. It is manufactured in Mexico.

DEWALT^® MAX Jig Saw unboxing demo video.

3. TACKLIFE PJS02A Advanced Electric Jig Saw, 6.7-Amp

The TACKLIFE is an electric-corded powered 3000 SPM (Strokes per Minute) Jig Saw with a long-life LED (light emitting diode) light and red laser. For under 50 bucks on Amazon.com, this jig saw is one of the best jig saw tools around.

The variable-speed motor is made of pure copper with an adjustable aluminum base on the saw’s bottom. The base is 6.5- x 2.8-inches, and the plastic protective cover size is 6.7- x 3-inches.

The jig saw includes 6 distinctive speed settings, and the laser light has 4 adjustments for your liking.

The stroke length of this jig saw is 0.87-inches (4/5-inch) (22 mm).

Convenience with use are the metal guide and ruler with a dust exhaust port to hook up to your vacuum.

With the orbital action using 4 different positions, you can adjust the cutting for specific cuts and materials for the precision you need. It uses T-shank blades.

You can cut 45-degree bevels to the left or right for tangent, bevels, or curved cuts. The quick-release chuck is perfect for fast tool-free removal of the blade.

A great thing about this saw is that when you push the lock button on the handle it will keep the saw performing without you needing to use your hand reducing fatigue.

It cuts through wood with ease and aluminum as well.

The dimensions are 9- x 8.7- x 3.5-inches and it weighs 5.3-pounds.

Plug the UL^® listed 10-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered. It operates at 800-Watts.

It comes with a hard plastic carrying case with handles, 6 blades (2 blades for metal and aluminum, 4 blades for wood and plastic), rip fence, a dust exhaust pipe, an Allen wrench, User’s Manual, and a 2-year Warranty. It’s made in China.

TACKLIFE jig saw unpacking demo video.

4. PORTER-CABLE MAX PCC650B Jig Saw, Cordless, Tool Only, 20-Volt

The PORTER-CABLE is an Amazon Choice jig saw with 3 orbital settings and a variable-speed trigger from 0 to 2500 SPM and convenient tool-free release of its blade. It has a keyless blade clamp being a top-rated jig saw.

It comes with a dust blower for getting rid of wood scraps and dust so that you can see better while working.

It uses T- or U-shank blades with no problem and has no built-in LED light.

This is the bare tool only meaning you will need to supply the battery and charger.

The stroke length is 3/4-inch and the contoured over-molded handle improves comfort for your hand.

The beveling shoe provides the ability to cut 0- to 45-degree bevel cuts. You can also do straight and scroll cuts using wood and metal.

The dimensions are 12.2- x 3.8- x 10-inches weighing 4.5-pounds.

California residents Click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive the User’s Manual and the PCC650B jig saw, one 4-inch wood blade, Allen wrench, and a 3-year Limited Warranty, 1-year free service Warranty, and a 90-day money back guarantee. It is made in China.

PORTER-CABLE MAX PCC650B jig saw review video.

5. TECCPO TAJS01P Professional Jig Saw, Electric, 6.5-Amp

TECCPO – Technology Creates Power – is the defined acronym, TECCPO. This is a new company that is competitive with its counterparts selling power tools and one of the best professional jig saws sold on Amazon.com.

It uses T-shank blades and the shoe length is 16.5-inches x 2.75-inches wide.

The copper motor is variable speed at 3000 SPM. It has 3/4-inch stroke length and a lock-on trigger to reduce hand fatigue. The gear box is made of aluminum, not plastic for longer motor life.

The largest capacity is 2-3/4-inches for wood and PVC pipe, while 1/4-inch is for metal.

You will have a laser guide with the switch on the side, 6 blades, and a hard plastic carrying case with carrying handles. Along with that, it has a scale ruler with a cutting angle of 0- to 45-degrees left and right. Perform cuts that are straight, curved, or slanted for your creative projects.

It has 6 different speed dials and 4-stage pendulum action for different materials. Position 1-4: plastic; position 2-3: steel plate; position 3-4: stainless steel; position 3-6: aluminum; and position 5-6: wood.

The laser and scale ruler lets you have the guidance needed for perfect wood cutting tasks. The blade guard is see-through so that you can always maintain dust to have clear vision for what you are looking at when cutting.

The dimensions are 10.2- x 3.1- x 8.3-inches and it weighs 5.51-pounds.

Plug the UL^® listed 6.5-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered. It operates at 800-Watts.

Blades included are 2 for metal where 1 is for low hardness metal and the other is for higher hardness metal, and the other 4 blades are for different wood cuts. With the blade clamp using no tools, it’s easy and fast to change blades.

You will get the User’s Manual and blades listed above along with a 2-year Warranty. It is made in China.

See on Amazon.com how to install the scale ruler.

TECCPO jig saw demo video.

TECCPO jig saw unboxing with included accessories + carrying case video.

6. BOSCH^® JS470EB Barrel-Grip Jig Saw, Electric, Tool Only, 7.0-Amp

The BOSCH^® barrel-grip is an excellent choice in jig saws. If, however, you prefer the traditional handle type, see that model on Amazon.com and the picture at the left.

The barrel-grip provides unrivaled and unmatched precision cuts.

If you have large hands you will like the control the barrel grip gives you down low and closer to the blade (as compared to the top handle models). If you have smaller hands, the handle type is recommended.

This jig saw is used by finish carpenters as well as bathroom and kitchen installers both by the professional and home user being one of the best woodworking jig saws.

The saw’s variable-speed makes this a choice model for cutting curves. It produces 500 to 3100 SPM with a 1-inch stroke length. With its aluminum gearbox and soft-grip handle, it’s a builder’s choice for control and comfort.

The low vibration and fully counterbalanced design is great under a load. The footplate is die-cast aluminum with a plastic overshoe that leaves no marks.

Using T-shank blades and accepting U-shank, the many directions blade clamp offers superior gripping. You’ll never need to touch hot blades using its blade ejection lever.

Attach the dust blower to a vacuum so that you always have the maximum cut line range.

It comes with a blow-molded case that snaps shut with handles for carrying.

Specifications:

• Cutting Capacity: Soft Wood 5-7/8-inch
• Cutting Capacity: Aluminum 0.875
• Cutting Capacity: Mild Steel 0.375
• Dust Blower: Yes
• Dust Collection: Yes
• LED Light: No
• Height: 7.0-inches
• Width: 2.5-inches
• Length: 7.0-inches
• Weight: 5.9-pounds

Includes:

• Jig Saw Blade
• Blow-molded plastic case that snaps shut with handles for carrying

You can buy the following parts for this jig saw:

• Anti-Splinter Insert (JA1013)
• Plastic Overshoe (2601099183)
• Bevel Wrench

Plug the UL^® listed 10-foot 2-prong cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered.

You’ll receive a User’s Manual and a 30-day money back guarantee with 1-year Warranty It is made in Switzerland.

BOSCH^® JS470EB Barrel-Grip jig saw demo video.

7. WORX^® WX550L.9 Reciprocating and Jig Saw, Cordless, Tool Only, 20-Volt

This WORX^® unit is cleverly designed being a jig saw and reciprocating saw combination. It is a bare tool with no battery or charger included. Use your other WORX^® batteries/chargers to supply power to this saw. Or for about $13 more, you can buy those for this unit on Amazon.com with the unit at the same time.

You will love this one tool with two saws and it is one of the best jig saw for crafts.

This battery-powered jig saw offers toolless blade changing for this orbital and variable-speed saw.

With its pivoting head, you can convert from a reciprocating saw to a jig saw in no time at all.

The versatile AXIS accepts virtually any brand of blade so you can easily cut wood, PVC pipe, plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, copper, thin steel, and even tree limbs and roots. It’s superior for making quick cuts both indoors and out being the very best reciprocating saw.

It uses a 20-Volt MAX Lithium battery that gives you performance that lasts a long time. This model works with standard T-shank jig saw and reciprocating saw blades. The saw operates at 27-Watts power.

The built-in blower removes saw dust and chips for a better cutting view.

The motor is on the side with the purpose of the motor and gearing to rotate at the same time. You’ll have no misalignment or slippage—only endless power for efficient cuts.

The no-load speed is 3000 SPM and the stroke length is 3/4-inch. It has a built-in dust blower and LED light.

It measures 8.75- x 6.75- x 5.75-inches and weighs a slight 3.3-pounds.

California residents Click here for Proposition 65 warning.

WORX^® AXIS comes with four blades: 3 jig saw blades and 1 reciprocating blade. You’ll receive a User’s Manual and a 3-year Warranty. It does not come with a carrying case. This product is manufactured in China.

WORX^® AXIS product preview video.

WORX^® AXIS out-of-the-box with battery/charger and into the yard video.

8. Makita^® LXT^® XVJ03Z Jig Saw, Cordless, Tool Only, 18-Volt

In 2005 Makita^® created the 18-Volt Lithium-Ion cordless tools. This LXT^® Lithium-Ion jig saw is an Amazon Choice product and is one of the best cordless jig saws in the marketplace. The tool only does not include the battery or charger. Only use Makita^® batteries and chargers, by the way, and you might have those for your other Makita^® products.

This model is carbon brushed, not DC brushless.

It has the soft-start feature starting out slow and increasing in speed as you pull the 2-finger variable-speed trigger.

It has a LED light to see your work area, but no dust collector blowing the saw dust off to the side.

Using a twist-lock it takes the T-tang blade shank changing blades with its tool-free system and a variable-speed motor putting out 0 to 2600 SPM without the speed dial.

For your various materials, it has 3 orbital settings and straight cutting.

The jig saw is equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls^™ to protect against overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating.

Length of Stroke: 1-inch

Maximum cutting capacity at 90-degrees (wood): 5-5/16-inches

Maximum cutting capacity at 90-degrees (steel): 3/8-inch

Maximum cutting capacity at 90-degrees (aluminum): 25/32-inch

The jig saw does not come with a carrying case and you can buy it with the kit on Amazon.com as shown in the picture on the left.

Makita is more expensive because it’s built to last for years of hard use. Contractors love this jig saw!

California residents Click here for Proposition 65 warning.

It measures 3.6- x 12.3- x 9.1-inches and weighs 6.4-pounds with battery that’s not included.

You will receive the User’s Manual, jig saw tool only (battery and charger not included), 4-1/8-inch 9TPI jig saw blade, cover plate, and 3-year Warranty. It’s made in the United Kingdom.

MAKITA^® 18V LXT^® Jig Saw Kit (XVJ03) and XVJ03Z Bare Tool demo video.

9. SKILSAW^® 4495-02 Orbital Action Laser Jig Saw, Electric, 6.0-Amp

SKILSAW^® has brought to us what pros and home users have wanted for a long time—the world’s best jig saws—and they are first-class having been around for generations.

The 6.0-Amp motor is super powerful with a built-in LED laser guide to let you see your cuts without eye fatigue. One of the best orbital action laser jig saws, SKILSAW^® will never disappoint.

It has a 4-position orbital cut control and a variable-speed trigger for adjusting its speed to what you’re cutting.

With its molded tool rest the blade won’t damage your materials.

It uses T- and U-shank blades and they change easily using no tools. Your blades can be stored in the storage area on the saw.

The foot adjusts without the use of tools for changing angles. No jagged cuts using this jig saw for you. It can be adjusted to 22- and 45-degrees.

It will cut wood up to 2-9/16-inches thick, aluminum up to 1/2-inch thick, and steel up to 1/4-inch thick. Its stroke length is 0.75-inch.

Plug the UL^® listed 6-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered. It does not come with a carrying case.

The measurements are 12.2- x 3.5- x 9.8-inches and it weighs 5-pounds.

You will receive the User’s Manual, jig saw, 2 U-shank blades, and a 1-year Warranty for home use. It is made in China.

SKIL^® jig saw 4495-02 review demo video.

10. RYOBI^® ONE+^™ P5231 Orbital Cordless Jig Saw, Tool Only, 18-Volt

The RYOBI^® ONE+^™ Orbital Lithium-Ion cordless jig saw uses T-shank blades and spins at 3000 SPM at the high end. This is the bare tool without the battery and charger.

It is variable speed controlled by trigger pressure with the highest speed ideal for straight cuts through lumber and the lower speed meant for spiral cuts through sheet metal or thin plywood.

The BladeSaver^™ feature lets you adjust the shoe height to have longer blade life.

You’ll have the toolless blade change and adjustable bevel shoe along with a LED light to see your cut line.

Tilt the base and make the bevel cuts you love with the RYOBI^® ONE+^™ orbital action laser jig saw.

The variable speed from 1100 to 3000 SPM is high performing acting more like an electric-powered saw.

With its 3 orbital cut settings this gives you faster cutting and using the lock-on feature, there is no need for you to hold the trigger.

No carrying case is provided with this jig saw. It does not have a laser guide.

You’ll receive the jig saw, T-shank wood cutting blade only, Allen wrench, and User’s Manual. It has a 3-year Limited Warranty and is made in China.

How to Use a RYOBI^® jig saw demo video.

Tips Using a Jig Saw

How to use a jig saw if you’ve never used one before is not that difficult and will come to you naturally with time and practice. Jig saws are suitable for making those curved or short diagonal cuts at the corners of countertops. These are perfect for making the long final cut that’s parallel to the back splash.

• When cutting countertops, use a drill and a 1/2-inch drill bit to make a starter hole.
• For having no blade defection to work with when you install a sink, make the front, two side cuts of the hole to mount the sink with a circular saw.
• A circular saw will not work to cut the narrow space at the backsplash. The jig saw with its narrower body will fit there perfectly.
• Some people don’t like using a circular saw for countertops, so if this is you, use the corded or battery-powered jig saw for the entire task.
• This is a slow process and you’ll need a downward cutting laminate jig saw blade. With its wide blade of 5/16-inch and 8 TPI (teeth per inch), laminate chipping out will be reduced. Through the turns, use short relief cuts easing the blade all the way through the turns.

What Can You Do with a Jig Saw? A Lot! Woodworking Basics demo video.

Final Thoughts

We hope the jig saw reviews above have given you the best choices when buying one for business and home use as well. Come back and visit our site often for great products, buying guides, and tips. Happy shopping!