Among household (and industrial) power tools, the jigsaw takes pride of place. 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.
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:
Additional criteria that will help you choose the optimal electric jigsaw:
Despite popular belief, you can buy a high-quality jigsaw inexpensively. The secret is localization of production.
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.
Except smooth cut, a good jigsaw should have a smooth operation, have sufficient power for the planned work and be light in weight. Ease of use is also important - you should pay attention to the shape of the handle, the stability of the support sole and the presence of a speed controller.
This versatile tool can be used for almost all sawing jobs. At a price of 4200-4300 rubles. The jigsaw has a decent power of 620 watts. It is more than enough for everyday use and daily work for several hours. The PST 900-PEL model easily copes with both wood 90 mm thick and thin sheets of steel - the stated metal cutting depth is 8 mm. You just need to rearrange the desired file. Moreover, the model is also capable of sawing accurately, without going to the side and giving an even cut.
We will briefly list the remaining advantages of the product of the famous German brand:
There are only two drawbacks, and they are insignificant:
A well-balanced, high-quality jigsaw from another Japanese manufacturer that has been proven over the years. Structurally, it is simpler than Bosch, without unnecessary bells and whistles and less rich equipment. But this does not affect the quality of work in any way. We gave second place to this model only because, after all, it is not worth sawing all day long - with sufficient power of 450 W, the support rollers simply cannot withstand harsh use.
The wood cut thickness indicated by the manufacturer is 65 mm. In this it is slightly inferior to the previous model. But still, a jigsaw is not a sawmill, and is simply not intended for sawing thick boards (although users claim that the Makita 4329K easily takes old garden trees and greater thickness). And it cuts steel sheets up to 6 mm quite decently. If you work slowly, the cuts will be smooth and clean.
Buyers will also undoubtedly be pleased with:
We have already mentioned the disadvantages:
Another safe and reliable tool from Bosch.
It also has many advantages:
But, unfortunately, there is a minus, and a very significant one:
Another “workhorse” with a power of 550 W, capable of making cuts in wood up to 85 mm thick. It also easily takes 10mm sheet steel.
Flaws:
The ideal jigsaw for fine work and precise cuts. If you need to regularly cut thin boards, laminate or thin metal, you can also safely take this tool. For the money (and it costs 4300-4400 rubles) it is almost perfect. AEG STEP 70 will work accurately, quickly (despite the average power size) and with a minimum of vibration and noise.
Just remember to take into account that, although the manufacturer indicates a wood thickness of up to 70 mm, this only applies to soft and medium-hard wood. If you try to cut too thick coniferous bars, the cuts may not be very even.
The significant advantages of a jigsaw include:
Flaws:
A small, lightweight jigsaw with a power of 705 W with a pendulum stroke, made in traditional Hitachi black and green colors, has good performance and is capable of sawing even shaped holes and curved lines. The cutting depth is decent: 90 mm for wooden blocks and 8 mm for steel.
In general, the tool is not bad:
But still, this jigsaw has a little more disadvantages than previous models:
It was possible, of course, to provide an auxiliary tool for sawing at a given distance, but for an inexpensive jigsaw this drawback is not so significant.
A very successful model worth 3000-3100 rubles. has a fairly significant number of positive reviews from users. Even famous manufacturers offer much worse options at this price. The jigsaw's power of 705 W makes it easy to work with boards up to 100 mm thick. At correct selection Files will also take metal up to 10 mm thick.
The unit works quite quickly, effortlessly and can cope even with serious work and large volumes. And it doesn’t get hot!
Plus has:
Interskol, unlike the models described above, weighs a little more - 3 kg, but this is rather an advantage - it only gives stability to sawing. But, unfortunately, there is no quick-release fastening for the saw. And the service life of the support roller with such power, unfortunately, is limited.
This simple model costs about the same as Interskol MP-100E. With a power of 701 W, it is capable of overpowering 110 mm thick wood and 10 mm steel.
But the advantages as well as the disadvantages, unfortunately, are equal.
The advantages include:
We list the disadvantages:
An inexpensive model with a power of 570 W - its price is only 1500-1600 rubles. – is able to fully work out its value. Bison L-570-65 is designed for cutting 8 mm steel and 65 mm wood of medium hardness. Moreover, you can even use it for figure sawing. You can also work with plastic, for example, acrylic or laminate.
Let us list the other obvious advantages of the model:
There are some drawbacks, but at this price you wouldn’t be able to avoid them:
In this article we will talk about jigsaws, consider the TOP 10 best and which ones are best to choose for household chores. This tool is used for carpentry and wood carving and is useful both for home use and for professional work.
In order to choose a jigsaw from a huge assortment, you need to consider its main characteristics and, depending on the purpose and brand, choose a home assistant. You don’t need to focus on cost, because the more functions, the higher the price, but you won’t use most of them in practice.
If the tool is needed for professional work, then it is worth considering models at higher prices and with high power.
There are a great many criteria for choosing jigsaws.
The class of a jigsaw directly depends on the power: household (for home) or professional. Running household models usually have a power of 380-700 W, they “take” steel up to 2-4 millimeters, wood - up to 7, have a smaller resource and number additional functions.
The price of household models from the cost of professional ones can differ significantly (depending on the manufacturer). Tool professional level(750-1000 W) cuts two-centimeter aluminum and steel up to a centimeter, the cutting depth of wood reaches 8-14 mm.
The thickness of the material is indicated in the instructions as “maximum cutting depth”. There are low-power jigsaws powered by batteries. Suitable for limited cutting volumes of materials that are not particularly hard, in the absence of an electrical network (for example, in a suburban area).
This parameter of the jigsaw determines the speed of work (the number of reciprocating movements of the saw per minute). It is worth considering: wood is cut better at a higher frequency, steel - at a lower frequency.
The stroke rate is adjusted either before turning on the power tool, or is changed during operation by a locking button. The higher the indicator, the faster the blade wears out and, at the same time, the higher the productivity.
Today, the vast majority of jigsaws are equipped with a pendulum mechanism with a corresponding switch. The mechanism makes additional movements of the file in the horizontal direction and increases cutting performance, operating speed and operating time.
A significant disadvantage is that the quality of the surface may decrease significantly. Therefore, it is not advisable to use a mechanism for finishing cuts. When cutting steel or hardwood with a jigsaw, the function is virtually indispensable.
In poor lighting, a jigsaw can act as an additional light source. For this purpose, the power tool is equipped with additional lighting. The jigsaw motor fan can serve as a “cleaner”, using exhaust air to blow dust and sawdust away from the cutting line.
The option of connecting a jigsaw to a household vacuum cleaner serves similar purposes. The saw rotation regulator is indispensable when cutting round holes. An important criterion for choosing a jigsaw may be the presence of an angle clamp that fixes the base plate (“sole”) at different angles: 0, 45, 30, 15 degrees.
When selecting blades for a jigsaw, the material is also taken into account. Saw blades made of carbon steel (marked HCS) are suitable for cutting soft wood and a number of artificial materials, and those made of high-speed steel (HSS) are suitable for steel, various non-ferrous metals, plastics, aluminum, and other hard materials.
Universal bimetallic blades (BIM) are flexible and allow you to work with a jigsaw in areas with very limited access.
With modern globalization, the line between “good” and “bad” producers has, of course, become a little blurred. But some stereotypes (such as inexpensive and high-quality) remain among both sellers and buyers.
Electric jigsaws, like others electric tools, produce various models that can be used for professional needs or household purposes.
In everyday life, this tool is not used very often, so household jigsaws have low power, inferior professional models which are constantly in use.
Household electric jigsaws are equipped with fewer additional functions and have minimal working resources, which are enough for one-time use of the tool. Accordingly, the cost of household models of jigsaws is 2-3 times less than the price of professional models.
When choosing an electric jigsaw, you must take into account that low-power household tools are used for cutting wooden products with a maximum thickness of 70 mm, and steel, with a maximum thickness of 4 mm.
Professional models of electric jigsaws, which have high power and performance, are used for cutting wood with a maximum thickness of 135 mm, steel up to 10 mm and aluminum up to 20 mm thick.
If you know how thick the metal you need to cut is, it's easy to calculate the power of the jigsaw needed for the job. Household electric jigsaws are produced by Chinese and Polish manufacturers.
Better instruments are produced by German, Japanese and Swedish manufacturers. The professional electric jigsaw is produced by the famous German manufacturer Bosch.
Cut round holes of various diameters using an electric jigsaw in sheet materials (wood, steel, plastic) quickly and easily.
If a jigsaw is needed for professional activities - performing repair work on an ongoing basis, then in this case it makes sense to pay attention to professional units. They are more powerful and designed for daily use.
The professional jigsaw has unlimited operating time and is equipped with many additional functions. Power is 700-1000 watts. Such units do an excellent job of cutting wood 80-135 mm, steel - up to 10 mm, aluminum - up to 20 mm. Of course, the weight and size of professional jigsaws is greater than that of household jigsaws.
Like any other power tools, a jigsaw can be used for household or professional use. It is better to choose a household model if you plan to use a jigsaw rarely and only at a small household level.
These jigsaws are low-powered, they can cut wooden parts no more than 7 cm thick and steel sheets up to 4 mm thick. Frequent use of household electrical appliances will cause them to wear out quickly. But this does not mean that they are of poor quality.
For their modest purposes they are quite suitable. Typically, such models are manufactured in China or Poland, have a limited number of functions and are quite affordable price. They are ideal for home use.
Professional jigsaws have greater power, a significant margin of safety and can last for more than one year even under maximum loads. Such models can easily cut wooden blanks up to 14 cm thick, aluminum sheets up to 2 cm thick and steel sheets up to 1 cm thick.
Professional jigsaw manufacturers usually produce a range of electrical appliances and are quite well known among construction workers. The more famous the manufacturer, the more expensive the instrument that is produced under his name.
Although there are analogues that are less expensive, but no less high quality. A seller with a good and proven reputation will tell you which model to choose.
When choosing a model Special attention It is worth paying attention to the additional functions of a professional jigsaw. Which one exactly?
Almost all modern models are equipped with a pendulum-type mechanism. This mechanism transmits additional pendulum vibrations to the file. This feature protects the tool from premature wear and significantly reduces cutting time.
True, the quality of the cut decreases, which is not always acceptable. If you are making a finishing cut, it is better to turn off the pendulum mechanism. In addition, you should not use it when working with metal or hardwood.
The second useful feature is the ability to adjust the stroke rate, which allows you to configure the tool to work with a specific material. The higher the stroke frequency, the higher the productivity, but at higher frequencies the tool itself wears out faster.
The frequency can be selected by pressing the start button harder, or it can be set with the regulator before starting the instrument.
What will also make your work easier is the dust blowing function. Almost any cut, regardless of the material, results in the appearance of dust and chips, which settle on the cutting line and scatter around the workplace. The dust blowing function will help to immediately clean the blade from chips and dust, which will significantly improve the quality of the cut and its accuracy.
In addition, a jigsaw can have a built-in lamp, a system for quickly replacing the cutting element, a sole angle lock, and others. useful features. You can even connect a vacuum cleaner to jigsaws to keep your workspace neat and clean, free of dust and shavings.
When choosing an electric jigsaw, you also need to take into account its power. For household models it usually does not exceed 500 W, while for professional models it reaches 550 W and higher.
The German corporation Bosch knows everything about jigsaws, because it was thanks to this manufacturer that the first jigsaws appeared. And the improvement of this tool continues every day.
Although the first jigsaw called Lesto was produced by Albert Kaufmann, who had nothing to do with the concern, it was after selling it to Bosch that it gained its popularity.
Now the Bosch jigsaw is a high-quality and reliable device. And this is not surprising, because the manufacturer has always put the interests and needs of the buyer first, and the brand itself is the personification of German quality and durability.
All company products and Bosch jigsaws combine excellent specifications and modern technologies.
Buying a Bosch jigsaw means getting an excellent tool with which you can make cuts of any shape. The powerful engine is capable of completing work of any complexity. And the almost complete absence of vibration makes interaction with it easy and comfortable.
Every Bosch jigsaw is equipped with the Bosch-SDS system, which allows you to change blades without any tools in just a few seconds. Modern models also have a pendulum function, which allows for more accurate and high-quality cuts.
And the well-known Bosch Electronic system makes the process of operating the tool very simple and convenient. In addition, most models are equipped with speed control and soft start systems. The level of safety when working with them is very high.
We recommend paying attention to power cutting tools from the Japanese brand Makita. Manoeuvrable, multifunctional and indispensable devices for solving household and professional problems in working with wood, plastic and metal.
It is also important what reviews customers leave on Makita jigsaws, talking about their convenience and safety in use. When choosing, pay attention to the presence of travel speed adjustment using a conveniently located trigger. It is also important that the handle of the tool is equipped with special rubber vibration-damping and anti-slip pads.
To avoid dust in the room due to waste during cutting, it is important that the model has the ability to attach a dust bag or pipes for assembly with an industrial vacuum cleaner. Availability of various protective equipment, such as protective transparent shields and the possibility of grounding, also increase work safety.
LED lamps that illuminate the work area help you use the tool in low-light conditions.
Equipping jigsaws with a cast aluminum platform to protect them from damage during a fall, and tool-free changing of cutting accessories are also important key points when choosing jigsaws from Makita.
If you have ever been to a tool store, you have seen that there are letters and numbers on the shank of any saw. Let's figure out what they mean.
The letter T means the type of fastening, that is, T-shaped. There is also U, which is much less common.
The numbers on the shank mean.
Tooth A is the smallest, so all metal files have an A, for example T118A means a file with a T-shank, short, very fine tooth.
Next, accordingly - B - a slightly larger tooth (most often these are saws with fine teeth for plywood, chipboard, fiberboard and wood for a clean cut). Files with the letters C and D - with the largest teeth, for rough sawing on wood.
The main purpose of an electric jigsaw is sawing wood. There are a huge number of files for this purpose and they are all different. Let's go in order.
If you need to cut ordinary boards and you don’t care about the quality of the cut, its cleanliness, you work for speed (for example, cutting ordinary boards for firewood or for a fence), then buy jigsaw files with large teeth. Thanks to this, the sawing speed will be high, and if you work with a jigsaw in pendulum mode, then everything will be just fine.
In addition to this, also pay attention to the length of the saw, since you won’t be able to cut a board or block 70 mm thick (for example) with a regular saw, you will need an extended one.
Well, the third nuance when choosing is thickness, standard files are not thick, but there are thicker ones (they cut much better because they do not bend). Since most jigsaws use a standard mount (T-shaped), the name of the saw blades for such a mount begins with the letter T.
For a standard set of nail files, see the photo:
Well, now we’ll look at each file separately, what it can cut, and what kind of work it’s best suited for.
T101D - standard for sawing boards, short. The price is very low (40-50 rubles), so it is in demand and is included in our so-called “gentleman’s set”.Usually, when buying a jigsaw, the buyer asks to pick up some files for the household, so 101D is definitely included in the set. It has a large tooth, good sawing speed, and acceptable cut quality. In addition to boards, you can saw chipboard and thick plywood.
The T101B is the second standard wood jigsaw, fine tooth, so we recommend it for finishing cuts. She works on plywood, chipboard, fiberboard, plexiglass, plastic. The sawing speed is lower than the previous one, which is understandable; a small tooth is more needed for a finishing cut. T101BR - exactly the same as 101b, the only difference is the direction of the tooth. This is a saw with a reverse tooth, which is used primarily on coated surfaces. This is, of course, primarily a laminate, glossy surface The laminate does not tear, so the cut is smooth and neat. So this is an excellent option for laminate and laminated wood. T119BO is for figure sawing, so it is thin. It is used in cases where you need to cut a circle in a tree or something else. Due to the fact that it is thin, the jigsaw can be rotated while sawing.Cut out circles, diamonds, ovals in plywood, hardboard, chipboard. The tooth is small, so the cut is even and smooth. Before you start cutting a hole in the plywood, first drill a “hole” with a regular drill, then insert the file into the hole and start cutting in a circle.
There are also progressive models that are more expensive, but they cut much more efficiently and faster than standard ones. One of these - T234X - for cutting chipboard, fiberboard, any wood, and most importantly - for sawing wood along the grain.
The file cuts very quickly, so it is in demand among buyers. She can also work on sheet metal, plastic, plexiglass.
Extended - T345 XF, for cutting thick pieces of wood. I cut a 90 mm block with this saw, no problem at all. It has the BIM brand on it, so the saw is bimetal, you can cut everything except stone.
T118A is a standard metal file, has a very fine tooth (like metal blades). You can cut metal up to 3 mm, but there is a terrible grinding noise, so use hearing protection. Highly recommend. Also, due to the fact that the tooth is very small, it is also recommended to saw plastic with it; many finishers do this.These are 5 files that we constantly sell along with jigsaws. By and large, they are enough for all household chores.
In addition to the standard metal file, there are special options for some other metal. For example, an aluminum file has a larger tooth, so the teeth do not clog. After all, aluminum is a soft metal, so the standard one for metal gets clogged with shavings very quickly.
T224D - for aluminum, special. It says Alu on it.Category | Place | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
The best inexpensive jigsaws | 5 | 3700 | |
4 | Bort BPS-650-Q | 1800 | |
3 | 1900 | ||
2 | Interskol MP-55/500E | 2000 | |
1 | 1400 | ||
The best professional jigsaws | 5 | 5900 | |
4 | Makita 4351FCT | 10200 | |
3 | 11500 | ||
2 | 6300 | ||
1 | 14000 |
The Top 10 jigsaws opens with the German model BOSCH PST 700 E, which can easily be classified as a universal solution. The fact is that a jigsaw has good cutting ability with a cutting depth of 70 millimeters. Great for fitting boards and panels.
Can be used as household assistant for creating decorative accessories and toys. In general, the scope of application is wide. The only problem is that the developers did not pay enough attention to working with metals. At best, it cuts aluminum up to 4 millimeters thick.
If you want to buy a jigsaw with an ergonomic shape and comfortable handle, and don’t plan to overpay - Bort BPS-650. We are talking about the most convenient jigsaw in its line.
A rubberized handle, a durable engine and improved grip are just a small list of the advantages of a model that attracts with a reduced vibration level and an extended service life. The device copes with parts up to 6.5 centimeters wide.
A quick-release chuck is installed to secure the tiles. It is worth adding that the manufacturers paid due attention to almost all the little details: from clamps to fixing the pipe. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not consider it necessary to work on the spring-loaded screws. The model begins to make noise, according to customer reviews, 3 months after purchase.
We are talking about a good Russian jigsaw, the power of which is 710 W. This is quite enough for smooth, stable operation of the device when interacting with various materials.
Best suited for wood processing (cut depth 8 cm). For steel, the cutting depth is 1 cm. There is a protective shield and simple frequency adjustment. Based on customer reviews, the product has good blades and easy operation.
All parts are made of high quality materials. However, this product is aimed at performing simple tasks - for professional use no good!
Perhaps the best budget Russian jigsaw, which has a powerful engine. The developers also took care of the installation good mechanism turn. You can cut wood, metal, plastic at an angle of 45 degrees.
A universal clamp for various canvases is installed. A nice addition is the rubberized handle, which is pleasant to hold in your hand. In addition, it has a protective visor to protect the rods.
Regardless of low price, additional protection is provided in the form of a dust adapter. Among the variety of reviews, there are no substantiated comments that we pointed out to the obvious disadvantages of the model.
The best budget jigsaw is the Bort BPS-500-P model, designed for home use. Despite its reasonable price, it is suitable for a wide range of materials, including ceramics, metal, and plastic. The compact power tool is equipped with a stable motor with a power of 400 W.
A secure grip is ensured by the presence of an elastic lining and the ergonomic shape of the product. Suitable not only for cuts, but also for sawing wooden sheets. It is worth saying that the developers also took care of the presence of a good “start” lock.
Therefore, there is no need to keep your finger on the button all the time. The cutting angle is adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees. For such a price there are no shortcomings identified!
The developers have equipped the device with good blades, a reliable engine and an anti-chip insert. For obvious reasons, this jigsaw makes it very easy to achieve a smooth surface. But, as you know, a lot depends on the skill of the user and the ease of use of the device.
And here, not everything is perfect. After just a few uses, the cut begins to move to the side.
A powerful model designed for precise processing of wood and plastic. It works less efficiently with metals, since the cutting depth is only 1 centimeter. Based on customer reviews, the power is 720 W. At the same time, the maximum stroke is 2.6 centimeters.
The professional jigsaw weighs only 2.4 kilograms. This is not enough for a product with such an engine. In addition, the developers equipped the device with a cast support base, which allows you to make high-quality oblique cuts without worrying about damage to the tool.
It is worth adding that the manufacturer’s stated characteristics are completely true!
We are talking about the most convenient jigsaw of 2018, according to the majority of users. The DeWALT DW331K model attracts with its simple saw blade replacement and a good built-in counterweight system.
This indicates that the device has a low noise level. In addition, the device is equipped with a rubberized pad, as well as a comfortable handle.
If necessary, you can use the fixation button if a large amount of work is planned. It is worth noting that the power regulator is located on the handle. This is a huge bonus for craftsmen who have to work with several different materials in parallel.
A good jigsaw for professional use that provides users with the highest operating comfort. Suitable for a wide variety of operations, as is the entire Metabo STE line. The model is equipped with a powerful, reliable motor, which ensures high cutting accuracy.
It is worth saying that the model is economical, which is due to the presence of a well-thought-out pendulum system that regulates the ideal balance of speed and fuel consumption.
Many users were satisfied with their choice because after using this tool the cutting area is always clean. You can additionally connect a vacuum cleaner.
The best jigsaw of 2018 is the Metabo STEB 140 Plus model, which operates on the basis of an innovative autonomous start system. When cutting any material, the device automatically accelerates the progress of any tile. Another nice bonus is the easy choice of sole inclination.
Provides intelligent lighting and sawdust blowing. For these reasons, the product has a long stated service life. There is a plate to protect the inside from chips and mechanical damage.
The kit includes a high-quality suitcase, good protective glass and a connection for connecting an additional vacuum cleaner.
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 is universal 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.
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:
Power type:
Design features (type of saw blade movement):
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!
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 which workpieces maximum thickness 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:
We will review jigsaws of each class and make a rating of the best models, according to user reviews.
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 - the most optimal solution for a home workshop.
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:
Flaws:
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 good jigsaw an ideal value for money.
Advantages:
Flaws:
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. The cutting depth for wood is 65 mm, for steel sheets - 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:
Flaws:
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 jigsaws.
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:
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 sawing speed allow you to make cuts High Quality. 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:
Flaws:
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.
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.
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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 be an excellent choice for those buyers who do not have the ability to work from the network, but who need good performance.
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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.
The professional jigsaw DeWALT DW333K, thanks to its powerful motor (701 W), can be easily used for figured sawing small parts and cut 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.
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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.
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As you can see, to choose the right jigsaw, you need to take into account a number of factors that affect 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 tool with big amount additional functions are not the 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.
An electric jigsaw is an indispensable tool that every home craftsman needs, just like a drill. The versatility of this device allows you to use it for or as a hacksaw for wood and even metal. Taking into account the versatility, it becomes clear that when choosing such equipment, it will not hurt to be careful. Today we will look at the characteristics that a high-quality jigsaw should have and present the TOP 10 best jigsaws according to consumer reviews.
An electric jigsaw is a device with which shaped blanks are cut from wood, chipboard, and even metal for various purposes. Similar equipment is used in furniture production, the production of figured decorations, and for household purposes (as an auxiliary tool). After all, if you have an even piece of wood, you can ideally cut boards, PVC or NDF panels. The angle of inclination is also adjustable, which allows you to chamfer or unravel the fiberboard lengthwise at the desired angle. He can even do garden work like removing dried tree branches.
Every home craftsman knows what a jigsaw looks like. But it makes sense to understand how it works. The basis of this equipment is an electric motor, which rotates an eccentric wheel (a roller with an offset center) through a gearbox. It is the eccentric that transmits reciprocating movements to the canvas.
An electric jigsaw for wood or metal is equipped with an electronic rheostat to regulate speed. This is necessary - the same speed will not work for different materials. Some models of household jigsaws are equipped with a bag to illuminate the cutting area, as well as a bag for collecting sawdust that appears during work.
Despite the fact that today the line between professional and household tools has noticeably blurred, this has not affected the classification of jigsaws. Let's look at what groups such equipment is divided into. The main ones can be called:
You need to understand what the difference is between these groups.
Network equipment is more powerful than battery equipment. After all, if you imagine the power of the battery, comparable to the electrical network, then it will be heavy and bulky. A logical question arises: “Why such a battery then?” The only disadvantage of network equipment is its “attachment” to . If you need to do work outside, you will have to pull an extension cord, and this is not always convenient.
Professional equipment is distinguished by expanded functionality, settings for the position of blades (files), power and endurance (the ability to work in aggressive environments and a rigid rhythm).
Good to know! If you need a jigsaw for your home and will not use it often, you should not purchase professional equipment, the cost of which is many times higher.
Household equipment has less power. But it is enough for housework. Research has confirmed that such equipment with a power of 350 W is capable of sawing boards 70 mm thick. And household jigsaws offered by the manufacturer today consume 600÷700 W. Draw conclusions.
A household jigsaw, despite having sufficient power, is only suitable for short-term work. A home workshop, where the owner works with wood “for the soul,” is their element. But if you plan, a household jigsaw will not work. Needed here professional device, capable of working 7÷8 hours a day.
Industrial devices are stationary. They represent . The wood on them is sawed differently than with an industrial jigsaw - it is not the device that moves, but the material.
Such machines are installed in workshops and rarely move. They are used in the furniture industry and can work up to 24 hours a day. A home craftsman, regardless of whether he is involved in woodworking, has no need for such units - their cost is significant.
Having summarized the information presented, we will answer the question of which is better to buy a jigsaw for the home like this: if there are no plans for construction, and a jigsaw is only needed periodically, the option with a household tool will do. For construction or small furniture production - professional.
Before purchasing a blade, you need to clarify which shank will fit your model of electric jigsaw. There are only 4 options, and now we will look at them:
Photo | Shank designation | Explanations |
![]() | T-shaped | The first manufacturer to introduce such a shank was BOSH. Today, giants such as Makita, Metabo, Hitachi, Skil, AEG, DeWalt, Sparky, and Interskol have switched to such blade shanks. |
![]() | U-shaped | Shank for block and screw clamps. Installed on old models “Skil”, “DeWalt”, “Wolf”, “Ryobi”, “Stayer”, “Black&Decker”. |
![]() | Makita shank | Old Makita models only |
It is impossible to say which of them is better. If it is not a Chinese fake, then the quality is not in dispute. The main thing is that the shank fits seat tool. The length of the canvas varies in the range of 40÷250 mm. But when purchasing saw blades, it is worth taking into account the capabilities of the tool and its power.
Before choosing an electric jigsaw for your home, in addition to power, you should pay attention to:
When purchasing electrical equipment, you must be sure to read the certificate of conformity for the product and check the terms and conditions of warranty service with your sales consultant. The device must be in perfect condition, without chips, cracks or scratches. High-quality equipment is supplied by the manufacturer in plastic cases.
After checking the functionality of the tool in the store, the seller is obliged to fill out a warranty card in front of the buyer, affixing the date of sale and stamp. If even one of these conditions is not met, it is better to refuse the purchase. After all, even an inexpensive model can ruin your mood if it stops working on the second day.
In the rating of electric jigsaws, we will consider brands and models household appliances, which became the most purchased at the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018. We won’t give the cost, we’ll talk about it later. Our task now will be to understand which models are the most popular and for what reasons.
Despite the fact that this tool is in tenth place, it cannot be called bad - others did not make it into the TOP 10 at all. It’s not just the power that let this jigsaw down (only 440 W). The power button, located inconveniently (at the top of the handle), often fails (according to customer reviews). There is no speed regulator, as well as cutting line control.
The Bort BPS-800-Q jigsaw could compete for a higher position, but with a power of 800 W and a cutting depth of only 80 mm on wood, this is impossible. Although he takes 10 mm steel. The tool weighs 2.6 kg. Buyers note strangeness in the work. When cutting wood thicker than 50 mm, the blade moves to the side. The advantage is that it blows away sawdust from the cut.
Powerful unit of 705 W. The cutting depth for wood is 100 mm, for steel – 10 mm. Weight about 3 kg. Among the disadvantages, owners note strong vibration (which will subsequently lead to loose parts) and the fact that on long cuts the tool does not hold a given strip well.
The 18 V battery allows you to work only with wood 40 mm thick, which is a rather mediocre indicator. Blade stroke frequency – up to 2,100 units/min. The gearbox is rather weak and consists of plastic gears. This means that if the permissible thickness of the material is exceeded, the teeth can be “licked off”. The plus is the laser cut pointer and smooth, soft operation. Seventh place in today's ranking.
With a power of 450 W, the cutting depth for wood is only 65 mm, for soft metals – 6 mm. Quite modest characteristics for network equipment. The weight is also small - less than 2 kg. Supports an instant blade change system, no backlight. Those who have purchased this tool complain that the blade holder is not adjustable enough.
The stroke rate of this electric jigsaw is higher – 3000 units/min. The cutting depth for wood is 135 mm, for soft metals – 10 mm. There is no illumination of the work area, which is disappointing. There is also no connection to a vacuum cleaner or dust collector; instead, it blows away sawdust. Weight more than three kg. Fifth place.
The battery of this model is 18 V, but the cutting thickness is small. It is 40 mm for wood and 10 mm for soft metals. The speed of the blade is 2050 movements per minute, weight is 3.5 kg. With such a powerful battery and significant weight, the performance could have been better, and therefore fourth place.
Powerful device of 650 W. The possible cutting thickness for wood is 90 mm, for soft metals – 20 mm, for steel – 10 mm. A maximum speed limit rheostat is installed (wheel behind the handle). Weight – 2.4 kg. Instant change of blades, ability to connect to . The disadvantage is the lack of illumination of the cutting area and the third place in the rating.
Battery device with 14.4 V power supply. Cutting depth – 135 mm for wood and 10 mm for soft metal. It is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner to collect sawdust. Replacing the blades is simple - you just need to press two buttons on the sides and the lock is removed. Equipped with cutting strips. Weight 2.6 kg (with battery). Deserved second place in today's ranking of jigsaws for 2017-2018.
Wood, plastic and aluminum are no problem for this tool. A properly selected canvas can easily handle these materials. During testing, this jigsaw, although with difficulty, coped with corrugated sheets and 3 mm metal, which already says a lot. The possible thickness of non-ferrous (soft) metals is up to 12 mm, and wood – up to 65 mm.
The power of the Bosch GST 65B electric jigsaw is only 400 W at a rotor speed of 3,100 rpm. Convenient tool, durable in operation, deserved first place in the rating.