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Best Jigsaws

DeWalt DCS334B

DeWalt DCS334B

20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless Jigsaw


Hey there, DIY enthusiasts! If you’ve ever tried cutting a perfect circle in plywood with a handsaw or hacked through a countertop with a wobbly blade, you know the struggle is real. Enter the jigsaw—the ultimate tool for slicing curves, angles, and intricate shapes with precision and flair. Whether you’re crafting a kid’s wooden rocket ship or installing a farmhouse sink, this guide will show you why a jigsaw is the Swiss Army knife of your toolbox. Let’s carve into the details!

What’s a Jigsaw? (And Why It’s Not Just a “Fancy Saber Saw”)

First off: A jigsaw is a handheld power tool with a thin, reciprocating blade that moves up and down to cut curves, circles, or straight lines in wood, metal, plastic, and even tile. Unlike its bulkier cousin, the band saw, a jigsaw is portable, affordable, and beginner-friendly.

Originally designed in the 1940s for cutting jigsaw puzzles (hence the name), modern jigsaws have evolved into must-haves for:

  • Custom furniture (think curved table legs or scrollwork).
  • Home renovations (cutting sink openings in countertops).
  • Craft projects (holiday ornaments, wooden signs).
  • Outdoor builds (firewood storage racks, garden trellises).

5 Reasons a Jigsaw Belongs in Your Toolbox

Still think your circular saw or handsaw can handle curves? Think again:

  1. Master of Curves (and Straight Lines!)
    Jigsaws excel at cutting shapes other tools can’t touch—serpentine edges, notches, or even plunge cuts.

  2. Beginner-Friendly & Budget-Smart
    Models like the Black+Decker BDEJS600C start under $50. No steep learning curve—just plug in and cut.

  3. Blade Versatility
    Swap blades faster than a TikTok dance:

    • Wood Blades: 6–10 TPI (teeth per inch) for smooth cuts.
    • Metal Blades: 18–24 TPI for slicing aluminum or copper.
    • Carbide Blades: Cut ceramic tile or fiberglass.

  4. Compact & Portable
    Trim baseboards on-site or carve pumpkins at the kitchen table—no workshop required.

  5. Fix Mistakes Like a Pro
    Messed up a cut? A jigsaw’s narrow blade lets you “edit” your work without starting over.

Choosing Your Jigsaw: The Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Don’t get lost in specs. Here’s what actually matters:

1. Corded vs. Cordless

  • Corded Jigsaws (e.g., Bosch JS470E): Uninterrupted power for heavy-duty jobs.
  • Cordless Jigsaws: Go 20V MAX (like DEWALT DCS334B) for portability. Match batteries to your existing tools!

2. Orbital Action: The Secret to Speed

Adjustable orbital settings control the blade’s aggressiveness:

  • 0 Setting: Straight up/down for clean cuts in veneers.
  • 3–4 Setting: Forward blade tilt for faster (but rougher) rips in thick wood.

3. Blade Guides & Stability

Look for anti-splinter guards (to reduce tear-out) and tool-free blade clamps (no hex key required).

4. Top Brands for Every Budget

  • Bosch: The gold standard for precision (JS470E).
  • Makita: Smooth operation and ergonomic grips (JV0600K).
  • Skil: Affordable workhorse (X2 5680-01).
  • Milwaukee: Cordless beast for pros (M18 Fuel 2737-20).

Jigsaw Hacks: Pro Tips to Cut Like a Wizard

Steal these tricks from the experts:

  • Tape It Up: Apply painter’s tape along cut lines to prevent splintering.
  • Drill Starter Holes: For interior cuts (like sink openings), drill a hole first to thread the blade through.
  • Go Slow on Metal: Use cutting oil to keep blades cool and extend their life.
  • DIY Circle Jig: Screw a scrap wood pivot point to your jigsaw’s base for perfect circles.

Safety first: Keep All 10 Fingers

Jigsaws are forgiving, but accidents happen:

  • Wear Safety Glasses: Flying debris doesn’t care about your eyeballs.
  • Secure the Workpiece: Clamp materials to avoid slips.
  • Unplug for Blade Changes: Because “oops” moments aren’t cute.

5 Jigsaw Projects to Try This Weekend

  1. Floating Shelves: Cut scalloped edges for a boho vibe.
  2. Kids’ Name Puzzle: Turn ½” plywood into a personalized toy.
  3. Hexagon Planters: Modern geometric designs for succulents.
  4. Outdoor Bar Cutout: Carve a bottle opener into your patio bar.
  5. Halloween Tombstones: Lightweight foam board spooks!

Maintenance Made Simple

Treat your jigsaw right:

  • Blow Out Dust: Use compressed air to clear motor vents.
  • Lubricate the Blade Holder: A drop of 3-in-1 oil prevents rust.
  • Store Blades Dry: Toss silica gel packs in your blade case.

Why a Jigsaw Is Your Next Must-Buy

From trimming door jambs to crafting heirloom toys, a jigsaw unlocks endless creativity without breaking the bank. For less than the cost of a fancy dinner, you’ll gain the power to cut curves that’ll make your DIY projects look pro-level.

Hot Tip: Black Friday deals often bundle jigsaws with blades or sanders—keep those peepers peeled!

(Lizzy “The Saw Whisperer” Monroe is a third-generation woodworker and host of DIY or Die, a YouTube channel where power tools meet punk-rock energy. When not covered in sawdust, she’s arguing with her cat about who’s the real boss of the workshop.)