Top 10 best electric jigsaws and tool selection criteria

Top 10 best electric jigsaws and tool selection criteria

The electric jigsaw is a universal tool for processing various materials at home. It is characterized by compactness, power and relative ease of operation. Modern manufacturers offer a huge number of options, and it can be difficult to choose the optimal one. Therefore, below we will consider the main characteristics of the tool, the selection criteria, and also dwell in detail on such a list as the top 10 best electric jigsaws.

The electric jigsaw is designed for direct and curly sawing of various materials

Types and design of electric jigsaws

There are a huge number of models of electric jigsaws on the modern market. In order to simplify the choice, you can divide them into groups according to a number of distinctive features.

Classification of tools

This tool can be classified according to a number of different parameters. Let’s start with the type of food. By this criterion, the tool can be:

• network;
• rechargeable.

Network electric jigs have high power, but they are less mobile than battery models

The features of each type are clear from the name. Network models of jigsaws are powered from a standard power grid and have a higher power compared to battery ones. On the other hand, the battery-powered jigsaw is more mobile, it can be used away from electric power sources. If you often cut building materials indoors and out, then the best option is to buy both a mains and a battery tool.

The next parameter is the destination. According to it , jigsaws are allocated:

• professional;
• industrial;
• household.

A professional electric jigsaw can work without interruption for up to 8 hours

The first category boasts advantages such as high power and wear resistance. A professional jigsaw is designed for many hours (up to 8 hours a day) work without interruptions, and is designed to perform large amounts of work.

An industrial jigsaw is, in fact, a machine that is used in the woodworking industry.

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Household jigsaw is the cheapest model designed for home workshops. It is easy to operate, has a sufficiently high power, and is the best option for a home craftsman.

Useful advice! If you are thinking about how to choose an electric jigsaw for your home, but you are planning large-scale repairs, the construction of a private house or other structure, it is better to stop at buying a professional, not a household model. In addition to a long working time, it boasts an advanced configuration that will simplify many tasks for you.

Household and semi-professional models of jigsaws are perfect for use at home

Tool design

Now every tool manufacturing company strives to ensure that its electric jigsaws are as convenient to use as possible. All elements of the tool design are designed for this:

• body – the shape of the handle is important here. Most manufacturers provide it with a rubber gasket for the convenience of using the tool;
• the blade for cutting – it can be both a metal saw for electric jigsaws, and cutting blades for other materials;
• the saw holder – the cutting blade is attached to it;

The cutting blade (saw) is fixed with a special holder

• support sole – serves as a tool stop;
• the button for turning the jigsaw on and off;
• speed control – allows you to increase or decrease the number of revolutions for more efficient work with different materials;
• a nozzle for a dust collector – a dust collector connected to an electric jigsaw will help you get rid of excess dust during operation.

All elements of the construction of the tool that you are going to buy should correspond to the tasks set as much as possible. For example, such a question as the choice of a saw for an electric jigsaw is carried out taking into account what materials you plan to work with.

The support sole can be equipped with additional attachments that facilitate working with the tool.

Additional features

Some models of electric jigs are equipped with additional functions to simplify work. Below are options for such functions:

• laser pointer for more precise cutting of the material;
• electronic adjustment of stroke frequency and cutting depth – facilitates work with various materials, increases the accuracy of cutting;
• the possibility of connecting the tool to a vacuum cleaner or dust collector;
• automatic sawdust blowing function;
• the ability to adjust the pendulum mechanism.

Useful advice! All these functions make the tool more efficient, but also increase its cost. So if you only need a jigsaw for sawing wooden boards once a month in the garage, then such features as blowing sawdust or adjusting the depth of the cut are unlikely to be useful to you.

Diagram of the internal device of an electric jigsaw

Which to choose an electric jigsaw: criteria for choosing a tool

There are a number of properties and characteristics that should be paid attention to when choosing:

• tool power type (battery or mains);
• engine power and type (open or closed);
• the method of fastening the web (screws or clamping device);
• device class (professional, household, industrial);
• ease of operation;
• availability of additional functions;
• manufacturing company;
• the price of the instrument.

The cutting speed of the material is affected by the indicator of the number of moves per minute

The main parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing is the number of moves per minute. It directly affects the cutting speed of the material and its accuracy. Usually, this indicator ranges from 0 to 3100 stroke/min, but some particularly powerful models can reach 3200 stroke/min.

Useful advice! If you are going to work with different materials, then you need a jigsaw with the ability to adjust the number of strokes per minute, since some materials may be demanding on this parameter.

For sawing different materials, various saws are used, which come complete with a jigsaw or are purchased separately

Also an important point is the system of replacing the saws in the tool. Fastening can take place using a clamping device or screws. The first method is simpler, faster and does not require the use of auxiliary tools. And the presence of various saws and oils for their lubrication in the kit is a pleasant, but not mandatory bonus. By the way, it is best to take care of buying spare parts for an electric jigsaw right away when buying a tool, otherwise at the most crucial moment you may not have the right part at hand. And this entails a work stoppage for an indefinite period.

Of course, each buyer may have their own special requirements for the instrument. It all depends on the planned scale of work, the type of materials to be worked with, and other factors. For someone, the most important thing when buying is the price, and someone prefers models exclusively with a screw attachment of the canvas or an open engine. Next, we will look at the best electric jigsaws according to the professionals.

Figure sawing of plywood with an electric jigsaw

Top 10 best electric jigsaws

The top electric jigs include models that have proven themselves best in terms of power, ease of operation and other parameters.

Bosch GST 65B

Bosch electric jigsaw tops the list. Its main advantages are a small degree of vibration, reliable fastening of the sole, light weight and dimensions. All this makes it very convenient for housework. The hand gets tired minimally when working, thanks to the design of the body and the fastening of the sole, and the blowing function allows you to follow the cutting line. The model performs well when working with wood, plywood and metal, so it can be considered universal.

The Bosch GST 65B electric jigsaw is suitable for sawing various building materials

Bosch PST 10.8 LI

Another model from the same manufacturer. Its main advantage is that it runs on battery power. This implies other advantages – light weight, smooth acceleration of the engine, adjustable sole. An interesting additional feature of this model is the LED backlight. In combination with battery power, this allows you to work outdoors in poor lighting. And if you need to replace, for example, a cloth for an electric jigsaw on wood with a cloth on metal, then you can easily do this with the help of a quick fastening mechanism.

Bosch PST 10.8 LI rechargeable electric jigsaw with built-in LED backlight

Makita 4329

The electric jigsaw of the Makita differs from other models by minimal vibration. After using this model, you will not want to pick up another jigsaw. Of the other advantages, it is worth noting the presence of three modes of pendulum stroke, a rubberized handle and the ability to adjust the base plane. The disadvantage of the tool is a long–term replacement of the canvas.

The electric jigsaw Makita 4329 is equipped with three modes of pendulum stroke

AEG BST 18X

A rechargeable electric jigsaw with very extensive functionality. Pleasant bonuses of the model are the presence of a screen to protect the operator’s face and eyes, an electronic brake and a cast aluminum sole. At the same time, the model is relatively inexpensive, and the only thing that can be attributed to its disadvantages is its heavy weight compared to other battery–powered jigsaws. So for more convenient use, you may need a table for electric jigsaws.

AEG BST 18X rechargeable electric jigsaw with electronic brake function

Dewalt DW 349

A powerful tool with convenient manual adjustment of the platform. The speed is controlled by a simple switch, there is an LED backlight and a sawdust blowing function. Included with the jigsaw is also a special pad on the sole to protect the sawn material.

Useful advice! The presence of such an overlay in the jigsaw kit is a very important point if you need not to scratch the material when cutting it. Therefore, if you plan to work with such materials, take care of the availability of this spare part at hand.

Dewalt DW 349 electric jigsaw with integrated sawdust blowing function

Dewalt 331K

A very reliable jigsaw with a closed-type engine, a large number of settings and the ability to adjust the tilt of the canvas without a key. As with the previous model, the sole is equipped with a special soft pad.

Dewalt 331K jigsaw with closed type electric motor

Ryobi CJS 180L

A jigsaw with a lot of features, but, unfortunately, not very powerful. It is characterized by low weight, the presence of a laser pointer and a protective fence. The accumulator and charger for this model will have to be purchased separately. It can be used as a desktop electric jigsaw.

The Ryobi CJS 180L electric jigsaw is characterized by low power and low weight

Interskol MP-100E

The Interskol electric jigsaw is interesting because it is a domestic model. The main advantage is the low price. Other advantages include high resistance to loads, a cast gearbox housing, a hinged engine cover for more convenient cleaning.

The electric jigsaw of domestic production Interskol MP-100E

Bosch GST 14.4 V-LI Professional

An excellent representative of battery jigsaws. In this model, the saw holder for the electric jigsaw is designed so that you can replace the canvas with one movement. There is a backlight, a sawdust blowing function. The main advantage is a long working time without charging the battery.

The Bosch GST 14.4 V-LI Professional electric jigsaw has a long working time without recharging

Makita JV100DWE

A very compact electric jigsaw with the ability to adjust the pendulum stroke. An excellent household jigsaw with low power, but great efficiency.

Electric jigsaw Makita JV100DWE — compact model for home use

Overview of the prices of electric jigsaws

Comparative table of manufacturers, prices and warranty period top 10 best electric jigsaws:

After reviewing the rating of electric jigsaws by quality, and taking into account your own preferences, you will be able to choose a reliable and functional tool for yourself. When choosing, it is advisable to focus on prices and customer reviews that can be found on manufacturers’ websites. In this case, you are guaranteed to make not only a practical, but also an economical purchase.