10 best jigsaws for home and garden
The electric jigsaw is one of the most common household tools. This is not accidental: the jigsaw can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also for solving other tasks (for example, sawing small boards, pieces of wood). There is such a huge variety of these tools on the market today that the choice is very difficult.
What to look for when buying? Which brand should you choose? Which is better - a cordless or cordless tool? To help the reader find answers to these questions, we have compiled a rating of the top 10 best domestic and foreign jigsaws, as well as some tips for choosing them. So, let's choose a tool.
How to choose a jigsaw?
Before choosing, you need to decide what type of power the instrument will have. There are only two options:
- network;
- rechargeable.
In the first case, the device is powered from a household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V. This allows you to install an electric motor of almost any power on it, however, it reduces autonomy. After all, the movement of the worker is limited by the length of the power cord. And in places where there is no outlet, work is completely impossible.
The second type of tool is powered by a rechargeable battery. This allows you to work anywhere without being tied to an outlet or restricting movement. However, there are some downsides to this. First, the battery lasts for a relatively short time (usually 2-3 hours). After that, it requires recharging or replacement. Secondly, powerful motors are not put on cordless jigsaws, since they quickly consume battery power. When purchasing a device, these points must be taken into account.
So, we have decided on the type of equipment. What should you pay attention to when choosing a technique? Here are the highlights.
- Power. The more powerful the tool, the more efficiently it cuts wood. The optimal indicator is from 500 to 700 watts. Anything that is weaker does not cope with its tasks. Anything more powerful is usually not needed in a boot - weaker devices are enough to work at home.
- Stroke frequency. This parameter represents the number of reciprocating movements that the jigsaw file makes during a certain period of time. The larger it is, the faster the tool works. It should be noted that the parameter is not directly related to power. For relatively weak devices, it can be quite large. For most household tasks, a power tool with a frequency of 2,500 - 3,000 strokes per minute will suffice.
- Cutting depth. This parameter reflects how deep the file extends during forward motion. It directly depends on how thick the parts can be processed. Jigsaws with a small value of this indicator can be slightly improved by installing a longer saw on them.
- Smooth start. This function allows the motor to start gradually. It is very useful as it protects the motor from overloading and thus significantly extends its service life.
- Stroke frequency regulation. The frequency of movement of the file on most models can be adjusted. This allows you to select a different operating mode for different conditions. For example, for cutting soft woods, the frequency can be reduced, for sawing harder woods, it can be increased.
- Maintainability. Some models of electric jigsaws are in fact disposable. In the event of a breakdown, neither spare parts nor accessories can be found for them. Sometimes, due to the peculiarities of the fastening, even files are not on sale. Such devices should be avoided.
- Equipment. Jigsaws have different configurations. The simplest one includes only the tool itself. The most difficult part is a set of keys and files, replaceable batteries. The latter option is more attractive, but also more expensive.
- Manufacturer and price. Branded tools are expensive, but of high quality.Cheap Chinese options do not differ in quality and reliability, although you can also find decent copies among them (but very difficult). Therefore, it is better to give preference to the middle price category. It contains budget branded devices, as well as Russian-made equipment. Such products are of sufficient quality and reliable, while you will not have to pay exorbitant sums for them.
- Reviews and reviews. Manufacturers often do not talk a lot about their products. This is understandable: they need to sell as many items as possible. Therefore, it is very difficult to obtain information from official sources about the intricacies of using the tool, problems during operation. To find out about this, you should read the reviews of real buyers and reviews of independent experts. Only they will make it possible to form a truly objective picture.
The best professional jigsaws
Professional jigsaws are understood as tools that are intended for use by specialists: carpenters, joiners, wood carvers. They are more powerful, better quality and more reliable than household ones. However, the price of such equipment is much higher.
Despite the main purpose, no one forbids purchasing a professional-grade jigsaw for the home. Below are 3 current models from the world's leading manufacturers.
Milwaukee HD18 JSB-402C
The Milwaukee HD18 JSB-402C is a cordless electric jigsaw from an American professional equipment manufacturer. Here are its main technical specifications.
| Power | 72 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 2,700 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 120 mm |
| The weight | 2.9 kg |
| Battery capacity | 4 A / h |
A distinctive feature of the device is that it is capable of sawing not only wood, but also soft metal alloys (in particular, aluminum). However, in this case, the cutting depth decreases and is 30 mm.
The handle of the device is ergonomic, gripping. In addition, it is covered with a layer of polymeric material that prevents slipping.
The plate above the file can tilt. The tilt angle is up to 45 degrees. This makes it possible to handle even uneven materials or work on highly inclined surfaces.
One battery charge lasts for 2 - 3 hours. At the same time, his weight is small - a device with a connected battery has a mass of less than 3 kilograms. This allows you to significantly extend the time during which the fatigue of the working hand occurs.
The model has a pendulum stroke mode. During it, the file moves not only in the vertical, but also in the horizontal plane, slightly deviating from the trajectory of its movement. This allows it to, as it were, bite into the material being cut and significantly increases the speed and efficiency of work.
The complete set of the device is rich and includes:
- plastic case for transportation;
- Charger;
- 2 rechargeable batteries.
BOSCH GSG 300
BOSCH GSG 300 is a professional-level electric jigsaw from the famous German concern Bosch. These are the technical characteristics of this device.
| Power | 185 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 3,500 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 300 mm |
| The weight | 1.6KG |
| Cord length | 4 m |
The main purpose of the tool is cutting foam and other polymeric materials. It has a rather massive, finely adjustable metal stop, which ensures high cutting accuracy. In addition, the model is equipped with a dust collector.
Despite the purpose declared by the manufacturer, BOSCH GSG 300 can also be used for wood processing.
The device operates on a household power supply. This made it possible to equip it with a powerful, revving engine. At the same time, the tool weighs less than 2 kilograms - after all, it does not have a battery.
The length of the power cord, which is 4 meters, is quite enough so as not to hinder the movements of the worker.
A distinctive feature of the model is a low noise level during operation, which is only 76 decibels.
The work area has an LED light that helps control the direction of the cut in the material being cut.
The scope of delivery includes only the tool itself. There are no additional accessories available.
Makita BJV180RFE 3.0Ah х2 case
Makita BJV180RFE is a jigsaw from a famous Japanese brand. Here are its technical specifications.
| Power | 60 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 2 600 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 135 mm |
| The weight | 2.8KG |
| Battery capacity | 3 A / h |
Unlike the two previous participants in our review, the Makita BJV180RFE cannot be fully called professional. It is rather a semi-professional device. It has less power, and is also made in the form factor of a traditional household jigsaw. Nevertheless, the model is distinguished by excellent build quality and good technical characteristics.
A distinctive feature of the Makita BJV180RFE is a rich package bundle, which includes:
- set of files;
- 2 batteries;
- Charger;
- a hex key for replacing files, servicing and repairing the device;
- plastic case for transportation;
- additional cover for the fixation tube.
The best jigsaws optimal in terms of price / quality
If the buyer is not faced with the task of professional processing of wood or other materials, it makes no sense to overpay for high-level devices. In this case, it is better to pay attention to the equipment of the middle price category, which has an optimal ratio of cost and quality. Let's consider 4 such tools.
Makita 4329X1
Makita 4329X1 is a relatively inexpensive jigsaw popular in Russia from the Japanese company Makita, which operates on a household power supply. Here are its main technical characteristics:
| Power | 500 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 3 100 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 65 mm |
| The weight | 1.9 kg |
| Cord length | 2 m |
Despite the relatively low cost, the model is capable of working not only with wood, but also with metals. And not only with soft ones like aluminum and its alloys, but also with steel up to 6 millimeters thick.
The handle is simple, made in the form of a bracket. However, it is quite comfortable. It is rubber coated to prevent slipping of the palms.
The disadvantage of the Makita 4329X1 is the small cord length, which is only 2 meters. However, this problem can be easily solved by connecting an extension cord.
The scope of delivery includes a set of 5 different files, as well as a hex wrench to replace them. For a device at this price, the package is very good.
The device is perfect for home and summer cottages, as it successfully copes with most household tasks.
BOSCH PST 900 PEL
BOSCH PST 900 PEL is a versatile inexpensive jigsaw from the German company Bosch. These are the technical characteristics it possesses.
| Power | 340 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 3 100 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 90 mm |
| The weight | 2.2 kg |
| Cord length | 3.5 m |
The main advantage of BOSCH PST 900 PEL is its large cutting depth. For wood it is 90 mm, for other materials it is slightly less. This is quite comparable to the cutting depth of professional devices.
Another distinctive feature that makes your work more comfortable is the extensive rubber coating located on the handle. It prevents the palm from slipping and makes the grip of the tool more secure and firm.
The cord length of the appliance is 3.5 meters. This allows free movement around the work area without the need for an additional extension.
The delivery set of the tool includes:
- file compartment;
- saw blade;
- guide;
- casing;
- protective cap against the formation of shavings;
- carrying case.
DeWALT DW349B
DeWALT DW349B is a relatively inexpensive jigsaw from a well-known American manufacturer. These are the technical characteristics it possesses.
| Power | 500 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 3,200 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 75 mm |
| The weight | 2.5KG |
| Cord length | 4 m |
The model can be confidently called a "strong middling".It does not shine with outstanding performance, but it is suitable for solving all everyday tasks, it is well assembled, reliable and, most importantly, inexpensive.
The delivery set is not rich. It includes a set of files and a protective pad.
PATRIOT LS 650
PATRIOT LS 650 is another electric jigsaw from the USA. Here are its main characteristics.
| Power | 570 Wt |
| Stroke frequency | 3,000 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 65 mm |
| The weight | 1.9 kg |
| Cord length | 3m |
The model is very good. It is powerful enough, has a high stroke rate for its price segment, and low weight. At the same time, PATRIOT LS 650 costs a little more than 2,000 rubles. What did you save on here? On the course of the file. It allows you to make a cut with a depth of no more than 65 millimeters. However, to solve the vast majority of problems that arise at home or in the country, this is more than enough.
The cost was also reflected in the delivery set. It includes one and only additional accessory - a protective shield.
The best inexpensive jigsaws
Sometimes finances do not even allow you to purchase a jigsaw of an average price category. In this case, budget models come to the rescue. Of course, they are in many ways inferior to their more expensive "brothers", but when there is no other way out, they are also quite suitable for work. Below are 3 such jigsaws.
Kolner KJS 500
Kolner is a German brand with the main production facilities located in China. Due to this, it was possible to significantly reduce the cost of production. For example, the KJS 500 model can be purchased for just 1,200 rubles. These are the technical characteristics the buyer gets for this money.
| Power | 500 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 3,000 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 55 mm |
| The weight | 1.4 Kg |
| Cord length | 3m |
Pretty good for such a cheap device.
It should be noted that KJS 500 behaves well when cutting wood and in some cases successfully compares with more expensive counterparts. This makes it one of the best budget electric jigsaws on the Russian market.
VORTEX LE-55
Do not be fooled by the Russian name VORTEX. In fact, this is a purely Chinese brand focused on Russia and the CIS countries. Here are its main technical specifications.
| Power | 600 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 3,000 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 55 mm |
| The weight | 1.5KG |
| Cord length | 2 m |
Despite its low cost, the LE-55 passes all tests for the minimum required parameters of a jigsaw.
MILITARY JS500
MILITARY JS500 is an ultra budget electric jigsaw that can be purchased for less than 1,000 rubles. These are the technical characteristics it possesses.
| Power | 500 watts |
| Stroke frequency | 3,000 strokes / min |
| Maximum cutting depth | 55 mm |
| The weight | 1.4 Kg |
| Cord length | 2 m |
The characteristics are not outstanding. But for such a cheap device, this is very good. - using MILITARY JS500, you can solve the vast majority of problems arising in everyday life.
Summarize
So, our review of electric jigsaws has come to an end. It did not include products of such popular brands as Interskol and Fiolent, desktop instruments. However, just one relatively small article will not cover. We hope our rating has helped the reader to make the right choice and purchase a suitable tool.
