How to choose a jigsaw for your home (for wood and more)

Stationary or portable?

Based on their design, there are two types of jigsaws:

Stationary . This type of jigsaw is characterized by large dimensions and weight. They are mounted directly into the workbench or mounted on top of it. Here, when cutting, you need to move not the jigsaw itself, but the workpiece. Thanks to this, you can cut out various patterns at any angle. However, the cutting length here is limited compared to portable devices. Stationary devices are suitable for those who have a carpentry workshop at home. If there is none, then it is better to take a closer look at portable models.
Portable . The most popular type of electric jigsaws, which can be used both at home and for regular “sabbaths”. With such devices you can cut a large number of workpieces and make figured cuts, making decorative products. If you need a reliable device for your home or cottage solely for household needs, then take a portable jigsaw.

General tips for choosing

Pay attention to the following indicators:

Stroke frequency . This is essentially the speed of the web in one minute. For metal and hard wood, a cutting speed of 700 - 800 strokes/min is sufficient. But for plastic and soft wood, it is better to take the device at a speed of 1000 - 1200 strokes/min. From practice, we will say that cutting plastic at a speed less than 1000 strokes/min is very difficult, so it is better to take high-speed models for it.
Patron . Key and quick-release chucks are used. The key cartridge has a hex key, with the help of which the blade is actually unscrewed/twisted. The quick-release one allows you to change the blade without a key, simply by bending the foot. If you need to change blades frequently, for example, for wood and metal, then take one with a quick-release chuck.
Depth of cut . If you are assembling furniture, then a cutting depth of 60 - 70 mm is quite enough. But for the roof this will not be enough, since you often have to cut a hundred square beam. For such work, we recommend taking a device with a cutting depth of 100 mm and above.

In this list, we did not mention power, since it essentially directly depends on the depth of cut and the speed of the blade. The thicker the workpiece a device can cut, the more powerful it will be (within the brand).

Household and professional jigsaws

The choice of a jigsaw largely depends on the professionalism of its future owner. It is customary to distinguish between household and professional tools.

Household jigsaws:

They are characterized by low power.
The selection of additional functions is small.
They are comfortable to work with wood whose thickness does not exceed 7 centimeters.
It cuts steel well, up to 4 mm thick.
It is recommended to work with such a tool no more than 20 hours per month.
The price of the tool is significantly lower than that of professional models.

Professional jigsaws:

Very powerful tools that can withstand heavy loads during operation.
Suitable for cutting wood up to 13.5 centimeters thick.
Can cut steel up to 0.2 centimeters thick.
The price of the device will depend on additional functions and brand popularity.

If you don’t know which jigsaw is better to buy, household or professional, then think about the nature of its use. If you are not seriously thinking about cutting out various shapes, then household models will be the right solution.

Additional features and functionality

Which electric jigsaw is better to choose, taking into account additional functions? The following instrument features may determine your choice:

Pendulum stroke . In the pendulum mode, the blade not only moves up/down, but also deviates to the side by 0.5 - 1 cm. Thanks to this, sawing occurs faster. This mode is especially convenient if you need to cut a large amount of timber or boards. However, please note that the quality of the cut deteriorates (protruding fibers appear along the edge).
Anti-vibration system . This system may look different on different devices. In some devices it is made in the form of special rubber pads that reduce vibration (but do not eliminate it completely), while in others there are special springs inside the structure that reduce oscillatory impulses. AVR relieves tingling in the palms during prolonged sawing. However, if you need to work with a jigsaw no more than half an hour a day, then you should not pay attention to the AVR.
Speed adjustment . The function allows you to adjust the number of revolutions (blade speed) depending on the material being processed. For example, for sawing steel the speed can be reduced, but for cutting soft pine it is better to increase the speed.
Making bevel cuts . In some models, the sole can change the angle of inclination so that bevel cuts can be made. The stepped design allows you to set a specific angle of inclination of the sole, for example, 15, 30 or 45°. Note that almost all modern jigsaws have an inclined sole.
Smooth launch . The function limits the starting current, so sawing starts smoothly without jerking. This simultaneously reduces the load on the engine and at the same time the blade does not “tear” the workpiece. If you are planning to buy a powerful device, then look for one with a soft start.
Brushless motor . Such motors do not have carbon brushes, produce higher efficiency and heat up less than commutator motors (noticeable only in comparison with a device of the same brand and during long-term sawing). There is also no need to constantly change carbon brushes.
Laser marker . The marker allows you to clearly see the cutting line, which improves the accuracy and quality of sawing (with proper skill).
Possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner or dust collector . Typically, such units have a connection pipe for connecting a hose from a vacuum cleaner, so that all sawdust (almost all) immediately falls into the vacuum cleaner or dust collector. This function makes the workplace cleaner, although it does not allow you to completely get rid of sawdust.

Main characteristics

To choose an electric saw for your home, you need to consider quite a few characteristics of the device.

Power

The power of the device depends on the chosen model; it can range from 350 to 1000 W.

A lot depends on the power: cutting speed and the ability to cut metals. Experts say that a jigsaw with a power of 400 W can cope with a board of 6 cm and 5 mm. of stainless steel. 600 W device, handle 8 cm board and 7 mm steel.

Therefore, as you can see, you need to choose a model based on your future work. The best option for a home jigsaw would be parameters from 500 to 600 W.

Presence of a pendulum

As we have already said, this system allows you to move the file back and forth. The cut is activated by a lever and is designed to increase the cutting speed. However, this feature is detrimental to quality and accuracy. It will be useful for creating rough blanks.

Stroke frequency

The speed of movement of the rod together with the saw blade depends on this parameter. Most devices have a maximum stroke rate of 3000-32000 strokes/min. However, this value may vary depending on the model.

Most jigsaws are equipped with a function such as adjusting the stroke rate, which allows it to work more successfully with different materials.

A low speed is needed for better cutting of thick metal;
A high frequency is needed to work with wood.

Cutting depth

This parameter determines how thick a workpiece a jigsaw can handle and depends on the power of the tool.

For thin boards, a device with a cutting depth of 7-8 cm is sufficient;
For thick timber, a depth of 11-12 cm is needed.

Power type

Jigsaws come in two power options: corded and cordless. As is already clear, wired tools require a connection to a 220 V power supply. Cordless ones operate on a battery. The most common batteries with parameters are 18 V and 10.8 V.

The advantages of wireless ones are their mobility; however, they do not last as long as wired ones and require a replaceable battery.

Speed adjustment

Thanks to the adjustment, you can adjust your device to the required density of the material being processed. This is done to avoid overloading the motor.

If you are working with the same material, no adjustment will be required.

Backlight

An additional feature that allows you to work with a jigsaw in poorly lit areas. The built-in diode illuminates the cutting line well, which improves cutting accuracy.

Handle type

This device has two types of handles: staple-shaped and mushroom-shaped. The first is convenient when cutting shapes or working with already installed partitions. The second is convenient for straight cutting.

Mushroom-shaped

Staple-shaped

Weight

Jigsaw weight 1-3 kg. For thin material, a lightweight device weighing up to 1.5 kg is suitable for less load. For thick material, you need a heavier jigsaw from 1.5 to 3 kg.

Sole inclination

Thanks to this function, you can make cuts at an angle. Household appliances have only two tilt options - 0 and 45°. Professional ones have much more choice - 0, 15, 30 and 45 °. Some models have a special lever for changing the degree.

Pipe branch

If you don’t want sawdust flying onto the floor, you can buy a model with a pipe. To do this, you will need to connect a special vacuum cleaner or bag to the device to collect dust.

Rating of inexpensive electric jigsaws up to 4000 rubles

BISON L-400-55

An inexpensive domestic jigsaw with a power of 400 W is designed for work around the house. It is capable of sawing wood, non-ferrous metals and steel up to 55, 10 and 6 mm thick, respectively. Note that this model has an inclined sole that can change the angle up to 45°. The maximum speed of the blade is 3000 strokes/min. If desired, you can adjust this indicator using the roller on the start button to work with material of different densities.

You can connect a vacuum cleaner to the jigsaw to remove sawdust. This way the workplace will be clean. There is also a regular sawdust blower function, which uses a stream of air to remove chips from the cutting site. Please note that the manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on the device, and there are Zubr service centers throughout the country.

Bosch GST 700

A professional jigsaw for little money allows you to cut wood up to 70 mm in diameter. You can also use a jigsaw to cut steel up to 6 mm and non-ferrous metal up to 10 mm. At the same time, for sawing a large number of workpieces, there is a 4-stage pendulum stroke. The device is capable of operating at a stroke frequency of 1450 - 3200 strokes/min. In this case, you can change the speed of the blade depending on the density of the material being processed. For example, minimum speed is suitable for steel, and high speed is suitable for pine or plastic.

Unlike the previous model, there is not only a key chuck, but also a quick-release chuck. Replacing the blades is carried out literally in a matter of seconds. The device's power of 500 W is small, but it is quite suitable for long-term sawing within the given diameters of workpieces. Additionally, a vacuum cleaner can be connected to the electric planer. Without it, there is only the blowing of sawdust from the cutting site. Please note that this is a “blue” tool from the Bosch line, therefore, by registering on the official website, you can get a 3-year guarantee.

Makita 4329

The Japanese model (Chinese assembly) has a bracket-shaped rubberized handle that fits comfortably in the hand. The tool is convenient both for solving everyday problems and for infrequent “scavengers”. The 450 W device is capable of delivering up to 3100 strokes/min. In this case, the stroke frequency can be adjusted using a 9-speed roller located on the device body (for most models from other companies it is located directly on the start button). The maximum device can cut wood with a thickness of 65 mm and steel with a thickness of 6 mm (the manufacturer did not write an indicator for non-ferrous metal).

Like the previous “German”, this unit has a pendulum function, which allows you to saw wood with greater intensity. The device can also make oblique cuts thanks to the rotating sole. It can deviate by 15, 30 and 45°. Miter cuts are useful, for example, when we make glazing beads for windows. You can connect a vacuum cleaner to the jigsaw to remove sawdust.

Special attention to additional functions

A jigsaw is a fairly simple unit, and when choosing it, some of its additional functions and capabilities become especially important. Thus, it makes sense to choose a jigsaw whose set of functions and accessories fully meets your needs:

The best professional jigsaws under 20,000 rubles

AEG STEP 80

The German brand AEG has recently become owned by Electrolux, and it seems that its products have become even better quality, of which the AEG STEP 80 is clear evidence. The model runs on a 700-watt engine, which accelerates the blade from 1000 to 3200 strokes/min. At the same time, the cutting depth for wood is 80 mm, which allows you to use a jigsaw for cutting thick timber. The device can cut steel and non-ferrous metal with a thickness of 10 and 20 mm, respectively.

The unit has a pendulum function for faster cutting of wooden workpieces. The pendulum can be adjusted in 4 positions. The sole can be tilted at an angle of 15, 30 and 45° - in principle, standard for models in this price segment. Separately, it is worth noting the 4-meter rubber power cord, which can withstand up to -25 - it definitely won’t get stifled in the garage in winter. To remove dust, it is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner. If you just need to clear the cutting area, you can use the sawdust blower function.

Metabo STE 100 Quick

A professional tool from Metabo is suitable for preparing longitudinal and transverse beams for the roof. With a maximum wood cutting depth of 100 mm, the device allows you to cut 100 square meters of timber with a bang. And if you need to cut quickly, then there is a 4-stage pendulum mode. Additionally, the unit can cut sheet steel up to 10 mm thick and non-ferrous metal up to 25 mm thick. The stroke rate of a jigsaw is in the range from 1000 to 3100 strokes/min. The quick-release chuck allows you to change the blade in a matter of seconds.

The speed of the blade can be adjusted depending on the workpiece being processed. There is also a function for maintaining the frequency of strokes. That is, when the load on the device increases, for example, when we hit a thick, hard branch, the blade continues to cut at the same speed as before, without slowing down. This function allows you to quickly cut the material, despite changes in its hardness and density during operation. Sawdust can be discharged into a vacuum cleaner (rear discharge). You can also blow sawdust off the cutting line. Please note that the package for this particular model includes a transport case and one canvas. If you need additional blades, then take the model with product number 601100900 - it comes with 20 blades for metal and wood in addition to the case.

Milwaukee JS 120 X

A professional jigsaw from Milwaukee will be of interest to those who have their own carpentry and are engaged in assembling furniture or cutting thick timber. The main advantage of such a tool is the excellent build quality of all components and a long service life. The jigsaw is capable of sawing wood up to 120 mm thick, and can do this for 7 - 8 hours without overheating. It can also handle steel up to 10mm and aluminum up to 30mm. The pendulum function will speed up cutting large quantities of wood.

The device has a perfectly organized anti-vibration system. Thanks to it, even during long-term work, you don’t feel tingling in your palms. To replace the saw blade, you don’t need a key here: just press the key above the blade, and it will fall out on its own. As with all other models, here you can connect a vacuum cleaner to the device to remove chips. The device comes with a convenient case for storing the jigsaw. The unit is, of course, expensive, but if you take it for “scavengers”, it will quickly pay for itself with high-quality work and excellent assembly.

Which jigsaw to choose for professional work

Electric jigsaws, like other electric tools, come in 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 to professional models that are used constantly.

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 products 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-power, 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 a very affordable price. They are ideal for home use.

Professional jigsaws have great 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.

Additional functions of a professional jigsaw

When choosing a model, special attention should be paid 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 may have a built-in lamp, a system for quickly replacing the cutting element, a sole angle lock and other useful functions. 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.

Bosch jigsaw

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 technical characteristics 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.

Jigsaw Makita

Wood and its derivatives – particle boards and fibreboards.
Plastics.
Metals.

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.

Power consumption in the range of 450–750 W.
Performed cuts: straight and curved, cutting out holes and patterns.
Cutting angle: perpendicular and at any angle to the surface (up to 45 degrees).

Cutting depth: the speed of processing, as well as the ability to work with the hardest and most durable materials, directly depends on this indicator.
Stroke frequency of the saw blade: the cleanliness of the cut is higher, the greater the number of saw strokes.
The presence of a pendulum function that allows you to cut blades of any configuration.
Weight and dimensions: the more powerful and professional the power tool, the heavier and larger it is. If you need a Makita jigsaw to solve small household problems, then choose a simpler and lighter model.

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. The presence of a variety of protective equipment, such as protective transparent shields and the possibility of grounding, also increases 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.