The jigsaw is a handheld power tool, designed specifically to allow cutting of curves. While it’s not limited to cutting curves, it’s the only handheld power saw specifically designed for that purpose. Other saws, like circular saws, are designed for cutting straight. As a saw for cutting curves, the jigsaw is the handheld equivalent to the scroll saw or some uses of the band saw.
A jigsaw works by an oscillating up and down movement, cutting on the upstroke. Modern jigsaws, especially better quality modern jigsaws, offer a variety of oscillation patterns, intended to reduce chipping and splintering in a variety of materials, especially when cutting across the surface grain of plywood. An additional strategy that can be used to avoid this splitting is to cut through the surface veneer, on the cut line, with a utility knife, before cutting with the jigsaw. This is especially useful for Lauan plywood, which has a very thin surface veneer.
Some jigsaws offer “plunge cutting” capability. This means the saw will cut through wooden sheet goods without a starter hole. For plunge cutting to work, one not only needs a saw which can accomplish it, but a blade that can as well.
Jigsaw blades are not rugged, carbide tipped disks, like circular saw blades so they don’t last anywhere near as long. It is always a good idea to have several spare blades when beginning a project, so that they can be replaced as needed.
If you can afford it, the better quality jigsaws are worth buying. The amount of adjustable blade speeds, stroke lengths, and oscillation styles, more than make up for the cost of the saw. The payback will come in increased efficiency, both in faster cuts and in less damage caused by the saw.
Types of Jigsaws on the Market
Corded Jigsaws
These are the higher quality units that need to be connected to house current for use. Specifically, we're referring to the ones with adjustable oscillation patterns. The cord can be an inconvenience at times, but it allows continual cutting, without having to change batteries. If you are going to be doing a lot of cutting with a jigsaw or you are rarely going to use it, a corded model may be your best choice.
Budget Corded Jigsaws
These are the basic units, without a lot of options. They provide basic cutting, but with only one oscillating pattern so they’re more likely to splinter the workpiece. If you are working in plywood or other situations where you don't have to worry about splintering so much, these will be ideal.
Cordless Jigsaws
Contractors and others individuals who use their jigsaw regularly would probably be better off with a cordless saw, simply for convenience sake. While the cordless units are more expensive, they can be used without the need to run an extension cord or worrying about that cord getting in the way of your cut. Today's cordless jigsaws are almost exclusively made with Lithium-Ion batteries for greater capacity and quicker recharge time.
Jigsaw Style
There are two basic styles of jigsaws; barrel and D handle. Many manufacturers build the same saw models in both styles. This provides the user with their choice. While the D handle is the more traditional style, users of barrel style jigsaws rave that they are easier to control. Since good control over the blade and the cut is a major consideration when using a jigsaw, these models are well worth your consideration.
There are a few models on the market, like the Craftsman corded model which was chosen as number one for our budget corded jigsaw list, which can be used in either configuration. Simply remove the D handle and grasp the barrel. Power switches for both configurations are included on the saw.
Options to Consider in the Purchase of Your Jigsaw
Shoe
Take a good look at the shoe construction on the saw. Inexpensive saws will often have a stamped sheet-metal shoe. There is no way that a stamped shoe is going to be flat, so if you need accuracy, I'd avoid them. The better ones have cast and then machined shoes. Cast shoes stay much flatter, as well as resisting bending and other damage. Some of you may overlay this with a molded plastic pad for reduced friction.
Power
Power is not as important in a jigsaw as it is in other saws. However, if it comes down to a choice between two saws, and the only difference is power, go for the more powerful one. There may be a time when you have to cut through thicker wood where that extra power will be useful. That more powerful saw will probably also have a longer stroke, which helps the saw to be more efficient.
Plunge Cutting
Some saws offer plunge cutting capability. This means that you can start cutting in the middle of a sheet of plywood, without drilling a starter hole. This is not a common option, but it can be handy. However, when using it, you need to be very careful. Plunge cutting is very likely to mess up the surface of your board if you are not careful.
Variable Speed
Variable speed is very handy, especially when you need to do fine cuts in thin or soft material. If you’re cutting with the blade moving at high speed, it is extremely easy to overshoot a cut or go off the line. Slowing down the cut provides greater control.
Blade Supports
The thing that makes the blade go off line the most isn't speed, but pressure. As you press on the handle of the tool trying to turn it, you could actually push the tool sideways as well thus causing the blade to cut at an angle. The jigsaw blade is only held on one end making this a very real risk. Some of the better saws offer supports for the blade to prevent it from being able to tilt like this and to prevent the blade from ending up bent. This is very useful, especially for the novice user.
Additional Options
Most of the higher end saws will add other options, such as on-board blade storage and blowers to clean off the line of cut. Some come pre-equipped for connection to a dust-collection system. These conveniences make the saw easier to work with, although they are not necessary. Some of these units come with LED “headlights” or laser guides. These are great options to have, making it easier to cut straight and follow the line you’ve laid out. While I’m strongly in favor of these features, I wouldn’t make them the top priority when choosing a jig saw. However, if it comes down to a choice between two, this could be the deciding factor.