Top 5 Best Cordless Jigsaw to Buy in 2020

Cordless jigsaws are an all-time favorite of many DIY enthusiasts. They’re so versatile and can effectively and easily cut around curves. They also help one save time as cordless jigsaws cutting through various textures effortlessly.

A cordless jigsaw doesn’t only cut through traditional metal and wood materials. It does that and more - it can also cut through grades of glass, drywall, or even steel. It’s simple to use and strong enough to deal with any job you want it to take on.

To take hold of the best cordless jigsaw out there, try looking at certain features and specifications that suit your needs and budget best. It’s not ideal for spending money on a cordless jaw with the inferior cutting performance or one that has insufficient power or short battery life.

To help you out with your purchase, here are some things you should keep in mind before buying one.

More...

cordless jigsaw operation features

Here are some points that you should consider before getting the best cordless jigsaw for you needs:

How powerful is its motor?

There are two kinds of jigsaws out there - the cordless and the corded.

These types have various motor speeds that range from 18-20V or 4-7 Amp.If the motor is powerful enough, it will be easier for you to cut and deal with any hard material. The usual motor power of roughly 5 amps or 18V is enough for most users - except if the projects are really heavy-duty.

Though the motor power really is a significant factor, you also have to consider other equally important things like orbital settings, variable speed, bevel settings, and so on.

What’s the maximum speed of the jigsaw?

The speed of the jigsaw is based on SPM or Strokes per Minute instead of the usual RPM or revolutions per minute.

Usually, cordless jigsaw models got a maximum speed of 3000 SPM - this is enough to work on any project.

What is more important is the number and presence of variable speed settings.

Typically, advanced models have 4-7 speed settings that provide users a great deal of precision and flexibility.

Deep cuts in thick hardwoods do need high speed; on the other hand, hard steel does not require faster blade reciprocations.

Take note that multiple variable speed settings matter but may not always be necessary.

For simpler DIY tasks, a jigsaw with lower variable settings would be enough.

How does it perform on various materials (hard wood, metal, plastic)?

If the orbital and speed settings are higher, the jigsaw’s performance in terms of cutting various materials will also be better.

And if the orbital and speed settings aren’t sufficient, the cordless jigsaw might be too fast as for certain materials or rather too slow for others.

In case you don’t know the exact cutting performance of your saw, just check the variable speed and orbital settings and estimate its performance with various hard materials.

How easy is it to remove or change blades?

It is also important to consider the ease of changing or removing blades.

For a quicker and easier blade swapping, great jigsaws have a quick-release and blade-changing feature that doesn’t need any tool to work.

All you need to do in order to change blades on the advanced models is to pull or press a flange or lever right on the blade carrier’s end.

Does the dust blower work well? And is there a dust collector?

Avoiding dust and chips not only makes your jigsaw cleaner, but it also helps you better see the line you’re cutting.

There are certain blowers with a dust collector or a dust blower.

The dust blower applies on-air stream in order to get rid of dust while its collector simply sucks in the dust.

Collectors are better since they avoid the risks of chips getting in contact with the users’ eyes.

However, usually, they’re sold separately.

Is there too much vibration?

If it vibrates too much, it may affect the precision and accuracy of the cut.

Certain advanced models have vibration-reducing features which really help.

If you have a certain model in mind and you mind the vibration level of your device, better check out the reviews of that product to see if previous users are complaining about the device generating too much vibration.

How long does the charging last?

Read product descriptions well or if you have a way to contact the seller, do ask about this aspect.

Usually, cordless models just perform well when it comes to charging.

However, there are certain cordless models which are sold as simple, bare tools which don’t come with the battery.

Why Choose Cordless Jigsaw?

battery jig saw tool variable speed control cutting

Cordless jigsaws really have an edge, and the following are some of the perks of choosing cordless jigsaw as compared to using the corded one.

Convenience And Portability

One of the main advantages of using a cordless jigsaw is convenience.

You can bring it anywhere, and you no longer have to worry about the availability of electricity at the job site.

Cordless jigsaws don’t have a trailing power lead, which makes them really handy. You’re free to carry out the job outdoors like when making cuts in your garden decking.

Safe​ty

Another thing that makes cordless jigsaws great is that they’re generally safer.

Since you don’t have to worry about electrical cords anymore, the job site will be much safer and cleaner as well.

Take note that when there are electrical cords here and there, you or your loved ones could possibly trip and fall. Especially if you have kids at home, going cordless can really go a long way.

Less Vibration

Cordless jigsaws also vibrate less when used as compared to the corded ones.

They have the so-called anti-vibration mechanism which provides ease and comfort upon operation.

With this feature, the user can work for longer hours without getting tired and can easily control the device using less force. This promotes a more consistent and productive work.

Easy To Handle

Operating a cordless jigsaw is relatively easy, even for beginners. It’s indeed user-friendly and no rocket science at all.

When you decide to buy a cordless jigsaw, you first need to identify what you’re going to use it for. If the task you have in mind is heavy-duty and requires an extensive application, a corded model that comes with a consistent power is more suitable. However, if your working area doesn’t have access to an electrical supply, a cordless model is a great option.

Top 5 Best Cordless Jigsaw Reviews

Cutting various types of hard material can be a real daunting job if you don’t have the right materials at hand.

Whether it’s wood, metal, ceramic, or other kinds, you’d definitely need the best cordless jigsaw if you want to cut them up with full efficiency.

As my hobby is wood and metalwork, I can’t stress enough the importance of having the right cordless jigsaw.

The right cordless jigsaw will determine how nicely cut your material will be. Here are some of the best cordless Jigsaw brands as per my own experience.

Let's go to my list on the best cordless jigsaw in the market:

DEWALT DC330B 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw

In any review of cordless jigsaw brands, you’ll definitely see the brand name Dewalt somewhere at the top. Dewalt happens to be one of the most trustworthy brands in the market because of the high-quality products they create. Their jigsaw cutters are both very easy to use and also very robust. They’re very handy for beginners and expert wood or metalworkers alike.

When you examine this product and try it on for the first time, you’ll notice that it can cut any material finely and smoothly. It also has very high speed and extreme rotating power. It’s because it has a four-position orbital action feature allowing you to have complete control over the material you’re cutting. This feature allows it to be very precise and meticulous when cutting through wood or metal. As mentioned, this Dewalt jigsaw model is one of the easiest to use because of its easy assembly and disassembly.

It comes with an all metal lever action keyless blade. This handy little feature lets you switch blades in just a few seconds. As for most cordless jigsaws, you’d need to read the manual before you learn how to switch your blades. With this one though, you can do it quickly and easily.

Another great thing about it is that it has adjustable variable speed. This means that you can adjust the speed based on what you’re cutting and how you want it cut. This gives you more control over this piece of equipment which in turn, makes it more enjoyable to use.

Finally, it also comes with a very firm anti-slip grip. I find this feature very useful because my palms get sweaty very easily. Sure, I can use gloves, but sometimes gloves are uncomfortable. With the grip, I won’t have to worry about the jigsaw slipping out of my hands when I’m doing my work.

The only problem that I had with this model is that it used up too much battery power. After just a few hours of using it, I had to recharge it for hours to use it again. Also, it doesn’t come with a battery or charger. You have to buy those separate from the tool, which is an added cost.

Other than that, I don’t have a problem when it comes to its quality. It does its job very well and has garnered a lot of satisfied customers.

Pros

  • Durable and easy to use
  • Easy blade switching
  • Adjustable variable speed
  • Anti-slip grip

Cons

  • Can use up too much battery power
  • Doesn’t come with free battery or charger

Bosch JSH180B 18-Volt Li-Ion Jig Saw


Bosch is also a pretty good brand to go for if you’re looking for something that’s a little bit more lightweight and portable. That’s probably the feature that I love the most of this Bosch cordless jigsaw model. Its lightweight design, sleek build, and compact size make it easy to carry wherever your job site is. In fact, it’s actually 10% smaller than most cordless jig saw products in the market and even 30% lighter to boot.

While it’s shrunken in size, it doesn’t scrimp on power or quality. In fact, it can even match the power and speed of Dewalt brands. Another cool thing about it is that it has this t-shank blade changing system similar to the Dewalt model I’ve mentioned above. With this system, you don’t need to use tools to take out the blade. All you need to do is press the part a bit and you can take out the blade instantly.

You also won’t have to worry about the product overheating because it has a protection system for both the battery and the motor. That way, you can continue using the product without it breaking down due to over usage.

One thing that I really loved about this product, that I can’t find anywhere else, would be its dust blower and built-in LED light. You may be asking me what the LED light is for. Well, the LED light helps in giving the cutting line more visibility. It’s pretty normal for us to miss the cutting line, especially if we’re lacking sleep. So the LED light can help you see the cutting line better.

My only issue with this model is that the baseplate can’t be changed easily. This can be a bit troublesome, especially if you want to cut in an angle. You would have to find a wrench to change the angle of the baseplate if you have to switch the angle of the baseplates pretty often.

Other than that though, this is a pretty good product that I bring around with me if I need to do some woodwork or carpentry far from my own workshop. I just have to bring my own Allen wrench with me when I bring this jigsaw.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Great power and cutting performance
  • T-shank blade changing system
  • Has dust blower and built-in LED light

Cons

  • Hard-to-change baseplate

PORTER CABLE PCC650B 20-volt MAX Lithium Jigsaw

If there’s one thing that I can say about Porter Cable Cordless Jigsaws, it’s that they’re really good for aggressive cutting - especially this model.

This one has features that are great for the usually hard-to-cut materials, like hard metal. I, myself have used it for a lot of metal works because it can slice through the material really well. It has 3 orbital settings which allow you to choose the strength of the Jigsaw. These three modes also allow you to easily cut aggressively if needed. It also uses 20 volts of power unlike the usual 18 volts that most jigsaws use, making it quite a powerful piece of equipment.

Other than that, it also has a variable speed system allowing you to control the speed of the jigsaw easily. Just like the previously mentioned two jigsaws, this one also has a tool-free blade release enabling you to change the blade easily. It also has a very easily adjustable baseplate as compared to the Bosch model that I’ve mentioned above. This allows you to make angle cuts more easily.

One of its more unique features would be its beveling shoe. This little feature allows you to cut up to 45-degree bevel cuts very easily. It also has a molded handle that provides a lot of comforts whenever you hold the jigsaw. It’s actually built to fit your hand when you grip so it fits perfectly well.

Now, the thing about this Porter Cable model is that the blade bends a little bit too much when you use it. You have to adjust the blade from time to time while you’re using it; otherwise, your cutting will be off course. It’s actually quite a small issue but a rather annoying one if you’re working on a project and you’re already in the zone. 

Pros

  • Perfect for any hard material, like metal
  • Has 3 orbital settings
  • Easily adjustable baseplate
  • Has a beveling shoe
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • The blade bends a bit too much.

Makita XVJ03Z 18-Volt LXT Li-Ion Jig Saw

Makita models are well-known for their power and size. This one, in particular, is very robust and has a very powerful build. First, let’s talk about its motor. It has a special Makita-built-motor that provides up to 2600 strokes per minute of variable speed. This allows you to cut anything smoothly and very efficiently. It also comes with a heavy gauge and a precision base that allows you to cut accurately and smoothly. It’s so powerful that it can take up to 25/32 inches of aluminum at a 90-degree angle.

Another thing that I absolutely love about this model is that it charges really fast! It’s because it comes with an 18-volt LXT battery. This type of battery not only charges fast, but it also lasts pretty long. It can last for a few hours which is enough to finish most of your work.

It’s also pretty convenient to use because of its 6 setting variable speed control. This Makita model has a small dial there at the side which allows you to change the speed of your jigsaw anytime you want. You can change the settings any time just by twisting the dial.

Lastly, it has a brushless motor which is pretty much computer controlled. The main function of the brushless technology is to ensure that the motor has an extended life. So one of the things that it does is it prevents overheating. This is done with a built-in cooler. With that, you can be sure that your jigsaw will last long even if you use it a lot. I bought mine a few years back and I’m still using it without a problem.

The only disadvantage about this product is that it is really expensive. Some would even say that it is overpriced for a jigsaw with its features. For me, however, it is a product that is sure to last long. So if you’re willing to invest in it, then you’ll be happy to know that you’ll be using it for years. I think that it is a really good buy if you’re going to use it for your job or for work. You’ll actually save a bundle if it lasts for years.

Pros

  • Great power - 2600 SPM
  • 6 setting variable speed control
  • Brushless motor

Cons

  • Relatively expensive

BLACK+DECKER BDCJS20B 20V Li-Ion Jigsaw

This Black & Decker model is an all-around model that comes with a lot of features that professionals would usually look for in a Jigsaw. It can make extremely precise cuts and has a lot of power to cut smoothly. It’s equipped with a 20-volt motor that conjures up 2500 strokes per minute. It also has a variable speed trigger that allows you to easily control the speed and strength of the jigsaw so that you’re in control.

This Black & Decker model also has a 45-degree bevel shoe support allowing you to cut easily in all angles and even has a dust blower that’s already built inside. It also has a line of sight making it easier for you to aim when you’re cutting. Plus, it can also be used with both U and T shank blades just in case you would want to interchange.

What’s more, it is actually quite compact and lightweight weighing around just 4 pounds compared to other jigsaws that weigh around 4.8 to 5 pounds. This makes it really easy for you to bring around and to hold whenever you need to work. For me, it’s great for beginners because it’s not too heavy and doesn’t need that much getting used to.

I find that this model is really awesome because it combines the features of all the previously mentioned jigsaws all rolled into one. Sure, it may not specialize in any unique feature like the others do, but it does have everything that a professional would need to get the job done. I’d say this is a Jack of All Trades when it comes to jigsaws.

Are there any cons with regard to this model? Well, I didn’t like the fact that the battery and charger were really expensive. Yes, a lot of jigsaws don’t come with a battery and charger (those usually have to be bought separately). However, the battery and charger of this model will make you have to spend twice the amount you’d pay for buying just the tool only. For me, that’s a little bit too much.

Other than that though, this is a great model that can be used for both professional work and casual woodwork. 

Pros

  • Powerful motor - 2,500 SPM
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 45-degree bevel shoe support
  • Comes with a dust blower
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Battery life is outstanding

Cons

  • Expensive batteries

Comparison Table

Just to summarize everything, I’ve put together a comparison table showing you a couple of features and which of the brands above have and don’t have such features.

This will give you a better understanding of what each product has to offer:

Features

DEWALT DC330B 18-Volt Jigsaw

Bosch JSH180B 18V

PORTER CABLE PCC650B Jigsaw

Makita XVJ03Z 18-Volt LXT

Black & Decker BDCJS20B 20V Li-Ion Jigsaw

Adjustable Variable Speed

Easy to move Baseplate

Built in Dust Blower

LED Light/Line of Sight

45 Degree Bevel Cut

Brushless Motor

Safety Tips

work with orbital cordless jig saw -  useful safety tips information

When using a cordless jigsaw, one has to practice caution. Here are some safety tips you should keep in mind.

Protecting Against Lacerations

One of the most common injuries related to jigsaws is lacerations. This happens when the operator places his hand too close to the blade.

To minimize this risk, use jigsaws with sharp blades since dull blades are more likely to cause kickbacks.

Workers may also choose to wear Kevlar-lined gloves that can further protect them from lacerations.

Other Safety Tips To Consider

  • Do read the user’s manual before use. Just because you’ve tried using a cordless jigsaw before, it doesn’t mean everything is to work like before. Every model could be different. If you have lost your manual, contact the manufacturer for a copy.
  • Wear appropriate PPE or personal protective equipment. This could include steel-toed boots, impact-resistant eyewear, as well as a dust mask.
  • Keep the jigsaw’s blade and its surrounding components well-lubricated.
  • Other workers should also be warned to stay away from the jigsaw while you’re using it. You also have to be vigilant about your surroundings while carrying the tool to avoid unwanted accidents. 

Safety should always be a priority when it comes to dealing with any power tool. Follow them well to avoid unwanted misadventures while working on your craft.


FAQs

Q: How many batteries do the case of a cordless jigsaw hold?

As for cordless jigsaws, they probably hold just one battery.

However, there are those that hold 2 batteries depending on their power output and design.

Quick tip: buy lithium-ion batteries. They’re a bit more expensive, but it’s really worth it. They are compact and lightweight and good for 2-3 times more charge cycles as compared to nicads.

Lithium-ion batteries can basically sit even for months without losing a charge. However, it’s also best to use the batteries frequently as they could degrade fast if not used for too long.

Q: Will my cordless jigsaw come with an LED light?

Most jigsaws nowadays come with the LED light function that illuminates the work piece, enhancing the accuracy and visibility of the cuts.

Do confirm with the seller before making your purchase whether it really has an LED lighting or not.

Q: How long will it take to charge my batteries before using it?

Usually, it takes around 1 hour to charge its battery fully. Some models have a fast charging system, which reduces the charging time for some minutes. 

Q: Will get blades when I purchase a cordless jigsaw?

There are some manufacturers that offer woodcutting blades along with the jigsaw, but there are those that come with other types of blades while others require you to purchase blades separately. 

Q: Which style of blades will jigsaws use?

Cordless jigsaws are generally versatile. Most of them would use the T-shape blade, but there are also those which use the U-shape blade.

When choosing a model, pick one that gives you the diversity of cuts you need. 

Q: Shall I go for a corded jigsaw or a cordless one?

Most jigsaws are corded.

If you want a continuous power supply, going corded is apparently better. You can then have an unlimited run time.

However, your working space will be limited as you’re constricted by the length of the wire. Also, the cord can get in the way when using the blade.

If you’re after portability, cordless jigsaws are the best.

They’re flexible, and as long as you have fully charged batteries, you can continue your work without a problem.

If you want to work on your craft outdoors, cordless ones are generally better.


Pick up The Best Battery-Powered Cordless Jigsaw

Cordless jigsaws are indeed one of the best tools to make things easier for you. They are great for making cuts on various applications and materials.

There are so many models on the market designed to suit various needs. And the ones above are just some of the best picks I can confidently recommend.

However, if I am to particularly recommend one product, it would be the Makita XVJ03Z 18-Volt LXT - the best battery-powered cordless jigsaw in my suggested list.

Its precision is excellent, and it takes less charging time, which is very important for a cordless jigsaw. The faster the charging time, the better so that you can resume working with your craft the soonest.

It can be really overwhelming to make the final choice as the features each brand offers are really competitive.

In the end, the final choice would depend on how you plan to use the saw, what kinds of DIY projects you want to make, and how much budget you’re willing to shell out for this handy tool.

Just consider your needs, scout the market, and get ready to seal the best deal. Don’t take the selection process for granted to ensure that you’re getting the best bang for the buck!

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Man Of Family