Perhaps you’re a professional or maybe you’re just a DIY enthusiast. Either way, owning an electric jigsaw is the best way to complete intricate woodworking projects. In our buyer’s guide, you’ll learn which features to look for and read top reviews.
So, read on and discover how to find the best jigsaw in Australia on the market today.
Festool 561612 PSB 420 EQB-Plus 550W Brushless D-Handle Jigsaw Kit
The Festool 561612 PSB 420 EQB Plus is an amazing all-rounder. Part of the brand’s CARVEX range, it can deliver 3800 strokes per minute, offering impressive profile cutting capacity.
How Do You Find The Best Jigsaw Tool?
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Festool 561612 PSB 420 EQB-Plus 550W Brushless D-Handle Jigsaw Kit |
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Makita M4301B 18mm 450W MT Series Corded Jigsaw |
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Makita JV0600K 650W Corded Variable Speed D-Handle Jigsaw |
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HiKOKI CJ160V(H1Z) 160mm 800W D-Handle Jigsaw |
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Do you need to find a great jigsaw for your DIY needs or construction business? Then here, you’ll learn all the features you need to consider before making your purchase.
Orbital Action
A standard action jigsaw moves the blade upwards and downwards. However, orbital action (1) jigsaws allow the blade to be moved in a more circulation movement. This improves the accuracy and speed of its cutting mechanism.
Orbital tools allow woodworks to be created in a wider range of types, sizes, and shapes. It isn’t a cheap option, though, but it can be worth paying the extra.
Variable Speed
Different speed levels are required to cut different materials accurately. Some high-end saws have several speed levels that you can pick from. This allows you to select high speeds or slow speeds. This is something that is helpful if you need to make a detailed or intricate cut.
Motor Power
You should look for a jigsaw that has a high amperage rate. This ensures you can easily cut through even tough materials.
Cordless Or Corded
A cordless model will give you the freedom to use the tool in many different environments. On the other hand, though, a corded model will give you more power. Corded saws also enable you to continuously work with no chance of the power running out halfway through a project.
Check our review about the Black and decker jigsaw if you are going to buy it.
Cut Depth
Most jigsaws are able to slice up to 2” if cutting wood. If you want to cut through different materials though, depth capacity and strokes per minute are other considerations.
Warranty
You should find out whether your new tool will come with a guarantee or warranty. If it does, you need to check what is covered. Sometimes, only the replacement of parts will be covered with no labour fees.
Our Jigsaw Reviews
Here, you’ll find our best picks of this year’s jigsaws.
1. Festool 561612 PSB 420 EQB-Plus 550W Brushless D-Handle Jigsaw Kit – Best Overall
Specifications
Weight 1.9kg
- Corded
- Continuous Rating Input – 550W
- No load speed – 0 – 3800 rpm
The Festool 561612 PSB 420 EQB Plus is an amazing all-rounder. Part of the brand’s CARVEX range, it can deliver 3800 strokes per minute, offering impressive profile cutting capacity.
This saw has an optimised third saw blade guide as well as adjustable parallel carbide jaws. This allows perfect results to be achieved every time, whatever the thickness and properties of the material being cut.
Weighing just 1.9kg, this tool is lightweight and rests comfortably in your hand. It allows for maximum comfort while working, even for longer periods of time. It also features a stroboscopic programmable light so you can get the ideal view from any position.
This saw can be used for cutting curves and circles, trimming work, edge notching, and cutting workpieces length. This makes it a great choice for virtually every user.
2. Makita M4301B 18mm 450W MT Series Corded Jigsaw – Best On A Budget
Specifications
Weight 1.9kg
- Corded
- Continuous Rating Input – 450W
- No load speed – 0 – 3100 rpm
The Makita M4301B is affordable yet effective. It comes with a variable speed function that is activated by a trigger. This makes it user-friendly and simple to operate.
It has an 18mm stroke and a cut capacity that is as much as 65mm in wood. It can also cut through steel to a depth of 6mm thanks to the powerful and reliable 450 Watt motor.
This model features three orbital cutting settings for extra efficacy and it offers the convenience of tool-less blade changes. Although it is a corded model, the 2 metre lead is sufficient for most projects. Weighing only 1.9kg, this is also a fairly lightweight tool for long periods of use.
If you’re on a budget, this could be the ideal jigsaw for you.
3. Makita JV0600K 650W Corded Variable Speed D-Handle Jigsaw
Specifications
Weight 2.4kg
- Corded
- Continuous Rating Input – 650W
- No load speed – 0 – 3100 rpm
The Makita JV0600K is a great option for DIYers or professionals alike. It boasts variable speed functions which are operated using a user-friendly dial. It also offers three orbital settings as well as straight cutting and 450 bevel cutting. This ensures maximum versatility of use.
This model has a 23mm stroke and a cutting capacity of up to 10mm in steel and 90mm in wood. It also has a powerful 650-watt motor which supplies 3100spm no-load speed. It is also a fairly lightweight tool, weighing just 2.4kg, making it easy to transport and use.
4. HiKOKI CJ160V(H1Z) 160mm 800W D-Handle Jigsaw
Specifications
Weight 2.5kg
- Corded
- Continuous Rating Input – 800W
- No load speed – 0 – 2800 rpm
The Hikoki CJ160V is another great option for woodworkers. Its four-mode orbital action is ideal for all kinds of different cutting applications. It also boasts a variable speed feature which is operated by either trigger or dial. This is a user-friendly system that even a novice can get to grips with.
One excellent feature of this jigsaw is its auto mode which can increase its oscillation speed automatically. It can adjust between 1400 and 2800 when under load.
This is a comfortable tool to use thanks to its low vibrations and soft-grip handle which reduces fatigue. It even has an integrated LED light to keep your work area well-lit. The tool-less blade change also ensures the convenience of use.
The Verdict – Which Jigsaw Tool Do We Recommend?
All of the jigsaw cutter models that we’ve suggested are excellent choices. However, overall, we’d recommend the Festool 561612 as our top pick.
Affordable without compromising on quality, the Festool 561612 is a reliable and powerful jigsaw. Offering amazing versatility and plenty of impressive features, it’s a brilliant choice for both professionals and DIY users.
Jigsaw Power Tool FAQs
Orbital jigsaws tools have become more popular and widely available. This is because they can be used for more applications and they’re especially effective when used on different materials.
A standard jigsaw only moves its blade downwards and upwards. Orbital jigsaws on the other hand operate with a circular motion. The blade moves forward slightly into the material on its upswing. On its downswing, it then moves a little backward and resets for the fresh cut.
A jigsaw is a relatively simple power tool for even novices to use. However, there are several accessories that can make them even easier to use and more effective. These include:
Goggles to protect your eyes and face.
Thick gloves to protect your hands.
Dust masks if you’re cutting tile or timber.
A strong workbench that can hold objects vertically or horizontally in place.
A thick pencil or fine pen to draw lines that can then be traced by the blade.
Trying to decide between a corded or cordless (2) jigsaw can be difficult. Both have their own pros and cons.
Corded:
Are able to be used for long periods with no risk of power running out.
More affordable.
Fewer parts to be carried about since there are no charging leads and detachable batteries.
Lighter weight than a battery-operated model.
Cordless:
No chance of getting caught up in the cables.
No risk of needing to restart cutting when the cable doesn’t stretch far enough.
Able to be used anywhere, even outdoors, and this reduces dust exposure.
Can be used in properties with no power.
Both types of jigsaw offer their own benefits. You need to weigh up the pros and cons of each and decide which one is right for you.
In many cases, a corded model will suffice. But if you intend to use your jigsaw outdoors frequently or in properties without electricity, a cordless model is best.
References
- What Is Orbital Action?- Retrieved from https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/jigsaws/what-is-orbital-action
- Corded vs Cordless Jigsaws – Retrieved from https://www.thetoolsquare.com/corded-vs-cordless-jigsaws/