For any DIY enthusiast or passionate woodworker, there’s nothing more exciting than getting your hands on a new jigsaw.
It’s a special type of saw that can be used to create both straight and curved cuts, and do so in an array of materials; from wood to plywood to plastic to metal.
That said, it’s always important to consider your budget before buying a jigsaw. As much as you’d like, sometimes it’s not necessary or possible to buy the most expensive model just because it has all the bells and whistles.
Besides, you don’t need to buy a costly tool if you only use it occasionally. Thankfully, there are several high-quality, affordable jigsaws on the market. If you’re looking to buy this tool without breaking the bank, here’s a rundown of the best budget jigsaws.
What Can You Expect from Cheaper Jigsaws
The prices of jigsaws vary widely. Some models cost as low as under $50 while others run as much as $600 when kitted out with all the fancy additions.
If you’re looking to buy the best budget jigsaw, you might be wondering what the difference in pricing means. Naturally, cheaper jigsaws won’t have all the bells and whistles.
Sure, they’re just as capable of cutting as the higher-end models. But chances are, they won’t have those features deemed “convenient” and not “must-haves.” These include a tool-less blade change, an adjustable baseplate, and a dust-collection system.
*Related: You may also be interested in our recommendations for budget circular saws, cheap table saws and budget miter saws.
How to Choose the Right Budget Jigsaw
Brands
Whenever you’re buying a power tool like a jigsaw, you’ll want to buy from a reputable brand. This way, you’re guaranteed that if anything goes wrong, the manufacturer is kind enough to offer a replacement, free repair, or full refund.
Examples of jigsaw brands that have established a good reputation over the years are:
Power
Another thing you’ll want to take into account is the amp rating of the jigsaw. A quality jigsaw should be able to give you enough cutting power without causing the motor to overheat or compromise other internal components.
That said, the higher the amp rating, the higher its cutting power. Most budget jigsaws range between 5 and 7.0 amps.
Accuracy
For professional woodworkers, the accuracy provided by a power tool like a jigsaw is crucial. As such, you’ll want to invest in a jigsaw with components that improve its accuracy.
Specifically, look for one with a cutting or laser guide. This will minimize the blade’s deviations and facilitate perfect cuts.
Another feature that can improve precision is an adjustable shoe bevel. This is meant to help you angle the jigsaw perfectly to help you achieve accurate bevel cuts. In fact, jigsaws in the higher price range include preset stops at the most commonly used angles like 22.5, 45, and 60 degrees.
Durability
The durability of any power tool depends on the material used in its construction. In the case of a jigsaw, you’ll want to focus on the material used to make its blade. Jigsaw blades can be made from a variety of materials including:
If you’re looking for a durable blade, your best option is high-speed steel variety. That said, this might not offer as much flexibility so you should consider the applications you’ll be using it for too.
Blade
The blade is one of the most vital components of a jigsaw, so it’s crucial that you pay attention when choosing it.
Now the easiest way to approach this factor is to examine the applications you’ll be using the jigsaw for.
If your projects mostly involve cutting softwoods, then look for a blade suited for this purpose. Similarly, if you tackle different projects that require cutting through a variety of materials, a multipurpose blade is necessary.
Don’t forget to consider the configuration of the jigsaw blade. There are two main varieties: T-shank and U-shank blades. The difference lies in the shape of the cut at the head of the shank.
The T-shank are more preferred to U-shank types for several reasons. For one, they lock into the jigsaw way more easily, without requiring additional tools. They also remain fastened when you’re cutting tight curves and they’re compatible across modern jigsaws.
The U-shank varieties, on the other hand, are less compatible. You may also find some U-shank style saws need extra accessories for a blade change and blade retention is often a problem.
Maintenance
If you want your jigsaw to last, you should conduct routine checks and maintenance every once in a while.
Keep in mind that some jigsaws are easier to maintain than others. For instance, a jigsaw ought to have ventilation slots that allow free flow of air; hence, preventing the machine from overheating.
These should be easy to locate so that you can unclog the slots and free them of dust before you start using the jigsaw. On the same note, the roller guide should be equally easy to access so that you can lubricate it to prevent your jigsaw from jamming during operation.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the one part you’ll want to focus on is the design of the handle. Jigsaw handles are available in one of two types: body grip or top handle.
Top Handle
As implied in the name, the top-handle style is designed to be held from the top. This makes it a lot more comfortable to hold. Such jigsaws also tend to have slimmer grips and better ergonomic designs, which is why they appeal to professional woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers alike.
Slicing through dense materials is also incredibly easy with a top handle because your hand is positioned above as opposed to the rear of the motor.
There’s just one issue with a top-handle design and that is visibility. Since the handle is a little further from the material you’re tackling, you won’t be able to see the cutting line and this can compromise your accuracy.
Body Grip
With this type of jigsaw, the handle is attached to the motor’s housing system. Its design makes it easier to spot and adjust settings as you see fit.
Since the body grip handle also has a lower center of gravity with the handle’s placement being on the lower side, the accuracy of your cuts is better. Furthermore, being able to guide the cut from behind instead of above, makes it easier to follow the cutting line.
However, even this type of handle has setbacks. With the housing of the motor doubling up as the handle, there’s a likelihood that it might get too hot to hold. This is crucial to consider if you’ll be using the jigsaw for extended periods at a time.
Reviews of the Best Budget Jigsaws
1. BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Smart Select Jig Saw: Best Overall
At times, manufacturers offer cheap jigsaws only to skimp on certain features and functions. But, this is not the case with Black +Decker BDEJS600C, whose features can go head to head with more expensive options.
Considered the best jigsaw, it gets its power from a 5-amp variable speed motor. This registers a no-load speed of about 3000 spm (strokes per minute). Better yet, it has 4 orbital settings, offering you the freedom to adjust the cutting speed and quality.
Another impressive feature is the fact that it can adjust to 45-degree bevels, letting you shift to beveled cutting in a matter of seconds.
Now, this jigsaw might not have a laser guide, but it has a wireguard. This keeps your line of sight debris-free, helping you achieve the highest level of precision.
Using a jigsaw for a prolonged period can take a toll on your arm. Thankfully, the Black Decker jigsaw has an ergonomically designed handle that’s made of rubber. This not only improves grip but also offers you maximum support and control over your cuts.
Changing blades on your jigsaw has also been made easy with the keyless blade clamp system. This lets you remove worn blades and install a new one with ease. Furthermore, the BDEJS600C is designed to work with both U-shank and T-shank, making it pretty versatile.
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2. PORTER-CABLE PCE345 Orbital Jig Saw: Best for Beginners
Porter Cable has always been the go-to brand for user-friendly power tools, and their PCE345 Orbital Jig Saw is one of the best budget options for beginners.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the overmold on the handle is a little bit big. It is so designed, to make it comfortable to hold. This ergonomic design is a welcome feature, especially for individuals who’ve never used these power tools or those who have to use it for extended periods of time.
The jigsaw is powered by a 6 amp motor, making it fit for demanding applications. In fact, it has four orbital settings, to meet different cutting demands. You will be able to cut through materials, such as PVC pipes, pinewood, and aluminum.
The lock-on button and speed control dial come in a bright red color, making them easy to locate. Speaking of speed, you have the option of choosing from 7 different speed settings to suit your application. The speed runs from 0 to 3200 spm.
The lock-on button is another handy addition. It allows you to lock your power tool at a specific speed rather than having to constantly hold the on-off trigger; hence eliminating arm fatigue.
Porter Cable’s keyless blade change mechanism is another feature that makes it suitable for beginners. It allows the user to easily pop different blades in and out, based on their cutting needs.
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3. Ryobi JS481LG Corded Jig Saw: Best Corded Electric
As we mentioned earlier, one of the perks of investing in a corded-electric jigsaw entails its ability to cut through tougher materials.
Moreover, you can work continuously without having to worry about your battery running low. This is exactly what you’ll get from Ryobi JS481LG Corded Jig Saw. It’s a well-designed device that comes with a 6 ft. long cord, offering you maximum flexibility in movement.
This tool also sports variable speed settings. Its 4.8 amp motor delivers a speed ranging from 600 to 3000 spm. The best part, you can adjust this speed using the knob positioned on the side.
Also contributing to its ease of use is the adjustable footplate. You can adjust it up to 45 degrees, making it possible to work on uneven areas.
Using this jigsaw to slice through your workpieces won’t feel like a chore even when you spend long hours. This is thanks to the rubber handle grip, which improves comfort while also giving you maximum control over your work. There’s also an inbuilt dust blower to keep your line of sight debris-free.
While Ryobi JS481LG does not have a laser guide, it has a LED lighting fixture that illuminates in dark areas. This helps you achieve the same level of accuracy you would if you were working in a well-lit area.
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4. Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw: Best Lightweight Pick
Looking for a jigsaw that you can easily transport from your workshop to your jobsite? Makita JV0600K is the best budget jigsaw in this case.
It weighs less than 10 pounds, making it very light to carry around. The best part is that it comes with its own case, which has a top handle. Also included in the package is a hex wrench, increasing the tool’s range of use.
Another feature that sets this jigsaw apart is the dust port positioned on the rear side of the unit. This lets you attach a shop vacuum, dust blower or other dust collection system to keep your workspace clean.
Makita JV0600K was designed with the user’s comfort in mind. It comprises a rubberized grip and 2-finger speed trigger dial with lock-on feature. This gives you utmost control over your cutting jobs while minimizing fatigue.
This jigsaw’s performance remains unparalleled. The manufacturer has equipped it with a 6.5 amp motor and a counter-balance system, which reduces vibrations during use. Not only does this help to improve the accuracy of your cuts, but it also mitigates the risk of damaging your workpiece.
For efficiency, the jigsaw also includes a tool-less blade swapping system. All you need to do is remove the current blade, snap a new one in and resume working.
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5. WEN 3602 Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw: Best Budget Option
If you’re looking to spend the least amount of money possible, the 3602 Orbital Jig Saw by WEN is among the best budget jigsaw on the market.
Despite the affordable price tag, this power tool boasts an extensive selection of features. Its appeal begins with the powerful motor with a 6-amp rating, giving you a decent amount of power to work with.
By powerful, we mean that you’ll be able to slice through wood that is 4 inches thick and metals up to ⅜- inch thick.
Besides, it has a variable speed trigger. This gives you the freedom to adjust accordingly, and configure it to anywhere between 800 and 3,000 strokes per minute.
Another thing we love about this jigsaw entails its lightweight profile. It weighs just slightly over 5 pounds, making it very easy to handle. Better yet, you get to choose from 4 orbital settings depending on the application at hand.
It doesn’t include many accessories, which is not surprising given its price point. What it offers instead is a highly functional jigsaw good enough for homeowners and occasional DIY woodworkers.
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6. Meterk Jigsaw: Best for Precision
Professional woodworkers pride themselves in the quality of their work. One factor that determines how good their results are, is accuracy. So if you’re looking to make the most accurate cuts, Meterk Jigsaw is your best bet.
This power tool is equipped with a LED light, which guides your cutting line guaranteeing the highest accuracy possible.
Another feature the jigsaw boasts is versatility. While other jigsaws only come with a couple of blades, this one includes 10. This makes it suitable for cutting a variety of materials; from metal to wood to PVC pipes and more.
You will also love the adjustable base plate, which makes it possible to cut at specific angles. Specifically, you will be able to make bevel cuts at any angle with a 45° range.
Like the other jigsaws in our review, Meterk includes a lock-on button on the speed control dial. Once you press the lock button and trigger switch, the jigsaw automatically locks. It means you don’t have to keep pressing the trigger while cutting.
Meterk has also made it easy to keep your work area clean while you cut. The jigsaw is fitted with a dust blower for easy cleanup.
This power tool’s cordless design means you can easily take it from your workshop to your job site without worrying about the power source. Just be sure to carry its charger, which touts a fast-charging mechanism and overcharge protection.
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Wrap Up
Jigsaws are a highly versatile tool, which is why the majority come at a premium price. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t find one on a budget. Some manufacturers price their tools quite reasonably.
The only problem is that you’ll likely have to compromise a couple of features. For instance, the best budget jigsaw may not have the most powerful motor or other high-end features like laser guide or a tool-less blade changing mechanism.
That said, one of the best budget jigsaws you can buy is the Black +Decker BDEJS600C. Equipped with a 5-amp motor, the tool registers a speed of 3000 spm.
Other features you’ll love about this jigsaw include an ergonomic design, a dust blower, variable speed setting, a seamless blade changing system, and compatibility with both U- and T-shank blades.