When your woodworking applications call for a tool that can perform intricate curves in thick stock, a jigsaw is the best tool.
There are other saws that you can use but none offer the performance and versatility of a jigsaw. And the good thing is, jigsaws come in cordless varieties too, making them highly portable and convenient.
Have you been searching for the best cordless jigsaws? No need to worry because we’ve got you covered. Here’s a detailed guide to top-rated cordless jigsaws on the market.
Differences Between Corded vs Cordless Jigsaws
As is the case with most power tools, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is choosing between corded and cordless jigsaws. Let’s take a look at what each one has to offer:
Corded Jigsaws
Of the two models, corded jigsaws have a slight edge when it comes to the amount of power they offer. As a result, they’re the most suited for cutting tougher materials like metal and hardwoods.
Another benefit corded jigsaws offer is unlimited runtime. With these tools, you’ll never have to worry about stopping your project halfway to recharge or swap out a battery.
The fact that these jigsaws don’t come with extra components like a battery and charger also makes them fairly compact and lightweight.
That said, there’s one challenge they present, and this has to do with their power cord. Put simply; you can only work as far as the length of your power cord allows. If your cord is on the shorter side, you may not be able to connect it to your nearest power supply; rendering the machine unusable.
And even if you have an extension lead, you still might not be able to use your jigsaw for most outdoor applications.
Besides, the fact that it relies on electricity means that whenever there’s a power outage, you can’t use your jigsaw. There’s also a risk of damaging your power cord, if it gets in the way of your cutting line.
Cordless Jigsaws
The greatest benefit a cordless jigsaw tool offers entails its portability.
Given that it doesn’t have a trailing power cord, this power tool provides way more flexibility than its corded counterpart. As long as its batteries are charged, you’ll be able to carry your jigsaw with you and use it anywhere.
This aspect makes it a favorite for tradesmen who often have to carry power tools from one job site to another.
Battery operated jigsaws are also ideal for DIY enthusiasts who may have to use these tools for outdoor applications- like when they need to perform cuts on their deck.
Unfortunately, these tools have their fair share of disadvantages. The biggest setback is limited runtime. The battery may run low before you complete your project, forcing you to stop and recharge it first.
These jigsaws are also not suited for tough cutting applications. When subjected to such, the battery drains quickly, meaning you get very little work done.
If you’re looking to use a cordless jigsaw for heavy-duty cutting, we recommend investing in long-lasting batteries, such as an 18, 24, or 36V battery.
In the past, cordless units weren’t as powerful as their corded counterparts. But we’ve come a long way in battery technology so this is no longer the case. If cutting power is a priority, don’t automatically count out cordless jigsaws.
What to Consider When Buying Cordless Jigsaws
To make an informed decision on which cordless jigsaw to buy, consider the following:
Battery Life
As mentioned earlier, the primary power source for a cordless jigsaw is a battery. As such, one aspect you should check before buying this tool is battery life.
The longer the battery life, the longer you’ll be able to work uninterrupted. If you wish to work for a prolonged period, consider models that come with an extra battery pack. This way, you can easily swap out your battery with a recharged one and carry on working.
Power
The second most important factor you’ll want to examine is power. If you’re planning to use your cordless jigsaw for some heavy duty projects, then you’ll want to be sure that it’s up to the task.
So what’s the easiest way to determine the cutting power of this unit? Well, this is pretty straightforward as all you need to check is the battery’s voltage.
The higher its voltage rating, the more cutting power it offers. For instance, a cordless jigsaw powered by a 20V LXT battery will offer greater cutting power than one powered by an 18V LXT battery.
Also on power, you’ll want to check the type of motor incorporated in your machine. Models like Ridgid R8832B jigsaw employ a brushless motor, resulting in increased efficiency, minimal noise, and a longer lifetime.
Blade Type
Here, there are two factors that you should pay attention to. These are the type and materials used in making the jigsaw blade. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
Type
Jigsaw blades are classified into two: T-shank and U-shank.
A T-shank jigsaw blade is designed in such a way that swapping or replacing it is super easy. The fact that it locks in easily without the need for additional tools, and remains securely in position makes it the best suited for performing decorative or curved cuts.
With a U-shank-style blade, there’s a high chance that you’ll need tools to change the blade. Due to this, very few workers like it.
Material
Based on material, jigsaw blades can further be classified into four:
High carbon steel (HCS)
This is the most common material used to make jigsaw blades, primarily because it’s cheap. Given their affordability, it’s easy to purchase HCS blades in bulk.
Important to note though is that this kind of blade is very flexible. Depending on the way you look at it, this can be a good or bad thing. On one hand, it’s great for cutting soft materials. On the other hand, it tends to wander off course, an aspect that can compromise your precision.
Nonetheless, these blades are great for general woodworking tasks.
High speed steel (HSS)
HSS blades are almost the complete opposite of the high-carbon steel varieties. These ones are harder; hence, more durable. Unfortunately, they’re not flexible and are susceptible to damage if subjected to heat.
On a more positive note, they’re versatile enough to be used for cutting hardwoods, reinforced plastic, and even metal.
Bi-metal blades
As you might have guessed from the name, these blades are made from two materials: high-speed steel and carbon steel.
Since they blend two types of steel, they offer the best of both worlds when it comes to flexibility and durability. This makes them fit for heavy-duty cutting projects involving hardwoods and metal.
Tungsten
If durability is your biggest concern, then your best chance is to invest in jigsaws with tungsten blades.
They offer the best resistance against both heat and wear. The reason why they’re so durable is that their cutting edges are coated in tungsten carbide grit rather than teeth.
Tungsten jigsaw blades are reserved for unique applications like slicing through steel, fiberglass, or ceramics.
Cutting
Another factor you’ll want to pay attention to is the depth of the cut. This is usually determined by two factors: the stroke length and the length of the blade's cutting edge.
The majority of jigsaws are designed to cut to a depth of 2 inches in wood and about ½ inch on metal. Some models can make deeper cuts although this isn’t necessarily a good thing. The deeper this tool can cut, the higher the risk of the blade bending and possibly breaking.
For projects where you need to make ultra-deep cuts, it’s not advisable to slice all the way through up to your cut line. A better approach is to leave out a chunk of material and use an oscillating drum sander instead, to complete the cut.
On the same note of cuts, you may want to look for a cordless jigsaw that offers an adjustable shoe. This allows you to position your tool at a specific angle so that you can perform bevel cuts. Such models will have preset stops at popular angles like 22 ½ degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees.
Orbital Action Switch
If you want to get the most out of this power tool, you’ll want to purchase one that includes an orbital action switch that lets you adjust the orbital settings.
Wondering what orbital action means? The easiest way to understand this is to start off with an ordinary jigsaw.
With a conventional jigsaw, the blade is designed to move in an up and down pattern; fairly similar to a sewing machine. An orbital jigsaw takes things a notch higher by increasing the levels of elliptical motion.
To be more specific, the blade moves forward to a small extent during an upswing. Then on the downswing, it moves slightly backward. This cutting action is elliptical and results in a faster, more aggressive cutting.
Speed Control
A top rated cordless jigsaw comes equipped with a variable speed trigger.
The ability to regulate speed isn’t all that imperative in woodworking projects. But if you’re cutting metals, such a feature will come in handy as you’ll need to slow down the machine to get better cuts. A slower speed is also preferred when it comes to performing intricate curved cuts.
Toolless Adjustment
Another feature that you're likely to find in the best cordless jigsaw from the crowd is the provision of tool-free adjustment systems.
Ideally, you shouldn't have to start looking for a hex wrench or other advanced tool so that you can mount or uninstall a blade from the machine. Thus, check whether the jigsaw has a tool less or a keyless blade change system. This simply means that the blade clamp is opened using a lever-action system rather than additional tools.
The same should apply when it comes to making adjustments to your bevel shoe. Essentially, you should be able to make a tool-free bevel adjustment and proceed to perform cuts seamlessly.
Dust Management
One of my favorite features of a jigsaw is that it doesn’t kick up as much as sawdust as other saws, like say a table saw, circular saw, or miter saw.
Rather than transforming wood into dust, a jigsaw merely removes small chunks of material from the workpiece. Nonetheless, these chunks may end up blocking your cutline; compromising your visibility and accuracy.
To avoid this, invest in a battery powered jigsaw that has a dust collection system. Check whether it’s possible to hook a shop vac to your machine; hence, maintain a dust-free workstation.
Grip
Whenever you’re using a cordless jigsaw, one thing you should ensure is that you always have a secure grip on your tool.
To achieve this, invest in a unit equipped with a rubber over-molded handle. Not only does this enhance your grip but it also minimizes the intensity of vibrations. This improves your comfort and enables you to work for longer without experiencing too much fatigue.
Safety Features
Compared to circular saws and table saws, cordless jigsaws are relatively safer.
Nonetheless, it helps if your jigsaw is equipped with the necessary safety features. For one, the blade on your tool ought to be sharp.
This way, you’re guaranteed that it will cut into the material easily. With a dull blade, you’d have to apply a significant amount of force, which in turn increases your risk of injury.
A cordless jigsaw that comes fitted with a LED light is also much safer. This helps to illuminate your cutting line, making sure that you have a clear view of where you’re slicing through.
Ease of Use
The best battery powered jigsaws feature elements that make them a lot easier to use.
If you’re a newbie or don’t have experience using this tool, you may want to invest in such great budget jigsaws.
As an example, some units come fitted with a laser guide. This feature casts a red laser beam; hence, helping you maintain a straight cutting line. Other models may not have a laser beam but they'll have a built in LED light that illuminates your work area.
A speed trigger lock is another handy feature. This enables you to lock your jigsaw to a specific speed, saving you from having to hold the trigger constantly to maintain the desired speed.
The 5 Best Cordless Jigsaw Reviews
1. Dewalt DCS331B Jig Saw
Have you been searching for the best cordless jigsaw that has a great selection of features? Well, the Dewalt DCS331B Jigsaw is exactly what you need.
As is the case with Dewalt power tools, this one comes in an indisputable black and yellow color scheme.
What’s more intriguing though is the amount of power it offers. Powered using 20V Max batteries, the unit has a stroke length of 1 inch and can reach a top speed of up to 3,000 strokes per minute. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to adjust this speed thanks to the variable speed trigger onboard the machine.
Another area where the Dewalt 20V Max shines is in cutting performance. Once equipped with T-shank blades, the unit can slice through a variety of materials ranging from wood to plastic, and metal.
And the best part is, this jigsaw employs a keyless blade change, facilitating swift and easy blade changes.
Also contributing to its versatility is the keyless shoe bevel that Dewalt DCS331B jigsaw comes fitted with. This element has detents at the 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°, resulting in maximum versatility when it comes to performing bevel cuts.
This cordless jigsaw also boasts 4 position orbital settings, resulting in simplified control of the cut quality and speed.
Dewalt 20V Max jigsaw tips the scales at about 5.4 lbs. which some might find a little too heavy. Dewalt tries to make up for this by providing an anti-slip grip. This gives you a sense of security when operating the machine.
Pros
Cons
Have you been looking to invest in an orbital-action jigsaw? If you have, you’ll be impressed with the Ryobi One P523.
This jigsaw boasts four orbital settings, enabling you to find the ideal stroke based on the material and blade. Besides, you get to enjoy the perks of using orbital jigsaws such as fast and more aggressive cutting.
It’s not just the orbital configurations that set this cordless jigsaw apart. It also sports an 18V Lithium-Ion battery, which is its primary source of power. This is what drives the blade to cut, enabling it to attain a remarkable speed of 3,000 spm.
Another aspect you’re sure to love about Ryobi One P523 is the ease of piecing it together. All you’ll need to do is install the blade then snap the battery into position.
Ryobi’s BladeSaver is another feature that sets this cordless jigsaw from the crowd. What this does is that it adjusts the shoe of your jigsaw; hence, making it possible to access the unutilized teeth of the blade.
By using fresh teeth, you’re able to extend the life of your blades whilst ensuring that you make smooth and precise cuts each time.
The trigger lock system is yet another element of this jigsaw that we really liked. Pulling the trigger and subsequently pressing the button located on the side causes this system to spring into action.
The idea behind it is to allow you to concentrate most of your energy on controlling cuts rather than constantly pressing the trigger. This, in turn, helps you achieve maximum accuracy.
The range of accessories incorporated in Ryobi One P523 is another reason that drew us to this unit.
For starters, it’s fitted with a dust blower that blows all the dust from your cut line. You will also find a built in LED light fixture to improve your lighting when working in poorly lit areas.
Pros
Cons
Are you a beginner and are just getting started on using cordless jigsaws? Then you’re probably not planning to shell out a lot of money on this purchase. On that note, Porter Cable PCC650B has a pocket-friendly price tag.
There’s a lot to love about this jigsaw apart from its affordability. First off, it has a pretty user-friendly design.
Powered using a 20 volt lithium ion battery, it's fairly lightweight and compact. This makes it easy to operate for extended periods without getting overly fatigued. Moreover, it has a contoured, over-molded handle that makes it comfortable to hold.
Another thing you’ll like is the fact that the Porter Cable tool has a 3 position orbital action. The 0 (zero) level is intended for both curved and straight cuts. Level 1 is suited for smooth cuts while level 2 is suited for rough cuts.
This renders the unit useful for a vast range of applications, plus it can reach a top cutting speed of 2,500 strokes per minute.
Speaking of speed, the jigsaw includes a variable speed trigger for easy and swift adjustments. Plus, it boasts a tool free blade release so you don't have to worry about investing in extra tools.
You will also find an integrated dust blower, designed to keep your line of cut free of dust and debris.
For maximum user safety, Porter Cable has also fitted this machine with a lock-off button. This prevents the engine from engaging in the event that the power trigger is pressed accidentally.
Pros
Cons
Black & Decker tops the charts when it comes to the best cordless jigsaws that offer value for money.
Contrary to other models that only include bare tools, the Black & Decker BDCJS20C includes a battery and charger. This saves you money as you don’t have to purchase these items separately.
Another feature that makes this cordless jigsaw exceptional entails its compatibility with both blade types. So whether you prefer to use a U- or T-shank blade, you’ll be able to use it with this jigsaw.
Powering these blades is a 20V Max Lithium ion battery that results in a speed of 2,500 rpm. We were also impressed by the tool less blade change of this unit. This allows you to swap blades quickly and resume working on your projects.
Want to achieve maximum accuracy on your woodworking projects? You’re in luck because the Black & Decker BDCJS20C was designed for this.
For one, it has a variable speed trigger, giving you maximum control of the speed. This way, you can configure the machine to run at a pace that you’re comfortable with; hence, maintaining precision.
Furthermore, the battery powered jigsaw is equipped with a dust blower and wire guard. Both of these elements help to keep your line of sight clear so you can make the most accurate cuts.
You’ll also be pleased to learn that this unit has a bevel shoe capacity of 45 degrees. This enables you to make angled cuts in either direction.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking to invest in the best cordless jigsaw for woodworking, Makita XVJ03Z is a fantastic option. It has everything you’d want in a cordless jigsaw, though it also comes with a premium price tag.
One of its key highlights is its lightweight profile. It weighs a measly 6.1 pounds, with the battery on. Other models weigh this or more, without their batteries included.
Also crucial to point out is the ergonomic design of the speed trigger onboard the machine. This is designed to be operated with two fingers, providing more convenience and comfort.
Speaking of speed, the saw lets you adjust its speed between 0 and 2,600 spm. This means you can adjust its speed depending on the material you’re cutting. And thanks to this, Makita XVJ03Z is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Another feature you’re sure to love about this cordless jigsaw is the heavy gauge that it comes with. This base provides excellent stability; thus, allowing you to make smooth and precise cuts.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
Are brushless jigsaws better?
Yes, jigsaws like Ridgid R8832B that use brushless motors are better than those with brushed motors. These power tools pack a lot more torque, power and speed, and they’re relatively easier to maintain.
Are battery jigsaws good?
Yes, battery powered jigsaws are worth investing in. They’re more portable and flexible, and offer almost as much power as their corded counterparts.
What should I look for in a cordless jigsaw?
Some of the key factors you should focus on when looking for this tool are battery life and power. The battery determines how long the jigsaw can run on a single charge.
On the other hand, some cordless jigsaws don’t provide enough cutting power to tackle certain projects.
How long does a cordless jigsaw last?
The durability of this tool boils down to the type of battery it’s equipped with. For those powered with lithium-ion batteries, most have a lifespan of 3 years or approximately 1,000 charging cycles. In fact, DeWalt, Makita, and Ridgid all provide a 3-year warranty on their batteries.
Conclusion
One of the best cordless jigsaws that you can invest in is the Dewalt DCS331B Jig Saw. It comes with a mid-tier price and a nice array of features, offering excellent value for money. It tips the scales at just 5.4 pounds, so it’s fairly light. However, it’s also sturdy enough to be used for heavy duty projects.
It’s compatible with a T-shank blade with 10 tpi. More importantly, this blade’s speed can be adjusted between 0 and 3,000 spm. You’ll also love the adjustable shoe bevel that offers detents at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees.
That said, there are a couple of things you might not like about the Dewalt model. For one, it's sold as a bare tool, meaning you have to purchase the battery and charger separately. Secondly, it lacks features found in its high-end counterparts like a brushless motor and Led light fixture.