The correct saw type is essential when cutting wood. But there's more than one type of saw, and they vary in terms of design and function.
The sabre saw and jigsaw are quite popular options because you can use either effectively, depending on the situation.
In this sabre saw vs jigsaw overview, we looked at these two handheld power tools to give you a clearer idea of each option. This way, you can decide which is best for your woodworking or general cutting needs.
What are Sabre Saws?
A sabre saw, also called a reciprocating saw, is a cutting tool that is often used for demolition work, renovation, remodeling, and tree pruning. They have very little use in woodworking. Heavier duty than your average saw, they use a blade that reciprocates back and forth to cut.
The Sabre saw and jigsaw are both handheld saws powered by a trigger mechanism. They differ in blade position - sabre saw blades are positioned at 90 degrees, while jigsaw blades are positioned at 45 degrees.
A sabre saw blade sticks out of the front of the machine, while a jigsaw blade sits inside. You can't hold a sabre saw with one hand because it is typically very awkward to do so. No professional will use a sabre saw with one hand because it is only really usable in two hands.
A sabre saw is one of the most popular saws on the market and is often dual-handled. This means that you have control over it in a number of ways, for example by gripping it from either side. As far as cutting goes, these saws use a blade that moves back and forth to maximize cutting power.
Sabre saws come in both cordless and corded models, each with its own set of pros and cons. Corded models have the advantage that they never run out of battery, but you are limited in mobility.
On the other hand, a cordless model is more flexible to use and offers great mobility because it doesn’t rely on an electrical connection.
A sabre saw has a sharp blade that can cut through anything in construction that you can call tough including hardwood, bricks, tiles, and masonry.
Pros
Cons
What are sabre saws best for?
Sabre saws are powerful tools that are best used on demolition work and DIY projects, where the main focus is quantity, rather than quality. Homeowners might find that they're better off investing in another type of tool like a table saw.
A table saw, also called a bench saw, is a woodworking tool that protrudes through the top of the table you're working on. It is made to add support to a wide variety of materials and their types, such as wood.
Similarly, this tool is perfect for plumbing and electrical jobs because of its ability to cut through plaster and wood.
What are Jigsaws?
Jigsaws can be used for a number of different tasks and are often more capable than other tools. The blade of a jigsaw moves back and forth at great speed which helps with complicated work. Jigsaws have an electric motor to power the blade.
This tool belongs to the same family as scroll saws. But, there is a small difference in how they cut (see our jigsaw vs scroll saw comparison). When precision is required, a scroll saw is used for cutting. It’s perfect for projects involving intricate cuts that require clean lines. You can even use it to create highly detailed designs and features.
A scroll saw is great for small projects that require a lot of work. One example would be making a detailed wooden jigsaw puzzle. A scroll saw can cut lines precisely so that they fit back together perfectly.
Scroll saws are great for making detailed and intricate designs with a lot of control. This is perfect for crafting or small decorative projects.
Due to its delicate nature, the blade of a jigsaw can easily break if you lose control while sawing. Be sure to hold the this tool properly and make sure you are in control of your power tool.
There are two main types of blade fitment-screw and slot. Newer models use a slot to hold a toothed blade in place instead of a screw.
The blades of a jigsaw come in different tooth counts depending on the application, they can range from 7 to 25 or sometimes even more.
The best jigsaws on the market can power through tough tasks with precision. They're perfect for job sites where space is limited. With just a few adjustments, they cut to length and in many other ways as well. There are blades available so you can get a close shave at the material you are working on.
Jigsaws are handy tools that come with some potential inconveniences. The jigsaw can't be controlled very well at times, but as an operator, you'll need to keep steering the saw in order to draw a straight line.
When working with a jigsaw, make sure it doesn't move around. Make sure it's stable and everything will go much more smoothly.
Pros
Cons
What are jigsaws best for?
Jigsaws are great for precise jobs. They are separate from the rest of the machinery, allowing them to work on small and delicate sections of projects with precision.
If you need to cut detailed pieces of wood, metal, or plastic into a specific shape, a jigsaw might be just what you're looking for. On the other hand, if you need to produce finer detail and accuracy in your job, you might prefer to go with a scroll saw.
One downside of the jigsaw is that it's not good for demolition activities. If you need to make those types of jobs, an alternative like a reciprocating type would be better.
Jigsaw blades protrude beyond the body of the saw, making them easy to use for intricate cuts including internal curves and shapes. The blade can be positioned through a drilled hole to allow you to cut curved shapes on an interior surface.
When using a jigsaw, you're going to enjoy an increased level of accuracy when sawing. It's typically a slower though sharper tool than some of the other options on the market. It allows you to cut at a variable speed like a professional without worrying about mistakes.
Sabre Saws vs Jigsaws: Main Similarities and Differences
Material being cut
Sabre saws and jigsaws are used to cut through a variety of materials, but the sabre saw is more practical for PVC pipes.
The jigsaw is not ideal for slicing through PVC precisely because of its shoe. If you're working a design onto a piece of metal, however, you can use a jigsaw.
You need to look at other features that might be of importance to your needs to make a good, informed purchase decision on which saw to buy.
Project type
A sabre saw is the better choice for projects where you need to cut like on a demolition-style job. It simply doesn’t matter if your cuts are perfect when it comes to demolishing something quickly.
Sabre saws make demolition much easier because of their ability to get into corners. This option is more defined than on a saw with base plate. You can cut a corner and have a straight line better than you could another type of saw.
A jigsaw makes quick and straight cuts on a soft material like wood. It's perfect for making detail cuts or constructing rounded corners.
Features
The jigsaw has a lot more features which make it easier to cut precise shapes. Sabre saws are better for rough cuts.
Some manufacturers make jigsaws that can cut like a sabre saw. If you are looking for bells and whistles, or want perfect results from your sawing, this is the better option.
Pricing
As with all tools, the sabre saw and the jigsaw come in a variety of different prices. Naturally, if you were to choose a saw based on price alone, then you will have trouble seeing the differences between the two.
A sabre saw and jigsaw are similar tools but sabre saws have a much more powerful motor. They can cut through thick material easily. If you're having trouble deciding, I would recommend going for a model with an orbital blade as this type produces a smoother finish.
Sabre Saws vs Jigsaws FAQs
Is a sabre saw the same as a jigsaw?
Sabre saws and jigsaws are often mistakenly referred to as the same thing by both customers and manufacturers. But in reality, they're two different tools that serve various different functions. A jigsaw is smaller, and made for cutting curves in the edges of drywall for example.
A sabre saw is more suited to cutting outside corners where you want a straight cut. An electric jigsaw makes cutting inside corners and mitering easy without generating the same amount of tear-out.
What is a sabre saw used for?
The sabre saw has a toothed blade ideal for cutting through a soft material. It is somewhat difficult to cut straight with it because the saw lacks a base-plate like that of the jigsaw.
What is the difference between a sabre saw and a reciprocating saw?
A sabre saw is sometimes also called a reciprocating saw, but there is some difference between the two. A reciprocating model uses more power than a sabre saw, because reciprocating models typically have a more powerful motor.
The sabre saw is more balanced, which makes for a safer saw to use. The reciprocating type works on an alternate motion that can be very hard to control.
Reciprocating saws are more durable and robust when compared to the sabre model. The reason behind this is that it has stronger and more solid armor than a sabre saw.
One downside of the reciprocating model is the weight - because of this, users might find it harder to keep it balanced and under control.
A reciprocating saw is much more dangerous than a sabre saw. The potential for accidents is greater if you are handling one without any experience. Lastly, a reciprocating saw tends to be more expensive than a sabre saw.
Conclusion: How to Determine Which You Need
It’s a little hard to say which between a sabre saw vs jigsaw is best for you without knowing what kind of job you’re doing. Reading through the sabre saw vs jigsaw overview above, you should get an idea whether one would be better than the other.
When deciding between sabre saw vs jigsaw, choose the best saw for your specific project. It's important to think about all of the steps and stages of your project - from how you want it to look at the start, through to how you want it to look when it's finished.
If your finished project is a beautiful carved handrail for a front porch, you might want to consider using a thin bladed saw because it will do less damage.