Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Cordless Jigsaw
Cordless jigsaws are indispensable tools for professionals and DIYers alike. They are a no-fuss, easy-to-use solution for making straight and curved cuts in various materials. They can even be used to cut simple shapes and bevelled cuts, making them the go-to for many cutting tasks.
If you want to get the most out of your purchase, there are a few things that you need to consider before you part with your hard-earned cash, but if you follow our buying guide, you’ll have a tool that you find yourself reaching for time and time again for a wide variety of projects.
Make sure you also Check out the top picks from our range of cordless jigsaws at the bottom of the page. Finally, if you found this guide useful, you can share it with your friends using the buttons above.
Cordless Jigsaw Basics
Jigsaws are lightweight handheld power saws that use a reciprocating blade attached to an electrical motor to make light work of cutting various materials- depending on the type of blades you have on hand. Where they really become invaluable, however, is their ability to cut curves and basic shapes, a task that can’t be done with the likes of a circular saw. Another useful feature found on any good cordless jigsaw is the ability to angle the saw body relative to the baseplate to allow the operator to make bevelled cuts.
Features to consider
Cordless benefits
Choosing a cordless model like this Milwaukee cordless jigsaw over a corded version removes the need to be near a power outlet. This allows you to use your new jigsaw wherever the job requires while negating a tripping hazard in your work area. Another handy benefit of opting for a cordless jigsaw is not having to worry about constantly moving and adjusting the position of a power cord when using your jigsaw to cut more complex shapes.
Orbital blade action
Sometimes referred to as a “pendulum” action, jigsaws with an orbital feature basically give you the option of adding an elliptical motion to the blade’s path in the direction of the material being cut during the upstroke. This allows for a more aggressive cut, making cutting harder materials easier and quicker. It has the added benefit of putting less strain on the motor and reducing wear on the blade, effectively extending the lifetime. Most jigsaws with an orbital feature, such as this DeWalt cordless jigsaw, will also have different settings for the orbital action, which allows you to optimise the set-up depending on the material you’re cutting.
Blade selection
The ability to quickly and easily change blades on cordless jigsaws contributes to their versatility. Having a variety of blades optimised for cutting different materials will allow you to make light work of a wide range of materials. Using the wrong blade on a certain material will take longer and increase wear and tear on the electric motor.
Blade shank
The part of the blade that attaches and locks into the tool is called the “shank.” These shanks come in two main types: “U-shank” and “T-shank,” shown above. T-shirts are the most common type of blade nowadays, but always double-check what type of shank your tool is configured to receive before buying a new set of blades.
Number of teeth
The “tooth pitch” refers to the number of teeth per inch (or centimetres) on the blade. Blades with fewer teeth will cut faster but produce a rougher finish. Blades with more teeth will cut slower but produce a finer finish.
Blades for different materials
As previously mentioned, you want to use the appropriate blade for the material you’re trying to cut. There are specific blade configurations for wood and laminate, plastic and PVC, steel and non-ferrous metal, and ceramic and glass. All the blades in our store will state what material they are suited for cutting, so it’s easier to find the type you need for a specific task.
Blade material
The material your jigsaw blades are made from will determine their durability and the best cut material. Below is a summary of the most common blade materials used for jigsaw blades:
- Tungsten carbide blades are more heat resistant and durable. They are designed to cut ceramics, steel, and fibreglass.
- High carbon steel: These blades are inexpensive and a good option for cutting softer material. However, their flexibility can make making accurate cuts more challenging.
- High-speed steel: High-speed steel blades are harder and more wear-resistant than high-carbon blades; however, they are also less flexible and prone to heat damage.
- Bi-metal blades combine the properties of different types of metal, with carbon steel bodies for flexibility and high-speed steel teeth for durability. They are normally reserved for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Variable speed control
Most cordless jigsaws from industry-leading brands will allow you to adjust the speed of the cutting blade. This is an invaluable feature, as different types and densities of materials require different cutting speeds for the best results. For example, brittle materials like ceramics or glass should be cut at a lower speed to avoid damaging the material. Similarly, a lower setting should also be used for cutting metal to avoid the blade rapidly heating up, drastically reducing the blade’s lifetime. On the other hand, wood is better suited to higher settings.
Toolden’s top picks
Here are the top picks from some of our best-selling models. These cordless jigsaws from industry-leading brands have been picked for their impressive performance, versatile features, and solid reliability. You absolutely can’t go wrong with any of these models.
Milwaukee M18 FJS-0X 18V Fuel Top Handle Jigsaw (Body Only)
This Milwaukee cordless jigsaw is fitted with a Milwaukee-designed and built brushless POWERSTATE motor for fast cutting and long tool life. The Milwaukee patented FIXTEC blade clamp provides fast and easy blade change. The keyless bevel facility on the base plate allows for adjustment between 0-45°. It has a 5-stage pendulum action for increased cutting performance. The detachable soft shoe avoids marks and scratches when cutting soft materials. A dust blower keeps the cut line free of wood dust, and an integrated LED light provides workspace illumination.
DeWalt DCS331N 18V XR Cordless Jigsaw (Body Only)
This DeWalt DCS331n 18V Jigsaw is the latest generation, designed for efficiency and performance! It also features an intelligent variable speed trigger and lock-off switch for controlled, Quick cuts and enhanced safety. The powerful and highly efficient DeWalt PM47 fan-cooled motor has replaceable brushes and delivers fast cutting action of up to 3000 strokes per minute, maximising user productivity. The keyless blade change system also allows you to switch out blades on the fly.
Makita DJV180Z LXT 18V Cordless Jigsaw (Body Only)
This Makita cordless jigsaw produces a smooth and powerful cut at a high rotational speed of 2,600 rpm. An easy-to-trace cutting line combined with an LED job light means that you can get the job done, even in low-light conditions. The ergonomic rubberised soft grip supports this, simultaneously encouraging more safe and secure performances with comfort and control.
Milwaukee M18 FBJS-502X 18V FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw with 2x 5.0Ah Batteries
The M18 FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw combines power, blade speed, and precision to provide the highest-quality cuts in various materials. It has POWERSTATE brushless motors and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence. It provides a higher blade speed than wired jigsaws, 3,500 cycles per minute, to achieve clean and controllable cutting while minimising debris or warping.
FAQ
How do I choose the right blade for my jigsaw?
Select a blade based on the material you’re cutting. For wood, use fine-toothed blades; for metal, use blades specifically designed for metal cutting. Check the thickness of the material to choose the appropriate blade length.
What safety precautions should I take when using a jigsaw?
Always wear safety goggles and hearing protection. Keep your hands clear of the blade, ensure the workpiece is securely clamped, and work in a well-lit area.
How do I change the blade on a jigsaw?
Most jigsaws have a quick-release mechanism. To use it, simply unlock the blade holder, remove the old blade, insert the new blade, and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I use a jigsaw to cut curves?
Absolutely! Jigsaws excel at cutting curves. Use a finer blade to guide the saw slowly along your marked line for best results.
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If you have any additional queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01358 726719 or by email at admin@toolden.co.uk