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Along with the cordless screwdriver, the cordless jigsaw is one of the most popular electric tools and should not be missing from any workshop.

Among the power saws, the jigsaw is the most flexible. With the cordless jigsaw you can work freely in the workshop, in the garden and also on the construction site.

We hope you find the right cordless jigsaw. This should make your purchase decision as easy as possible.

Choosing a cordless jigsaw

A jigsaw is a device that you used to saw different materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. You need to clamp a saw blade that moves up and down as you saw. In this way, the small teeth on the blade continuously remove material in the form of chips. Straight, round, or angled cuts are possible for you.

Who needs a battery-powered jigsaw, and what is it suitable for?

If you need a saw more often, you will benefit from a battery-powered jigsaw. It doesn’t matter if you’re a DIY project maker or a handyman who uses it on a daily basis. You may be renovating a few rooms in your home or want to restore furniture. As long as you don’t want to make cuts that are too deep, a jigsaw will be of great use to you.

A battery-powered model offers you further advantages, such as high mobility and an unrestricted action radius. The devices no longer live up to their formerly poor reputation, as the performance of good battery-powered jigsaws comes close to that of corded models. The further development of power storage makes a long runtime possible before you have to connect the battery to the charger.

A cordless jigsaw is primarily suitable if you want to make straight cuts. This may be the case, for example, if you want to lay laminate flooring and cut panels. You can use a jigsaw to cut out round shapes. This can be useful if, for example, you want to saw the sink recess or make your own chair. Miter cuts are possible with many saws. To do this, tilt the baseplate and cut it obliquely through the material. Such a function can be useful for furniture or window frames, for example. A jigsaw is an all-rounder that is suitable for the following materials:

  • Wood and wood-like materials
  • Laminate, parquet, and kitchen countertops
  • Ceramics
  • Aluminum and stainless steel
  • Styrofoam
  • Leather and textiles

For many of the tasks mentioned, you can also use a hand-held circular saw, for example. Compared to other saws, the jigsaw fits well in the hand because of its compact design and offers relatively safe handling. Different cuts are possible for you with various functions and the acquisition costs are kept within limits.

How does a cordless jigsaw work?

Each jigsaw is equipped with an electric motor, which is the heart. It enables the saw blade to be driven and is responsible for the speed and power. In order for the motor to unleash its power, it draws the energy it needs from the mains power in corded models. In cordless jigsaws, the power accumulator is responsible for the supply. The voltage causes the motor to rotate, which it passes on to the gearbox.

The gearbox consists of many small individual parts and converts the rotation of the shaft coming from the motor into a mechanical stroke movement. As a result, the clamped saw blade does not rotate but moves up and down.

If it is a pendulum stroke jigsaw, a twist to the front and rear is added to the up and down movement. You can use a switch to turn the pendulum stroke on or off and thus influence the way the gearbox works. By varying the levels of the pendulum stroke, you set the additional movement to be stronger or weaker.

Mounting the saw blade works mostly with a quick clamping system. You can change it comfortably without tools, and you are a lot faster. Under the jigsaw you will find the baseplate – also called the base or support plate – which allows you to make a precise cut. By placing the baseplate level on the material, you will achieve a right angle to the material.

To set miter cuts, you need to set the baseplate at an angle. Some models have a lever to do this and others require you to adjust a screw. If you subsequently position the tilted plate straight on the material, the saw blade will automatically tilt and change the cutting line.

Cordless Jigsaw - The best choice

DEWALT Jig Saw

 4,9 Rating

DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw

Features:

  • Weight 6 pounds.
  • 20V Charger.
  • The 4-position orbital action provides control of cut quality and speed.
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Jig Saw features an efficient motor for powerful performance and extreme runtime. Precisely control blade speed up to 3,200 spm with the variable speed trigger and dial, for professional results no matter what you’re cutting. 4-position orbital action lets you adjust for optimal cutting of a variety of materials. A bright LED light illuminates dim work surfaces and makes it easy to follow cut lines.

Bosch Power Tools – JSH180 18V Jig Saw Product – Video

Buyer’s guide for the cordless jigsaw

This review and guide provide information on the best cordless jigsaw you can find.

There are quite a few manufacturers of a cordless jigsaw on the market, and the prices vary greatly. From a pure price point of view, the type of cordless jigsaw can be priced from $60 to $150.

The best cordless jigsaw for the money

Best Cordless Jigsaw test

All our reviews are based exclusively on expert judgments or practical experience with most of the cordless jigsaw we have tested. We strive to make our guide as independent and as detailed as possible.

Cordless jigsaws in comparison

BLACK+DECKER MAX JigSaw

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX JigSaw
  • STROKE LENGTH 3/4 in.
  • STROKES/MIN 2500 spm.
  • 20-Volt.

 4,8 Rating

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Ideal for precise cuts in wood and a variety of other materials

Variable Speed Cordless Jigsaw delivers cutting versatility and compact portability. Take on projects with a powerful motor delivering 2500 RPM and the convenience of a cordless tool. Features tool-free blade change, making it easy to quickly change blades and get right back to your project. A built-in dust blower and clear line of sight help you make accurate detail cuts.

Makita Cordless Jig Saw

Makita XVJ03Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw
  • The speed motor delivers 0-2,600 strokes per minute.
  • 3 orbital settings plus straight cutting.
  •  18 Volts.

 4,9 Rating

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 Seamlessly combines precision and power with the lowest overall weight in its class

The XVJ03Z has a range of precision and comfort features for precise jigsaw cutting performance, including less vibration and lower noise for more control and comfort. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.

BOSCH Cordless Jig Saw

BOSCH 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw
  • Adjustable footplate for bevel cuts of up to 45°.
  • Electronic Motor Protection.
  • 18 Volts.

 4,8 Rating

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Jigsaw is compact and lightweight

Its T-shank blade change system allows the user to insert the blade just without the need for any tools, and when it’s time for a blade change, a turn of knob ejects the blade, so there is no need to touch a hot blade. This jig saw also features an always-on blower and integrated LED light for enhanced visibility in the cutting area. The sophisticated electronics package includes Electronic Motor Protection (EMP), which protects the motor against overload and ensures a long lifetime, and Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) protects the battery (sold separately) against overload, overheating, and deep discharge.

What should be considered before buying a cordless jigsaw?

First, you should consider what you want to process with the cordless jigsaw. If it is wood, a cordless jigsaw with a cutting depth of at least 120 mm is suitable. If you are working with harder materials, a cordless jigsaw with a cutting depth for metal of at least 30 mm is suitable. Furthermore, you should consider in advance how long you will be working on the move, depending on the battery life should also correspond to the project. In principle, battery runtimes of over 4 hours are considered good, runtimes of less than 3 hours are not recommended.
As far as power is concerned, the cordless jigsaw should be able to deliver at least 18 V of voltage.

What is important when working with a battery-powered jigsaw?

If your fingers accidentally get in front of the saw blade, you can expect serious injuries. Therefore, great care must be taken when using a cordless jigsaw. If you want to achieve straight and precise cuts, there are other points to consider. We would like to give you some hints for safe and pleasant handling:

  • Before starting work, read the instruction manual carefully and follow the instructions.
  • Never work under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication and be concentrated on the task at hand. If distracted, take a break.
  • Schedule regular breaks to prevent fatigue and loss of concentration.
  • Wear a respirator, safety glasses, and hearing protection when working.
  • Refrain from wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the saw.
  • Keep the work area clean and provide good visibility.
  • Children or unauthorized persons have no business near a jigsaw.
  • If the jigsaw is defective, have it repaired by a professional before using it again.
  • Prepare the material before cutting by marking the cutting line and securing the material with screw clamps.
  • Use a saw blade suitable for the material to be cut.
  • Do not switch on the cordless jigsaw until the front part of the baseplate is on the material.
  • When cutting, make sure that the pressure is even and that the tool is guided slowly.
  • After use, perform a conscientious cleaning by removing dust from the cordless jigsaw with a dry cloth.

For further instructions and valuable tips on the safe and successful use of the cordless jigsaw, refer to the operating instructions. In it, you will find exact descriptions of how to make the various settings. Careful study of the manual can answer many questions, avoid mistakes and make you more comfortable with the handling.

Before you make any changes to the jigsaw, such as changing the saw blade, you should remove the battery to be on the safe side. This prevents the saw from starting on its own. In most cases, disassembly is possible with a simple handle. For a high level of safety, we recommend that you remove the power storage unit after each cut, should you not make the next one immediately.

What do I need to consider with the jigsaw blade?

A cordless jigsaw tells you how fast you can make a cut and how much power is available. The saw says little about the material to be cut. In this context, the saw blade is more important, because different factors influence the intended use. In order to choose a suitable blade, you should pay attention to four factors – the geometry of the teeth, the material, the width, and the length of the blade.

The toothing is responsible for efficiency and precision. If you choose a saw blade with many small teeth, the cut will be precise. However, you will need longer to make a cut because the saw removes less material in one stroke.

The opposite occurs with a saw blade with coarse teeth, so you’ll be faster, but you’ll have to deal with tear-outs. You should adjust the width of the saw blade to your particular application. If the cut line is as straight and precise as possible, a wider blade that has good tension and stability is suitable. For round cuts, you should reach for a thinner jigsaw blade that is movable.

How does a saw blade change work? That depends on the particular jigsaw. On some models, you must first remove a screw to change the saw blade. Most cordless jigsaws allow you to change without tools by opening the mounting clamp with one hand. You remove the saw blade, insert the new one and screw the clamp shut. Rarely, the devices are equipped with a mechanism that automatically hooks the saw blade. Therefore, when buying more jigsaw blades, you should pay attention to which receptacle your device has and which shaft the blade must-have.

Apart from the width, the length determines the material to be sawn. If you want to saw a 2-millimeter thick aluminum profile, you need a shorter blade than for a 10-millimeter profile. Therefore, you should adapt the length to the material in question. The material of the saw blade is a significant factor. For example, a blade for metal must be much more robust and durable than a model for wood. That’s why you’ll find a label on every jigsaw blade that tells you what you can use it for. Stick to the intended users to avoid breaking the blade and the resulting risk of injury.

How do I increase the life of my battery?

Battery-powered jigsaws are mostly equipped with a lithium-ion power storage unit. This is a long-lasting type of battery that can withstand up to 1,000 charging cycles. Despite their compact dimensions, they are powerful and have no memory effect. You don’t have to completely drain the power storage and fully charge it again, as was necessary with outdated batteries. You should observe the following tips for a long service life:

  1. The charge should always be between 20 and 80 percent.
  2. Charge the power bank better for short sequences.
  3. Avoid overcharging and remove the battery from the charger prematurely.
  4. Temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees are ideal.
  5. Before longer storage, the power storage unit should be at least 50 percent charged.
  6. Store the battery in a dry place.
  7. After storage for more than 6 months, charge the battery again before using it again.
  8. If there is a significant decrease in operating time or if the battery becomes very hot, you should have it checked by a specialist.

You will find additional care and storage tips to follow in the cordless jigsaw manual. Take care of the power bank because it is one of the main components of the jigsaw. Although you can easily replace it, the additional expense is unnecessary and annoying.

Cordless Jig Saw chooching

Cordless jigsaws Price:

 

Under $100

  • BLACK+DECKER JigSaw

Under $200

  • DEWALT  Jig Saw
  • Makita Cordless Jig Saw
  • BOSCH Cordless Jig Saw
Max Welder

Max Welder

Hi! I'm Max Welder (toolsproper.com). I always wanted to work with my own hands, repair something, do things. Now I combine my knowledge with computers and my own knowledge in the field of mechanics in order to understand which tools I like the most. I hope to convey some knowledge and experience.

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