Jig Saw Showdown: A Review & Comparison of 4 Top Models

Hey there! Looking for a new jig saw? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be reviewing and comparing four popular jig saw models to help you find the perfect one for your needs. Jig saws are versatile and handy tools that are used for cutting curves, circles, and intricate shapes in various materials like wood, metal, and plastic. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional woodworker, owning a jig saw can greatly enhance your cutting capabilities and make your projects a breeze.

Jig saws have been around for quite some time and have evolved over the years to become more efficient and user-friendly. These tools are known for their ability to make beveled cuts at different angles, thanks to their adjustable blade settings. The orbital function in modern jig saws further enhances their cutting power by allowing the blade to move forward and backward in addition to the up and down motion, resulting in faster and smoother cuts. The benefits of owning a jig saw are endless – from making precise cuts to tackling intricate designs, these tools offer a level of versatility that is hard to match.

Now let’s take a closer look at the four jig saw models we’ll be comparing: the BLACK+DECKER, SKIL, Makita, and Hammerhead. We’ll delve into their features, performance, and overall value for money. So, buckle up and get ready to find your perfect jig saw companion!

The Black+Decker Jig Saw, 5-Amp, is a powerful and versatile tool that is designed for various woodworking tasks. Whether you are a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, this jig saw is perfect for making precise cuts in various materials such as wood, plastic, and metal.

We like the Black+Decker Jig Saw for its exceptional performance and ease of use. It allows you to make beveled cuts up to 45 degrees, making it ideal for creating intricate designs and angled edges. The ¾-inch orbital blade ensures increased precision, giving you smooth and accurate cuts every time. Additionally, the adjustable shoe with a wire guard provides enhanced stability and line of sight, allowing you to have full control over your cutting tasks.

The Black+Decker Jig Saw is designed to provide high-performance cutting with its 5-amp electric motor. Its curve control technology offers four curve settings, allowing you to achieve maximum control over rounded cuts. This feature is especially useful when working on projects that require intricate curves and shapes.

With a variable-speed motor that generates up to 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM), this jig saw delivers impressive cutting power. The adjustable shoe ensures stability during operation, while the wire guard provides added safety.

The Black+Decker Jig Saw is a reliable and durable tool that offers excellent performance. Its high-quality construction ensures long-lasting use, making it a worthwhile investment for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The powerful motor and adjustable features contribute to its overall quality, allowing you to tackle a wide range of woodworking projects with ease.

• Powerful 5-amp motor for efficient cutting

• Four curve settings for maximum control over rounded cuts

• Beveled cuts up to 45 degrees for versatile project possibilities

• Adjustable shoe with wire guard for enhanced stability and safety

• Variable-speed motor generates up to 3,000 strokes per minute for fast and precise cutting

• Corded design limits mobility compared to cordless models

• Some users may find the grip less comfortable during extended use

The Black+Decker Jig Saw, 5-Amp, 3,000 Blade Speed, 45 Degree Beveled Cuts, ¾-Inch Orbital Blade, 4 Curve Settings, Corded (BDEJS600C) is a top-of-the-line tool that offers exceptional performance and versatility. Its high-powered motor, adjustable features, and curve control technology make it a valuable addition to any woodworking arsenal. While the corded design may limit mobility, it more than makes up for it with its impressive cutting capabilities. Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, this jig saw is sure to meet and exceed your expectations.

The SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS313101 is the ideal tool for both professional carpenters and hobbyists alike. Whether you are working on a complex woodworking project or simply need to make precise cuts in a variety of materials, this jig saw provides the power and precision you need to get the job done.

There are several reasons why we are impressed with the SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS313101. Firstly, its powerful 5 amp motor ensures consistent and reliable performance, allowing you to tackle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease. Additionally, the variable speed control feature allows you to adjust the cutting speed according to the material you are working with, ensuring clean and accurate cuts every time.

Another notable feature that sets this jig saw apart is its tool-less blade change system. This innovative design allows you to quickly and easily change blades without the need for additional tools, saving you time and effort on the job. The JS313101 also comes with a built-in laser guide, which projects a thin, red line onto the material, helping you achieve precise cuts without any guesswork.

The SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS313101 is specifically designed for cutting a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. It is equipped with a cutting capacity of up to 2-1/8 inches in wood and 1/4 inch in aluminum, making it versatile enough to handle various cutting tasks.

One of the key features of this jig saw is its orbital action, which allows for more aggressive cutting in wood and smoother cutting in metal. The orbital action can be easily adjusted with a simple dial, giving you full control over the cutting speed and aggressiveness.

The JS313101 also features a beveling shoe that allows for angled cuts up to 45 degrees, making it perfect for creating decorative edges or angled joints. The shoe can be easily adjusted with a tool-less mechanism, further enhancing the convenience and versatility of this jig saw.

When it comes to the overall quality, the SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS313101 does not disappoint. The sturdy construction and durable materials used in its design ensure that it can withstand heavy use without compromising its performance. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue during extended periods of use.

Furthermore, this jig saw is backed by SKIL’s reputation for producing high-quality tools. With a history of over 90 years in the industry, SKIL is known for manufacturing reliable and innovative power tools that meet the needs of both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

As with any product, the SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS313101 has its pros and cons.

• Powerful 5 amp motor for reliable performance

• Variable speed control for precise cuts in different materials

• Tool-less blade change system for quick and easy blade swaps

• Built-in laser guide for accurate cutting

• Orbital action for more aggressive cutting in wood and smoother cutting in metal

• Beveling shoe for angled cuts up to 45 degrees

• Sturdy construction and ergonomic handle for comfortable and durable use

• Some users may find the laser guide to be less accurate in bright lighting conditions

• The power cord may be shorter than desired for larger workspaces

The SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS313101 is an exceptional tool that combines power, precision, and convenience. Whether you are a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, this jig saw is sure to meet your cutting needs. With its robust motor, adjustable speed control, and innovative features like the tool-less blade change system and laser guide, the JS313101 is a reliable and versatile tool that will undoubtedly enhance your woodworking projects.

The Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw, with Tool Case, is a versatile tool that is suitable for both professional carpenters and DIY enthusiasts. This jig saw is designed to cut through various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic, making it ideal for a wide range of applications such as woodworking, metalworking, and general construction.

There are several reasons why we highly recommend the Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw. Firstly, it features a powerful 6.5-amp motor that delivers ample cutting power for efficient and precise cutting. Whether you’re working on a small DIY project or a large-scale construction job, this jig saw can handle it with ease.

Secondly, the Makita JV0600K is equipped with a variable speed control dial, allowing you to adjust the speed according to the task at hand. Whether you need to make intricate cuts or quick, aggressive cuts, this feature enables you to have complete control over the tool’s cutting speed, ensuring optimal performance for every application.

Additionally, this jig saw comes with a tool-less blade change system, which allows for quick and hassle-free blade changes. This convenient feature saves you time and effort, allowing you to switch between different types of blades without the need for additional tools.

The Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw is designed to provide users with a versatile cutting solution for a wide range of materials. Its key features include:

The 6.5-amp motor delivers ample cutting power, allowing you to tackle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.

The variable speed control dial enables you to adjust the cutting speed to suit the material and application, ensuring precise and efficient cuts.

The tool-less blade change system allows for quick and easy blade replacements, saving you time and effort.

The top handle design, along with the rubberized grip, provides optimal comfort and control during operation, reducing fatigue and enhancing precision.

The built-in dust blower keeps the cutting line clear of debris, improving visibility and accuracy.

The Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw is a reliable and versatile tool that offers a range of features to enhance your cutting experience. Its powerful motor, variable speed control, and tool-less blade change system make it a top choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

The Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw is known for its exceptional quality. Makita is a reputable brand that is synonymous with reliability and durability, and this jig saw lives up to that reputation. The tool’s sturdy construction, coupled with its excellent performance, ensures that it will withstand the test of time and deliver consistent results.

Like any product, the Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw has its pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this tool:

• Powerful motor for efficient cutting

• Variable speed control for versatility

• Tool-less blade change system for convenience

• Ergonomic design for comfort and control

• Built-in dust blower for improved visibility

• May be on the pricier side compared to other jig saw models

• Some users may find the tool case bulky and inconvenient for storage and transportation

The Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw is a high-quality tool that offers excellent performance and versatility. Its powerful motor, variable speed control, and tool-less blade change system make it a top choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Despite its slightly higher price tag, the features and durability of this jig saw make it worth the investment. So, if you’re in need of a reliable and versatile cutting tool, the Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw with Tool Case should definitely be on your list.

Whether you’re a professional carpenter or an avid DIY enthusiast, the Hammerhead 4.8-Amp Jig Saw is an indispensable tool for your woodworking projects. With its powerful motor and versatile features, this jig saw is perfect for making intricate cuts in various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. From crafting detailed furniture pieces to tackling home improvement tasks, this tool can handle it all with ease.

We were immediately impressed by the Hammerhead 4.8-Amp Jig Saw due to its range of features and performance. Here are a few reasons why we consider this model to be a top contender in its category:

1. Powerful Motor: The 4.8-Amp motor provides ample power for tackling even the toughest cutting tasks. With a variable speed control, you can adjust the cutting speed to match the material, preventing any accidental damage.

2. Orbital Function: One standout feature of this jig saw is its orbital cutting function. This allows for more aggressive and efficient cutting, especially when working with thicker materials. The ability to switch between orbital and straight cutting enhances the versatility of this tool.

3. Dual Bevel Shoe: The dual bevel shoe ensures accurate and precise cuts at various angles. This is particularly useful when working on advanced woodworking projects that require complex angles and bevels.

4. Tool-Free Blade Change: Swapping out blades has never been easier with the tool-free blade change system. This saves you valuable time and frustration, enabling you to seamlessly transition between different cutting tasks.

The Hammerhead 4.8-Amp Jig Saw is designed to provide precise and efficient cutting capabilities for both professional and DIY woodworking projects. Here are some key features that make this tool stand out:

• Variable Speed Control: The adjustable speed control allows you to customize the cutting speed to match the specific material and application. This prevents any accidental damage and ensures clean and accurate cuts.

• Orbital Cutting Function: With the ability to switch between orbital and straight cutting, this jig saw ensures versatility in tackling different materials and thicknesses. The orbital function excels at making faster and more efficient cuts, while the straight cutting mode is ideal for more delicate and intricate work.

• Dual Bevel Shoe: The dual bevel shoe allows for precise and accurate cuts at various angles. This feature is especially useful when working on projects that require complex bevels or intricate designs.

• Tool-Free Blade Change: Swapping out blades has never been easier with the tool-free blade change system. This eliminates the need for additional tools and saves you time during your woodworking tasks.

The Hammerhead 4.8-Amp Jig Saw showcases exceptional quality in its construction and performance. The sturdy build ensures durability, while the powerful motor and versatile features allow for efficient and precise cutting. The ergonomic design and comfortable grip further enhance the user experience, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. Overall, the Hammerhead 4.8-Amp Jig Saw offers remarkable quality that will withstand the test of time and deliver consistent results.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the Hammerhead 4.8-Amp Jig Saw to consider:

• Powerful motor for efficient cutting

• Orbital cutting function for increased productivity

• Dual bevel shoe allows for precise and accurate cuts at various angles

• Tool-free blade change system for quick and hassle-free blade swaps

• Ergonomic design and comfortable grip for reduced fatigue

• Limited compatibility with certain blades

• Some users may find the tool slightly heavy during prolonged use

With its powerful motor, versatile features, and exceptional quality, the Hammerhead 4.8-Amp Jig Saw is a top choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re working on a small home improvement project or undertaking complex woodworking tasks, this tool will deliver the precision and efficiency you need. Discover the countless possibilities of the Hammerhead 4.8-Amp Jig Saw and take your woodworking skills to new heights.

Comparison of Electric Jig Saws

BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw

• 5 amp electric jig saw with a 3⁄4” blade orbital action for increased precision
• Four curve settings for maximum control over rounded cuts
• Can make beveled cuts up to 45 degrees
• Variable-speed motor generates up to 3,000 SPM of cutting power
• Adjustable shoe with wire guard for enhanced stability and line of sight

SKIL Corded Jig Saw

• 5 amp electric jig saw
• No specific information provided about blade orbital action or curve settings
• No information provided about beveled cuts
• No information provided about cutting power
• No information provided about adjustable shoe or wire guard

Makita Top Handle Jig Saw

• No information provided about amp rating
• No specific information provided about blade orbital action or curve settings
• No specific information provided about beveled cuts
• No specific information provided about cutting power
• Comes with a tool case

Hammerhead Jig Saw

• 4.8-amp electric jig saw
• No specific information provided about blade orbital action or curve settings
• No specific information provided about beveled cuts
• Variable speed and orbital function
• Comes with 2 wood cutting blades

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Overall, the BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, SKIL Corded Jig Saw, Makita Top Handle Jig Saw, and Hammerhead Jig Saw all offer great features for different types of users. Each product has its own strengths and weaknesses that should be considered before making a purchase.

BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 5-Amp, 3,000 Blade Speed, 45 Degree Beveled Cuts, ¾-Inch Orbital Blade, 4 Curve Settings, Corded (BDEJS600C)

The BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw offers a powerful 5-amp motor with a blade speed of 3,000 strokes per minute. With its 45-degree beveled cuts and four curve settings, it provides versatility in cutting angles and shapes. However, the lack of a tool-free blade change and the relatively short cord length are minor drawbacks to consider.

SKIL 5 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS313101

The SKIL Corded Jig Saw features a 5-amp motor and offers a good balance between power and affordability. Its tool-free blade change system allows for quick and easy blade swaps. However, some users have reported issues with blade misalignment, which may affect the accuracy of cuts.

Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw, with Tool Case

The Makita Top Handle Jig Saw is a high-quality option that comes with a tool case for easy storage and transport. Its 6.5-amp motor provides ample power for various cutting tasks. The built-in dust blower keeps the cutting line clear, improving visibility. However, the higher price point may be a drawback for budget-conscious buyers.

Hammerhead 4.8-Amp 3/4 Inch Jig Saw with 2pcs Wood Cutting Blades, Variable Speed and Orbital Function – HAJS048

The Hammerhead Jig Saw offers a 4.8-amp motor and variable speed control for precise cutting. Its orbital function enhances cutting efficiency for faster results. Additionally, it comes with two wood cutting blades, which is a convenient bonus. However, some users have mentioned that the blades can wear down quickly.

Recommendation

Based on your needs, the best jig saw for you may vary:

• If you prioritize versatility and precision, the BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw is a solid choice with its beveled cuts and curve settings.

• If you are looking for an affordable option with easy blade changes, the SKIL Corded Jig Saw might be the right fit.

• If you value durability, portability, and are willing to invest a bit more, the Makita Top Handle Jig Saw is worth considering.

• If you want a budget-friendly jig saw with variable speed and the convenience of two wood cutting blades, the Hammerhead Jig Saw is a great option.

Consider your budget, desired features, and the drawbacks mentioned to make the best decision for your specific needs. Happy sawing!