Best Jigsaw Puzzle Brands Buying Guide - Advice From Seasoned Experts

Due to the complexity of technology and the high cost of batteries, jigsaws will always be corded. Corded jigsaws areer than cordless ones, even at the top end of the market.

Some retailers make the cordless price look similar by offering "bare tools" but you should also consider that batteries will be added to your bill.

Portability is a big plus, especially if you work a lot on the site where there is no power. The battery is on the back of the cordless jigsaw, which can be a bit unbalanced for some people. It can be frustrating to wait for the jigsaw's battery to charge.

Cords on corded tools can sometimes get in the way. A corded power tools is a solution we are all familiar with.

Jigsaw power will be measured in amps. For most DIY projects, a motor of three or four amps is adequate. Professional models can run up to seven amps. On a jigsaw, you will see the strokes per minutes, or SPM. Any speed over 2,500 SPM will suffice for most cutting tasks. You don't need to use full power all the time.

You can increase the speed of a basic jigsaw by pressing harder on the trigger. Some jigsaws offer preset speeds (often by using a dial near the trigger), and a progressive speed within those ranges. These options require a bit of practice but can result in cleaner and faster cuts.

Two types of grips are available for jigsaws. The most common grip is a top handle that curves over the motor. Some models feature a barrel grip where you grasp the motor's outside. Personal preference will determine the type of grip that you choose. However, some experts feel that top-handle configurations offer a better hold and more control.

If you need to cut a variety of materials, a jigsaw that has variable speeds is essential. Wood, for example, requires a faster cutting speed while metal needs a slower speed. Speed is measured by strokes per minutes (SPM), with a higher number of SPM causing a faster oscillation in the blade. The SPM setting on most jigsaws is not specified, but instead, the jigsaw offers a range of speeds, labeled as low, medium and high.

Jigsaws can be used to cut sheets, rails, and boards. In our research we found jigsaws which claimed to be able to cut softwood upto five inches thick.

This is certainly possible. However, if you are cutting large amounts of material that thick, another saw type would be better suited to the task.

The lower end of the jigsaw is not supported. The blade will tend to move left or right as you cut through the material. The effect of a short or medium blade on accuracy is negligible with a good jigsaw.

As blade length increases, however, the effect of veering is magnified. If you examine the material from a cross-section you will see that your cut is not vertical. Slowing down can help counteract the effect, but it's not always effective. It will also test your patience.

A jigsaw should be able to cut softwood and particle board up to a maximum depth of three or four inches. This is more than sufficient for flooring, siding, wall panels and kitchen worktops. Beveled cuts will reduce the cutting depth.

You can also tackle framing wood with a high-quality jigsaw. Circular saws are more efficient if you do a lot 2x4 work.

Jigsaws are also capable of cutting steel and aluminum. In these cases, their capacities will be significantly lower than for wood. The manufacturers give their own estimates, but the average is around 1/4 inch for steel and 3/4 inch for aluminum.

Pressed steel is used to make the sole plates for jigsaws. The plates are lightweight and durable. They are fragile and can be damaged easily if they fall. They can be hard to straighten when damaged.

Cast aluminum soleplates are heavier and more expensive, but they keep their shape and don't rust. Dropped, they tend to dent instead of twist. Minor scratches can be filed or sanded out. Cast aluminum sole plates wear faster than steel and replacements can be expensive if the damage is severe.

Some premium models have a steel insert on the aluminum base in areas that are subject to heavy wear. This is a great solution, but it's not.

You can set the cutting angle at the attachment point between the sole plate and main frame. The Allen key or spanner that is normally located on the saw is used to lock and unlock it.

The maximum angle is typically 45 degrees. Better jigsaws feature detents, which are easy-to-locate stops at common angles. These detents make it easier to set up your saw.

Jigsaws usually come with two types of grips: a barrel grip and a D-handle. These grips help guide the tool while it is cutting material. The barrel grip is distinguished by its handle, which is located close to the material being cut and the thumb switch. The D-handle takes the form of its name and allows the user to wrap their hands around the tool. While easy to grip, a D-handle can reduce your leverage, resulting in inaccurate cuts.

The majority of jigsaws accept either T-shank or U-shank. The most popular blade is the T-shank because it's easy-locking technology, which works with all jigsaws. U-shanks blades can be identified by the "U" shape on the blade's top. These blades are not as popular as others because they require an installation tool.

Jigsaws come in corded or cordless versions, just like most power tools. A corded jigsaw is a great option if you want a powerful tool to use every day for woodworking. If you need a portable jigsaw to work on small projects, then a battery powered jigsaw is a good choice.