I Tested 5 Corded Jigsaws: Here are the Best (2024)

Whether you’re new to woodworking or you’re just getting started, you probably know how valuable a good jigsaw can be. And corded jigsaws can be more powerful than their cordless counterparts. That’s why I tested some of the most popular corded jigsaws – to help you find the best one for your needs!

In a hurry? The Makita Top Handle Jigsaw is the best corded jigsaw because it’s a powerful, versatile tool that can cut a range of materials efficiently, yet it’s sold for a very attractive, relatively low price.

Best Corded Jigsaws

• #1 Best Overall – Makita Top Handle Jigsaw
• Best Quality – BOSCH 7 Amp Corded Jigsaw
• Best Value – SKIL Top Handle Jigsaw
• Best for Woodworking – DeWalt Corded Jigsaw
• Best for Home Use – Porter Cable Jig Saw

1. Makita Top Handle Jigsaw – #1 Best Overall

The Makita Top Handle Jigsaw is the best corded jigsaw overall because it’s powerful yet easy to use and control, versatile yet simply designed, and affordable when compared to jigsaws of similar quality.

It takes standard high-speed steel T-shank blades, and thanks to its powerful 6.5 AMP motor, this jigsaw can cut through a range of materials, and without vibrating a ton like other jigsaws do.

And since there’s a variable speed control dial (500-3,100 SPM) and an ergonomically designed rubber grip, it’s easy to control its cutting speed and direction with little effort.

An interior dust port allows for vacuum connection and efficient dust management which is nice.

Also, it’s possible to lock the blade in place thanks to a large trigger switch, and this comes in handy when you’re using the tool for an extended period.

Its die-cast aluminum housing base is durable and allows for angle adjustments 0°-45° right or left, and it’s adjusted using an on-board wrench.

As far as dimensions go, this corded jigsaw is 13.66” x 4.49” x 14.06”, and it’s only 5.2 lbs.

Its wattage is 650 and its voltage is 110, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.

What I Liked:

• Simple design, ergonomic rubber handle & minimal weight make this jigsaw super easy to use
• Housing base is sturdy when pressed against material offering more precise cuts
• Efficient dust management system allows for smoother operation & longer life
• Easy to adjust cutting angle thanks to included wrench
• Simple tool less blade changes save you time

What I Didn’t Like:

• Variable speed control dial takes time getting used to
• Inner components like the “thrash lever” can break easily under strain

2. BOSCH 7 Amp Corded Jigsaw – Highest Quality

When power and accuracy are your top priorities, the BOSCH 7 Amp Corded Jigsaw will suit you well, as it’s exceptionally powerful, well-designed, and equipped with a range of components that collectively allow it to make clean, precise cuts in a range of materials.

Specifically, it has a 7.0 AMP brushless motor, one of the most powerful motors a handheld jigsaw offers.

It takes 8-inch alloy steel blades, and its blade-change system doesn’t require any wrenches or other fastening tools.

And like other corded jigsaws, it has an ambidextrous lock feature which allows for longer sustained operation.

Its die-cast steel foot ensures stability when this jigsaw is in use, and so does the multi-directional blade clamp.

There’s an internal precision control system to ensure smoother operation, and it utilizes constant response circuitry.

And with four orbital action settings and a variable speed dial, this tool is certainly versatile in terms of cutting capacity.

Its handle is ergonomic, there’s a dust-blowing system, and there’s an anti-splinter attachment.

Finally, this compact jigsaw weighs just 5.6 lbs, and it comes with a one year warranty.

Note: When you purchase this jigsaw, you get a blade, the anti-splinter Insert, a plastic overshoe, a bevel wrench, and a carrying case.

What I Liked:

• Powerful motor & well-designed blade housing ensure smooth, precise cuts.
• Minimal weight ensures tool can be operated for an extended period
• Inner components housing & dust-management system ensure longevity
• Easy to adjust cutting speed and angle allow cuts to be made faster
• Tool less blade change makes it super easy to swap out jigsaw blades

What I Didn’t Like:

• Curved cuts are harder to make because a cut guidance system is absent
• Must cut slowly otherwise the blade may bend or break

3. SKIL Top Handle Jigsaw – Best Value

The SKIL Top Handle Jigsaw is an affordable, efficient jigsaw that’s perfect for hobbyists and DIYers, because it’s accurate, lightweight, compact, and designed with ease of operation in mind.

This jigsaw uses 10-tooth u-shank blades made of high-speed steel, and it’s equipped with a 6 AMP brushless motor.

Like other jigsaws on this list, it has a four-stage orbital function, which helps to ensure smooth cutting across a range of materials.

Its sawing capacity in aluminum is 16 mm, while it’s metal cutting capacity is 9 mm and its woodcutting capacity is 23 mm.

Plus, it’s easy to control thanks to its two-finger trigger and ergonomic rubber grip.

Its shoe is sturdy when making cuts and it can be adjusted without a tool to make bevel cuts.

There’s also a dust blower, and this ensures dust doesn’t reduce visibility when cutting.

The well-designed blade housing ensures changing out blades is no trouble at all. Again, there’s no tool required which is super convenient.

Visibility during cutting is also improved by a focused LED lamp, and this is powered by the tool, so it doesn’t run on individual batteries.

Lastly, it weighs 4.9 lbs and is 10.2” x 2.68” x 8.39”, and it comes with a one year warranty.

Note: This jigsaw comes with two blades, one for metal and one for woodcutting.

What I Liked:

• Costs nearly a third of what other jigsaws cost yet it’s still quite powerful & efficient making it the best budget corded jigsaw
• Makes a range of cuts in different materials thanks to variable speed function
• LED light illuminates workpieces & helps deliver a closer cut
• Lightweight & compact & therefore easy to store & transport

What I Didn’t Like:

• Inner components aren’t protected all that well so it’s more prone to issues
• Gets hot relatively quickly so a slow cutting motion is essential

4. DeWalt Corded Jigsaw – Best for Woodworking

I swear by the DeWalt Corded Jigsaw because it’s a fabulous woodworking jigsaw that’s super versatile.

It’s not as powerful as the jigsaws discussed already, as it only has a 5.5 AMP brushless motor, but this is one of the main reasons why it’s ideal for woodworking; less power means less risk of leaving jagged edges.

It can deliver up to 3,100 strokes in a minute, and a variable speed dial controls how fast the blade strokes.

This jigsaw is also capable of doing four-position orbital cutting when a lot of material needs to be taken off quickly.

And like other jigsaws on this list, you don’t need a wrench or hex key to change out blades, and the blade housing is both sound and easy to work with.

The foot of this jigsaw is sturdy, and it can be adjusted up to 45° left or right to make bevel cuts.

While it’s mainly used for woodworking, it does have the strength to cut through thin metals, thick plastics, and other dense materials.

As far as dimensions go, it’s 14.5” x 13.4” x 4.6”, and it weighs just 6.2 lbs.

Lastly, this jigsaw comes with a 3-year warranty which is much longer than other jigsaws on my list.

Note: When you purchase this jigsaw, you get the tool, one blade, and a storage bag.

What I Liked:

• Compact shape makes cutting easier & more accurate
• Lack of vibrations makes achieving smooth cuts a breeze
• Built with high-quality materials to ensure longevity and precision
• Easy-to-adjust components reduce total time spent cutting

What I Didn’t Like:

• No dust blower, LED light, or guidance system which can make precision cutting take longer
• Slightly heavier than other jigsaws & therefore less flexible and can cause some shoulder pain if you’re using it all day

5. Porter Cable Jig Saw – Best for Home Use

The Porter Cable Jig Saw is the best jigsaw for hobbyists and DIYers, as it boasts a simple design and is capable of achieving precise cuts efficiently.

It has a 6 AMP brushless motor, meaning it has the power to push its blade through a range of dense materials, including hardwoods, thin metals, and hard plastics.

Like all the other jigsaws on this list, it has a seven-position variable speed dial (0-3,200 SPM), and it has four orbital settings to ensure cutting versatility.

Plus, there’s an easy-to-engage locking mechanism which enables sustained cutting over an extended period.

This jigsaw’s grip is ergonomic and its push-button activation system is responsive and reliable.

The blades it employs are made of high-speed steel and its foot is steel too, providing stability the whole time you’re cutting with it.

It’s a 9.5” x 3.25” x 8.5” jigsaw that weighs 5.4 lbs.

Lastly, you don’t need a wrench or hex key to swap out the jig saw blades, and if purchased directly from Porter Cable this handheld jigsaw comes with a three-year limited warranty.

What I Liked:

• Pretty cheap for being an efficient, versatile & easy-to-use handheld jigsaw
• Streamlined design makes operation less strenuous
• Doesn’t take long at all to get this jigsaw ready saving you time
• Can accommodate U-shank blades & T-shank blades

What I Didn’t Like:

• No dust blower, LED light, or guidance system which can make it harder to make precise cuts.
• Housing system for inner components isn’t great so it’s more prone to malfunctions

What to Consider When Buying a Corded Jigsaw

Power

Power is one of the first factors you should consider when shopping for jigsaws.

Generally speaking, a jigsaw’s power is what determines cutting speed and depth.

Therefore, jigsaws that are more powerful can cut faster and deeper than jigsaws that aren’t as powerful.

Most jigsaws, especially modern jigsaws, are equipped with brushless motors, and whereas less powerful jigsaws employ 5.5 AMP motors, high-end powerful models employ 7 AMP motors.

But just because a jigsaw is powerful doesn’t mean it’s going to be efficient.

In fact, aggressive cutting done by a sharp blade can easily mar a wood surface, leaving uneven and jagged edges.

Lastly, since these jigsaws are corded, you don’t have to worry about battery life, which is ideal for individuals who don’t want to keep track of battery charging.

Durability

Whether you’re a hobbyist, DIYer, or contractor, you should use a jigsaw that’s built with high-quality components, as these jigsaws tend to last the longest.

Durable parts will also improve operation. Specifically, if the foot is made of stainless steel or another solid metal, there will be more stability while cutting, so blade tracking will be easier and smooth edges will be achievable.

Moreover, the inner components which collectively power this tool should be well-protected by sound housing, as without this they could get damaged by dust or moisture.

And the bare tool shouldn’t be the only thing that’s durable; your jigsaw blades need to be tough as well, whether they’re U-shank blades or T-shank blades.

Lastly, even a budget corded jigsaw can include durable components, so don’t pass over a budget jigsaw without examine what it’s made of.

Ease of Use

Since corded jigsaws are mostly used for precision cutting, you should stick with jigsaws that are easy to use, otherwise it’ll take you longer to achieve accurate cuts (if you’re able to achieve them at all).

When it comes to jigsaws, ease of use and streamlined design go hand in hand. In other words, the more streamlined a jigsaw’s design is, the easier it’ll be to use.

But this doesn’t mean jigsaws with numerous components are inherently more complicated.

As long as it’s easy to adjust blade speed, cutting angle, and cutting depth, you shouldn’t have any trouble using the jigsaw.

And if you’re using one with an ergonomic handle and barrel grip—and it’s not too heavy—you can cut for an extended period without straining your hand, especially if there’s a locking mechanism (which most corded and cordless saws have).

Speed Control

Most jigsaws are variable-speed power tools, and how fast a jigsaw blade cuts in large part determines the smoothness of edges and the speed at which T-shank and U-shank blades wear down.

Some jigsaws are equipped with a variable-speed trigger, while others use a dial to control speed.

Generally speaking, if you’re making curved or straight cuts in hardwoods with a jigsaw, it’s best to use a slower cutting speed, whereas with softwoods it’s better to use a faster cutting speed.

Lastly, blade speed is often considered along with orbital settings, but why?

Well, most jigsaws have four orbital settings, meaning the blade can move in four pre-determined patterns, with some patterns being slightly faster than others.

Comfort & Vibration

Since it often takes several minutes of cutting to achieve a precise cut with a jigsaw, comfort is incredibly important.

I’ve already mentioned how useful the ergonomic handle found on the barrel-grip jigsaw is, but vibration generation must also be considered when determining how comfortable a jigsaw is.

Vibration generation is largely a result of the tool’s power, but it’s also related to overall construction.

Basically, if the tool uses a powerful brushless motor, chances are it’s going to vibrate more, unless there are components in it that are there specifically to mitigate vibrations.

Additionally, if the tool employs subpar components, chances are it’ll vibrate more because of their presence.

In the end, too much vibrating can inhibit you from making accurate cuts, and strong vibrations can also make operating the tool for an extended period more strenuous.

A basic, well-designed reciprocating jigsaw that’s functioning properly shouldn’t generate significant vibrations, so if you’re getting these there’s a good chance the jigsaw blade isn’t fastened right or there’s a problem with another component.

Cutting Depth

Cutting depth is important to consider as well, since there may be times when you have to make curved or straight cuts in a thicker material.

Most jigsaws have a cutting depth of 1/4”-5/8”.

Just because a jigsaw can cut deeper doesn’t mean it’ll be able to reach its max cutting depth in all materials.

It’s harder to make deep cuts in certain hardwoods, for example, just as it’s harder to make deep cuts in thicker nonferrous metals.

And if you’re constantly pushing your jigsaw to the limits of its capabilities, the blades you’re using will wear down quickly along with the tool.

Blade Change

Jigsaws take T- and U-shank blades, and you’ll be swapping these blades out frequently if you use the jigsaw often.

For this reason, changing out the blades shouldn’t be a big to-do.

Some jigsaws require a small wrench or hex key to change out the blades, whereas others boast tool-free blade change.

Generally speaking, it shouldn’t be difficult to take a U-shank or T-shank blade out, and if it is this could indicate there’s a problem with the blade or the blade housing.

And once inserted, a blade must stay fastened, otherwise imprecise cutting will be the result.

Dust

It’s important for a jigsaw to have an efficient dust-removal system, otherwise you won’t be able to make precise cuts because dust keeps getting in the way.

A dust-removal system also keeps the tool working well for longer, as with one of these present there’s less risk of dust damaging the inner components.

Top-of-the-line corded and cordless jigsaws often employ dust blowers at the front so dust never collects on the cutting line while the saw is in use.

And many jigsaws have a vacuum bag port; simply attach a bag to this port and most of the dust generated by cutting will be collected here.

Warranty

The vast majority of jigsaws come with some kind of warranty when purchased directly from the manufacturer.

Most warranties are at least a year, and they often cover defects related to components and workmanship.

There are many ways to void a warranty, and it’s best to know what these are before operating the jig saw.

For one, you shouldn’t try to repair the tool on your own, nor should you have an unlicensed “expert” repair it.

Also, you shouldn’t subject your jigsaw to conditions it wasn’t designed to withstand.

To make good on a warranty, simply reach out to the tool’s manufacturer and explain the situation.

If everything checks out, they’ll tell you to bring the tool to the nearest licensed dealer. The manufacturer will either fix your tool or send you a brand new replacement.

Price

Jigsaws can cost $50-$200, and a variety of factors collectively determine the price of a jigsaw.

For one, jigsaws that are made of high-end components are going to fetch a higher price than those which employ basic components.

And if the saw has convenience features—like a variable-speed trigger, a barrel grip, multiple orbital settings, or a dust blower—it’s going to cost more than a basic model.

Additionally, if there are components that help you see the cut line, like LED lights and magnifying lenses, expect to pay a higher price for the jigsaw.

Finally, there’s the brand. A DeWalt jigsaw, for example, is going to cost more than a Porter Cable model, and Bosch jigsaws tend to be most expensive.

Features

A jigsaw with any of the following features is worth considering:

• Trigger speed control
• Blade ejection level
• Integrated dust blower
• Dust collection system
• Foot scruff protector
• Barrel grip

All of these components make jigsaws more efficient, but just because a jigsaw doesn’t have all of them doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering.

Basically, if you’re going to be using the jigsaw often, get one with many convenience features, as these will ensure smoother operation and longer lifespan.

Corded Jigsaw Cutting Tips

Use a Fence for Straight Cuts

If your jigsaw doesn’t have a guidance system built in, and most don’t, it’s wise to use a fence when making straight cuts. This way your cuts are totally straight.

You don’t need a metal fence—a wooden one will do. Just make sure the fence is sturdy enough to withstand pressure from the saw’s foot.

Also, rest the workpiece on wood rails so the jigsaw blade isn’t constantly hitting the workbench’s surface; this ensures the blades don’t wear out especially quick.

You can also try these methods to cut shapes with a jigsaw.

Always Use the Right Shank Blades

Basically, a blade shank with larger teeth is going to make a rougher cut, while narrow blades with fine teeth make smoother cuts.

The best blade shanks for sharp turns are narrow, double-sided versions.

Keep in mind that some blades are designed for specific tasks. For example, there are blades designed specifically for ceramics and nonferrous metals.

Edge After Using a Circular Saw

After making a cut with a handheld circular saw, you can go over the edge with a jigsaw to smooth it out.

In this instance, you’ll probably have to make a bevel adjustment, which will require a small wrench or hex key.

Corded Jigsaws vs Cordless Jigsaws

Make no mistake: a cordless jigsaw brings a lot to the table. That said, its reliance on battery life is certainly a disadvantage, especially when compared to corded models that essentially have an endless stream of power.

However, since a cord is absent, a cordless jigsaw is easier to handle, but the difference here isn’t all that significant.

Plus, most power tools that are battery-powered are more expensive, and such is the case with jigsaws.

If you want a cordless saw, check out my list of the best cordless jigsaws you can buy.

Need help using a jigsaw? Check out the video below!

Final Thoughts

To recap, the best corded jigsaw overall is the Makita Top Handle Jigsaw, since it’s powerful and versatile yet efficient and easy to operate, and it’s more affordable than jigsaws with similar capabilities.

The BOSCH 7 Amp Corded Jigsaw is the best tool for achieving high-quality cuts, as it’s equipped with all the high-end components required to make these cuts quickly and effortlessly.

Finally, there’s the SKIL Top Handle Jigsaw, a great value jigsaw that still packs a punch. Trusted by DIYers and professionals alike, it’ll get you the results a quality jigsaw can achieve for a fraction of the cost.