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

If you’re a beginner woodworker or homeowner, you might realize how handy a jigsaw can be.

Whether you need to cut a sheet of plywood, plastic PVC pipe, or even metal – a jigsaw can get the job done.

I’ve put together this list of the absolute best jigsaws for beginners so you can find the right product for your needs. Let’s dig in!

In a hurry? The best beginner jigsaw is the Makita Corded Jigsaw. This saw is powerful, versatile, and extremely easy to use for beginners – all at a fair price.

Quick Answer: Here are the Best Beginner Jigsaws! 👇

Best Jigsaws for Beginners

• #1 Best Overall – Makita Corded Jigsaw
• Best Cordless Jigsaw – DeWalt Cordless Jigsaw
• Most Powerful – BOSCH Corded Jigsaw
• Best Value – SKIL Corded Jigsaw
• Best for Home Use – Craftsman Corded Jigsaw

1. Makita Corded Jigsaw – #1 Best Overall

If you’re looking for a great jigsaw that has all of the features you’d want as a beginner, the Makita Corded Jigsaw is the jigsaw for you.

This jigsaw has a variable speed trigger that can adjust the speed between 500 and 3,100 SPM so you can accurately control the speed of your blade for a great cut.

It has all of the power you’ll need thanks to its 6.5 amp motor and the tool free blade change makes it extremely fast to swap blades as needed.

This is a more compact jigsaw that weighs a little over 5 pounds so it’s not overly heavy, but this has the quality feel that you want.

I’m a huge fan of Makita products, and this is one of the best corded jigsaws you can buy for beginners.

What I Liked:

• Powerful jigsaw with a 6.5 amp motor that can deliver enough power for any job
• Extremely durable and high quality construction that will last for years
• Super easy the change the blades which saves you time
• Comfortable grip that doesn’t cause too much vibration in your hand

What I Didn’t Like:

• Corded jigsaw means you might need an extension cord and sometimes the cord can get in the way
• More expensive than other saws, but not by a ton

2. DeWalt Cordless Jigsaw – Best Cordless Jigsaw for Beginners

If you want a cordless jigsaw, this DeWalt Cordless jigsaw is an amazing choice for beginners who don’t have a ton of experience.

Cordless jigsaws are great for beginners because you don’t have to worry about cords getting in the way when you’re cutting and they can be easier to maneuver and control.

This jig saw features four orbital cutting positions so you can adjust how the blade moves, which is critical to control how efficiently you can cut as well as keeping the blade protected.

This battery powered jigsaw also has a variable speed trigger that can produce up to 3,000 SPM which is fast enough for just about any cut.

The battery life of this saw is pretty great. I’ve used it on and off for days at a time and the battery still holds up with a single charge.

What I Liked:

• Cordless model means you don’t have to worry about cords getting in the way
• Battery life is solid and you can swap it with other DeWalt 20V Max products
• Quite powerful
• Extremely easy to change the blade

What I Didn’t Like:

• Need to make sure the battery is charged before starting your project
• More expensive than other jig saws
• Heavier than most corded models because of the battery

3. SKIL Corded Jigsaw – Best Value

If you’re on a budget, the SKIL Corded Jigsaw is a great option for beginners. This saw provides decent power with some of the same features as more pricey models.

This is a 6 amp jigsaw that has a variable speed control dial so you can adjust how fast you cut.

It has the same four-stage orbital cutting function as other saws so you can adjust how your saw cuts.

One thing that sets this saw apart from others is the LED light. While this is by no means a make it or break it feature, it’s definitely nice to have so you can see exactly where you’re cutting.

What I Liked:

• Great value when considering the price
• LED light makes it easier to see where your cutting line
• Lighter than other jigsaws, so you don’t fatigue as much

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not nearly as powerful as other jigsaws
• Cords can get in the way

4. BOSCH Corded Jigsaw – Most Powerful

If you’re looking for power, this BOSCH Corded Jigsaw is the way to go. This is the most powerful jigsaw on my list with a 7 amp brushless motor.

This jigsaw features a four orbital setting that allows you to adjust the blade stroke depending on what you’re cutting.

One thing I really loved about this jigsaw was the dust blower. Compared to other jigsaws, this saw offered greater dust control which makes it easier to make straight cuts.

Something that’s worth noting about this jigsaw is the weight. It is much heavier than other saws coming in at a little over 5.5 pounds. While it might not seem like a huge deal, this can actually be both a benefit and a drawback.

The additional weight makes it slightly easier to control, but it also makes it more difficult to use for long periods of time.

What I Liked:

• Extremely powerful jigsaw that’s capable of cutting all kinds of wood, plastic, and metals
• Feels very durable and well constructed that rivals any other professional jigsaw
• Dust blower can easily be activated and make your cuts more precise
• Comes with a nice case so you cane easily store it

What I Didn’t Like:

• Much heavier than other jigsaws which can cause fatigue
• Much larger can make it more difficult to use on small projects that require extremely precision
• More expensive than other jigsaws

5. Craftsman Corded Jigsaw – Best for Home Projects

If you want a compact jigsaw that’s perfect for home projects, the Craftsman Corded Jigsaw is a great option.

This saw provides a great mixture of power, ease of use, and price which is why I’m a fan of it.

It features a variable speed dial that can deliver up to 3,200 of blade speed which is perfect for cutting plywood and other materials around the home.

The 6 amp motor provides enough power for most cuts and you can use this jigsaw comfortably because of the ergonomic grip.

What I Liked:

• Pretty good value considering the price
• Versatile jigsaw that can cut through many different materials
• Easy blade changes

What I Didn’t Like:

• Slightly heavier than other jigsaws which can cause shoulder pain after a while

What to Consider When Buying a Jigsaw for Beginners

Power

Power is one of the most important considerations when buying a jigsaw, especially if you plan on using it to cut denser woods or materials.

In general, I’ve found that corded jigsaws typically offer slightly more power than cordless jigsaws – but this isn’t always the case. For example, the DeWalt Battery Powered Jigsaw will provide enough power to cut through just about anything.

When it comes to power, you want a saw that’s capable of cutting through most woods and metals. I found that many less expensive models will begin to overheat quickly when cutting denser materials – which can drastically reduce the longevity of your jigsaw.

Durability

Durability is another key factor that should be considered when picking out a new jigsaw.

There’s quite a big difference in terms of durability between brands. For example, a DeWalt or Makita professional jigsaw is going to last much longer than the budget friendly SKIL jigsaw.

While price doesn’t always predict quality and durability, I’ve found that it does 99% of the time.

In general, the most durable and longest lasting jigsaws are manufactured by Makita, DeWalt, and BOSCH.

Speed Control Settings

As with any power tool, having control of the speed settings is critical. For jigsaws, this is even more important as too much speed can cause tearing in your wood – which you don’t want.

Additionally, some materials will require specific speed settings to cut. For example, if you’re cutting metal or extremely dense woods, you’ll want to use a slower speed to avoid overheating of your blade. Slower speeds can also produce cleaner cuts.

Lastly, speed control is important for the longevity of your blades. If you use too fast of a speed on certain materials, your blade can dull or even break during operation – which isn’t safe.

Most jigsaws will have a variable speed trigger or dial that allows you to easily change how fast the blade cuts.

Comfort and Grip

When it comes to jigsaws, there are several different grips that can make maneuvering your jig saw easier in some circumstances.

For example, a barrel grip jigsaw is better for making longer straight cuts because of its lower center of gravity compared to traditional top handle grip jigsaws.

As for comfort, most jigsaws will have some sort of ergonomic grip that is made of a rubber coating to reduce the vibrations in your hand.

Blade Changes

Most modern jigsaws accept u shank blades that are super easy to swap out. That said, there are some jigsaws that can take both u shank blades and t shank blades. This can be convenient if you have

While most jigsaws will allow you to easily change the blade with the press of a button, some may require a hex key or wrench to change them – which will obviously take more time.

Warranty

Warranty and durability typically go hand in hand, but not always. Most jigsaws will come with a manufacturers warranty between 1 and 3 years.

Price

As with any power tool, the range in pricing can be pretty drastic. If you’re looking for a budget friendly jigsaw, you can spend as little as $40 or $50.

However, if you want something more powerful and longer lasting, you can expect to spend over $100.

And for cordless jigsaws, the price can exceed $200 for the tool and battery.

Just getting started with a jigsaw? Check out the video below for help!

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are a few great jigsaws I recommend for beginners just getting started.

The best jigsaw for beginners has to be the Makita Corded Jigsaw. This saw offers all of the power and convenience features you could want at a great price. If you’re looking for a cordless option, you can’t go wrong with the DeWalt Cordless Jigsaw.

If you’re looking for a saw that offers the most power you can find, the BOSCH Corded Jigsaw is the way to go. This jigsaw is extremely powerful and can cut through just about any material you throw its way.

Finally, if you want something that’s more affordable, I’d go with the SKIL Corded Jigsaw. It’s a great jigsaw for the price, but you won’t get as much power as other saws.