EmailBest Reviewed
Jigsaws
- Best-value corded jigsaw Bosch 1590EVSK *Est. $145
- Basic corded jigsaw Hitachi CJ110MV *Est. $85
- No-frills jigsaw Craftsman 17235 *Est. $45
- Best corded jigsaw overall, but expensive Festool Trion PSB300 EQ *Est. $295
- Best cordless jigsaw overall Makita LXT BJV180 *Est. $390
- Best value, cordless jigsaw Bosch 52318 *Est. $235
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Basic corded jigsaw
- Soft-start motor
- Tool-free blade changes
- LED light illuminates cutting line
- Five-year warranty
- Vibration
- No variable-speed trigger
- Bevel adjustment requires wrench
- Doesn't come with a case
We found the most recent comparison tests of the Hitachi CJ110MV jigsaw at Fine Homebuilding magazine. Taunton's 2008 Tool Guide summarizes this review and also reports on jigsaw rankings from a survey of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding readers. An earlier comparison review at Woodworker's Journal is also based on objective tests, as is an excellent single-product review in Woodcraft magazine. We also found useful owner-written reviews and ratings at Amazon.com, plus a handful of ratings at Lowes.com.
Both expert- and user-written reviews recommend the D-handled Hitachi CJ110MV as a budget jigsaw, saying it cuts and handles well. It has a dust blower and soft-start motor with a lock-on trigger, and an LED light illuminates the cutting line. The five-year warranty is competitive, and the Hitachi jigsaw is extra light at 4.9 pounds. Tests at Fine Homebuilding magazine show that the Hitachi jigsaw vibrates more than the higher-ranked Bosch and Festool jigsaws, so if precise cuts and tight turns are priorities, consider the Bosch 1590EVSK (*est. $145).
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Our Sources
1. Taunton's 2008 Tool GuideDetails/Subscribe
Editorial rankings here are based on tests done earlier for Fine Homebuilding magazine, but this review also reports jigsaw ratings from more than 9,000 readers of both Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking magazines. Readers rank the Hitachi CJ110MV in the middle of the pack, but higher than several more expensive jigsaws.
Review: Tool Test: Jigsaws, Andy Engel and Taunton Press Editors, Sept. 2007
2. Fine HomebuildingDetails/Subscribe
Based on objective tests comparing 12 D-handle jigsaws, this review names the Hitachi CJ110MV the "best value" jigsaw, saying it cuts and handles well. It's recommended over the more expensive Ridgid R3121. The main drawback with the Hitachi is that there are only three detents - one at 90 degrees plus one at 45 degrees in each direction.
Review: A Better Breed of Jigsaws, Andy Engel, Aug./Sept. 2006
3. Woodworker's JournalDetails/Subscribe
This review compares the older Hitachi CJ120V with 12 other corded jigsaws, finding it "a very good little tool" that cuts accurately and smoothly, based on rigorous tests covering all basic jigsaw uses. The main drawback is that the dust-extraction tube doesn't fit standard shop vac hoses - but duct tape can solve this.
Review: Puzzling Out Jigsaws, Rob Johnstone, June 2005
4. Woodcraft MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Eames-Harlan finds that the Hitachi CJ110MV cuts 2-inch hard maple well, and that when the orbital action is turned off, it can cut plywood without tearout. All the extra features work well, and the jigsaw is judged a good value even though the 90-degree stop on the baseplate adjustment is about 3 degrees off, a major flaw.
Review: Product Review: Hitachi CJ110MV Jigsaw, Dave Eames-Harlan, Mar. 2006
5. Amazon.com
About a dozen owners review the Hitachi CJ110MV here, giving it a fairly high average rating of four stars (on a five-star scale). Owners say it's well balanced and a good value, but two owners report quality-control issues, and one complains about the lack of a variable-speed trigger.
Review: Hitachi CJ110MV 5.8 Amp Top Handle Variable Speed Jigsaw, Contributors to Amazon.com
6. Lowes.com
More than a dozen owners give the Hitachi CJ110MV fairly high ratings here. The subratings - for value, features, design, quality and ease of use - are also consistent.
Review: Hitachi 5/8" Variable Speed Jigsaw, Contributors to Lowes.com
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