Jigsaws Reviews

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Jigsaws Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Jigsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Taunton's 2008 Tool Guide >> Details/Subscribe	Tool Test: Jigsaws Andy Engel and Taunton Press Editors Sept. 2007		Editors' jigsaw ratings and recommendations in this review are based on tests done for Fine Homebuilding in 2006 (see below). However, this review adds jigsaw ratings from over 9,000 readers of both Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking magazines. These owners rate two more expensive jigsaws higher than the editors' top-ranked model. Only two relatively inexpensive jigsaws are ranked here; both owners and editors prefer the Hitachi jigsaw over the Ridgid.
2. Fine Homebuilding >> Details/Subscribe	A Better Breed of Jigsaws Andy Engel Aug.-Sept. 2006		Based on objective testing, this review compares 12 corded D-handled jigsaws starting at about $100 and provides an excellent overview of important jigsaw features. Each jigsaw gets separate ratings for cutting performance, overall feel, ease of blade changes and extra features -- plus an overall rating. The article also includes plenty of details and picks one jigsaw as best overall (though two others cost more), plus another as best value. Unfortunately, cutting is tested only on 2X lumber, and the smallest radius isn't specified, which may account for the reviewer's discounting of the Festool Trion, which is recommended in a 2004 review based on tests on 4x4 lumber and with a tight radius.
3. Woodworker's Journal >> Details/Subscribe	Puzzling Out Jigsaws Rob Johnstone June 2005		Thirteen jigsaws priced from $70 to $275 are run through rigorous tests covering all the basic jigsaw uses. For brands offering jigsaws in both D-handled and barrel versions, both are compared. Rob Johnstone, an experienced tool reviewer, says he uses his own jigsaw as a "poor man's band saw" now that technology has improved jigsaw comfort and accuracy. The review is well illustrated, with brief descriptions of each saw. The specifications chart doesn't include results for each cutting test, but it does rate each jigsaw for vibration, ergonomics and overall value.
4. Tools of the Trade	Tool Test: Cordless Jigsaws Tom O'Brian Apr. 2005		Tom O'Brian compares and tests five cordless jigsaws at jobsites and in the workshop, testing them on various types of wood in plunge cuts and tight radius turns, as well as beveled and perpendicular cuts. The Bosch 52318 is rated best for smooth cuts, an effective blower and the way it ejects blades when changing them, so the hot blade never gets touched. The DeWalt DW933K, Makita 4334DWD and discontinued Ridgid R843 rate a little lower, though the Makita gets praise for its dust port and bevel adjustment. The DeWalt's tool-less bevel adjustment doesn't work nearly as well.

Jigsaws Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Jigsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews

5. Popular Mechanics >> Details/Subscribe	Cutting Class Thomas Klenck Aug. 2005		This review compares nine jigsaws, including some newer models not covered in the Woodworker's Journal tests. However, the tests aren't documented, and the jigsaws aren't rated or ranked. It is possible to infer some rankings from the descriptions given, with the Bosch 1590EVSK clearly offering the best combination of convenience and performance. The review does give useful details about each jigsaw discussed.
6. Amazon.com	Jigsaws Contributors to Amazon.com As of Jan. 2008		Of all the sites publishing owner-written reviews and ratings of jigsaws, we rank this one the highest. Many models have accumulated a significant number of ratings, and the listing is convenient to browse -- showing not only each model's average rating, but also the number of reviews on which it's based. Quite a few jigsaws have accumulated lots of reviews here. The Bosch 1590EVSK comes out on top due to its perfect five-star rating based on lots of user reviews. Several other jigsaws also get perfect five-star ratings here. At the other extreme, the Skil 4580-04 jigsaw, despite a lower price, rates very poorly. Owners complain that not only does it make inaccurate cuts, but its trigger design is dangerous, and there's no safety lock.
7. Lowes.com	Jig Saws and Blades Contributors to Lowes.com As of Jan. 2008		Even though Lowes publishes only owners' ratings of jigsaw models, without including any comments, we rank these reviews higher than those from most retailer sites because quite a few models have accumulated ratings from many owners. At the time of this report, for example, the top-rated Bosch 1590EVSK has been rated by 56 owners, who give it a near-perfect rating, especially for quality, features and ease of use. Owners also love the less expensive Bosch 1587AVSP, but they rate it slightly lower for design and ease of use. At the other extreme, the Black & Decker JS500K costs only about a fifth as much, but owners rate it much lower.
8. Woodworker's Journal	Puttin’ On a Show: Our Cordless Jigsaw Test Joanna Werch Takes May/June 2005		Woodworker's Journal compares four cordless jigsaws by setting up a booth at the Minnesota Woodworking Show and inviting visitors to try the saws and rate them for blade changing convenience, cutting performance, ergonomics and overall value. The highest rating goes to the Bosch 52318, though there's criticism of the view through the splinter guard and of having to remove the plastic baseplate guard to change the base angle.
9. Popular Woodworking >> Details/Subscribe	Orbital Jigsaws David Thiel Nov. 2003		In this older jigsaw review, Popular Woodworking tool editor David Thiel compares twelve orbital jigsaws. Although he tests them for power and cutting quality, he finds that the main feature separating the best choices is the blade changing mechanism. Top ranking is shared by the Festool PS300EQ and the less expensive Makita 4341FCT (which has the least vibration) -- both show the least blade deflection in test cuts on a tight radius. The DeWalt DW321 and Milwaukee 6276-21 are rated just below, but the Porter-Cable 9543 is criticized for blowing dust in the user's face. The Hitachi CJ120V shows terrible tear-out, and the Metabo STE105 Plus is hard to handle around curves. The Grizzly G8994Z is recommended as a budget choice, despite slow cutting, tear-out problems, a stamped steel baseplate and lack of power when cutting curves.
10. Journal of Light Construction	Toolbox: Cordless Jigsaws Ross Welch Oct. 2003		Carpentry crew leader Ross Welch tests five 18-volt cordless jigsaws by using them at jobsites for over four months, as well as performing comparative tests in the workshop. The Bosch 52318 is the favorite for comfort, a superior blade-changing system and its dust blower, but the review notes that the baseplate doesn't slide back to allow for cutting close to a wall. His second choice is the 19.2-volt Porter-Cable 643, which offers the most power. Despite its eight-pound weight, the Porter-Cable is comfortable to use, with smooth control. The blade angle does adjust without tools, but to slide the baseplate back for close-in cuts, you need a screwdriver. The DeWalt DW933 is the one model that the crew had used in past years, but a number of reliability problems convinced Welch to look for a different brand.

Jigsaws Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Jigsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews

11. HomeDepot.com	Jig Saws Contributors to HomeDepot.com As of Jan. 2008		Owners review and rate jigsaws here, but you have to click on each model before you can see if it has an average rating and then -- if it does -- click again to read the actual reviews. Only a few jigsaws sold here have received enough reviews to make the ratings credible.
12. Tools of the Trade	Industry News: Lithium Ion Hands On Rick Schwolsky and Michael Springer Jan. 2007		Unfortunately, though this big roundup review covers many of lithium-ion-powered cordless tools, it includes only one jigsaw, the 24-volt Ridgid R883. Otherwise, we'd rank this review far higher. Tests here find the Ridgid jigsaw "very capable," but editors criticize the way a plastic shroud attracts dust and makes the cutting line harder to see. This article is still somewhat useful for anyone planning to assemble a kit of cordless tools, since it does cover many drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws and other tools.
13. Woodcraft Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Product Review: Hitachi CJ110MV Jigsaw Dave Eames-Harlan Mar. 2006		Woodworker Dave Eames-Harlan reviews and tests the less expensive of the two current Hitachi jigsaws, the Hitachi CJ110MV. He finds that it cuts 2-inch hard maple well, and when the orbital action is turned off, it can cut plywood without tearout. (The splinter guard doesn't seem to make any difference.) All the extra features work well, but the 90-degree stop on the baseplate adjustment is about three degrees off, a major flaw. Still, Eames-Harlan says it's a good buy for the price.
14. Builder News	Tool Review: DeWalt's 36-volt Cordless Combo Kit Art Waldal July 2006		This review of the five-piece 36-volt DeWalt DC6401 kit, based on a contractor's testing, devotes only a paragraph to the jigsaw -- praising its adjustable blower, detachable shoe protector (to protect vulnerable surfaces), keyless bevel adjustments and lever for easy blade changes. The only drawback is that it's loud. The review also praises the hammerdrill/driver and reciprocating saw, but criticizes the circular saw trigger, as well as the work light as hard to position. Overall, though, the review recommends the kit. A 2003 review at this site compares the corded Freud FJ85 jigsaw with the cordless Bosch 52318, finding that the cordless jigsaw cuts 30 feet of 0.75-inch plywood on one battery charge. The review finds both the Bosch dust blower and anti-splinter insert fairly ineffective, but these are the only drawbacks noted.
15. New Woodworker	Bosch 18-volt Cordless Jigsaw Tom Hintz Feb. 2005		Woodworker Tom Hintz reviews and tests the 18-volt Bosch 53218 cordless jigsaw, finding no drawbacks. The review praises the handle, trigger lock and variable speed trigger with electronic brake. Finger-operated levers control four levels of blade orbit and turn the sawdust blower on or off. Blade changing is tool-less, and although the angle adjustment requires an Allen wrench, it has on-board storage. Testing the jigsaw on "every thickness and species of wood" he could find, Hintz writes that the Bosch makes smooth, accurate cuts.
16. The Power Tool Geek	Makita LXT Lithium Ion Cordless Tools Brian Mark Dec. 23, 2005		Though this review is dated before Makita added a jigsaw to their lithium-ion-powered cordless tool line, "tool geek" Brian Mark does an excellent job of explaining the technological differences between Makita's lithium-ion tools and those made by other brands. Another article here reports results of an informal poll of women, who judge the Makita LXT tools the most comfortable and well balanced.
17. Journal of Light Construction	Ridgid R843 Cordless Jigsaw Mark Shapiro Apr. 2005		This review compares the 18-volt cordless Ridgid R843 (since updated as the 24-volt R883) jigsaw with the 5-amp corded Bosch 1581. Conclusions are based on several objective tests, including careful measurements of blade deflection on tight two-inch ovals. For power, the cordless jigsaw holds its own, and it actually shows fewer burn marks and less blade deflection than the well-recommended Bosch. The cordless Ridgid jigsaw is heavier, however, and lacks a dust blower and speed-control dial -- adjusting the bevel also requires an Allen wrench. That said, the lack of cord does make tight curves easier to saw. Other jigsaw reviews at this site include detailed tests of the newer 6.4-amp Bosch 1590 EVS and, separately, of the Festool Trion jigsaw. The latter shows no blade deflection, even on cuts with a one-inch radius, and provides exceptional dust collection.
18. New Woodworker	Jigsaws Tom Hintz Not Dated		Woodworker Tom Hintz provides separate in-depth reviews of five corded jigsaws, without rating or ranking them: The 6.5 amp Milwaukee 6268-21, the 6.2-amp Milwaukee 6266-22, the 6.4-amp Bosch 1591EVS barrel grip and the top-handled Bosch 1590EVS, along with the earlier 5-amp Bosch 1587AVSK. The newer Bosch jigsaws have reduced vibration, and their Constant Response circuitry keeps the blade speed uniform, no matter what density or thickness of wood is cut. The Precision Control blade control system is helpful but not foolproof. It's still possible to cut curves with some blade deflection. The Milwaukee 6266-22 can be locked on to reduce hand fatigue, and the baseplate not only has preset stops at 15, 30, and 45 degrees, but can also be moved forward or back -- useful for sawing in tight spaces.
19. Bill Esposito	Trion PS/PSB 300 EQ Jigsaws by Festool Bill Esposito Nov. 2003		Professional woodworker Bill Esposito evaluates both the barrel-handled and top-handled versions of the 6-amp Festool Trion jigsaw. Speed is controlled by a dial rather than with a variable-speed trigger. The motor adjusts electronically to the load, which keeps the selected speed constant. Esposito is amazed at the power, saying "Using one of [Festool's] exclusive FSG blades, which are thicker than the normal blade, and the pendulum [orbital] action and you can cut through 4" posts like they were butter."
20. Benchmark	Festool Trion PSB300eq Jigsaw Review Phil Bumbalough Not Dated		Phil Bumbalough reviews the D-handled version of the 6-amp Festool Trion jigsaw, saying blade changes are "a dream compared to any other tool I own," and concluding that "the Trion has transformed my opinion of the jigsaw as useable only for rough work." He praises the tool's constant cutting speed and lack of vibration, as well as the ability to make a plunge cut without a starter hole. Dust collection is remarkably good, even when the front dust collection shield is removed to improve visibility.
21. Saws n Dust Online	REVIEW: Festool PS-300 EQ Barrel Grip Jigsaw Jim Becker Not Dated		Jim Becker reviews the barrel-grip version of the Festool jigsaw based on use in his own workshop. He reports that when using it to execute a scrolling cut with tight diameters on wood three-inches thick, the Festool saw made perfectly perpendicular cuts, with no blade deflection at all. He notes that the blade guides are similar to those on a bandsaw. When the jigsaw is attached to the Festool dust extractor (a portable shop vac), nearly all the dust is collected. Like most Festool reviews, this one is very enthusiastic, noting no drawbacks.
22. OnlineTool Reviews.com	Ryobi One+ Power Tool System Dean Bielanowski Not Dated		This review of Ryobi 18-volt cordless power tools, including the Ryobi P520 jigsaw, supercedes an earlier review of the 18-volt cordless Ryobi Model OJ1802K. Woodworker Dean Bielanowski finds the newer Ryobi jigsaw essentially the same, with a comfortable handle and good control with the variable-speed trigger. The main drawback is that the "one-hour charger" takes closer to two hours to recharge a battery.

Jigsaws Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Jigsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews

23. Sears.com	Jigsaws Contributors to Sears.com As of Jan. 2008		Sears has made its owner-written ratings and reviews of jigsaws more convenient to browse, by posting the average rating right on the list of models. The number of reviews on which that rating is based isn't included, but you can see it when you click on the model to read the reviews. Unfortunately, most jigsaws sold here have been reviewed by only a handful of owners, and some, like the new lithium-ion-powered cordless jigsaw, have received no reviews yet at all. Exceptions include the Craftsman 4681-05 jigsaw, which gets especially poor ratings with reports of varied problems.
24. Popular Mechanics >> Details/Subscribe	Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jigsaw: A Lighter Slicer Erik Sofge Aug. 2007		This brief review really just announces specifications for the Makita lithium-ion-powered cordless jigsaw, but a reader also comments, praising the light weight and balance of the Makita LXT tools.
25. Toologics.com	Makita's New LXT Jigsaw Combines Power with Comfort Editors of Toologics.com May 30, 2007		This brief review of the Makita BJV180 lithium-ion-powered cordless jigsaw does show some evidence of actual testing, noting that the switch is easy to operate even while wearing gloves. However, no drawbacks are cited. The review notes that the Makita LXT lineup now includes almost 40 different tools that use the same lithium-ion batteries.
26. Consumers Digest >> Details/Subscribe	Power Tools Editors of Consumers Digest Nov.-Dec. 2007		This review recommends corded jigsaws in three price ranges, plus one lithium-ion-powered cordless jigsaw. We rank this review fairly low because it's not clear that recommendations are based on any comparison testing or even actual use -- selection seems to be based on features and price rather than performance and durability. The recommendations are part of a larger article that not only reviews portable power tools, but also summarizes recent developments with cordless batteries, including pros and cons for "dual-platform" tools that can use both lithium-ion and NiCd batteries.
27. Woodworker's Journal >> Details/Subscribe	Archive: 36-volt DeWalt jigsaw, Milwaukee 6268-21 jigsaw Editors and contributors As of Jan. 2008		This biweekly eZine often includes previews and reviews of woodworking tools, including a favorable preview (Jan. 2006) of the forthcoming cordless 36-volt lithium-ion-powered DeWalt jigsaw, saying it "cut like a corded tool and was very smooth." The Milwaukee 6268-21 is praised for its cushioned handle, LED light and nine-position dust blower, but the description is incomplete. For example, the review doesn't mention that the new Milwaukee jigsaw can be locked on to reduce hand fatigue. A related article covers the EasyCoper jig for cutting crown molding, showing with illustrations how it works and noting that the jig compensates for imperfections in the molding being cut.
28. Toolsnob.com	Festool Trion PS (and PSB) 300 EQ Jigsaw Editors of Toolsnob.com Nov. 6, 2007		This blog entry does a nice job of describing how the Festool blade-guide system works, but no drawbacks are noted. We also did not see any evidence of testing or use.
29. Consumer Guide.com	Power Saws Editors of ConsumerGuide.com As of Jan. 2008		Unfortunately, this site mixes several types of power saw together in one list. Reviews are recent, but only seven jigsaws are reviewed, missing several top brands. Though each saw gets specific numeric ratings and several paragraphs of descriptive review, it's never quite clear that they're based on actual use, and no testing is reported. For example, it’s not clear why two jigsaws get the same rating, but only one is selected as a "best buy."
30. Northerntool.com	Jigsaws Contributors to NorthernTool.com As of Jan. 2008		This retail site publishes owner-written reviews and ratings with a nice addition, asking whether or not the reviewer would recommend this jigsaw to a friend. The list is inconvenient to browse, though, since you have to click on a model to see if it's been reviewed at all. However, we rank it toward the bottom mostly because too few jigsaws have accumulated more than one or two reviews -- not enough to give the ratings much credibility.

Jigsaws Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Jigsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews

31. Epinions	Jigsaws Contributors to Epinions As of Jan. 2008		This independent owner review website trails those found at retailers because no current models had received reviews at the time of our last visit. In addition, most older models have become hard to find on the site (though a search on a model number may yield some success). We did find reviews of the older Bosch Orbital Jigsaw 1587AVSP, with a perfect 5-star rating from 13 owners.