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Cordless Jigsaws

A Very Handy Cordless Tool

Why I Like Cordless Jigsaws

Bosch Cordless JigsawI use my cordless jigsaws when the reciprocating saw is just too cumbersome for those tight and precise  cuts.
  • Cordless jigsaws are lightweight and easier to handle.
  • The vibration is very minimal and the blades that are normally used make much cleaner cuts.
  • It's much easier to see your work which makes for a more accurate cut all around.
  • Typically you can make fairly tight scrolling cuts with ease and your not limited to straight line cuts.
  • If your work piece is to big to fit in the scroll saw then this is the power tool of choice.

My jigsaw tends to be one of the most used power tools in my workshop or on the project site.





Who Makes The Best Cordless Jigsaw?

Dewalt Cordless Jigsaw KitOnce again this is a matter of opinion and personal preference.

Most of the big name manufacturers build a pretty decent power tool in this category.

Some are listed below:
  • Dewalt
  • Craftsman
  • Bosch
  • Milwaukee
  • Makita
  • Hitachi
  • Ridgid
  • Ryobi
  • Skil
  • Black and Decker
  • Porter Cable
  • Plus many more...
Which brand name you end up buying may depend on several different factors.

Let's discuss those next.

What to Look for when Buying

Battery SizesAssorted Cordless Tool Batteries

Like any other cordless power tool your battery is going to play a big part in which brand and model of jigsaw you choose.

The battery sizes can vary from 14.4v all the way up to a 28v capacity.

Each will deliver the power and charge duration based on the voltage and type of battery offered.

Whether it's a NiCad or Lithion-ion will determine the duartion of charge and the speed at which you can recover a charge.

Both types have their pro's and con's and will perform based on use, frankly either type works for me.

I've used both and have been satisfied.

Speed and Control 

Cordless Jigsaw Variable Speed Trigger

Most of the cordless jigsaws have a variable speed feature which is controlled with the trigger.

More often than not you will not have a lock-on mechanism that you may find on a lot of the corded jigsaws.

On the average cordless jigsaws will run between 500 and 3000 spm (strokes per  minute).

The faster the stroke is the cleaner the cut you will have .

Don't forget that having the ability to slow your jigsaw down occasionally can help you control your precise cutting as well.

Quick Blade Changing 

Cordless Jigsaw Quick Change Blade Mechanism

This feature has become commonplace in the power tool world today.

Having to find a screwdriver or special tool to change your jigsaw blades is a thing of the past.

To me this is an important feature on this type of cordless tool.

Now there are some tools with this feature that don't always work as intended and can fail often.

For the most part this type of mechanism has become pretty reliable in recent years.





Orbital Action Capablitiy  

Cordless Jigsaw Orbital Adjustment

Having an adjustable orbital action is an additional feature that can be useful.

High orbital action can help speed up your cut through a tougher or thicker piece of material.

On the other side of the coin you don't want this feature set on high if splintering of your material matters.

This can happen when cutting through a finish plywood laminate for example.

Typically you will have three to four different settings on a standard jigsaw's orbital action and they will be controlled with a lever or dial.

I do use this function on my cordless jigsaw alot.

Capacity

Cordless Jigsaw Blade Depth

Most jigsaws can cut wood up to about two inches thick, and others will max out at around five inches.

Of course this varies with blade size and length, but the amount of power and the spm (strokes per minute) the jigsaw has will make a difference on how well it handles thicker cuts.

You will find that blade bevel drifting may happen with a thicker cut and a longer blade.

I tend to stay with 2 1/2 inch or less deep cuts if at all possible....any more than that and I will use a different power tool and method of cutting.

Jigsaw Blades

Cordless Jigsaw BladesChoosing the right jigsaw blade can be just as important as the size of your battery.

First and foremost you need to have the correct type of blade for the work you are doing.

Are you cutting metal or wood ?...obviously an important question.

What type of wood?.... Plywood, dimensional lumber or a finished piece of window trim.

What type of metal?...aluminum or steel.

Just make sure your grab a decent set of of jigsaw blades that handle all types of materials...and use them accordingly.





Our Conclusion? 

I use this type of power tool just about as much as my cordless drills.

Lightweight and very portable it performs well on just about any material and type of cut I can throw at it.

I always keep it handy for those special cuts that nothing else seems to be able to handle...it seems I can't function without it!

Scroll down to see other helpful Cordless Jigsaw reviews...
 

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19.2v Craftsman Cordless Jigsaws - Another great addition to my cordless tool  inventory!

What's YOUR Favorite Cordless Jigsaw?


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