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A Better Breed of Jigsaws

Making precise cuts and keeping sightlines clear are must-have qualities. We tested 12 top models and picked the leader of the pack.

After testing 12 top models, carpenter and author Andy Engel weighs in with his opinions on today's crop of jigsaws. Engel grades the saws based on several criteria, including feel, his sense of the saw's balance and vibration; cutting ability through framing lumber and laminate countertops; and ease of blade change. He rates the Hitachi CJ110MV as best value, but calls Bosch's 1590EVSK his favorite. Other tools reviewed include the Craftsman 27719, DeWalt DW331K, Festool PSB 300 EQ, Freud FJ85, Hilti WSJ 850-ET, Makita 434FCT, Metabo STEB135, Milwaukee 6268-21, Porter-Cable 9543, and Ridgid R3120.

From Fine Homebuilding 181
pp. 76-81 September 1, 2006

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Product Finder: Tools in this Article

Craftsman - 27719 Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Craftsman offers a great line of sight and front flush-cutting capability

(3 user reviews) DeWalt - DW331K Jigsaw
This jigsaw from DeWalt has toolless bevel adjustment and great flush-cutting ability

Festool - Trion PSB 300 EQ Jigsaw
The blade on this jigsaw from Festool is only 1-1/4 in. from each edge of the base

(1 user review) Freud - FJ85 Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Freud has a sliding dust guard that won't get lost

(1 user review) Hilti - WSJ 850-ET Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Hilti has a unique onboard dust collection system

Makita - 4340FCT Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Makita has a handy LED and a removable no-mar base

Metabo - STEB135 Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Metabo has narrow side clearance and a long cord

Milwaukee - 6268-21 Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Milwaukee has toolless bevel adjustment, a well-designed LED headlight, and a long cord

Porter-Cable - 9543 Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Porter-Cable has toolless bevel adjustment, a long cord, and a decent blade guide

(1 user review) Ridgid - R3120 Jigsaw
Made by Metabo and sold in The Home Depot, this jigsaw from Ridgid features a toolless, lever-action bevel adjustment

Hitachi - CJ110MV Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Hitachi has an LED headlight, but the case and no-mar base are sold separately

(5 user reviews) Bosch - 1590EVSK Jigsaw
This jigsaw from Bosch offers front flush-cutting ability, a long cord, and a very effective blade guide