The 6 Best Corded Jigsaws For Your Next Project [Updated for 2022]
Jigsaws might not be the most powerful kind of saw in your toolbox, but they are almost certainly some of the most versatile and useful designs you can own. It’s common for professionals to have several different jigsaws because of how useful they can be, and how often a jigsaw can come in useful.
Choosing a great jigsaw is about choosing which model offers the best efficiency and the most features geared toward how you use your jigsaws at home and at work.
Corded jigsaws tend to offer the most consistency and power, which is one of the main reasons we’ve decided to review the best-corded jigsaws currently available.
We’ve also included a short buying guide at the end of the article to help you choose between the best models and to hone in on the features that are most important for you.
Let’s jump in!
It’s relatively likely if you ever took a high school shop class or worked for your school’s theater set building team that you’ve seen a Bosch jigsaw before. They tend to be a little chunky, but they are incredibly durable, powerful, and _safe_. Those features make Bosch jigsaws particularly popular for high school programs, but they’re also a powerful option for professionals.
This jigsaw, in particular, comes with several advantages that make it a good option for anyone. From students just learning basic shop skills all the way through to professionals who are working on the job every day, this jigsaw offers something for everyone.
One of the biggest advantages is that the extra bulk of these jigsaws helps to absorb vibration from the blade _without_ being incredibly heavy or difficult to maneuver. At just over 5 and a half pounds, this jigsaw is lightweight and easy to use. But the plastic housing still absorbs most of the excess vibration while you’re working.
It’s important to note that this benefit assumes that you’re using the jigsaw properly. If you’re contacting your workpiece too far down the blade, or without bracing the saw properly, it will vibrate and shake significantly more. That’s true of any jigsaw, but it’s important to know that vibration protection won’t prevent it from being a problem.
This jigsaw is also designed for ergonomic comfort _and_ to be an ambidextrous design. Yes, that means left-handed people can use this jigsaw safely and comfortably, not just right-handed folks.
The on-off switch is designed to be ambidextrous in addition to the handle and trigger design.
The blade release trigger is only on one side of the tool, but that usually isn’t too much of a challenge for left-handed users. That’s important because the blade release trigger makes this jigsaw much easier to use. The speed of the level and blade change system also makes it possible to trade out broken or dulling blades faster. It’s also a great feature for professionals who need several different kinds of jigsaw blades, or who need blades with different tooth designs since you’ll lose less time in transitions.
The die-cast foot on the bottom of this jigsaw also gives you a lot more stability while you’re working. Of course, the foot’s stability depending in part on the stability and strength of the material you’re cutting. But, even when you’re working with thin flexible ply boards, this foot will help provide the stability you need for safety and precision.
Pros
- Incredibly durable design
- Ambidextrous
- Easy blade change system
- Variable speed control
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight saw
Cons
- No laser light guide
- Incompatible with U-shank blades
- Bevel cutting can be improved to provide more range
- Line is difficult to see when footplate and splinter guard attachment are on
Our Verdict
This Bosch jigsaw is incredibly easy to use, but still offers the power and consistent performance that professionals need on the job. Its safety features, extreme stability, and variable speed control make it an excellent jigsaw for a wide variety of materials, especially when paired with different kinds of blades for added cutting power.
Our Rating
Makita is another brand that’s pretty recognizable when it comes to jigsaws. They offer consistent and powerful designs and are a good option for traveling professionals since a lot of their jigsaws come with specially designed tool cases, including this model.
In fact, the Makita and Bosch models are relatively similar in design and use. They both are a little bulky, with an ergonomic handle and variable speed controls. Like the Bosch JS470E, this Makita jigsaw also uses a small lever system to make it easier to replace your blades on the go.
But there are a few important differences that make this jigsaw stand out just as much as Bosch’s jigsaw does.
For one thing, this jigsaw isn’t specifically designed to be ambidextrous. That’s not a huge problem most of the time, the design is simple enough that it’s generally comfortable and easy for left-handed users. However, it’s not quite as good for long-term left-handed use.
This model is also generally well balanced and easy to use. Its foot provides good stability, and the internal design helps prevent the saw from being too front-heavy, which means it’s easier to guide the jigsaw for more precision.
This jigsaw does come with a through the body dust collection port. It’s designed for use with a vacuum, which means that it doesn’t provide any suction or dust collection power on its own. Still, having the ability to add suction and manage dust can be a huge advantage of this design, especially if you’re usually working in an enclosed space.
Pros
- Dust port makes having a built-in dust collection system possible
- Durable design
- Easy blade change system
- Ergonomic handle design
- Variable speed control dial
- Powerful 6.5 Amp motor
Cons
- Only compatible with Makita blades
- Doesn't come with a rip fence lock
- Adjustment knob for the orbital setting could be improved
- Quality of blade holder could be better
Our Verdict
This design is simple, but it’s also incredibly effective. The powerful motor provides a lot of cutting power and durability. A good counterbalance system helps reduce the vibration of this jigsaw, making it easier to use for long periods and helping to reduce the vibration when you’re cutting particularly durable materials.
Our Rating
DeWalt, like the two companies we’ve talked about already in this review, is one of those brands that produces high-quality jigsaws, and other power tools, consistently. Their different models are all durable and well-designed.
DeWalt is also a little more of a recognizable name for many people, hobbyists and professionals alike, because DeWalt produces a wide range of tools designed for home maintenance as well as professional construction and remodeling use.
So when we looked at their variable speed jigsaw we had understandably high expectations.
It’s sufficient to say that we feel this jigsaw delivers.
First, we want to address one of the biggest differences between this model and the two jigsaws we’ve already discussed. Unlike both the Bosch and Makita jigsaws, this version does not use a lever-action system for blade changes. Instead, it has a keyless blade clamping system. The blade change mechanism is similarly fast and easy to use, but it is very different if you’re mostly used to a lever-action system.
There are a few other stand out differences with this blade as well.
DeWalt has included a multi-position blade with this jigsaw. There are 4 different blade settings for this jigsaw. The main reason for different blade positions is that they can be significantly more aggressive, making it easier to rip through large amounts of material if you don’t need quite as much precision. More aggressive settings tend to eat a little more material, and they are significantly harder to control as well. That means that less aggressive settings are more important when you need to cut more precisely, or in a smaller area, but more aggressive settings can help speed up large cuts.
The more aggressive blade settings are also better for harder more durable materials, which means that this jigsaw will perform a little better when you’re cutting thin sheets of metal and similar materials.
The variable speed control gives you the full range between 0-3,100 strokes per minute. That means that you have a lot more control than jigsaws with have several variable speed _settings_ instead of a true variable speed dial.
The all-metal casing also makes this jigsaw significantly more durable compared to hardened plastic casings. However, it also means that this jigsaw is a little heavier than most, coming in at 7 lbs. total. That’s not a _huge _weight difference, but it can mean more sore muscles if you have to work with your jigsaw for long periods at a time. It also makes having an ergonomically designed workstation that much more important.
Pros
- Incredibly durable design
- Several blade orientation settings
- True variable speed control
- Ergonomic design
- Compatible with a wide range of blade types
- Comfortable trigger design
Cons
- Only compatible with Dewalt blades
- Doesn't come with a kit box
- Blade may bend when used extensively
Our Verdict
This DeWalt jigsaw is one of the most powerful and versatile options on the market right now. It works incredibly well with a wide variety of different materials. The ergonomic design is incredibly comfortable in your hand. Good balance also helps make this design more stable and also helps absorb some vibration. Both features help reduce hand and arm fatigue while you’re working.
Our Rating
The Porter-Cable orbital jigsaw is another slightly different design, with a little more space between the handle and the blade of the jigsaw. The taller design gives you slightly better visibility on the work area while you’re using it. That means that you’ll be able to get slightly better precision, though a lot of the visibility is negated by vibration while the jigsaw is in use.
The taller design is also often a little more comfortable since it helps reduce the amount of vibration that makes it to your hand while you’re working.
This design also features a locked-on design that works well when you’re going to be using the saw for a prolonged period. That’s because you won’t need to keep your finger on the trigger, which helps reduce your risk of a repetitive stress injury to your first finger, wrist, and elbow.
The orbital design also gives you 4 different blade positions, just like the DeWalt model. That means that this design is particularly effective for professionals who are working with a wide range of different materials.
However, unlike the DeWalt DW317, this jigsaw doesn’t have a true variable speed dial. Instead, it has a range of 7 different speed settings. That said, 7 different speed settings give you a lot more variety and variability than most setting-based jigsaws.
The 6-amp motor isn’t quite as powerful as some of the 6.5-amp designs on this list, but it’s still more than powerful enough for professional use.
The tool-free blade change mechanism is incredibly easy to use, and it’s also relatively fast. It’s designed to make it easier to move from blade to blade as well as saving time when a blade breaks on the job.
As a 6 lbs. jigsaw this design is middle of the road in terms of weight. The added weight brings a little more durability to the design, but also means it’s a little harder to work with than super light designs. If weight is an issue for your tools, but not the top of your priority list, this jigsaw is a good middle ground.
Pros
- Medium weight option
- Durable design
- Multi-blade positions for greater flexibility
- Powerful enough for many different materials
- Efficient motor design
- Consistent corded power source
Cons
- Speed settings may be accidentally adjusted as trigger is too close to the speed dial
- No LED guide light
- Bottom components may cover the blade, making it difficult to see where you're cutting
Our Verdict
This jigsaw design might look a little different because of its taller profile, but that taller design actually provides added visibility and helps reduce excess vibration while you’re working. This jigsaw is a good fit for professional use, but it’s simple enough for beginners as well. The real standout feature of this jigsaw is the locked-on setting, which is useful for prolonged cutting. However, locking the saw in the on position is also a safety risk.
Our Rating
This Craftsman jigsaw is another very tall jigsaw design that gives you better visibility in exchange for being a little larger than average. Of course, we’d expect Craftsman to come up with a good design that offers some of the best features without too many downsides.
Craftsman is known for producing particularly durable tools. They have a good reputation for durability, craftsmanship, high performance, and is particularly comfortable and easy to use.
This jigsaw met those expectations pretty well.
For one thing, this is another model of a jigsaw that comes with a full variable speed control dial. That means that you have a lot more control over how this jigsaw cuts and functions.
In addition to a lot of the other features and benefits that we’ve talked about already in this review, this jigsaw also has one advantage that none of the other jigsaws have had.
That feature is the beveling blade. This jigsaw is able to bevel up to 45 degrees for angled cuts. That’s great when you’re working on decorative pieces or want to be able to skip a couple of finishing steps while you’re working.
Like most recent Craftsman jig saws, this saw is designed with an over-molded handle. That means that the handle is designed to help cushion and support the muscles in your hand. That means that working with this jigsaw for longer won’t cause as much soreness. The handle is also less likely to cause blisters or force your hands to grow calluses, which can be a serious plus for professionals that spend a lot of time working with power tools, and with your jigsaw in particular.
This jigsaw also comes with a relatively impressive 3-year limited warranty on the saw. That way you’ve got a reasonably good guarantee that if you get a lemon saw you’ll be able to get a replacement.
Pros
- Good 3-year warranty
- Ergonomic design
- Over-molded handle for added comfort
- Beveling foot for angled cuts
- Good workspace visibility around the saw
- 4 orbital blade settings for added versatility
Cons
- The handle isn't suited for small hands
- Does not have a conspicuous safety switch
- A bit on the heavy side
Our Verdict
Craftsman is a solid power tools manufacturer whose tools consistently perform well and are consistently popular with professionals. This jigsaw has all the most important features we look for in a jigsaw that’s powerful enough and versatile enough to tackle professional jobs.
Our Rating
This whole article so far has been a representation for durable, reliable, and consistent power tools manufacturers that work incredibly well in a wide range of different applications and for professional users.
It shouldn’t be surprising that Milwaukee is another one of the brands on this list.
Milwaukee is another power tools brand that has all the traits we just mentioned. Its tools are durable, well designed, and have the power you need for professional use. So when we saw that they had a 6.5-amp jigsaw, we wanted to take a look and see where its strengths are compared to other high-performing jigsaws on the market.
For one thing, this jigsaw comes with a good LED light that helps illuminate your workspace while you’re using the saw. Despite vibration making it hard to see what you’re doing, the LED makes it a lot easier to make detailed cuts. This is a good option for people who need to be very precise when they are working.
Having a cutting tip LED is also a good option for professionals who might not always have the best lighting conditions when they’re working. It’s also one way to help make up for workstations that aren’t well lit, including your home workshop while you’re waiting on a lighting upgrade.
This model also offers a beveling system, going between 0-45 degrees in both directions relatively easily. Just because the beveling system is easy to use though doesn’t mean that the foot isn’t secure. The foot easily locks into place while you’re working, to make sure the cutting angle doesn’t change while you’re working (assuming you’re cutting materials with a flat surface).
A good counterbalance mechanism also makes it a lot easier to move and maneuver this jigsaw, while also helping to eliminate excess vibration while you’re working. We’ve mentioned it a few times already, but helping to eliminate excess vibration will keep you more comfortable while you’re working, and also make working with your jigsaw easier and more precise.
A cushion grip handle also works to make this jigsaw even more comfortable to use. This design’s handle is definitely softer on average than other models, which offers a very different kind of support than the over-molded design on the Craftsman model. This one mostly just provides comfort, but it doesn’t work to help combat hand fatigue and muscle stress.
With a 1 inch stroke, and a motor capable of delivering up to 3,000 strokes per minute, this jigsaw provides impressive and consistent cutting power, regardless of what materials you’re working with.
Pros
- Great cutting power
- Well-cushioned grip
- Helps minimize vibration
- Durable design
- Work area LED lighting
- Keyless beveling blade adjustment system
Cons
- Trigger for blade speed adjustment is a bit tricky to use
- Design could be improved to look more appealing
Our Verdict
This design is a little different in a few key factors, but it’s still very similar to a lot of the other jigsaw designs in this list. This model’s softer handle can be a good option for professionals who don’t need support quite as much as comfort, or for working with harder materials that can cause more vibration or stronger vibration while you’re working.
Our Rating
Corded Jigsaw Buyer’s Guide
Of course, no guide to jigsaws would be complete without also looking at which features are most important for having a high-quality jigsaw. These features are the most important, or the most impactful, on the performance of your saw.
While these models are all pretty similar, we hope that knowing a little more about the features behind your saw will help you choose the model that will work best for you.
Motor Power
Motor power is the basic feature that controls how well your jigsaw will perform in almost all other categories. Motor power determines how quickly the saw blade will move, as well as how much pressure the friction the jigsaw can handle.
Note that motor power determines how much pressure and friction the _saw_ can handle, not the blade. Most jigsaws will keep going well past the recommended tolerance for their blades, but in some instances, you can push the motor too far and the _saw_ will start having problems while your blade is still intact.
For jigsaws, you really shouldn’t look at any models that don’t have at least 5-amp motors. 6- or 6.5-amp motors are preferred because they offer the power you need without getting too large, producing too much heat, or being too difficult to control.
There are a few more powerful models, but we don’t tend to recommend them because there aren’t a ton of benefits to the extra power, and it can cause other problems for your jigsaw down the line.
Handle Design
The handle has the biggest effect on your comfort while you’re using your jigsaw. It’s more impactful than any other single feature, and can even help make up for some of the other features.
It’s important to look for a jigsaw that includes an ergonomic handle design. There are generally two different styles of handle, straight handles that are relatively flat in your hand, and d-shaped handles that are more curved into the base of your palm.
Both versions work well for different users, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the handle design that’s most comfortable for you.
Just as important as the shape, your handle should be ergonomic. Pulling a power tool trigger puts a lot of pressure on the muscles on your hand, so it’s important to do everything you can to help minimize the stress.
The amount of padding is variable, and usually, there is more padding in handles that are described as ‘soft’ or ‘cushioned’ than in handles that are simply ‘ergonomic’, ‘molded’, or ‘supportive’.
Softer cushioning helps absorb vibration, but it doesn’t actually do a ton for the supportiveness of the handle. Molded designs are usually more supportive, but transmit a little more of the vibration to your hand.
Blade Features
There are a few things you should look for in a good jigsaw blade rig.
Blade Change System
This is probably the most important consideration since you’ll likely need to change your blade often when you’re working with a jigsaw. Being able to make quick changes is critical to getting the most from your project time.
Lever release systems or systems where you simply push a button are usually the fastest and most effective options overall.
Look for toolless or keyless versions. It’s way too easy to lose a key to need an additional tool to change your jig saw’s blade.
Beveling
Beveling systems are a little less common, but they’re still relatively easy to find on high-end models for professionals. Most jigsaws only bevel up to about 45 degrees, but that’s more than enough for most angled cuts and adding a few simple decorative elements to your work.
Orbital Blade Placement
Orbital placement determines what your cutting angle is, from vertical to a more angled and aggressive cut. This is still for straight cuts; most models can’t use both an angled and a beveled setting at the same time.
However, having orbital blade placement options means that your jigsaw can cut through a lot wider variety of materials.
T Shank or U Shank
T shank blades are the current industry standard, and they are what most jigsaws are designed to accommodate best. However, some U shank blades are still made, and most modern jigsaws are designed to hold them as well. Just make sure you check with your user’s manual before buying U shank blades just in case your model isn’t compatible.
Variable Speed Control
Variable speed control is another feature that gives you better control over the outcome of your project. Having a good variable speed control setting is also important for letting your jigsaw cut through a wider range of materials.
True variability, with a dial, is usually one of the best versions. However, a speed setting system with at least 4 different settings can still give you good performance and flexible material options.
The Takeaway
When you’re looking at as many trusted and well-respected brands as we are, it’s easy to find some of the best-corded jigsaws on the market. These saws might all need a nearby outlet, but that doesn’t mean their performance is any worse.
In fact, corded jig saws tend to be more consistent and reliable than battery-powered versions, not least because you don’t have to worry about the battery wearing out over time.
While all of these models are great options, and most have a relatively similar design, it’s important to make sure you’re looking for the model that will work best with your needs.
With that in mind, we still recommend the Bosch Power Tools JS40E Jig Saw as one of the best options on this list. It’s a relatively simple jigsaw, since it doesn’t have a beveling system built-in, but it makes up for the lack of extraneous features with durability, power, and ease of use. This jigsaw also offers one of the more universally comfortable handles thanks to its ambidextrous design.
That said if you really need a jigsaw that bevels, or a looking for a slightly more supportive handle, you might still be better served by one of the other jigsaws on this list. Just make sure that you’re buying a jig saw that is best suited for your needs based on our buying guide and recommendations.
I have an unhealthy obsession with contracting and renovation. I’ve been a contractor for over 15 years and I love tackling challenging projects to make them look amazing.
