Are you in the market for the best corded jigsaw?
Great stuff – you are in the right place!
In this ToolsGaloreHQ.com guide you will learn
- What to look out for before buying
- What to avoid in a corded jigsaw
- My overall #1 pick
- And So Much More
Image | Product | |||
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Top Pick | Top Pick | DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 5.5-Amp, Corded (DW317K)
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| View on Amazon |
Best High End | Best High End | Milwaukee 6268-21 6.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw
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| View on Amazon |
BOSCH Power Tools Corded Jig Saw (JS470E)
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| View on Amazon | ||
Best Budget | Best Budget | SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901
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| View on Amazon |
Makita 4350FCT Top Handle Corded Jig Saw
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| View on Amazon |
Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On September 13, 2024
DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 5.5-Amp, Corded (DW317K)
DEWALT Top Handle, 5.5-Amp Corded Jig Saw is sturdy and powerful tool. It is equipped with a reliable 5.5 A motor and is capable of providing a range of strokes per minute for anything from 0 to 3100 SPM.
This versatility allows for fast and accurate cutting actions with the 4 position orbital action.
The overall ergonomic design of the tool lends to simple and easy usage, with a compact 6.2 pound design coupled with a variable speed control trigger, and a keyless tool changing mechanism.
DeWalt in known industry wide to provide good and solid customer care plans and this can be seen in their tiered warranties for this specific corded jigsaw. They provide a 90 day money back guarantee, 1 year service free warranty and a 3 year limited warranty.
Something to note about the DEWALT Top Handle Corded Jigsaw however is it’s ability to perform a bevel cut at 0 to 45 degrees. I must say that this specific item is not perfect and is an area that could be improved.
It is a bit of a challenge to adjust the set screws of the angle plate as they are very tight making it quite difficult to perform angled cuts.
With that being said this tool is built for work in professional sites and therefore it can work in any DIY or weekend warriors workshop as well. It is very durable and rugged.
Best Corded Jigsaw guide (Quick Summary)
Need to rush off? Not a problem at all, I have provided a quick summary of the top options below. I fully get that not everyone has the minutes or time to be reading long stretched out blog posts on the best corded jigsaw.
- DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 5.5-Amp, Corded (DW317K)
- Milwaukee 6268-21 6.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw
- BOSCH Power Tools Corded Jig Saw (JS470E)
- SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901
- Makita 4350FCT Top Handle Corded Jig Saw
If you do however want more detailed information, please keep reading. I have catered for you as well.
Why This Guide For The Best Corded Jigsaw
Jigsaws are a must have tool in any carpenters toolbox, they are incredible for providing irregular cuts, circles and curved cuts. They are best used on flat stock material such as plywood or thin plastic.
The corded jigsaw is generally better than the cordless type in that you do not have to worry about recharging the battery – which can be a serious pain especially if you use this tool quite often.
Read More:>>> Learn what band saws are used for
However and I am sure you are well aware finding the best corded jigsaw on the market can be a bit of a head scratching exercise. What do you really look for? How do you know if you are getting a bargain or not? What makes a corded jigsaw a good option to purchase?
All of these questions can often be discouraging – but good news for you is that I have undertaken this exercise on my own so that you do not need have too.
I have literally undergone a thorough review of product datasheet, online reviews and product manuals and safety guidelines. This couple with my own experience I have built this guide for you to remove the headache of trying to look for and purchase as corded jigsaw.
Important Considerations For The Best Corded Jigsaw
T shaped blades
Always look to purchase t-shaped blades when looking for replacement options for your corded jigsaw. The reason for this is because they are very easy to use and allow for simple and quick blade changes.
Which is an important overall feature of using a corded jigsaw.
Read More:>>> Detail infographic on the different types of saws
TPI
Another term you should be very familiar with is the Teeth Per Inch (TPI). Generally speaking the lower the TPI the more coarse the cut, the higher the TPI the finer the cut.
It takes a bit of practice but anything from 15 TPI and above is generally very good for creating fine cuts.
Upstroke vs Downstroke
Generally speaking I would prefer a blade that cuts only on the upstroke. The reasoning for this is simple. When the cut occurs on the upstroke – the blade pulls the stock material closer to the base plate.
This allows for smoother operation and generally less vibration. However the down side is the top of the material generally has some cutoff that might need to be sanded and polished off.
Downstroke blades, therefore work the direct opposite. Whichever you use safety should always be #1.
Ultimately it’s purely a preference thing, but I would start off with a downstroke especially if you are a beginner. For more experienced DIYers or professionals – the use of downstroke or upstroke boils down to individual use case.
What To Avoid When Buying The Best Corded Jigsaw
No warranty information
As with all power tools, be sure to look for product warranty information. At the very least the original equipment manufacturer should provide you with 1 year limited product warranties.
If not, I would suggest possibly looking elsewhere. All the corded jigsaws in this guide are selected with warranty information in mind. Because, honestly let’s face it – power tools can break.
Read More:>>> Quality Cordless Reciprocating Saws For Tasks Your Jigsaw Can't Perform
Limited Online market presence
One thing that is very important to me when selecting a corded jigsaw is ensuring that I check the online presence of the manufacturer, reviews of other buyers etc.
This gives me a good overall feel. I am always skeptical of a tool that has very limited online presence. It means that it’s either new or it could be discontinued in the long term due to poor market performance.
Deep Dive Review of the Best Corded Jigsaw
Option #1: DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 5.5-Amp, Corded (DW317K)
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Number Of Teeth | 10 |
Strokes Per Minute | 3100 SPM |
Motor Amperage | 5.5 A |
Product Dimensions | 13.4 x 14.5 x 4.6 inches |
Warranty | 1 year free service ( 3 year limited warranty) |
Pros
- All metal gear casing
- Ergonomic variable speed control and tools free change
- Powerful 5.5A motor and compact 6.2 pound design
- Four position orbital action
- Shoe capable of 0 to 45 degree bevel action
Cons
- Not the best for angled cuts
Option #2: Milwaukee 6268-21 6.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Number Of Teeth | 10 |
Strokes Per Minute | 3000 SPM |
Motor Amperage | 6.5 A |
Stroke Length | 1 inch |
Warranty | 5 years product warranty |
Pros
- 9-1/2 inch long cord
- Keyless blade change mechanism
- Capable of providing bevel cuts up to 45 degrees
- Sturdy 6.5A motor, with a 1 inch stroke and up to 3000 strokes per minute
- Ergonomic features such as counter balancing and vibration reduction
Cons
- The speed button’s position could be improved it is not very user friendly
More Info
Milwaukee 6268-21 6.5 Amp Top Handle Corded Jig Saw is a heavy duty option build and created primarily for contractors of job site professionals who are cutting heavier and thicker stock material. (i.e. wood thicker than your thin plywood).
It has a LED light that ensures very accurate cutting and ensuring line of sight is improved as you operate the corded jigsaw.
Technically this tool is very solid operating off 120 Vac, it is double insulated and has a cord length of 9-1/2 inches with a cord type that is fixed at 12-2/3’.
The motor is 6.5A making it one of the more powerful corded jigsaws you will find, furthermore it allow for a 0 to 45 degree bevel capacity coupled with a keyless tools free blade changing mechanism.
One thing to note about this tool, although it can provide a 1 inch stroke with a speed up to 3000 strokes per minute, the actual speed control button is situated on the “ON” switch.
This can make it difficult to operate as you could be pressing the always on button and have to periodically shut down the machine.
With that being said, it has been designed with counter balancing mechanisms for reduced overall vibration. The corded jigsaw itself has also been designed with a cushioned grip for ease of use and control as well as roller blades for precise cuts.Option #3: BOSCH Power Tools Corded Jig Saw (JS470E)
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Number Of Teeth | 10 |
Strokes Per Minute | 3100 SPM |
Motor Amperage | 7 A |
Cord Length | 10 ft |
Warranty | 30 day money back guarantee, 1 year warranty |
Pros
- Ergonomic soft grip top handle and hex wrench storage
- Dust blower lever
- Powerful 7A motor, with an ambidextrous lock-on button
- 4 position orbital cutting mechanism
- Sturdy, accurate cutting and overall lightweight design coming in at 5.6 pounds
Cons
- The splinter guard makes it hard to see the cut line
More Info
Technically speaking BOSCH Power Tools Corded Jig Saw (JS470E) is one of the best corded jigsaws. I have a couple of issues with the overall usability and ergonomics of the tool, which I will detail below.
Starting with the positives the top handle provides for soft grip capability, making it easy to hold a steady grip and reduce cutting fatigue.
It has a variable speed trigger, and a steady foot plate that allows for stable and precise cuts. Furthermore this corded jigsaw has a large cutting capacity of 5-7/8 inches in wood.
When it comes to the motor, it is top amp rated having a 7.0 A motor. With the ability to provide no load stroke ranges going anywhere from 500 to 3100 SPM.
The overarching mechanism of the tool provides for system that has low vibrations.
The main issue with this specific corded jigsaw is the splinter guard that comes with the machines practically makes it very difficult to see where you are whilst you are cutting.
Infact many buyers have noted that it’s quite difficult to see your current cutting position.
However with that being said the 4 position orbital cutting action ensures different blade strokes for smooth to more aggressive cuts. Making this corded jigsaw capable of performing on a wide range of materials.
Included in the pack are:
- Blade;
- Anti-splinter insert;
- Plastic overshoe;
- Bevel wrench; and
- a carry on case
Option #4: SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Number Of Teeth | 10 |
Strokes Per Minute | 800 to 3200 SPM |
Motor Amperage | 6 A |
Product Dimensions | 10.2 x 2.68 x 8.39 inches |
Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
Pros
- 4 stage orbital cutting mechanism
- Ergonomic 2 finger variable speed trigger
- Overall lightweight and compact coming in at 4.9 pounds
- Very bright HALO light
- Tool free blade change clamp
Cons
- Not for heavy duty jobs, can vibrate when operated overload
More Info
The SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS314901 is one of the best budget corded jigsaw options.
It is ergonomically designed to operate and work in light duty operations. With a sawing capacity in aluminum of 16 millimeters and a sawing capacity in wood of 85 millimeters.
Furthermore it has a stroke length of 23 millimeters. With a no load speed varying from 800 to 3200 SPM, that can be controlled using the 2 finger variable speed trigger.
This coupled with the 4 stage orbital cutting mechanism provides the added flexibility for this corded jigsaw to operate and cut through a wide range of materials.
It operates off 120 Vac and has a dust blower which together with the very bright HALO light improves the overall visibility of the cutting line.
Worth noting however that this specific tool is designed for thinner low duty pieces of stock material. It has been noted that it can get very hot when trying to cut through tough materials such as MDF boards.
With that being said, blade changes are quick, tool free and seamless. The SKIL website also offers incredible resources such as pictorial manuals and parts lists.
Option #5: Makita 4350FCT Top Handle Corded Jig Saw
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Number Of Teeth | 20 |
Strokes Per Minute | 800 to 2800 SPM |
Motor Amperage | 6.3 A |
Product Dimensions | 14.57 x 3.94 x 13.39 inches |
Warranty | 1 year product warranty |
Pros
- On board LED for better visibility
- 3 orbital setting configuration for flexibility during cuts
- Tools free blade change
- 40% less vibration that other similar corded jigsaws
- Electronic variable speed control mechanism
Cons
- Soft Start provides a bit of lag
More Info
The Makita 4350FCT Top Handle Corded Jig Saw is a mid-range type tools that is great to be used either by professionals, DIYers or your typical weekend warrior.
It has a couple of ergonomic features such as an onboard LED light to provide better illumination during cuts.
It is also equipped with an electronic variable speed control mechanism which, when employed properly can easily provide no load speed control from 800 to 2500 SPM.
Makita, took great care in ensuring that this tool is designed with the highest level of vibration sensitivity as possible. This coupled with the tools free blade improves the overall usage of this tool.
This tool is not perfect by any means and the soft start provides significant lag from the moment the tool is triggered to the actual cut. This is something to consider when looking to purchase this product.
With that being said, the t-shank blades provide very smooth cuts on plywood of thicknesses from ¾ inches down to 1/8 inches. Whilst also providing smooth operation on plastic sheets as thick as ¼ inch.
My Overall #1 Pick: DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 5.5-Amp, Corded (DW317K)
All the tools in this guide are super options, however the best for me overall has got to be the DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 5.5-Amp, Corded (DW317K).
It has an all metal casing, making it very sturdy and built for the job site.
Furthermore, it has a 4 position orbital action allowing for greater flexibility during the cutting action. To top if off it’s compact only coming in at 6.2 pounds with a motor of 5.5 A.
DEWALT also offer their 3 year limited product warranty, giving you piece of mind when making the purchase.
See this tool on Amazon over here.
Final Thoughts On The Best Corded Jigsaw
Hope this guide has been informative and provided you with a little more insights on choosing the best corded jigsaw. I had a lot of fun putting this information together, so please feel free to share it online and with anyone else who might be interested. All the best.