Cordless Jigsaws

Ahead of the Curve: The cordless jigsaw category is open for business. We compared five models for power, performance, and convenience.

12 MIN READ
Instead of a hard plastic box, Bosch provides a wide-mouth canvas bag to transport its cordless jigsaw and supplies.

Photo: David Sharpe

Instead of a hard plastic box, Bosch provides a wide-mouth canvas bag to transport its cordless jigsaw and supplies.

Specs are provided by each manufacturer and are not verified by Tools of the Trade.
Bosch Strokes Per Minute Tool-Free Shoe Adjustment Orbital Cutting Action Variable Speed Stroke Length Dust Blower
52318 0?2,000 No Yes Yes 1 inch Yes
Bosch 52318
StoryID
501414
ToolNumber
1
ComponentId
tcm:78-1627059

Tester Comments
This is the single best saw in the group. Smooth operation in rough-cutting applications, great power, excellent blade change, and an effective chip blower combine to make this a cordless tool on par with corded models. The no-mar overshoe and kit bag are excellent accessories, too.

Price
$239

Contact
Bosch Power Tools
and Accessories
877-267-2499
www.boschtools.com
DeWalt Strokes Per Minute Tool-Free Shoe Adjustment Orbital Cutting Action Variable Speed Stroke Length Dust Blower
DW933K 0?2,000 Yes Yes Yes 1 inch Yes
DeWalt DW933K
StoryID
501414
ToolNumber
2
ComponentId
tcm:78-1627059

Tester Comments
This is a nice tool that produces smooth cuts in demanding work. I liked this tool’s handle the best. It plunge-cut effectively and produced very little sway-out. It has a blower, but it was a little off aim. It ships with an overshoe for scratch-free cutting on delicate material. The shoe’s bevel adjustment could use some work and I wish it had a wire blade guard.

Price
$259

Contact
DeWalt Industrial Tool Co.
800-433-9258
www.dewalt.com
Makita Strokes Per Minute Tool-Free Shoe Adjustment Orbital Cutting Action Variable Speed Stroke Length Dust Blower
4334DWD 500?2,800 Yes Yes Yes 1 inch No
Makita 4334DWD
StoryID
501414
ToolNumber
3
ComponentId
tcm:78-1627059

Tester Comments
This saw worked well. It provided abundant power with square cuts in all but the most demanding applications. It has an older-style tool-free blade change, but that worked well. The shoe adjustment was perfect and it’s the only tool equipped for on-site dust collection. It has a screw-on scratch-free overshoe.

Price
$319

Contact
Makita USA
800-462-5482
www.makitatools.com
Ridgid Strokes Per Minute Tool-Free Shoe Adjustment Orbital Cutting Action Variable Speed Stroke Length Dust Blower
R843 2,200 Yes Yes Yes 1 inch No
Ridgid R843
StoryID
501414
ToolNumber
4
ComponentId
tcm:78-1627059

Tester Comments
I like this saw. It worked well in all cutting applications and has good adjustments. I like the wire blade guard and think the removable clear plastic guard is better for cuts in metal. The blade change was slick and easy to use.

Price
$199

Contact
Ridgid
866-539-1710
www.ridgid.com
Ryobi Strokes Per Minute Tool-Free Shoe Adjustment Orbital Cutting Action Variable Speed Stroke Length Dust Blower
P520 2,100 Yes Yes Yes 1 inch No
Ryobi P520
StoryID
501414
ToolNumber
5
ComponentId
tcm:78-1627059

Tester Comments
This saw has some good features, like onboard blade storage and a shoe that adjusts fore and aft to help with tear-out in fragile materials, but it was underpowered and clearly taxed in demanding cutting work. The price is the lowest in the group, but it does not ship with a battery charger as standard equipment.

Price
$49

Contact
Ryobi
800-525-2579
www.ryobitools.com

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