Best Jigsaws Under $100

If you’re after the best jigsaws under $100, you’ve come to the right place.  After all, there is no doubt that jigsaws are an essential must have for the woodworker. They’re really the grand master for shape cutting and buying one shouldn’t break the bank!

Trying to find a decent one at a low cost can be a bit tricky.  For this reason we thought we would put together our tips on finding the best jigsaws under $100.  For those in a hurry, our top pick (value for money – good price and features plus trusted brand) is Makita 4329K 3.9 Amp Variable Speed Top Handle Jig Saw (see our detailed review below).

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1. Best Jigsaws Under $100, Top Pick –

Makita 4329K 3.9 Amp Variable Speed Top Handle Jig Saw

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I must admit, I’m a bit of a fan of Makita tools (over Black and Decker) as I tend to abuse their blades and they just won’t quit!  It’s strong enough to cut 2×4, MDF 1’ plates and OSB plates.

The Makita 4329K 3.9 Amp Variable Speed Top Handle Jig Saw cuts in a line as good as more expensive jigsaws (although getting it dead straight can be a challenge but this one isn’t too bad if you practice with it – reducing the need for finishing with a sander).

It also tends to stay on course which is great.  I use to have a cheaper one that the blade would bend a bit towards the end and cut the curve.  This Makita doesn’t do this though and it’s obvious it’s a step up from the cheaper and more basic jigsaws.

It’s a pity it lacks an easy snap-in-blade changing mechanism but if you don’t need to change the blade that often it’s not a problem to loosen the bolt that holds the blade. The hex wrench that’s included will help with this and as a bonus the hex key holder is built into the rear of the tool. It would get frustrating to do this all day though.

The clear plastic housing works well although it’s a bit tricky to see the blade itself with the housing down so I just had to adjust my technique here (just use the guide mark rather than watching the blade).

It has good power for woodcrafting projects but for thick hard wood, you will still need to use a circular saw for straight cuts.  It only has a 3.9 Amp motor (which does make it smaller and lighter) but less power than the 6-7 Amp motors better for those in construction.

The case it comes in is pretty sturdy, plus it has a die cast base, variable speed and different orbital settings. Best Jigsaws under $100

Overall this beast has the beans with quality you would expect from Makita.  It’s solid.  Sometimes the cheaper ones feel like the like they will vibrate themselves to death or the blade will snap in two.  Neither of these applies here.  It’s a great tool that cuts with ease and perfect for DIYers who don’t have a need for extras such as cordless, dust blowing and a light.

If you would like to check the price on Amazon for the Makita, 3.9 Amp Jigsaw, Click Here.

The Good:

• 3 orbital settings plus straight cutting with a powerful 3.9 AMP motor for use in a variety of materials
• Rubberized grip for increased comfort and control
• Variable speed control dial
• Counterweight balancing system for reduced vibration
• Die-cast aluminum base adjusts up to 45° right or left and positive stop at 90° for solid cutting performance
• Large trigger switch for easy operation
• Lock-on button for extended operation
• Onboard hex wrench for fast and easy blade changes
• Blade included
• Hex Wrench included

The Bad:

• Need to purchase an adapter to use the dust port.
• The saw will not fit U blades
• No Led light

2. Best Jigsaws Under $100, Budget Friendly

Black & Decker BDEJS4C Jig Saw, 4 Amp 

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Frequently rated number 1 on Amazon’s best seller list, this little beauty is certainly light on your wallet plus gets the job done with the quality you would expect from Black and Decker.

It’s probably no surprise that the top two best sellers on Amazon’s list are from Black and Decker who are one of the largest manufacturer of tools and can keep prices low without compromising too much on quality.

Having said that the Black & Decker BDEJS4C Jig Saw, 4 Amp, is a basic tool designed for the hobbyist over the industry professional but still powerful enough to cut through 3/4” wood.  It does have plastic housing but the upside of this is that it makes it light to maneuver and you can hook a vacuum to the back to collect sawdust.

I do like that it’s a tool-less replacement for blades (easy to get them in and out without having to search for the tool) and good for basic cutting.  I actually know of someone who cut a cat door out of their garage door and it worked fine.

One improvement I could recommend would be a mark on the blade guard to better predict where you will cut.  It does have a laser built in to help you cut a straight line though and it tilts so you can cut 45 degrees. Best Jigsaws under $100

Overall there’s no doubt it’s limited with features – but with the quite low price, I wouldn’t expect that it would come with all the bells and whistles of more premium models.  There are negative reviews on it too and it seems some people end up with more of a dud than others.  Our advice would be to test it out straight away (rather than letting it sit in the box unused) in case you want to return it (as time limits apply).  You’ll know after you test it out whether it meets your needs and if so great, you would have just saved a small fortune as there’s no need to pay for features you won’t need.

To check the current price on the Black and Decker, BDEJS4C Jig Saw, 4 Amp, Click Here.

The Good:

• 4-amp motor and a variable speed dial
• Orbital blade action
• Tilting base plate allows for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees
• Included Components: (1) BDEJS4 Jigsaw, (1) Wood cutting blade, (1) Vacuum adaptor, (1) Hex Key

The Bad:

• No dust collection bag (spits the dust out the back end)
• Not cordless – AC only
• You will need to remove the blade to put it in the case
• No trigger for variable speed if you like this (but has a dial for speed adjustment)

3. Best Jigsaws Under $100, Most Powerful

TACKLIFE Advanced 6.7 Amp 3000 SPM Jigsaw with Laser & LED 

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TACKLIFE Advanced 6.7 Amp 3000 SPM Jigsaw with Laser & LED works like a champ.  With a 6.7 Amp motor it has plenty of power and cuts through 3/4 with no problem and plywood without strain.  Just make sure you select a sharp, coarse blade and that it’s installed correctly.  Its great that you get 6 blades with it.

I do like the plastic rubber base as you don’t need to worry about wood getting marred.

Has booth a light and laser (although a little harder to see the laser line when the light is on) to help keep cuts straight.  However it does have 4 modes of laser (so you can have both laser/light on at the same time or just laser on, just LED on or both off).

It’s another saw with a tool less blade system and its easy to change the blades.  To cut a perfect circle I find that you need to use one of their thicker black blades with the edge guide to keep it from wandering off track. Do like that it has a spring loaded support wheel that helps to keep you from breaking the blade and you can store them in the case that has a built in blade container.  If you better quality blades (like from Bosch) you can use them with this tool.  At least that ones that they give you are marked for recommended use which is handy.

Still think it is more suitable for DIY than a tradesman as it probably would not have the same longevity as premium tools.  It’s reasonably quiet too and vacuum connection can be tied to the cord to stay out of the way.  The plate is adjustable to 45 degrees with markings for several angels you may need to use.  Has 4 orbital cut control with gear 0 suitable for cutting wood and plywood.  The Best jigsaws under $100

Overall the saw has high rpms to help your finished cut and plenty of muscle.  You can make bevel cuts by adjusting the bottom plate with an Allen key and you can easily cut straight or curved lines according to your needs.  A well rounded jigsaw at a low price.

To check the current price on the Tacklife Adanced, 6.7 AMP, 3000 SPM Jigsaw with laser, Click Here.

The Good:

• Built-in LED and laser
• Copper motor
• A dust blower to clear dust from your cut line
• 7 Amp pure copper motor generates up to 3000 SPM cutting power and 6 Speed settings
• 4-Position Orbital Action – 0 to 3 customized orbital settings allows you to adapt the cutting motion to fit different type of cuts and materials; higher orbital setting for softer materials and faster cutting; lower orbital setting for harder materials and more precise cuts
• 45°Bevel Cutting & Quick Blade Changing
• Switch Lock (Press the lock button on the handle when the trigger is on can keep the saw working without keeping pressing the trigger, reduce hand fatigue after long time working;
• Comes with 6 extra replaceable blades, sturdy plastic carrying case, metal guide for straight cut
• Long cord provided (around 10ft/3m)

The Bad:

• No dust collection bag (spits the dust out the back end)
• Not cordless – AC only
• You will need to remove the blade to put it in the case
• No trigger for variable speed if you like this (but has a dial for speed adjustment)

4. Best Jigsaws Under $100, Best 5 Amp –

BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Smart Select Jig Saw, 5.0-Amp 

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A best selling jigsaw on Amazon, the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Smart Select Jig Saw, 5.0-Amp, gets our vote for the best 5 Amp jigsaw for under $100. One of the benefits of this model are that you can use both U-shank and T-shank blades plus it comes with a blade too to get you started (a wood blade).

However if you’re like me and like to do a whole bunch of projects with your new favorite toy eg steel cutting or something specific – like a keyhole saw blade for cutting circles, then you’ll need to buy a few more blades.

Really any finer work will require more blades. The blades are easy to change – you just pull down the front lever and insert the blade.

So why is this Black and Decker model so popular? We decided to road test it for ourselves to see how it compares with Bosch and Dewalt. First thing I noticed is the handle provides some absorption of the saw making it more comfortable to grip over a long period of time. Has a 5 Amp motor so some guts, but not as much as a 6 – 7 Amp Bosch and the variable speed switch is ok for simple lines, but harder to maintain a constant reciprocation speed while turning the saw 360’.

It’s probably best to play around with the settings as I found that different ones gave different cuts. Some rough and some smooth with curves being a lot easier on some settings more than others. Also there’s no trigger guard or protection. Once plugged in and you touch the trigger, it goes! So be careful. The best

Also will mention that the shoe is not the best for the money (I don’t think but I’m probably biased towards Bosch!) as this one wasn’t 100% true at zero or easy to adjust. The shoe uses preset slots to determine 0 degree and 45 degree (like the others) but you can’t slide it around to find any particular angle and lock it in that position. This is all fine is you’re mainly doing 0 or 90 degree flat cuts.

Although it’s quite loud, it doesn’t vibrate too much and it’s pretty easy to change the blades. I was able to cut a 2×4 and metal screws. If you’re left handed I should warn you that the cooling fins blow from the right but you can stick the vacuum tube in there and reduce the amount of saw dust floating around.

Overall I don’t think it’s the Ferrari of tools, but it does the job and the price represents good value for money compared to what you would pay at a discount tool store. The build quality is typical of Black and Decker – above average, sturdy and no-nonsense. Sure like the others it could do with a light, but that’s not a big deal.

I ended up using it to cut up some hardwood stair treads to length and it handled it easily and this was with the maximum orbit setting and speed dial at only two! I can see why it is a best seller – i.e. it suits the masses after a no frills, low cost but functional jigsaw that gets the job done.

To check the current price on the Black and Decker, BDEJS600C Smart Select Jig Saw, 5.0-Amp, Click Here.

The Good:

• Light weight (5.2 pounds)
• Variable speeds
• Bevel cuts to 45 degrees
• Dust blower
• Keyless blade clamp for tool-free blade change
• 2 year manufacturers warranty

The Bad:

• No case
• No where to store extra blades
• No LED light

5. Best Jigsaws Under $100, Best Value for Money –

WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw with Laser and LED Light 

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I must admit, I’m not as familiar with WEN products, but have noticed them gaining more in popularity of late and I can see why. This WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw with Laser and LED Light is a decent choice.

Sure it might not come with a case (just a cardboard box) but does have in built lights (LED and laser that can be turned on individually or at the same time) plus comes with two blades. It’s a bit heavier than both Black and Decker’s reviewed here, but it does have a bigger motor at 6.6 Amps.

Also has both a shield and blower to keep the sawdust out of your eyes and off your glasses! The variable speed as usual helps to cut with more accuracy. Cuts through 2×4 and ¼ acrylic like a hot knife through butter. For the weekender/hobbyist, this is a good option.

Superb value for the quality you get and its not bulky and fits nicely in your hand. I thought it would be quite noisy, but it’s not too bad. I’m actually sort of surprised that this one is not the current number one best seller on Amazon. It is their recommended choice though and that may be because of less refunds on this model? I’m not sure. It does score very well from reviews I have read and it’s not hard to see why.

I would recommend getting better quality blades and noticed that I couldn’t get my Bosch T144DP precision wood blade to fit as it was too thick. All the other blades were fine though. Only noticed this as thought I’d cut a small chunk out of a walnut slab. The going was slow but worked fine. For the occasional user, I think this is a perfect compromise between price and durability. The best jigsaw under $100

It will pretty much cut through anything quickly when using the oscillating setting – although it does have a lot of chip out. Good control and orbital action is adjustable. Maybe there are no bells and whistles as such – but for cutting and doing what its supposed to do, it’s excellent. Has all the basics covered with multi-speed and multi-adjustable for the blade to go straight up and down or more of a rolling motion.

The more I actually get familiar with the Wen products, the more I seem to like them! And for around $30, you can’t go wrong with this beast.

To check the current price on the WEN 33606 6.6-Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw with Laser and LED Light, Click Here.

The Good:

• Low cost price
• 6.6 Amp
• 4 position orbital selection knob changes the movement of the blade
• Onboard laser and LED light
• Comes with 2 blades (but I would recommend getting better ones)
• Isolating and variable speeds

The Bad:

• Some have commented that blades didn’t fit securely
• No case included

How Does A Jigsaw Tool Work?  Buyer’s Guide

Essentially a jigsaw is a saw that uses a reciprocating blade to make both straight and curved cuts in a wide variety of materials. Besides wood, you can use a jigsaw on almost anything – particleboard, plywood, plastic, metal and even ceramic tile.  It really is a little gem!

It’s important to note though, that they are not so good with making fast long cuts (like a circular saw would). They are your go to tool for cutting intricate shapes done in stenciled designs in wood by making compound and bevel cuts in boards and other materials.  They are also quite distinctive from a miter saw which uses a circular saw blade to make cross cuts and miters.

A standard jigsaw power tool is comprised of an electric motor and a reciprocating saw cutting blade. It is basically a hand-held rendition of a band saw or scroll saw. Jigsaws are frequently utilized for detail cutting, versus a standard reciprocating saw, which offers bigger, quicker cuts.

What Type of Blade Does a Jigsaw Use?

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A jigsaw works by attaching a blade accessory to the tool. There are a number of different types of jigsaw blades that adapt to the tool for a range of different cutting applications.  There are various types of blades on the market with many requiring a blade to be screwed into the tool. Bosch were actually the first company to make a ‘tool less blade change system’ allowing a blade to be snapped into the tool. Very clever thinking here Bosch! best jigsaws under $100

Corded Electric or Battery Powered?

Firstly, you need to be aware that there are two types of jigsaws; those that are powered by electricity and cordless models that are driven by battery with styles like barrel and D-handle or top-handle. This provides the user with their choice. While the top-handle is the more traditional style, users of barrel style jigsaws rave that they are easier to control.

Cordless jigsaws have become increasingly popular in recent years. Because they are not limited by a power cord, they offer more freedom of movement than corded models. However, as a result of their battery packs, they tend to be heavier.  If it is within your tool budget, the better quality jigsaws are worth buying.

The amount of adjustment the saw offers for blade speed, stroke length, and oscillation style, more than makes up for the cost of the saw. The upshot will come in later, both in quicker cuts and in less damage to the saw itself.

Optional Extras

Sometimes the jigsaw you purchase will come with a bonus feature such as an LED light to illuminate your working space when working in dim lighting (or if you have poor eye sight like me!). Even if you’re not working at night, it’s always good to have extra lighting to help you make more precise cuts.

So I want a jigsaw, what now?

The best jigsaw for each individual depends on a number of factors.

1. Project size, shape and material type
2. Budget
3. Skill level best jigsaws under $100

It is important to consider these things before making a decision on a saw. Entering the world of “jig sawing” without doing a bit of research can leave you paying too much with extras you may not need.

So, whether you’re a carpenter needing the right tool for the workplace or a home handyman and woodworker needing some insider tips for your next project, we have your needs covered. Included below are our top 5 products – including their advantages and disadvantages, to help you make an informed choice before you fork out your hard earned cash!

Basic things to note:

Here are some things to pay attention to when looking at product reviews/description

Power

When you check out features, it will say amp or volt. Higher power will mean higher productivity and performance in terms of its ability to cut wood, metal, steel or other materials.

Speed

A good jigsaw will allow you to increase the output and precision of the cut. The higher the SPM will save you time without sacrificing quality.

Bevel Cuts

Can you tilt the jigsaw and use it in varying degrees? 45 degrees bevel cut is the gold standard to look for here.

Orbital Settings

Saws should be capable of different movement for more versatile cuts. A ‘normal’ jigsaw has only one straight line drive, but with higher orbital settings, it can be moved in any directions allowing it to make other shapes including curve cuts.   A jigsaw with four orbital settings is a good one.

Quick Links to Our Best Jigsaws Under $100

Makita, 3.9 Amp, Variable Speed – Top Pick

Black & Decker, 4 Amp – Budget Friendly

Tacklife, 6.7 Amp –  Most Powerful

Black & Decker, 5 Amp – Best 5 Amp

Wen, 6.6 Amp – Best Value for Money

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