Jigsaw is a versatile and easy-to-use tool that can cut curves, angles, and intricate shapes in various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and ceramic. Jigsaw is also a great tool for beginners, as it does not require much skill or experience to operate. However, not all jigsaws are the same. There are different types, models, and features of jigsaws that can affect the performance, quality, and safety of the tool. Therefore, choosing the best jigsaw for a beginner can be a daunting task.
The answer to the question of what is the best jigsaw for a beginner is that it depends on the budget, preference, and purpose of the user. In general, the best jigsaw for a beginner is one that is affordable, comfortable, and reliable, and that can handle various materials and projects.
Choosing the best jigsaw for a beginner can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider, such as the power, speed, blade, base plate, handle, trigger, cord, dust collection, and safety features of the jigsaw. However, there are some basic tips and criteria that can help you narrow down your options and find the best jigsaw for your needs. Here are some of them:
Power: The power of the jigsaw is measured in amps or volts, depending on whether it is a corded or a cordless jigsaw. The power of the jigsaw determines how fast and how easily it can cut through different materials. In general, the higher the power, the better the performance. However, the power also affects the weight, size, and battery life of the jigsaw. Therefore, you should balance the power and the portability of the jigsaw according to your needs. For most beginners, a jigsaw with a power of 5 to 7 amps or 18 to 20 volts is sufficient for most projects.
Speed: The speed of the jigsaw is measured in strokes per minute (SPM), which indicates how many times the blade moves up and down in a minute. The speed of the jigsaw affects the smoothness and the accuracy of the cut. In general, the higher the speed, the smoother the cut. However, the speed also depends on the type, thickness, and quality of the material you are cutting. Therefore, you should adjust the speed of the jigsaw according to the material you are cutting. For most beginners, a jigsaw with a variable speed control that can range from 500 to 3000 SPM is ideal for most projects.
Blade: The blade of the jigsaw is the most important part of the tool, as it determines the quality and the durability of the cut. There are different types, sizes, and shapes of blades that are designed for different materials and purposes. In general, you should choose a blade that is suitable for the material you are cutting, sharp, clean, and easy to change. For most beginners, a jigsaw with a tool-less blade change system that can accept both T-shank and U-shank blades is convenient and versatile for most projects.
Base Plate: The base plate of the jigsaw is the part that supports the tool and guides the blade along the cut. The base plate of the jigsaw affects the stability and the accuracy of the cut. In general, you should choose a base plate that is sturdy, flat, and adjustable. For most beginners, a jigsaw with a metal base plate that can tilt up to 45 degrees in both directions is useful and flexible for most projects.
Handle: The handle of the jigsaw is the part that you hold and control the tool with. The handle of the jigsaw affects the comfort and the safety of the user. In general, you should choose a handle that is ergonomic, comfortable, and easy to grip. For most beginners, a jigsaw with a rubberized or soft-grip handle that can reduce the vibration and the fatigue of the user is preferable and comfortable for most projects.
Trigger: The trigger of the jigsaw is the part that you press to start and stop the tool. The trigger of the jigsaw affects the convenience and the control of the user. In general, you should choose a trigger that is responsive, smooth, and easy to access. For most beginners, a jigsaw with a two-finger trigger that can provide more control and less strain to the user is desirable and convenient for most projects.
Cord: The cord of the jigsaw is the part that connects the tool to the power source. The cord of the jigsaw affects the mobility and the safety of the user. In general, you should choose a cord that is long, flexible, and durable. For most beginners, a jigsaw with a cord that is at least 6 feet long and has a cord guard or a cord clip that can prevent the cord from getting in the way or getting damaged is advisable and safe for most projects.
Dust Collection: The dust collection of the jigsaw is the part that collects and removes the dust and debris that are produced by the tool. The dust collection of the jigsaw affects the visibility and the cleanliness of the user and the work area. In general, you should choose a dust collection that is effective, easy to use, and compatible with your vacuum or dust extractor. For most beginners, a jigsaw with a dust blower or a dust port that can keep the cut line clear and the work area clean is beneficial and helpful for most projects.
Safety Features: The safety features of the jigsaw are the parts that protect the user and the tool from any potential hazards or damages. The safety features of the jigsaw affect the confidence and the security of the user. In general, you should choose a jigsaw that has safety features such as a lock-on button, a blade guard, a blade brake, an anti-splinter insert, and a LED light. For most beginners, a jigsaw with safety features that can prevent accidental start, blade exposure, blade breakage, splintering, and poor visibility is essential and reassuring for most projects.
What are Some of the Best Jigsaws for Beginners?
Based on the criteria and tips above, here are some of the best jigsaws for beginners that you can consider:
This is a corded jigsaw that has a power of 5 amps, a variable speed of up to 3000 SPM, a tool-free blade change system, a tilting base plate, a curved handle, a two-finger trigger, a 6-foot cord, a dust blower, and a wire guard. This jigsaw is affordable, lightweight, and easy to use, and it can cut wood, metal, and plastic with ease. However, this jigsaw does not have a dust port, a blade brake, or a LED light, and it can be noisy and vibrate a lot.
This is a cordless jigsaw that has a power of 20 volts, a variable speed of up to 3000 SPM, a tool-free blade change system, a metal base plate, a D-handle, a two-finger trigger, a dust blower, and a LED light. This jigsaw is powerful, durable, and comfortable, and it can cut wood, metal, and plastic with precision. However, this jigsaw does not have a battery, a charger, a dust port, or a blade brake, and it can be expensive and heavy.
This is a corded jigsaw that has a power of 7 amps, a variable speed of up to 3100 SPM, a tool-less blade change system, a metal base plate, a top handle, a two-finger trigger, a 10-foot cord, a dust blower, a dust port, a blade brake, and an anti-splinter insert. This jigsaw is robust, smooth, and reliable, and it can cut wood, metal, and plastic with quality. However, this jigsaw does not have a cord guard, a blade guard, or a LED light, and it can be pricey and bulky.
Conclusion
Jigsaw is a versatile and easy-to-use tool that can cut curves, angles, and intricate shapes in various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and ceramic. Jigsaw is also a great tool for beginners, as it does not require much skill or experience to operate. However, not all jigsaws are the same. There are different types, models, and features of jigsaws that can affect the performance, quality, and safety of the tool. Therefore, choosing the best jigsaw for a beginner can be a daunting task.
The answer to the question of what is the best jigsaw for a beginner is that it depends on the budget, preference, and purpose of the user. In general, the best jigsaw for a beginner is one that is affordable, comfortable, and reliable, and that can handle various materials and projects. The best way to choose the best jigsaw for a beginner is to follow the tips and criteria above and consider some of the best jigsaws for beginners that are listed above.
