Jigsaw: Buy One
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A jigsaw costs $40-80 for a corded model and does things no other portable saw can do: it cuts curves. It also handles straight cuts in thin materials, plunge cuts for sink openings, and notches around pipes. At that price, just buy one.
The Numbers
Why Borrow
- If you own a circular saw and an oscillating multi-tool, you can approximate most jigsaw cuts between the two
- A coping saw ($10) cuts curves in thin material by hand if you only need a few cuts
- For a single plunge cut (like a sink opening), you could borrow for the hour
Why Buy
- No other portable power saw cuts curves. Period. If you need a curved cut, you need a jigsaw.
- At $40-60 for a corded model, one rental costs half the purchase price
- Surprisingly versatile: cuts wood, metal, plastic, and laminate with the right blade
- Great for notching around pipes, outlets, and obstructions during any installation work
- Safer and more approachable than most power saws. Good first power saw for beginners.
Check Before You Buy
Someone in your neighborhood probably owns a jigsaw and uses it a few times a year. Borrowing saves money, saves garage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See How FriendsWithTools WorksCommon Questions
Orbital action on a jigsaw: does it matter?
Orbital action swings the blade forward on the upstroke, cutting faster in wood. Higher orbital settings cut faster but rougher. Setting 0 (no orbital) is smoothest and best for metal and laminate. For rough cuts in framing lumber, crank up the orbital. For visible cuts in plywood or countertop, turn it off.
Top-handle or barrel-grip jigsaw?
Top-handle is the standard design. The D-handle on top gives you a familiar grip. Barrel-grip (no handle, you grip the body) gives more control for following a cut line but less leverage. For general use, top-handle is easier to use. Barrel-grip is preferred by people doing a lot of freehand curve cutting.