Different Types of Jigsaws: Choose the Best One for Your DIY & Pro Projects!

Introduction

If you’ve ever tried cutting a curve with a hand saw, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s where the jigsaw comes in—a tool I personally keep within arm’s reach for almost every project. From building furniture to fixing flooring, my jigsaw has saved me countless hours.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different types of jigsaws and blades, while sharing tips I’ve learned from hands-on experience.

Before choosing a jigsaw, it’s helpful to understand how it compares to other saws. Check out our Scroll Saw vs Jigsaw comparison to decide which tool suits your cutting needs.

What is a Jigsaw?

A jigsaw is a handheld saw with a motor that rapidly moves the blade up and down, making it perfect for curves, detailed cuts, and odd shapes. Unlike a table saw, it’s lightweight, portable, and easy to control.

For example, when I first built a bookshelf, I used a circular saw for straight cuts, but the curved side panels? Only my jigsaw could handle those neatly.

Different Types of Jigsaws

Jigsaws can be categorized based on power source, blade motion, and grip type. Understanding these differences will help you pick the right one for your needs.

By Power Source:

• Corded Jigsaws – reliable power, great for long projects.
• Cordless Jigsaws – my personal favorite for portability, especially when I don’t want to drag an extension cord across the workshop.

By Cutting Action:

• Standard Stroke Jigsaws – blade moves straight up and down, good for precise cuts.
• Orbital Jigsaws – blade moves in an oval motion, cutting faster through wood. I once used orbital mode to slice through thick pine boards—it was almost effortless compared to standard mode.

Jigsaw Blades

One of the biggest lessons I learned early on: the blade matters just as much as the jigsaw itself.

Blade Shank Types

• T-Shank Blades – tool-free and super easy to swap. (Most of my jigsaws use these.)
• U-Shank Blades – older style; still useful but less convenient.

Blade Materials & Uses

Tip from experience: Always check TPI (teeth per inch). Low TPI = faster but rougher cuts. High TPI = slower but smoother.

How I Use My Jigsaw Effectively

Over the years, these little practices have saved me broken blades and bad cuts:

1. Clamp your workpiece—don’t let it vibrate.
2. Slow speed for metals, high for wood.
3. Orbital for wood only—never for metal (I learned the hard way: snapped a blade in seconds!).
4. Protective gear—goggles, gloves, and dust mask are non-negotiable.

When I built a planter box last summer, I needed to cut both straight boards and curved edges. I started with a coarse HCS blade for rough cutting the lumber, then switched to a scrolling blade to shape the decorative curves. The difference was night and day—the right blade made my project look professionally finished, even though I’m just a weekend DIYer.

Conclusion

Jigsaws are one of those tools that grow with you. Whether you’re making a simple plywood shelf or cutting tiles for a renovation, the right jigsaw and blade combo can make your job 10x easier.

Invest in a good cordless jigsaw with T-shank blades, and keep a small collection of blades (wood, metal, scroll, reverse-cut). Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to stop mid-project to buy a new blade.

If you’re considering an alternative for rough cuts, explore our Hackzall vs Sawzall guide to determine which reciprocating saw is better for demolition and heavy-duty work.

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