In carpentry, one of the most important things for projects’ success is having the right saw. The two most popular types of saws today are the jigsaws and sabre saws, but which one should you buy?
The two are so similar, yet so different. Well, it gets pretty confusing because some sellers and dealers also use the term “sabre saws” and “jigsaws” interchangeably.
To help you out of the sabre saw vs jigsaw dilemma, we compared their design, application, power rating, and features of these saws. Read through our post to find out which is ideal for your workshop.
Our Top Jigsaws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. PORTER-CABLE PC600JS Jigsaw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jigsaw |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw — Top Pick
The Bosch JS470E Jigsaw is our top pick in the jigsaw category. It is powerful, strong, and rocks features that no one wants to miss in his woodworking tool’s arsenal. If you want excellence, this is the jigsaw to buy!
The jigsaw runs on a powerful 7.0 AMP motor that hits a maximum speed of 3,100 SPM, which is enough to slice through the toughest wood like a sheet of paper. And this is not all!
The jigsaw comes with a four orbital-action tool setting, which allows you to select the blade stroke settings. We found this very helpful because it allows you to use the jigsaw on a wide range of cutting tasks.
One outstanding thing about this sander is accuracy. Bosch put a lot of effort into making this saw a masterpiece. The accuracy and ergonomic features help to give you total control and make every cut smooth and professional.
With its internal precision-machined plugging system, low vibration design, and D-shaped handle, you can work for long periods without getting tired.
Specs
- Weight: 5.9 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.8 x 14.5 x 4.5 inches
- Power source: Corded electric
- Warranty description: One-year lifetime warranty
Pros
- Designed to last
- An effective dust management system
- Changing blade is easy and fast
- You can use it on many projects
Cons
- Pricey
Rating – 4.7/5
2. PORTER-CABLE PC600JS Jigsaw
When we first set our eyes on this PC600JS Jigsaw, we were not surprised by its awesome features, because it is designed by Porter-Cable – a brand wholly committed to quality. From its ergonomic design to the strong motor, this jigsaw is designed to make your projects easy, fast, and fun.
As a corded jigsaw, it is powerful and almost impossible to beat, no matter the task at hand. The saw runs on a 6 AMP motor, which is strong enough for most workshop operations. Whether you have very demanding tasks in a construction site or working on other tasks that require a lot of precision, this PC600JS Jigsaw will not disappoint.
Another awe-inspiring thing about this jigsaw is its ergonomic design. The tool is short so that you can get close to the workpiece for better results. Also, it has a rubberized handle that makes your grip firm when cutting materials. For extra control, you can also use two hands, one on the D-handle while the other grips the front end.
Specs
- Weight: 5.9 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.8 x 14.5 x 4.5 inches
- Power source: Corded electric
- Warranty description: Three years
Pros
- Its 7-position speed dial makes it ideal for different projects
- Fitted with LED light for enhanced mobility
- A balanced and easy to use design
- Comes with a warranty of three years
Cons
- Cannot be used without electricity
Rating – 4.2/5.0
3. Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jigsaw
Coming in the third position is the Makita XVJ03Z, which has become an irresistible piece not just for carpenters, but DIY (do-it-yourself) persons too. People like this jigsaw, and we fully agree with them, because it can easily be used for different projects, from furniture design to construction and cutting branches.
As a cordless jigsaw, and with its compact design, you might be tempted to ignore it at first, but like us, you will be 100% wrong. The power saw uses a powerful 18 lithium-ion battery, which delivers breathtaking 2,600 strokes every minute.
And that is not all. Using the two-finger and variable-speed trigger, the jigsaw allows you to vary the blade speed. This helps you to work on diverse projects with the same saw.
Specs
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 12.3 x 9.1 inches
- Power source: Li-ion batteries
- Warranty: Three years
Pros
- Star protection controls help to enhance speed and performance
- Comes with a long warranty of three years
- Designed with a tool-less changing system
- Designed with an ergonomic handle
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Sold without a charger and battery
- You need to recharge severally when working for long periods
Rating – 4.7/5.0
Our Top Sabre Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Skil RS58020 |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Metabo 602269850 18 LTX Bare |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Blue Ridge BR2801U |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Skil RS58020 — First Choice
This sabre saw is our first choice in the sabre saws category because of its unique design and features that make it suitable for tough cutting tasks, especially when working outdoors.
The saw is sold as a kit and is battery-powered to allow you to tackle projects, even in areas without electricity. Using its PWRCore 12 Lithium technology, the batteries remain cool when working and power the saw for a longer period than standard models.
This sabre saw has a compact and light-weight design. The saw uses a brushless motor with a compact size that makes cutting, even in tight areas easy. Further, the saw has an adjusting pivoting shoe that helps to minimize vibrations and make cutting smooth.
When using Sabre saws, you anticipate the blades to wear down fast. But you will like the design of this Skil RS58020 because it allows you to change the blade without using specialized tools. The process is simple and fast so that you do not suffer any significant downtime when working on your projects.
Specs
- Weight: 5.21 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 2.8 x 5.5 inches
- Power source: Battery-powered
- Warranty description: 5- year lifetime warranty
Pros
- Has a longer run time battery life
- Ideal for off-workshop tasks
- Compact and light
- Designed to last
- Cheap
Cons
- The battery compartment can get on your way when sawing
- You cannot work when batteries run low
Rating – 4.2/5
5. Metabo 602269850 18 LTX Bare
This Metabo 602269850 18 LTX Bare sabre saw takes the second position in our list, and it is easy to see why — unique construction and ingenuity.
Powered by an 18 volts battery, this cordless sabre saw is rugged, and will never say no, no matter the cutting task at hand. It is because of this that it has become a darling of woodworkers with tough projects, such as demolitions.
Metabo, a less popular power tool manufacturer, wanted to prove that it is a force to reckon with, and should not be ignored. They did not disappoint.
In addition to the 602269850 18 LTX Bare’s light-weight and compact construction, it is a high-performance saw that will help you to complete every task fast. Another notable thing is that it has an innovative torque clutch, which allows you to use it on a wide range of applications.
As a cordless sabre saw, Metabo knew that you could easily get stuck when the battery discharges completely. So, they used air-COOLED charging technology that helps to charge the battery rapidly and protect overheating. Therefore, you can charge the battery faster, and it will last longer so that you can finish all cutting tasks in the field faster.
Specs
- Weight: 4.53 pounds
- Dimensions: 1 16.1 x 3.4 x 7.1 inches
- Power source: Battery-powered
Pros
- Compact and light
- Easy to use, even for newbies
- Can be used to handle even the toughest projects
- Affordable
Cons
- You have to stop when the batteries run low
Rating – 4.0/5
6. Blue Ridge BR2801U
This Blue Ridge BR2801U can best be described using two words: rugged and powerful. When Blue Ridge created this sabre saw, the goal was to give carpenters a companion that would help them undertake even the toughest tasks with ease. The saw is a powerful 20 volts masterpiece that delivers breathtaking 3,000 strokes per minute, which is ample for all your cutting tasks.
Another notable advantage of this sabre saw is its ergonomic construction. First, its handle is carefully positioned at the back of the tool for easier control. You can even use both hands, one grips the main handle while the other holds the belly, for greater control. Further, it features a pivoting plate that allows for a bigger contact surface for enhanced stability.
When it comes to changing the blade of this sabre saw, it is super easy. You can change the blade in seconds without requiring any tool. This means that you do not have to worry about downtime when working.
Specs
- Weight: 8.29 pounds
- Dimensions: 19.6 x 7.8 x 3.9 inches
- Power source: Battery-powered
- Warranty description: 1-year standard warranty
Pros
- Charges faster and takes longer to discharge
- Easy to use on different cutting projects
- Built to last
Cons
- It is not cutting shapes or high-precision products
Rating – 4.1/5
Sabre saw vs Jigsaw: What are the Main Differences?
Today, it makes a lot of sense that there is huge confusion on sabre saws and jigsaws — they have so many similarities. For example, they fall into the group of handheld saws, and both use thin blades. So what exactly is the difference?
A jigsaw is a handheld cutting tool, which is constructed for precision cutting. It is designed with an electric motor and a blade that uses reciprocating motion to make cuts. The blades are fitted on the upper part and feature sole plates, which are very useful for cutting applications like shapes that require greater control.
A sabre saw is another power tool with a wide range of cutting abilities. It is larger than a jigsaw and uses toothed blades for faster and rugged cutting. An outstanding contrast with its sister, jigsaw, is that it does not have a sole plate, which implies that it is a lot more difficult to control.
This makes the saw less preferable for making accurate cuts. Therefore, it is recommended for brute cuts, where you simply need to make fast cuts, and accuracy is not a priority.
Buying Guide
Now that you have known the difference between jigsaws and sabre saws, and checked at the top options on the market, it is time to pick the perfect piece for your work.
In this part, we bring you a comprehensive buying guide to help you understand the things to look for in a jigsaw or sabre saw.
Power
The quantity of work you can do with a jigsaw or sabre saw depends on its power. A good motor should be powerful enough to allow you to do all your tasks fast and efficiently.
Note that if you want to use a cordless tool, it is advisable to always have a backup battery to avoid getting stuck when the main one runs low.
Durability
Like other power tools, jigsaws and sabre saws are crucial investments that carpenters expect to use over a long time. Therefore, you should look for the model that is constructed to last.
Brand
If you want a great jigsaw or sabre saw, go for the model that is made by the best brand in the market. These are manufacturers that put every effort, research, and investment, into ensuring only the best gets into the market. Top brands to consider include Makita, Skil, Blue Ridge and Porter-Cable.
Ease Of Use
If you are new to woodworks, you should go for the jigsaw or sabre saw that is easy to use. To be specific, you should look for a model that has an ergonomic design, and that uses a strong vibration dampening system.
Final Thoughts
In this sabre saw vs jigsaw comparison, we discovered that most woodworkers out there are, in reality, looking for jigsaws. They are strong, compact, and powerful enough for a wide variety of cutting tasks. But the sabre saws too have their place, especially when you have tough tasks, such as demolition projects.
Whether you are a professional woodworker or DIY type of person, you probably need a jigsaw as opposed to a sabre saw. A jigsaw will perform most of the tasks the sabre can do with high-precision and will be a perfect addition to your toolbox.
While the sabre saws and jigsaws we reviewed in this post are really great (they are awesome), our first pick is this Bosch JS470E Jigsaw. It is strong, powerful, compact, and easy to use. It is simply the best!
