Which Jigsaw Should You Buy? Take Our 5-Question Quiz
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Which Jigsaw Should You Buy? Take Our 5-Question Quiz
If you want one dependable jigsaw for home projects, choose a 5.0-amp corded Bosch JS365; if you need cordless convenience, choose the DeWalt DCS334B only if you already own compatible 20V batteries. Answer five questions below to find the better fit for your work, grip preference, and budget.
Take the five-question jigsaw quiz
Pick one answer for each question. Your result is the model that matches most of your answers—especially your grip choice and whether you need orbital action or cordless portability.
1. Which grip feels more natural for the cuts you make?
- A: Barrel grip. You prefer holding the body low and close to the work, particularly for controlled curves or cuts where hand position matters. Consider the Bosch JS572EBK.
- B: Top handle. You want a familiar, upright grip for general workshop use. Continue to question 2.
2. How often will you use the jigsaw?
- A: Occasionally. A few cuts for repairs, shelves, or craft projects. Prioritize value and straightforward controls.
- B: Regularly. You expect repeated cuts, varied materials, or longer sessions. A sturdier tool with convenient blade changes and speed control may justify a higher price.
3. Do you need cordless portability?
- A: Yes. You work away from outlets, move around a jobsite, or already have DeWalt 20V MAX batteries. Look at the DCS334B.
- B: No. A cord is acceptable, and you’d rather avoid buying batteries and a charger. Favor a corded model such as the Bosch JS365.
4. What do you cut most often?
- A: Curves, plywood, or finish-sensitive cuts. You want orbital action that can be set low or turned off for a cleaner cut.
- B: Fast cuts in framing lumber or rough panels. Higher orbital action can speed cutting, though it usually leaves a rougher edge.
5. What is your approximate tool budget?
- A: Under $100. Look for a basic corded top-handle jigsaw from a known tool brand, typically with variable speed and at least a few orbital settings. Prices and included accessories vary.
- B: About $100–$200.** Consider a better-equipped corded tool or a cordless bare tool if you already own its battery platform.
- C: Above $200, or budget is flexible. Pay for a specific advantage you will use, such as a barrel grip, cordless platform, or more refined blade-change and cut-control features—not simply a higher price.
Your result: match the tool to the answers
| Answer pattern | Suggested pick | Why it fits | Typical price context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mostly occasional-use and value answers; corded is fine | Bosch JS365 | 5.0-amp corded motor, top handle, four orbital settings, and tool-free blade change. | Often roughly $80–$130, depending on kit and retailer. |
| Portability matters; you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries | DeWalt DCS334B | Brushless, 20V MAX cordless top-handle design with four-position orbital action. The “B” model is typically sold as a bare tool. | Often roughly $150–$250 for the bare tool; battery and charger can add substantially. |
| Barrel grip is your clear preference; precision control matters | Bosch JS572EBK | Barrel-grip design with a 7.2-amp corded motor and multiple orbital settings for adjusting cut aggressiveness. | Generally a premium corded option; package and pricing vary. |
These are approximate U.S. market ranges, not fixed prices. Confirm what is included before buying: a bare cordless tool does not include the battery or charger, and kits may bundle different accessories.
Why these picks suit different jobs
Bosch JS365: the sensible corded default
The JS365 is a strong fit when you want one jigsaw for occasional repairs and regular DIY without investing in a battery system. Its 5.0-amp motor and variable speed suit general cutting, while four orbital settings let you trade a faster, more aggressive cut for better control. Keep orbital action low or off for curves and cleaner edges; use a more aggressive setting for rougher straight cuts in wood.
A corded tool avoids runtime interruptions and the extra cost of batteries. The trade-off is managing the cord: keep it behind the cut line, and don’t let it snag on the workpiece or your support. For a first jigsaw, this is the pick if you answered “corded is fine” and don’t have a specialized grip preference.
DeWalt DCS334B: portability that pays off on the right platform
The DCS334B is worth considering if moving between rooms or working without an outlet is part of the job—and particularly if DeWalt 20V MAX batteries are already in your kit. Its brushless motor and four-position orbital action make it a versatile cordless option. Check the exact package: the bare-tool version requires a compatible battery and charger.
Battery runtime depends on battery capacity, material, blade condition, and how aggressively you cut; there is no useful single runtime figure for every job. For occasional use, calculate the full setup cost before choosing cordless. If you need to buy batteries and a charger only for the jigsaw, a corded tool may be better value.
Bosch JS572EBK: choose barrel grip for a reason
The JS572EBK is the specialized choice for someone who prefers a barrel grip and wants a substantial corded tool for controlled work. A lower hand position can make the tool feel more natural to some users, but it is a personal fit preference—not a guarantee of straighter or more accurate cuts. If possible, hold both grip styles before committing, especially if you often make long cuts or work with the saw in different orientations.
Match the blade and settings to the cut
A jigsaw’s motor cannot compensate for the wrong blade. Use a fine-tooth blade intended for clean cuts in plywood or laminate, and a coarser wood blade when speed matters more than edge quality. For metal, install a blade rated for the material and cut more slowly. Confirm the blade’s shank matches the tool’s clamping system; many current models use T-shank blades, but verify the manual rather than assuming every blade fits.
Support the work close to the cut without pinching the blade. Mark the line clearly, clamp the workpiece, and let the blade reach speed before entering the material. For a curve, turn the saw gradually instead of twisting the blade sideways. If the cut wanders, stop and check blade sharpness, blade suitability, and whether you are forcing the tool.
Ownership details that affect the decision
- Blades wear first. A dull blade heats up, cuts slowly, and can deflect. Replace it when it no longer cuts cleanly despite reasonable feed pressure.
- Dust collects around the blade holder. Unplug a corded saw or remove the battery before cleaning. Brush away sawdust around the shoe and blade clamp; follow the manual for any lubrication or service requirements.
- Orbital action can spoil a finish cut. More aggressive settings move the blade forward and back as it cuts. That can speed rough wood cuts but tends to leave a rougher edge and more tear-out.
- The shoe can mark finished surfaces. Keep it clean and consider a compatible non-marring cover or a sacrificial layer when the visible face matters.
- Don’t use the wrong blade to force a job. A jigsaw is useful for curves and cutouts, but a long, perfectly straight cut may be easier to guide with a circular saw and straightedge.
Bottom line
For a versatile, budget-conscious corded choice, pick the Bosch JS365. Choose the DeWalt DCS334B if cordless mobility matters and you already own compatible batteries. Choose the Bosch JS572EBK when barrel grip is a deliberate preference worth paying for. Before ordering, check the included blade, shoe features, battery status, and return policy so the package—not just the model name—matches your needs.
