Best Barrel Grip Jigs Saw ~ Head-2-Head
Best Barrel Grip Jigs Saw ~ Head-2-Head
Best Cordless Barrel Grip Jigsaw
ARTICLE:
For this evaluation, several categories were developed including; Precision & Accuracy, Performance (speed/power), Features, Ergonomics, and Price.
Each of the categories was ranked individually and used to determine the Best Barrel Grip Jigsaw based on the combined results.
Accuracy
For the accuracy category each of the jigsaws was ranked on accuracy in the following areas:
• Line of Sight
• Blade tracking
• Bevel accuracy when set to 45 degrees.
• Cross-cut accuracy when set to 90 degrees (how perpendicular the cut is to the surface)
Line of Sight
For the scroll cutting each saw was set to maximum speed with zero orbital action. A scrolling template was used to trace all the boards consistently, and each jigsaw was used to make numerous cuts in 3/4′” Poplar.
The DEWALT and Makita both had excellent cut line visibility, and the Makita was the best performing saw on the scroll cuts.
The Milwaukee cut line visibility was good but not great and the Hilti dust shroud got in the way of the line of sight so we removed it. We all agreed that if we owned this saw the Hilti shroud would stay off.
The Festool saw blade was difficult to see. The small-sized Diablo blade got lost [visually] inside the V-shaped blade guard.
When cutting bevels the DEWALT saw had the best bevel sightline. Makita sightlines were slightly obscured, and Festool and Milwaukee had terrible sightlines. The Hilti sightline was good, but the LED light was blocked when set to a bevel.
Clean Cutting
Getting clean jigsaw cuts with only light splintering, tear out, and surface chipping is chiefly a matter of selecting a blade that’s designed for the job.
The DEWALT, Hilti, and Makita produced the cleanest edge, cutting saws with the least tear-out. This “clean-cut result,” was also due to using the same Diablo blades along with the operator’s skill set using the tools.
The Festool and Milwaukee surprised us with rougher cuts
Blade Deflection
Every cut was measured and evaluated for blade deflection at 45-degree and 90-degree cutting. On the 90-degree cuts, Milwaukee ranked the best, followed by Makita and Festool.
On the 45-degree cuts, the Makita ranked the best, followed by the Festool, and Milwaukee.
Blade Tracking
Tracking was evaluated by following lines to see how easy or hard it was to follow the line. The Makita, Festool, and DEWALT were the best tracking jigsaws.
It’s worth noting that when scoring the line-of-sight, points were awarded based on the operator’s ability to consistently see the blade cutting through the poplar. Points were not awarded based on the cut-line deviation from the template cut-line. This ensured that operator error was minimized as a primary scoring factor in this evaluation area.
Accuracy Winner – MAKITA
Makita scored tops in three out of the four categories [clean cuts, tracking, and 45-degree blade deflection] and came in second 90-degree blade deflection. It scored a near-perfect score of 5-points and is truly a nice cutting, accurate jigsaw.
Performance Testing (Power/Speed)
The sled fixture held the saws securely and the aluminum tracks kept the saw moving in a consistent and parallel fashion. The saws were in contact with the sled and the sled in contact with the workpiece.
Performance Testing (Power/Speed) – Winner Milwaukee
We rank the performance testing by normalizing Watt-hours. Milwaukee came in on top followed by Hilti and Festool. When watching this test all of the crew members commented on Milwaukee’s speed, which equates to power.
Features – Winner DEWALT
The DEWALT saw scored top in four feature categories 2nd in one category and 3rd in two categories with a total score of 12-points. A real close second place went to Makita with 13-points with 1st or 2nd place scores in every category. Third place went to Milwaukee with 14-points.
Ergonomics Winner – Hilti and Makita
Hilti and Makita tied in ergonomics with 6-points, which was four points ahead of the Festool and 7-points ahead of the DEWALT. Hilti had the best grip, tied on the blade change, and was the most friendly tolefties. Makita had the best and safest trigger and tied for the best blade change.
Vibration – Winner Festool
Best Cordless Jigsaw Winner –Festool and Makita
The best barrel grip jigsaw score was a tie and went to the Festool and Makita with 12-points. Festool earned strong scores in Speed / Power Normalization, Vibration, and Scroll Cutting / Tracking. It is a highly engineered, well-made tool.
Makita had strong showings in Ergonomics, Features, and Scroll Cutting / Tracking.During this testing, there were two saws that the crew kept talking about as being the nicest to operate and use – Makita and Hilti in that order. Makita being the crew favorite.
#cordlessjigsaw #hilti #dewalttools #milwaukeetools
Having a Milwaukee barrel grip, I just wanted to point out after seeing this, that there is an Allen wrench that pulls out the back of the base plate. The Milwaukee has incredible power, and that’s the only thing that’s important for what I do with it, but I’m not picky since I build cattle troughs, enclosures, head gates/squeeze shoots, mainly with it.
That Makita blew the others away in accuracy
How come the Bosch was not included in the head to head.
This video is marvellous. Thanks for the efforts!
you can turn off the Soft-Start by doing this. 🙂
– Make sure that the tool is turned off.
– Set the speed adjusting dial to "1".
– Press the lock/unlock button to turn on the tool.
– Set the speed adjusting dial to "5" by turning it,
and then set it to "1" by turn it back.
The lamp blinks twice to indicate that the soft no-load rotation function is disabled. To enable this function again, perform the same procedure again.
This is how I look at tool brands compared to auto makers.
Milwaukee = Dodge Demon. Lots of power, does not handle or ride well
Dewalt = GM. Classy, accurate and well made.
Makita = Toyota. Dependable, tight tolerances with good visibility.
🙏 blessed be the barrel grip.
Out of Dewalt and Milwaukee which would you recommend? Thanks
I’m on my second carvex. 1st got stolen. I will not entertain any other no matter the cost. I’m no festool fan boy either. All my 18v is Milwaukee and my plunge saw is mafell. Festool can be over priced and over rated but on the jigsaw no.
Being a Makita guy it really doesnt matter that makita won, because that lock and power button system is pure shit. My friend has one and i hate his saw. I am still using my corded hitachi from the 90s made by cast iron
Love the makita jig saw I swapped for festool and the setup on them is a bit of a pain… I find if not setup correctly the saw blade twists and pops out when cutting curves.
Better blade control=less tear-out, better blade function(it cuts better!) for those of you who let those comments go by without catching what they were intended for.
I really appreciate the time you guys all put into all these different real-world tests. Being that I’m in the market for other battery powered tools as well, I’m open to partially moving to another tool brand. Though I really like the drills and full line of impact drivers that DeWalt offers, because of their the jigsaw performance in the the two different tests here the blade clamping issue is really a no sale for me, because of type cuts I’m usually having to make. I don’t really want to have 3 different types of batteries/chargers in my already work-space. DeWalt has some battery powered tools that I better than Milwaukee or Makita, but the Jig-Saws make me reconsider the rest of rest, and settle for the best choice overall for Jigsaw, 7 1/4 circular saw, impact drivers. Impact drivers are for work (my actual job) where I’m increasingly doing more and more away from my designated work area where there’s air in power supply, so I need Heavy-Hitting 1/4",3/8",1/2", & even 3/4" drive battery powered impact drivers.
Excellent review. Thanks
Although it was one of the least powerful, the Makita seems to be best around. The double start feature is a little annoying though. The Festool is just too expensive. DeWalt seems good overall in general too, and is the one I would get just because I already DeWalt batteries. The lock switch coming out on reverse cuts is a bit concerning though.
I wish there was a way for rob to review tools full time. … in a perfect world he would be my go to source for everything
Great video thanks very helpful, saved me a few quid
would love it if you guys did a h2h test of cordless multitools.
I still like my corded Bosch and Makita barrel handle. I do like battery tools but it always adds to the cost, especially when u go to buying replacement batteries. With a corded tool, you know you’re gonna have power and reliability.
Been a carpenter for 40 years and never even heard of festool. When i was looking for a new half sheet sander, i found out why. The price my Milwaukee was a little under 200 bucks. The festool was almost 400 bucks. Depending on where you bought it. And my Milwaukee is still going strong after 20 years. Just can’t find parts ha. That’s why the search for a new one. Ended up with a Bosch os50vc. Found a deal on Amazon for 179. A send back. Brand new. Bosch makes great tools too.
I’m still stuck in the corded jigsaw world 🙂 wondering if you guys are going to make something similar for the corded crowd? Big fan of your channel. Thanks!
Good useful video, thank you. Subscribed!
people that buy festool are out of thier fucking minds. way too expensive for ugly generic looking black and green crap
I’m Shocked that the Makita switch type (mushy button/non trigger that you sometimes need to touch twice) and button placement (not close enough to where you hold it) wasn’t addressed in this review. Also the safety button isn’t needed needed for any jig saw. I defy anyone to explain how this extra step keeps anyone safe. The name "safety switch" sounds great but the tool is no safer, just a bit clumsier to turn on. I’m a big Makita fan, I operate Makita cordless tools all day. In the case of this saw the switch sucks thats the truth. If a jig saw was needed as much as a drill/screwgun/ circular saw i’d plug in before relying in this saw.
Something that ought to be noted is the fact that while the Festool will accept & can be used with any blades, the machine was designed to be operated with Festool blades. This may seem like a trivial point to mention however believe it or not, the company produces blades with some really innovative design features that cause them to differ from the traditional style blade and thusly there are actually very different components built into the Festool machine that are designed to utilize those specific blades. I realize it seems like nothing more than a proprietary method of gaining revenue and while I’ve no doubt that may have been an element in making the choice to design around their own blades, if one only takes the time to research the technology involved they will surely see that the benefits in improved cut quality are also significant factors in justifying the companies decision.
Your reviews are priceless.. Literally the best there is, you set the standard. Thanks so much for all the info you provide us all, we are lucky to have you, man!
mafell is the best!!
Milwaukee? I knew it is your result.
NO BOSCH JIG SAW!? Thats one of the best and Bosch was included in your earlier corded jig saw test!
Interesting that the Makita did poorly when you measured vibration but excelled in “felt” vibration.
makita on top again! love seeing the tears of the haters 🤣
Fantastic head to heads as always, I like to comment and thumbs up to support the YT algorithm.
You guys arent a day in day out tool testing company but you are the best head to head power tool company worldwide on YT. Thats a feat.
The best jig saw has not been made yet. Bosch is close. Take their 12 volt jig saw and put a brushless motor in it and add a blower on the cut line. Also move the support roller down to better support the blade.
show more tools in the video…..please….
Hello! I would like to get a jigsaw for my 7 year old daughter to use (with very close supervision, of course!). Is there a model that you would recommend for smaller hands or safety overall? Would a barrel-handle jigsaw be safer or easier to control for smaller hands? I have Makita and Dewalt platforms already if that matters. Thank you to anyone that can help!
Good jigsaw review, 15:38 Makita is not the only one with a stored Allen wrench. Milwaukee’s is in the back bottom side of the shoe. it is a bit hard to see.
Own an old cord makita from the ’80’s, I found the best blades are from Bosch.
Highly detailed study. Amazing.
Why wasn’t flex involved?
That test is all well and good but real use for any carpenter using a barrel jigsaw is cutting crown. Now go back and do the real test.
Can the Dewalt have a plate for cutting copes?
Hopefully you test someday the Metabo STA 18 LTX 140…the TOP Jig Saw in the Metabo lineup.
I would love to know how the Flex 24v barrel jigsaw compares to these.
Mafell p 1 cc the Best the Best IDIOT festool
Is there no Bosch cordless jigsaw?
One quite important thing, that either I have missed while watching or you have missed reviewing, can you switch LED light off? On barrell grip jigsaws it is very useful when cutting from underside, light is shining right in your eyes.
I wanna love the Makita, but that on/off switch is a deal breaker…
Still cant decided makita vs festool 🤔🤔🤔
So how do we know which specific saws were tested?
exellent testing again guys , thank you all, however i didn’t see the De Walt coming as the best value for the money, and that is because in the testing it’s destroying itself when you pull it back. therefore i would think you have to buy a new one a hole lot sooner then with any other , just my thoughts . thanks again and keep up with this awesome content you are making for us
The mafell is the best jigsaw in the world, bar none.
It is unbelievable that the jig saw essentially was designed to replace the Coping (hand) saw – and yet the basic concept of having a fine blade held each side hasn’t yet been replicated on the jigsaw. The only performance issue I have ever had with a jigsaw is that it won’t cut a very fine radius and they wander so far out of square. I don’t care if they are slow or won’t cut huge lengths on a single charge. I just want accuracy and reliable cuts which will follow any radius without issue. Thats the main reason we use this tool!