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

[DaileyWoodworks]

“We’re not a professional tool review company”.

Provides the best researched and executed tool testing on the internet.

Great job Rob and Team

[jep]

I'm a 40 plus year professional wood worker and must say you guys are the best tool reviewers out there. Thanks for your efforts. Just brilliant.

[Spewbacca]

Hands down the best tool reviews around. Great work lads. Thorough, no nonsense, real world applications, and you always acknowledge different people will sometimes prefer what they prefer. Your channel is always the first thing I check when I'm about to buy a new tool.

[CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

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

[Earthn]

Some time numbers doesn't give the real feeling about the tools that is why your review is more trusted because you do give what you felt during the test.

We trust your reviews more than you think.


Thank you for your time.

[jason-hhlu]

I used to have a jigsaw attached to my hand most of the day scribing for kitchens and wardrobe panel fits. Then I got carpal tunnel, had an op and I’ve never had the strength in my hand to scribe accurately with a jigsaw since. Take care of your hands carpentry friends. Especially with old tools that vibrate a lot. Great video as usual. 😊👍🏻

[BlueVelvetBear]

Was gonna buy milwaukee before I watched this, now it'll be Makita for my needs thanks.

[JimKopriva]

Rob, you are impossibly nice to the folks that elect to nitpick the outcomes of your testing. Thanks for all you do. As always, perfect review.

[liudasnavickas]

The only one review channel where I trust. Other review channels... they are millions miles behind you! Keep doing what you're doing! All the best for you lads!

[PhillyFlyersss]

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!

[kirkhepburnmiddleagedwhiteguy]

You guys rock the tradesman's tool world with solid, well executed presentations, demonstrations and results.
Thanks so much for your dedication to excellence.
The info is very helpful.

[Finex]

you can turn off the the soft no-load rotation
function on the Makita

Disabling the soft no-load rotation
function
Country specific
To disable the soft no-load rotation function, follow the
steps below.
1. Make sure that the tool is turned off.
2. Set the speed adjusting dial to “1”.
3. Press the lock/unlock button to turn on the tool.
4. Set the speed adjusting dial to “6” 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.
NOTE:
• If the soft no-load rotation function is disabled, the lamp
blinks twice when the tool is turned on.
• You can also disable or enable the soft no-load rotation
function by changing the speed adjusting dial from “6”
to “1” and changing it from “1” to “6”.

[lisaferrara]

Thorough testing! I recently bought the Makita barrel jig saw, based on so many good reviews.

[gregroschat]

For a least 20 years I had the Bosch jigsaw, 3 years ago I purchased a mafell, what I like, 1, the unique blade clamping system, no roller blade guide so little friction so very little heat and the blades last much longer, 2, the base slides back providing an amazing line of sight and you can almost cut up to a wall /backsplash, 3, you can put the blade in backwards which allows you to cut from underneath...great for scribing what I don't like the price and the special non deflection blades are only available through mafell . Would be nice to see mafell have more suppliers in North America

[aapoapina]

I have an older corded festool one and it can cut 2 inch/50mm oak with no blade deflection at 90 degree. The blade guide/roller has a adjustable throat so it can be perfect for any width of blades. Ofcourse the blade itself is a big factor also. Dunno if new ones arent that good or blade roller wasnt adjusted correctly in this test?

[NameNaameNameeNaamee]

This review had a very good balance between the measured results and the actual impressions of the users, keep that up! :)

[rucfgyd]

Hands down you guys do the most fair, non bias tool testing / reviews on YouTube. My favorite tool channel!

[peterford]

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.

[scsc]

I love Rob's exhaustive lists. It's a real treat I always look forward to.

[shifty]

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.