Jigsaw Vs Circular Saw│Which Should You Buy First?

When it comes to jigsaw vs. circular saw, choosing one might be confusing for DIYers, non-professionals, and beginners in the woodworking field.

Although they might look almost similar to you, they both have their characteristics and area of expertise. Deciding one to buy will depend on the types of woodwork you are involved in.

This article will discuss pretty much everything you want to know about them, and which one you should go considering your working requirements.

Jigsaw

Jigsaw is also known as saber or pike saw to the older generations. Technically, it’s a handheld machine. The machine features a small and thin blade.

There are two types of blades for jigsaw; T-shank and U-shank. They differ from each other regarding the mechanism to get attached to the saw. However, the T-shank blade is more popular among the woodworker due to its flexibility over the U-shank blade.

You will require to hold the jigsaw with one hand and place the other hand on the material you want to cut and drive the saw across the material.

Jigsaws are great for mobility; you can carry the machine from one place to another very quickly. Besides, the placement of the blade in a jigsaw doesn’t impose much risk of cutting your hand, unlike a circular saw. Jigsaws are available in both corded and cordless models.

Working Areas Of Jigsaw

You will hardly find any workshop that doesn’t have a jigsaw. Jigsaws are well-known for cutting through a variety of materials with much precision using a correct blade. You can use a jigsaw on various materials and make cuts of distinct shape and characteristic.

Benefits

As I have said earlier, jigsaws cut curves and patterns like a pro. If you need to cut out a specific shape with curved edges, a jigsaw is the machine you need. Some other benefits will make you consider getting one.

• Versatile Cuttings

Jigsaws can perform various types of cuttings regardless of the materials. No matter how complicated the cutting is, you will easily be able to cut through your working material.

You can make curves, carvings, ornate lines, plunge, bevel, miter, straight, and sophisticated cuts with a jigsaw. Intricate cuts such as cross, slanted, incline cuts are like a cupcake for a jigsaw.

• Deals Various Materials

Having a jigsaw allows you to work with a wide range of materials such as softwood, hardwood, drywall, laminate, plaster, ceramic, plastic, PVC, metal sheet, and more. Its versatile usage makes it one of the dearest tool among the woodworks and artisans to work with.

• Pro At Plunge Cuts

The only saw of being able to make plunge cuts is the jigsaw. Making plunge cuts are complicated because it requires you to start from the center of the material.

• Mobility And Storability

Due to the size, a jigsaw takes up less space than most other heavy-duty saws. Also, the machine is lightweight, which makes it more convenient to carry the tool wherever you go.

• Much Safer Blade

Because of the design and smaller blade size, jigsaws are safer than other saws. People are injured severely using saws include a circular saw, but this isn’t the case with a jigsaw.

Limitations

Despite having various advantages, the jigsaw has its limitations as well.

• Lacks Accuracy

When it’s about more precise and delicate cuts, jigsaws aren’t ideal for such works. As it’s a handheld machine, you cannot expect it to be accurate like automated saws.

• Bounces

Jigsaws bounce while operating, which makes it hard to make straight and long cuts.

• Not Powerful

As the jigsaws aren’t as powerful as other saws due to its small blade, cutting long and tough material takes a lot of time.

Circular Saw

It’s a powerful tool with toothed cutting blade or disk that drives across the wood. Circular saws are robust and provide much smoother, long, and straight cuts compared to jigsaws.

You can operate the machine while holding it in your hand, or mount on a table. Most of the circular saw blades have 24 teeth. However, you can get a blade of 50-60 teeth for more delicate and precise cuts at a much higher speed.

Working Areas Of Circular Saws

You can use a circular saw to make cuts on softwood, hardwood, metal, pipe, masonry, sheets, and other materials. But, you will require to get different types of blades for cutting on different materials.

The circular saws are powerful enough to make straight and long cuts. Also, you can make angle cuts, cross cuts, right angle bevels, bevel rips, and more.

If you are a regular DIY person who loves to do home improvement projects more often, a circular saw is a must-have tool for you. It allows you to cut at a higher speed without any cutting guideline.

 Benefits

A circular saw also brings some benefits for its users.

• Straight Cutting Tool

Straight cuts require a powerful saw which will not shake or bounce during operation; a circular saw smartly checks both these factors. If you need to make a lot of straight cuts on materials, a circular saw will make the task easy and convenient for you.

• Cuts Variety Of Materials

If you attach the correct blade to a circular saw, you will be able to cut through different materials such as wood, plastic, metal, PVC pipes, masonry, and more.

• Powerful Tool

Circular saws are more powerful than jigsaws. Using an appropriate blade, you can cut through inches of the material without giving much effort.

• Precise Cuts

Unlike a jigsaw, circular one is exact while cutting. If your woodworking requires more delicate cuts, consider getting this one.

Limitations

Circular saws have some limitations as well.

• Not Suitable for Curved Cuts

If curved cuts are your preference, this one isn’t the ideal equipment for you. If you attempt to get a curved cut with a circular saw, you might end up ruining the material.

• High Risk of Injury

As far as safety is concerned, circular saws led to many injuries among the woodworkers across the globe. The blade spins at more top speed and is exposed to some extent; therefore, being careless can result in catastrophic injury.

• Rough Edges

Powerful sawing end up making sharp edges. Don’t expect a smooth edge if you use a circular saw.

Which One Should You Get?

Based on the discussion above; go with a jigsaw if you require to make curved cuts on various materials. It will also help you to reach tight spots where other saws cannot reach.

On the other hand, if you have to make a lot of straight cuts at higher speed with efficiency, a circular saw is all you need.

Final Words

After going through the article, I hope that you can come to a conclusion about which one to buy when it’s about jigsaw vs. circular saw. No matter which one you buy, make sure you wear safety gears to prevent injuries. Take extra precaution when you work with a circular saw.

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Last Updated on September 9, 2020 by Robert Patrick