Professional Guide

Best Cordless Jigsaw for Joinery Projects: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Bespoke Craftsman

Published 16 December 2025

While a circular saw provides the brute force for structural framing, the jigsaw is the scalpel of the joinery world. It is the tool we rely on when things aren't square—which, if you live in one of York's historic properties, is practically always.

Specifically for garden studios and summerhouses, a cordless jigsaw is indispensable. When you are halfway down a garden working on cedar cladding or cutting intricate shapes for eaves details, trailing an extension lead is not just a nuisance; it is a safety hazard.

In this review, I'm comparing three cordless options I've evaluated. We look at a budget-friendly unit for occasional use, a robust site-ready DeWalt for the professional, and a specialised Bosch barrel-grip model that solves the age-old problem of control when scribing filler pieces.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Cutting Depth Claims (e.g., 135mm in wood)"

The Theory

"Manufacturers claim their jigsaws can cut through thick beams and sleepers easily."

The Reality

Whilst the motor might drive the blade, 'blade wander' is a serious issue at that depth. The blade bends, leaving you with a cut that is square at the top but angled at the bottom. For anything over 50mm, I generally favour a circular saw for accuracy.

The Spec: "Dust Blowers"

The Theory

"Keeps the cut line perfectly visible by blowing sawdust away."

The Reality

They work well on dry, kiln-dried timber indoors. However, when cutting damp treated timber for garden studios in the UK autumn, wet sawdust sticks. You will still likely need to lean in and blow the line clear yourself occasionally.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Cordless Jig Saw Compatible with Dewalt 20v Battery, Jigsaw Tool 200w 16500rpm

Budget Pick

CISSIYOG

If you have already invested in DeWalt batteries but cannot justify the price of a professional unit for a one-off weekend project, this is a clever compromise. It utilises your existing battery platform at a fraction of the cost.

Price£46.99 (at time of writing)

Battery PlatformCompatible with DeWalt 18V/20V

Max Wood Cut135mm (Theoretical)

The Good

Extremely affordable for a cordless tool
Uses standard DeWalt batteries (very convenient for existing users)
Includes a full starter kit with blades and gloves

The Bad

Vibration is higher than premium brands, leading to fatigue
Build quality uses cheaper ABS plastics
No battery included (bare tool)

Installer Tip:

Since this is a lighter, budget tool, let the blade do the work. Do not force it through the timber, or fitting a garden studio door frame will turn into a wavy mess. Use sharp blades to compensate for the lower power.

Priced at £46.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

DEWALT DCS334N-XJ Cordless Jigsaw - XR 18V Brushless Yellow - Bare Unit

Quality Choice

DEWALT

This is the workhorse you will see on building sites across the UK. The brushless motor ensures longevity and power, whilst the 4-position pendulum action allows you to switch between aggressive ripping and fine finishing cuts instantly.

Price£144.74 (at time of writing)

MotorBrushless (Longer life/More power)

Pendulum Action4-position

The Good

Brushless motor delivers consistent power even through hardwood
Excellent dust blower actually keeps the line clear
Variable speed trigger offers superb control

The Bad

Significantly more expensive
Sold as a bare unit (requires separate battery purchase)

Installer Tip:

Use the pendulum settings wisely. Set to '0' for a clean, slow cut on laminate flooring or final cladding trim to avoid splintering. Set to '3' for fast, aggressive cuts on stud work where the finish will be hidden.

Priced at £144.74 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Bosch Professional 12V System GST 12V-70 cordless jigsaw

Problem Solver

Bosch Professional

This 'barrel grip' jigsaw is a favourite amongst cabinet makers and joiners who need absolute precision. The low centre of gravity makes it perfect for scribing filler pieces in awkward corners or cutting from underneath to protect the face of the timber.

Price£81.39 (at time of writing)

System12V Professional

DesignBarrel Grip (No top handle)

The Good

Barrel grip puts your hand closer to the work for superior control
Compact and lightweight (ideal for tight cupboards or overhead work)
Excellent for cutting upside down (to prevent face splintering)

The Bad

12V system lacks the grunt for heavy structural framing
Design takes some getting used to if you prefer top-handle saws

Installer Tip:

This is the ultimate tool for 'scribing'. When fitting a filler panel in a crooked Victorian alcove or a summerhouse interior, the barrel grip allows you to follow the scribe line with much more fluidity than a top-heavy handle saw.

Priced at £81.39 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a jigsaw instead of a circular saw for garden studios?

A circular saw is best for straight, long cuts (ripping). A jigsaw is essential for 'joinery' tasks: cutting curves, notching out cladding around sockets, scribing timber to fit uneven walls, and cutting rapid short lengths. You generally need both, but the jigsaw provides the finesse.

What is the difference between Top Handle and Barrel Grip?

A Top Handle (like the DeWalt) is easier to grip and arguably safer for beginners. It is great for general site work. A Barrel Grip (like the Bosch) allows you to hold the tool lower down, closer to the cutting point. This offers superior balance and control for intricate shapes and scribing work, which is why cabinet makers often prefer them.

Do I really need a brushless motor?

For occasional DIY, no. But for regular use, yes. Brushless motors (like in the DeWalt model) run cooler, use battery energy more efficiently (giving you longer runtime), and generally last years longer than brushed motors. If you are building a large summerhouse, the extra runtime is noticeable.

How do I stop the wood from splintering when cutting?

Splintering usually happens on the 'up' stroke. To avoid this, you can: 1) Cut with the 'good' face down, 2) Use a 'down-cut' blade (teeth point downwards), or 3) Apply masking tape over the cut line before sawing. Good quality jigsaws also come with an anti-splinter insert specifically to reduce this.

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