4 Best Jigsaws for Woodworking in 2026

The Milwaukee 2737-20 M18 FUEL earns the top rank on this woodworking page for three reasons that matter specifically in a wood shop: the PowerState brushless motor sustains 2,600 SPM without speed drop through hardwood passes, the anti-vibration system reduces hand fatigue during long furniture-building sessions, and M18 battery compatibility means one battery platform covers the entire Milwaukee tool lineup -- a 200-plus tool ecosystem. At $169 without battery, this is the premium cordless woodworking jigsaw on this page. Woodworking applications -- flush cuts on furniture pieces, curved cabinet doors, architectural millwork details, and cross-grain ripping -- all fall within this tool range. The variable speed trigger and all-metal blade clamp handle both fine-tooth finish blades (10+ TPI for hardwood) and aggressive woodcutting blades (6 TPI for fast cuts in softwood) with equal security at high stroke rates. The D-handle design is the standard ergonomic choice for general woodworking where a variety of cut angles and orientations are required in a single session. The Bosch JS470E (rank 2, $170.77) offers the same 3,100 SPM at a marginally higher price but requires a cord -- the right trade for dedicated shop use, wrong for field work. The Milwaukee 2645-20 (rank 3, $169) is the older M18 brushed jigsaw at the same price -- for anyone choosing between them, the 2737-20 FUEL is the correct buy for brushless efficiency and anti-vibration. The Bosch JS120BN (rank 4, $129.99, 12V compact) handles lighter duty. For a woodworker who needs a single cordless jigsaw to handle furniture, cabinetry, and curved cuts, the 2737-20 is the most capable tool on this page.

The Bosch JS470E delivers the same 3,100 SPM motor as the barrel-grip JS470EB in a top-handle form factor that most woodworkers find more comfortable for extended sessions. The top-handle distributes saw weight across the palm differently than a barrel-grip, reducing wrist strain during long furniture cuts and extended woodworking days. At $170.77 corded, it is one dollar more than the Milwaukee 2737-20 but eliminates battery dependency entirely -- the correct choice for a dedicated wood shop where the saw stays near an outlet and battery management is not a workflow concern. The four orbital settings allow tuning from precision finish cuts (orbital 0, 10+ TPI fine blade) to aggressive ripping (orbital 3, 6 TPI blade). The soft-grip handle reduces transmitted vibration on long cuts through oak, maple, and other hardwoods. Variable speed dial maintains a set SPM independent of trigger pressure, useful for consistent cut quality on repeat operations like identical furniture components. Tool-free blade change handles T-shank blades including all major brands. Versus the Milwaukee 2737-20 at similar price: corded vs cordless is the deciding factor. A shop-based woodworker gains nothing from battery operation and gains consistent power from the outlet. A woodworker who moves between bench and job site prefers the Milwaukee cordless. The JS470E lacks the barrel-grip advantage of the JS470EB -- the barrel-grip is the better tool for intricate scroll work where sight-line matters most; the top-handle is preferred for general woodworking where comfort over long sessions is the priority. For a shop jigsaw used daily on furniture and cabinetry, the JS470E is the practical professional choice at this price.

The Milwaukee 2645-20 is the older M18 brushed jigsaw -- at $169, it sits at the same price as the Milwaukee 2737-20 FUEL (rank 1) on this page, which immediately raises the obvious question: why choose this over the newer brushless model? The answer is inventory and ecosystem entry. The 2645-20 is a mature product that often appears at lower sale prices ($79-99) as a clearance item, and for M18 owners who find it discounted, it delivers reliable woodworking performance from a proven platform. At full MSRP, the 2737-20 FUEL is the unambiguous better purchase. Woodworking performance: 2,500 SPM variable speed, orbital action for aggressive cuts in softwood, tool-free blade change, and M18 battery compatibility. The brushed motor will not sustain the same efficiency as the 2737-20 FUEL over long woodworking sessions -- heat buildup is faster under extended load in oak, maple, or ash. For furniture making and cabinetry involving heavy jigsaw use, the efficiency gap accumulates over a work session. For occasional cuts on weekend projects and light hobby woodworking, the brushed motor handles the load without issue. At equal pricing, the 2737-20 FUEL is the correct buy: brushless motor, higher SPM (2,600 vs 2,500), anti-vibration, and more modern platform integration. The 2645-20 earns rank 3 primarily as the budget M18 entry when found on sale. The Bosch JS120BN (rank 4, $129.99) is a 12V compact alternative for lighter-duty woodworking needs. The 2645-20 is included here because it remains widely available and represents genuine woodworking capability for M18 owners managing costs -- just not at full retail price where the 2737-20 FUEL represents the same investment for superior hardware.

At 2.9 pounds, the Bosch JS120BN is the lightest jigsaw on this woodworking page by a significant margin -- the Milwaukee 2737-20 and Bosch JS470E are both over 5 pounds. This weight difference is meaningful for specific woodworking applications: overhead cuts in installed trim, under-cabinet work, or any situation where holding a heavier saw overhead for extended periods causes arm fatigue. The 12V Max battery delivers 2,300 SPM variable speed, sufficient for light-duty woodworking in softwood and thin hardwood panels. At $129.99 as a bare tool, it is the lowest-priced option on this page. The 12V platform is the defining limitation. Compared to the 18V Milwaukee tools and corded Bosch JS470E on this page, the JS120BN has less torque reserve when cutting dense hardwood, thick stock, or hardwood flooring. Blade speed drops more noticeably under load in oak or maple than it does with an 18V tool. For pine, plywood, MDF, and thin hardwood up to 3/4 inch, the 12V handles the task without issue. For furniture joinery in thick hardwood, it is underpowered for consistent results. The JS120BN earns its rank specifically for woodworkers who already own Bosch 12V batteries and need an occasional jigsaw for light trim and detail work. As a primary shop jigsaw, the Milwaukee 2737-20 (rank 1, $169) or Bosch JS470E (rank 2, $170.77) are better investments. The Milwaukee 2645-20 (rank 3, $169) is a full 18V tool with better capacity at only $39 more. The JS120BN is the right choice for weight-sensitive applications -- overhead trim installation, narrow access cuts, workshop use for a hobbyist who cuts softwood occasionally -- not as the main jigsaw in a furniture-building shop.