It’s simple to differentiate between a jigsaw vs circular saw, even by appearance as the two look completely different from one another. In terms of the way they cut, there are also striking differences that could lead you to purchase one over the other.
However, it’s also important to consider your skill level as individuals with little to no experience with power tools may find jigsaws to be preferable for small around-the-home projects, whereas in-depth industrial work would be better suited to a circular saw.
If you’re stuck deciding between a jigsaw vs circular saw , it’s important to think about the features of each, their pros and cons, and where one may outweigh the other.https://sawcrafts.com/best-cordless-circular-saw-of-complete-reviews-with-comparison/
Direct Comparison
Product 1: Jigsaw
- #1: Cut Type: Long, straight, curved, and beveled
- #2: Recommended Materials: Plastic, metal, plywood, natural stone, plastic, hardwood, etc.
- #3: Blade Type: U-shank, progressive tooth, TPI, reverse tooth
- #4: Versatility Rating: High
- #5: Beginner/Experienced: Both
Product 2: Circular Saw
- #1: Cut Type: Long, fast, and straight
- #2: Recommended Materials: Metal, roofing, wood, masonry, and pipe
- #3: Blade Type: Diamond, carbide, metal cutting blade, etc.
- #4: Versatility Rating: High
- #5: Beginner/Experienced: Both
Breaking it down
Although jigsaws and circular saws have a few similarities such as their versatility rating and whether they’re recommended for beginners or experienced users, there are plenty of differences that need to be taken under advisement before making your purchase.
First, you’re going to want to think about the type of cuts each is designed to make, second, you’re going to need to think about the type of materials recommended for each model, and third, their value.
Type of Cuts
When discussing the type of cuts that each saw has to offer, it relates to the cleanliness of the cut, the positioning of the cut, and its accuracy. Depending on your project, you might find that one saw is better than the other.
Jigsaw
Jigsaws by far offer the wider range of cuts, regardless of your project as you can master anything from a traditional straight cut to a more advanced circular cut, and in all honesty; if you’re working with circular cuts you’re going to need a jigsaw versus a circular saw anyway.
This is all because of how the blade is designed, as jigsaw blades are thin and serrated, giving you the ability to navigate them through various materials.
Circular Saw
With a circular saw, you’re going to be able to take advantage of long and straight cuts instead of any curved ones. This is again, because of how the blade on a circular saw is designed, as it easily powers through thick materials but in a straight line instead of giving the user the ability to navigate the blade in a curved motion.
Another important thing to remember is that a circular saw is typically designed to work through more heavy duty materials such as masonry and thick metals, based on the blade you choose.
Winner: Jigsaw
Types of Materials
As with any tool, you’re going to want to make sure that you choose the right one for a wide variety of projects. Depending on your specialty, a jigsaw or a circular saw could be the better option.
Jigsaw
As mentioned, jigsaws are renowned for the long list of materials that it can work through, as long as you’re equipped with the right blades. With that being said, its recommended materials might not fall within your prevue.
As an example, jigsaws are recommended for working with particleboard, hardwood, softwoods, metal, plastic, ceramic tile, and more. The majority of these items are relatively soft when compared to other items that you might use in an industrial setting.
Circular Saw
On the other hand, circular saws are the more heavy duty of the two, giving you the power you need to slice through thicker materials that a jigsaw would have difficulty with. For example, a diamond blade can be used to cut through masonry materials such as brick. You can also use a carbide blade to easily go through piping or a specialty metal cutting blade for denser metals such as cast iron.
Winner: Tie
There can’t be a true winner when it comes to the type of materials each saw works with as it all depends on your personal needs. If you’re looking for a tool that you can use around the house for small projects, a jigsaw easily powers through a variety of everyday household materials. Whereas individuals looking for a more heavy duty tool to blast through thick and dense materials, you’re going to want to opt for a circular saw instead.
Value
Above all else, before you invest your money into a specific tool you’re going to want to think about its overall value. Ask yourself, how long will the saw last with regular use? How many accessories or replacement parts will I have to buy in the future?
Jigsaw
Considering the majority of people who purchase jigsaws do so for home projects, you can guarantee that the unit will be ready right out of the box. In most cases, you won’t have to worry about buying additional specialty blades if you’re working on generic materials such as wood. This helps to add to its overall value as you won’t have to invest time and money into making sure it’s a useful tool to have at your disposal.However, it is important that you are careful with the materials you work with. Beginner jigsaw users have the tendency to burn out their motor or strip their blades within a few months of use as they try to tackle big projects that the saw isn’t designed for, such as cutting brick.
Circular Saw
Circular saws offer a high level of value when it comes to longevity because, in most circumstances, you’re not going to have to worry about overworking the machine to where it breaks down. They are built to last numerous years and work through some of the heaviest materials you can find on a construction site, which is why they are so reliable.However, you are going to have to invest some money into your circular saw to make it versatile, such as purchasing different blades to work with various heavy materials.
Winner: Tie
It’s difficult to choose a winner when it comes to value, as a jigsaw is ready to use straight out of the box, but can lead to issues in the future if they are used improperly. In addition, circular saws are relatively difficult to break or wear down, but you will have to invest some extra money into the right accessories to get the job done.
Summary
Jigsaw: 3/3
Circular Saw: 2/3
Winner: Jigsaw
It’s important to remember that both saws are recommended for different purposes and as such, a jigsaw or circular saw could be a clear winner in your eyes. Below are some additional pros and cons to think about before you settle on your final choice.
Jigsaw
Pros
Cons
- Versatile cutting
- Affordable
- Easy to handle
- Useful for veterans and beginners
- Used for light projects
- Susceptible to damage
- Requires replacement blades
Circular Saw
- Accurate and precise cuts
- Heavy duty
- Fast cutting
- Easy to use
- Requires experience
- Straight cuts only
Final Verdict
Determining whether a jigsaw or circular saw is your best bet comes down to a single factor: your project. If you’re a homeowner that simply wants to cut small plastic piping, a jigsaw is your best option, whereas if you’re installing new roofing materials, a circular saw is your best bet.
Ideally, you’re going to want to think about what it is that you’re looking for in a saw to make sure that you’re choosing the right one for the job.
For beginners we recommend a jigsaw as its easier to use and more versatile for lightweight projects, and for veterans, a circular saw may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.