Choosing the best jigsaw blade for what you’re working on is key to getting quality results. Sometimes you just need to cut fast and other times you want a better finish or to make tighter turns while you cut. Your blade choice has a big effect on all of these.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best cordless jigsaw reviews article for our top recommendations.
Best Jigsaw Blade for Wood (Low to Medium TPI)
Jigsaws probably cut more wood than anything else and there’s plenty of variance in the type of blade you want to use. Generally speaking, you want fewer teeth for faster cutting, more teeth for better finishes, thicker blades for more stability, and thinner blades for tighter turns.
Here are a few guidelines to start making your selections:
- 6 TPI: Aggressive, fast cutting with a rougher finish
- 10 TPI: Balance of speed and finish
- 14 TPI: Slower cutting with a better finish
- Thin 14 TPI: Slower cutting with a better finish and the ability to cut tighter turns for scroll cutting
- Reverse pitch: Leaves the top surface with a cleaner finish
Best Jigsaw Blade for Plastic or PVC (Low to Medium TPI)
Jigsaw blades for cutting plastic are pretty well in line with the same blade you use for wood. The difference is that you probably don’t need to go any finer than a 14 TPI blade to get the results you’re looking for. Some brands make blades specifically for plastic with a tooth geometry that cuts faster and cleaner through it.
Best Jigsaw Blade for Metal (Medium to High TPI)
If you’re only using a jigsaw for woodcutting, you’re missing out. The saw’s ability to cut sheet metal and pipe really adds to its versatility. Ready to try it? Here are some recommendations:
- 18 TPI: Fast cutting in thin-walled pipe and softer metals
- 24 TPI: Slower controlled cutting in thicker and harder metals
Specialty Jigsaw Blades
- Carbon fiber: Medium tooth count
- Plexiglass: Medium tooth count
- Ceramics: Ultra-high tooth count or diamond grit
- Plaster: Low tooth count
- Soft materials: Ultra-low tooth count
Final Thoughts
A great way to get started with your jigsaw cutting is to buy a blade set. These normally have a combination of wood, metal, and general-purpose blades and are a great way to save some money on the front end.
As you get more familiar with the materials you cut frequently, you’ll find tooth counts, styles, and even specific brands you prefer. Go ahead and experiment – try different jigsaw blades on scrap materials of the same type and see what kind of speed, turning ability, and finish you get from each.
Like the set in our photos? They’re from Hart and you can find them at Walmart for less than $10!
