Makita Jigsaws
Makita jigsaws are for clean, controlled cuts in timber, sheet, and worktops when a circular saw won't get in. Pick the right one and it won't wander.
When you're scribing panels, cutting sink and hob apertures, or trimming skirting tight to a wall, a Makita jigsaw keeps the cut where you want it without tearing the face up. Go brushless if you're on it daily, and match the platform to your batteries 12V for tight spaces, 18V for all-round site work, and 40V when you want more shove through thicker stock. Get the blades right and you'll spend less time cleaning edges and more time fitting.
What Jobs Are Makita Jigsaws Best At?
- Cutting sink and hob openings in laminate and solid worktops where you need a tight radius and a steady, splinter-free face.
- Scribing end panels and fillers to wonky walls and out-of-plumb corners so kitchens and built-ins pull up tight without big gaps.
- Trimming flooring, architrave, and skirting in place when a multi-tool is too slow and a saw won't physically fit.
- Breaking down sheet materials like ply and MDF on second-fix and refurb jobs when you need controlled cuts without dragging a track saw out.
- Cutting plastics and thin metal with the right blade and speed setting, so you get a clean edge without melting or burning the cut line.
Choosing the Right Makita Jigsaw
Sorting the right jigsaw is simple: match the battery platform and the cut quality you need, not just the price tag.
1. 12V vs 18V vs 40V
If you're doing light trim work, overhead cuts, or working in cupboards, a Makita 12V jigsaw keeps the weight down. If you want the proper all-rounder for site, a Makita 18V jigsaw is the safe bet because it will handle most timber and sheet all week. If you're regularly pushing thicker stock and want more drive without nursing the feed rate, a Makita 40V jigsaw makes that feel easier.
2. Brushless vs Brushed
If it's living in the van for occasional cut-outs, brushed will do the job. If you're fitting every day, a Makita brushless jigsaw is the one to buy because it runs longer per charge and holds its pace better when you hit knots and glue lines.
3. Barrel Grip vs Top Handle
If you want maximum control on curves and you're cutting on a bench a lot, barrel grip tends to feel more planted and accurate. If you're doing plenty of vertical cuts, ladder work, or one-handed positioning, a top handle is easier to grab and steer.
4. Blades and Base Setup
Do not judge a jigsaw by the bare tool alone. If you want clean laminate and veneered board cuts, run the right fine-tooth blade and keep the base square and tight, because a loose or knocked base is what causes wandering and chipped faces.
Makita Jigsaw FAQs
Makita jigsaw, is it actually worth buying for site work?
Yes, if you are doing real fitting and refurb work where cut control matters. Makita jigsaws hold up to daily van life, and the better models track straighter and vibrate less, which is what stops you chewing up worktops and panels. If you want a straight answer on reliability, see Is Makita jigsaw good?.
Makita 40V jigsaw, what is it better at than 18V?
A Makita 40V jigsaw is the pick when you are regularly cutting thicker timber and dense sheet and you want the tool to hold its pace without you forcing it. That steadier power delivery helps keep the blade from deflecting, which is where wonky cuts come from.
Makita brushless jigsaw, will I notice the difference day to day?
On regular site use, yes. A Makita jigsaw brushless model typically runs longer per battery and keeps speed better when you hit knots, glue lines, or thicker sections, so you are not pushing and bending blades off line. That is the difference between a cut you can fit straight away and one you have to tidy up.
Makita 12V jigsaw, is it too small for proper work?
It is not a toy, but it is not the one tool you want for everything. A Makita 12V jigsaw is ideal for lighter trim, scribing, and awkward access cuts where size and weight matter, but if you are cutting worktops and sheet all week, most trades stick with 18V or 40V.
Cordless Makita jigsaw, what causes wandering cuts and how do I stop it?
Wandering usually comes from pushing too hard, using the wrong blade, or running a blunt blade and forcing the feed. Slow down, use a sharp blade matched to the material, and let the saw do the work. Keeping the base square and tight also matters more than people think.
Makita 18V jigsaw, is it the best all-round option?
For most site users, yes. A Makita 18V jigsaw is the sensible middle ground for power, runtime, and tool choice, especially if you are already on LXT batteries. If you are weighing it up, this guide helps: What are the benefits of a Makita 18V jigsaw?.
What is the best jigsaw for the money if I just want one that cuts straight?
Buy based on the jobs you actually do and the batteries you already own, then spend properly on blades. A mid-range cordless jigsaw with a solid base and the right blade will out-cut an expensive one fitted with the wrong consumables. For a straight comparison, use What is the best jigsaw for the money?.
Who Uses Makita Jigsaws on Site?
- Chippies and kitchen fitters for worktop cut-outs, scribes, and finishing cuts where a neat edge matters.
- Joiners and shopfitters for sheet work, curved cuts, and trimming panels on install days when you cannot afford rework.
- Sparks and plumbers for notching and access cuts in stud and boards, especially on first-fix when you are working around services.
- Maintenance teams for quick, accurate repairs in awkward spots, keeping a cordless Makita jigsaw in the van with a mixed blade pack.
The Basics: Understanding Jigsaws
A jigsaw is all about control. The tool goes up and down, but your cut quality comes from how you guide it, the blade you choose, and how hard you try to force it through.
1. Blade choice is the finish
Coarse blades shift timber fast but leave a rougher edge, while fine blades cut slower and keep laminates and veneered boards cleaner. If the cut face matters, slow down and let the blade do the work instead of pushing and bending it.
2. Orbital action is for speed, not neatness
Higher orbital settings clear chips and cut quicker in timber, but they can tear the top face and pull the cut off line on tight curves. For worktops and visible edges, dial it back and prioritise control.
3. Cordless power affects how steady the cut stays
When a cordless jigsaw runs out of puff, people push harder, and that is when blades wander and edges chip. A brushless motor and the right battery platform help the tool hold speed so you can guide it properly.
Makita Jigsaw Accessories That Save Rework
A jigsaw is only as good as the blade and the setup, especially on worktops and finished boards.
1. Jigsaw Blade Packs for Wood, Laminate and Metal
Keep a mixed pack in the case so you are not trying to force a rough timber blade through laminate and wondering why it chips out. The right blade stops wandering, burns, and ragged edges that need filling later.
2. Splinter Guards and Base Plates
If you are cutting finished faces, a splinter guard and a clean base plate are what stop you scratching a new panel or chewing the top layer. It is a small add-on that saves you replacing a door or end panel.
3. Spare Batteries and a Fast Charger
Nothing ruins a neat cut like a tool slowing down mid-line. A spare battery keeps a cordless Makita jigsaw running at full pace so you are guiding the cut, not fighting it.
Why Shop for Makita Jigsaws at ITS?
Whether you need a compact 12V, a site-standard 18V, or a harder-hitting 40V Makita jigsaw, we stock the full spread of tools, kits, and essentials to keep you cutting. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery, so you can order today and be fitting tomorrow.
