Is This The Best Value Cordless Jig Saw of 2025? [In-Depth Review]

Right out of the box, the first thing you notice is the saw's substantial feel. As the original review noted, it's "well balanced and has good heft." This isn't a flimsy, plastic-heavy tool. The weight is reassuring, suggesting a durable build with quality internal components. In use, this balance translates directly to better control and less vibration, allowing you to guide the saw smoothly along your cut line without fighting against it.

The ergonomic grip is comfortable for extended use, but it's worth noting a point from the initial review: the design favors right-handed users. The trigger release button is placed perfectly for the right thumb. While this is a common design in many power tools (my Ryobi is the same), it is a consideration for left-handed woodworkers who may find the activation slightly less intuitive.

Under the Hood: The Brushless Motor and Power Delivery

This is where the WOODSTARTER cordless jig saw starts to pull away from many budget-friendly competitors. It’s equipped with a Brushless Copper Motor, a feature typically found in more expensive, professional-grade tools.

So, what does that mean for you?

• Longer Lifespan: Brushless motors have fewer moving parts that wear out over time, drastically increasing the tool's durability and minimizing maintenance.
• Greater Efficiency: They use battery power more efficiently, meaning you get more cutting done on a single charge.
• Smoother Performance: Reduced friction and heat buildup ensure the tool runs cool and smoothly, even under heavy load.

This advanced motor directly backs up the reviewer's finding: "Plenty of power and the motor never struggled for me." Whether cutting through thick plywood or hardwoods, the saw delivers consistent, reliable power.

Another premium feature is the soft start mechanism. When you pull the trigger, the saw doesn't lurch to life. It ramps up to speed smoothly, preventing the jarring jump that can ruin the start of a precise cut.

The saw offers Three Adjustable Speed Settings—1000, 2000, and 2900 strokes per minute (SPM). While the review correctly notes that this isn't a variable-speed trigger, these three presets are intelligently chosen to cover a wide range of applications:

• 1000 SPM: Ideal for slow, controlled cuts in metal and plastic.
• 2000 SPM: A versatile setting for hardwoods and detailed scrollwork.
• 2900 SPM: The top speed for aggressively and quickly cutting through softwoods and plywood.

The Cutting Edge: Blade System, Orbital Action, and Precision

A jigsaw's performance ultimately comes down to the cut. The WOODSTARTER saw incorporates several features to ensure accuracy and versatility.

First, the tool-less blade changing system is a massive convenience. It works exactly as advertised, allowing you to swap out T-shank blades in seconds without fumbling for a tool.

The saw also features a 4-Level Orbital Stroke Function. For those new to jigsaws, orbital action adds a slight forward-and-back motion to the blade's up-and-down stroke.

• Setting 0 (No Orbit): For the cleanest, most precise cuts in hardwoods, laminates, and metal.
• Settings 1-3: Introduce increasing levels of orbital action for progressively faster, more aggressive cuts, ideal for quickly dimensioning lumber.

This brings us to a "con" from the initial review: the saw can "wander when using the highest orbital action." This is an important and honest observation. However, it's also expected behavior for any jigsaw. The highest orbital setting is designed purely for speed, not precision. For fine, accurate cuts, you should always use setting 0 or 1, where I found the saw tracks beautifully.

For angled cuts, the base plate easily adjusts for bevels from 90° to 45°. A huge plus, and a major point of praise in the review, is the onboard Allen wrench storage. The wrench for adjusting the base is securely attached to the tool itself, so you'll never have to waste time hunting for it in a drawer.

User-Focused Features and Final Thoughts

Beyond the core mechanics, several thoughtful features enhance the user experience. The combination of a bright LED light and a built-in dust blower is fantastic. Together, they keep the cut line illuminated and clear of sawdust, which is absolutely critical for following a drawn line accurately.

The review did mention a minor discrepancy in the instructions regarding the LED light activation. While the manual might suggest a button press, the light simply comes on when you pull the trigger—which is arguably more intuitive anyway. It’s a small quirk you figure out in the first 30 seconds of use.

The Verdict: Is the WOODSTARTER Cordless Jig Saw Worth It?

After extensive use, the conclusion is clear: this cordless jig saw offers exceptional value. It packs premium features like a brushless motor, tool-less blade change, and excellent visibility into a powerful and well-balanced tool.

The trade-offs—a right-handed design bias and three fixed speeds instead of a variable trigger—are minor and are common in tools well above this price point. They do little to detract from the saw's overall impressive performance. As the initial review states, when you weigh the features against the cost, "it's a great deal."

If you're a DIY enthusiast, a hobbyist woodworker, or even a professional looking for a reliable and affordable cordless option, the WOODSTARTER Cordless Jig Saw is a smart, powerful, and highly recommended addition to your toolkit.