Let’s look at the latest Hikoki Jigsaw range… their strengths (and a few quirks)!

 

And why Hikoki power tools belong among the best for site performance.

As well as being sound value for DIY work.

The Hikoki Jigsaw: shadow warrior of the top brands!

 

So you’ve seen a few video reviews.

Hikoki Jigsaws pitted against Top Performing brands like Dewalt,

Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch.

By savvy joiners who know a decent bit of kit 👊

So they work out their favourite: partly by feel but mostly with some

sort of score chart. And here’s where things start to lose practical focus —

strange as it seems.

Because you’re really looking for the best jigsaw for your own

style of workmanship. And it’s easy to get led away from that goal by

marginal metrics.

Here’s why.

When you watch an Olympic runner finish fourth by a fraction of a

second — they vanish into the mists…

Yet they’re all top performers!

And so often, it’s the same with big brands that bicker for first place in

specific heats. When there’s very little distinction on everyday tasks.

So let’s take a fresh look at Hikoki Jigsaws.  And why they could be

your brand of choice in 2024.

 

 

Hikoki Jigsaws in 2024

 

So looking at your options:

Hikoki Jigsaws are available in mains or cordless tools with 7

showcase models across both categories.

1) Hikoki cordless Jigsaws

 

There are 5 major models of Hikoki Cordless Jigsaw in 2 sound designs:

 

• The traditional top-handle 18v CJ18DA, CJ18DSL and 36v CJ36DA offer you compact factors, or high-powered cutting capacity. Both are highly effective for most curved cutting scenarios.

• The Hikoki barrel grip battery Jigsaws cater for modern control preferences. Especially if you’re an underside cutting enthusiast. The 18v CJ18DB and 36v CJ36DB afford a newer style of working. And provide a more flexible feel for your movements.

2) Hikoki mains powered Jigsaws

Each of the 3 corded HIkoki Jigsaws is available in 110v and 230v

variations. And all are traditional D-handle design.

 

• There’s a choice of model for maximum cutting depths of 90mm/110mm/160mm (CJ90VST2/CJ110MV/CJ160V)

• CJ160V is slightly more powerful than the others with a 800w motor. While the CJ110MV includes an LED spotlight and dust blower to keep your cut line clear. The CJ90VST2 is the newest and smallest model at 705w — so best reserved for lighter projects.

 

So are Hikoki Jigsaws any good?

 

Absolutely! If you’re looking for Speed, Control, Cutting Strength,

Style and Comfort — Hikoki Jigsaws have you covered 💫

 

Let’s look at each of these factors in more depth:

 

1) SPEED 

 

When you’re on the go you depend on dynamic power tools.

For most guys/gals the Jigsaw is on standby for tricky tasks. And it’s

much the same with DIY projects.

For a busy workshop, there may be faster brands for productivity

targets. Although cutting precise curves isn’t the most hectic operation in

most scenarios.

 

Hikoki Jigsaws are certainly Swift, Smooth and Powerful. For precise —

as well as tough — timber cutting.

A striking feature of Hikoki Jigsaws is the subtle trigger control. Which

means you can ‘feather the trigger’ for subtle speed settings at any

moment.

 

2) CONTROL

 

The subtle start speed on Hikoki Jigsaw triggers lets you master the

tool. While the safety lock is a real benefit in these days of habitual

battery loads.*

Some models lack a variable speed dial/auto mode for constant cutting…

but an exceptionally light trigger feel makes up for it.

And as with most modern Jigsaws, Hikoki has a swift blade-changing

lever, plastic splinter guard (attachment) and automatic LED guide for

your cut line.

 

*Just check the particular model for variations in features

 

 

3) COMFORT

 

A big factor with Jigsaw work is vibration: and Hikoki is one of the

smoothest brands out there. 

 

You want a Jigsaw that lets your skills flow. Whether you’re left or right-

handed; a surface or underside worker — the Top-handle or Barrel-

grip options will get the job done.

 

With a natural feel that lets you focus fully on the line. 

 

 

4) CUTTING STRENGTH

 

Hikoki models — like most modern Jigsaws — have Orbital Settings.

 

Which adds a slight horizontal movement to the standard vertical cut.

A bit like a pendulum. This allows sawdust to clear with an elliptical

blade motion that speeds up your cutting.

 

There are 4 Orbital Settings. With plenty of aggressive cutting power

for substantial timber.

 

The higher the Orbital Setting, the rougher the cut — and Hikoki

Jigsaws have the same range of fine to course cuts as any leading

brand.

For perfectly clean cuts just set to 0.

 

 

5) STYLE

 

May as well admit it: we’ve all got a particular vibe with our power tool

presence!

 

And it’s not just about the look of a particular product line. How you

feel about tools shapes your work.

 

Hikoki have decades of insight and loyal customer feedback.

 

Always evolving…

 

And making tweaks towards perfection for the individual operator 😎

 

 

Is a Hikoki Jigsaw right for DIY work?

Yes — it’s among the best choices you could make.

Why?

Because a top tradesperson would likely curse every cut with a lesser brand!

And that’s with site skills to make it perform properly.

Sure, you might get lucky with a budget jigsaw.

But amateur woodwork is mostly about pleasure. And often about progress… 

 

So do yourself a favour: and go for a chorded tool like the Hikoki CJ160V.

 

 

 

Hikoki Jigsaws: Pros & Cons

 

Here’s some specific factors to help you decide:

 

Pros

So far, we’ve looked at:

 

• SPEED

• CONTROL

• COMFORT

• CUTTING STRENGTH

• STYLE

Along with an available 5-Year Warranty

 

 

 

Cons

Maybe niggles would be a better category!

But here’s a small handful:

 

• Bevel adjustment is with an onboard Hex Key. So it’s not the swiftest change if you perform the operation frequently.

• The base plate has a broad throat around the blade. Which means a stable hand is important (initially) when working along the outside edge of a sheet. However, as there’s ample shoe body, it’s easy to adapt from using other brands.

• Only certain models provide a dust blower to assist with cutting visibility.

• And there’s no base plate cover supplied: you can get one online (Part no: 321993) Although I just clipped an old Elu (now DeWalt) plate on easily and firmly — so it’s worth a quick rummage around too!

There’s also the wider issue with power tool marketing: a sense of

consumer overwhelm or ‘too much choice’ 🤯

Just to recap: there are 7 showcase Hikoki Jigsaws with another 12

variants skulking in the shadows! 🐱‍👤

 

However in most cases, actual product distinctions are minor (eg. + or

– a plastic splinter guard). So your quest to decide on the best Hikoki

Jigsaw for your kit isn’t really that daunting.

 

 

Just check the advertised features carefully 🧐

 

 

Conclusion

Or moving towards one… as product development never looks for a

finish line.

 

Although it’s worth noting the older (infamous!) CJ18DSL no longer

appears in the Hikoki printed catalogue 🙈

 

So for 2024 decisions, as always, it’s all about balance. Same with any

investment. And that’s what power tools are really about: exponential

value beyond the basic purchase. 

 

When you make the right choice. 

 

For now, there’s clearly a trend to Go Green when building-up a set of

power tools.

 

And all the best trends are backed by tradition! ⛩

 

 

Get the Hikoki CJI8DA 18v Jigsaw on Amazon today: 

👉 https://amzn.to/4fMMw5c

 

Original reviews of Hikoki products