Best Cordless Jigsaws for Cutting Laminate Countertops

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A cordless jigsaw can cut the sink opening and end cuts in a laminate countertop without a cord draped across the cabinets. The catch is that laminate chips easily, and the cutout can pinch a blade or damage the finished face if the saw is poorly supported. For this job, smooth control, a suitable blade and a reliable way to support the waste matter more than top speed.

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#1 Pick

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, 3,200 Blade Speed, Cordless, Brushless Motor, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS334B)

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#2 Pick

DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Cordless, Barrel Grip, 3,200 Blade Speed, Bare Tool Only (DCS335B)

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#3 Pick

DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Tool Only (DCS331B)

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#4 Pick

DeWalt DCS334B 20V Cordless Brushless Jigsaw (Tool Only)

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What to look for in a cordless jigsaw

Variable speed is useful: slow the saw near a corner or when the laminate starts to chip, then increase speed on a straight cut if the blade tracks cleanly. A tool with a low-vibration feel and a baseplate that stays square is easier to guide accurately. Orbital action makes cuts faster in wood, but it also makes them rougher; keep it off for countertop work.

For an occasional sink cutout, a basic cordless jigsaw from a battery system you already own is usually enough. If you are buying into a platform, consider what other cordless tools use the same batteries, and check whether the saw is sold bare or with a battery and charger. A bare tool may be the sensible buy when you already have compatible batteries; otherwise, the kit price can be lower than adding those parts separately.

How the main options compare

For a first cordless saw, compare cordless jigsaw kits against bare tools from your current battery platform. Do not choose by advertised no-load speed alone: blade quality, support and a steady feed rate are more important on laminate.

Choose the blade before the saw

Use a sharp, narrow jigsaw blade intended for laminate or clean cuts in laminated panels. Fine teeth reduce chipping; a blade with reverse teeth can help keep the top face clean, but it pushes upward against the saw, so hold the baseplate down firmly and test the cut direction on scrap. Check the blade instructions: reverse-tooth blades may need a jigsaw with enough clearance beneath the shoe.

A standard wood-cutting blade can work, but coarse teeth are more likely to tear the decorative layer. A dull blade heats up, wanders and can burn the edge. Keep a spare nearby rather than forcing a blade that has stopped cutting cleanly. For a straight finished edge, a circular saw with a guide may be a better tool; a jigsaw is most useful for curves and cutouts.

Look for fine-tooth jigsaw blades for laminate, and confirm the blade’s shank matches the saw. T-shank is common, but verify compatibility rather than assuming every blade fits every tool.

Set up the cut to avoid damage

Read the sink template and countertop instructions first. Many sink openings need a small gap between the cut edge and the bowl, and some counters require a specific sealant or edge treatment. Measure twice, mark the opening, and check that the sink flange will cover the cut all the way around. Do not cut through a backsplash or support rail unless the installation plan calls for it.

Laminate chips most often at the blade’s exit face, and a countertop can sag when the center of a cutout becomes unsupported. If the top is already installed, support the waste section from below before completing the cut. Drill starter holes at the corners large enough for the blade to turn without crossing the marked line. Cut slowly around the corners and keep the shoe flat; twisting the saw can bend the blade and leave a slanted edge.

To protect the surface, apply low-tack painter’s tape over the cut line and mark on it. Some jigsaws accept a no-mar shoe cover; use one if available. A clean-cut blade, tape and a test cut on a scrap are inexpensive precautions. If the work surface is loose or poorly supported, secure it before starting—the saw’s vibration can shift it and ruin the line.

Battery, runtime and safety

A single sink opening is usually a short job, so a healthy battery of around 2.0Ah or larger will generally be adequate. A larger battery can add runtime but also weight, which may make a jigsaw more tiring to hold steady. If you already own a compatible battery, use it; buying a large pack just for one cut is hard to justify. For platform-specific options, compare bare-tool cordless jigsaws with the batteries you own, checking the exact platform and generation.

Wear eye protection and hearing protection, clamp or otherwise secure the work, and keep hands clear of the blade path. Unplug or remove the battery before changing blades. Let the blade stop before lifting the saw from the cut. If the blade binds, switch off and work out why; pulling a running saw backward can damage the edge or kick the tool.

For most homeowners, the best buy is a mid-priced saw compatible with an existing battery system, paired with a fresh fine-tooth blade. Spend extra for smoother handling if you make detailed cuts regularly. For one countertop, a basic saw is fine when it holds a square shoe, runs smoothly and accepts the right blade; careful setup will do more for the result than premium features.