Reddit mentions: The best power jig saws

Here are the basics, I will edit if I think of any more essential tools, but you can go an awfully long way with these.

Hand Tools:

• Hand saw- I prefer Japanese style pull saws, meaning they cut on the pull stroke. My go to utility saw is a Vaughn bear saw, which is a robust package, with several types of interchangeable blades. There are countless types of saws, for different uses, but a fine toothed Japanese saw will get you by for most things.
  
  
• Combination square- A sliding ruler square, perfect for marking and layout. you will also want a speed square eventually, so you might as well get one.
  
  
• Tape measure- Start with a basic 25' tape, and get more as needed.
  
  
• Basic chisel set- Most of the entry grade chisels are pretty much the same, this Irwin set is a pretty good buy. to start with a set of 1/4", 1/2", and 1" are all you really need, but you can never have enough chisels.
  
  
• Block plane- A low angle block plane will get you a long ways breaking corners and trimming pieces. Stanley makes a great, affordable, option. As time goes by you will need a jack plane, but a block plane will do for now.
  
  
• Sharpening equipment- A fine diamond stone like this will get you a long way keeping your chisels and plane sharp. You should do research into sharpening methods as you use your tools more, and build a system that fits you.
  
  
• Hammer- A cheap smooth face hammer. Build a wooden mallet as a starter project.
  
  
• Clamps- You always need more clamps. Big clamps. Small clamps. Weird clamps. I like bar clamps. Harbour Freight has good deals on fair clamps, but don't expect too much out of them. To start with get a couple with ~8" throat, and a couple with ~18" throat.
  
  Power Tools:
  
  
• Cordless drill- If you're willing to spend the money for a good, reliable, tool I recommend Makita, but a Ryobi or Rigid will serve you well if you're just working on small projects. Everyone has their favourite cordless tool brand, and, for the most part, it really is just preference. I highly recommend adding an impact driver and circular saw to whichever system you choose.
  
  
• Circular Saw- If you want to work with plywood or larger sticks, you will want a circular saw, which is the most basic power saw. Most of the major tool companies make fine starter saws, Skil is the original, and is quite cheap, but there are plenty of others, browse a store and see what takes your fancy.
  
  
• Jig saw- A jig saw is used for cutting curves, and you will eventually need it if you build enough things. I prefer Bosch but there are cheaper options. See what feels right to you.
  
  
• Miter saw- You don't need this right away, but if you start doing more projects you will want one. I recommend going right to a sliding compound miter saw, like this Dewalt. You will never need more miter saw than that, and if you get a small one you will eventually end up buying a the real deal.
  
  
• Table saw- Again, you don't need this right away, but eventually you will feel you need the precision and ease that a table saw brings. The Rigid portable table saw is a great saw if you're working in tight quarters and need to pack up, but you'll appreciate the appreciate the stability of a cast iron topped cabinet saw if you have the cash and space for it.
  
  Misc:
  
  
• Drill bits- Get a cheap twist drill set that goes from 1/16" to 1/2" and a basic spade bit set. Later you will want a set of forstners and hole saws.
  
  
• Utility knife
  
  
• Driver bits
  

I'm a professional carpenter and general contractor, and from my personal experience and the anecdotal evidence from the guys I regularly see, Bosch is of the best you can get for cordless tools nowadays. DeWalt used to be the go-to, but their quality has dropped considerably over the last 5-10 years. They still have some decent products, but I know of a lot of people who have had major issues with their drill chucks being off center.

This said, you kind of need a grab bag to get the best of each tool.

Here's my current setup, which is the same as quite a few contractors I work with:

• Bosch 18V impact driver/drill set. I've dropped my driver with a 6" bit attached directly onto the bit from 10' up, on concrete, and the entire thing was unscathed. Batteries last forever and charge very quickly.
  
  
• Festool jigsaw. Festool makes AMAZING products, but it's probably way overkill for most, and this Bosch model is a great second option I've seen used by many guys with a ton of success.
  
  
• Skil Mag 77 circular saw. This is the be all end all saw. It has enough torque to change the rotation of the earth. It's heavy, though, so a decent sidewinder might be your best bet. I would never use anything else, personally, though.
  
  
• Bosch compound sliding miter saw. I love this thing. You can put it flat up against a wall and still use the slider, which is a feature unique to them.
  
  
• DeWalt table saw. The major plus of this saw is that the rip fence is on a track, so both sides move together. I still never trust their gauges, but to know that both the front and back are equidistant from the blade 100% of the time is worth its weight in gold.
  
  
• DeWalt thickness planer. Never thought I'd buy one, and now I wouldn't be without one. With the combination of the above 3, you can pretty much make anything out of anything. Have a 5/4 board at the house but you need a 1x? 2 passes through the planer and you're set.
  
  
• Bosch Rotary Hammer. The demo master. It can hammer drill massive holes in concrete, or switch to hammer only mode to remove tile or glued on drywall particles. These are bulletproof.
  
  
• DeWalt orbital sander. Nothing fancy, as I don't do a ton of heavy sanding. Something to look for in these is the variable speed; makes jobs much easier.
  
  
• Bosch oscillating tool. Most brands are similar, and depending on your uses a corded model may be better. I have a second tool that uses these batteries so I have lots of backups (and they charge very quickly), and I often use it in places that running a cord would be a pain in the ass. This is great for trimming things that are immovable and can't be sawed: think door frame bottoms for new floors, baseboard trim to accommodate a new vent, drywall patching, anything. Love this thing.
  
  
• RotoZip spiral saw. Great for drywall, and there's a masonry style bit that works good for cutting pieces of tile (like around a faucet or control).
  
  
• Bosch planer. Again, nothing fancy and I definitely don't use it daily...but when you need a planer, there's not much else you can use.
  
  
  So there you go. Those are the ones that have gone through the ringer on a construction crew and have survived heavy abuse and regular moving/dropping without any signs of letting go. Some may be overkill for your situation, but they're what I've found to be best. I'm probably missing a few loose ends so look out for edits.

As someone working through this but a few years ahead of you, I'll pass along the list of stuff I've bought and/or wish to buy...

Hand Tools

1. You say you have screwdrivers, but ifs worthwhile to have a full complement of them. You might consider getting a hand tool set like this one. Also, diagonals. Can't stress that enough. Eventually, you might upgrade a lot of these, but it'll get you started.
   
   
2. Ratcheting wrenches, along these lines. Conventional wrenches are functional, but these are much more so.
   
   
3. Ratcheting hex key set. In fact, this one looks good. If you have any Ikea furniture in your future, these will be worth their weight in guld.
   
   
4. Maybe a vise. That particular vice is mid-priced, but you can find well-reviewed vises at just about any price point.
   
   
5. A good range of sand paper grits: 80, 100, 120, 150, 180. You might also pick up a sanding sponge.
   
   Power Tools
   
   
6. A Dremel
   
   
7. Maybe an electric circular saw or a jigsaw. I really don't know which I'd prioritize, but you should probably have at least one of them.
   
   
8. If there's money left over in your budget, I'd suggest a random orbit sander.
   
   
9. A drill press
   
   Also, there are fluids to consider
   
   
10. Simple Green
    
    
11. Penetrating oil
    
    
12. Wood Glue
    
    
13. Mineral Spirits
    
    
14. Linseed Oil
    
    Of these, I'd focus on the hand tools, fluids, and the Dremel. You can always ask someone to buy you a saw for Christmas. If you have these things on hand, there probably won't be a job come along that you can't handle at some basic level. I'm assuming you don't need yard grooming tools, because that's an entirely different list.

Here's a good square: https://www.amazon.com/Swanson-S0101CB-Square-Layout-Combination/dp/B00SOVRPXW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504672358&sr=8-2&keywords=swanson+square

Black and Decker isn't currently known for being a great brand, but they have some great prices on cordless tools.
This black and decker cordless drill is a great bang for the low asking price: https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-LDX120C-Lithium-Ion-Cordless/dp/B005NNF0YU/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1504672428&sr=1-4&keywords=drill
The combo with the circular saw is pretty damn good. If you don't need to cut curves, I would pick a circular saw instead of a jigsaw.

Black and decker also sells a cordless jigsaw: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-BDCJS20B-Lithium-Jigsaw/dp/B019OF6T38/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1504673042&sr=1-2&keywords=black+and+decker+jigsaw

The Harbor freight aluminum bar clamps are fantastic for clamping larger pieces together, and the smaller steel bar clamps are also fantastic for everything else. You can go with pipe clamps, that will cost slightly more than the aluminum bar clamps, but they will work significantly better.

Dust Collector - $239

Air Filtration - $139.99

As far as jointers - I'd stay away from the bench top ones. You'll find them useful for a short period of time, but then you'll realize you should have sprung for a bigger model. Along with a planer, I would look on CL for a decently priced used model. Obviously this doesn't work with your Amazon Gift card plan, but I wouldn't waste them. And buying a good jointer new off amazon is going to be out of your budget.

Jigsaw - $65.99

3M Respirator Mask - $15.97

As far as clamps, I would stick with Bessey clamps. I would price check Amazon vs Home Depot and see what's cheaper. If HD is cheaper, don't waste your Amazon GCs on them. HD tends to run Special Buys on them from time to time too.

Right now, you're just under $500. Do you plan on doing any hand tool work (i.e. chisels, handsaws)? If so, you can spend some on those tools as well.

After some research, I recently purchased my first jig saw: B&D BDEJS600C with 5 amps and 4 variable settings. I was really surprised with the power it packs. There is a trigger lock but can only be locked once the trigger is fully engaged. The only thing I really dislike about it is the blade lock but after messing with it for a few minutes I was able to secure the blade. Overall I feel this saw is great for the price. Currently on Amazon for $34.99 and Home Depot for $37.99.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OJ72LHK/ref=oh_aui_i_d_old_o1_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://m.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-5-Amp-Jig-Saw-with-Curve-Control-BDEJS600C/206144814

I figured the blade the saw came with was going to be trash (it is) so I got a pack of Bosch T5002 T-shank blades. These blades are great and I should have went ahead and bought a couple packs for future use. Amazon for $12.99; Home Depot for $12.59.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000TZZVA/ref=oh_aui_i_d_old_o1_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-T-Shank-Jig-Blade-Set-10-Piece-T5002/203747310

Hope this helps. Sorry for the mobile links.

I stick with craftsman for basic tools like screwdrivers and shit because of the lifetime warranty. I've had too many cheap philips screwdriver get their tips bent out of shape from an unruly screw, and that's really fuckin' annoying. Spend the extra few bucks, but don't go overboard. Stanley tools are pretty good too. Kobalt and the other off-brands are crap.

Other than that, I tend to go with DeWalt- decent quality, not too expensive. However, this was recommended to me by the carpenters at work, and that thing is a wonderful beast. I'm doing some home construction work, and so far it sings like a champ.

Do you have an idea of what you want to get her, and what she'll actually use it for?

Get all the saws. You really can't substitute one for the other. I spent 4 years borrowing different saws from friends and family to work on projects. This past year I finally decided to get a reciprocating saw, circular saw, and jig saw. All three are good brands (Makita, Bosch, Skill) and had a combined cost less than $200. You could get all those used for less than $100. I have been surprised at how much use I've gotten out of all of them. Getting the right tool for the job will make a huge difference in the time spent and quality of a project. Even a cheap $23 jigsaw will make your life way better than having no jigsaw at all. Also, I would be would be wary of getting battery operated saws. Saws need a lot of power to be effective and you'll enjoy much better performance and a lower price tag by staying corded.

Yes! I really like barrel grips, too, because it gets your hand closer to the work so it's easier to control. Also, the ergonomics (at least on this one) are so nice! :) The standard ones you find in the big stores have 'top handles'. I don't like them as much. Thin handle, and if you think about it in terms of lever-arms, your hand rests a whole lot higher than the body, and a little bit behind where you can get your palm on a barrel grip. I find it's easier to make mistakes with top handle ones.

Just my opinion, so still worth researching to see what you like.

You will definitely need an impact driver and drill, or just a drill. If you feel like investing more money I would save up for this DeWalt tool kit. I have it and it all works great. Plus, you can't go wrong with DeWalt! And for a jig saw, I would look for something by Bosch. Maybe this.

Perhaps it's a bit early for me to post since it's my first visit to r/woodworking, but for starters you need a circular saw, drill, chisels, clamps (all sorts of shapes and sizes - you can never have too many), measuring tape, combination square, jig saw, 16oz claw hammer, prybar/crowbar, and some assorted pliers. After that, I'd get a router and perhaps a table saw. The list continues here. You'll also need a sturdy workbench, but you can just build one easily.

Remember that when you buy cutting tools, they usually come with cheap, low-quality blades. Over a lifetime, you'll spend far more on blades than the tools they go in. My circular saw's blade only made it through two projects before it was impossible to cut a straight line.

For the home workshop, a nice way to go can be a Shopsmith, which is a modular system that can convert between a drill press, lathe, and many others. My dad recently bought one in great condition for about $400, when it should have been around $2500. I know that's a lot, but it can be many machines in one. All said, this tool would be for much, much later.

Try a coping saw. They are small, cheap and pretty versatile for small jobs, and easy to control. Most dollar stores sell cheapo versions which would probably work for you for something small like a jewelry box.

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=coping+saw&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

If you have a lot of cutting to do, a jig saw is probably a good choice too.

https://www.amazon.ca/SKIL-4295-01-Variable-Speed-Jigsaw/dp/B00ITU194E/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=jig+saw&qid=1562518728&s=gateway&sr=8-16

I have the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Smart Select Jig Saw, 5.0-Amp. For a budget saw, it's pretty good. Most of my projects involve a jig saw in one way or another, and it's served me well so far.

suggestion:

1. Bosch barrel grip jigsaw - more money but the design allows for great control
   
   
2. Bosch progressor jigsaw blade - similar costs to nice blades from milwaukee, dewalt, etc. progressor blades cut so fine that I don't sand afterwards. not exactly a necessity on an outdoor fence, but if you're doing the work you may as well get the cleanest cut possible.
   
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-JS470EB-7-Amp-Barrel-Grip-Jigsaw/dp/B004323NQ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397758986&sr=8-1&keywords=bosch+barrel+grip+jigsaw
   
   

Best hand power tool option is a Bosch jigsaw. I could probably make those drawers with one. I prefer the barrel grip model http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004323NQ4?vs=1

Best, cost be dammned? Festool.

Having said that... the Bosch JS470 is a good compromise between cost, power and features.

Personally, I prefer the "barrel" style, but some folks like the D-handled versions.

I would love a dewalt Jig saw to be used to make paintings on plywood. Im a visual artist and I cant really afford one but have a fun project in mind :D

https://www.amazon.ca/DEWALT-DW317-Orbital-Jigsaw/dp/B001KYNKDO

Definitely not complicated. You just need to buy a cheap jigsaw from Amazon and then buy a custom massager “blade” for it. The most difficult part is making sure that the blades you buy are compatible with the saw. Also I’m not necessarily recommending the parts below. I’m just illustrating what it might look like. There are plenty of guides online recommending certain saw and blade combos. The market has changed a bit since I did mine.

cheap saw


massage “blades”

Jigsaw - http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-JS515-Variable-Jigsaw/dp/B001CL4ZHK/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629429&sr=1-3&keywords=jigsaw

Bits - http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-71-081-Screwdriving-10-Piece/dp/B000RH3DW8/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629356&sr=1-5&keywords=power+drill

Power Drill - http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-DR260B-8-Inch-Driver/dp/B004FRXWRW/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629356&sr=1-4&keywords=power+drill

Tape measure - http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-33-115-10-Foot--4-Inch-PowerLock/dp/B00009OYGH/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629447&sr=1-7&keywords=tape+measure

Square - http://www.amazon.com/Swanson-SO101-7-inch-Speed-Square/dp/B00002255O/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629470&sr=1-1&keywords=square

You actually will have some more money for clamps and wood to make projects. There's a lot you can make for yourself with just these things and some creativity. Plus, it'll let you be pretty handy around the house.

I'm looking for a quiet, 8cm+, low vibration cordless jigsaw that's least likely to suffer from 'binding'.

Binding is when the blade stops and the tool bounces. Safety to me is paramount, so I want this effect minimized.

Quiet is useful so I don't need to wear ear-pads for <5 min jobs.

Low vibration is good so the line can keep true whilst sawing.

I've got my eye set on three so far:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Makita-DJV180Z-Cordless-Li-ion-Jigsaw/dp/B00IILRQBY - Makita DJV180Z

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DeWalt-Lithium-Ion-Body-Only-Jigsaw/dp/B006WXBD1O - Dewalt DCS331N

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEWALT-DCS334N-XJ-Cordless-Jigsaw/dp/B07JQ6S5SB/ - Dewalt DCS334N

Which would most fit the bill for me? Any other potential candidates?

I got a Black and decker jigsaw for $30 from amazon and it's been awesome, check out the reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-BDEJS600C-5-0-Amp-Jig/dp/B00OJ72LHK

I just got this one for Christmas and coming from the cheapest Skilsaw model to this is like night and day. This cuts through wood without slowing down and little strain on the motor. It comes with a non-marring sole plate and a little snap in piece that surrounds the blade that reduces splintering.

I'm very pleased! This is the barrel grip version, they have a top handled one too, but I think the barrel grip gives you more flexibility and fits in tighter places.

Bosch JS470EB:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004323NQ4

Go ahead and buy one! I got this one on sale for $25 and it does a great job!

Skil Jigsaw

They are small, fairly safe, and easy to use. I imagine you can clamp the broom to a desk or something and then use the jigsaw to cut it into a stake.

I got my saws mixed up, I meant a "jig saw" like this. It's probably the cheapest and most useful electric saw you can buy. (You'd also need to drill a hole to get the cut started, though.)

Drill a hole, then use a jig saw. It'll save you so much time than doing it with those mill bits.

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-BDEJS600C-Select-5-0-Amp/dp/B00OJ72LHK/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=saber+saw&qid=1562101007&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I measured/marked the holes using a combination square. Then I drilled 5/8 holes in opposite corners cut area. Then I used a cheap ($20) electric jig saw to cut out the area as best as possible. I would follow the lines on one side, then flip it over and cut it again. The jig saw blade bends so it cuts on an angle. Finally, I used a chisel to remove excess material and clean up the holes and straighten them out.

Combination Square
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005XUHIBG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1" Chisel (or you can get a set of three for a little more)
https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-M444-1-Inch-MARPLES-Chisel/dp/B0000CBJH8/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1493124918&sr=8-20&keywords=irwin+chisel+marples

Mallet
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00020JNDI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jig Saw
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-BDEJS300C-Jig-4-5-Amp/dp/B00OJ72L84/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493125013&sr=8-1&keywords=4.5+amp+jigsaw

Sorry, but they lied to you. This is 100% a render.

https://www.amazon.com/Meterk-3000RPM-JigSaw-Variable-0%C2%B0-45%C2%B0/dp/B07F1RFYN6

All of these product images are renders. Even the photo of the guy using the saw is a composite with a render.

And nice job of being completely insulting to retouchers and photographers who spend years/decades perfecting their craft. To produce images which are as clean as renders isn't a skill you can master in a few months. You just started "retouching" and you don't fucking clue how long it takes to become highly skilled.

If you are trying to cut intricate shapes you probably want to use a coping saw if you are doing it by hand or maybe a jigsaw if you want a power tool.

If you are going to be doing a lot of cutting small shapes going forward you might even want to look at a bandsaw or a scroll saw.

Not sure the make & model but it's a compressed air powered jigsaw like this https://www.amazon.com/7561-118-Orbital-Action-Pneumatic-Tool-Free/dp/B0006A0EDC

3.7 lbs... buy a spare. After coupon they're under $20 each.

http://www.harborfreight.com/32-amp-variable-speed-jig-saw-69436.html

If you want to spend more a low amp makita would be great.

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-4329K-3-9-Variable-Speed-Top-Handle/dp/B000XULXEO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481727105&sr=8-2&keywords=makita+jigsaw

Which jigsaw would you recommend? I was looking at the Makita Here

Depends on what they own, but I use my jigsaw all the time and it was cheap. I shorten the metal downspout, and have done tons of woodworking. Works well in drywall too. I have the previous version of this one.
BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C 5.0-Amp Jig Saw https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJ72LHK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_eP4aAb0HP1N2T

Well, I just did exactly this last year - tile guy installed 1x2 porcelain tiles in bathroom/laundry room in a running bond, and I installed the floating cork floor. All of this in a below grade basement.

For the tile, he used both a wet saw and a Rubi - all straight cuts for the most part, and the Rubi was significantly faster, especially since we ripped the 1x2s into strips to use for tile baseboards. Depends on what you can rent locally though, I suppose. Personally I don't think it's worth buying tile tools - rent them, or borrow.

For the cork floor, I was installing 6" x 48" planks so I only occasionally used a table saw. Mostly used a miter saw and a jigsaw for trim cuts - miter saw for length, and jig for fitting around posts, curves, etc. I do some woodworking too, so I had all the tools already - Bosch jobsite table saw, Hitachi sliding miter (essentially this one, but purchased 5 years ago), Bosch jigsaw. But if you're patient I think you could forgo all those and just use a cordless circular saw with a decent blade, a speed square, and a straight edge guide for rips - the cork flooring installs super-easy and quickly, even without midrange tools.

Edit: fixed link.

Unless you are in the trades, where time is money, go with a corded model, as it will get most of its use in the shop and hardwire is always available to you. Batteries go bad and fail, or the technology improves and you're left with a bare tool in 10 years.

As far as brand and cost, you should be spending about $150 for a quality saw that will give you good cuts and long service, and you do want a variable speed for different materials. The only two I would recommend would be Bosch or Makita; I happen to own a Bosch, which has served me well for over 18 years now. The current version of my saw is below.

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-120-Volt-Variable-Top-Handle-JS470E/dp/B004323NPK/ref=sr_1_3?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1526935503&sr=1-3&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A9060578011

I've got this one, holy crap I can't even begin to describe how much better it is than my old black and decker. http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-JS470E-120-Volt-7-0-Amp-Top-Handle/dp/B004323NPK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420836671&sr=8-1&keywords=bosch+jigsaw

The Skil jigsaw is probably one of the cheapest out there and gives decent performance. My dad has one for general DIY stuff around his house and it works. I bought a Dewalt one about a year ago because it was on sale, but I can't see enough improvement in performance to warrant spend 2-3 times as much on it.

Amazon has the Skil on sale for $31. Link

Bosch 7.0 Amp Corded Variable Speed Barrel-Grip Jig Saw JS470EB with Carrying Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004323NQ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FSfwDb19JF8EF

You'll need one of these, too. With the circ saw I think you'll have the only two tools you'll need

Bosch Jigsaw

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-JS470E-120-Volt-7-0-Amp-Top-Handle/dp/B004323NPK/

They each have their purpose. For less than $200 you can have all 3.

https://www.amazon.com/Skil-5480-01-Amp-4-Inch-Circular/dp/B000P9H4VO

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCE345-6-Amp-Orbital-Jig/dp/B00OZEUL7Y

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCE606K-Oscillating-Multi-Tool-Accessories/dp/B00L47A9CC

I have a Bosch JS470E, do not regret buying in the slightest (reviews speak for themselves). Had a piece of crap Ryobi cordless before it, which had me questioning why people use Jigsaws.

I made one of these hallow books as a kid. It takes a little while to cut out the pages and I've always wondered if there was a faster way. I recently tried using a jigsaw but it royally messed up the pages even though I had them clamped down with c-clamps.

Anybody have any ideas how to (successfully) speed up this process?

Can't go wrong with the Bosch, the pretty much invented the jigsaw and are still affordable. http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-JS470E-120-Volt-7-0-Amp-Top-Handle/dp/B004323NPK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394418669&sr=8-1&keywords=bosch+jigsaw That's what most of my coworkers use, but I personally prefer my Festool. The only thing to worry about with Bosch is the blade carrier which will wear out, especially if you're doing lots of curved or miter cuts.

Also stay away from a cordless. The Dewalt cordless is solid but the battery doesn't last longer than 45 min of cutting, and the Bosch cordless I've used the motor burned and now it only runs at 1/4 speed.