Should my first power saw be a circular or jig saw?
Jig saws are for delicate work; they cut slow and the blades like to bend and break.

Reciprocating saws are for not delicate work and cut fast, the blades bend if you let the tip of the blade bounce on your work.

Circular saws are for relatively straight cuts, their blades do not break or bend, readily.

Table saws are just better circular saws.

Miter saws are for nice, straight cut-offs.



If I had to pick one to keep, it'd be my real (Milwaukee) Sawzall®. In a $50 price range you can get a crappy jig or reciprocating saw. For chores around the house (random home improvements) get a reciprocating saw. For small wood working projects, you may want a jig. I 'work with my hands' and to me a jig is a specialty tool, seldom necessary and a pain to keep changing blades and they take forever to cut.