Which Jigsaw Blade Set Is Right for Your Work?
A decent jigsaw blade set takes the guesswork out of buying one-off blades. Instead of hunting for the right TPI and material for every job, you open a set, pick the blade that matches the task, and cut. The difference between a good set and a mediocre one comes down to four things: blade variety (how many TPI options and material types), blade quality (edge life and cut cleanliness), value for money, and availability (is it still stocked locally?).
This guide compares the best jigsaw blade sets you can buy from UK stock. We’ve tested sets from Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita — the brands most likely to be in your tool bag — and ranked them by use case. Whether you’re cutting wood, metal, mixed materials, or just want the best budget option, we’ve got you covered.
Quick Recommendations
| Use Case | Our Pick | Price (approx) | Blade Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Set | Bosch 30-Piece Assortment | £18–£25 | 30 blades (wood & metal) |
| Best Budget Option | DeWalt DT2294 10-Piece Set | £8–£12 | 10 blades (wood) |
| Best for Mixed Materials | Milwaukee 15-Piece Assortment | £15–£22 | 15 blades (wood, metal, ceramic) |
| Best for Wood Only | Makita A-86898 | £12–£18 | 11 blades (wood variants) |
| Best for Heavy Use | Bosch 15-Piece Bi-Metal Set | £16–£22 | 15 BIM blades |
1. Bosch 30-Piece Jigsaw Blade Assortment — Best Overall
What’s Included
The Bosch 30-piece assortment is the Swiss Army knife of jigsaw blade sets. You get:
- HCS blades (6–20 TPI) for hardwood and softwood
- Bi-metal blades for thicker timber and general work
- HSS blades for mild steel, stainless, and aluminium
- Carbide-grit blades for ceramic tile and stone
- Tapered blades for plunge cutting
- Specialized profiles for curves and detailed work
Everything comes in a durable plastic wallet with labelled slots for each blade type. You’ll know exactly what you’re grabbing and why.
Blade Quality
Bosch is a tier-one manufacturer. Their heat treatment is excellent — blades stay sharp for 2–4 hours of wood cutting, and the bi-metal edge doesn’t deform under pressure. You won’t find better bi-metal blades at this price point. Even the budget HCS blades in the set cut cleaner than cheap own-brand equivalents.
Who Should Buy This
Professionals and serious DIYers who cut a variety of materials. If you do general carpentry, some metal work, and the occasional tile job, this set covers everything. The range means you’re never caught without the right blade, and the Bosch quality means excellent results on every material.
Strengths
- Huge variety — 30 blades covers wood, metal, tile, curves, straight cuts, and plunge work
- Excellent blade quality from Bosch manufacturing
- Well-organized wallet with clear labelling
- Great value for the coverage (less than £1 per blade on average)
- Easy to find and reorder individual blade types
- Bosch blades widely stocked across UK tooling suppliers
Weaknesses
- Not all 30 blades will see regular use (depends on your work)
- Heavier and bulkier than smaller sets
- No extreme specialization (no extra-thick metal cutting blades, for example)
Price and Availability
Typically £18–£25 depending on where you buy. Available on Amazon UK and at most big-box tool retailers and specialist suppliers.
2. DeWalt DT2294 10-Piece Jigsaw Blade Set — Best Budget Option
What’s Included
A slim, practical set from DeWalt’s economy range:
- HCS blades at 6, 10, and 20 TPI for various softwood and hardwood jobs
- Bi-metal blades at 6 and 10 TPI for longer edge life
- One HSS blade for light metal cutting (brass, aluminium)
- One curved/scroll blade for detailed work
No tile cutting, no specialist profiles — just the essentials for general carpentry and light metal work. Comes in a cardboard wallet with individual sleeves.
Blade Quality
DeWalt’s budget blades are decent. They won’t outlast a premium Bosch bi-metal by hours, but they’re a step up from supermarket own-brand. The heat treatment is reliable — edges don’t deform early, and the flex characteristics are predictable. Good enough for regular use, not premium.
Who Should Buy This
DIYers and occasional professionals who work primarily with wood. If you’re building a basic toolkit and want to avoid spending £25 on a giant assortment you won’t use, the DT2294 covers 90% of general carpentry tasks for half the price.
Strengths
- Very affordable — lowest cost per-blade option here
- Covers wood and light metals adequately
- DeWalt quality is reliable — not premium, but honest
- Compact wallet fits any toolbag
- Easy to find and widely stocked
Weaknesses
- Limited variety — only 10 blades, no tile cutting capability
- HCS dominates the set (cheapest blades to make)
- No carbide grit or TCT option
- Blade quality is serviceable but not premium
- Less suitable for heavy professional use
Price and Availability
£8–£12, making it the cheapest set here. Buy on Amazon UK.
3. Milwaukee 15-Piece Jigsaw Blade Set — Best for Mixed Materials
What’s Included
A specialized set for contractors who cut everything:
- HCS blades (10 and 20 TPI) for softwood and hardwood
- Bi-metal blades (6 and 10 TPI) for heavy-duty wood and composite materials
- HSS blade for mild steel and stainless (slow feed)
- Carbide-grit blade for ceramic tile and natural stone
- Curved blade for intricate work and plunge cuts
The standout feature is the inclusion of both HSS and carbide-grit in the same set — rare for budget-focused assortments. Milwaukee assumes you do structural work (wood), metal fabrication (steel), and finishes work (tile).
Blade Quality
Milwaukee blades are pro-grade. The bi-metal blades rival Bosch for edge life, typically lasting 3–5 hours on hardwood. The HSS and carbide blades are heat-treated for serious use. If you beat a blade hard, Milwaukee holds up better than budget brands.
Who Should Buy This
Commercial contractors, fit-out specialists, and tradespeople who do structural carpentry, metal fixing, and finish work on the same projects. If your daily work includes wood, metal, and tile, this set has you covered without needing separate sets.
Strengths
- Excellent blade quality across all types
- Only 15-piece set with HSS and carbide together
- Bi-metal blades rival premium brands
- Designed by contractors, for contractors
- Good organisation in the supplied wallet
- Strong availability through UK Milwaukee dealers
Weaknesses
- Pricier than budget options (£15–£22)
- Fewer total blade variants than Bosch 30-piece
- HSS and carbide blades are single units — if you burn one out, you have no backup
- Overkill if you work with wood only
Price and Availability
£15–£22 depending on stock. Buy on Amazon UK or through Milwaukee authorised dealers.
4. Makita A-86898 11-Piece Jigsaw Blade Set — Best for Wood Only
What’s Included
A specialist set focused entirely on wood and wood-based materials:
- HCS blades in four TPI variants: 10, 18, 24, and 30 TPI
- Bi-metal blades at 4 and 6 TPI for thick timber and hardwood
- Scroll/curve blades (two variants) for detailed joinery and inlays
- Tapered blade for plunge cuts and drop starts
- One metal-cutting blade (HSS) included despite the wood focus
This set is designed by Makita for woodworkers and joiners. The high TPI options (24 and 30 TPI) are rare in general assortments — these exist for ultra-fine cuts in hardwoods where splinter-free edges matter.
Blade Quality
Makita manufacturing is very high. The bi-metal blades are some of the best you can buy — they stay sharp for 3–5+ hours and the edge geometry is precise, giving superior cut quality. The high-TPI HCS blades are well-heat-treated and cut very cleanly.
Who Should Buy This
Bespoke woodworkers, cabinetmakers, and furniture makers who demand clean, splinter-free cuts. If you’re doing fine joinery, veneering, or any work where the cut surface will be visible, this set’s focus on wood-specific profiles and high TPI options is perfect. Skip this if you regularly cut metal or tile.
Strengths
- Exceptional blade quality from Makita
- High TPI options (24, 30 TPI) for ultra-fine cuts
- Multiple curve blade variants for detailed work
- Bi-metal blades are premium-grade
- Well-organised, durable storage wallet
Weaknesses
- Specialist focus means overkill for general carpentry
- No ceramic tile or abrasive cutting capability
- Higher price (£12–£18) for fewer total blades
- Less suitable if you need metal cutting regularly
Price and Availability
£12–£18. Buy on Amazon UK.
5. Bosch 15-Piece Bi-Metal Set — Best for Heavy Professional Use
What’s Included
A premium assortment with 15 bi-metal blades only — no HCS, no HSS, no TCT. Every blade is BIM:
- Blades in 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20 TPI
- Multiple copies of popular TPI sizes (three 6 TPI, three 10 TPI)
- Curve blades and specialized profiles
This set assumes you do heavy-duty, continuous wood cutting and want the best blade possible. You’re paying for premium quality and the redundancy of backup blades in popular sizes.
Blade Quality
This is Bosch at the top of their range. Every blade is heat-treated to tight tolerances. You’re looking at 3–5 hour edge life on hardwood and exceptional cut cleanliness. These are blades you’ll use in professional shops where the quality of every cut matters.
Who Should Buy This
Production woodworkers, contract joiners, and shop-based craftspeople who cut wood all day, every day. If you’re running a jigsaw 8 hours a day and need zero downtime for dull blades, this set’s redundancy (multiple copies of each size) keeps you cutting.
Strengths
- Premium Bosch quality throughout
- All bi-metal — consistent edge life across the set
- Multiple copies of popular TPI sizes for redundancy
- Exceptional cut cleanliness for showcase work
- Best choice for 8-hour production days
Weaknesses
- Expensive (£16–£22)
- No HCS, HSS, or TCT — can’t cut metal or tile
- Overkill if you only cut occasionally
- Redundant blades = wasted money if your work is varied
Price and Availability
£16–£22. Buy on Amazon UK.
Full Comparison Table
| Set Name | Blade Count | Price | Materials Covered | Best For | Quality Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 30-Piece | 30 | £18–£25 | Wood, metal, tile, curves | Variety & balance | Premium |
| DeWalt DT2294 | 10 | £8–£12 | Wood, light metals | Budget builds | Standard |
| Milwaukee 15-Piece | 15 | £15–£22 | Wood, metals, tile | Contractor mix | Premium |
| Makita A-86898 | 11 | £12–£18 | Wood (specialist) | Joinery & cabinet work | Premium |
| Bosch 15-Piece BIM | 15 | £16–£22 | Wood (BIM only) | Heavy production | Premium |
Material Coverage Breakdown
| Set | Softwood | Hardwood | Metals | Tile/Stone | Curves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 30-Piece | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| DeWalt DT2294 | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Milwaukee 15-Piece | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓✓ |
| Makita A-86898 | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓✓✓ |
| Bosch 15-Piece BIM | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓✓ |
Key: ✓✓✓ = Excellent capability, ✓✓ = Good, ✓ = Adequate, ✗ = Not included
How to Choose Your Set
If You Cut Mostly Wood (90%+ of work)
Start with DeWalt DT2294 (budget) or Makita A-86898 (premium). If you do fine joinery, choose Makita for the high TPI options. If you’re general carpentry on a tight budget, DeWalt is unbeatable value.
If You Cut Wood + Some Metal + Occasional Tile
Choose Bosch 30-Piece. It’s the most versatile set here and gives you one solution for almost any cutting problem. You won’t use all 30 blades regularly, but the price is fair and you’ll always have the right blade for the job.
If You’re a Professional Contractor (Wood + Metal + Tile Daily)
Choose Milwaukee 15-Piece. This set is designed by contractors for contractors. The bi-metal and metal-cutting blades are excellent, and the inclusion of carbide grit means you can handle tile. You get the quality you need without paying for blades you won’t use.
If You Cut Wood 8+ Hours a Day
Choose Bosch 15-Piece Bi-Metal. You need redundancy and premium quality. The multiple copies of popular sizes (three 6 TPI, three 10 TPI) mean you won’t be left short of your most-used blade mid-day. The premium heat treatment ensures consistent, clean cuts.
If Budget Is Your Primary Concern
Choose DeWalt DT2294. It covers wood and light metals adequately, costs under £10, and is tough enough for regular DIY use. You can always add specialty blades (HSS, TCT) later as needs arise.
Expanding Your Set — Adding Specialty Blades
None of these sets are perfectly complete for every tradesperson. You may need to add:
- Extra tile/stone blades: If you do regular tile work, add a spare TCT blade to your set (£10–£15). The Bosch 30-piece includes one, but it’s good to have backup.
- Extra HSS blades: Metal workers should add 2–3 HSS blades in favourite TPI sizes. Available individually from Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee.
- Specialty curves: Woodworkers doing intricate work may want additional scroll or spiral blade profiles beyond what’s in the set.
- Scroll blades: The super-thin, super-tight radius options. Few sets include these; add them individually as needed.
Plan to budget £30–£50 annually for specialty blades on top of your base set. It’s cheaper than buying a second complete set.
Storage and Organization
All five sets come in dedicated wallets or cases. Here’s how to get the most life from your blades:
- Keep blades in the provided wallet. The sleeves protect the edge and prevent rust contact.
- Store in a dry place. Humidity causes steel blades to corrode. A toolbox with silica gel packs is ideal.
- Don’t leave blades loose in a drawer. They’ll rust, get damaged, and you’ll lose track of what you have.
- Label your blades if you move them. Especially HCS vs BIM — mix them up and you’ll dull the wrong blade on the wrong job.
Where to Buy
All five sets are available from UK online retailers and high-street tool shops:
- Amazon UK: Best for price comparison and fast delivery. Use the links above for current pricing.
- Screwfix / B&Q: Fast in-store pickup, often price-match Amazon.
- Toolstation: Competitive pricing, strong stock of Bosch and DeWalt.
- Specialist tool shops: Local suppliers often stock all major brands and can advise on compatibility with your specific jigsaw model.
- Direct from brand (Milwaukee, Makita): Sometimes available through official online stores, though usually at RRP.
Pro tip: All these brands release new or updated sets regularly. Check Amazon reviews and product dates — a 2025 Bosch set may have refined blade designs over a 2023 version.
Blade Compatibility with Your Jigsaw
All T-shank blades (the square-cut tang that slots into modern jigsaws) are universal. These sets work with:
- Any jigsaw with a T-shank slot: Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Festool, and most others
- Standard stroke and pendulum jigsaws (not required, but works with pendulum if your model supports it)
Check your jigsaw manual if unsure. If your older jigsaw uses the older U-shank blade system, none of these sets will fit. You’ll need to buy U-shank equivalents, which are becoming harder to find. This is a good reason to upgrade to a modern T-shank jigsaw.
For detailed compatibility, see our jigsaw blade compatibility hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix blades from different sets?
Absolutely. All T-shank blades are compatible. Many professionals buy a Bosch set for variety, then add individual Milwaukee or DeWalt blades as needed. Mix and match freely.
Which set is best value?
The Bosch 30-piece gives you the most coverage per pound spent. At £18–£25 for 30 blades, that’s under £1 per blade — excellent value given the quality. The DeWalt DT2294 is cheapest overall (£8–£12) but has limited variety.
Do I need both HCS and BIM blades?
Not necessarily. BIM lasts longer and is more versatile, but costs more. Budget DIYers stick with HCS (cheaper, more flexible for curves). Professionals use BIM (better edge life saves time and money on blade replacement). Most working sets include both so you can choose depending on the job.
Can I use a tile blade on wood?
Yes, TCT blades work fine on wood, but you’re paying premium money for a capability you don’t need on timber. TCT is slow (by design, for abrasive materials) and overkill for wood. Use TCT for tile and stone only. Use BIM for wood.
Which brand is best?
For jigsaw blades, Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee are all reliable. Bosch and Makita are premium-grade across their range. DeWalt budget blades are solid. Milwaukee targets contractors. No wrong choice — pick the set that matches your work.
How long do blade sets last?
Depends on your cutting volume. A 10-blade set used for occasional DIY might last 2–3 years. A 30-blade set used professionally might last 1–2 years before you need to restock popular sizes. Plan to buy individual replacement blades as you go through the set, not replace the whole set.
Can I sharpen blades from a set?
Only HCS blades can be hand-sharpened, and even then, you won’t get factory sharpness. BIM, HSS, and TCT cannot be sharpened at home. Replace them when dull. Some professional workshops offer blade re-sharpening services (£8–£12 per blade), which is only worthwhile for expensive TCT or HSS blades.
Are budget brand jigsaw blades any good?
Budget brands (Silverline, own-brand supermarket sets) are hit-or-miss. They dull quickly and produce rougher cuts. Stick with established brands (Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee) — the price difference is small, and the quality difference is huge.
What if I need a blade that’s not in my set?
Buy individual blades. All major brands sell single blades for £1–£5 each (HCS/BIM) or £8–£15 (HSS/TCT). Building a toolkit is iterative — start with a set, then add specialty blades as your work demands them.
Final Recommendation
If you’re buying one set and don’t know what to choose: buy the Bosch 30-piece. It’s the most versatile, covers wood and metal and tile, costs a fair price, and the Bosch quality means excellent results. You’ll use most of the 30 blades within the first 6 months of ownership. It’s the professional standard for a reason.
If you’re on a tight budget: buy the DeWalt DT2294, accept that it covers wood primarily, and add specialty blades (HSS for metal, TCT for tile) later as your work demands.
If you’re a professional with mixed work: buy the Milwaukee 15-piece. It’s optimized for your needs and won’t let you down.
Start with one of these sets, build your toolkit over time, and you’ll always have the right blade for the job.
Related Guides
- Jigsaw blade compatibility hub — Brand and model matching
- Jigsaw blade materials explained — HCS vs BIM vs HSS vs TCT science
- TPI guide — Teeth per inch and cutting speed
- Blade length guide — Choosing the right size for your cutting depth
- Blades for wood — Optimal TPI and tooth design for timber
- Blades for tiles — TCT and carbide grit for ceramics and stone
