September 15, 2020, 3:33 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

For many DIY enthusiasts, a good jigsaw is part of the standard equipment. Although it doesn’t offer the same cutting quality as a stationary circular saw, a jigsaw is ideal for smaller cutting tasks and curve cuts. The PSTDA 20-Li jigsaw from Parkside also features some elements not typically found in its price range (around 45 euros). The video shows how the saw performs in practical tests.

How We Tested

The myHOMEBOOK editorial team tested the cordless jigsaw PSTDA 20-Li, including sawing operations in wood. The tests for power tools are standardized–the following test criteria are relevant:

• Performance and quality (25% of the overall score)
• Workmanship, design, and handling (20% of the overall score)
• Accessories (10% of the overall score)
• Sustainability (20% of the overall score)
• Value for money (25% of the overall score)

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Parkside Jigsaw PSTDA 20-Li in Test–The Unboxing

Like many Parkside tools, the cordless jigsaw comes in a plastic case. Included with the saw are the following accessories:

• Three different saw blades (two for wood, one for metal)
• An Allen key for adjusting the base plate (for miter cuts up to 45 degrees)
• A nozzle for the extraction system
• Simple parallel guide
• User manual

The two wood saw blades are coarsely toothed; a finer blade would have been nice. However, DIY enthusiasts will appreciate the otherwise extensive accessories–especially in this price range. It should be noted that a battery and a corresponding charger are not included. The extraction device is a nice gadget but is generally not often used with jigsaws.

Parkside PSTDA 20-Li–What Stood Out in the Test

Even with the battery inserted, the jigsaw is not particularly heavy, and thanks to rubberized grip surfaces, it fits well in the hand. The trigger can be operated from both sides, making it suitable for left-handers. Additionally, the pendulum action can be switched on in several stages via a switch. The saw blade is moved back and forth by a wheel during operation, and the wood chips are ejected from the saw slot. This increases the sawing performance, but you must also accept fraying at the cut edges.

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The saw blade holder is completely tool-free. However, some practice is required to insert the blade with one hand and operate the locking lever with the other. Be sure to check that the saw blade is securely seated in the holder. And don’t be startled when removing it–the blade springs out of the holder when opened.

The base plate–also called the saw shoe–is made of hard plastic and not metal, which would require a deeper pocket. However, the plate glides smoothly over the wood. A transparent protective cap sits at the front of the saw blade holder, which is somewhat cumbersome to insert. It also flies off when the saw shoe is locked for a miter cut. The small plate called the splinter guard, which surrounds the saw blade, presses down the wood fibers and is intended to prevent fraying, is also transparent.

Jigsaw PSTDA 20-Li from Parkside–Pros and Cons in the Test

The pendulum jigsaw is solidly built and boasts some features not necessarily expected in this price range. The high performance, clean cut, lockable saw plate for miter cuts, and the switchable pendulum action are particularly noteworthy. However, there are also some weaknesses.

Positive:

• High performance
• Clean cuts
• Switchable pendulum action
• Adjustable saw shoe for miter cuts up to 45 degrees
• Extensive accessories
• Gadgets like LED work light, parallel guide, splinter guard, extraction system
• Very good value for money

Negative

• Battery and charger not included
• Moderate vibration
• Safety cap can break easily
• Saw blade springs out of the holder when opened (do not point at face!)
• A fine saw blade instead of two coarse ones would have been desirable
• Saw blades tend to stain
• Splinter guard must be removed for miter cuts, otherwise the saw blade will hit it

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Overview of Test Criteria

Performance and Quality:

The cordless jigsaw from Parkside impressed in the test with high performance and solid quality. The cuts are clean, and there are many adjustment options. Minor weaknesses like the plastic saw shoe or the wobbly protective cap are present, but you can’t expect more in this price range. (4.5 out of 5 points)

Workmanship, Design, and Handling:

The functions are well thought out, and everything is easily accessible. Overall, the device is not too heavy, even with the battery. Additionally, it fits securely and comfortably in the hand thanks to the fully rubberized grip surface. Light vibrations are unavoidable, especially with curve cuts. (4 out of 5 points)

Accessories:

It’s clear from the packaging that no battery is included. This must be purchased separately, as with all Parkside cordless devices. Additionally, a fine saw blade would be advantageous compared to the two coarse-toothed wood saw blades or the metal blade, which is rarely used in practice. The parallel guide and extraction device are useful additions, although the extraction was not considered in the test. (3.5 out of 5 points)

Sustainability:

Sustainability aspects always play a role at myHOMEBOOK, even with power tools. Unfortunately, no statement can be made about the origin of the materials and the working conditions during production. However, we have summarized our knowledge about the sustainability of power tools in this article. The Parkside jigsaw still impressed in the test with good workmanship, suggesting a long lifespan. (3 out of 5 points)

Value for Money:

As with all Parkside tools available at Lidl, the PSTDA 20-Li jigsaw impresses with an excellent value for money. You get quality that almost exceeds the scope of low-budget devices. Those expecting high-end products will need to spend a bit more. (5 out of 5 points)

Overall Rating: 4.125 out of 5 points.

Conclusion

Especially for occasional DIY enthusiasts, the Parkside PSTDA 20-Li pendulum jigsaw is a good investment. Sawing is easy and enjoyable. Extensive accessories and gadgets complete the product. The corresponding 20-volt battery, which must be purchased separately, can also be used for other power tools in the product line. If you want a better impression, watch the video at the top of the article.