Jigsaws are tricky for dust collection. Unlike a circular saw where the blade throws chips backward, a jigsaw's blade moves up and down. The cut zone is open at the front. Dust blows forward, upward, and sideways all at once.
A dust port on a jigsaw does not capture everything. But it captures most of it. The difference between using a shop vac hookup and not using one is significant.
Where the Dust Port Is on a Jigsaw
Most jigsaws have a small round port at the rear of the tool body, near the blade clamp. It is typically smaller than the port on a circular saw. Common sizes are 28mm to 35mm outer diameter depending on the brand.
Some jigsaws also have a front blower nozzle that blows dust away from the cut line so you can see the line. This blower does not connect to a vac. It is separate from the dust extraction port.
Port Sizes by Brand
| Brand | Port OD | Key Models |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL | 32mm | 2737-20, 2645-20 |
| Milwaukee M12 | 28mm | 2445-20 |
| DeWalt 20V MAX | 32mm | DCS334B, DCS331B |
| DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V | 32mm | DCS335B |
| Makita LXT 18V | 36mm | XVJ02Z, XVJ03Z |
| Makita XGT 40V | 36mm | GJV01Z |
| Bosch 18V CORE | 35mm | GST18V-LI |
| Festool | 27mm | PS 300 EQ, PS 420 EBQ |
| Ryobi ONE+ | 32mm | PCL525B, P523 |
| Porter-Cable 20V | 32mm | PCC650B |
| Craftsman V20 | 32mm | CMCS600B |
What Shop Vac to Use with a Jigsaw
Any shop vac with a 1-7/8 inch (47.6mm) hose will work. You need an adapter that goes from the jigsaw's port to the vac hose. The jigsaw port is smaller, so the adapter reduces down.
If you run a cordless system, a small cordless vac is ideal. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 0882-20 matches the 32mm port on Milwaukee jigsaws directly. The DeWalt DCV517B uses a 1-1/4 inch hose, which needs a 32mm to 1-1/4 inch adapter.
A Festool PS 300 EQ works best with a Festool CT MINI or CT MIDI. The 27mm Plug-it hose connects directly to the tool. No adapter is needed within the Festool system.
Tips for Better Jigsaw Dust Capture
Keep the base plate tight against the workpiece. Gaps under the base let dust escape before the port can catch it.
Use a steady cutting speed. Racing through the cut throws more chips. A controlled feed rate keeps dust in the port zone.
For dusty cuts in MDF or plywood, wear a respirator even with a shop vac. A jigsaw port captures 60 to 70 percent of total dust, not 100 percent.
If your jigsaw has a blower nozzle, turn it off or minimize it. The blower pushes dust away from the cut line, which helps you see the line, but it also blows dust away from the extraction port.
Corded vs. Cordless Jigsaws for Dust Collection
Corded jigsaws often have the same port size as their cordless equivalents. The Bosch JS572EB (corded) has the same 35mm port as the Bosch GST18V-LI (cordless). The Milwaukee 6268-21 (corded) has the same 32mm port as the 2737-20 M18 FUEL.
This matters because your adapter for a corded saw will also fit the cordless version of the same brand. You do not need two adapters.
Installing the Adapter
Push the adapter onto the jigsaw port stub. It should be snug but not require force. Then push your shop vac hose into the other end of the adapter.
With the vac running, make a short test cut. Hold your hand near the cut line. You should feel almost no airflow escaping from the cut zone. If you feel strong airflow, the adapter seal is leaking.
Check the GulpDust configurator to find the right adapter for your jigsaw and your vac. Select your tool brand, then your vacuum, and we will show you the exact adapter size.