Jigsaws are effective dust producers. A jigsaw cutting through 3/4 inch plywood at full speed sends chips in all directions. The dust port on a jigsaw is usually on the side of the body and points back toward the operator when cutting.
Connecting a shop vac makes the tool dramatically cleaner to use. Here is the port size for every major brand.
Jigsaw Dust Port Sizes
| Brand / Model | Port OD | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2737-20 (M18 FUEL) | 32mm | Top-handle cordless |
| Milwaukee 2645-20 (M18) | 32mm | Standard M18 jigsaw |
| DeWalt DCS334B (20V MAX XR) | 32mm | Brushless cordless |
| DeWalt DCS331B (20V MAX) | 32mm | Standard 20V jigsaw |
| Makita XVJ04Z (LXT 18V) | 36mm | Top-handle cordless |
| Makita GJV01Z (XGT 40V) | 36mm | Top-handle cordless |
| Festool PS 300 EQ (corded) | 27mm | Plug-it connection |
| Bosch JS470E (corded) | 35mm | Barrel-grip with port |
| Bosch GST18V-LI (18V CORE) | 35mm | Cordless CORE |
| Ryobi PCL520B (ONE+) | 32mm | Brushless cordless |
| Ridgid R8831B (18V) | 32mm | Octane brushless |
| Metabo HPT CJ18DBLQ4 (18V) | 35mm | MultiVolt |
| Porter-Cable PCC650B (20V MAX) | 32mm | Standard cordless |
| Craftsman CMCS370B (V20) | 32mm | Budget V20 |
Connecting a Shop Vac to a Jigsaw
For Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, Ridgid, Porter-Cable, or Craftsman jigsaws and a standard 1-7/8 inch shop vac: 32mm to 47.6mm adapter.
For Makita jigsaws and a standard 1-7/8 inch shop vac: 36mm to 47.6mm adapter.
For Bosch or Metabo HPT jigsaws and a standard 1-7/8 inch shop vac: 35mm to 47.6mm adapter.
For Festool jigsaws with a Festool CT extractor: no adapter needed. For a Festool jigsaw with a standard shop vac: 27mm to 47.6mm adapter.
Hose Management on Jigsaw Cuts
The hardest part of jigsaw dust collection is hose management. The jigsaw moves in all directions, often in arcs and curves. The hose can drag on the workpiece and affect cut quality.
Tips for better hose management:
- Use a coiled hose. Coiled hoses extend when the tool moves and retract when it returns. They create less drag than a standard hose.
- Route the hose over your shoulder, not behind you on the floor.
- Use a swivel adapter at the tool port so the hose rotates without fighting you when you change direction.
- Keep the vac close. A shorter hose is easier to manage than a long one.
Capture Rate on Jigsaws
Jigsaws are mid-range for dust capture. The port is positioned to catch chips thrown back from the blade. Chips thrown sideways or forward are harder to capture.
For straight cuts along a fence or straightedge, capture rates are good, the blade path is consistent. For curved cuts, more chips escape sideways. Expect 60 to 80 percent capture for most jigsaw use with a connected shop vac.
For the cleanliest jigsaw work, use slow feed speeds and a blade with a downward cutting stroke (reverse cut blades). These create less chip scatter than standard blades at high feed speeds.