Comparison Table
| Blade | TPI | Body Width | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch T101AO | 20 | 1/8" | 3-1/4" | Tight curves in thin wood/plywood |
| DeWalt DW3742C | 10-20 (assorted) | Varies | Varies | General-purpose assortment |
| Diablo DJT101BF | 10 | 5/16" | 4" | Clean curves in hardwood |
| Milwaukee 48-42-5312 | 12 | 5/16" | 4" | Moderate curves in thick wood |
| Festool 486549 | 12 | 3/16" | 3" | Premium scrollwork and fine curves |
1. Bosch T101AO — Best for Tight Curves
The T101AO has been the go-to curve-cutting jigsaw blade for decades, and it has earned that reputation. The 1/8-inch body width is the narrowest commonly available, letting you cut radii as tight as 1/2 inch in 1/2-inch plywood. The 20 TPI tooth count produces a clean, fine cut with minimal tearout on the top surface. The 3-1/4-inch cutting length handles material up to about 1-1/2 inches thick. That covers plywood, MDF, solid wood boards, and most furniture-making stock. The T-shank fits any modern jigsaw (Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Festool). These blades flex and wander more than wider blades, especially in thick hardwood. That is the nature of a narrow blade — you gain curve-cutting ability at the cost of straight-line accuracy. For the tightest curves, reduce your jigsaw speed and feed slowly. Pushing too fast causes the blade to bow and the cut to lean. Bosch sells these in 5-packs, and you should buy them in bulk. They are thin and break more easily than standard blades, especially if you twist the blade during a tight turn. Who this is for: Woodworkers cutting tight scrollwork, templates, and decorative curves in plywood and thin hardwood. Who should skip it: Anyone cutting thick stock (over 1-1/2 inches) or gentle curves where a wider blade performs better.
2. DeWalt DW3742C T-Shank Assortment — Best Variety Pack
The DW3742C is a 14-piece assortment that includes blades for tight curves, gentle curves, straight cuts, and even metal cutting. It is the best way to stock your jigsaw blade case if you do varied work and are not sure which blade you will need next. The assortment includes narrow scrolling blades (similar in function to the Bosch T101AO), medium-width general-purpose blades, and wider blades for fast straight cuts. Having all three widths available lets you pick the right blade for the curve radius you are cutting. The individual blade quality is good but not exceptional. For dedicated scrollwork, the Bosch T101AO or Festool are better. But for a DIYer who uses a jigsaw for multiple tasks and wants one pack that covers everything, this is the most practical option. The included case keeps blades organized by type. Who this is for: DIYers and general woodworkers who want one blade assortment that handles curves, straight cuts, and metal. Who should skip it: Serious scrollwork — buy dedicated narrow blades instead.
3. Diablo DJT101BF Bi-Metal — Best for Hardwood Curves
The Diablo DJT101BF uses a bi-metal construction with a flexible carbon steel body and high-speed steel teeth. This makes it significantly more durable than standard carbon steel blades when cutting hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut. At 5/16-inch width, it cuts larger radius curves than the Bosch T101AO — think gentle arcs and flowing curves rather than tight scrollwork. The 10 TPI tooth count is coarser than the Bosch, which means faster cutting but slightly more tearout. In practice, the tearout is minimal on hardwood because the dense grain holds together better than softwood or plywood. The bi-metal construction also resists heat buildup better than carbon steel. When cutting thick hardwood, the blade generates significant friction heat that softens and dulls carbon steel teeth. The high-speed steel teeth on the Diablo maintain their edge through longer cuts. Who this is for: Woodworkers cutting moderate curves in hardwood 3/4 inch to 1-1/2 inches thick. Who should skip it: Anyone doing tight scrollwork (need a narrower blade) or cutting softwood/plywood (cheaper blades work fine).
4. Milwaukee 48-42-5312 — Best for Thick Stock Curves
The Milwaukee 48-42-5312 is designed for cutting curves in thicker stock — 1-inch to 2-inch hardwood and softwood. The 5/16-inch body width provides enough stiffness to track straight vertically through thick material while still allowing moderate curve radii. The 12 TPI tooth count balances cutting speed with surface quality. The teeth are set in an alternating pattern that clears sawdust efficiently, preventing blade binding in deep cuts. This is important in thick stock where the kerf fills with dust quickly and causes the blade to overheat and wander. Milwaukee's blade steel quality is consistently good. These blades hold their edge well and resist bending better than budget blades. They come in packs of 5, and a single blade typically lasts through several projects of moderate curve cutting. Who this is for: Woodworkers cutting gentle to moderate curves in thick lumber — brackets, furniture legs, decorative arches. Who should skip it: Tight scrollwork in thin material — use the Bosch T101AO instead.
5. Festool 486549 — Best Premium Scrolling Blade
The Festool 486549 is a precision scrolling blade that produces the cleanest cuts in this roundup. The 3/16-inch body width is slightly wider than the Bosch T101AO, but the tooth geometry and blade steel are noticeably superior. Cuts require less sanding cleanup, and the blade tracks more accurately through curves. At 12 TPI, the tooth count is lower than the Bosch T101AO, which means slightly faster cutting without a meaningful increase in tearout. The blade stiffness is remarkably consistent — it does not flutter or vibrate in the cut the way thinner blades can. The premium quality commands a premium price. These blades cost roughly 3-4x as much per blade as the Bosch T101AO. Whether that price difference is worth it depends on how much finish sanding you do after cutting. If you spend significant time sanding jigsaw cuts smooth, the Festool blades save time and sandpaper. Who this is for: Fine furniture makers and cabinet builders who want the cleanest possible jigsaw cuts with minimal sanding. Who should skip it: Budget-conscious users or anyone doing rough curved cuts that will be hidden or heavily sanded anyway.
