SKIL Jig Saw JS314901 Review: A DIYer’s Dream Tool?

Looking for a reliable jigsaw that won’t break the bank? I recently got my hands on the SKIL Corded Jig Saw, and I’m happy to share my thoughts.

This tool packs a punch with its 6-amp motor, making quick work of various materials. I found the 4-stage orbital function really helpful for getting smooth cuts across different projects.

The speed control is a nice touch too. I could easily adjust it for more precise work.

SKIL Corded Jig Saw

One thing I really like is how easy it is to change the blade. No tools needed – just a quick swap and you’re back to work. The dust blower is handy for keeping your cut line clear, though it can be a bit messy if you’re not prepared for it.

The Halo Light is a standout feature. It lights up the work area much better than other saws I’ve used. This made a big difference when I was working in dimmer conditions.

SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw – Dive Into Precision and Power

I recently got my hands on this SKIL jigsaw, and I’m really impressed. The 4-stage orbital function is a game-changer. I can cut through different materials smoothly.

The speed control is great too. I feel like I have better control over my cuts.

One thing I love is how easy it is to change blades. No tools needed! The dust blower is handy for keeping my cut line clear. I can see exactly where I’m cutting.

The Halo Light is super bright. It lights up my work area really well. This saw is a bit heavy, but it feels solid and well-made.

I’ve used it for a few home projects now. It cuts evenly and straight. The angled cutting feature is easy to use. I don’t need any tools to adjust it.

This saw is good value for money. It has lots of features you’d expect in pricier models. If you’re looking for a reliable jigsaw for home use, this SKIL model is worth checking out.

Illuminate Your Work With Bright Halo Light

I love the Halo Light on this Skil jigsaw. It’s super bright – way better than regular LEDs. When I’m cutting, I can see everything clearly. No more squinting or moving my head around to dodge shadows. It makes following the cut line so much easier.

The light circles the blade, lighting up the whole work area. It’s a simple feature, but it makes a big difference. I feel more confident and precise with my cuts now. Plus, it’s easier on my eyes, especially when I’m working for long stretches. The Halo Light is definitely one of my favorite things about this saw.

Cut With Ease: Discover the 4-Stage Orbital Function

I was really impressed with the Skil jigsaw’s 4-stage orbital function. It made cutting through different materials a breeze. I could adjust the orbital action to match what I was working on.

For straight cuts in hard wood, I used a higher setting. When I needed smooth curves in softer materials, I dialed it back.

This feature gave me a lot of control over my cuts. It helped me work faster and get cleaner results. The orbital function is easy to use and makes a big difference in how well the saw performs. I found it really useful for all kinds of projects.

Control and Precision: Variable Speed Trigger

The jigsaw’s variable speed trigger is a game-changer. I love how it gives me total control over the cutting speed.

With just two fingers, I can adjust the pace to match different materials. This feature really shines when I’m working on tricky cuts.

I can slow down for curves and speed up on straight lines. It’s super easy to use and makes my projects come out way better. The trigger feels smooth and responsive. I’ve found it helps reduce mistakes and makes cutting more accurate. For beginners and pros alike, this variable speed control is a big plus.

Quick Adjustments on The Fly: Tool-Free Blade Changes and Angled Cutting

I love how easy it is to make quick changes with this Skil jigsaw. The tool-free blade clamp is a game-changer. I can swap out blades in seconds without fumbling for a wrench.

It’s so handy when I need to switch between cutting wood and metal.

The shoe bevel adjustment is another great feature. I can tilt the base for angled cuts without any tools. This saves me time and hassle on projects that need beveled edges.

The dust blower is also really helpful. With the flip of a switch, it clears sawdust so I can see my cut line clearly.

One small issue is that the bevel adjustment can be a bit finicky to set precisely. But once it’s locked in, it stays put during cuts. Overall, these quick-change features make this jigsaw a joy to use for all kinds of projects.

Maintain Your Vision: Dust Blowing Function

I love how the Skil jigsaw helps me see what I’m doing. It has a dust blowing switch that I can turn on or off.

When it’s on, it blows dust away from my cutting line. This makes it easy to follow my marks and cut accurately.

The dust blower is a simple feature, but it makes a big difference. I don’t have to stop and wipe away sawdust all the time. It keeps my work area cleaner too.

The only downside is that sometimes the dust can blow into my face if I’m not careful. But overall, this feature helps me work faster and make better cuts. It’s one of my favorite things about this jigsaw.

Pros and Cons

I’ve been using this Skil jigsaw for a while now, and I’m pretty impressed with what it brings to the table. Let’s break down the good and not-so-good parts of this tool.

Pros

  • The 4-stage orbital function is a game-changer. I can cut through different materials smoothly.
  • I love the 2-finger trigger. It gives me great control over the speed.
  • Changing the blade is a breeze. No tools needed!
  • The dust blower is super helpful. I can see my cutting line clearly.
  • The bright halo light is amazing. It lights up my work area really well.
  • It’s versatile. I’ve used it for shelves, household projects, and more.
  • The price is right. I got a lot of features without breaking the bank.

Cons

  • It’s a bit on the heavy side. My arms get tired after long use.
  • It only comes with one blade. I had to buy more right away.
  • Being corded limits where I can use it. Sometimes I wish it was cordless.
  • The light is great, but it could be even better if it was LED.

What Buyers Are Saying: Customer Reviews

I’ve been really impressed with this Skil jigsaw. Many buyers love how powerful it is for the price. I found it cuts smoothly and evenly through different materials.

The dust blower is a nice touch, keeping the cutting line clear. While it’s a bit on the heavy side, it feels solid and well-built. Some users mention it’s great for home projects and repairs.

I appreciate that it works with both U-shank and T-shank blades. A few people noted it lacks a light, but overall the features are excellent for the cost.

From what I’ve seen, both DIYers and more experienced users are happy with its performance. It’s a reliable corded option that delivers consistent results.

Conclusion

I’ve really enjoyed using this SKIL jigsaw. It’s a solid tool that gets the job done well without breaking the bank. The power and cutting ability impressed me, especially for the price. I found it easy to control and change blades. The dust blower was a nice touch too.

While it’s a bit on the heavy side, that didn’t bother me much. For DIY projects and home repairs, this saw is a great choice.

It may not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, but it offers good value. If you need a reliable jigsaw for occasional use, I think you’ll be happy with this SKIL model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using the Skil jigsaw has been a great experience for my DIY projects. I’ve found it to be a reliable tool with some handy features. Let me share what I’ve learned about this saw to help answer some common questions.

What features does the Skil JS314901 jigsaw offer?

This Skil saw packs quite a punch for its price. I love the 4-stage orbital function – it lets me adjust the cutting action for different materials.

The speed control is super helpful too. I can change how fast the blade moves using the trigger. There’s also a dust blower that keeps my cut line clear.

One of my favorite features is the tool-free blade change system. It’s so quick and easy to swap blades. The saw also has a bevel adjustment for angled cuts, which I’ve found really useful for some projects.

How do I change the blades on the Skil JS314901 jigsaw?

Changing blades on this saw is a breeze. Here’s how I do it:

  1. Unplug the saw for safety
  2. Push the blade release lever forward
  3. Remove the old blade
  4. Insert the new blade with teeth facing forward
  5. Release the lever to lock the blade in place

It takes me just seconds to switch blades now. No tools needed!

Are there any common issues with the Skil JS314901 jig saw that users should be aware of?

In my experience, this saw has been pretty solid. But I have noticed a few things to watch out for:

  • The saw can be a bit heavy for long jobs
  • Some users find the trigger lock a bit stiff at first
  • The dust blower works well, but sawdust can still build up in tight spaces

These aren’t deal-breakers for me, but they’re good to know about.

How does the Skil JS314901 jigsaw perform in cutting various materials?

I’ve used this saw on wood, plywood, and some thin metal sheets. It handles wood really well – the cuts are clean and straight.

For plywood, I found using the right blade and speed setting is key to avoid splintering. On metal, it cuts slower but still does a decent job.

The orbital settings really help when switching between materials. I just adjust it based on what I’m cutting.

What types of blades are compatible with the Skil JS314901 jigsaw for different projects?

This saw uses T-shank blades, which are pretty common. I’ve used a few different types:

  • Wood cutting blades for most of my projects
  • Fine-tooth blades for smoother cuts in plywood
  • Metal cutting blades for thin sheet metal

The tool-free blade change makes it easy to switch between these as needed. Just make sure to get T-shank blades and you’ll be all set.

What are the differences between the Skil JS314901 jigsaw and other models like the Skil 4495?

While I haven’t used the Skil 4495, I did some research when buying my JS314901.

The main differences I found were:

  • The JS314901 has a slightly more powerful 6-amp motor
  • This model includes the Halo Light feature, which the 4495 doesn’t have
  • The JS314901 has a tool-free blade change system, which I find super handy

Both are good saws, but I chose the JS314901 for these extra features. The Halo Light especially has been great for seeing my cut lines clearly.

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