DEWALT DW318K Variable-Speed Orbital Action 4.5 Amp Jig Saw Kit

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

DeWalt's model 318 jig saw is perfect for anyone who wants a powerful, contractor-grade tool--and who'd like to save some money in exchange for a few less bells and whistles. The saw has a 4.5 amp motor--though not as big as the motor on DeWalt's more expensive model, it still packs plenty of power for even the most demanding metal- and woodcutting applications. It comes with four orbital-action settings, allowing you to make aggressive or precise cuts when needed. There's also a variable-speed trigger that lets you adjust the blade speed as you cut--a feature we really like in a jig saw. What this tool lacks is a tool-free blade-changing mechanism, which, of course, isn't such a big deal if you don't plan to switch or break blades very often. --Jon Groebner

From the Manufacturer

DEWALT DW318K Variable-Speed Orbital Action 4.5 Amp Jig Saw Kit

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 14.5 x 4.6 inches ; 12.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004RH4A
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW318K
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #335,628 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, November 13, 2000

By 

Michael R. Johnson (Johnson City, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW318K Variable-Speed Orbital Action 4.5 Amp Jig Saw Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

After a great deal of research of available options, power, price and reputation of DeWalt, I purchased this tool. In my first attempt to use it cutting 3/4" pine, I could not get it to saw in a straight line. I tried different blades, new blades, different speeds, faster and slower feed, I verified that the blade was 90 deg. to the foot, but nothing worked. After about 1' of cutting the blade would angle out to the right a pull the saw off course.

I returned the saw and bought a porter cable unit. I thought this one may have been a fluke, a rare defective product from DeWalt, because I own other DeWalt equipment which works great. But just today, a co-worker told me of the exact same problem he was having with the same model. He went through the same steps I did trying to determine why the saw wouldn't work properly. But had no luck. He is returning the unit as well.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good saw, July 19, 2000

By 

Jeff (Cambridge, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW318K Variable-Speed Orbital Action 4.5 Amp Jig Saw Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this saw about a year ago for weekend projects and have found it to be very useful. I looked carefully at a range of saws -- some more expensive, some less -- and this one looked like the best value. This saw is comfortable, easy to use, cuts very nicely with a quality blade, and offers more than enough power for my uses. And, as with all DeWalts, it's very sturdy and well made.

Two features on more expensive saws that are not found on this one: keyless blade change, and a cast aluminum foot. Both would be nice, but worth the extra money? I didn't think so then and I have no regrets now. Finally, as with all saws, the blades included are pretty cheap. For finer cutting or use with non-wood materials, you'll need to spend another $15-$30 for some high-quality blades.

In all, I've been very happy with this saw and it's served me well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars no bells and whistles..no big problems, August 15, 2002

By 

"ossjr" (Jersey City, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW318K Variable-Speed Orbital Action 4.5 Amp Jig Saw Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

well.. this is just a basic and GOOD jig saw!

- it's cuts 90 degrees ... most of the time anyway

- the saw has plenty of power

- the variable speed works well

- the saw is easy to handle.. not too heavy etc.

- lacks nothing in the essentials... the standards are right up there with the ones in shop class.

stuff that the saw didn't have but was nothing to lose sleep over:

- it didnt have a blower but then again.. i wouldnt whine about something like that considering the price and the durability of the unit.. besides.. one should be able to make a decent cut without a blower.. just think about the times Dad handed you the ol' saw..

- the hex nut that holds the blade in is prone to being lost because it's so small .. but it's not a major nuisance since all tools should be treated with care anyway.. a good idea is to have another hex nut on hand in case of an emergency (i keep extra blades and stuff like that in an empty Crytal Light ice tea case stored in the kit box where there's plenty of room)

- the ugly design.. i hate the design of this thing... i guess the guys at Dewalt didn't see Porter Cable's 97549.. she's a beauty but costs a lot more..

- every so often, the blade may jump out of the guide if you're working at an odd angle

Don't be afraid of this saw guys... it's just a basic jig saw with plenty of power and a rugged design.. great for the money and certainly a better bargain than shelling out the extra fifty to one-hundred dollars for a fancier one .----- you get the same results anyway !