Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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 !

I do a great deal of comparison shopping before I settle on a tool. I bought this based on DeWalt's reputation and my experience with their biscuit joiner and a circular saw. This jig saw is great if you're looking for something heavy duty with good power. However, if the quality of the cut is important to you, this saw has a defect. No matter what type of blade you put on it or how much you adjust the shoe, the cut will angle from the top surface of the board to the bottom. I tried to correct this, but to no avail. I finally resorted to rough-cutting with this tool and following with a router pass to make the edge 90 degrees to the face. I recently purchased a Freud for ...more than I initially paid for the DeWalt to replace it.

I have used this saw for many different projects around the house from fine coping to rough cutting 3/4" boards. I even used it with a masonry blade and makeshift rip fence to cut an imitation marble vanity top to fit into an opening. I have been extremely pleased with the performance of this saw and it seems to be holding up very well. The only problem that I seem to experience on a regular basis is when I am scrolling and I try to make a low radius cut, the blade slips from the channel on the roller and bends to the side. This causes a lot of problems with your cut. I can eleminate most of the problem by using a much narrower coping blade but it still happens from time to time.

I've used this saw for numerous projects around the home. For the price, this is a great saw. It has plenty of power, the orbital action makes rough cutting very quick, and it's light weight. Choosing what saw is best for you is an individual choice, but if you're considering this one, I think it's the best overall value.

I am generally happy with this saw except for two major factors. I too am having a problem keeping the blade straight and it also angles of at the bottom. My other beef is the constant wood dust that gathers in front of the blade obscuring the cutting line.

I've been very pleased with the DW318 after only a few uses. I've not found the out of square problem that others have noted perhaps because I've only cut 1 1/2" RC Cedar which is very soft.

I am disappointed that the foot is prepared for a fence of some sort but none are listed in DW's accessory list. What's this all about? It would be nice if DW offered an adjustable radius cutting fence for repetitive accurate radius cuts.

I have used this saw for many diferent projects around the house from fine coping to 3/4" plywood. I even used it with a masonry blade and a makeshift rip fence to cut an imitation marble vanity top to size. I have beeen very pleaed with the performance and durability of the saw. The only problem I have had with the saw is when I am cutting low radius curves. The blade often slips out of the groove on the roller and bends to the side. This problem is diminished with a narrow coping blade but still doesn't go away. Overall, I would recommend this saw.

Originally I intended to buy Milwaukee's jig saw, but ran into a deal on this saw at the local home improvement store I couldn't pass up [the price]. I figured I had nothing to loose by trying the saw out. If didn't like it I could always return it under DeWalt's 30 day trial period.

I tried the saw and found no reason to return it. In fact, I am extremely happy with the product. The saw has excellent power, low vibration and I have no problem staying on the line. (used on pine, cedar, mdf and red oak so far) Also, one has to experience the orbital action to really appreciate the increase in cutting speed. Unlike some other users I have had no problems keeping the blade at 90 degrees. Compared to my old...B&D saw this thing is a Ferrari.

The only things keeping the saw from getting 5 stars is the lack of a dedicated saw dust blower and tooless blade change. However, I do 95% of my jig sawing in my garage so the tooless blade change is not a big issue . Although, the saw doesn't have a dedicated dust blower the motor exhaust fan creates enough of a breeze to keep the cut line fairly clean when the saw is running at 75-100% power.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this saw considering the price I paid for it. I would reccomend this saw for any home owner or hobbiest who wants a good saw for [the price].