Skil 4470-44 4 Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw

by Skil

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Skil's Classic series variable-speed orbital jig saw is one of our favorites among the saws designed for the do-it-yourselfer. The saw has a 4 amp motor that provides plenty of power, cutting with minimal vibration. It also has a variable-speed selector dial, which is handy, but not really the same as a variable-speed trigger (found on more expensive saws). You do get five orbital-action settings, however, which is great, especially when you want to make faster, more aggressive cuts (many consumer-grade saws offer only an up-and-down stroke). Do-it-yourselfers looking for a solid jig saw for occasional home projects can't go wrong. --Jon Groebner

From the Manufacturer

This Classic Series jig saw has a 4 amp motor that provides plenty of power for all types of cuts, especially scroll cuts. This saw offers a variable-speed selector dial, auto/manual scrolling, five orbital action settings, lock-on button, tilting foot (0 and 45 degrees), antisplintering base, blade roller guide, adjustable clear chip-deflector, and vacuum-hose port. The saw's 5/8-inch stroke length and 800 to 3,200 strokes/minute cut 1-3/8-inch hardwood and 2-1/4-inch softwood.

Product Details

Product Manual [813kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 7.8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000302RH
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 4470-44
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #710,307 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Deserves 5 stars for the value., March 7, 2000

By 

"bajaphil" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skil 4470-44 4 Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

This saw is a great deal. I was looking for a `second saw' and when I read the earlier reviews (see below) here on Amazon I decided on this one. I needed something I could take to the job site leaving the expensive (and therefore thief-able) hardware back at the shop. However, after using it for a few months I find this saw near good enough to be my primary saw - and at half the price of the tradesman quality saws.

Usability: the quick blade change, easy bevel adjustment and predictable speed settings are well engineered. Manual scrolling gets you into tiny places that some expensive saws won't get to. Power -- plenty. Combined with the orbital action this saw can really cut. Orbital cutting first appeared on expensive saws of this type. The saw blade churns forward on the up stroke so that the teeth cut wood instead of sawdust. Then on the down stroke the blade retreats from the work allowing the saw to advance into the cut while reducing friction. To have this feature at this price is a great marketing coup.

A few gigs: This saw feels sturdy but I don't really know how long it will last. Also I am not used to the high handle position. I feel that there is slightly less control compared to the saw I use in the shop. The adjustable speed settings are very useful - but would have been better if they were truly "VS" - variable speed controlled at the trigger. This allows blade speed to be controlled as the cutting situation develops when cutting irregular or compound materials. This is a common experience during remodeling. Considering the price and the great features I must underling that these gigs are very minor.

For the home shop user this is a great choice. As a `second saw' it is great for the tradesman. As a primary saw for a tradesman? Maybe -- check with me in a few years.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One good Jig...., December 25, 1999

By 

Russell L Harms (Medford, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skil 4470-44 4 Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I recently purchased the Jigsaw for my wife. I liked the fact that it came with blades,(so I didn't have to run out and get some). The case is nice and the Jig works great. We are very happy with its ability to make intricate cuts. The power (and the ability to adjust it) that you get for a few dollars more is worth it in my opinion.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good, powerful saw..., January 9, 2001

By 

"signal7" (Rochester, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skil 4470-44 4 Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I recently purchased this saw and have used it for a couple of projects. Among the good points are the adjustable orbital action, the swivel head that can really help in tight spaces, and the quick blade change.

Others have mentioned the speed control as a flaw, but I really think it's a feature since you can set it and forget it. I find that managing a constant trigger position while scrolling a pattern is difficult to do at the same time, and the resulting inconsistant blade speed(from the var. speed trigger models) makes an uneven edge in the material. With this saw, once it's set, it's one less thing competing for attention.

My only problem is the chip deflector port(or vacuum port) on this saw is poorly designed. I hooked this up to my shop vac, and the air being drawn through the tool makes an incredibly irritating whistle. Furthermore, it doesn't collect chips from the blade area nearly as nicely as I'd hoped it would. I wouldn't consider this feature worthwhile when choosing between saws, though it might work better if hooked up the the blower port(but that would negate the whole idea of dust collection, anyway).

Overall, it's a good powerful saw with good features not found on other models in this price range.