Customer Reviews

Skil 4470-44 4 Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This top of the line jigsaw provides versatility that every homeowner or carpenter needs for little money out of the pocket. The scrolling feature enables you to cut intricate patterns with ease, while the orbital and variable speed functions provide the perfect blade action for your job. The chip shield and dust port allows you to keep dust off of the work piece and out of the air. The tilting foot allows you to make extremely accurate bevels and miters, and the most handy feature, the Switchblade quick change blade system allows blade changes to take only seconds. If you are searching for one of the best jigsaws on the market for under $, you will never feel as much power and versatility as you will with the Skil 4470-44 Classic Series Variable Speed Orbital Jigsaw.

Great jig saw for the price!

My previous jigsaw vibrated and did not have a good cut. I found the Skil 4470-44 Jig Saw very comfortable to use. It worked very well on pressure treated lumber under 2" thick.

The saw does come with a selection of blades but I did purchase an extra set. If a blade breaks it is much easier to have a spare than make an extra trip to purchase more.

I am very pleased with this jig saw and would recommend it to others. It comes with a carrying which is great for storing. Pick up the case and you have the saw and all your blades together.

I bought this saw for home use and had incredible difficulty cutting a straight line through 3/4" plywood (even with a fence). The saw is very light weight and seems flimsy when trying to cut. It tended to pull to one side and was hard to get a line of sight correctly. When I finally got it to cut a straight line I noticed the saw was at an angle and the base was crooked. After messing with the base to get it straight, I still had the same problem. The blower works but it all ends up in your face. Spend the extra money for a better saw!!

I bought this jig saw and returned it immediately. It is built okay but not strong enough to cut straight lines into plywood. I have a good circular saw but also want a lighter saw for cutting plywood once in a while when I have the circular saw not handy. It is great for cutting intricate shapes in not so thick wood. I want something that is heavy duty. Looks like I have no choice but to buy Bosch Progressor or similiar models. Don't get me wrong this is not a bad saw for its price.

When I tried to cut a straight line I had to twist the saw 20 degrees to cut straight. I used a straight edge and the blade started flexing in towards the straight edge, making a very crooked cut. The slide was straight and I even had a friend try it, he had the same results. This is my first jigsaw purchase and I may not know alot about them, but I don't think this is how they are supposed to work.

Despite my new 4470 having a world of neat and nifty features and looking great, the bottom line for any jigsaw, is one that can cut straight. It is at that point, where this Skil gets off the train. It absolutely will not cut straight, with anything but the thinnest of materials. The blade immediately starts drifting off on a journey to the left. One must literally turn the entire saw to the left, about 10 degrees, to compensate and attempt a straight cut. I called Skil and on this saw, they offer a "silent" two year, no questions asked, replacement policy. What does that tell you? Do yourself a favor, skip all the Skil "bells and whistles" and low price and buy a Makita, Bosch, Porter Cable or Hitachi and save yourself a lot of aggrevation. My new Makita is on the way.

If you are looking for a great saw with plenty of power that won't set you back a hundred bucks this is it. I have found this jigsaw to be excellent when it comes time to work. The ability to change the orbital action and the speed make for a very customizable cut. If it were my choice I would put this saw right up with there worm drive saw as the the best tools that skil makes.