Cordless Jig Saw
Top Rated Cordless Jig Saws
A cordless jig saw is the basic saw in most woodworker's kit due to its diversity. Jig saws can cross cut, bevel, miter, and make scrolling curve cuts. They have interchangeable blades to do the different tasks. They are one of the easiest and safest saws to use. Cordless jig saws run off a heavy-duty rechargeable battery instead of using an electric cord, which makes them perfect tools to use when there is no power outlet close by or in tight areas where a cord would hinder the movement of the worker or the work being done.
There are many manufactures of cordless jig saws, Dewalt, Black and Decker, Ryobi, Craftsman, Bosch, and Makita to name just a few.
The three top rated models are the Makita LXT BJV180, the Bosch 52318,and the Dewalt DC308k Jig Saw Kit.
Makita LXT BJV180
This Makita cordless jig saw has an 18-volt lithium-ion battery. It weighs 6.1 pounds and has an LCD light. It has a 25 minute recharge time and comes with a three year warranty on the jig saw and a 1 year warranty on the battery. This cordless jig saw is environmentally friendly, holds a charge longer between uses than most of the other cordless jig saws and can cut wood that is 5.3 inches thick. There were not many consumer reviews on this jig saw but the reviews that were written were extremely positive. The biggest drawback seems to be its price, as it is approximately $400.00.
Bosch 52318
The Bosch 52318 cordless jig saw uses a Ni-Cad battery rather than a lithium-ion battery. It is somewhat heavier than the Makita and runs somewhat slower. It has been heralded for its smooth cutting and easy blade changes. You can eject the hot blades without touching them. It also has an on board wrench storage. The Bosch cordless jig saw comes with a three-year warranty on the saw itself and a one-year warranty on the battery. It also has great customer service.
The only complaint regarding this jig saw is that it has a poor dust blower and it doesn't allow for flush cutting against a wall. However it far less expensive than the other cordless jig saws costing in the neighborhood of $250.00. Consumer reviews on this jig saw are excellent for the most part. Most specifically site the balance of the saw and the blade release as a reason for really liking it. This jig saw seems to be an excellent choice for anyone who does woodworking as a hobby and wants a cordless jig saw.
DeWalt DC308k Jig Saw Kit
This DeWalt cordless jig saw weighs 7.5 pounds, and uses a lithium-ion battery. It has a 3-year warranty on the saw itself and 2-year warranty on the battery. It has an adjustable blower, tool free blade, and bevel adjustments as well as a detachable base plate that makes flush cutting easy. The only complaint regarding this jig saw seems to be that it is somewhat loud and it is quite expensive at $400.00.
There were not many consumer reviews on this product but the few that there are find this a good saw, though they site that the blower is ineffective.
A cordless jig saw is versatile and a great tool to own, and any of the top three models would seem to live up to the job one would expect out of these tools.