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

No frills - just lots of power. This is a great saw for carpentry or rough woodwork. It has a long stroke, and can cope the end of a 2x10 in no time. The only shortfall is the angle adjustment on the base creeps out of square as it is tightened. Nevertheless, I have used it happily for several years.

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.

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 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.

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 !