Skil5 Amp Corded Jig Saw- JS313101

Edit 12 February 2025:After having the saw for awhile and using it a few times, I'm updating my review to 5 (4.5 stars rounded). While testing the saw for the original review, it seemed like the trigger was on-off only; however after having used it while focusing on the work-piece instead of the saw, I found that it actually does have a variable speed trigger, albeit more sensitive than the old saw. For one-handed operation, you can set the dial to the maximum blade speed you want and use the trigger to vary the blade speed as you go, it's just that on the highest speed setting, it will start off fairly quick and get faster much quicker than the old saw as you tighten up on the trigger. If you use your off hand to steady the saw, you can also place the off hand such that the speed dial is directly under a thumb and easily controlled. Due to this discovery, I'm giving back the half star I originally took away for the trigger speed variability.Original Review:I have a 30 year old Skil jigsaw that is still going strong. I typically only use it on thin materials because it has no blade roller guide and the blade tends to flex on thicker material, causing an unwanted bevel in the cut. My old jigsaw also only takes U-shank blades. For an upcoming project, I needed a fairly specific blade, but the blade I needed only comes with a T-shank. So I thought "no problem, just by a newer Skil jigsaw." So I did. (In 1993, I spent about $45 on my old jigsaw, which is about the same that I spent on this new saw.)First, the good. The new saw (the one in this listing) has a light. This helps a ton. Next, it has an on-off switch for the dust blower (the old one always blew the dust). This can be handy in some situations where I don't want the saw to blow the dust because of what I'm sawing and where. Third, it has a tool-less quick change blade chuck and a nearly tool-less foot (it only needs a tool if you need to adjust the foot's locking mechanism). No more yanking the wrench from the hole to change the blade or adjust the bevel angle. I also like the blade roller guide as it reduces the likelihood of an unwanted bevel from a blade that flexes. I also like that this saw will take both T-shank and U-shank blades. Another major positive of this saw is the orbital blade feature that speeds up rough, straight cuts in various materials. Finally, the blade guard isn't a huge bonus but I can see how it could be handy in a few specific situations. The blade guard makes no difference on cuts, but it might keep your finger or clothing out of the blade if you violate other safety precautions that should be automatic anyway.Now the bad. The new saw has no onboard blade storage: strike half a star. It also only has an on-off trigger instead of a variable speed trigger [not actually true, see edit above]: strike another half-star. With this saw, I will miss adjusting the speed by adjusting the pressure on the trigger. A lot of the work I do when cutting a pattern requires different speeds for different portions of the cut. At least the speed control is within reach while cutting, but it will take a lot of getting used to. The old saw had both on-board storage and a trigger that would control the speed.Overall, I think that this saw used as an additional option to my old saw and it makes a pretty decent combo. I will use my old saw for fine scroll work in thin materials where I might need to adjust speeds quickly and I will use my new saw for everything else. This particular division of labor will force me to store all but the fine scroll u-shank blades in a tool box where I can put each type in its own compartment and all of the fine scroll u-shank blades can go in the on-board storage in my old saw.

Great jigsaw! My 1985 jigsaw broke and this was my replacement. Saw is a HUGE upgrade. It’s powerful, speed is adjustable and it takes BOTH U-shank and T-shank blades. Even better it changes blades without the need for tools. Quick and awesome. The light works great and is a bonus. Great saw at a great price. I expect it to last for years to come, even with heavy use. It is sturdy and well built.

I recently upgraded from my old Skil jigsaw to this newer model, and I couldn’t be happier with the purchase. One of the best features is that it accepts both T-shank and U-shank blades, which meant I could continue using the large collection of U-shank blades I already owned. I was actually told at a competitor’s store that I’d have to find an old jigsaw at a pawn shop if I wanted to keep using U-shank blades, but I’m glad I did my own research and discovered that wasn’t true.This jigsaw cuts through a 2x4 effortlessly, and the built-in light makes it easy to see your cut line even in dim conditions. Changing blades is quick and simple, and the tool feels powerful and well-balanced in hand. Overall, I highly recommend this Skil jigsaw to anyone in need of a reliable, versatile saw. It’s a solid performer and definitely a keeper.

This jigsaw is powerful enough for most home projects and feels solid in the hand. The variable speed control is a nice feature, and it cuts smoothly through wood. I took off one star because the blade change mechanism could be easier, but overall it’s a great value for the price.

A great jig saw! The speed control is amazing and in a great location, the reciprocating adjuster works great for their recommended application. Although I have just used it on plastics, it works perfectly! The led light makes seeing the cut amazing. The blade quick release works great. I also like the fact it's 6 amp rated. The size fits my hand perfectly and the two finder trigger is nice. It also has a button to keep the trigger on to make long cuts. It also has the option to turn on or off the "dust blowing" function. This was a great purchase.

I've been using these jig saw for quit some time now, and decided to finally review it after I've become familiar with it. My take on it is that this is a solid, accurate product. Not a lot of frills, but gets the job done well. It's relatively light in the hand, moves easily, does straight cuts as well as curves well, and is surprisingly quiet. I would recommend.

This little guy absolutely rips. Absolutely powerful enough for anything you could imagine a use for. Mine did include 2 blades but I would recommend a set of quality blades when you buy this and you will be ready to go to work.

Best jig saw I have ever used. Feels very stable and easy to control. It can also use both style of blades.