Jigsaws unplugged

Black & Decker Firestorm 18-volt jigsaw

This jigsaw is fairly smooth-running, and about on par with the Mastercraft for vibration and maximum-speed performance. Testers liked the saw’s surprisingly simple yet effective tool-free blade-changing system. To make changes, insert a finger into the large cutout in the plastic front guard to trigger the release lever. Insertion of the blade is relatively easy, and lock-up is solid. The Black & Decker was the only saw without a blade brake. When you release the trigger, the saw takes several strokes to slow to a stop. When set to the maximum orbit setting, the cutting speed improved significantly, but it also increased roughness noticeably and the tool became difficult to guide. The saw’s battery disappointed testers. It is the most basic of the test group, simply clipping onto the charger, unlike the more sophisticated chargers of the other saws. The charger also has no temperature safeguard features that prevent charging when the battery is too warm or cold. While this saw didn’t cut as quickly as the higher-priced units, it did manage to get through the thick material with acceptable speed and average cut quality.

Test results:

Price: $60
Battery/charger: Not included
Battery/charger: Nicad
Blade change: Good
Variable speed: Fair
Operating smoothness: Good
Orbital blade action: Fair
Bevel adjustment: Poor
Ease of cutting: Fair
Sole design: Poor
Contact: www.balckanddecker.com; 800-544-6986

For our money

The Bosch is a smooth and quiet saw that wins top marks because it cuts smoothly and easily through thick and thin material. It also has the ability to make square cuts unequalled by other jigsaws. It has an outstanding blade-retention system, good balance and smooth, linear power.

The DeWalt has excellent performance and the unique ability to cut flush to vertical surfaces. The only downside is that the Nicad battery and heavy-duty construction make this one heavy saw.

Budget Pick: The Black & Decker Firestorm handles all the basic jigsaw tasks, and comes at an amazingly low price.