Skil 4470-44 Classic Series Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw

List Price: $114.42

Features:

• Variable-speed selector dial
• Auto/manual scrolling
• Five orbital action settings
• Vacuum-hose port
• Two-year warranty

Customer Reviews:

A good, powerful saw... [Posted on 2001-01-09]
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.

Have not found a better deal yet! [Posted on 2001-08-22]
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.

BLAH!! [Posted on 2002-01-25]
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!!

Lots of features, but poor quality [Posted on 2002-06-21]
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.

NEED A STRAIGHT CUTTING JIGSAW-THIS ISN'T IT! [Posted on 2003-07-11]
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.

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