Black&Decker BDCJS18N

Good cordless jigsaw

The Black & Decker BDCJS18N jigsaw has a fairly simple, but solid design. Although it lacks some of the features that are found even on low-cost jigsaws, the build quality and attention to detail leave a very good impression of the tool. For example, such a feature as an abundance of rubber pads made of non-slip material with an embossed texture deserves praise. Not only the main handle is completely rubberized, but also the front part of the body, where the palm rests when leading the jigsaw along the intended path. Equally remarkable is the user's good view of the line of cut, which eliminates the need to bend the neck and squint to see if the saw blade is following the line exactly or being pulled to one side. Despite the absence of a sawdust blowing function or the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner, thanks to the large cutout in the sole, the cutting area is not clogged with chips and dust, and nothing prevents you from observing the sawing process.

Details and nuances

Due to the ability to change the settings, this jigsaw is well suited for working with different materials. The stroke rate is adjustable from zero to 2500 strokes/min using the start button, which makes it possible to cut at the optimum speed. But it should be noted that the key cannot be fixed in a certain position, and this function is not enough when you need to rearrange your hand when making long cuts. But the jigsaw has a pendulum mechanism (two steps plus the ability to turn off), which helps to quickly and roughly cut materials such as softwood boards or drywall. Depending on the settings and the saw blades used, the jigsaw can cut wood (up to 55 mm thick), plastic, non-ferrous metals (up to 20 mm) and steel (up to 8 mm). The design of the chuck that holds the saw blades allows you to change saw blades without using keys and quickly switch from one type of work to another. At the same time, files of different standards can be inserted into the chuck: with U-shank and T-shank. Therefore, you are not limited in any way in the choice of cutting equipment, and you can buy any files: even branded ones, even low-cost ones.

Battery Recommendations

In this configuration, there is no battery and charger, you need to buy them separately (or immediately take the Black & Decker BDCJS18 - the same jigsaw, but complete with a battery). The manufacturer recommends using batteries with a capacity of 2 Ah (according to the observations of users, a fully charged battery of this volume allows you to make about 100 - 150 cross cuts of a typical lining or laminate). In the line of 18-volt Black & Decker batteries there are batteries with a larger capacity (up to 4 - 5 Ah), but many believe that the weight of the jigsaw is violated with them, and it becomes less convenient to work.