Iโm a big fan of barrel grip jigsaws and when I saw the Skil PWRCore 12 Brushless Jigsaw came with that design, it went to the top of my priority list. Weโve been using it for a while now and itโs an impressive tool in the 12V class. However, there are a couple of quirks to know about before you pull the trigger.
Editorโs Note: Check out our best cordless jigsaw reviews article for our top recommendations.
Pros
- Barrel grip design offers better control
- Good sightline to the blade
- LED halo lights up your cutline
- Dust blower
- Variable speed dial
- Brushless motor
- 3 orbital modes plus off
Cons
- Larger hands may feel a little cramped on the handle
- Auto mode takes more of a push to dial up the speed than weโd like
- No bare tool option
Skil PWRCore 12 Brushless Jigsaw Performance
On the performance side of things, the Skil PWRCore 12 Brushless Jigsaw is impressive. Its variable speed dial governs the blade from 800 to 3000 SPM and it has a 7/8-inch stroke length. That matches Makitaโs 12V specs and is a bit better than the 12V offerings from Milwaukee and Bosch.
It shows when weโre cutting. Cuts in wood are agreeably quick and the saw feels more confident cutting at a 45ยฐ bevel than other 12V models.
Unsurprisingly, youโll get faster cutting from the 18V class. However, vibration is pretty minimal at this level and Skilโs is on par with what we expect from the 12V class and finds a nice balance of speed and vibration control.
Like most barrel grip jigsaws, Skil uses an on/off switch paired with a variable speed trigger. Thatโs my personal preference over a variable speed trigger.
They also include an auto-sensing mode, which we generally like to have. As the saw senses increasing pressure, it kicks the SPMs higher to deal with. It takes a bit more pressure than weโd prefer to kick it into gear, though. Itโs there if you want it, but we stick with the standard speeds most of the time.
Blade changes have a little twist. Or less twist, actually. Instead of the typical twisting blade clamp, you just push the collet up to release the blade. Thereโs no spring ejection and you have to use two hands to install your blade, but we find that itโs a little easier than other styles.
Like all 12V jigsaws, your runtime is somewhat limited compared to what we expect from 18V models. The kit comes with a 2.0Ah battery and itโs good for smaller projects and cuts that require a higher degree of control. Plan on cycling a couple of 4.0Ah batteries on the PWRJump charger if you are a heavier user, or consider Skilโs 20V brushless model.
Skil PWRCore 12 Brushless Jigsaw Design Notes
One of the reasons I enjoy barrel grip jigsaws over D-handle styles is that I find the grip more natural, especially as Iโm making turns in my cuts. Skil does a great job nailing the right feel and comfort for both the main and front handles.
For my medium size hands, itโs an excellent fit. However, if you have large hands, the main handle may seem a touch short to you.
As I made my first test cuts, I was pleased with the sightline to the blade. The LED halo weโve enjoyed on other Skil cordless tools makes its way to the jigsaw. Combined with the blower, they do a great job keeping your cutline visible when youโre cutting at high speed.
Like most jigsaws, the cutline blowerโs strength is tied to the bladeโs speed. If youโre cutting at lower speeds, the saw doesnโt move as much of the dust and chips away.
Skil uses a standard jigsaw shoe with bevel 15ยฐ, 30ยฐ, and 45ยฐ bevels. You need to loosen the bolt on the bottom using the onboard hex wrench. From there, push the shoe forward, adjust to the angle youโre looking for, pull it back, and tighten the bolt back up.
Skil PWRCore 12 Brushless Jigsaw Feature Set
- Brushless motor
- On/off switch instead of a variable speed trigger
- 3 orbital level plus off
- Variable speed dial includes five speeds plus auto-sensing mode
- Tool-free blade clamp
- Dust blower
- 0ยฐ, 15โ 30ยฐ, and 45ยฐ L/R shoe bevel adjustment (onboard hex wrench required)
- LED halo lights up cutting area
- USB charging port built into the battery
- Kit includes upgraded PWRJump fast charger
Skil PWRCore 12 Brushless Jigsaw Pricing
Amazon has this model as a kit with a 2.0Ah battery and PWRJump charger for $129.99. Thereโs no bare tool option at the moment.
Compared to the other 12V options out there, thatโs a pretty solid value. Itโs even more attractive when you consider the sawโs performance is as good or better than the more expensive options out there.
The Bottom Line
Skilโs compact 12V size, barrel grip design, and excellent performance make this jigsaw a lot of fun to use. 12V batteries have less runtime than 18V, of course, so this is a tool thatโs better suited for smaller projects and select cuts. Itโs also a great tool to start learning with if youโre new to jigsaws or youโre teaching someone else. If that sounds like the type of jigsawing thatโs on your plate, thereโs no reason to spend more.
Skil Compact Jigsaw Specs
- Model: Skil JS5833A-10
- Stroke distance: 7/8โณ
- Speed: 800-3000 SPM
- Speed Dial: Yes
- Bevel: 0ยฐ, 15ยฐ, 30ยฐ, and 45ยฐ left and right
- Blade Compatibility: T and U Shank
- Length: 8.4 in
- Width: 2.7 in
- Height: 7.05 in
- Bare Weight: 3.0 lbs
- Warranty: 5-year warranty with registration
- Kit Price: $129
Check out more 12V tools at Skilโs website.
