Powerful, precise and portable, the Rockwell RK2847K2 cordless jigsaw is a very user-friendly tool. This saw has a simple but effective design, and several features worth talking about. The 18-volt battery drives the saw to zip through up to 2-1/2 inches of wood, 13/16 inch of aluminum and 3/8 inch of steel.

That's plenty of power, but this saw's most noteworthy feature, of course, is that it's battery-powered. That means you're not tethered to a cord, which makes it an ideal choice for remote sites or for use in tough-to-access areas. This model comes with two Ni-Cad batteries -- to decrease downtime, you can always leave one on the charger. And even if you forget to keep one charging, you won't be without power for long: the charge time is a speedy one hour.

The Rockwell RK2847K2 cordless jigsaw features four orbital settings (thin, hard, thick or fast cuts, controlled by an easy-to-turn lever), and a variable-speed control that lets you control the speed from zero to 1800 strokes per minute, depending on the material you're cutting. Another easy-to-use feature is the patented 30-second blade-change system, which lets you remove and replace blades without tools -- simply by rotating a ring. It comes with an insert that helps prevent splintering when cutting wood and a parallel guide that can be used from both sides of the base plate.

We like the design on this saw. At 6.2 pounds, it is lightweight and the handle is comfortable enough to grip for long periods. The cast-aluminum base and gear box on this tool provide a good amount of durability, and the trigger is protected by a lock-off switch to keep the saw from starting accidentally. The Rockwell RK2847K2 cordless jigsaw has a 2-year limited warranty.


Pros: Lightweight, easy-to-use, one-hour recharger
Cons: Moderate power

Warranty
2 years, limited