Black & Decker Firestorm FS18JS

This 18-volt cordless Black & Decker jigsaw has some good features for its low price, including tool-free bevel adjustment and blade changes. A 360-degree scrolling knob lets you cut curves without twisting your arm to move the jigsaw itself, and an orbital setting makes cutting aggressive enough to handle tough woods. The stroke length is short at three-quarters of an inch, and the NiCad batteries don't have a long runtime, but the Black & Decker Firestorm FS18JS jigsaw runs at a fast maximum speed of 2,500 strokes per minute. The FS18JS jigsaw is covered by a two-year warranty and uses the same battery and charger as quite a few other Black & Decker Firestorm 18-volt tools. For smoother, more precise cuts, the Bosch 52318 (*est. $215 with battery and charger) has a soft-start motor with electronic speed control.

We found the most detailed review of the Black & Decker Firestorm FS18JS cordless jigsaw at Epinions.com, where the reviewer reports on thorough tests and usage. Several owners rate this model at Lowes.com, and a brief review at Amazon.com notes an additional advantage.