Skil PWRCore 20 Cordless Jigsaw Pops Pro Features in a High-Value Package
This isn’t our first go-around with the brushless Skil PWRCore 20 cordless jigsaw. In our Best Cordless Jigsaw article, we gave a brief overview of its features and design notes. Now it’s time to dig deeper and help you decide if it’s a good fit for your workshop.
Pros
- Low vibration
- Excellent control
- Tool-free bevel adjustment
- Dust blower on/off switch
- Fast charging time
Cons
- No siginificant drawbacks
Skil PWRCore 20 Cordless Jigsaw Performance
Cutting Speed
The no-load speed on this cordless jigsaw clocks in right at 3000 SPM. This is a bit slower than some of the top-tier Pro models, but it still cuts very well. Based on our testing, you need to slow down a little compared to other models to get the highest cut quality, so be careful not to rush it when you need the best results.
Orbital Action
Skil’s brushless jigsaw features three levels of orbital action which you adjust with a lever on the side. Higher levels of orbital action produce a more aggressive cut and trade off a bit on cut quality and precision along with an increase in tear-out.
Vibration
The saw has relatively low levels of vibration, similar to our experience with the Bosch 18V cordless jigsaw. It’s no coincidence that both have slower stroke rates than some of the other brands. The exception is when you engage the orbital action as this introduces the distinct elliptical motion and increases the tool vibration.
Control
During our test cuts, we managed to keep the saw on our cutline with relative ease. Slower progression through your cut helps prevent mistakes and leaves you with a higher-quality finish.
If you’re relatively new to jigsawing, faster-cutting speeds can quickly turn to a loss of control. Quality results trump fast cuts, especially if it means wasting material. Feather the trigger to slow down the blade speed and turn that orbital mode off if you feel like you don’t have the control you’re looking for.
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Jigsaw Design Notes
Size and Weight
This jigsaw is pretty compact in relation to some of the other 18V/20V Max cordless options on the market. It stands just 8.38 inches tall and is 8.2 inches in length. It has a great balance with a 2.0Ah battery and a total weight of 5.8 pounds with the battery in place. The overall form factor makes it very easy to maneuver, even during tight scroll cuts.
Bevel Adjustment
Personally, the tool-free bevel adjustment is one of my favorite design elements on this model. You see it on premium models frequently, but not every Prosumer or DIY jigsaw does. No need to find an Allen key, just loosen the lever located just above the shoe to bevel up to 45-degrees.
Blade Changes
In addition to its brushless motor and tool-free bevel adjustment, there’s a unique push-up blade release that’s easier than other shaft-mounted designs. Installing a new blade doesn’t require you to mess with the release at all. Firmly push the blade shank into the chuck until you feel it seat in place.
When it’s time to swap out for a fresh blade, press the collar up and pull the blade to release.
You can use both T-shank and U-shank blades.
Dust Blower
Keeping the cutline clear and visible is essential for maintaining a precise cut. Skil’s dust blower works well, and it has the bonus of an on/off switch on the side if you’d prefer to turn it off.
Additional Features
- Lockout Switch
- Variable Speed Trigger
- LED Worklight
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Jigsaw Price
Skil’s brushless jigsaw comes with one 2Ah PWRCore 20 battery and a PWRJump fast charger for $169. That charger is a nice value-add that takes your battery from 0% – 25% charge in five minutes and reaches 100% in 30-minutes.
Skil’s Prosumer competition is pretty light in this category. Only Ryobi has a comparable brushless model and it’s $129 for the bare tool. Considering Skil throws in a USB battery and upgraded charger for just $40 more, it’s a pretty compelling offer. Premium brands such as Flex start around $199 for the bare tool, putting them in a different price category completely.
Pro Tip: The battery has a built in PWRAssist USB jack so you can charge your phone or other small electronics between jobs or in the field.
The Bottom Line
The Skil PWRCore 20 brushless jigsaw kit packs some Pro-level features into the design, making it a great value. While the cutting speed is a little slower than some models, it smooths out the vibration. If you don’t mind taking a little more time to produce great results and want to save some money, Skil has the jigsaw for you.
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Jigsaw Specifications
- Model: Skil JS820202
- Power Source: Skil PWRCore 20 battery
- Stroke Rate: 0 – 3000 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 in.
- Weight: 4.69 pounds(bare), 5.8 pounds(With 2.0Ah PWRCore 20 battery)
- Length: 8.2 Inches
- Height: 8.38 Inches
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $169 kit with 2.0Ah battery and PWRJump charger
If you’d like to learn more about the full Skil PWRCore 20 lineup, click here.
