Features
- 5.5 Amp motor
- Stable foot design for controlled starts
- 4-position orbital cut control (fast to smooth)
- Variable speed trigger
- Custom molded tool rest to protect material
- Tool-less blade change accepts T and U shank blades
- Tool-less foot adjustment for angle changes
- On-tool blade storage
Specifications
| Motor | 5.5 Amp |
| Power Source | Corded (120V) |
| Orbital Control | 4-position |
| Blade Compatibility | T-shank and U-shank blades |
| Speed Control | Variable speed trigger |
| Included Items | Jigsaw, 2 U-shank blades, bag |
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A 5.5 Amp orbital jigsaw with a stable foot to help control the start of cuts. It offers a 4-position orbital cut control to select cut aggressiveness and a variable speed trigger to adjust cutting speed.
Model Number: 4395-01
Skil 5.5A Orbital Action Jigsaw Review
The Skil Orbital Action Jigsaw, model 4395-01, has quickly become a staple in my workshop. With its powerful 5.5 Amp motor and a host of convenient features, this jigsaw is designed to handle a variety of cutting tasks with ease and precision.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Skil jigsaw feels sturdy and well-built. The stable foot design immediately caught my eye, promising better control during cuts. This design feature is particularly beneficial for those who are new to using jigsaws or for anyone looking to achieve more accurate cuts. The tool feels balanced in hand, which is crucial for maintaining control, especially during intricate cuts.
Performance
The 5.5 Amp motor provides ample power, making it capable of cutting through various materials, including dense woods like cedar. The variable speed trigger, which ranges from 800 to 3200 SPM (strokes per minute), allows for precise control over the cutting speed. This is particularly useful when transitioning between different types of materials or when making detailed cuts.
One of the standout features is the 4-position orbital cut control. This allows you to adjust the aggressiveness of the blade's movement, making it easier to tailor the jigsaw's performance to the task at hand. Whether you need a smooth, clean cut or a faster, more aggressive cut, the Skil jigsaw can handle it.
Ease of Use
Changing blades is a breeze thanks to the tool-less blade change system, which accommodates both T and U shank blades. This feature saves a significant amount of time and hassle, especially when you need to switch blades frequently for different types of cuts. Additionally, the tool-less foot adjustment for angle changes is another convenient feature, allowing for quick and easy bevel adjustments.
The custom molded tool rest is a thoughtful addition, designed to protect your materials when the jigsaw is not in use. On-tool storage for blades ensures that you always have spare blades within reach, which is a small but appreciated convenience.
Cutting Experience
Using the Skil jigsaw for various projects, including installing a laminate floor and building out a camper van, I found it to be incredibly effective. The jigsaw's grip is comfortable, reducing fatigue during extended use. The cuts were smooth and precise, thanks in part to the stable foot design and variable speed control.
However, one area where the jigsaw could improve is dust control. During use, I noticed that sawdust tends to blow up into my face, even when wearing safety glasses. This can be a bit of an annoyance, and it might be worth considering additional dust control measures if you plan on using the jigsaw extensively.
Customer Service
It's worth mentioning that Skil's customer service is top-notch. In one instance, a user received a jigsaw with a factory defect, but Skil promptly replaced it with a new, better model. This level of customer service gives me confidence in the brand and its commitment to quality.
Value for Money
For its price, the Skil Orbital Action Jigsaw offers excellent value. It boasts a range of features typically found in higher-end models, such as variable speed control, orbital cut control, and tool-less adjustments. The inclusion of a carrying bag is a nice bonus, making it easy to transport and store the jigsaw.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Skil Orbital Action Jigsaw is a versatile and powerful tool that performs exceptionally well across a range of tasks. Its user-friendly design, combined with robust performance features, makes it a great addition to any workshop. While the dust control could be improved, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise outstanding tool.
I would highly recommend the Skil Orbital Action Jigsaw to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its combination of power, precision, and ease of use makes it a valuable tool for a wide variety of cutting tasks. Whether you're working on home improvement projects, woodworking, or any other task that requires precise cutting, this jigsaw is up to the challenge.
Project Ideas
Business
Countertop & Sink Cutout Service
Offer on-site sink, cooktop, and faucet cutouts in laminate, wood, and solid surface. Use variable speed and appropriate blades for each material, starting cleanly with the stable foot and adjusting orbit for speed vs. finish. Upsell faucet hole additions, notch reliefs, and template-making.
Pet Door & Vent Retrofits
Mobile installation of pet doors, toe-kick and cabinet vents, and return-air grilles. The tool-less foot adjustment lets you bevel or flush-cut to trim lines; on-tool blade storage speeds switching between metal and wood blades when encountering sheet metal or lath.
Custom Layered Maps & Signage Shop
Sell personalized layered topographic maps, lake outlines, and script signs online. Use orbit control to maximize throughput on bulk outer cuts, then low-orbit for crisp details. Offer stained, painted, or natural finishes and fast turnaround thanks to quick blade swaps and controlled starts.
Event & Yard Prop Production/Rental
Produce large silhouette props, marquee backers, and seasonal yard art from plywood. High-orbit cuts speed production of big outlines; the molded rest protects painted faces during trimming. Rent sets with delivery and pickup, and offer custom logo cutouts for corporate events.
On-Demand Templates & Jigs for Trades
Provide quick-cut MDF/ply templates for carpenters, tile setters, and electricians—outlet patterns, stair treads, scribe templates, and appliance cutout guides. The variable speed trigger and stable foot make precise tolerance cuts, while tool-less angle changes add built-in chamfers where needed.
Creative
Layered Topographic Map Art
Stack cut plywood or MDF into contour layers of a mountain, lake, or city. Use the orbital settings to rough cut outer perimeters quickly, then switch to a fine blade and low-orbit for smooth inner contours. Bevel the foot slightly for shadowed edges and use the tool rest to avoid marring finished layers.
Beveled Interlocking Puzzles
Design your own wooden puzzles with beveled edges so pieces lock satisfyingly. Set orbital to 0 for clean curves, use a fine T-shank blade for tight turns, and tilt the foot 3–5 degrees to create the interlock. Store alternate blades on-tool to switch between detail and outline cuts fast.
Edge-Lit Acrylic Signs
Cut logos or script lettering from clear acrylic for LED edge-lit signs. Run low speed with no orbital action and a plastic-cutting blade to prevent melting. The stable foot helps control starts on slippery acrylic; polish edges after cutting for crisp light transmission.
Bandsaw-Style Keepsake Boxes
Laminate hardwood blocks and cut organic box shapes, slicing off the back, hollowing the interior, then gluing back together. Use mid-orbit for exterior shaping, low orbit for interior cuts, and bevel the lid edge for a subtle reveal. The tool-less blade change makes interior pierce cuts quick.
Geometric Acoustic Wall Panels
Create decorative sound-diffusing panels with repeating cutouts in plywood or MDF. Use higher orbital settings for fast waste removal and switch to a down-cut blade near edges to reduce tear-out. The custom molded rest protects finished faces while making numerous repeated cuts.