Ridgid Fuego Compact Orbital Jig Saw

The Ridgid Fuego Compact Orbital Jig Saw, model R31011, intrigued me with its combination of features and the reputation of the Ridgid brand. As someone who frequently uses power tools for various projects, I was eager to put this compact jig saw to the test and see if it lived up to the expectations set by its specifications.

One of the first things I noticed about this jig saw is its barrel grip design. The grip is comfortable and offers a good degree of control, which is particularly important for precision cuts. The saw is relatively lightweight at 4.4 pounds, making it easy to handle for extended periods without experiencing significant fatigue. Additionally, the inclusion of a contractor's bag is a nice touch, providing a convenient way to store and transport the tool and its accessories.

The LED light is a thoughtful feature aimed at increasing visibility while cutting. However, I found that the light shines ahead of the blade rather than directly on the cutting line. This placement can make it challenging to see the exact area where the blade is making contact with the material, which is a crucial aspect of achieving accurate cuts. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one that can be frustrating, especially in poorly lit environments.

The soft start functionality is another feature that caught my attention. It ensures a smooth start on every cut, reducing the likelihood of the blade jumping and potentially damaging the material. While this is beneficial for beginners or those who prefer a more controlled start, it does mean that the blade takes a moment to reach full speed. This can slow down the overall cutting process slightly, which might be a drawback for more experienced users who are accustomed to immediate power.

One of the standout features of this jig saw is the tool-free blade change system. Compatible with both T and U shank blades, this system allows for quick and easy blade swaps without the need for additional tools. This is a significant improvement over older models that require a screwdriver or hex key for blade changes, saving time and reducing hassle during projects.

The orbital action with an on/off switch offers versatility in cutting. When cutting wood, the orbital action provides aggressive strokes that can speed up the cutting process. However, the switch can be somewhat awkward to use, requiring two hands to operate effectively. This can be inconvenient, particularly when you need to maintain control of the material being cut.

One of the more concerning aspects of this jig saw is the base plate design. The base has a tendency to vibrate and shift angles during use, which can lead to inaccurate cuts and potentially ruin the material. The detents that are supposed to hold the base at specific angles are not very secure, and there is no locking mechanism to ensure the base stays in place. This is a significant oversight, as maintaining a steady and accurate cutting angle is critical for many projects.

The dual debris management system is intended to direct debris away from the cut line, but in practice, it doesn’t perform as well as expected. Sawdust and other debris still tend to accumulate around the cutting area, obstructing the view of the line and requiring frequent clearing. This can be particularly problematic when working with materials that produce a lot of dust, such as MDF or plywood.

The jig saw is capable of making angled cuts from 0° to 45°, which adds versatility for various applications. However, adjusting the base angle requires an Allen key, and the markings for setting the angle are partially obscured by the body of the saw. This makes it difficult to achieve precise angle settings, and the lack of a positive locking mechanism for the base further complicates this process.

In terms of performance, the saw is somewhat underpowered for thicker materials. It struggles with cutting through 2x4s and other dense materials, and the cutting speed is slower than what I expected. The motor, rated at 3 amps, doesn’t provide enough torque for more demanding tasks, making this tool better suited for lighter, less intensive projects.

The overall design of the jig saw has some significant flaws. The low profile of the tool, while intended to provide better control, actually makes it difficult to see the blade and follow cutting lines accurately. This is compounded by the poor placement of the LED light and the ineffective debris management system.

Despite the tool-free blade change and the comfortable grip, the drawbacks of this jig saw outweigh its benefits. The issues with the base plate, the underpowered motor, and the design flaws that hinder visibility and control make it challenging to recommend this tool for serious or professional use.

In conclusion, while the Ridgid Fuego Compact Orbital Jig Saw has some commendable features, it ultimately falls short in several critical areas. For hobbyists or those with light-duty needs, it might suffice. However, for anyone requiring a reliable and precise jig saw for more demanding tasks, I would recommend looking at other options. The combination of design flaws and performance issues makes it difficult to justify the investment in this particular model.